Cystic Breasts anyone?

[peacemamma]

Hello Mamas,

After 2 1/2 years of nursing, I stopped nursing my toddler about 2 months ago. Last week I noticed that my breasts were full of lumps. Being a person that never did self breast exams (I know, I should), I was really worried when I did a self-exam and found a bunch of hard spots - mostly on one side, but some on both. I also had a tiny, tiny bit of discharge.

I went to the doctor and she said that I had what are called cystic breasts, but has recommended that I come back to see an oncologist - which has me a bit freaked out. I was kind of hoping they were going to say that this a normal thing that happens with people who have breastfed for so long and nothing to worry about.

Has this happened to anyone else? Could it be that I am still producing a little milk and that might be the issue?

Thanks!

Brooke

[Mosaic]

Fibrocystic breasts are pretty common, normal, and healthy. I've had them since loooong before nursing and have never had any issues; but if you've never noticed lumps before, that's likely why your doctor is sending you along for a second look. I found that eliminating caffeine REALLY helped!

[peacemamma]

Interesting! I've definitely up'd my caffeine intake since going back to work full-time a couple of months ago - however, it's all from green tea which is suppose to be good for this kind of thing - I think...

Thanks for calming my nerves!