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Nursing on treated breast?

Page last modified on: September 17, 2008
Question from Alannaconroy: I'm finally pregnant and thrilled. Now my hope is to be able to breastfeed. I had a lumpectomy and radiation. Any advice on things I can do to increase the chances on nursing on that breast?
Answer —Leslie Schover, Ph.D.: I think that the statistics say that about a quarter of women who've had lumpectomy and radiation can nurse on that breast. The treatment does not affect being able to nurse from an untreated breast, if there was no surgery or radiation on the other side. In general, keep on trying on both sides, because sometimes it takes a while for the milk glands to start producing. Stimulation of the nipple by the baby's mouth can help increase milk production if you're patient and keep trying. Some results may depend on how much radiation the breast received, however.

On Wednesday, September 10, 2008, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Fertility and Pregnancy. Kutluk Oktay, M.D. and Leslie Schover, Ph.D. answered your questions about breast cancer treatments that can affect your fertility, options for preserving your fertility, being treated for breast cancer while pregnant, and more.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Kutluk Oktay, M.D.Kutluk Oktay, M.D. is a professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology and the director of the Division of Reproductive Medicine & Infertility at New York Medical College.

Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D.Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D. is a renowned psychologist with a special interest in helping people resolve or manage their sexual problems, especially those problems connected with a chronic illness such as cancer.

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