Chenoa Morris, like many, has had some very different experiences with breastfeeding. With 3 children, each journey vastly differed from the previous.

When she had Bay, she was shocked at how difficult it could be. Like myself, and many other mothers, her little one didn’t latch properly. She tried a nipple shield, which worked until he developed reflux. Yet another road I know all too well! She switched to formula after some advice, which she immediately regretted.

They discovered a tongue tie at 5 weeks old with her second babe, which they had released. Isla fed happily for 19 months using a nipple shield for every feed.

Chenoa had an oversupply of milk with her third babe. She was determined to feed him through it, as she switched to formula for her first babe. Due to her over supply within the first week she developed mastitis- a feeling that I am very familiar with, what I am not familiar with is what happened next. A few weeks later she found a lump which she treated as a blocked duct, thinking it was the start of mastitis. Two weeks later, the lump had doubled in size. The doctor she saw at the time, also thought it was a blocked duct. She tried to get rid of the blockage but couldn’t and the lump just kept increasing, it increased to around the size of an apple. Chenoa went back to the doctors and was scheduled to have an ultrasound. At this point she started thinking about her Grandma who was diagnosed with breast cancer in her 30’s. Finding a lump on your breast can be extremely unnerving, so her diagnoses of a galactocele was actually a positive outcome.

If you’re like me, you may have no idea what a galactocele is and there is very little information to help many understand it. A galactocele is a benign cyst containing milk or a milky substance that is found in the mammary glands. They occur in women during or shortly after lactation and are caused by the obstruction of a lactiferous duct. It presents as a firm mass and can easily be mistaken as a blocked duct and the start of mastitis, however a galactocele may be much larger than a blocked duct. Galactoceles must be diagnosed by a doctor as both a galactocele and breast cancer present with smooth, moveable lumps. Galactoceles are not found to be dangerous but can be very uncomfortable. The treatment available involves a surgeon draining the cyst with a fine needle aspiration, but even this is not full proof. If the milk is aspirated, it can fill back up again. Once you have finished breastfeeding, most of the time, your body will reabsorb the galactocele. However, if for some reason it doesn’t the milk duct can be surgically removed.

A few weeks after the diagnoses Chenoa noticed that it had grown so large that it was visible under clothes. It didn’t hurt unless she held her baby Reef, baby wore or hugged her older kids on that side.

When her breast started going red, so she decided to take a trip to the hospital where she had another ultrasound. After the ultrasound she was sent home, but a few days later she developed a low-grade temp and started feeling crappy. She was admitted to hospital to be put on an IV and placed on antibiotics for a week. Chenoa saw a breast surgeon, who advised against surgery to remove the galactocele as removing the duct would cause more problems. She was sent for the galactocele to be aspirated. The first time they drained 120mls- almost a whole baby bottle. However, 24 hours it had filled back up. She went back and had it drained and recalls how much that second draining hurt. Yet again, 24 hours later the galactocele had filled again. Although this time the galactocele was nowhere near as hard.

Chenoa wanted to breastfeed for as long as she possibly could, and the surgeon was extremely supportive of this.

“I can’t thank my husband, mum and sister enough for their support, but the breast surgeon was incredible. He encouraged me to continue to breast feed for as long as we plan to and he said he would happily manage me.”

The plan was to continue with oral antibiotics and to see the surgeon for aspirations anytime she felt uncomfortable. After each aspiration, the galactocele took longer to refill. But this wasn’t the end of her journey with galactoceles. A few weeks later Chenoa noticed that her breast had become red again, so they changed antibiotics in hope to rid the infection. That didn’t work, so the surgeon made a small incision in the hope that the infection was only skin deep and didn’t tracked to the galactocele. Next minute she was covered in breastmilk! During her next let down her breastmilk came flowing out of the incision. From there the galactocele continued to become smaller and on each let down the cyst cleaned out. It is now the size of a pea and hasn’t refilled for around 6 months. In the end Chenoa had 7 needle aspirations and was on antibiotic for 6 weeks. As much as she disliked the idea of passing antibiotics on to Reef, Chenoa’s support network were all in total agreement that breastfeeding was the preferable option for them.

“I could sing it’s (breast milk) benefits from the rooftop. From the oxytocin released while feeding to the perfect mix of vitamins, protein and fat. The antibodies made to protect the gut and from getting sick.”

Chenoa speaks highly of the benefits from breastfeeding and after switching to formula with her first, she was so more determined to breastfeed Reef. Even through the difficulties, it was still an incredible experience for her. Chenoa’s support network, along with a great surgeon, helped her continue to breastfeed. Her advice is to breastfeed if you desire, as stopping actually makes the milk become stagnant and increases you chance of mastitis. And that surgery is definitely a last option.

Breast milk jewellery can be a symbol of the journey you can have through feeding. It can capture that experience of success or remind you of a period of determination. In Chenoa’s case it was an experience she wants to remember upon fondly. For her it symbolised the strength and determination it created in her and the sheer beauty that is breast feeding. Each journey is different and special, even if it may be a difficult one.

Breastmilk Lotus ring crafted by Love your Tribe

Information is based on the experience of Chenoa Morris and research found through the internet, it is not a medical opinion. If you experience something like this or are unsure at all, please seek medical advice from a professional.

If you have been diagnosed with a galactocele, now or in the past, it would be great to hear about your experience. You can also follow Chenoa’s journey through her Instagram page islabayandreef.

https://breast-cancer.ca/galactoceles/

https://katherinerosman.com/what-is-galactocele/

https://exclusivepumping.com/a-pain-in-the-boob-galactoceles/

A breastfeeding journey- Chenoa's experience with a galatocele

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