Ask the Expert Series: Breastfeeding

Start asking away, if you have questions all about breastfeeding, as our expert Dr Tan Yia Swam will be answering your questions on breastfeeding ??

Ask the Expert Series: Breastfeeding
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How do we tell the difference between a lump from blocked ducts and abscess?

6y ago

Ladies- be familiar with your own breasts! Every woman is different, in terms of lumpiness, body fat, size/shape, how much hormones affect the texture. Breast tissue itself has a lumpy consistency, and that swells up and becomes more sensitive when menses coming, or during pregnancy. A breast lump will feel like a new area of thickening, or a distinct round ball/marble within the breast. Blocked ducts get bigger over time, and disappears after a feed. An abscess will be hot, red, painful-> imagine a giant pimple. It takes a bit of experience to know the difference, so please learn to do a breast self examination!