After many months of answering these, I finally have a LLL Help Form that has
me completely stumped!  The mom has given me permission to check with all of
you about this.

Mom developed small cyst-like lumps in both armpits (3 on the right side, 1 on
the left) in her ninth month of pregnancy.  Her doctor said that they would
disappear when her baby was born.  However, after childbirth (baby is now 16
days old) when milk came in, all lumps got bigger.  Doctor has recommended
that she pump each breast "until it's empty" after each feeding while holding
a warm compress under the armpit.  Of course, the need for sleep and the
baby's demands keep her from doing it more than twice a day (not sure what
pump she is using - can't be easy with warm compresses stuck in the armpit!).

Doctor has said that if there was no improvement in two weeks, she will be
sent to a surgeon.  She also has been given a prescription of antibiotics but
has been told to wait before filling it. (I didn't get any reason for the
antibiotics - not sure the mom did, either!)  She is due back to the doctors
at the end of this week or the beginning of next week.

In answer to my questions, mom says that the lump on the left is about corn
kernel sized and must be palpated - right where the breast meets the armpit.
There are two more in that area on the right side plus a larger marble-sized
one above them in the
armpit itself--that one is visible.

There is no pain associated with these lumps.  Mom hasn't noticed any change
before or after feedings, but does know that they have gotten smaller since
engorgement has dissipated.

Needless to say, she is very concerned about the prospect of getting a surgeon
involved.  Anyone have any ideas?  Would cabbage leaves be one idea here?

Ruth Scuderi, LLLL
Westfield, MA