Nursing After Breast Reduction Surgery

Hi T.!

It is ABSOLUTELY possible to breastfeed after a breast reduction. I had over 10 lbs. taken off when I was 17 - I was told that I had "macro-mastia" which meant that my breast tissue was very dense or a lot "heavier" than normal. The doctor said that it was less than 2% fat - which made sense because I was not heavy. I questioned my surgeon at the time whether or not I would be able to breastfeed and I was told that most likely I would be able to. I had my daughter right before I turned 26 and my husband and I were absolutely thrilled that I WAS able to breastfeed. As a matter of fact, I did so until she was 18 mos. old. I am not sure how all surgeries are done - I've never checked into it, but my nipple was completely removed and reattached and I was still able to nurse. My best advice would be to talk to your surgeon, but also, if you are suffering from very large breasts - don't put it off.

Hope this helps!! Lots of luck!!

L. F.

Well with my surgery it was the case. I had it done when I was 19- HORRIBLE- and I had a wonderful doctor too. I had my first when I was 25, I tried (they said you always try, but in my case, my boobs only got big for one day & maybe two drops came out) & the good thing my daughter wasn't wanting it- so it made the feeling of not being able too better. I felt it was meant to be. I tried again with my second two years later & nothing happened again. So from my surgery your question would be true. GOOD luck though!!!!

I looked into breast reduction surgery when I was in my early 20's. One of the things the plastic surgeon stressed to me was that your breast tissue is cut and there could possibly be permanent damage to the ducts etc making it difficult if not impossible to nurse. He recommended that I wait until I was done having kids before I had surgery. I am so glad that I listened to his advice because I have been able to successfully breast feed both of my kids. Plus, if you wait then you can have the inevitable "post nursing lift and reduction."

I do believe it is possible, but have heard it is harder than after a breast augmentation. If you need a nursing support group, I am a member of one called For Babies Sake and led by a Professioinal Lactation Consultant. It is free. There is a yahoo group by that name for online questions and we also meet, face to face every Tuesday night at 7pm at S. Arlington Church of Christ @ 830 Eden Rd. Arlington 76001.

It is not true. You can nurse after breast reduction surgery. Some types of procedures make it more possible than others. The biggest problem is low milk supply, so you would definitely want to work with a lactation consultant and do your research. One of my dearest friends had a reduction when she was in high school and recently had her first baby. Nursing is going very well. She did a TON of preparation. She read a book that helped a lot. I'm not sure of the name. If you are interested I will ask her. Just let me know!

I checked in to reduciton after the birth of my son who is now 5, the doctor advised me to wait as well until i was done having kids. i had not desire to breastfeed, as i did not with my son, but just in case i needed too. During the consult he stated that i would have to have so much tissue removed, they would most likely not be able to reconstruct but breast so i would be able to.
The best thing do is contact a dr and go to a consultation. He/She will be the only one who can give you the best advise....not trying to offend mommas!

Talking to a surgeon is definitely going to be your best bet for accurate info, but my understanding has always been that nursing after a reduction is much less likely because actual breast tissue is removed the ducts are damaged (conversely, an augmentation goes under the muscle and breast tissue is not affected). I too am looking forward to getting a reduction, but am waiting until I'm completely done having kids so as the other lady mentioned, I can get a nice lift with the reduction. My mom had a reduction 3 years ago from a surgeon here in fort worth with excellent results, and breasts are his specialty if you want a name for a consult...

I have not had a reduction BUT i did have a Breast Augmentation. I had implants put under the muscle...they cut under the breast to insert the implants.

6 years later I had a baby...I had a TERRIBLE time trying to produce milk. Only the top party of the breast would produce milk...the bottom half would not. i do have loss of sensation at the bottom part of the breasts from the opperation so maybe that is why. i am assumeing nerve damamge!

I was only able to get 1 oz TOTAL from my breasts. But with hard work pumping and drinking Mothers Milk Tea and taking Fenegreek herb and Reglen tablets I was able to produce 6 oz total from my breasts. Something was better than nothing!

It wasnt much but it was still good for her and we of course had to suplement with formula. I pumped extra so when she stopped breast feeding I would have some in case she got sick.

Even if you dont produce much like in my case there are things to help milk production so dont give up hope on breast feeding just because you only get a few drops at first.

Everyone is different so this is not necessarily true for everyone. I've personally known 2 women who have nursed (one exclusively the other supplemented) with success. It had it's moments of struggle for both, but they stuck to it. Both got a lot of support from their La Leche League moms. I'd suggest you give them a call or attend a meeting (you don't have to be a member and the meetings are free). Working with an LC (I had supply issues), she recommended this website: http://bfar.org/. www.kellymom.com is also a great resource. Hope this helps!

It is different for every momma, some can amd some can't and there is no way to know before surgery.

It completely depends on how your surgeon did the reduction. Get a copy of your surgical report & discuss with your care provider. There is an AWESOME website out there www.bfar.org that is very helpful. You may also want to have a breastfeeding educator or IBCLC assist you in the beginning of your nursing experience.

Good Luck!

T.,
I was unable to breastfeed my child after having a breast reduction. But I got my reduction back when they still took your nipples off and completely severed your duct/glands. This significantly decreases the chances but does not eliminate it. The lactation consultant I worked with said the newer surgeries often did not detach the nipples and have better success w/ breastfeeding. Also, I was not told this, but I took allegra-D for my allergies when I was prego and The "D" part or the decongestant causes milk suppression! I will try again w/ my next child and see what happens.

Not everyone is the same and I'm sure it all depends on how the surgery is done, but I do have a good friend who had breast reduction surgery due to back issues about 3 years ago and she is now very happily and easily nursing her one month old son.