Re the question posted about a client who had weaned 16 months ago
and is concerned because there is discharge when she squeezes her nipple:

I have worked with many, many women over the past many years who could
squeeze something out of their nipples years after discontinuing
breastfeeding.  There is a big difference between induced (by squeezing or
even by the stimulation of a nipple being chaffed by clothing) nipple
discharge and spontaneous discharge (occurs with no squeezing or other
stimulation).  I just went to wonderful class given by Dr. Diane Jones in
Seattle, and her words were (as quoted in my notes), " If you have to
squeeze the nipple to get something out, then it is probably normal". She
went on to say that secretions squeeze out in this manner can vary in
color from whitish to bright green to black!  Dr. Jones is a breast
surgeon.

While spontaneous nipple discharge can occur from one breast in the event
of a cancer, other conditions such as intraductal papilloma can also cause
a spontaneous discharge and this is a benign condition.  Spontaneous
discharge of milky fluid from both breasts may indicate high prolactin
levels from a pituitary tumor (usually these are benign but can cause
symptoms and problems because of the location), and also as a result of
certain medications.

Of course, the woman should see her physician and be reassured but in the
meantime, tell her not to panic.

Ione Sims, CNM