Jessica, the term *baseline mammogram* does not refer to a non- lactating
breast. It is simply a term used to determine what is *normal* for a
particular woman. Think of it as a photograph to identify the internal lumps
and bumps, because each woman's breasts will be unique.

There is no reason to wean. All she need to do is to have her breasts as
empty as possible.
The mother can bring her baby to her mammogram appointment. She should nurse
on one side, have the mammogram on that side, nurse on the other side, then
have that side done.

If there is a medical reason for her to get a mammogram, she needs to get
one as soon as possible. Even if she weaned cold-turkey tomorrow, there
could be a considerable delay before her breasts involuted. It can take up
to a year for a mother's breasts to completely involute after weaning, and
as many of us can attest, some women continue to make milk even longer!

Breasts are MEANT to lactate. That is their primary function. If her doctor
is uncomfortable with that, she can ask for a referral to a doctor who is
familiar with reading mammograms of normally functioning breasts.

Norma Ritter, IBCLC, RLC
Breastfeeding Matters in the Capital Region
www.NormaRitter.com

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>Mom is 40, is being urged to have a baseline mammogram "as close to age 40
as possible" and to wean 4-6 months prior.  She has a toddler who is down to
once a day, so I'm encouraging her to wean at her own pace and discuss with
her doc whether there is really any problem if she ends up having it at age
42 instead. She would like to know how long she really needs to wait after
weaning.  Given that she is not nursing much now, how long will it take for
her breasts to be "baseline"?<

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