Expert: ruth kraft - 11/12/2011

Question
I stopped breastfeeding my 11 month old about 1month 15 days ago, I started weaning him awhile back but my breasts still filled up and were pretty sore. They hurt so bad that I decided to pump it out and keep breastfeeding but then I didn't really make any milk so I stopped again. My breast never got lumpy or sore again, but Im noticing lumps, they aren't sore to touch or hot and Im not leaking milk unless I pinch my nipple and just a small amount comes out, I don't even wear nursing pads. I discussed these lumps with the primary doc and he said that its normal to have lumps after stopping but they should go away after a while, I asked how long and no time frame given. A week went by and I was still concerned so I called back and they went ahead and ordered a mammogram. When I went to the place to get it done the tech had a doctor come in and talk to me about how I was to young and he didn't feel that it was necesary to expose me to the radiation yet. He said that they get women in there all the time that stopped feeding and freak out about the lumps but they eventually go away. I told him that I stopped breastfeeding about 1month and 2 weeks ago and he looked at me like I was an idiot for coming in there. But when I asked him when they should go away he just said everyone is different. Im 27 and he said see him when Im 39! Some co-workers said they had lumps for years, Im just concerned bc that mammogram doc guy said its normal to have lumps and soreness and firmness, but I only have lumps and thats what I kept telling him. SO I guess my question is are lumps normal that long after stopping and without soreness or firmness, just lumps....

Answer
hello. Yes the lumps can very normal. if they are not painful and dont bother you then dont worry about them. If your OB has checked them and is not concerned by how they feel , then you dont need to worry as well. If you are not sure about your OB's advice you can get a second opinion from another OB. They are normal but if you have breast cancer in your history etc, then go back for another opinion if they scare you. Chances are, the docs are right and you are fine. the radiation can put you at more risk than you need causing something that wasnt there to begin with. They do range in how long they stay. Over many years, your breasts will change time and again. The good news is you breastfed. This alone decreases your chances significantly of getting cancer :)

Best of luck!