Kathy said,
******************************************
 
Hi,  Jan-

I would doubt this mom has an abscess IF she actually had  complete
softening of the area for 12 hours.

Did the bleb close  again?  Or sometimes, the bleb is still patent, but the
milk flow is  impeded, and the pressure gradually builds up.  I have moms
continue  to put some type of ointment on the bleb until it is no longer
tender, to  try and keep the edges from approximating and closing up  again.

**********************************************
That was exactly my thought -- couldn't be an abscess if it softened so  
completely.  Mom didn't think the bleb had closed up again, but I wondered  if 
it could have been plugged back up in the duct a little farther back that 
we  couldn't see.  She was on lecithin, and then was going to go for some  
lymphatic drainage massage -- I don't know if she did that or not, as I last  
talked to her on Friday.  Am going to check in with her today and see how  
things are.  
 
My first thought was an abscess until she had the bleb and took care of  
that and it softened, and then I decided no it probably wasn't.  
 
Good tip about the ointment.  Thanks!!
 
Jan Barger RN, MA, IBCLC, FILCA
Lactation Education  Consultants
_www.lactationeducation.com_ (http://www.lactationeducation.com/)   
Wheaton IL

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