Ruth,
You might reinforce the protective effect of breastfeeding on breast
cancer to this anxious mother.  Normal breast lumps are just glandular
tissue that is nice and responsive to hormones.  The lumpy breast will
probably produce beautifully if it is not exposed to the pressure of
engorgement for an excessive period of time.  Sometimes a breast gets so
edematous (fluid between the cells) that the milk cannot get out.  Try
ice to reduce the swelling, and cabbage as well, then try pumping again.
I have seen some cases of severe engorgement that took 2-3 days to fully
resolve.
        If she does decide to breastfeed unilaterally, she can do it by
removing only minimal amounts of milk from that breast.  It does work.
But she will not receive protection from breast cancer in the unsuckled
breast.
--
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC  NYC  [log in to unmask]