Post Breast Reduction Nursing

karboss · October 2014

Any moms out there? I had my surgery about 18 years ago. In hindsight, I should have waited. I wasn't done growing and it seems my wonder boobs have grown back--and bigger than before! Anyway, of course, there is no way to know if I will be able to nurse until I know! It'll even happen or it won't. I don't know anyone else who has had a reduction pre baby. I'm wondering if anyone has any success or advice.

alie78_80 · October 2014

I would post this on the breastfeeding board. I know there used to be some on there that were able to BF after having surgery (but it's been over a year since I've really been on that board). I think it depends on how the surgery was done.

Ginja85 · October 2014

It truly depends on how your surgery was done. I'm in the same boat had a reduction at 18 & was back to a G cup at 21. Mine was done as a "donut lift" 2 circular cuts & removal of excess tissue. From what I've read if you still have sensation in your nipples & areola you have a good chance at breastfeeding.

Cliffhaven · October 2014

I had a reduction in 2005 and was not able to breast feed my newborn daughter in 2007. I had the "lollipop" version of the surgery. In the end, it was still the right decision for me - I love having smaller boobs (I am a competitive equestrian so big boobs were painful and awkward) and my daughter did great on formula. As an additional bonus, the bottle feeding meant my husband and I were able to share the middle of the night feeding duties. This time around I will be going back to work full time very soon after our little one is born so bottle feeding will ease that transition as well.
If I had any advice it would be don't best yourself up if you can't breast feed - nothing much you can do about it and formula is not satan milk, lol!!

Suesse2009 · October 2014

It really does depend on how it was done. I would see a lactation consultant even before your baby is born to have a plan already in place.

karboss · October 2014

Thank you ladies. I appreciate the info.

newmom1989 · October 2014

My sister and mom both had breast reductions, they were not able to breast feed because of them. However I agree just depends on the surgeon! Good luck!

Lyndsey13 · October 2014

I don't have any experience myself but I donated milk to a lady that had had a reduction in high school. She was able to breastfeed some but not enough, so she relied on donated milk for the rest. I also think she got in the trap of worrying that her body wasn't making enough so she was only pumping. I think the only true way to know is if your baby isn't growing enough, which emotionally is really hard to do. Definitely speak to a good lactation consultant before you give birth.

yanaortiz · October 2014

I had a breast reduction after what I thought was my last child 14 years ago. I just had a other little one 5 months ago, I managed to get some milk. I was told to pump as much as I could before I had him to stimulate the nerves. Don't give up hope, it's worth a try. I'm due again with another in april and I'm hoping to breast feed that one as well.

karboss · October 2014

Thanks for all the info ladies. I probably would not have thought to contact a lactation consultant before birth. I'll look into that for the 3rd trimester to help me get started.

pnutg · October 2014

I had a reduction in 2011 and was able to bf but only did it for 10 weeks. It was SO painful due to clogged ducts that never drained. My OB and lactation consultant said it was a result of the way my surgery was performed. I cried almost every feeding. Even my LC urged me to stop, so I did. I definitely made milk though. I hope you have better luck!

fro88 · October 2014

exact opposite (had breast augmentation when I was younger after some medical issues) but was told similar things to PP.... depends on how the surgeon handled it. I am hoping that I will be able to BF, but have told hubby from the get go that I may not be able to, and if I can't I need him to be supportive.

SuperFudge00 · October 2014

I can't give you the technique that was used on me 15 years ago, but the nipple was never detached. All of the anatomy of my nipples are intact and I was assured that I would be able to breastfeed.

SuperFudge00 · October 2014

Thanks for the post! This prompted a call to the LC at the hospital I'll be delivering at. She said 50/50 that I'll be able to breast feed depending on the composition of the tissue removed, whether or not ducts repaired or new pathways developed.

This was a big blow. I never put much thought beyond the doc saying I'd be able to BF

Cliffhaven · October 2014

I distinctly remember crying while cranking the hospital breast pump up all the way and somehow feeling I was a failure as a mother for being unable to breast feed.

I wonder how many post partum depressions this dilemma contributes to

I actually think some (ok many) of the hospital LC's are deranged lunatics. And I am a physician and do not take devaluing my colleagues lightly.

This time around I have promised myself to focus on the big picture: formula is a wonderful, healthy option with its own set of advantages and holy cow I grew a human and that is amazing. Who cares if my boobs are not fountains of abundance. I am awesome anyway

)

So that's my advice: really don't let yourself get obsessed with or upset about breast feeding. Focus in the big picture. And keep those Lactation Consultants on a short leash!!

karboss · October 2014

Thanks ladies. I would like to BF but I'm not a crazy lunatic about it. I promised myself I would not allow myself to feel bad if it didn't happen. Formula is a heathy alternative. The one thing that hoes through my mind is that BFing is so much cheaper! Ha!!

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