This has been discussed endlessly on Lactnet, last year.

"The surgeon
has given orders that she may not breastfed on the breast to be
biopsied."

1. Make sure the surgeon does not do a periareolar incision for this biopsy.
Surgeons don't know, it seems, that this can compromise milk production.
Furthermore, it hurts! Make sure he knows the incision should be radial (not
circumferential) and as far from the areola as possible.

2. The mother has the right to make her own decision about this, and the
surgeon should support it.  Doctors give advice, not commandments.

3. They think there is a risk of a milk fistula if the mother continues
breastfeeding.  It makes no sense.  The milk will take the path of least
resistance to get out.  If that is through the milk pores, milk will not
flow significantly through the incision and it should heal.  Many mothers
have had this done and have healed well.

4. Is it not possible to do a needle biopsy?

Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC

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