Breastfeeding After Breast Reduction

Breastfeeding is a rewarding and positive choice, but it also can be challenging for anyone. Add in a history of breast reduction or other breast surgeries, and you can easily feel overwhelmed or scared. If you're thinking about breastfeeding after breast surgery, have some peace of mind knowing that is possible.

Is it Possible?

Many women mistakenly assume that breastfeeding after breast reduction or any type of breast surgery is not possible. Others think that it will cause problems and just make breastfeeding more difficult than it necessary.

Today's breast reduction surgeries can be done while keeping your milk-producing tissues intact. If your surgery didn't result in your nipple being completely removed, you have a good chance at breastfeeding. The key is preparation, knowing what to expect and understanding how to deal with any possible complications, such as a low milk supply.

Preparation

If you've had breast reduction surgery, you may experience a low milk supply. This isn't always the case, and even women who have never had any type of breast surgery often deal with this issue. If your milk ducts were damaged during surgery, it can take five years for them to completely recover. However, during pregnancy they grow back quicker. If you find you aren't producing enough milk, there are many things you can do to help stimulate more milk production. Talk to your doctor, midwife, or lactation consultant to learn about the best way to start breastfeeding.

Sufficient Milk Supply

If you think you aren't producing enough milk, consult your doctor or lactation consultant. Sometimes women don't think they're producing enough milk for their baby, when they really are. This only leads to added stress. Some ways you can know that your baby is getting a sufficient amount of milk are:

You can hear your baby swallowing as he feeds. If you watch closely, you can physically see him swallowing as well.

Once your baby is three days old, he should have six to eight wet diapers per day and two to five bowel movements.

After your baby is four days old, he should gain at least 4 to 7 ounces per week

Increasing Milk Supply

Sometimes women don't think they're producing enough milk for their baby, when they really are. If you truly are not producing enough milk, your doctor or lactation consultant will help you decide which methods are best for you.

Keeping your breasts warm and breastfeeding (or pumping) in a warm environment can help stimulate a better milk flow. Take a warm shower, and gently massage your breasts or wrap them in a moist, warm towel for a few minutes before beginning a breastfeeding (or pumping) session.

Several natural herbs are known to help increase milk production including goat's rue, fenugreek and shatavari.

Drink plenty of water. Many women have had positive results with oatmeal and barley when trying to increase their milk supply.

Finding Support

If you're trying to breastfeed after breast reduction or another type of breast surgery, there are places to find specific support for those in your shoes. You can read stories from other moms who have shared their experience at http://www.bfar.org/stories-reduction.shtml. This can be a great motivational source, even if it simply helps you realize you are not alone.

You can interact with other moms who may be going through the same dilemma at the same time at the official Breastfeeding After Breast Reduction forums. You can join at http://www.bfar.org/joinFora.php?cmd=JoinList.