Breast feeding after abcess

[SnowmenMadeofIcecream]

Does anyone have any experience or knowledge of breastfeeding after a severe abcess? With my first child I had severe Mastitis that led to a very deep abcess and an open wound for a number of months. I'm now expecting my second and all the drs/midwives I've asked are reluctant to give me any advice beyond. I just worry the scar tissue will block the milk ducts and I'll instantly get issues this time around.

Thanks in advance for any info!

Not quite the same but I had a huge abscess with DD2 when she was around 3mo and I'm still feeding at 10mo. There is still quite a large red area/lumpy bit of scar tissue but no issues with feeding.

For me they thought it had probably started because DD2 damaged my nipples when we were getting BFing established and then bacteria got in through the open skin on my nipples and started growing. Not sure what was behind your mastitis but there might be some stuff you can do to reduce risk. With DD1 I got a lot of blocked ducts, but a big daily dose of lecithin stopped them entirely.

I had a huge and very horrible abscess with my first. I was on two different antibiotics continuously for months and months and it took me around 7 months to heal. I still get the odd twinge 14 years later.

I had my second 18 months after my first and managed to feed her for 2.5 years with no problems.

Abscessed boob never produced quite as much milk, but I alternated them equally and had no problems.

I was shit hot on latch and any hint of a blocked duct was met with compresses etc.

I can't remember many practical tips I'm afraid, but thought you might like to hear a success story!

Thanks. Good to hear some success stories at least!

Just to update my thread in case people are searching for this in future, as I had a really hard time finding any info.

I breastfed DD2 initially without any problems. (Actually it was loads easier than with DD1). But after a while I decided to switch to bottles for my own mental health, as while there were no obvious problems breastfeeding, I spent every shower checking for lumps and feeling paranoid.

I'm happy, as it meant she got the important first few weeks of breastmilk and is now continuing to thrive on formula.