Intervention in Lactation Associated Mastitis

A 28-year-old woman who is breastfeeding her healthy six-week-old term infant presents with a four-day history of generalized body aches, intermittent fever to 101.2 degrees Fahrenheit, and localized pain on the upper aspect of her left breast. She states that she's been attempting to nurse her infant as tolerated and pumps the affected breast when unable to nurse. Physical exam is consistent with lactation-associated mastitis. 

Which of the following is the most appropriate next steps? 

A. advise continued expressing of milk on the affected breast through pumping or nursing as tolerated

B. initiate antimicrobial therapy with oral cephalexin for five to seven days.

C. advise discontinuing breastfeeding on the left breast and apply ice packs to the affected area.

D. initiate antimicrobial therapy with oral ciprofloxacin for 10 days. 

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