obsolete suppressed lactation - delivered

Suppressed Lactation after Delivery

Suppressed lactation, also known as inhibited lactation, refers to a condition where milk production and secretion are reduced or absent in a woman who has given birth. This can occur with or without mention of an antepartum condition (condition before delivery).

There are various reasons why suppressed lactation may occur after delivery, including:

• Intrauterine fetal death: In some cases, the suppression of lactation may be necessary if there is a loss of the fetus during pregnancy.
• Neonatal death: If the baby dies shortly after birth, it may be traumatic for the mother to continue producing milk. Suppressing lactation can help alleviate this emotional burden.

In such situations, healthcare providers and support services play a crucial role in providing information and support about lactation suppression. This includes:

• Consultation and counseling: Healthcare professionals should offer guidance on managing suppressed lactation, addressing any physical symptoms, and providing emotional support.
• Education: Women should be informed about the process of suppressing lactation, including non-pharmacological methods such as strapping or binding the breasts, emptying the breasts by massage or pump, and initiating uterine discharge or bleeding.

It's essential to note that suppressed lactation is not a new concept; for centuries, physicians and midwives have advised non-breastfeeding mothers on how to suppress lactation using various techniques. Today, healthcare providers should be aware of these methods and provide support to women who may need it.

References:

• [1] Suppressed lactation - delivered (disorder) · Suppressed lactation, with delivery, with or without mention of antepartum condition.
• [8] Inhibition of lactation or suppression of established lactation in case of intrauterine foetal death or neonatal death. Forms and strengths. 0.5 mg scored tablets.
• [10] Information and support about lactation suppression is perhaps particularly important in a situation where the baby has died.
• [11] For centuries, physicians and midwives have advised non–breast-feeding mothers to use nonpharmacologic methods to suppress lactation and for relief of accompanying physical symptoms.

Understanding Suppressed Lactation

Suppressed lactation refers to the reduction or cessation of milk production in breastfeeding women. While it's not uncommon for women to experience some degree of lactational suppression, there are certain signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.

Common Signs and Symptoms:

• Engorgement: This is a common symptom of suppressed lactation, where the breasts become swollen and tender due to milk accumulation.
• Pain and Discomfort: Women experiencing suppressed lactation may report pain or discomfort in their breasts, which can be exacerbated by engorgement.
• Mastitis: In some cases, suppressed lactation can lead to mastitis, a bacterial infection of the breast tissue that can cause fever, body aches, redness, and pain.
• High Risk for Mastitis: Stopping breastfeeding or pumping abruptly can increase the risk for mastitis.

Other Possible Symptoms:

• Clogged Ducts: Women experiencing suppressed lactation may also experience clogged ducts, which can be painful and cause discomfort.
• Breast Refusal: In some cases, women may experience breast refusal, where their breasts become sore or tender to the touch.
• Hypertension: There have been reports of hypertension (high blood pressure) in patients prescribed bromocriptine for lactation suppression.

Important Considerations:

• Low Milk Supply: Women experiencing low milk supply may also experience suppressed lactation, but it's essential to consult a lactation support provider to determine the underlying cause.
• Gentler Process: If you're looking to stop lactation, consider a gentler process that prioritizes your body's well-being.

References:

• [1] Suppressed lactation can lead to severe engorgement, pain, and high risk for mastitis. (Source: #2)
• [3] Most cases of self-induced and iatrogenic hyperlactation should resolve with removal of the underlying cause. (Source: #3)
• [8] The signs and symptoms of breast abscesses include a well-defined fluctuant lump in the affected breast, pain, and redness. (Source: #8)
• [9] If patients prescribed bromocriptine present with signs and symptoms of hypertension, treatment should be discontinued, and the patient should seek medical attention. (Source: #9)

Note: The information provided is based on the search results and may not be comprehensive or up-to-date. It's essential to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.

Diagnostic Tests for Suppressed Lactation

Suppressed lactation refers to the act of suppressing milk production in a breastfeeding mother. Diagnostic tests are used to determine the underlying cause of suppressed lactation, which can be due to various factors such as hormonal imbalances, medical conditions, or breastfeeding difficulties.

• Pregnancy test: A pregnancy test is often the first diagnostic test performed to rule out pregnancy, which can cause milk production to cease (1).
• Serum prolactin level: Measuring serum prolactin levels can help identify any hormonal imbalances that may be contributing to suppressed lactation (6, 9).
• Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone level: Testing serum thyroid-stimulating hormone levels can also help identify any thyroid-related issues that may be affecting milk production (6, 9).
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): In some cases, an MRI may be ordered to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to suppressed lactation (3, 6).

Non-Pharmacological Interventions

In addition to diagnostic tests, non-pharmacological interventions can also be used to manage suppressed lactation. These include:

• Tight bra/binder: Wearing a tight bra or binder can help constrict the breasts and reduce milk production (14).
• Ice packs: Applying ice packs to the breasts can also help reduce milk production by constricting the blood vessels (14).

Important Considerations

It's essential to note that laboratory testing or pituitary imaging tests are not recommended in cases of hyperlactation, as they may not provide any additional benefits (4). Furthermore, certain medications such as bromocriptine should be avoided due to potential risks (5).

References:

[1] by OT Oladapo · 2012 [3] by KS PEÑA · 2001 [4] by HM Johnson · 2020 [5] by TM McGuire · 2018 [6] by AKC LEUNG · 2004 [9] by AKC LEUNG · 2004

Treatment Options for Suppressed Lactation

Suppressed lactation, also known as lactation suppression or milk suppression, refers to the intentional cessation of breast milk production after childbirth. While this may be a desired outcome for some women, it can also have negative consequences on maternal and infant health.

Pharmacological Interventions

Historically, several medications have been used to suppress lactation, including:

• Bromocriptine: This ergot alkaloid has been used to inhibit prolactin secretion, leading to a decrease in milk production. However, its use is not recommended due to the risk of maternal stroke, seizures, cardiovascular disorders, death, and possibly psychosis [1-4].
• Cabergoline: Traditionally considered the drug of choice for lactation inhibition in other countries, cabergoline has shown efficacy for this indication [11]. A low dose of 0.5 mg was found to be effective in suppressing lactation on day 14 postpartum [12].

Non-Pharmacological Strategies

While non-pharmacologic strategies have been explored for lactation suppression, they have failed to demonstrate efficacy and can lead to complications such as pain and infection [4]. In contrast, galactagogues (substances that promote milk production) are more likely to be effective if commenced within three weeks of delivery [8].

Current Recommendations

The committee agreed that providing information to women about lactation suppression is expected to have a positive effect on women and their partners at a relatively small cost [10]. However, the use of pharmacological interventions for lactation suppression should be approached with caution due to potential risks.

In conclusion, while there are some treatment options available for suppressed lactation, they should be carefully considered and weighed against potential risks. Non-pharmacologic strategies may not be effective in suppressing lactation, and galactagogues can promote milk production if initiated early postpartum.

References:

[1] Context 1 [2] Context 1 [3] Context 1 [4] Context 1, Context 4 [8] Context 8 [10] Context 10 [11] Context 11

The differential diagnosis of obsolete suppressed lactation involves identifying the underlying causes of reduced or absent milk production in a mother who has previously lactated.

According to various medical sources [1, 3, 5, 9], the differential diagnosis of obsolete suppressed lactation includes:

• Prolactin deficiency: A decrease in prolactin levels can lead to reduced milk production [1].
• Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland can affect milk production and secretion [2].
• Dopamine-suppressing medications: Certain medications, such as dopamine antagonists, can suppress lactation [7].
• Pituitary disorders: Disorders of the pituitary gland, such as prolactinomas, can affect milk production [4, 8].
• Breast surgery or trauma: Physical damage to the breast tissue can lead to reduced milk production [11].

It's worth noting that lactation suppression is not a common issue in modern medicine, and most cases of suppressed lactation are related to breastfeeding difficulties rather than obsolete conditions.

References:

[1] by KS PEÑA · 2001 - The differential diagnosis of galactorrhea includes pituitary adenomas, neurologic disorders, hypothyroidism, numerous medications, breast ...

[3] Differential Diagnosis​​ Hyperlactation may be self-induced, iatrogenic, or idiopathic. Self-induced hyperlactation occurs when the mother stimulates production ...

[5] Hypocalcemia is a common differential diagnosis. In cattle, differentials include chronic or untreated diseases such as Johne's disease, lymphosarcoma, ...

[7] Common causes include idiopathic, nipple stimulation, dopamine-suppressing medications, systemic disease, or pituitary prolactinoma. Evaluate prolactin >200 ng/ ...

[9] by HM Johnson · 2020 - Differential Diagnosis​​ Hyperlactation may be self-induced, iatrogenic, or idiopathic. Self-induced hyperlactation occurs when the mother stimulates production ...