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Associations Between Variations In Breast Anatomy And Early Breastfeeding Challenges, Alison K. Ventura, Brittany Lore, Olga Mireles
Associations Between Variations In Breast Anatomy And Early Breastfeeding Challenges, Alison K. Ventura, Brittany Lore, Olga Mireles
Kinesiology and Public Health
Background: Mothers with anatomic variability (e.g., shorter, wider nipples; denser areolas) may experience breastfeeding challenges disproportionately.
Research aim: To examine whether variations in breast anatomy are associated with risk for early breastfeeding challenges.
Methods: Participants included mothers < 6 weeks postpartum. Nipple base width, nipple length, and areolar density were measured on the right and left breast separately. Experiences with early breastfeeding challenges were determined through a combination of maternal report and clinical assessment.
Results: Participants (N = 119) had an average nipple diameter of 23.4 (SD = 3.0) mm for left nipples and 23.5 (SD = 3.0) mm for right nipples (range = 10–34 mm). Average nipple length was 8.5 (SD = 3.2) mm for left breasts and 9.1 (SD = 3.2) mm for right breasts (range = 5–20 mm); 35% of participants had dense areolas …