Another highlight from the ALCA Conference in Hobart was a paper presented by Jacqueline Kent, who works with Peter Hartmann at the University of WA. They are using the "Computerised Breast Measurement System" to measure morphological changes in breast size during pregnancy and up to 6 months of lactation. They have also collected blood samples to measure human placental lactogen (HPL) and prolactin, and 24-h urine samples for measurement of lactose, and metabolites of oestrogen and progesterone. During lactation they measured 24-h milk production. She showed how the pattern of change in breast size during pregnancy was variable in amount (12ml to 368ml) and timing (mostly late first trimester, but not always). Breast growth was statistically related to the concentration of HPL in plasma, rather than prolactin or the excretion of metabolites of oestrogen or progesterone. All mothers showed an increase in the excretion of lactose in the urine during the second trimester of pregnancy, indicating the development at that time of the capacity of the breasts to synthesise lactose. The rate of excretion of lactose (in pregnancy) was positively related to the concentration of prolactin in the plasma. Despite the variation in breast growth during pregnancy, all mothers breastfed successfully. Milk production ranged from 459ml/day to 1370ml/day at 1 month of lactation, and 832ml/day to 1210ml/day at 6 months. One woman had almost no changes during pregnancy, but her (empty) breast size increased during the first few weeks after delivery (she breastfed with no problems). They suggest that lack of breast development in pregnancy is not always a problem. Also, it appears that the breast can still develop after delivery. They will continue to measure the breast volume and milk production of these mothers until 3 months after weaning. Please note that the study is not yet complete or published. Ros Escott [log in to unmask]