Can I breastfeed if I have a breast cyst?

Whether breast cysts can be breastfed depends on the specific situation of the cyst. In most cases, breast cysts are benign and do not affect milk secretion, so breastfeeding can be normal. However, if the cyst is large, accompanied by infection, or affects the patency of the mammary duct, breastfeeding may need to be temporarily suspended and treated. It is recommended to make a decision based on the specific situation under the guidance of a doctor.

1) Causes of breast cyst formation

Breast cysts are fluid masses within breast tissue that are caused primarily by hormone fluctuations, blocked milk ducts, or hyperplasia. Common causes include:

-Abnormal hormone levels: Estrogen and prolactin levels vary greatly during pregnancy and lactation, which may stimulate breast hyperplasia and induce cysts.

-Mammary duct obstruction: Milk cannot be discharged smoothly and accumulates in the mammary gland to form cysts or glandular hyperplasia.

-Lifestyle or dietary factors: A high-fat diet, excessive stress, and irregular work and rest schedules may increase the risk of breast problems.

2) Impact of breast cysts on breastfeeding

Usually, the presence of cysts will not affect the production and quality of milk. However, breastfeeding may not be recommended in the following cases:

-Large cysts: If the cysts compress the ducts, it may affect milk flow and even cause breast tenderness or mastitis.

- Complicated by infection or abscess: If the cyst becomes infected and forms an abscess, breastfeeding needs to be stopped and treatment should be initiated.

-Pain is too severe: Some mothers may experience obvious bloating and pain, making it impossible to complete normal breastfeeding.

3) What to do with breast cysts (treatment and care methods)

-Medication treatment: Mild cysts can be treated with breast conditioning medications prescribed by doctors, such as hormone stabilizers or anti-inflammatory drugs. However, all medications must be safe and do not affect the quality of breast milk.

-Drainage treatment: For larger cysts, your doctor may recommend a puncture to drain the fluid, which can relieve symptoms without surgery.

-Surgical treatment: If the cyst recurs or has a malignant tendency, minimally invasive surgery or ductal resection is recommended.

-Daily dietary care: Try to reduce high-fat, high-sugar diets, and eat more foods rich in vitamin C and vitamin E such as citrus and walnuts, which are beneficial to breast health.

-Hot compress and massage: Mild blockage can be treated by applying a warm towel to the breasts, followed by gentle massage to help clear the breasts.

Whether breast cysts can be used for breastfeeding during lactation depends on the specific situation. It is recommended that new mothers seek medical advice as soon as possible after discovering breast abnormalities to assess the size and nature of the cyst and its impact on breastfeeding. If necessary, treatment can be used to restore normal breastfeeding function, which is not only beneficial to the baby, but also to the health of the breast itself.