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April 2014 Moms
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BFing after a breast reduction?

laf83laf83 member
in April 2014 Moms
Hi! About 9 years ago I had a breast reduction, and I tried to breast feed with my DS born in Jan. 2012, but I didn't have much success at all. He latched on perfectly (despite my flat/inverted nipples); I just didn't make very much milk. I think we made it two weeks (also supplementing with formula). I was also having issues with toxemia and migraines after having him, and I'm certain that had a little bit to do with my frustration. The pump we rented from the hospital also stopped working properly and I had a major come apart threatening to chunk the pump through the window, so DH and my mom packed it away (and out of my sight)! I also must add this happened on a Saturday so we were unable to get in touch with anyone at the lactation office. All that being said, I know every little bit of breast milk a baby can get is beneficial, and I really would like to try again with this LO. I know I will have some challenges. If any of you ladies out there have had success with BFing after a breast reduction please give me your tips and advice! 
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Re: BFing after a breast reduction?

  • myschlovemyschlove member
    I didn't have a breast reduction, but I did have a lot of issues with breast-feeding. I don't know if it was because I had a C-section… They were really good about letting me nurse within 30 minutes of his birth and letting me pump to try to get things going but I still had a hard time. He also had problems latching. It took a while but eventually we got to hang of it! It's definitely worth it if you can tough it out. (I will say, I never did quite make enough and so I supplemented with formula as well and that worked for us)

    This time around I'm determined to breast-feed without having to supplement so I've been reading up on tips on getting your milk started and I'll share one of the best articles I found with that:

    https://www.llli.org/nb/nbjulaug05p142.html

    Good luck! I hope this helps :)

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  • pannkpannk member
    I've had a breast reduction (7yrs ago) and I am worried that I won't be able to breastfeed. I'm a FTM so I have no idea if it's even possible. Hopefully we can both be successful!

    Thanks to PP's for suggestions!
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  • JoelleOKJoelleOK member
    I hope you have a Le Leche League group in your area. They are like The Bump but you get to see faces every month! If the leader doesn't have personal experience with an issue they often can find somebody who did and connect you. I started attending when I was about 5 months pregnant and it was the best decision I made. I got to watch women with young babies bf (with their permission). I'd never seen it before and videos are not the same. I have had a very good bf relationship with my son. We went 2 years and 2 months.
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  • laf83laf83 member
    Thank you, ladies! @pannk, It's possible! I encourage you to give it a try. I know a lot of my frustrations had to do with other postpartum problems (migraines, toxemia). Some women who've had a reduction have had no issues, some couldn't at all...it just depends. You just have to give it a try and see. I also had to adopt the attitude that it's OKAY if it doesn't work out. I felt guilty for a little while after it didn't work out, but I just told myself that I tried, and DS was a healthy and happy formula fed baby! I still don't regret having the reduction. It's one of the best things I've ever done for myself! 
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  • laf83laf83 member
    @pannk, I also meant to add that I found some related posts over on the breastfeeding board. Check that out for more info! And good luck!
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  • slogersloger member
    I had a reduction three years ago and my doctor (plastic surgeon ) told me that I'd have a 1% chance of breast feeding. I figured I'd try and see what happens but if I can't then I can't I guess.
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  • laf83laf83 member
    @sloger, I think it depends on how the plastic surgeon did the surgery, and how much breast tissue was removed. My doctor left certain things attached (sorry, I don't know all of the technical terms!) so that it would still be a possibility. After doing some more research, I feel more optimistic about it this time. There is a really neat website with a TON of info called bfar.org. 
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  • BeezerbopBeezerbop member
    I had a reduction. I nursed my first for 8 months, but did need to supplement as she wasn't getting enough milk. With my 2nd, I lasted 3 months. Am hoping to give it another go with #3. I rented the industrial pump from the lactation consultant, which I think helped with #1. Good luck!
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