Here's a case study on this. I got a call from a P2G2 4 days p/p with
complaint about "golf ball" in her armpit. Same thing had happened w/ first
baby and it eventually went away and BF proceeded w/o problem. When I saw
her we did warm compresses, massage x 15 mins and then nursed baby and used
hospital grade pump with continued massage. No change in size of the golf
ball. Suggested she try same regimen a couple of more times and if still no
drainage from lump, then assume there are no connecting ducts and use ice
packs and be aware that increased pain and/or fever could be sign of
infection. The lump never drained, eventually involuted and BF proceeded
smoothly a 2nd time.
Isn't this similar to situations that happen as a result of breast surgery
(reductions and biopsies) where some ducts have been severed.? Shouldn't
the same principles apply?