Let's Talk About Breastfeeding

How long do you think you should talk to your prenatal doctor about breastfeeding? While you may not have a specific amount of time in mind, if the duration 39 seconds sounds a bit short, it is. But a new study published in Gynecology found just that: Researchers recorded conversations from people’s first prenatal visits, and found that doctors spent an average of 39 seconds talking to women about breastfeeding.

Even more concerning: They found that doctors initiated breastfeeding discussions only 29 percent of the time. And even then, they sounded ambivalent about the topic.

“They usually asked a brief question, like ‘breast or bottle?," just to make a note of it,’” says obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences “But it’s important to discuss the benefits—and challenges—of breastfeeding early on so that women have the tools they need to prepare.” After all, you may encounter breastfeeding problems, so it’s important to know how you’ll address them ahead of time, and why it’s worth overcoming them in the first place.

If your doctor hasn’t discussed breastfeeding with you yet—speak up! Ask her about the breastfeeding benefits for mom and baby, and what you should know about lactation consultants, nutrition, alcohol, medication, and any existing health issues in relation to breastfeeding.

Symptoms and Signs of Breat Cancer

Every person should know the symptoms and signs of breast cancer, and any time an abnormality is discovered, it should be investigated by a

healthcare

professional.   Most people who have breast cancer symptoms and signs will initially notice only one or two, and the presence of these symptoms and signs do not automatically mean that you have breast cancer.
By performing monthly breast self-exams, you will be able to more easily identify any changes in your breast.  Be sure to talk to your healthcare professional if you notice anything unusual.

A change in how the breast or nipple feels

• Nipple tenderness or a lump or thickening in or near the breast or underarm area
• A change in the skin texture or an enlargement of pores in the skin of the breast  (some describe this as similar to an orange peel’s texture)
• A lump in the breast (It’s important to remember that all lumps should be investigated by a healthcare professional, but not all lumps are cancerous.)

A change in the breast or nipple appearance

• Any unexplained change in the size or shape of the breast
• Dimpling anywhere on the breast
• Unexplained swelling of the breast (especially if on one side only)
• Unexplained shrinkage of the breast (especially if on one side only)
• Recent asymmetry of the breasts (Although it is common for women to have one breast that is slightly larger than the other, if the onset of asymmetry is recent, it should be checked.)
• Nipple that is turned slightly inward or inverted
• Skin of the breast, areola, or nipple that becomes scaly, red, or swollen or may have ridges or pitting resembling the skin of an orange

Any nipple discharge—particularly clear discharge or bloody discharge

It is also important to note that a milky discharge that is present when a woman is not breastfeeding should be checked by her doctor, although it is not linked with breast cancer.