Breastfeeding post lumpectomy

[CardiganBlobby]

Hi ladies - looking for some experiences from those who have had lumpectomy-type surgery and tried to breastfeed afterwards.

I had 2 lumpectomies earlier this year following discovery of a lump and some cancerous cells (all thankfully resolved now). The surgery was done quite close to the nipple, and from what I have read and discussed with the surgeon this could cause some issues when trying to breastfeed in the future.

I am now about 14 weeks pregnant, and hoping to try and breastfeed when the baby arrives, so just looking for any stories to help me try and understand what I might expect. I understand everyone is a bit different, but any input would be very helpful for me.

Hello,

Congratulations!

I had a lumpectomy about 6 years prior to having my babies, only on one side, the incision was around my nipple so some milk ducts and nerves were damaged. However, I still managed to produce milk although it was much less than the other side. I pumped for my DS for 5 months and supplemented with formula and I’m currently EBF my newborn but obviously if my supply can’t keep up I may need to supplement again. However much breastmilk you can offer is amazing and I made peace with the fact that sadly I may not have the ability to produce all the milk my babies require but I’m giving them what I can and I know every ounce is full of benefits. Many women BF from one breast and it’s all about luck who knows maybe you’ll manage splendidly!

I know someone who successfully breastfed from one breast having had a mastectomy on the other side. I'd suggest you get in touch with the le Leche league I'm sure they'll be able to support you further xx

Thanks so much for the replies - you have given me a little more hope than I had. I was actually talking to the consultant about this last week, who also noted that milk supply could be much lower on the affected side. She mentioned that mastitis could be an issue @Salpal2 is that something you had at all?

Le Leche League is a good shout - I will definitely look into that and see whether getting in touch just now would be of benefit.

You should definitely be hopeful and give it a go if it’s truly what you want! I think it’s important to note that even with two normal breasts BF is tough at the beginning for some people especially if you’ve had a difficult birth, I was rushed back to hospital after my son was born and ended up with mastitis, he was also tongue tied, in the end I decided pumping was the best option for us and supplementing with formula, I wish I knew about all the things I know now such as breast compressions and hand expression etc. Hard to say if it was my circumstances or the surgery that caused the mastitis, with my current baby I haven’t suffered from a blocked duct or anything. The breast that isn’t affected you can increase your supply in it by pumping after feeds, that’s what I did for the first few weeks, combination feeding is my back up plan if I can’t keep up with his feeds, however so far he is putting on weight and seems okay!

Hello op, I had a large lump removed from my breast about 4 years before I got pregnant, the scar line is right on my nipple and I've breastfed my dd with absolutely zero issues from the beginning, still going now and she's almost 2 years old

Thanks @Salpal2 - that's really useful to hear your experience. I think I may invest in a pump too for use on the other breast.

Definitely interesting that you didn't have issues with the second baby and that @Henio was similar - perhaps it might have something to do with a good amount of time passing since the surgery. Baby is arriving in late May for me, so about 13 months after my lumpectomy so will be interesting to see how it goes for me.

@Henio - it's great to hear you had no issues, my surgery sounds very similar to yours with the scar on the nipple. Hopefully I will replicate some of your success too.

I know breastfeeding is hard even without any issues like this so I am hoping I will be able to keep going until it clicks.