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Pregnancy

Breastfeeding after Reduction

8 replies

tarzan · 13/07/2006 14:40

Has anybody had a breast reduction and attempted to breast fed? I have tried to get some information on it but none of it very helpful (brestfeeding counsellors included). I realise it is rather difficult if the surgery involves moving the nipples but feel you dont really know until you try. I know I will have to wait and see what happens with the milk coming in (or not) but would appreciate it if anyone knows of anyone who has any experience with this subject. I do plan on feeding with formula as well, for obvious reasons but would like to think I can try both.

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squishy · 14/07/2006 17:24

Have had a reduction and am pregnant hoping to breast feed. Also had the moving nipple surgery. Have been onto the BFAR website and ordered a book they recommend (think it's called Defining your own success). Also got a nice contact from the Breast feeding network who has had a reduction and breast fed. THe medical practitioners around here know nothing about it, so it seems to be a case of order the book; read up on it; see what preparation can be done and then see what happens...... HTH and Good luck!

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suwoo · 14/07/2006 20:55

Hi, I had a reduction 11 years ago (very young 19!!). When I was pg with DD I was feeling exactly the same as you. I was so excited when late on in pg I had some leakage!! Unfortunately I only persevered with BF for 3 days as I was super paranoid that she wasn't getting any/enough and I had problems latching her on due to my nips seemingly being too flat (poss due to surgery?) and other problems relating to the traumatic birth and my strange relationship with my breasts . I am pg again and I'm fully intending to give it another go this time, with my eyes wide open. All I can really say, girls is keep your fingers crossed and wait and see. Good luck

Suzanne

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suwoo · 14/07/2006 20:56

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squishy · 14/07/2006 21:16

There is a lot of information about things called "at breast supplementers" which seems to enable the baby to feed what they can from the breast (it seems that a common problem following reduction is less milk production) and also get formula supplemented whilst continuing with the sucking action which stimulates greater milk production.

I had mine when I was 20, also 11 years ago!! But no regrets, also have flat nipples but was told I'd have no sensation when actually I have more since than I did before.....as you say, good luck and we'll see, but I do recommend having a look at that website and they all recommend the book (have ordered it from the states - will keep you posted!)

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tarzan · 17/07/2006 13:41

Thanks. I have been onto the BFAR website, but will go back and agree it will probably pay to get one of their books. I will let you know if I find out any more as well. Good luck.

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CheesyFeet · 17/07/2006 14:01

One of the mums at our local baby group breastfed after a reduction fairly successfully. I don't know her very well and don't know her full story but I know that she had a bit of pain to start with but kept going through it. Eventually her ds stopped feeding (his choice) at about 12 months.

Sorry, probably not much help but I thought you might like a positive story .

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squishy · 18/07/2006 18:48

Thank you. I've also just heard from a BFN supporter anecdotdal evidence suggests women who have had more than 5 years between reduction and birth seem to have greater success in breastfeeding.

I am getting more and more info, will post here and if you want to arrange more detailed chat, Tarzan, we can.

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squishy · 18/07/2006 18:51

(just re-read and meant to say, thank you for the positive story, I find them very helpful!!!)

It's the heat!!! :0