Lyla writes about a mom who developed a breast abscess during a time period
during which she had coincidental dental surgery (wisdom teeth.)  She
remarks that the abscess was surprising because it wasn't precipitated by
plugged ducts or mastitis.  There are organisms (anaerobes that normally
inhabit the mouth and pharynx, like peptostreptococcus and Actinomyces
meyeri)  that can be activated (even in non-lactating people) by dental
surgery.  Actinomyces meyeri can cause a painful, fistulating breast lesion
that often requires surgical debridement and appropriate antibiotics. I
thought I could quickly put my hands on the ref. for this type of abscess,
but I can't.  I do recall that Allen is the author of the author of the
Actinomyeces meyeri ref.  Maybe you can Google using that name in the
search.

Because the abscess you describe occured during lactation, the right
antibiotics may not initially have been chosen because perhaps the doctors
were focused on puerperal mastitis instead of one of the other causes for
abscess.  So now, if they have cultured and grown out and identified the
bacteria (which would need to be treated with an anaerobic-covering med, the
abscess should now be appropriately treated and will hopefully soon resolve.

Don't forget, the pump flange can be altered (a hole cut out) that might
allow the pump to be employed.  You can phone the pump company and ask them
to cut out a notch, which the mom can then turn to the appropriate location
to avoid pressure on the wound.

Barbara Wilson-Clay, BS, IBCLC
Austin Lactation Associates
LactNews Press
www.lactnews.com
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