Ep 193. Can Mastitis Be Predicted Before It Happens?

If you’ve ever experienced sudden breast pain, fever, or flu-like chills while breastfeeding, you’ll know just how quickly mastitis can take hold. For many mums, it’s the first real crisis in their breastfeeding journey, painful, overwhelming, and sometimes serious enough to land them in hospital.

But what if there was a way to predict mastitis before it happened?

In this Check In Tuesday episode, Dr Renee White explores new research out of China that’s using artificial intelligence to identify which mothers are most at risk of developing mastitis. The study found that a combination of biological markers and personal factors could predict mastitis with 84% accuracy.

While it’s still early days, this research offers hope for a future where we can move from reacting to mastitis to preventing it altogether.

You’ll hear about:

• What mastitis actually is, how it develops, and why symptoms can be confusing
• How AI and machine learning are being used to predict mastitis risk
• The five key indicators researchers identified, from nipple cracks to inflammation markers
• The limitations of this study and what still needs to be explored
• Practical reminders for mums about seeking help early and knowing mastitis is treatable

Science is always evolving. While we’re not yet at the point of having a true early warning system for mastitis, studies like this one are building the foundations of more personalised and predictive maternal healthcare.

This episode is here to remind you that you’re not alone in your breastfeeding journey. Your instincts matter, your body’s signals are important, and support is out there.

Resources and Links

📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_

🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services

🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies

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Disclaimer: The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice.

Nothing contained in this podcast is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.