Hi all---
I wrote a post yesterday and sent it off, but it is nowhere to be found
on Lactnet or my computer, so I assume it floated off into cyberspace....

I received a call yesterday from the stepmother of a 33 yr old woman with
her first baby. At age 13 she had surgery to "correct" severely inverted
nipples, and at the time was told that she may or may not be able to
breastfeed as a result. She delivered baby by c-section, tried to feed,
but nothing coming out. Doctor tried the heavy-duty breastpump and tried
manual expression, but it appears that all sinuses were disconnected from
the nipple and no outlets remain. Mother was severely disappointed, and
MD counseled her to resign herself to formula feeding and use ice for the
engorgement that subsequently occurred.

In the meantime, baby was started on standard formula and has not done
well, vomits many feedings. They upped the formula to soy, but baby is
still fussy, gassy, unsettled. Mom grew up on a farm and understands the
benefits and superiority of breastmilk, and she is beside herself with
guilt and devastation. Grandma is concerned about mom's depression, mom
is worried for baby's health. They want to know if there is *anything*
that can be done to access the milk--- you know, poke a hole, some type
of procedure, so that she can breastfeed.

For the time being, I suggested cabbage compresses and ibuprofen because
mom is miserable and in much pain, and I also discussed moving up to the
non-milk/soy formula, along with not overfeeding, etc. I've covered all
the little things that there are to cover, and doubt there is much more
that I can do, but I promised them that I would put this out to you. Does
anyone have anything more to add?

TIA,
Lisa

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Lisa Marasco, BA, LLLL, IBCLC
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