A postpartum client has mastitis in the right breast. What should the nurse advise?

Advising the client to breastfeed from the left breast is a sound approach for several reasons. Mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue, can cause pain, inflammation, and sometimes fever, but continuing to breastfeed is generally encouraged as it can help to clear the blockage and promote healing. By breastfeeding, the client can empty the affected breast, which helps reduce milk stasis and addresses the underlying issue contributing to the mastitis.

Additionally, breastfeeding from the left breast can provide comfort and still allow the mother to maintain milk supply on the non-affected side. It is also important to keep the baby feeding regularly to promote overall milk flow and comfort, ensuring that the mother does not develop further complications from engorgement or decreased milk supply.

Other approaches, like applying heat packs, can assist in alleviating pain and enhancing milk flow but should be part of a broader strategy that emphasizes the importance of breastfeeding. Encouraging the mother to pump only and avoid breastfeeding can lead to further issues with milk production and may not resolve the infection effectively. Stopping all breastfeeding entirely is not recommended, as it can have negative effects on both the mother and baby.