Greetings!  I am working with a mom who was recently hospitalized for IV
antibiotics for mastitis.  This is her second bout, and her baby is 3 1/2
months old.  The breast that is infected has a true inverted nipple, and the
area frequently stays wet.  The mastitis is in the same quadrant of the
breast each time, and we suspect a duct that is difficult to empty.  (using
massage, etc.)  For a number of reasons, baby will not nurse at breast (long
story) and this mom has been pumping and feeding the baby with a bottle.
This has been a very long haul for this mom, however she is SO commited to
breastfeeding, I am so impressed with her!!!  She has also had intraductal
yeast, and infant oral yeast.  The physician has suggested that with all she
has been through she discontinue nursing on the problematic side.  The doc
suggested the possibility of her causing future "damage" to her breast.  She
is on a program of pumping and massage to that troublesome spot, and Pat's
"yeast plan."  The mom called, and really doesn't want to stop feeding her
baby milk despite pressure from her family.  She is concerned about going
against her physician's advice, as she doesn't know what "damage" she might
incur.

I looked through all my books, and couldn't find anything documented about
future damage to the breast.  The only thing I could find was that of course
mastitis can eventually lead to an abscess if not treated appropriately.  I
would like to ask if any of you "wise women" could advise me here.  Is there
any medically indicated reason for this woman to discontinue breastfeeding
as long as the mastitis clears up each time (which it has)?  Thank you, once
again!

Linda J. Tandy, MSN, RN, IBCLC
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

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