Does breast cyst affect breastfeeding?

In most cases, breast cysts will not affect breastfeeding, but the specific situation depends on the size and location of the cyst and whether there is infection or other complications. If there is obvious pain, infection or a large cyst, it may have a certain impact on breastfeeding. It is recommended to seek medical attention in time and treat it according to the doctor's advice.

1) Possible impact of breast cysts:

Breast cysts are small, fluid-filled lumps in the breast glands, most of which are benign. Generally, small, painless cysts do not affect milk secretion or nipple milk discharge. However, if the cyst is located near the mammary duct, it may cause compression or blockage of the mammary duct, affecting milk flow and causing poor nipple milk discharge. At the same time, large cysts may cause local swelling and pain, aggravating discomfort during breastfeeding. If a secondary infection (such as mastitis) is caused by the cyst, it may further affect the breastfeeding process.

2) Treatment and treatment methods:

-Drug treatment: If infection or inflammation occurs, antibiotics (such as amoxicillin, erythromycin, etc.) are commonly used to treat it, which can inhibit bacterial infection; if the pain is obvious, ibuprofen can be used under the guidance of a doctor to relieve inflammation and pain. Cysts caused by abnormal hormone levels can be treated by consulting an endocrinologist to adjust hormone levels.

-Surgical treatment: For cysts that continue to grow or affect breastfeeding, cyst puncture and aspiration can be performed, which is simple and quick; if the cyst recurs, a local minor surgery can be considered to remove the lesion. Breastfeeding after surgery must strictly follow the doctor's advice, and pay attention to diet and nutrition during the recovery period.

-Daily care: When breastfeeding, you can change the feeding posture more often to ensure that the milk is discharged smoothly and does not compress the cyst; hot compresses and gentle breast massage after breastfeeding can help improve the patency of the milk ducts. Reasonably wear comfortable nursing bras to avoid breast pressure and reduce the risk of cyst stimulation.

3) Healthy diet and prevention suggestions:

Lactating women should maintain a balanced diet and consume more fruits and dark green leafy vegetables rich in vitamin C (such as spinach and broccoli) to enhance immunity and avoid repeated cyst infections. Reduce high-fat diets to reduce the risk of breast disease. If there is a family history of breast disease, regular physical examinations should be performed to understand the health of the breast.

Breast cysts usually do not interfere with breastfeeding, but breast health needs to be paid attention to. If you find that the cyst is enlarged, painful, or has signs of infection, you should seek medical attention immediately. Scientific prevention and timely treatment can reduce the impact of cysts on breastfeeding and protect the health of mother and baby.