Can You Get a Mammogram While Breastfeeding?

You’re breastfeeding and your body still feels unfamiliar, but you’re due for a mammogram. Or maybe you’re breastfeeding and you notice a strange lump in one of your breasts. Is it safe to schedule a mammogram? Will it hurt? Will it affect your milk? Or should you just wait until you’re done nursing?

These are common concerns many moms have, and all too often they stop women from getting timely breast imaging. But the short answer to all of these questions is yes, you can and should get a mammogram while breastfeeding if it’s needed or recommended.

To clear up confusion and bust some persistent myths about mammograms while breastfeeding, we spoke with Harriet Beth Borofsky, M.D., breast imaging specialist at Hackensack Meridian Health. Dr. Borofskiy helps women navigate breast screening during their pregnancy and breastfeeding journeys.

Is it Safe to Get a Mammogram While Breastfeeding? 

Yes, mammograms are completely safe while breastfeeding.

“Mammograms are safe and should be done during and after pregnancy in women who are of screening age, are at high risk for breast cancer or have a concern, such as a lump,” explains Dr. Borofsky. “Mammograms do not alter the milk in any way or harm your breasts.”

This applies whether you’re getting a routine screening mammogram or imaging for a specific breast concern. The radiation used in a mammogram does not affect breast milk and poses no risk to your baby. 

Should Breastfeeding Moms Ever Delay a Mammogram?

If you’re of screening age (age 40 or older) or at higher risk of breast cancer, you should not wait just because you’re breastfeeding. 

“If you delay a mammogram while breastfeeding, that could be a year, two years or even more,” says Dr. Borofsky. 

Delaying routine screening can mean missing early detection of breast cancer, especially for women in their 40s and beyond or those with a family history.

You also shouldn’t wait if you notice symptoms such as:

• A new lump
• Nipple changes or discharge
• Persistent breast pain
• Skin changes

Does Breastfeeding Affect Mammogram Results?

It’s true that breastfeeding does change the breast, but that doesn’t mean imaging isn’t useful.

“Breastfeeding will definitely make the breast enlarge, dense and may limit compression so mammograms alone may not show everything,” Dr. Borofsky explains. 

Because of this, imaging is often tailored to the specific situation.

“In some cases, a mammogram should be done in conjunction with an ultrasound,” she says, depending on why the imaging is being ordered. This combination helps providers get a clearer picture, especially when breasts are dense or engorged from milk production.

What Should You Do Before a Mammogram If You’re Breastfeeding? 

According to Dr. Borofsky, there’s one simple step that can make the experience more comfortable. 

“We encourage women to pump or nurse right before their mammogram so they’re as less engorged and as comfortable as possible,” she says.

Pumping or nursing before your mammogram appointment can:

• Help with image clarity
• Improve comfort during compression
• Reduce breast fullness

No special steps are needed after the mammogram is complete – you can go back to breastfeeding right away.

What If You Have Mastitis or a Clogged Duct?

If you have a breastfeeding complication such as mastitis (inflammation of breast tissue) or a clogged milk duct (when milk doesn’t drain properly and gets backed up), a routine screening mammogram is usually not recommended at that moment. You can wait until the mastitis or clogged duct has resolved.

“If you have mastitis, that is not the time to schedule a screening mammogram, because the breast is going to be very painful, red and swollen,” says Dr. Borofsky.

But if symptoms are concerning – like you have a persistent lump, worsening pain or a possible abscess – imaging with ultrasound may be needed.

“If you have mastitis, we may want to do an ultrasound to see if there’s an abscess,” Dr. Borofsky explains.

If you’re unsure, talk to your doctor to determine the best next step.

What to Remember About Mammograms While Breastfeeding

“There is a widely held myth that mammograms are unsafe and should not be done while breastfeeding,” says Dr. Borofsky. “Whether the myth is that a mammogram mayl somehow alter the milk – which it won’t – or harm the baby – which it won’t- all of the above are not true.”

The bottom line is that:

• Mammograms are safe during breastfeeding
• They do not affect your milk or your baby
• Do not delay screening if you’re age-appropriate or high risk
• Do not ignore symptoms such as a lump or persistent pain
• Pumping before your mammogram appointment can help with comfort
• Ultrasound may be used alongside mammography when needed

If you’re unsure what type of imaging is right for you, talk to your OBGYN or primary care provider. They can help you schedule the right imaging and connect you with a breast imaging specialist who understands the unique needs of breastfeeding women.

Next Steps & Resources

• Meet our source: Harriet Beth Borofsky, M.D.
• Make an appointment with Dr. Borofsky or a doctor near you online, or call 800-822-8905.
• Explore the radiology and imaging services and women’s health services at Hackensack Meridian Health.