Hi to all: A quick response to posting about fibrocystic breasts. My personal experience, as a woman with fibrocystic breast disease, is a complete cessation of symptoms for the entire duration of breastfeeding. This was 3 yrs 4 mos, 2 years 4 mos, currently 16 mos. In fact, since baby #1 weaned 2 mos before baby#2 was born, I actually had no symptoms till baby #2 weaned. However, within 1 menstrual cycle of second weaning symptoms returned. Question: in visiting my ENT today we discussed an abnormality in one of my eustachian tubes that produces amplification of internal noises (blood rushing, breathing, chewing, etc...) This condition is caused by the tube not closing when it should. Anyway, he states that Estrogen taken orally will improve this situation (BC pills). He theorized that perhaps being a lactating mom was creating the problem. Being a wonderful doc and knowing me well, he said nothing implying weaning as necessary. Has anyone else heard of this before? Just curious. Also, any connection between repeat infections of the parotid gland and bf? I recall reading that salivary glands and breast tissue are of similar construct. Some of my clients have reported salivating with strong letdowns (myself included). Thanks for any information anyone might have concerning my questions! Jennifer MEd, WIC peer counselor