Debbie related 2 sad stories including the following:

"Her plastic surgeon had assured her that she would be able to nurse."

"her doctor--who by the way, has also told her that it should not affect

nursing in any way (<<ugh!).  According to this mother, he told her, "I
have
only cut a couple of ducts, and there are at least 15 per breast."

I'm not one to sue at the drop of a hat, but I think each of these moms
would have a good case.  If a doctor assures you somoething won't happen
and it does, you haven't had informed consent.  Especially so when a
patient asks about a specific potential outcome.  I wonder if they would
have gone ahead with the surgery at that time if the docs had said
something like "I can't guarantee that future breastfeeding won't be
affected. I will do my best to keep things sufficiently intact, but the
possibility exists that there can be a problem breastfeeding in the
future."

I suspect the problem is related to the innervation of the nipple
tissue.  As I understand it, if this is severed, no matter how much
ductile tissue is intact, there is not the stimulation to keep the
prolactin and oxytocin up.  I suspect that in some cases the nerves
regenerate-hence those moms who have had total nipple removal who
somehow manage to develop and deliver a milk supply.

Winnie

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