Can/should you check your breasts when BF?

[squizita]

As in check them for lumps etc. Always done this religiously as my grandmothers had cancer (though both lived to 80+ Thanks to the nhs).
Obviously as I bf there can be lumps and bumps that are milk - especially as she is weaning so sometimes takes a bit less.
Should I still check, if so is there a method?

DH suggested checking weekly and noting anything lumpy that is consistent over time.

I don't know how to do this, as breasts as you say, are lumpy anyway while bf. I did have a cyst while breastfeeding though, and that felt like a clear lump. I had ultrasound and could see the milk ducts re-filling, it was amazing! (I'd just fed dd prior to the scan to make it as clear as poss). I think you just have to keep an eye for any changes really. Although, having had a friend die 6 months ago of a very aggressive breast cancer, that was at first mistaken for mastitis, I would advise anyone to insist on a scan if they have a lump and redness while breastfeeding that doesn't respond pretty promptly to antibiotics, as my friend had a delay of a couple of months- she was pregnant when she first went to the GP, and then had just given birth, when she went back, so it looked like mastitis. (I don't want to frighten anyone, it is thankfully rare, but it is something to be aware of).

Oh and I think the general advice is to check monthly, at the same point in your cycle, but again that might not apply when bf as you may not be having periods.