breastfeeding and breast reductions

BETSRN · May 21, 2005

Hi. My name is Mandi. I'm not sure if I posted this in the right place so, I apologize if I put it in the wrong place. Anyways, I have a question about breastfeeding after a breast reduction. Is it possible to be able to breastfeed if you have had a breast reduction in the past.. My surgeon told me that I would have a 90% chance of successfully being able to breastfeed. He just suggested that I wait at least 2 years before becoming pregnant. Just wondering what other opinions are..

As it is with anyone having had reduction...............it's a wait and see game. You breastfeed and wait and see if there is adequate weight gain, etc. NO one can tell you for sure if you will be able to produce enough milk for exclusive breastfeeding. But as I always tell all my patients, ANY amount of breastmilk is better than none at all.

It all depends on the type of surgery, where the scars are, did they take off and replace your nipple, how much nerve tissue was cut, etc. That's why you wait and see.

Best of luck.

Betsy RNC IBCLC (board certified lactation consultant)

Zhlake · May 21, 2005

ITA with Bets. I have seen some with reductions breastfeed with very little difficulty at all, and then others that have had to supplement quite a bit.

Hook up with a good LC so that you can have regular follow up while breastfeeding. It will help put your mind at ease.

mitchsmom · May 21, 2005

I agree with the above.

You can also find a lot more information from the following website:

Breastfeeding After Reduction:

http://www.bfar.org/

The website ownder is Diana West, who is pretty much the "guru" on BFAR. I have seen her speak and she's very knowledgeable. She also wrote a book on BFAR that I highly recommend if you are seeking more information:

Defining Your Own Success: Breastfeeding After Breast Reduction Surgery

http://www.bfar.org/book.shtml

or at amazon at (you can see reviews here too): http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0912500867/103-7024251-9582228?v=glance

There is also a BFAR email list if you want more back and forth dialog on BFAR:

http://www.bfar.org/lists.php

Best wishes, hope that helps!

SmilingBluEyes · May 21, 2005

I successfully breastfed two kids in excess of a year post reduction. It CAN work!

Faeriewand, ASN, RN · May 21, 2005

Hi. My name is Mandi. I'm not sure if I posted this in the right place so, I apologize if I put it in the wrong place. Anyways, I have a question about breastfeeding after a breast reduction. Is it possible to be able to breastfeed if you have had a breast reduction in the past.. My surgeon told me that I would have a 90% chance of successfully being able to breastfeed. He just suggested that I wait at least 2 years before becoming pregnant. Just wondering what other opinions are..

I breastfed all my children. Before I had the last one I had a breast reduction. I wish I had waited to have my last child before I went in and had the surgery. I was still able to breast feed my last one but the milk production was cut by about 50%. My other children were in the 90th percentile for weight and my last one was always in the 30th percentile. I could feel the blocked milk ducts that had been cut in surgery swelling everytime I began to breastfeed my baby. Because I had been so used to producing way more milk than my baby needed, I was unprepared for the fact that the procedure would cut milk production and make me feel uncomfortable. I had only heard positive comments on breastfeeding after a reduction and I just wish I had all the facts so that I could have made a more informed decision.

Also, When I got pregnant with my last child my breasts became large again. Now ten years have passed and my size is as it was BEFORE the reduction and I think to myself what did I go thru all that pain for if it wasn't going to do me any good? I just wasn't well informed I think. Its good to know all the pro's and con's before you go in. If someone had told me I wasn't going to be able to move my arms after surgery I would have appreciated it so that I would have been prepared. There should be no surprises in a situation like that. This was my experience. Only you can decide what is best for you. I think I rushed into it when I should have waited. Even tho I had thought about it for years.

I got all my information on breast reduction from reading magazine articles by people who got reductions, by watching television and listening to what people had to say who had reductions and by talking to relatives of mine who had reductions and encouraged me to do so. I just wanted to add that. That was before I went in to talk to my doctor. Not one person mentioned the negatives which would have made the story more complete.

Get as much information as you can so you can make the best decision for yourself and good luck to you.

Sleepy_Princess · May 24, 2005

I had breast reduction 2 years ago. During the surgery, I had some complications, and my left nipple had to be removed and grafted back on. I was told that I would be unable to breastfeed. I just had my first child 5 weeks ago, and I was not planning on being able to provide my little one with any breast milk. However, I was totally shocked when I started leaking colostrum out of the nipple with no "plumbing" when I was 8 months pregnant. I met with a LC in the hospital, and she told me to give it a try. Obvioulsy, my milk supply has been compromised by the surgery, so I have only been able to supplement the formula with it. I'm proof that it is possible--even with a graft. I would just put a lot of thought into it before having the surgery if you are passionate about breastfeeding because things happen that you don't expect. When I lost bloodflow to my nipple during the procedure, I also lost the ability to breastfeed normally. So, you have to weigh the risks.