Breastfeeding after Breast Reduction, can it happen?

amberhoothoot · September 2010

Hi Ladies,

Just wondering if anyone has tried to breast feed after having a breast reduction.

I had a really good surgeon at age 21, most all feeling in left nipple, some feeling in right nipple. Now TTC at age 28.

Just wanted to hear your stories. It's really important to me that I try to BF, but i know it may not be possible.

Anyone here have any luck with it?

koosh ball · September 2010

Be sure to check out BFAR : https://bfar.org/

bsktbllqt11 · September 2010

I think it depends on each individual, but one of my best friends had a breast reduction when she was 18 and just had her baby this past June. She wanted to breastfeed, and attempted to but she never seemed to be getting enough. Turns out it just a little longer for her milk to come in than normal so its worth a try! Ditto on the LC, they were really helpful.

Good luck!

Jaffytaffy · September 2010

I've read that goat's rue helps people who have had breast reduction surgery to produce enough milk as it stimulates the development of mammary tissue, but don't take it while pregnant.

https://www.motherlove.com/product/543-Goats-Rue-Capsules.html

ejh090305 · October 2010

I am currently 30. I had a Breast Reduction at age 21 as well. Best decicison I made for myself at the time. They didn't have to completely remove my nipples. They stayed attached and just moved them. I have full feeling in my nipples but numbness on my sides under my arms.

Age 28 had a 6 week premature baby. She was in the Nicu for 15 days. We were very lucky it was just that long, but the pump and I didn't get along. She wouldn't latch and got used to the bottle. I could pump no more than 3 oz at a time. I did this for 6 weeks and my supply disappeared. I was really down on myself for getting the breast reduction and ruining the bonding with my baby girl. I had to do what was best for her though. I also was instruced to add Neosure formula to her breastmilk to make it higher calorie. So I had to pump anyway.

Now I just had our 2nd baby and I am EBF. The LC said to take 3 caps of Fenugreek 3X day. Nurse on demand for as long as she likes any time she likes. Be close to her always and your body will respond. We did have to supplement a little bit first out of the hospital as my milk came in on the 5th day and she was losing weight but we stopped supplementing at all before week 3. I've also got about 100oz + of BM in the freezer and working part-time, I make more than enough milk just pumping on the days I work to send to daycare the days she goes and every morning as she sleeps through the night and I'll make more overnight than she'll eat. So I've had to start freezing the fresh and using the old.

Long story but it IS possible. Breastfeeding is a lot of work but so worth it.

amberhoothoot · October 2010

Thanks for all the info ladies. It was truly helpful. I also had the surgery at 21. Nipples stayed attached but you never know how the ducts may have been cut. Sounds like it is possible for most but is MUCH more difficult. I think I'll be willing to do the work. At 6 weeks though, I'm so tired, that even laundry seems like a daunting task...lol.

Want a personalized experience?

Breastfeeding after Breast Reduction, can it happen?

Re: Breastfeeding after Breast Reduction, can it happen?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards