If one or both of your breasts is red, tender, warm to the touch, and swollen persistently then the answer is probably yes. You may experience burning or pain when the baby is feeding as well. Mastitis is inflammation of the breast that may or may not have a concurrent infection. Most commonly, fissures or cracks in the nipple allow bacteria to enter the milk ducts and cause problems for mom. Usually we recommend that during time between feeds you do warm and cold compresses, use Aquaphor or a lubricating agent on the nipple (even dabbing your own milk on the nipple can hydrate the dry skin), and take some ibuprofen or Tylenol. If this does not get better over the next few days or your doctor suspects a concurrent infection, they can prescribe an oral antibiotic that is safe to take while breastfeeding. You can and should still breastfeed with mastitis because it is safe for baby and can reduce the risk of the mastitis developing into an abscess.