Results of microbial testing exploring the etiology of deep breast pain during lactation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of nonrandomized trials.

Introduction: Controversy over the etiology of deep or burning breast pain during lactation continues to persist, despite a long history of published studies and case reports. This article reviews the literature exploring the etiology of deep breast pain, summarizes the results, and identifies possible explanations for the controversies surrounding this disorder.

Methods: A clinical query and a librarian-assisted search of MEDLINE were used to find articles published between 1896 and 2010.

An update on the recognition and management of lactational breast inflammation.

Inflammation of the breast (mastitis) with or without infection or redness has a variety of etiologies and presentations that range from the fairly benign blocked duct to the more serious breast abscess. True infectious mastitis can present in a manner that is easily identifiable, or it can present in a subtle and ambiguous fashion. Some women are challenged with recurrent mastitis, and often the underlying etiology is never discovered.

A family practice breastfeeding education pilot program: an observational, descriptive study.

Background: The United States Preventive Services Task Force found that effective interventions for extending breastfeeding duration are generally begun during the prenatal period, provide ongoing support for patients and combine information with face-to-face guidance. A 2001 literature review had similar findings but also found that employing a lactation consultant in the clinical setting may increase breastfeeding duration rates. Thus, a program was developed at a family practice office that employed a lactation consultant and followed the American Academy of Pediatrics' "Ten Steps to Support Parents' Choice to Breastfeed Their Baby.

Delayed lactogenesis II: a comparison of four cases.

Lactogenesis II is the onset of copious milk production (i.e., the milk "coming in"), which usually occurs between 30 to 40 hours postpartum.