Has anyone breast fed after a breast reduction?
I had a breast reduction when I was 17 years old. They did not have to remove my nipples, they stayed attached but the doctors warned me that I may not be able to breastfeed. Now that I am trying to have a baby and I want to breastfeed I’m afraid that I won’t be able to. Has anyone experienced this?
I had a breast reduction 1 year and nearly 2 months before our son was born. I was totally discouraged to breastfeed, even the lactation consultant told me it would be pretty much in vain, I would never produce enough milk. So I foolishly listened to these negative comments, and formula fed, all the while feeling a sense of loss with not breast feeding.
The worst you can do is try to breast feed, if you can do it [which you have a high chance] then all the power to you. If you cannot, it is unfortunate, but I would breastfeed as much as possible and only supplement with formula.
With our second baby due in September, I am determined to breast feed.
No experience personally, but two of my friends have. One was able to nurse without supplementing, and the other was able to supply about half her son’s caloric needs and had a great nursing relationship.
Check out BFAR (link below) for lots of information and support.
I had a breast reduction about 6 years before my first child was born. At the time of my surgery I was told there was a 50% chance of not being able to breast feed at all and if I could it would probably be just 50% of what was needed. There are different ways that the surgery can be performed so I cannot say for sure that mine was the same as yours. Because of my history I worked very closely with my doctor, but ultimately I was not able to breast feed at all. I tried again with my second child and was again unable. I know someone else has linked bfar.org for you, and I suggest you go to that site for more information, many women are able to though many are not.