My own personal experience- when my second was approaching 10 months I
noticed that my right breast was not producing as much and was getting
smaller and softer.  It has never produced as much as the left with either
of my nurslings, but this was a big change.  He would not nurse as long on
that side, and would get frustrated quickly.  As the breast continued to
shrink and soften I noticed a mass deep inside extending towards the chest
wall approximately 1/2 wide and 2 inches long.  It was not painful or tender
at all to the touch, nor where there any symptoms of mastitis.  When it
didn't change over a couple days I went to the Dr. to have it examined.
While he was examining the mass I felt a "popping" sensation.  Further
diagnostic testing showed the mass to be an asymptomatic abscess that
ruptured during examination.  After it burst I became extremely ill with
mastitis for several weeks, and when it healed I was left with a thick
ribbon of scar tissue and no supply on that side what so ever.  The left
side picked up some of the slack, but I think since the baby was older at
the time it did not compensate as well as it would have earlier in his
nursing career.  It hasn't deterred him much, however, as he's still nursing
at 20 months.  Looking back I was never able to pinpoint exactly what caused
the abscess, but think it may have been caused by a blocked duct four months
previously that I had thought resolved without incident within 24 hours.

Jenny Walters, LLLL

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