Breast AbscessA breast abscess is a painful lump in breast tissue, this is one of the most serious breast feeding problems, but is also very rare, occurring in only about 6% of all breastfeeding moms that have mastitis and/or recurrent plugged ducts. A breast abscess will usually only form if you have had a breast infection (mastitis) for quite some time. Your body will try to get rid of the infection by forming a hard tissue breast mass in the infected area, but because a breastfeeding mom has breasts that are full of milk (the milk feeds the bacteria) the infection will just continue to get worse. The end result is a mom that has tremendously painful, swollen breasts combined with a fever and other flu like symptoms. Symptoms of breast abscess
- Breast pain “sharp pain in breast”- Swollen breast lump - The lump is red - Lump in breast feels hot to the touch - Mom has a high temperature and other flu like symptoms - The lump does not disappear after antibiotics have been taken. What causes a breastfeeding abscess? - The most common cause is cracked nipples that allow some bacteria ( Staphylococcus aureus infection ) inside the breast. Read more on how to prevent cracked nipples through proper latching on. - A diabetic mom has a higher chance of getting mastitis, plugged ducts and abscesses. Read more on breastfeeding with diabetes. - Moms who have had previous operations on their breasts like lumpectomies and breast implants have a greater chance of an infection. Read more on breastfeeding after breast surgery. - Moms who use corticosteroids are more likely to get breast infections. - Moms who are heavy smokers also increase their chances of getting a breast infection. Read more on breastfeeding and smoking. Treatment of breast abscess Most of the time an absess is quite close to the surface of the skin and can be removed in the doctor’s office without going into surgery, this is usually done by aspiration (draining the abscess with a needle.) If you have the abscess aspirated it’s best to ask your doctor to have the fluid sent to a lab so that they can prescribe the most appropriate antibiotic for you. Some moms find that they have recurrent breast abscess problems if they do not get the lump surgically removed. Sometimes the abscess is also too far down into the tissue and will need to be removed under general or local anesthetic with antibiotics. This is called an I&D “incision and drainage”. When going for a I&D you should always talk to your doctor about getting the incision made on a fold and from the chest wall towards the nipple, not from the nipple area…this is to prevent cutting into the milk ducts and causing damage that could affect milk supply. If you are going for an ultrasound (for finding the area of the abscess), it’s always best to drain your breasts as much as possible before the time so that the tests come out more accurate.After breast abscesses are removed Healing of the wound will occur from the inside out and you will need to place sterile gauze inside the cavity until it has healed completely. Pain in the breast and breast inflammation should subside almost immediately after aspiration or surgery. Should you continue to breastfeed? Many surgeons will advise that you stop breastfeeding, but here are some advantages of continued breastfeeding after surgery… - Breast milk contains antibodies and healing properties that will help heal the breast much quicker. - Draining the breast can prevent pressure on the incision
- Breast milk is sterile and will help flush and clean out the wound and infected area.- Abrupt weaning will most likely cause infection because of breast engorgement. You need to empty your breasts regularly and this will prevent infection and sore breasts. Don’t worry about baby getting sick from the infection (even if pus is visible in the milk), moms are always advised to continue breastfeeding…it cannot harm baby in any way. Some moms are told that they should not continue to breastfeed if the milk starts to seep out from the incision. This should not be a problem, especially as mentioned above…the breast milk has antibodies that can actually help heal the wound. If the incision was made around the nipple and baby would be placing his mouth on the open area then mom should stop breastfeeding until the area has healed. Mom should still express the breast milk though. If the incision is too close to the nipple and mom has too much pain in one breast to express milk, mom may decide to let the breast dry up and continue to breastfeed on the other side alone. Read more on breastfeeding on only one breast.
How can you prevent a breast abcess? - Breastfeeding moms who have mastitis, engorgement or plugged ducts should make sure that they empty their breasts often. - Use a warm compress on the breast before breastfeeding or pumping to increase the flow of the milk. - Make sure you are latching on correctly this will prevent cracked nipples, which then will prevent the bacteria from entering the breast. Mom should try to get a larger portion of her areola into baby’s mouth.
Other pages on “breastfeeding problems” in connection with this “breast abscess” page - Plugged ducts - blocked duct in breast - Breast engorgement - Mastitis - Thrush Leave a commentWant to share your stories? Ask a question or just say hello... What Other Moms Have SaidClick below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
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