Lactation (breastfeeding) mastitis is an acute infection of the milk ducts of the breastfeeding woman. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is the infectious germ most commonly associated with lactation mastitis. Twenty percent of the general population are carriers of Staphylococcus aureus, which means that they carry the infectious germ but do not become ill from it. It has been suggested that mothers who are carriers of S. aureus in their nostril may be at an increased risk of developing lactational mastitis, however; this has not been clinical proven. We are studying the relationship between S. aureus carrier status of breastfeeding mothers and infants and the risk of developing lactational mastitis. Additionally, we are collecting questionnaire data in an attempt to better define factors predisposing women to lactation mastitis.
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Our primary objective is to determine the association of nasal carriage of S. aureus in breastfeeding mothers and infants with the rate development of mastitis in the mothers.
Timeframe: Culture results will be unblinded at the end of the study.