I have long suspected a causal relationship between pitocin and nipple
edema.  The literature though (what I can find, and I don't have it
anymore), says only at very high doses (usually triple or quadruple
"normal" doses) does it cause edema but it was referring to systemic not
dependent or nipple edema.  I suggested it to the perinatal listserv a few
months ago and got nothing back except a couple of people doubting it.
I ask moms "did your nipples look like this a few days ago?  Do they
usually stand up?"  most of the time she will say they usually aren't flat.
 If baby is having trouble latching - I show her how to hold breast, and
possibly pump just prior and give her lots of reassurance that this will be
very temporary (usually not more than a couple of days to 2 weeks from what
I've seen).
Has anyone else seen this?  Know of any literature?

Debbie Codding, RNC
Naval Hospital Guam

----------
> From: NOREEN SIEBENALER <[log in to unmask]>
> To:
> Subject: IBCLC's & lactation educators& pitocin &flat nipples
> Date: Friday, August 07, 1998 10:15 AM
>
>         Thanks  very much to those of you who responded to my question
> about the number of outpatient breastfeeding consultation requests
> you can expect based upon your inmpatient breastfeeding rate. Now I
> have two more questions!
>
> 1)  If a hospital employs both IBCLC's and
> lactation educators should they have the same responsibilities and
> privlidges? Why or why not? This information is going to hospital
> administration directly from you. I have already stated my opinion.
>
> 2)  Does anyone know of a JHL article about pitocin and the possibility
that
> it may cause flat nipples?  Or has anyone heard of this effect and can
> give me a reference?
>