Kathy bell wrote:
<<The affected left breast contained two
open wounds in oval shapes about 2.5 x 4 cms and 2 -3 cms deep.>>>
I have seen a case of breast abcess (very large) that was left to heal by
secondary intention.  It continued to leak milk throughout the healing
process, but did eventually heal.  It seemed to be of benefit to do frequent
dresssing changes.  The mother went on to eventually nurse on the healed side
as well as the other side.
it was quite amazing to see the acual milk ducts when the dressing changes
were done.  By frequent dressing changes, I mean 4 or more times daily.
 However, there are some methods of wound care that use less disruptive ways
of care than packing the wound.  A consultation with a wound care specialist
(usually a nurse practitioner such as an ostomy therapist) might be
helpful.The constant moisture may be a nice place for yeast and skin
breakdown.
These wounds *will* heal.  Supportive diet and vitamins are a good idea, also
plenty of rest. I would support this mom's decision to breastfeed.  Don't you
wonder what people did before antibiotics when incision and draining an
abcess was common and moms breasfed through it?
Anyone out there with old textbooks that may give ideas for helping this mom
maintain lactation while healing up the wound?
Elaine Lukasavitz, CNM