Q: When I had my first baby I had to stop breast-feeding him because I had mastitis. Does this mean I won't be able to breast-feed the baby I'm expecting now?

A: Lucy Kiedrowski, a breast-feeding peer support worker, says: "Mastitis causes the breast tissue to become inflamed, making breast-feeding painful.

However, it's treatable, so there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to breast-feed your second baby.

If you develop mastitis your breasts will feel hot and tender, and you may see a red patch of skin which is painful to touch.

You can feel quite ill, as though you have flu, and you may have a temperature.

Though it can be uncomfortable, it's very important to carry on breast-feeding, as this will help you get better more quickly. Mastitis may also be a sign of infection. If there's no improvement within 12 to 24 hours or you start to feel worse, seek medical advice.

If necessary, your GP can prescribe antibiotics that are safe to take while breast-feeding. The infection will not be passed on in your milk so this doesn't pose a risk to your baby."

National Breast-feeding Helpline: 0300 100 0212.