Question:
Can post-ops breastfeed?

I am only 9 months out and know I have a way to go before conceiving but this question has been burning me. Are we post-ops allowed to breastfeed? Will we produce quality milk for a newborn? Would it be too much of a strain on our already nutritionally deprived bodies?    — KDFJones (posted on May 24, 2006)

May 24, 2006
I am 3 years post op and had a baby 10 months ago. I breastfed her (and pumped) for about 6 months. As for your question, there are many factors to play into successful conception, birth, and breastfeeding...a post op patient just needs to be very aware of them and communicate closely with your physician/mid-wife. Physiologically you should be able to breastfeed and produce milk after pregnancy, however there are several considerations. Wait to concieve until you have lost the majority of your weight and have somewhat stabilized (usually about 18 months after surgery). Then, prior to conception make sure you have a thorough exam and blood work, and let your doctor know you are trying to conceive. They will most likely order special blood tests prior to conceiving and through-out your pregnancy to make sure you have adequate nutrition/supplementation and aren't deficient in key areas such as folic acid, iron, calcium, etc. I worked with a dietician prior to, and through-out my pregnancy to monitor my food intake and nutrition. Insurance should cover this because of your medical history. As for your question about breastfeeding, your body will take all the necessary stores from you FIRST to make sure the baby receives what it needs (the same thing that happens in pregnancy)...so you will be the one to suffer the nutritional depletion first. That said, you will need to stay well nourished (even eating more than in pregnancy) and well-hydrated to breastfeed. Your body will adjust to the new demands but it does take a lot out of you if you are not meeting your personal nutritional requirements. Having a newborn is exhausting, and breastfeeding can compound that. But it most definitely can be done and is extremely rewarding for both your baby and you. On a side note, if you are thinking about any type of reconstructive breast surgery after weight-loss and are serious about breastfeeding, you may want to hold off until after you have had all your children. While some people are able to successfully breastfeed after reductions/lifts/etc., it can make the process more difficult. In addition, if your were very large breasted prior to surgery, you may become 'deflated' after weightloss. This shouldn't impare you ability to breastfeed, but you may need to work with a lactation consultant to find the best position to feed the baby and the baby may need assistance with latching on depending on the size/shape of your breasts (this is also true of any mother...not just post ops). Good luck and feel free to email me if you have any questions.
   — angelav

May 25, 2006
My niece had 3 childres post op & breast fed each of them & they are all very healthy. Good Luck.
   — Cindy W.

May 26, 2006
I got pregnant 9m post op, and delivered a healthy term baby who I breastfed until he was 2 years old :) Best wishes! Phyllis
   — PhyllisM