Barbara,
Sorry if I didn't make myself clear, I meant that in an actively lactating
breast, there is less drainage from the incision if mom bf frequently and
keeps the milk flowing through the nipple. I agree that having to change
dressings can freak some mothers out (sight of the incision site).  I have had
quite a few mothers nurse sucessfully through incision and drainage, and two
who were fortunate enough to have their abcesses resolve with a change in bf
management alone. Both babies had suckling difficulties, and when these were
resolved, the abcesses gradually regressed, leaving a small navel like scar.
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC   NYC  [log in to unmask]