Can You Breastfeed after a Breast Reduction?
A woman’s connection to her newborn child is one of the most important aspects of her life. For many women, breastfeeding is pivotal to building strong relationship bonds with her child while providing them with proper nourishment. Sadly, some women who seek breast reduction or have undergone some form of breast enhancement before pregnancy come to realize that their surgery has impacted their ability to nurse.
What Is Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction is a type of breast surgery that reduces the size and weight of the breasts so that they are in better proportion with the patient’s body. This surgery often allows the patient to live a more comfortable lifestyle without the added strain of overly large breasts.
Candidates for breast reduction may experience significant to severe pain in their neck, shoulders, and back due to the weight of their breasts. Chafing and the emotional and physical discomfort that comes when wearing certain clothes may also contribute to candidacy.
Breast reduction is performed by removing excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin.
Does Breast Reduction Affect Breastfeeding?
Because breast reduction involves removing tissue, there is a possibility that the milk ducts can be damaged or the connection between the milk ducts and the nipples can be severed. This event is what could inhibit milk production and the ability to breastfeed at the same volume as other women. It is also possible that breast reduction severed or disrupted some of the nerves responsible for your body’s involuntary response to nursing.
How to Breastfeed After Breast Reduction?
Not all women who undergo a breast reduction experience complications with breastfeeding. In fact, most women can still breastfeed to some extent, although milk production may vary from person to person.
Women should find confidence and hope that there are communities of women experiencing similar challenges. And that they have used their shared knowledge to redefine successful breastfeeding and cultivate new ways to assist one another.
Here are a few of the many ways you can support your milk production and ability to nurse your child:
- Consult with a lactation specialist
- Take recommended natural supplements from specialist, naturopath, or nutritionist
- Consult with a woman’s health provider about possible prescription medication
- Recontextualize your definition of success (emotional contact through nursing is as important as physical)
- Find a support group
Want to Know More About Breast Reduction in Miami, FL?
Modern breast reduction techniques have significantly reduced the chance of complications during a breast reduction procedure. Most women who undergo breast reduction are still able to produce milk to some degree. Nonetheless, you may consider postponing your breast reduction until after you’ve had all your children if breastfeeding is a significant concern.
If you would like to learn more about our breast reduction or breast revision procedures, call our Miami plastic surgery center at (305) 860-0717 or use our online contact form to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mendieta.