A mother of a three month old, fully breastfed infant called today about the
chances of resuming breastfeeding after a complete break of two weeks.
Apparently a PAP smear done very early in or just before this last pregnancy
revealed some abnormal cervical cells.  The mother was referred to a
specialist after her baby was born and the specialist is recommending laser
sugery.  The physician has told the mother that she must stop nursing for
one week prior to and one week following surgery as the hormones of
lactation cause the cervix to be too vascular - that mother risks serious
bleeding if she is still nursing when the surgery is done.  Her surgery is
scheduled for the end of April.  She has been pumping and freezing so that
she will have as much breastmilk as possible for the two weeks without
breastfeeding.  She had her husband try giving the baby a bottle of her milk
yesterday and both mom and baby were miserable.  Does anyone have any
experience with this type of situation?  Do hormone levels drop that quickly
to make such a difference in vascularity of the cervix?  Isn't laser
regularly used to cauterize blood vessels in other surgery?  In order to
avoid severe engorgement, and possible mastitis or abscess, mom would have
to start gradually cutting back now - something she really doesn't want to
do - or she would have to pump to relieve fullness during the week before
surgery and that would defeat the purpose of temporary weaning.  I have to
be away from Lactnet for a couple of weeks so would appreciate any responses
emailed to me directly.  Many thanks in advance for your help!

Shirley Phillips, RN, IBCLC
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