Breast feeding after previous breast surgery

[maxxie12]

For various reasons, I had a bilateral breast reduction when I was 14 years old. I'm now 32 and am 30 weeks pregnant with my first baby. I would really like to be able to breast feed.

Do you think it will be possible?
Is there anything I can do now to increase my chances of being able to breast feed?

Thanks for your help

[Pinky McKay]

Hi Maxxie,
Although it is difficult to predict what sort of breastfeeding experience you will have - there seem to be wide variations of experience after a reduction mammoplasy - it can depend a lot on what sort of surgical procedure you had.

I personally have known a couple of women who breastfed long term after breast reduction but this did require frequent feeding - millk "production" wasnt affected as babies gained weight satisfactorily, but milk storage capacity seemed to be affected, hence babies needing to be fed more often.

If you had the less intrusive procedure known as an 'inferior pedicle' or central cone technique where the nipple and areola complex is left intact( including ducts and nerve endings - nipple sensitivity is important to milk production and ducts need to eb able to drain to the nipple to make milk available to your baby), you will have a much better chance of breastfeeding. Given your age and the timing of surgery this is probably what you have had done.

On the other hand, if there has been severance of the nerves and ducts around the nipple, this will probably affect breastfeeding significantly.

It would be best to see a lactation consultant before you have your baby to have your breasts assessed and discuss your options as they apply specifically to you - from extra stimulation to enhance milk supply; management of your breasts to prevent engorgement and mastitis; and possible use of a device such as a supply line if you also need to supplement with formula. It would be good to have this support after your baby is born and to also have your baby closely monitored until you get feeding established - whether this is complete breastfeeding, or breastfeeding with supplements.

Best wishes,
Pinky