Tina,

Don't let this doctor ruin her chances to breastfeed!  I have worked with
many women after all kinds of breast surgery, abscesses, lump removals
everywhere on the breast,  breast reductions, all of these cut ducts.  The
possibility is that some of the glands will not be able to drain if they have
no outlet and they will simply dry up in a few days.

Do all women who bottle-fed develop mastitis?

They are not allowing their breasts to drain at all.  It is like ALL their
ducts are blocked, ON PURPOSE.  All they have is a few days of engorgement
and discomfort.  That is probably all she will have IF the some ducts cannot
drain.

The doctor is guessing and trying to sound authoritative.

Prepare her for a few plugged ducts which will resolve on their own, no
treatment needed and help her breastfeed!  She may not even notice a problem
at all.  I've been amazed when this happens when I was sure the mom would
have some plugged ducts.

Jane Bradshaw RN, BSN, IBCLC
Lynchburg, VA

<< The problem is mom had breast surgery 18 months ago.  She found a lump in
one
 breast and had it removed.  The incision is at the areola and her surgeon
 told her that he was certain some of the ducts were cut and isn't optimistic
 about the ability of that breast to deliver the goods.  Mom has been told by
 both her OB and the surgeon that she will develop mastitis and will have to
 stop breastfeeding because of that.  >>

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