Please search the archives on this as there has been lots of good info on
how to avoid weaning in this situation.

I would also remind this mother that she has a right to a second opinion.
Clearly this MD is NOT breastfeeding friendly. Perhaps someone knows someone
local to her that is more bf friendly? Has he read Lawrence or the
Breastfeeding Answer Book on this subject? Lawrence states on pg. 259 "It's
( "it" being a milk cyst or galactocele)presence does not require cessation
of the lactation."

Barring ability to change doctors, she should ask the doctor a few more
WHY's! After his initial response about "milk fissures" (Why would leaking
breastmilk be detrimental to the healing of incisions) she needed to ask,
"And WHY are milk fissures a problem, how many cases have you handled like
this, is there medical research to document the problems you cite?" Why is
lactating contraindicated in needle biopsy? Show me the medical protocol
that states this. Why are the risks of formula feeding less than the risks
of continuing to lactate?

Worst case scenario she could cease to nurse from the affected breast and
nurse one-sided -- again, WHY would she have to discontinue lactation
completely for a Milk cyst?

If the MD is worried about recurrence mom can counter with breastfeeding
management techniques -- lecithin, breast massage, even pumping if
necessary... cabbage, checking sleeping position (continued pressure on that
side some moms have seen increases plugged duct problems) purse/diaper bag
strap position, bra-lines cutting into that area aggravating situation, etc.
etc. etc.

I would highly recommend getting a second opinion and finding a surgeon
skilled in operating on breasts, especially lactating breasts, so that this
MD doesn't cut things that need not be cut, etc. or convince her to wean!

aLLLways,
Anne