<Milk supply on the left side should be unaffected, as should MER as it
is
smooth muscle and under autonomic control. >

I agree that milk supply should not be limited by the aftereffects of the
stroke. But I respectfully submit that myoepithelial cells are not muscle
cells. They are not ennervated by nerves.

They are a specialized individual type of cell developing from the
epithelial layer that begins formation of the breast in the
embryonic/fetal period.

The MER is a neurohormonal reflex. The afferent signals from the chest
wall and/or nipple take the message TO the brain to stimulate the cascade
of hormones that will then reach the myoepithelial cells through the
circulation.

Each individual myoepithelial cell contracts in response to oxytocin
reaching it through the blood stream.  Both sides receive the hormone no
matter which side the neural stimulus originated from.

Stress hormones, if present in sufficient amounts during stimulation of
the nipple can block or minimize the MER by interfering with the release
of oxytocin.

I agree that positioning would seem to be the biggest challenge. And if
positioning at the breast on the affected side is more difficult, and
therefore that breast is not used as often, or not drained as thoroughly,
the lack of milk removal, as in any mammal, would be a limiting factor.

Jean
******************
K. Jean Cotterman RNc, IBCLC
Dayton, Ohio USA


________________________________________________________________
YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET!
Juno now offers FREE Internet Access!
Try it today - there's no risk!  For your FREE software, visit:
http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html