A manual of midwifery / by Alfred Lewis Galabin.

Date:
1904
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: A manual of midwifery / by Alfred Lewis Galabin. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. The original may be consulted at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

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    CHAPTER XLII. DISEASES OF THE BREAST. Galactorrhcea.—Some excess in the quantity of normal milk at tlie commencement of lactation is not uncommon. The excess then generally escapes spontaneously. An equilibrium is usually soon attained tlirongh the increased appetite of the infant; and the only treatment necessary is to limit somewhat the amount of li(]uid taken and keep the bowels acting rather freely by means of salines. M'lie term “ galactorrhoca ” is applied to those cases in which there is not only a persistent excess of milk, but the milk itself is thin and deficient in solids. This is generally a sign that the woman is in a debilitated condition, and unfit for suckling. Continual escape of such a thin secretion has been observed, not only in nursing women, but sometimes in those who have weaned, or have not snekled, or even during pregnancy. Jiemlts.—Tlie strength is soon reduced by the drain upon the system. Tliere is generally loss of flesh. Shortness of breath and other signs of amcmia (piickly appear. Some impairment of sight is common. IMithisis may supervene, and lead to a fatal result. 'I'lie infant also does not tlirive upon the poor milk. Sometimes menstruation returns in conjunction with the galactorrhcoa, and may be excessive in quantity. The exhausting effect is then increased. Treatment.—The child should be weaned, both for its own sake and the mother’s, ff the flow of milk still persists after suckling has been discontinued, gentle continuous pressure should be made upon the breasts. This may be carried out in the manner described at p. 305. At the same time glycerine of belladonna* may be applied to the breasts, or belladonna or atropia may be given internally. If these means do not readily succeed, a few full doses (gr. x.—xx.) of iodide of potassium may be given. To recruit the strength, tonics, especially iron and quinine, and change of air are desirable. Deficient secretion of milk.—In the absence of any febrile disturbance, a deficient secretion of milk generally depends upon some constitutional state not to be remedied by drugs. So long as