Evelyn: abscess: even with a drain, mom can continue to bf... there are many etiologies for abcess... and the literature also speaks of abcess in the non-lactating breast. yes, she could have been taking the "wrong" antibiotic for the pathogen and while she was "feeling" better the bacteria were growing merrily away... the origional infection may have come from any number of places and while it is important to note the history of mastitis with the previous child, and certianly red flad and watch mom carefully these may be totally un related. .. good luck with this... most physicians, ( and most of the exceptions are on line with us) are not supportive of woman bf with abcess'. rash: from your description... you are most likely correct... may be something from mom's clothes, soaps, could even be heat rash... if everyone is doing well why make an issue... Patricia