Successful Breastfeeding Outcome of a Woman with a Nevus of the Nipple: A Case Study.

Unusual conditions of the nipple and breast may interfere with breastfeeding. Nevi of the nipple are rare, and breastfeeding outcomes of women with this condition have only been briefly reported in the literature. This case describes the proactive lactation management and successful breastfeeding outcome of a woman with a large, roughly textured nevus located on her right nipple and areola.

Case report of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) mastitis with abscess formation in a breastfeeding woman.

An afebrile woman with persistent nonhealing nipples and low-grade intermittent breast pain was diagnosed at 9 weeks postpartum with a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection of the left breast with abscess formation. Unilateral weaning allowed partial lactation to continue.

The milk of human kindness: the story of the Mothers Milk Bank at Austin.

Increased scientific study of human milk and awareness of the special nutritional needs of the premature infant have stimulated interest in human donor milk banking. Yet only three donor human milk banks existed in the United States in 1998. Having observed better outcomes in human milk-fed neonatal intensive care patients, two neonatologists in Austin, Texas, founded The Mothers Milk Bank at Austin (MMBA). Since opening in 1999, the MMBA has expanded rapidly as the result of careful planning, innovative procedures, fiscal stability, and widespread community support. The non-profit organizational structure, diversity and progressive vision of the board of directors and staff, and creative on-going public relations efforts have contributed to the success of the project. The MMBA demonstrates a model for 21st century milk banking.

Learning to lobby for probreastfeeding legislation: the story of a Texas bill to create a breastfeeding-friendly physician designation.

Legislation can reduce institutional barriers to breastfeeding. Lobbying is the process by which legislation is influenced by a special interest group. While generally thought of as an activity available only to the rich and powerful, lobbying by lactation activists can be an effective way to change public policy. A breastfeeding coalition in central Texas has been involved with lobbying efforts since 1995. Tactical lessons learned are shared to inspire and assist others seeking to pass probreastfeeding legislation.

Intranasal administration of xylazine to reduce stress in elk captured by net gun.

Forty free-ranging elk (Cervus elaphus manitobensis) were captured by net gun in Riding Mountain National Park (Manitoba, Canada) during February 2002 and were administered either saline (control) or xylazine by the intranasal route, to evaluate the efficacy and benefit of intranasal xylazine to reduce stress. Elk that received xylazine had higher relaxation scores than control elk, and the onset of sedation occurred quickly, often <1 min. Serum concentrations of cortisol, creatine kinase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase were lower in elk that received xylazine than in control elk. At the conclusion of handling, the intravenous administration of yohimbine quickly abolished the sedative effect of xylazine, which allowed elk to be released without concern of physical injury due to ataxia. The intranasal administration of xylazine can be used to reduce stress in wild animals under situations where they are being handled while physically restrained.

Clinical use of silicone nipple shields.

Use of nipple shields is controversial. However, when weaning is imminent, they may enable breast-refusing infants to transfer back to the breast. A chart review of 248 clients seen during a 13-month period in a private lactation clinic revealed 32 women who received thin, silicone nipple shields. Among this group, the most common presenting problems were breast refusal (69 percent) and difficulty with latch (25 percent). Bottles had been introduced in 75 percent of these cases. Thirty-eight percent of the mothers using nipple shields weaned their infants during the initial crisis period; 56 percent continued to breastfeed for at least six weeks postpartum. Two ill infants continued to receive human milk by bottle for four and 12 months respectively. Parity appeared to correspond inversely with success of the shield intervention. The presence of flat or inverted nipples appeared to contribute to the phenomenon described as "nipple confusion."