Q. A 32-year-old woman presents to the outpatient department complaining of pain in her right breast. She is 12 weeks postpartum and has been exclusively breastfeeding. She describes noticing a tender lump on the right side yesterday, with a subsequent noticeable decrease in milk production from that breast.
On physical examination, the breast shows a small, firm, and reddened area that is tender upon palpation. The patient is afebrile with normal vital signs and denies any flu-like symptoms. There is no evidence of nipple trauma or discharge. No other masses are palpable, and the left breast appears normal.
What is the most appropriate initial treatment plan for this patient?