Moms with a breast reduction: Could you breastfeed?

Question

I'm a size 30 G and my upper back pain, coupled with having to pay $150 for a bra that fits right and $70/hour massages, I'm considering a breast reduction. I have one 5-month-old and pregnant with my next. I'm planning to have a large family -7 kids- and I do want to breastfeed all of them. Actually, I couldn't breastfeed the first but I pumped and bottled and I'm weaning him now.

I just saw someone's answer on YA saying she couldn't breastfeed b/c of a breast reduction, she wasn't producing enough milk b/c of it. I've never heard this before so...

I was wondering if other moms had a breast reduction - - could you breastfeed, and if so did you have enough milk? And what was it like? And any other info you think might help me.

I really hope there are a few ppl out there who went through this so I can get some answers!!!

Thanks!

Answer 1

I feel your pain, literally. I am a 34H and can't wait to be done with kids so I can get a reduction done. I have talked to several women that were unable to breastfeed because of reduction. I only plan 2-3 kids so am going to wait it out. I have had good luck with bras around $70 or so though. I only have 2. Nordstrom and Dillards carry some of the odd sizes.

I dream of having nice small B size b*****s that fit in shirts properly some day. I also want them back in the right spot.

Answer 2

I had a breast reduction 5 years ago, and just had a baby in June.  I was not able to breastfeed, because my milk supply was compromised by the surgery.  

MORE INFO:  I tried to breastfeed right from the beginning.  My baby would nurse for 1-2 hours at a time, and still cry because she was not getting enough milk.  After about a week, I saw a certified lactation specialist.  We tried pumping, and discovered that I had a very, VERY low milk supply-I could maybe supply her with a 3 ounce bottle once a day (!!!).  So, I started supplementing with formula.  Because she wasn't getting enough milk from the breast, my daughter was getting frustrated and started to refuse the breast in favor of the bottle (which gave her a GUARANTEED supply of nourishment).  So, I now primarily bottle-feed.  She will occasionally want to nurse, so I'll put her to the breast whenever she wants it.  But, it's more for comfort than for nourishment.  Hope this helps!

Answer 3

Women can and do breastfeed.  The chances depend on the procedure you get.

Check out:

http://www.bfar.org

http://www.breasthealthonline.org

I was a 38J and went to a 38C Feb 2006.