Another source of what you call "descending mastitis" has been documented in a semi-formal questionnaire study. Among the many factors listed for mothers to check off as having been present at the time of infection was colds/flus in mother or in the household. This turned out to happen in a high number of cases, enough to be considered very significant. -Lisa ****************************************************************************** Lisa A. Marasco, IBCLC / [log in to unmask] International Board Certified Lactation Consultant / [log in to unmask] ******************************************************************************