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**