I am breastfeeding and now have axillary engorgement. What are my options if this is ectopic axillary tissue?

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Question: I am breastfeeding and now have axillary engorgement. What are my options if this is ectopic axillary tissue?

I have been breastfeeding only 4 days. Right axilla swelling began to develop at 28 weeks gestation, but has swollen dramatcially in the past 24 hours since my milk “came in.” It is currently about the size of a deck of cards. I am currently afebrile and am willing to deal with the discomfort. However, will this condition worsen (or improve)? Should I continue breastfeeding?

Q&A:

Answer by wendeeB
Wow! That is so interesting. I have had mastitis and severe engorgement, but never axillary involvement. What does your midwife or lactation consultant say?

I think its just an issue of having the lactation ducts in a different place, in addition to the breast tisse Will they drain if you gently massage them while nursing. DO you have an electric pump? If so try gentle massage while LIGHTLY pumping if baby is asleep or not nrsing. Dont want to overstimulate and tell them to produce more.

Is it just one side? If so, you CAN produce enough milk with one side, if you want to quit nursing on the affected side. It’s all supply and demand.

Please do not give up on breastfeeding. Your body will figure out what it needs to do and your supply will decrease on its own in response to your baby’s demands.

But, tell me, is it both sides?

Answer by nowinteknicolor
it is not uncommon to have some engorgement of the axillary tissue (armpit area) when your milk comes in because of the large amount of breast tissue there. Not having a fever is good as it does not suggest mastitis or other infection. It should not extend all the way too your back and should diminish greatly along with the rest of your engorgement (although the area may still appear larger than it did before). This is certainly not a reason to quit breastfeeding; the discomfort should only be temporary, seek a professional lactation consultant or discuss this with your doctor should the condition continue to rule out the possibility of cancerous lumps.

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