Treating a Breast Abscess

Some breast infections that start as a plugged duct or galactocele (fluid-filled duct) can develop into a breast abscess. In the event that you are diagnosed with a breast abscess, your physician may extend or change your antibiotic treatment, and may also attempt to drain some of the infected fluid from the breast.

If you’ve had a drainage procedure, then there may be a small incision in your breast with a stitch or two. It is important to keep the incision dry and clean, continue with your medication, and pump the infected breast every three hours or with every feeding. The baby can continue to nurse on the non-infected breast, and may resume nursing on the infected breast when you are fully healed and have been given a clean bill of health by your physician.

While treating the breast affected by the abscess, it is best to pump and dump the milk on that side until the infection is resolved. You will still need to complete your full regimen of antibiotics, but once you feel the infection subside, you may be able to resume nursing on both breasts within 3-7 days.

Treatment plan for moms who want to keep nursing after an abscess diagnosis:

• Warm compresses on the affected breast with dry heat to prevent the incision from getting wet. Leave the compress in place for 5-7 minutes before you begin pumping and then remove it, or apply the heat for 3-5 minutes before pumping and leave the compress in place while pumping. (Do whatever is most comfortable for you.)
• Pump the affected breast for 10-15 minutes, or as tolerated, collect the milk and dump it until you are fully healed.
• Gently massage around the breast, but avoid massaging the area that has the abscess. Be careful not to apply pressure or pushing on the affected area.
• Apply ice chips only on the area of the breast where the abscess is located. Leave ice on for 3-5 minutes, then remove. Re-apply ice with each pump session until healed. Ice bags or cold packs will reduce swelling and fluid build-up in the breast tissue, which can help reduce pain and pressure, and aid in healing.