My husband, an OB/GYN, said that there could be a theoretical argument
for the mucosa not healing as rapidly during lactation because of the
different hormone levels at the time.  He felt that, if it was not
causing the mother much pain, the repair could concievably be postponed,
but that, if it is bothering her alot, it should be done while she is
still nursing.

What concerns me, and my husband agreed, is if the doctor in question is
the same one that delivered the baby and did the poor job of repair in
the first place.  There may be times that 4th degree lacerations are
unavoidable, but many are the result of mismanagement on the part of the
physician.  It sounds to me like maybe this mother should find a
different doctor.  Perhaps he is not even a board certified OB/GYN.  We
have GP in our area who masquerades as being qualified to do OB who has
a 40% C-section rate, as well as an extremely high rate of 3rd and 4th
degree lacerations.  I would like to see him run out of town on a rail,
but the hospital refuses to take away his priveledges, even though they
know he operates outside of an acceptable standard of care!

By the way, Heidi, it would sure be nice if there was a "common sense"
course in medical school!  I could go on an on about that, but I guess I
better not get started!

Aloha,
Darillyn