trying to breastfeed after a core biopsy...

3 days ago I had a needle core biopsy done in an area right next to the nipple.  The day of the biopsy there was a fair amount of blood and a lot of milk that leaked out of the biopsy site.  After 24 hours the leaking had stopped, however the wound has not healed.  Now 72 hours later, milk is again leaking out fairly consistantly as it did on the first day...and now tapering off again.  My radiologist tends to think that I need to stop  nursing on that side in order for the wound to heal, however I have been warned by 2 lactation consultants not to stop nursing????

I have read some articles that these particular wounds can take weeks to heal, is that right?

I'm also reading that milk leaking out of the biopsy site can be a good thing?  

Does this sound lik a milk fistula, or just the normal healing process?  If so, are milk fistula's a problem?

Nursing is of the utmost importance to me, as my son is ony 4 months old.  Any suggestions/advice to keep breastfeeding going would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Jessica RD, LD

[japdip]

In my opinion you are taking a risk by breast feeding with the open wound. This is certainly going to delay the healing and also you are inviting infection. I think you would be wise to follow the Physician's recommendation over anyone else's in this matter.