Breastfeeding - Management of Common Breastfeeding Issues

Breast Mass

Breast self-exams are just as important to lactating women as they are to women who are not pregnant or lactating. The exams should be done on a monthly basis, typically one week after your period. If you are not having periods because you are breastfeeding, pick a day at the same time each month to perform the exam. If you notice a lump that is tender or red, please refer to the plugged duct/mastitis section. A plugged duct should resolve with home treatment in a few days. Call your obstetrician or midwife if you think you might have mastitis. However, if you notice a lump in a breast that does not resolve in a few days, you must call you obstetrician to have it evaluated. Breast cancer in pregnant or lactating women is rare, but it happens in about 1 in 10,000-breastfeeding mothers. This is about 3% of all women diagnosed with breast cancer. According to the research, pregnant or lactating women tend to delay evaluation of a breast lump. This delay could cost valuable time needed for treatment if breast cancer is detected. Mammography is safe for both pregnant and lactating mothers. If you are scheduled for a mammogram, the breasts need to be emptied immediately before the test by either breastfeeding or pumping.