From Chapter 24, Diseases of the Breast

"In the chapters that have gone before we have, in the main, been concerned
with faults of the breast that affect its external appearance, for such
defects more than any other help to detract from a woman's attractiveness. .
. . ."

Under reasons for "aglactia" meaning scarcity or entire absence of milk
after pregnancy:

general weakness or ill health
deficiency in the amount of tissue in the mammary gland
malformation or disease of the nipples, making nursing impossible
stoppage of the milk ducts or destruction of gland tissue, as from
inflammation of the breast
inadequate stimulation through suckling, as a result of a puny child
hemorrhage during labor
obesity
emotional status as fright, worry, pain, or anger

"Treatment is largely a matter of an attempt to stimulate milk secretion.  A
suitable diet may help, particularly if it includes plenty of liquids, as
milk, cocoa, oatmeal and barley gruels, and milk soups.  No beer or malt
liquors should be taken."

Treatment of engorgement includes:

"Liquids are usually restricted and a saline cathartic administered.  The
breast is rested as much as possible, lengthening the periods between
nursing.  A snug, confining breast binder should be worn until the condition
is brought under control."

Flow of milk after weaning is "most frequently found in neurotic, hysterical
women."

"Hyperlaction is the continuance of the breasts to secrete milk past their
normal time.  This is generally a voluntary condition brought on by the
woman herself through prolonging the nursing of her child past the customary
eight or nine months [Note from Kathy: Can you all hear me snorting?].  It
is bad chiefly by reason of its effects on the general health of the woman,
causing thinness and wasting, lack of strength, backache and cramps in the
shoulders, drooping of the shoulders, pain in the breasts, headaches, loss
of appetite, and general symptoms of nervous weakness.  More serious is the
fact that if continued, it may bring about a shrinking of the womb,
sometimes even to a size considerably smaller than its original one."

More later . . . . . .
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------
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
http://www.prairienet.org/laleche/dettwyler.html