Human milk line

Extra (supernumerary or accessory) nipples or breast tissue • KellyMom.com

by Kelly Bonyata, BS, IBCLC

Extra nipples or breast tissue is fairly common (1-6% of women) and is a result of incomplete regression of the mammary ridge (milk line) during the development of the embryo before birth.

What causes this? Extra breast tissue is a common developmental variation in human anatomy. Breast development begins around week four of gestation, with two parallel lines of glandular tissue called the milk line (or mammary ridge) extending from slightly beyond the underarm area, down the chest and abdomen, to the groin area and ending near the groin at the inner sides of the thighs (see figure). Breasts eventually develop from these lines of tissue, and the remaining tissue regresses. Occasionally, there is an incomplete regression of the mammary ridge during embryo development, and extra (supernumerary) nipples and/or breast tissue forms, usually along this line but occasionally in other parts of the body. This can occur in both males and females. An extra nipple, areola, and/or glandular tissue may be present anywhere along this line (a nipple without glandular tissue is most common), and it is not at all unusual to have more than one.

What is typical when it comes to extra breast tissue? The term hypermastia (or polymastia, or ectopic breast tissue) refers to the presence of accessory mammary tissue in addition to the two main glands. It can occur in a number of different forms. Some examples include:

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breast tissue with a nipple and areola
breast tissue with a nipple but no areola
breast tissue without a nipple (hyperadenia)
nipple without glandular tissue (hyperthelia or polythelia)
areola without nipple or glandular tissue
an ectopic milk duct that leaks milk through the skin without visible breast tissue or nipple

Extra nipples usually occur right below the breasts or in the underarm area, and extra mammary tissue is usually located in the underarm area. Most studies show extra nipples to be more common in males, and they can sometimes run in families.

Accessory, or supernumerary, breast tissue is not functionally connected to the breast at all, even though it may be near the breast, in the underarm area or anywhere else along the milk line. This is different than the breast tissue that normally extends into the underarm area, called the Tail of Spence (see figure), which is connected to the main ductal system of the breast.

What does it look like? Accessory breast tissue can appear as a complete breast if both a nipple, areola, and glandular tissue are present. If mammary tissue without a nipple or areola is present, it may appear as a lump or swelling under the skin. An accessory nipple may look like a freckle, a mole or a dimple, or it may look like a typical nipple (though it is usually smaller). Often, accessory nipples or breast tissue are not noticed until hormonal changes make them more apparent. Sometimes a new mom will not know she has accessory breast tissue until she notices milk dripping from a “freckle” or pore in the skin.

What happens during pregnancy & lactation? The hormonal changes during pregnancy and lactation can cause accessory breast tissue to increase in size and/or produce milk. You may also experience fluctuating swelling and/or tenderness (this may also occur during adolescence and/or menstruation). Accessory nipples and areolas may darken. If you experience skin irritation when clothing rubs against an accessory nipple, try covering it with a bandaid or gauze.

As with any breast tissue, accessory breast tissue can become engorged at the beginning of lactation, and may leak milk. Accessory breast tissue does not typically produce much milk, and does not interfere with breastfeeding. The usual methods for easing engorgement can be helpful. If the extra breast tissue is not drained by a ductal system (so that no milk can leak or be expressed), comfort measures such as cold compresses can help until the extra tissue involutes and stops producing milk. Mothers with leaking milk from accessory nipples have found that a breast pad or sometimes just a bandaid can be effective for catching leaks. As with any leaking, applying pressure straight in toward the chest may help stop the leaking.

Uncommon problems: Since this is breast tissue, it has the potential for the same problems as any other breast tissue, including inflammation, mastitis, abscesses, cysts, benign lumps, or malignant changes. The accessory nipple or breast tissue can be surgically removed, but this is not necessary unless it is causing problems. Some people do have accessory breast tissue or nipples removed for cosmetic reasons.

Excuse Me, But Is That A Third Boob In My Armpit?

Supernumerary Nipple by Aryeh Metzker, MD, from Medscape

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Breastfeeding Products | products for breastfeeding |

There are many baby care products, accessories and clothes on the market. But which ones are really necessary for breastfeeding? More on this in our helpful list.

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If you are planning to breastfeed, the right kit will make it so much easier. However, it is not so easy to understand which accessories are really needed for this, and which ones can be dispensed with. To help you, we have divided the whole breastfeeding period into several stages, as your needs are likely to change over time. In addition, we asked breastfeeding moms for tips and tricks on the most useful nursing accessories.

Breastfeeding supplies for the early days

The first few days after your baby is born can be stressful, so it's best to prepare ahead of time. Here are some things you're sure to need, whether you're staying in the hospital for a few days or heading straight home:

nursing bras, nursing night bras and nursing tops;
nursing nightgowns or pajamas;
breastfeeding pillow;
disposable or reusable bra pads;
diapers;
nipple remedy for dry skin and cracks;
shapers* for flat or inverted nipples;
book on breastfeeding;
contacts of a lactation consultant, supervising doctor or hotline.

If you are having trouble breastfeeding, your lactation consultant or healthcare provider may recommend the following accessories:

Nursing pads* if your baby cannot latch on or your nipples are sore. Do not use nursing pads for a long time. If you have any problems or pain, contact your lactation consultant or your healthcare provider.

Breast pump** to relieve symptoms of breast swelling and/or stimulate milk production.
Some mums like to use the cooling hydrogel pads* which provide relief in the first days after delivery, especially when milk begins to flow.

Nursing Tips

“Pillows help a lot to support your back, legs and arms. I also need bra pads in case of milk leaks, a nursing bra and loose tops for quick access to the breasts (I converted regular quality bras into nursing bras that better support the breasts). And we also used a sling all the time,” advises Zaria, a mother of two from South Africa.

“Hydrogel pads were my number one product. They were given to me in the first days of breastfeeding, so I never had sore or cracked nipples. I highly recommend hydrogel pads and buy them for anyone who plans to breastfeed,” shares her experience Camilla, a mother from Australia.

“You absolutely need someone to bring you something to drink. I kept forgetting to prepare myself a glass of water before feeding!” says Meg, mother of two from France.

Thermos to drink hot while sitting in bed. Delicious food and light snacks. My mother-in-law cooked me amazing beef stew and delicious pancakes (I had to eat well!). A pillow to put the baby on because I didn't have the strength to hold it. A comfortable chair, a nightlight for feeding at night and a pillow to sit on (I had stitches - not a pleasant feeling!) ”advises Felicia, a mother of two from the UK.

“A caring spouse, girlfriend or grandmother to bring tea and anything else you might need while you sit and feed. And also an e-book to read with one hand!” says Julie, a mom from Spain.

Initial Breastfeeding Supplies

You and your baby will likely get comfortable with breastfeeding in the first couple of weeks. Feeding will occur frequently and take a long time. Here are some tools that will make your life easier and make breastfeeding more comfortable as your milk production begins to stabilize:

feeding chair;
breastfeeding mobile application;
disposable or reusable bra pads;
breast milk collection pads*;
Large stock of healthy snacks, drinks and ways to pass the time.

Sooner or later you will get bored with the comfort of home and want to start walking with your baby. For tips on breastfeeding outside the home, see our article on breastfeeding in public.

Tips for breastfeeding moms

“For me, the most useful things were breastfeeding bras, disposable bra pads and large diapers to wipe up leaking milk, cover the baby or cover the chest. With cracked nipples, I saved myself with lanolin cream, and loose tops and cardigans made the feeding process easier, ”says Tatiana, mother of three children from Switzerland.

“I find the most useful accessory to be a good quality U-shaped breastfeeding pillow. I also had a rocking chair, in which, at a certain inclination, it was very convenient for me to feed the child. To relax, I always listened to music,” says Violeta, a mother from Romania.

“A sports water bottle that doesn't leak, even when open, so you can put it next to you on a sofa or bed. And also an application to track feedings and remind me which breast I fed last time, ”says Francesca, a mother from the UK.

“Breast milk collection pads that are placed inside a bra to collect leaking milk. I had an overabundance of milk, that was the only way I was saved, ”says Lisa-Maria, a mother of two from Switzerland.

“I really liked the D-ring feeding cover to cover my baby and not distract him when feeding outside the house. The slightly rocking chair turned out to be a great alternative to outrageously expensive rocking chairs. Reusable bra pads, in my opinion, perfectly absorb milk, and diapers, as it turns out, can be used in a thousand ways. I regret that I didn’t buy the Medela Easy Expression bustier, it would have been much easier to pump with it!” says Camilla, a mother from Australia.

Breastfeeding accessories for pumping

During breastfeeding, you may need a breast pump to express your milk. The right type of breast pump depends on the individual case and how much milk you want to get. If you plan to express milk regularly, you may also need:

steam sterilizer, cold water sterilizer, or microwave sterilization bags;
breast milk storage bags;
bustier top for hands-free pumping;
cool bag.

Advice for breastfeeding moms

“At first, when I thought my breasts were about to explode, I used the Medela Electronic Breast Pump** just to get rid of excess milk without overstimulating my breasts. He made my life a lot easier,” says Tatiana, a mother of three from Switzerland.

“I used a Medela Freestyle Dual Electronic Breastpump** to increase my milk supply and fixed it with an Easy Expression bustier to keep my hands free. It turned out to be a wonderful decision,” says Amy, a mother from the UK.

Read instructions before use. Consult a specialist about possible contraindications.

* RU No. FZ 2010/07352 dated 07/19/2010

** RU No. FZ 2010/06525 dated 03/17/2021

Guidelines for breastfeeding a child.

Home » Information for patients

The benefits of breastfeeding for the baby.

Most parents are well aware of the benefits of breastfeeding for term babies. Just as important, if not more so, is breast milk for premature babies. To date, it is known that the milk of mothers who have given birth prematurely has a special composition and differs from the milk of women who have carried the pregnancy to term, as it contains in large quantities substances called enzymes that contribute to the development of the immature stomach and intestines of the child. In addition, these enzymes break down the nutrients in milk and reduce the chance that a child will develop a food intolerance.

An important benefit of mother's milk is that it provides protection against infections.

This is important because children have limited ability to fight off bacteria and viruses on their own.

Mother's milk contains many specialized protective factors, including antibodies, that protect babies from infection.

Some substances found in breast milk form a protective layer on the surface of the intestine and prevent bacteria and viruses from entering the bloodstream.

Other compounds kill microorganisms directly or prevent their growth. Some of the nutrients found in milk can perform both of these tasks at the same time.

These substances may continue to protect the baby from infection even when the baby is no longer receiving breast milk.

Breast milk contains anti-inflammatory agents that help protect the baby's delicate intestinal tissues from swelling and irritation. These compounds are believed to prevent the development of serious intestinal pathology in children.

Breast milk is the main source of nutrition for children. The milk of a mother who gave birth prematurely contains much more protein, the need for which in a premature baby is much higher than in a full-term baby. Of particular importance is the type of fat contained in breast milk.

During the first or second day there is very little milk, only a few drops of a yellowish color. This "early" milk is called colostrum. Even a small dose of it contains a large amount of substances that help protect the child from infection. Therefore, for feeding, you should collect any, even

very small quantities of milk. Over the next few days, the milk will gradually start to increase in volume, and its color and consistency will change.

Because even small amounts of mother's milk can have a significant impact on a baby's health, it is important to start breastfeeding as soon as possible after delivery.

Maternal nutrition and well-being

Almost all mothers are concerned about whether they are eating properly in order to provide their baby with good milk. However, it should be emphasized that the milk that is produced in the mother's body will be nutritious, even if her diet is not ideal.

But in the process of milk production in the body, the reserves of some nutrients can be depleted, and in order to fill the needs of the mother's body, it is necessary to continue taking vitamins specially designed for lactating women.

Diet does not affect the quality of milk, but it may cause a decrease in its quantity, especially if the lack of appetite is mainly due to stress and anxiety.

Mom should not forget about her diet by filling out a diary every day, where the volume of milk is noted.

Mothers should consult their doctor before taking any medications or supplements. The neonatologist will recommend drugs that are compatible with breastfeeding and, if necessary, will consult with other specialists on this issue.

First breastfeeding and breastfeeding

The baby's general health will determine when breastfeeding can begin. There are no specific parameters for the weight or age of the child, which will allow you to say when the baby can be attached to the breast. The ability to start breastfeeding is determined by the newborn's ability to suck and swallow.

Breastfeeding positions, baby clothes

Keep the baby's head, shoulders and torso in a straight line and use the hand that holds the head to bring it closer to the breast. The child's arms should be separated and placed around the mother's chest, and his nose should

touch the surface of the breast. The other hand must hold the chest.

Two postures are particularly comfortable: the soccer ball hold and the lateral support. Both of them allow the mother to grasp the baby's head with one hand and support the breast with the other. A pillow under her forearm will help her relax her shoulders and back, and possibly allow her milk to flow more freely.

The first method allows you to better control the position of the baby's head and check whether he takes the breast correctly. It is worth trying this position if the mother is worried that the baby is very small and the breasts are large, and also if the mother is experiencing abdominal pain after a caesarean section.

Football Hold

* Place a pillow to your side to support your elbow and baby's lower body. Place the baby's head in the palm of your hand.

* Raise the baby's head to chest level.

* Support the base of the baby's head with your thumb and forefinger.

* If the baby does not seem to like it, put a soft blanket between your arm and the baby's head as a pad.

Lateral Holding Position

Lateral Holding Position is another comfortable feeding position for the baby, while the mother controls the position of the baby's head and can better see how he takes the breast.

* Hold the baby's head on your forearm perpendicular to your body, opposite the breast from which he will suckle.

* The baby will be in the same position as normal motion sickness, but you can use your other hand to hold him.

* The baby should be at chest level with the whole body pressed against the mother.

The baby does not need to be swaddled tightly - just a diaper and cap is sufficient. An undershirt is not needed because the skin of the mother's breasts is warm, the mother's skin temperature can be around 37 ° C, as heat is generated during milk production. To protect the child from heat loss, you can cover him with a blanket from above.

How to know if your baby is getting enough breast milk

Milk intake can be determined using a procedure called weighing. The baby is weighed on a very accurate scale just before and after breastfeeding. The difference between a baby's weight before and after a feed (measured in grams) is the amount of milk (measured in cubic centimeters, or milliliters) that the baby gets during a feed. For example, if the difference between the weight of the child before and after feeding is 30 grams, this indicates that he sucked 30 ml of milk from the breast. However, it should be remembered that when weighing before and after breastfeeding, the baby must be in the same clothes, which will accurately measure the amount of milk consumed. Changing the diaper between two weighings will result in inaccurate measurements.

How to make sure your baby is breastfeeding correctly

The way your baby latch is one of the most important factors in determining the success of breastfeeding. For proper latch-on, the baby's mouth should be positioned over the milk sinuses, which are about 2.5 to 4 cm deeper than the nipple. With this arrangement, the baby will receive more milk, this will help to avoid pain in the mother during feeding and prevent the formation of nipple cracks.

Gently lift and support the chest so that the thumb is on top of the chest and the other fingers are below, well below the areola. This position is called "C-capture".

Lightly tap the baby's bottom lip with the nipple down a few times.