Let's Breastfeed

Breastfeeding and lumpy breasts

Your breasts go through so many different stages and periods of growth and development, it is difficult to tell what is normal and expected and what is not.

Once baby arrives, your breasts will continue to change and go through periods of lumpiness. Knowing how to tell the differnence between normal breastfeeding lumps and something a little more concerning is a challenge many moms are facing right now.

So I wanted to share how to assess the lump in your breast in order to seek further help or give a sigh of relief.

The breasts will usually become lumpy when they are not properly drained. Often this lack of proper drainage will lead to a degree of tenderness and the lump may change in size.

Here are some normal lumps that should not necessarily cause concern, but will need to be treated effectively.

• Blocked ducts – these will feel like long pieces of string starting at the nipple and then moving outwards into the breast like spokes of a bicycle wheel.
• Pea-like size lumps - these are little milk sacs that are not being drained.
• Dread lock like lumps – this tells you that tissue surrounding the milk sacs is becoming inflamed and your breasts are not being drained effectively.
• Grape like lump after engorgement – this is most likely a pocket of milk and should not cause concern provided the lump dissappears after a feed. If the lump is still present after a feed it will indicate that the pocket may be sealed and you may need antibiotics from your GP – so book a visit
• Grape like lump after mastitis and several courses of antibiotics – sounds like an abcess. Visit your GP and ask to be referred to breast surgen as the lump may need to be drained.

If you are concerned about any lumps in your breast – get yourself a copy of my Mastitis Guide and follow the care plans depending on your symptoms.

If these have not resolved the breast lumps, go and see your GP who will be able to assess you physically and set up referrals as needed. It is better to be safe than end up with a new complication.

However, remember the golden rule. If the lump in the breast is smaller after feeds, it is not anything to worry about as the lump appears to be draining.

Manage this as well as you can, but get help if you are not winning!

You know where I am if there is anything I can do to help.

Much love,

Geraldine

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