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Physiology

A woman’s breasts are rarely balanced (symmetrical). Usually, one breast is slightly larger or smaller, higher or lower, or shaped differently than the other. The nipple can be flat, round, or cylindrical in shape. The color of the nipple is determined by the thinness and pigmentation of its skin.   Read More →

Anatomy

Each breast has 15 to 20 sections, called lobes, each with many smaller lobules. The lobules end in dozens of tiny bulbs that can produce milk. Lobes, lobules and bulbs are all linked by thin tubes called ducts. These ducts lead to the nipple, which is centered in a dark area of breast skin called the areola. The areola also has oil-producing glands that secrete a lubricant to make breastfeeding easier. The spaces between the lobules and ducts are filled with fat. There are no muscles in the breast, but muscles lie under each breast and cover the ribs   Read More →

Breastfeeding

For hundreds of thousands of years, humans, like all other mammals, fed their young milk. Before the twentieth century, alternatives to breastfeeding were rare. Attempts in 15th century Europe to use cow or goat milk were not very positive. In the 18th century, flour or cereal mixed with broth was introduced as substitutes for breastfeeding, but this did not have a favorable outcome, either. True commercial infant formulas appeared on the market in the mid 19th Century but their use did not become widespread until after WWII.   Read More →

Diseases of Breast

Don’t panic, when your find a lump or discharge on your breast self exam (BSE), chances are it is harmless, the breast tissue changes with the release of hormones during the menstrual cycle and lumps can come and go. If at any stage a lump is found, do not try and squeeze it or interfere with it in any way. Consult with your doctor or health care providerwho will carry out a professional examination and make a referral to a specialist if necessary who will probably want to perform more detailed tests.   Read More →

Natural breast augmentation is a new procedure that transplants fat taken from your own body via liposuction to add volume to the breasts. This fat transfer technique is relatively new and there aren't very many physicians performing this procedure currently. Those who do use it though are confident in its safety and effectiveness.

This procedure is a safe and effective way to enhance the size of the breasts, while simultaneously removing fat where it's not wanted, all without invasive surgery. The best candidate for Natural Breast Enhancement is that person who has lost fullness in her breasts due to age, weight fluctuations or breast feeding, and desires an increase in size and fullness of up to 1 to 2 cup sizes.

The Natural Breast Enhancement procedure with Body-Jet Liposuction, which is also known as Water Assisted Liposuction. It is performed in-office under local anesthesia. Using a fan-shaped nozzle, pulsating water loosens fat cells from connective tissue while vital structures such as blood vessels remain mostly intact. This is performed on a donor area that is rich in fat, such as the hips, thighs, stomach, or buttocks - conveniently, places where fat removal is most desired.

Fat tissue is the most abundant source of adult stem cells, which can develop into other cell types.After harvesting the fat, adult stem cells, which differ from embryonic stem cells, will actually develop into blood vessel cells to aid the body in accepting the transplanted fat. After fat is removed from the donor site, it is carefully placed in the breast using a specialized injection cannula. The use of Body-Jet Liposuction is integral in this procedure because the fat cells from the donor site are extracted intact and can be injected back into the breast. There could be a decrease in what was initially injected due to some fat cells that do not successfully "take" but the injections will typically result in a permanent 150 cc to 250 cc, roughly 1-2 bra cup sizes, overall increase.

This breast augmentation procedure, which includes harvesting the fat from the Body-Jet Liposuction, takes approximately 4-5 hours. In comparison to traditional breast augmentation, there is less swelling and postoperative pain and bruising. Post operation,a support bra be utilized to ensure fat remains in place.

"It is important for the public to know that although there are many myths about this procedure, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons issued a policy paper supporting the safety of Natural Breast Enhancement in March, 2009," says Dr. Robert Langdon. "New techniques have made this procedure a safe and effective alternative for breast enhancement. One popular myth is that most of the fat cells die, making the procedure ineffective; however, new techniques result in 85-90% fat cell survival."

Not for candidates who are looking for a dramatic change in breast size, Natural Breast Enhancement is an excellent option for any woman who is looking to add up to 1-2 cup sizes without artificial implants.

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There are many ways to increase milk supply, even if the circumstances seem overwhelming or near impossible. The important thing is to nurse as frequently as possible and maintain a dedication and determination to breast feed.

1. Reduce your stress level. Probably the most overlooked factor of any change in the body is the lack of quality relaxation and a stress-free environment. Delegate tasks, put projects to the side until the breast milk supply is back under control. When nursing your baby, do so in a quiet room with no distractions. This is your opportunity to put your feet up for a few minutes and relax. The simple act of relaxing will encourage letdown; and at the same time there is nothing to distract the baby and make him stop nursing before he's actually full.

2. Drink plenty of water. A body that doesn't receive enough fluid intake is going to have a problem producing fluid! Drink at least a gallon of water a day. A good habit is to do this while baby is nursing; so that you do not forget.

3. Massage your breasts often. Babies will naturally knead the breast, triggering letdown. Take the time to massage your breasts while in the shower or bath, periodically throughout the day - such as when you're in the bathroom, and especially while baby is nursing. Even though the letdown may not produce a leaking breast or a spray of milk, it will still occur. This will signal to the breast that the baby is nursing more often, even if in reality he isn't. The breast will increase supply accordingly.

4. Watch your diet. A diet that consists of quick-fix food and loads of caffeine isn't good for mother or baby. As well as needing plenty of fluids, your body also needs lots of nutrients to provide a nutritious meal for your baby. For a quick snack, grab some fruit instead of a candy bar or fast food. For a nutritious, yet time-saving meal, throw something into a crock pot in the morning. At dinnertime the meal will be cooked and ready, without you having to spend time watching over it. Vitamin-rich vegetables, protein-filled meats, and hundreds of different casseroles can be prepared in a crock pot with little or no effort, saving you plenty of time.

6. Use natural herbs. Even major chain department stores now carry various types of herbs in capsule form; freshly ground herbs can be purchased at health food stores and online. Fenugreek is an excellent herb to help increase milk supply. It is an expectorant and has no side effects other than causing your milk to have a maple syrup scent. Milk Thistle is another wonderful supply enhancer, although not quite as effective as Fenugreek. There are also many brand-name teas available, such as Mother's Milk, or Mother's Milk Two for pregnant mothers who are nursing.

Take heart! There are ways to increase your milk supply or even bring back a supply that has completely dried up. Remember that your body grew your baby, and there is no better food than what your body custom-produces for your child. Formula does not provide the antibodies to illness that breast milk does, nor does it change and adjust according to the age and needs of your child like your breast milk does.

With a little effort and determination, you can overcome any breast feeding obstacle and give your child the food that Mother Nature intended!

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Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. When chemotherapy is taken by mouth or injected into a vein or muscle, the drugs enter the bloodstream and can reach cancer cells throughout the body (systemic chemotherapy). When chemotherapy is placed directly into the spinal column, an organ, or a body cavity such as the abdomen, the drugs mainly affect cancer cells in those areas (regional chemotherapy). The way the chemotherapy is given depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.

Hormone therapy
Hormone therapy is a cancer treatment that removes hormones or blocks their action and stops cancer cells from growing. Hormones are substances produced by glands in the body and circulated in the bloodstream. Some hormones can cause certain cancers to grow. If tests show that the cancer cells have places where hormones can attach (receptors), drugs, surgery, or radiation therapy are used to reduce the production of hormones or block them from working. The hormone estrogen, which makes some breast cancers grow, is made mainly by the ovaries. Treatment to stop the ovaries from making estrogen is called ovarian ablation.

Clinical trials for newer treatment
Below are the some new types of treatment that are being tested in clinical trials. Clinical trials are done to find out if new cancer treatments are safe and effective or better than the standard treatment.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy followed by surgery
High-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant
Monoclonal antibodies as adjuvant therapy
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors as adjuvant therapy

Many of today's standard treatments for cancer are based on earlier clinical trials. Patients who take part in a clinical trial may receive the standard treatment or be among the first to receive a new treatment. Clinical trials are taking place in many parts of the country. For the new treatment or want to take part in clinical trials, consult with your health care provider.