My name is Anne Altshuler.  Hearing about LACTNET at the ILCA meeting
inspired me to venture into the world of computer sharing (with the help of
my computer-wise sons, ages 15, 12 and 12).  I am a pediatric clinical
nurse specialist by background and taught pediatric nursing to both diploma
and baccalaureate and graduate students.  At that time I had no expertise
in breastfeeding issues, though I wanted to be supportive.  Since I had my
own children I have been a La Leche League leader, currently of a group of
mothers all nursing twins.  I don't work for pay right now, but will some
day again.  I became an IBCLC this past fall.  I am active at the state and
local levels in breastfeeding support coalitions because I believe in it
passionately.  I have an interest in the way breastfeeding is portrayed (or
not) in children's books, and am working to try to make some changes in
this area.  I'm really looking forward to this new experience of sharing
over the internet.
        I wonder if anyone has experience that might help with the
following recent call I received:  a childbirth educator has a first time
mother-to-be in her class, age 41, who had a previous lumpectomy for breast
cancer.    The family practice physician advised the mother not to
breastfeed because he believed the operated breast would develop mastitis
in any severed ducts.  She had tentatively wanted to try nursing on the
unoperated breast.  My own feeling is that she could be encouraged to try
it out, with close and supportive following by an LC.  I don't see why she
couldn't try both breasts.  How would it be any different from having
breast reduction surgery?  I suggested she could discuss it with her
original surgeon, who would know just what areas were involved.  The baby
could be carefully watched for weight gain, and the mother could be
informed about signs and care of breast infections.  But wouldn't it be
nice to support and encourage her in this natural and healthy way of
nurturing her baby and healing herself?
Does anyone know of mothers who have successfully breastfed after
mastectomy or lumpectomy?  What concerns or problems should be watched for?
 The childbirth teacher who called me did not know how long ago the surgery
occurred.

Anne Altshuler
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