I can relate a case which may prove helpful, and I welcome additional
comments about this method. I visited a mother with recurrent plugged ducts
and history of abscess.  She had recently had a massage from someone who
used lymphatic drainage.  She felt it was very helpful (she was a second
time mother and experienced in the normal course of breastfeeding).  She
used my visit to check on latch and positioning.  Obviously, you cannot send
a mother with very sore tender red breasts but this "in between" situation
could be a good time to do it.
Recently a mother I worked with had a plugged duct and along with following
my advice (not always a given; sometimes no one I see does what I say, for
several visits in a row) she went to her own acupuncturist. She felt much
better. I believe there are posts in the archives about the use of
acupuncture.
Since chiropractic helps some children with ear infections, would it help
some mothers with chronic mastitis?
By the way, when I recommend these non-mainstream ideas I have a standard
preface: "if you're comfortable doing these therapies yourself...".
Chronic mastitis is really a trial for mothers.  I think we need more
answers than we have.
By the way, I didn't realize that peppermint tea "calms" milk supply. Can it
cause severe dips in supply?
Hoping to keep this thread going,
Kate Sharp
LC in NYC

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