Dear Beth,
I agree with you that Ruth Lawrence is hardly encouraging on this topic! I
don't have another reference for you, but can share some anecdotal
information. I helped a mother with swelling such as you describe, although
it did not bother her until after delivery. She suffered severe engorgement
in her armpits and spent a lot of time in a hot shower and using warm
compresses. The symptoms abated after a few days. I would imagine this
would be similar to the experience of a mother who chooses not to breastfeed
and can not imagine why anyone would suggest that this mother should not do
so.
Lesley Robinson, IBCLC, LLL Leader
Corning, NY