Re:
Received a call late last week from a woman 4 mo.s pregnant with her first
baby.  She'd been to ob on routine visit, and expressed concern to him about
enlarged/swollen area under her arm.  Swelling began about the time she noted
her breasts beginning to swell in the pregnancy.
Ob told her it is breast tissue that has no nipple, and to just go ahead and
forget about breastfeeding.  My only reference on the subject is Lawrence,
1989, p. 32, which isn't exactly encouraging.
Any other references/plans of attack/ideas?

EXCUSE ME!!!!! YES I"M SHOUTING!!!!! EXCUSE ME!!!!!!!

If this glandular breast-milk producing tissue is connected to the rest of
the breast, the milk can travel down the sinuses to the nipple and out to
the baby.

If this glandular breast-milk producing tissue is NOT connected to the rest
of the breast, then the milk will not be able to leave the tissue and will
inhibit further milk production (just like any breast that is not being
nursed).

I see no indication that this woman would not be able to breastfeed.  She
should demand that her doctor explain why he thinks it is out of the
question and provide references.


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Katherine A. Dettwyler, Ph.D.                         email: [log in to unmask]
Anthropology Department                               phone: (409) 845-5256
Texas A&M University                                    fax: (409) 845-4070
College Station, TX  77843-4352