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January 2015 Moms
ncampese
member
Tubular breasts/inability to breastfeed
ncampese
member
Hi ladies!
In my search for breastfeeding information, I came across the term 'tubular breasts'.
"Tubular breasts are underdeveloped breasts. This is when a woman has insufficient breast tissue “milk producing cells” inside her breasts. This will cause her to either have no milk at all or a very low milk supply.
This condition is also called hypoplasia, tubular breast syndrome or tuberous breast."
The more reading I do, the more I feel like this may be something I have. I definitely feel like I have a mild case, in the least.
I read that this isn't really general knowledge and that a lot of medical professionals aren't even familiar with tubular breasts.
I plan on talking to my midwife next appt and hopefully, a lactation consultant in the near future. I really want to breastfeed and reading this has been disheartening :-(
Do any of you have any knowledge and or experience with this?
In my search for breastfeeding information, I came across the term 'tubular breasts'.
"Tubular breasts are underdeveloped breasts. This is when a woman has insufficient breast tissue “milk producing cells” inside her breasts. This will cause her to either have no milk at all or a very low milk supply.
This condition is also called hypoplasia, tubular breast syndrome or tuberous breast."
The more reading I do, the more I feel like this may be something I have. I definitely feel like I have a mild case, in the least.
I read that this isn't really general knowledge and that a lot of medical professionals aren't even familiar with tubular breasts.
I plan on talking to my midwife next appt and hopefully, a lactation consultant in the near future. I really want to breastfeed and reading this has been disheartening :-(
Do any of you have any knowledge and or experience with this?
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Tubular breasts/inability to breastfeed
There is nothing wrong with formula feeding. It is nutritionally adequate, your baby will thrive just fine, and you will bond without any issues, and don't let any BF'ing nazis tell you any different. BF'ing definitely has benefits, but in a developed country with safe and adequate food/water supplies, the benefits are substantially less, and more importantly, are transient in nature, and your child will not suffer for life because they weren't breastfed.
Hopefully this will make you feel better but breast size in my experience doesn't really contribute to the ability or inability to breast feed. My doctor scoffed and told me I should be fine when I brought up my lactation concerns. He was sure that I would have no problem because of the size of my breasts.
I think talking to a lactation consultant and learning as much as you can right now is a good start. Good luck!
@BookitBoo My doc scoffed at me too when I mentioned it prior to finding out about IGT. I had mentioned that they haven't changed in size or feeling and she said not to worry. Anyway, thank you!
OP, I'm in the minority here, but I don't think there's any harm in researching these things in advance. I prefer to be forewarned of a possible pitfall. Do what you think is best for your situation, although I would definitely consult with an experienced lactation consultant. Doctors have very little, if any training in BF'ing.
If you really do have tubular breasts, you can deal with it when the time comes. Until then, don't stress and stay far away from google.
No, I'm with you. I would rather be educated in all possibilities instead of being blindsided. I'm not freaking out, because there's no point in that and it accomplishes nothing but I am a obviously concerned. I will definitely seek out a LC and see what they have to say. Thanks lady!
Just remember, when you hear hooves think horse, not a zebra. Since your OP was all about the lack of breast tissue (per the definition you provided) and not on the wide set, triangular nature of your breasts I feel like most people telling you not to fret was pretty helpful and not discouraging. Of course we aren't doctors, midwives, or lactation consultants. You'll get more information from your appt Wednesday.
My advice is still: don't borrow trouble. Do you research now and talk to your doctor but there is no need to worry about it now. As naturelover said, formula is perfectly adequate.
My old OB never actually examined me, but I will have someone take a look this time around.
By posting on here, I am just trying to accumulate more information. The possibility is of concern to me but not something keeping me up at night. Nbd. I appreciate everyone taking the time to respond and being supportive.
Ugh, I hate it too. The stuff I've been reading makes it sound like it's the end of the damn world (which I know it definitely isn't!)
Dec '12 & Jan '15