There is no reason the mother has to stop breastfeeding.  If the
gynecologist thinks that this is truly something serious, it is
*unethical* and it is *malpractice* to delay the biopsy because the
mother is breastfeeding.  The fact the mother is still breastfeeding
won't alter the biopsy result, and won't matter one bit to any
diagnosis.  If she is frightened of the gynecologist, she should find
another one who is more sympathetic.  Some physicians only understand
dollars and cents (not sense).  Would you trust yourself to a surgeon
whom you cannot tell, "I am still breastfeeding"?  (It's not, after all,
like admitting to multiple murder).

I also consider it *unethical* and *malpractice* not to treat a mother
with postpartum depression unless she stops breastfeeding.  The
psychiatrists go on and on about how this is a potentially fatal
illness, and then refuse to prescribe what they themselves feel is
*essential* medication, because the mother exercises her right to make
her own decision about breastfeeding.  Do we refuse to treat patients
with emphysema because they do not stop smoking?  We urge them to stop,
but we don't deny them oxygen.  Do we refuse to treat patients with
cirrhosis because they don't stop drinking?

When will some of these mothers complain to the licencing boards?
Never, because they are often so emotionally dependent on the
psychiatrist, who lords it over them, demonstrating to all and sundry
his/her power.  I can't stand it.

If you do contact the gynecologist afterwards, you may copy this and
hand it to him/her.  That way you can blame me.

Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC