Mammogram

I found a lump while I was nursing and they sent me for a mammogram and an ultrasound. Upon my arrival the technician told me that because I was nursing they wouldn't give me a mammogram (can't get a good reading) The ultrasound showed the lump was filled with fluid (good sign, not a solid mass). They were able to remove the fluid with a needle (sounds bad but it wasn't painful).

Good luck!

No you can't and you have to wait 6 months after stopping breastfeeding before you can have one.

Unless you think you need one or your OB/GYN has said you need one, I'd wait. I was supposed to have one while I was pregnant and my OB/GYN blanched and said, "I wouldn't do that right now." I imagine that while you're nursing it would be as painful as when you're pregnant and engorged.

But if you need one, suffer through it. Better a few minutes of pain now than to miss something that could be taken of easily.

Hope all is well!

When I had my mamogram they said I had to be done nursing for 6 mo. Don't know if thats changed or not, hope it helps.

I was told you cannot have a mammogram while nursing and that the results won't be a meaningful baseline. But nursing is good statistical breast cancer prevention, so keep up the good work!

I actually got pressure to wean my toddler to get a mammogram and I'm not even 40 (nor do I have any family history of breast cancer). Seemed a little crazy to me. Nurse as long as you want!

I was told when trying to schedule mine that you could not be pregnant or nursing within the last six months.

I had a Mammogram while nursing because they said it didn't matter but then I got a call about a shadow on my mammogram. I called my doctor and he said it was a filled milk duct nothing to worry about. I would not have one done until you finish nursing and have dried up.

Yes, you can. In fact I am due for one next year (will be my first) and will be nursing next year after delivering in January. My mom just found out she has breast cancer so because I'm at a higher risk now I asked about it. Great question!

L.,

I asked my midwife at an appointment in January. She said that I had to be finished nursing for 3 or 4 months before I could have a mammogram. She also said I couldn't be pregnant to have one either... I really wanted one since I have a high number or women in my family and am now 35. BUT, I'll have to wait since I was still nursing at the time of the appointment, and pregnant before weaning my son. You could check with your doc or midwife, but I am pretty sure it had to do with being unable to see a clear picture of the breast tissue (not possible when your milk ducts are active).

J.

OUCH! And what a mess it would make of the equipment :)

If there's a suspected problem, other tests like an MRI are more accurate anyway. Otherwise, just wait. The advice for detection of breast cancer keeps changing daily anyway, if you are reading the paper.

L.,

We just discussed this at a La Leche League meeting here in Des Moines a few months ago. If you contact some of the Des moines leaders they may be able to tell you what the other mom found out, I know they were at least able to tell her who to ask.

http://www.lllusa.org/web/DesMoinesIA.html

HTH,
SarahC

You can get a mammogram if you notice something abnormal, but they don't recommend getting a routine mammogram while nursing. The milk in the ducts obscures the rest of the breast

Ultrasound is the test they will do if something is suspected until you've been done nursing for 6 months. Then, they'll do a mammogram once you are nurse-free for 6 months. Just went through this, myself.

Make sure to check with your insurance on any other form of testing to make sure they cover it. The sonographer that did mine mentioned Breast Specific Gamma Imaging.

Good luck!

Are you having problems? If you are, then yes, you can have one, but be sure to nurse or pump right before your appointment so your breasts are as empty as possible. If you aren't having any trouble, then wait until after you are done breast feeding.

Now, there is a new type of mammogram that is non-invasive and painless (doesn't squeeze your breast), which uses no radiation called "Thermography". There is a clinic in Edina, MN that does it, but I'll bet there is someplace in Iowa as well.

I would strongly urge you not to get a standard mammogram while nursing. It will be outrageously painful and will pass along radiation to your baby (regardless of how harmless the medical field says they are).

I had multiple lumps appear during pregnancy and had to have ultrasound and mammograms when nursing to help figure out what was going on. I made sure I pumped, it was a little uncomfortable, but not unbearable. My doctor monitored them pretty close, one disappeared, and another didn't grow, we waited until after I finished nursing (nursed for a yr) and then had the lump removed. Turned out to be proteins, probably a blocked milk gland, which was good.

no.
Have you heard of thermograms? There are some good links to videos on this site... http://www.thermographyofiowa.com/

I had one done while nursing and just had to pump right before the exam. It worked well, the hospital had a special waiting room just for that so they are quite used to it! I even had a subsequent biopsy (which came out fine) and again just had to pump immediately before the procedure. It did make nursing a little painful afterwards, though.

My friend went through this a few years ago. Her doctor told her she had to be done breastfeeding for 6 months before she could have the mammogram. I would check with your doctor to be sure on how exactly.