Question:
Breast feeding possible after reduction?
I would like to look into having a breast lift/reduction because my breasts are hanging low after losing over 140 lbs and being 20 lbs from goal. I wear a 48DD brasier, but my breast get all folded in the cups and at the end of the day are really hurting. However, I would one day like to have children and breast feed them, so Is it possible to breast feed after reduction/lift? — Candy J. (posted on November 16, 2003)
November 16, 2003
I had a breast reduction in 1995 when my son was about a year and half old,
and I gave birth to my daughter 3/21/02, and I had no problems being able
to breastfeed. She was 3 1/2 months premature, so I started out pumping
the milk and taking it to the hospital until she could latch on. If for
some reason your milk supply doesn't seem to be enough, your doctor can
prescribe Reglan, which is used to treat nausea, and for some reason it
increases your milk supply. Hope this helps...
— Shanta N.
November 17, 2003
I work as a Lactation consultant and have seen so many mom's who are post
reduction that did not get good information from their doc's about the
possible difficulties breastfeeding after a reduction. While it is true
there are some who have no problems at all...and a majority of mom's may be
able to provide a partial supply for their babies..some mom's will not be
able to transfer any milk at all to the baby. If the ducts are cut during
the reduction...the danger is that the breasts will produce milk but there
will be no way for the milk to be removed from the breast....causing pain
for the mom and the need for possible surgery to drain the milk...this is
of course the worst case situation. Just be sure you get as much
information from your dr as possible so you can make an informed decision.
Best of luck to you! Kathy
— kathy P.
November 17, 2003
Hi there,as they have already mentioned the way they normally do the
reduction now they are not cutting the milk ducts,they leave it as intact
as possible. They kind of cut around the nipple then make a new hole for
the nipple and reattach it,make sense? LOL. Anyway,having breastfed all 3
of my babies I applaud you for taking this into consideration. It is a
wonderful thing! Good luck.
Liz
— Elizabeth S.
November 17, 2003
OOPS I meant to say I'm now a 38DD. my bad. Anywho...I'd be happy to be a
C cup.
thank you for your responses.
— Candy J.
November 19, 2003
I am also a certified lactation consultant. what Kathy said below has been
also my experience. Just about every doc says they will not sever milk
ducts, but the truth is it happens. it is truely a problem that women with
reductions might make plenty of milk, but it might not be able to get out
of the breast. a quote from the textbook breastfeeding and human lactation
by Jan Riordan and Kathleen Auerbauch "generally speaking
breastfeeding is possible following breast augmentation surgery (implants),
but usually not after reduction surgery unless feedings are supplemented;
however, exceptions occur in both instances." the next part is
paraphrased and simplified, "if the reduction is done with a pedicle
technique where the nipple and areola remain attached while the excess
tissue is reduced by removing wedges of excess tissuethe breast, ducts, and
blood supply and some nerves remain intact breastfeeding may be possible
but no data is available on the number of successes. In one study women who
had previous breast surgery had greater than a 3 fold risk of lactation
insufficiency compared with those with no breast surgery. women who had
incisions around the areola were 5 times more likely to have insufficient
milk than those with no breast surgery". so, in my opinion, you should
think very carefully if you wish to breastfeed. this surgery may make you
unable to fully breastfeed your baby, although yu might possibly be able to
partially breastfeed with supplements. some mom's will use a supplemental
nursing system to feed formula at the breast. However breast milk has
special benefits for baby that formula cannot provide including increased
immune system , reduced risk of obesity for the child in the future,
reduced risk of diabetes for baby, fewer allergies and food intolerances.
For mom It reduces your risk of osteoporosis, breast cancer , ovarian
cancer and helps you take off the pounds after the baby is born.
Breastfeeding burns about 500 - 700 additional calories a day! It may be
that knowing this you will still choose a reduction prior to childbirth.
What is important is that you go in with eyes wide open & fully
informed so you don't get a nasty surprise and big disapointment later. If
I had a reduction I would still attempt to breastfeed while being CLOSELY
followed by a certified lactation consultant to monitor baby's weight and
growth. Good luck to you in your decision making.
— **willow**
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