Improving mastitis care through GP-led research

Mastitis is a common and painful condition that affects up to 30% of breastfeeding women, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
 
Most cases occur within the first six weeks after birth and can cause significant discomfort, disrupted feeding, and distress.
 
Mastitis is also a leading cause of early weaning, particularly if not managed promptly and effectively in primary care.
 
Now, thanks to pioneering research led by Professor Lisa Amir, GPs across Australia have clearer, evidence-based guidance to better support women experiencing mastitis.
 
‘By understanding how GPs treat mastitis, we can improve guidelines, support breastfeeding mothers, and ensure better care,’ she said.
 
Supported by an Australian General Practice Research Foundation and Therapeutic Guidelines grant, Professor Amir’s study examined how GPs prescribe antibiotics and use diagnostic tools to treat mastitis.
 
The mixed method research, published in BMC Primary Care, combined data from MedicineInsight with interviews from Australian GPs.
 
It found 92% of mastitis consultations involved antibiotic prescriptions, typically flucloxacillin or cefalexin, aligning with Therapeutic Guidelines, but investigations such as ultrasounds, blood tests, and milk cultures are rarely used, suggesting room to strengthen diagnostic pathways.
 
She also found GPs strongly encouraged continued breastfeeding during mastitis, in line with best practice recommendations, and delayed prescribing was sometimes used, supporting antibiotic stewardship.
 
However, the research highlighted gaps in existing guidelines, particularly around analgesia and the use of diagnostic tests.
 
These insights have since informed updates to Therapeutic Guidelines, influenced GP training, and supported better, more consistent care for breastfeeding mothers across Australia.

Professor Amir was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours list in recognition of her contributions to breastfeeding medicine and women’s health.
 
A GP and Principal Research Fellow at La Trobe University’s Judith Lumley Centre, she is also the founding editor of the International Breastfeeding Journal and a lactation consultant at the Royal Women’s Hospital.
 
Her research has focused on areas including medication safety during lactation and the management of mastitis, contributing to national clinical guidelines and enhancing care in general practice.
 
This recognition coincides with next month’s World Breastfeeding Week (1–7 August) and the 60th anniversary of the Australian Breastfeeding Association.
 
The Australian General Practice Research Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the RACGP, supporting GP-led research that strengthens primary care.
 
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