<But what do you guys think about the thick skin on her
areola. > < She said her dr said something about scar tissue developing
from
the mastitis >

I doubt scar tissue would form this quickly.

Sounds like the skin may be edematous from overzealous attempt to pump.
(See my LN post earlier today.) If edema has been drawn into the areolar
area, it can bury the milk sinuses so that it is difficult to reach them
even with fingertip expression. This might be a good place to try
Reverse Pressure Softening (archives).

Have her try icebags for a maximum of 20-30 minutes at a time, every 1
1/2 - or more hours, as long as she needs them for comfort. Should help
the swelling subside in 24-36 hours. It will not interfere with her
let-down reflex.

They are supposed to numb the area for 90 minutes or so, and also help
the resolution of edema. One speaker, reporting on her pilot project on 6
mothers, presented at the last ILCA convention, basing this intervention
on what is done in the physical therapy/sports medicine world.

Good luck. Let us know how it turns out.

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

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