Lump in breast and breastfeeding

[bstonejr]

My wife is breastfeeding and has a (sore)lump in her breast (close to the aereola)that will not go away. After pumping or breastfeeding she has a tingling/burning sensation that lasts 30-45 minutes. She has tried heat/ice massage, hot water baths, epsom salt bath, ultrasound, lecithin, etc.. and nothing is making it go away. We have tried to contact lactation dept. at the hospital, ob/gyn, and other health professionals and no one seems worried. It is probably nothing but any advice on making this go away or can anyone refer us to a doctor in the buford/ atlanta georgia area that has experience with breastlumps and breastfeeding. Thanks!!!

[Trialanderror]

Sorry if you are not getting a bunch of answers because you seem to have tried just about anything already including ultrasound - and unfortunately I do not know any specialists in your area. I can only say that usually doctors are very careful about any diagnosis while a woman is still breastfeeding because there can be so many types of lumps during that time. I had mastitis once during breastfeeding and the blocked milk duct remained a hard area for a quite a lon time. Such things are usually however not close to the areola. I had come across a web site from a very renowned medical center where one forum is dedicated to breast problems. You get answers in a blink. If I remember which site it was, I will post again.

[fiona1983]

i had my last child 2 years ago and while breastfeeding (2 weeks after birth) i also had a lump near my aerola.
This turned out to be a blocked milk duct.
Be sure to keep feeding from that side and trying and massage the area while feeding too.
Unfortunatly for me i didnt get enough advice or help and mine turned into mastitis and then an abcess that needed to be removed.
Please seek help if needed as it can get painful at times.
Well done to her for continuing to breastfeed to!

[anxiousmomtobe?]

Blocked milk duct.  Nurse as much as possible on that side.  If your wife develops a fever or the breast gets red, take her in to see a doc right away as she may be developing mastitis.  

The realy experts on breast feeding are the LaLeche League.  They should have a branch near you.  They provide fabulous support.  I have nursed two kids and found my doc pretty much useless both times.  You need the support of other women who have nursed successfully.

Good luck.

[myowncrazybeat]

Is the lump inside the breast or outside?  If it is outside (like a pimple),  it could be a tiny oil gland that is slightly clogged or infected.  These are on the breast to keep the tissue lubricated and clean, so they won't dry out during breastfeeding.  If the lump is inside the breast, it could be a blocked milk duct.  You would want to watch for signs of infection, such as redness spreading up the breast, streaks of redness or swelling/hot to the touch.  We all tend to "swell" when nursing, but you (she) will know this is different.  I have had both of these issues.  My first occasion, I had to frequently massage the area to help it clear out.  This was painful for me, but helped after a few tries.  On the other occasion, my docs initial rec. was to apply warm cabbage leaves.  It did work, for just a bit, then I ended up on antibiotics.  That ultimately did the trick.  Is this your first try at breastfeeding?  Have you (she) been nursing very long?  All of this could play into the symptoms.  Keep a close watch.  Our best friends live in Buford and are in the medical field.  Would be happy to get a name for you if one is still needed.  

[bstonejr]

If your friends could get us in touch with someone in the area that would be great. my wife has been nursing for 15 weeks and this has been going on for about 5 weeks now. we have called her ob/gyn who seems to not really care and the lactation dept at the hospital keeps telling us to do what we have been doing but it doesn't work. This is about to drive my wife crazy-any help will be greatly appreciated.