Sharon writes:

>The radiology department first told her that she should stop nursing 2
>days before the [mammogram]....no reason why.  >I told her she should
>empty her breasts prior to the testing.  I also went over to radiology and
>inquired and was told, >"Oh, she should not nurse for 1 1/2 days off that
>breast being tested because of the radiation it will get"

I recently saw a surgeon who specializes in breast cancer who has a very
good reputation in my area.  He refused to order a mammogram for me because
I was still nursing;  he said that mammography would make my milk
radioactive and dangerous for the baby.  I laughed and asked him if I
needed to have my leg  X-rayed would it make my blood radioactive, too?
When I provided him with references disputing this and some of his other
questionable statements about breastfeeding,  he still wouldn't budge.  I
just made the appointment myself,  had the mammogram, and found a new
physician.    (My daughter only nurses before bed and only on one
breast...it was the other breast that needed to be imaged and I hadn't
nursed on that side for over a year.)

Could you provide the technicians in the radiology department with
information so that they could give nursing mothers more accurate advice?
I would also send copies to the radiologist, too;  he or she may not know
that  incorrect information is being given out.

Loyann Waber