BF after a breast reduction?

heidilyn22

Hi,

I don't normally post but now that I'm pregnant, I am a bit worried about my ability to breastfeed because I had a breast reduction 6 or 7 years ago. At the time, I was told I'd have a 50/50 chance of being able to, but now I'm worried chances aren't even that good. Just wondering if anyone out there has had success breastfeeding after a reduction? Thanks!

danactabor

I have no experience but here is a link...

https://www.bfar.org/reduction.shtml

stahlop

I've had two friends that have had breast reductions, one was able to breastfeed, the other wasn't.  It may just be a wait and see scenario.

heidilyn22

Thanks to you both!

Kcirar726

I had a reduction about 12 yrs ago. When i had my daughter six years ago, I was kind of weary about weather or not I would be able to. I wish I had done my research because I now believe I would have been more successful if I had been more prepared. I didnt try very hard to get her to latch, and when I pumped I only got a little bit, so I gave up pretty quickly. This time I am researching as much as I can in hopes that I have a bettter understanding of what I need to do, such as trying to breastfeed right after birth if possible and getting as much help from the lc at the hospital as I can. Also Im going to read more books on the subject, and I took a class last night. I teacher said that if youve had a reduction to let them know in the hospital so they know what your working with to help you out. Good luck to you

jodi*andy

If you want to breastfeed, you can.  You may not have a full supply of milk, but you can still do plenty of other things for breastfeeding.  Please, please, please check out the bfar.org website and join the forums.  The women there are wonderful and will give you so much information about how to start and continue breastfeeding.  I had a reduction 10 years ago and breastfed my daughter until she was 21 months.  I had about a 66% supply but was able to find donated breastmilk to make up the difference and we used an at-breast supplementer so my daughter was able to be fed completely at the breast.  I will do the same with my second, although I'm hoping for a better supply (often happens on subsequent births).  Please let me know if you have other questions.  I am a huge breastfeeding advocate and would love to help so your reduction doesn't become a negative for your breastfeeding experience.