Some women breastfeed successfully after these surgeries, while others have difficulty producing enough milk to exclusively breastfeed. Here are some things to keep in mind. Luckily, new techniques help surgeons protect some of the parts of the breast that make milk. Discussing your goals for breastfeeding after your breast reduction surgery ahead of time can help your surgeon adjust their techniques to give you the best outcome possible.
After having had breast reduction surgery, take extra care to get breastfeeding off to a strong start and build your milk supply. While any form of breast surgery carries some risk that ducts and nerves may be damaged, most women have successful experiences when breastfeeding with implants.
Like in breast reduction surgery, surgical techniques are constantly evolving and improving outcomes for women who wish to breastfeed after these procedures. Surgical reduction of the breasts can damage nerves and milk-producing ducts and glands, making breastfeeding difficult. If your nipple and areola are still attached to the breast tissue beneath them, there's a good chance you'll be able to nurse. However, if the nipple was removed and then placed on a reconstructed breast, damage to the nerves, milk ducts, and breast tissue may limit your milk flow and diminish sensation in your nipples.
Nerves are vital to breastfeeding because they trigger the release of prolactin and oxytocin, two hormones that affect milk production and letdown. In general, the longer it's been since the surgery, the more sensation you're likely to have in your nipple and areola and the more milk you're likely to produce. You won't know exactly how your milk supply is affected until you start trying to nurse. If you still have feeling in the nipple, you have a much better chance of having a full supply.
Ask a lactation expert for guidance and support. Also let your baby's doctor know about your surgery. She'll need to keep a close eye on your baby's weight gain to make sure he's getting enough to eat.
Learn how to tell if your baby's getting enough milk. On the third day postpartum, you can try pumping for five minutes on each breast after every nursing session to help build your milk supply. It's likely that you'll need to use a fully automated pump that pumps both breasts at once to stimulate your letdown reflex. If you're able to produce only part of the milk your baby needs, you'll need to supplement with banked breast milk or formula.
Some mothers who have had radiotherapy after a partial mastectomy may be able to partially breastfeed on the affected side as well. Ongoing contact with a breastfeeding counsellor or lactation consultant after the birth can help to ensure that breastfeeding is going well. Contact a breastfeeding counsellor either via email or telephone. You can search for a private lactation consultant in your area on the Lactation Consultants of Australia and New Zealand website or International Lactation Consultant Association website.
Breastfeeding: Breast and Nipple Care tells you what to expect as your breasts change during pregnancy and briefly covers how breastfeeding works. The information on this website does not replace advice from your health care providers. Breastfeeding after breast surgery When pregnant, many women who have had breast surgery eg breast reduction or breast augmentation are concerned about how it may affect breastfeeding.
Some mothers find that they: Can breastfeed fully ie without the need to supplement. A galactagogue might help depending on the reason for a low supply Can partially breastfeed ie with the need to supplement somewhat. For further information Contact a breastfeeding counsellor either via email or telephone.
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