I too, would recommend the baby start feeding back on the affected side,
or the mother start pumping.  I think milk running through the incision
site is wonderful treatment for a breast abscess!  It keeps the incision
clean, open and everything flowing out, instead of tracking in.  The key
is to change the dressings often and the sooner the mother is
independant with this, the better.
 
I am not familiar with drains being kept in for so long, especially
drains that impede on normal daily living activities.  Usually we keep
them in for a matter of days, not weeks.  I would be recommending
seeking another opinion.
 
On another note, I have seen several self erupted abscesses recently.
Some with several eruptions on the one breast.  Talk about dramatic! 
This has been with mothers who have been reluctant to seek medical
advice for one reason or another and when they do present, the whole
breast in a mess!  Often these breasts are not producing anyway as the
inflammation has been too long and persistent, and shutting down that
side has been appropriate.  I cannot imagine how painful it must of
been.
 
Karen Palmer
IBCLC, New Zealand
 
 
 
 
 
 
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