Anyone able to bf after nipple relocation (breast uplift)

[FoxyRoxy]

As the title says really. I was wondering if anyone had experience of successful bfing after having this sort of surgery. I didn't bf ds1 for a number of reasons (lack of support etc) and I had an uplift 6 years ago where my nipples were moved and my areola reduced. It didn't even cross my mind that I'd have another baby so I didn't ask about how it would affect bfing but I've since found out that this sort of procedure can make bfing impossible due to the milk ducts being severed.

Any advice or experiences would be really helpful.

My sister had this operation and was told she would be unable to bf. Because they reposition the nipples I can see why bf would be impossible.

I haven't had an uplift but have discussed it with several reputable surgeons as I currently have implants and am likely to need an uplift in the future. They have all said its certainly possible to breastfeed after an uplift but it can't be guaranteed. Apparently the milk ducts can regenerate/repair themselves after surgery, particularly in response to breastfeeding.

Certainly from what I know supply can be a problem, but there are ways to help that.

I think you would just need to wait and see what happens.

The further from surgery and more nipple sensation you have the more likely your chances of being able to bf successfully after this. Ten years plus is the most likely but there are mums who have fed successfully after a much shorter time.

Might be worth talking to mw about antenatal expression of colostrum and hospital grade pump loan.

I had a breast reduction about 15 years ago which involved nipple relocation and areola reduction. I am typing this one handed while breastfeeding 8 week old DS1, so yes, it is possible!

It hasn't been the smoothest of starts as it took a while for my supply to increase to meet his demand (as midori said, supply can be an issue. I was told that while it was possible I might be able to breastfeed it was highly unlikely I'd produce enough milk). I was topping up with formula for the first 5 weeks, but sheer bloody minded determination (and paracetamol - they hurt when he's sucking on empty!) got me through the 6 week feeding frenzy without resorting to top ups, my supply increased accordingly and DS has been exclusively breastfed since

I was told that there are two different surgical methods for relocation, one of which involves severing the ducts and one which doesn't, so it might be worth seeing if you can contact the hospital/your surgeon to find out which one you had. Having said that I believe it's very rare that the one which severs the ducts is used these days so it's likely yours are intact.

Good luck!

I haven't had any experience, I was just reading to see if anyone had linked to this site. Hopefully it will help you out a bit.

Some breastfeeding counsellors have experience dealing with situations like yours so it's worth talking to your local NCT, LLL etc before your baby arrives to see what support they can give you.

Best of luck :)

I had a reduction and relocation and have a two year old helping herself as we speak. Had no problems whatsoever. They do their best not to cut or damage the ducts.

Thanks for all your replies! I guess it's a matter of wait and see, I don't live in the uk anymore so not sure what sort of help is available here but I've got a couple of good friends who are bf support in the uk so hopefully I can lean on them for support.

I'll have a proper look online for info too, thanks for the link EauRouge