Hi Ilene -- I've actually seen a few of those golf-balls in the armpit.  It has always turned out to be part of the engorgement -- relieved by cabbage leaves and breastfeeding.  I also have moms pump, preferably by hand, in this case, so they can tell when the "flow" stops, and stop pumping at that point, as opposed to continuing on to "milk" the breast, which would increase supply on that side.

 In one case I saw, still in the hospital, mom had a tremendous oversupply in that breast, as that was the only side she fed on for the first few days, and had not been pumping the other side to make up for lack of stimulation.  Cabbage leaves literally worked in front of our eyes.  Though the overall problem took about a week to resolve, mom's comfort level was greatly improved instantly.
And she relaxed as soon as she had a"remedy."

Sincerely, Chanita
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From:   Ilene Fabisch[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
Sent:   Thursday, May 22, 1997 12:21 AM
Subject:        ?lump-need quick response!

Looking for opinions on what this lump might be.
I saw a woman in my WIC clinic yesterday that presented with moderate
engorgement and a golf ball sized lump.  Over the phone it had sounded
like a plugged duct and several medical professionals brushed her off as
well (from phone description).  However I was very surprised when I saw
it.  It isn't really on the breast it is under the armpit.  More like a
swollen lymphnode. It is tender and sore. Did not appear to be hard but
I did not palpate it.  I let her pump a bit to relieve engorgement while
she was there, told her to make sure she nurses every two hours and to
try various positions.  I explained about heat prior to nursing and ice
inbetween to relieve swelling. And then referred her to her OB for
evaluation.  Did I do OK or am I missing something.
--
Warmllly, Ilene
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