If the mother has an open abscess on her breast, should she breast-feed?

In cases where a mother has an open abscess on her breast, breastfeeding is not advisable primarily due to the risk of infection and potential harm to the infant. An open abscess can be a source of bacteria and may contaminate breast milk, posing a health risk to the breastfeeding baby. Additionally, breastfeeding from an affected breast can exacerbate the condition, leading to further complications for the mother.

Proper care and treatment of the abscess are paramount before considering resuming breastfeeding. Medical professionals typically recommend that if an abscess is present, it should be evaluated and addressed to prevent any possible transmission of infection. Once the abscess is resolved and the area is healed, breastfeeding can safely resume if no further complications arise.

The other options suggest conditions under which breastfeeding could continue, but they underestimate the risks associated with an open wound and infection, emphasizing the need for a cautious approach in this scenario.