Checking Your Breasts While Breastfeeding

When you're breastfeeding, most of your attention goes to your baby. Feeding times, the amount of milk, whether they’re napping enough. With so much focus on your baby, changes in your own body are easy to miss. 

Breast Cancer Doesn't Take a Break for Breastfeeding

Although breastfeeding reduces your long-term risk of developing breast cancer, it does not make you immune to it. Breast cancer can and does happen in women who are breastfeeding, and it is sometimes overlooked because many of the symptoms are attributed to blocked ducts, mastitis, or hormonal changes. It is precisely because of this overlap that any unusual symptoms should be brought to your team's attention at East End Imaging, even if you are quite certain they are not serious.

How to Check Your Breasts While Breastfeeding

Your breasts tend to feel different when you're breastfeeding. They become fuller, firmer, more lumpy and more tender, particularly before a feed or when they are engorged. The milk ducts may feel like small ropes or beads beneath the skin, which can change in texture from day to day. What is considered "normal" constantly shifts, which makes self-checks more difficult while breastfeeding.

Once you have finished pumping or feeding, take the tips of your fingers and make small circular movements over the whole breast. Start at the collarbone, drop down to the ribs, and extend out to the armpit. Look for anything abnormal, such as something firm, painful, or unusual that does not disappear after one or two feedings, doesn't move when you move it, or feels different from the surrounding tissue.

A few signs worth a call to your doctor:

• A lump that stays after nursing or pumping

• Skin dimpling, puckering, or a rash that does not clear up

• Nipple discharge that is bloody or comes from only one breast

• Redness or warmth that does not improve with typical clogged duct or mastitis care

If something feels off and doesn't go away, that is reason enough to get it checked.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

An Ultrasound is usually the first imaging a woman who is breastfeeding has in order to examine any changes in the breast. It does not use any radiation and provides a clear view of dense, active breast tissue, which is typical during the period of nursing. There is no need for you to adjust your feeding or pumping routine in advance. The exam itself is quick and painless, and our team will walk you through each step so you know exactly what to expect. Depending on the results, your doctor might suggest further examination.

At East End Imaging, our team will review your images and get back to you promptly so you don't have to wait to find out. If you've noticed a change and are looking for reassurance, reach out to our team today or visit our website to book an appointment.