I have worked with many moms hospitalized for severe mastits on IV antibiotics, and often see mucousy, stringy milk pumped from breasts. I don't like the term "contaminated" or "toxic" though. It sends a very negative message to the mother. I'm not sure I would jump too fast into thinking this is a malignancy, either. Sometimes IV antibiotics are necessary, but if it is truely an abscess, it may need to be opened. If it is candida, then she needs good treatment for that. I would recommend she see a health care provider well versed and supportive of breastfeeding to make a medical diagnosis along with your input, of course. Linda J. Tandy, MSN, RN, IBCLC Cedar Rapids, Iowa *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html