Mastitis may occur any time, even in a woman who has never been
pregnant. It is unusual, but occurs. It is not rare in babies when
they have the breasts in the first few weeks of life. Indeed, I have
seen a number of breast abscesses in newborns.
I think pumping would not be such a good idea in this situation.
Breasts are not supposed to be "emptied" during pregnancy. I can't
think of another reason. Just gut feeling.
Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC