Trudi Szallasi's post reminded me of a study I would love to do or see done - mastitis during pregnancy leading to abscess in the early post-partum weeks. I have seen three cases clinically where the mother had mastitic symptoms during pregnancy subsequently treated with antibiotics. Babies' breastfeeding behavior were all within normal limits, transferring and draining the breasts appropriately. Mastitis reoccurred during the early post-partum weeks and was treated correctly yet progressed to abscess. Two of the mothers were primips and the third was a multip. It don't know about lump mobility because I didn't palpate during pregnancy. Post-partum they were tender and other symptoms were typical. I wonder if there is a possibility for a kink or some other anomaly to occur during the proliferation of the aveoli and ductal groundwork. This kink is a catch for bacteria to multiply and milk to stagnate. There are more questions than answers for so many of these situations. However this seems like a possible answer. Any comments? Joanne Burke Snyder MA, IBCLC Latch-On Services A Private Practice in Indianola, Iowa