Hello, wise ones.  Some of you I have already contacted personally about
this issue.  

 

A missionary contact of mine sent me a picture of a woman's breast with a
raging bacterial infection, open wound, and compromised skin tissue on the
entire surface of the breast.  They live in Hondouras.  The mother presented
at the missionary's home for help, AFTER visiting the only medical clinic in
the vicinity.  There are NO LC's in the area and very little knowledge about
lactational issues.

 

She was sent back home with penicillin and instructions to continue to feed
on the breast.  There is no way of contacting the mother until she visits
again on Monday, August 20.  

 

I am concerned with the close vicinity of the open wound, and question the
wisdom of continuing to nurse on that side (other side is
unaffected).however, this is an uneducated, rural woman who likely has ZERO
access to pumps, shields or any other aids, and breastfeeding may be the
only effective way to drain the breast.  She was also given acetaminophen
for the pain.  

 

Risks are that she may not take the penicillin as directed, or may not take
the whole course of it.  As well, I do not believe that ANY instructions
were given for treating the actual wound, and I am very concerned about it,
as well as the general condition of the skin of the breast.

 

This is completely beyond my scope of experience, and would appreciate any
input.  Please email me off list so that I can send you a copy of the photo.

 

Blessings!

 

Karyn-grace Clarke, IBCLC, LLLL

Gulf Islands, BC, Canada

www.breastfeedingwithkg.com


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