Lump in armpit from breast feeding??

[NatashaB]

Hi there

My LO is 13 days old and I noticed a lump in my armpit after delivery.  I am certain it wasn't there prior to giving birth.  I am breast feeding and certainly had blocked ducts in my breasts when my milk came in.  My doctor is sending me for a breast screening exam but while I wait for the appointment I can't help but think about it.  Has anyone else had blocked ducts or lumps in their armpits from breast feeding?

Sincerely
Natasha

[aimeeL]

Yes, yes - I had a lump in my armpit for 2-3 wks after having my LO.  It kinda freaked me out because not only was it fairly large and tender, I could also squeeze milk out of it if I pushed hard...  made me wonder if I had an odd third nipple or something.  But a friend who's an OB told me - just on the phone, so no actual observation - that it was probably just a swollen duct/node from milk coming in and that it'd eventually go away... and it did - a few days later.

Hope that's what it is for you and nothing more serious...

[~ Vik ~]

Aimee is totally right - Breast tissue does extend into the armpit, so it is quite possible that it is just another plugged milk duct.  I have read that you can treat the lumps the same way that you would a plugged duct in the breast (moist heat, massage, even cabbage leaves on the area can be helpful).  There is no way to know for sure without tests, which is likely why your doctor is sending you for a breast screening, but lumps like these are not uncommon in the early days of breastfeeding so I would try not to worry.

(((hugs))) it is stressful though  Sending loads of vibes for you.

[NatashaB]

Thank you kindly! It seems to be getting larger every day so I have intuition that it is related to breast feeding as there was no sign of it prior to.  I will try some massage and hot compress on it.  Thank you for making me laugh...3rd nipple?!:))

Sincerely
Natasha