Brenda wrote
< I had a 3-day =
postpartum mom yesterday who presented with pitting edema on one breast,
=
left side. This was the same side in which she had an IV inserted.  Mom's
=
fingerprints were indented into her breast after holding and compressing
=
on that side.

Just wondering how "normal" this is, as I have never seen it. Thanks!>

I have no accurate explanation why the edema is showing up in only one
breast, or whether it is connected to the fact that it is  on the same
side as the arm in which her IV was inserted.

Unless of course, that the IV might have partially infiltrated and
somehow blocked circulation of lymph through the armpit. That might even
be too far-fetched. Not probable, but not to be discounted might be
pathology/malignancy of the breast/lymph node area on that side.

Could it have anything to do with the fact that most of your mothers go
home before the 3rd day and you only see them on the first and second?

Because, in our city, it is not unusual at all to have mothers with BOTH
breasts showing pitting edema around day 3 through 5 or so!

Happens after mom goes home! Makes me wonder how many OB physicians and
nurses realize this. Pediatricians are having BABIES brought in for
checkups within the first week to make sure that the baby is thriving
adequately.

But unless other complications warrant, I doubt many mothers see their
OB's during that time period, and then probably for bleeding problems,
and no examination of the breast is done.

I wonder if they really realize just how much swelling can take place
when the mother's have received 3-4 bags of IV fluid in labor!

It is just for such situations that I have been recommending Reverse
Pressure Softening, in order to at least give the baby a fighting chance
at a good latch till the problem resolves.

Jean
********************
K. Jean Cotterman RNC, IBCLC
Dayton, Ohio USA

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