Just wanted to add some new findings on my mom that has had the reoccurring
mastitis.  First of all, she is military and delivered in a military
hospital.  I called the chief of OB/Gyn today (this is who I was referred to)
and was told that she needs to come into the clinic (again).  I explained to
this doctor that the mom has already been into the clinic twice and has been
given antibiotics with no improvement.  The doctor did not seem concerned at
all!!  The doctor said that she would have another doctor call the mom as she
was leaving in a couple of hours for a conference.  I suggested to the doctor
that maybe this mom should have her milk cultured since the  infection (if
that is what it is) had not responded to either antibiotic.  Anyway, she just
kind of blew me off and said that someone would call the mom.  I called the
mom back with this news and asked her to come over to my home for a thorough
history (remember I work with WIC, and am off today).  The mom informs me
that breast cancer runs rampant in her family (mom, grandma, and 2 aunts).
 She also said that her mom has had many cysts in her breasts that have had
to be removed or drained (she did not know the diagnosis).  I also asked mom
about thrush symptoms (so many antibiotics) and she says that the baby is
asymptomatic but that she has intense itching on her nipples and also stated
that she would describe some of the deep breast pain as burning.  I feel that
this mom needs a specialist ASAP, but am having problems getting through the
red tape. There are just too many variables going on here for me to feel
comfortable.  I have only received two responses to my previous post
(thank-you!), please help.....
                                                  Pam Holland, IBCLC
                                                  Savannah, GA