Dear Judy
So-called fibrocystic breast disease is a very common phenomenon in
women. It is not really a disease (the words give all sorts of nasty
connotations). Some researchers suggest that it should be referred to
as Aberrations of Normal Development and Involution (ANDI).

There is absolutely no contraindication to breastfeeding. I have had
one or two women who felt that pre-existing cysts in their breasts
predisposed them to blocked ducts, but they could manage them with
the usual range of treatments.
If your client wants to try to reduce her incidence of these lumps or
cysts, she could try the following:
Dietary changes - less tea, coffee, cola, chocolate (horrors!!) - all
of which contain methyxanthines. Nicotine and tyramine-rich foods
have also been related to these breast changes.
Vitamin E and evening primrose oil have been used with some success,
but I have no studies relating to pregnant or lactating women.

Of course, women with fibrocystic breast changes can also get breast
cancer (although the two conditions are not related, and fibrocystic
changes do not lead to cancer). If the woman has new lumps, they may
be examined by an experienced surgeon plus or minus ultrasound or
fine needle biopsy to ensure they are innocent.

Hope this helps
Fiona


Fiona Coombes MBBS IBCLC               [log in to unmask]
Lactation Consultant, Family Physician
Perth Western Australia