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Infant feeding

Breastfeeding after breast reduction

2 replies

goldenpineapple · 18/04/2016 17:26

I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience of this? I had a reduction about 10 years ago, and whilst I did worry at the time about not being able to breastfeed in the future, the positives far out weighed the negatives - and at 21 the idea of babies was so far off and abstract. I've never regretted it as it changed my life hugely for the better and gave me so much more confidence, but now at 14 weeks pregnant with my first, I am finding it hard not to feel worried and upset over my chances of being able to breastfeed.

What worries me most is that I lost sensation in my nipples, and from what I've read it seems that diminishes my chances. Also, since becoming pregnant, I've noticed the tips of my nipples turn white occasionally - I think it's when they're cold, although I can't feel this due to lack of sensitivity. I don't know if this means anything.

Mostly information I can find seems to state that you won't know until you try, and I'm finding this frustrating. I guess I'm looking for positive stories to give me some hope and help me feel less alone.

TIA for any advice or support.

OP posts:
Junosmum · 18/04/2016 20:36

Ok. The tips of my nipples also turn white, I haven't had a breast reduction and I'm successfully breastfeeding.

One of my friends had a breast reduction 6 years ago. It wasn't clear if she would be able to breastfeed but her 11 week old dd is now exclusively breastfed.

Try not to worry. You'll only know when baby arrives. Fwiw, i had no milk leaking from my breasts prior to delivery.

toopeoply · 18/04/2016 20:43

I had one too. Have had two children since then. The first, 3.5 yrs after the op, I struggled to feed. She didn't put on weight and after about 3 months I introduced formula. I've just had another baby, at 28 weeks unfortunately but I've been expressing like mad since she was born. My supply seems to be good and I get much more of the let down feeling than I did before. It's now 7 yrs since the op.

You are right, you won't know until you try, but it really can be done so don't worry.

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