Anyone breastfeed after breast reduction?

[ammblue]

Would love to hear your experience. I don't think it will be an issue as my breasts have been swelling and sometimes tender throughout my pregnancy, but the thought is in the back of my mind. Thanks!

[liz-hippymom]

i know two mamas IRW. one is my close friend , i would be happy to give you her email if you PM me. she has 7 children, all nursed with varying degrees of milk production. she uses an SNS to suppliment. another mama i met never made much at all. it really depends on the type of surgery and how many ducts were severed. good luck!

[orca]

Me! Dd is one now and we are still going strong. : It takes lots of determination and preparation, but can be done. Check out www.drjacknewman.com and read all about low supply. Get set up with Blessed thistle, fenugreek and Dom. I also used a lactaid for the first few weeks until things got going. With Ds I didn't prepare and we never got it right. I had to suppliment from day one and once he had bottles it was game over. so I strongly recommend preparing for the worst and going from there. Also, www.BFAR.org has some good info.

[smanore]

It can vary from one woman to another. I've seen more moms able to pull in full, or nearly full supplies after breast reductions. I think it's because more surgeons are getting better at preserving the integrity of the breast, ductal structure, and nipple. You'll just need to see how it goes in those first few weeks. Keep in contact with a local LC, so you can keep an eye on that supply. Of course, that's only necessary until the supply is well established (first couple of weeks). Best wishes, Sue

[ammblue]

Thanks for all the info, the website links are great! As if on cue righty was leaking (barely) for the first time at 25 weeks this week. I signed up for a BF class to help prepare. This time around should be much more bearable (provided I do produce enough liquid gold) without carrying around two milk-filled watermelons around, HA!

[RoadWorkAhead]

I was one of the lucky ones. Had full supply with DS, and had enough for twines with DD who had serious medical issues and was EBF for a full year. I made over 75 ounces a day at my peak. I received some really bad advice form an IBCLC at DS's birth, but fought it and kept a close eye on DS and sure enough did fine. With DS I occasionally used herbs and had struggles with pumping, but no problem with actual milk while together. With DD I used nothing, and had no problem pumping.

[SleepyMamaBear]

i am currently BFARing my almost 13mo dd.
PM me if you would like to talk in depth.
my suggestions, start taking goats rue at 34 weeks, 2-3 pills 3 times a day. stock up on fennugreek, and domperidone. find a local donor if you are comfortable supplimenting with donor milk instead of formula and buy at least two lact-aids.
check out BFAR.org and read the book Defining Your Own Success.
i too leaked at 20 weeks, but i really dont make much milk at all. and at a year old i have to suppliment at least 20 oz a day at the breast via SNS.
BFARing CAN be done. its just hard work. but SOOOOOOO worth it