having a mammogram...

[chocolatefix]

Hi all, I am looking for a little info on mammograms while lactating.

I had a CT scan of my lungs today (long story) and 2 nodules were seen in my left breast. My DD is down to nursing about once a day and usually nurses on the right side because my supply has always been better on that side, but about once a week my left will feel engorged and I'll nurse her on that side and it gets better. I haven't nursed her on the left in about 6 days so I'm pretty sure that the nodules are full of milk. However my doctor wants a mammogram and an ultrasound just to be sure.

What do I have to do prior to the mammogram? I thought there was something about it on kellymom but now I can't find it. I'm thinking I'll nurse her well on the left the night before then pump in the morning. Is there anyone else who has had similar "nodules" that have turned out to be nothing?

Thanks,
Monica
-- for two years and counting! and

[MaryJaneLouise]

The only thing you need to do is empty your breast as best you can right before the mammogram. Also, tell the mammo tech that you are lactating and to put that in your record. The radiologist needs to know that when reading the x-rays. There is NO need to wean, even temporarily. There is absolutely no residual bad effect to your child from the x-ray.

http://www.kellymom.com/health/meds/radioisotopes.html

[gini1313]

I had a mammogram while breastfeeding alot more than it sounds like you are. I had ds with me and nursed him right before going in for it. I have heard they can have a hard time reading them if you are lactating, but there wasn't any problem with mine.

And, I didn't have any nodules in my breast, but I do know lots of other women who have had nodules that wound up being nothing, so don't sweat it until you have a reason to, K? Easy for me to say, but I have btdt

[emilysmama]

I also had a successful mammogram when I was breastfeeding more often than you. What I did is after I changed into the oh-so-attractive hospital gown, I told the technician that I was still nursing and asked her to put me in a room where I could pump right before my turn for imaging. The best thing is to bring your child (and another adult to watch the child during the procedure), so that the child can empty your breasts. I did that, but my child refused to nurse. Fortunately, I had my pump with me and I emptied the breasts as best I could that way. There was no problem with the image quality.