Post Surgery Breastfeeding Help

[Annabel]

Hi

Mine is an unusual situation but certainly not unique I'm sure.  2 years ago I had a mastectomy on my left side and therefore have some concerns about breastfeeding.  I'm currently 34 weeks pregnant.  My questions generally centre around whether I will be able to produce enough milk to satisfy my baby on breast alone and any advice you may be able to give me to make this easier for me and my baby.  Would pumping be a good or a bad idea and if good how do I go about it - etc. - how much should I pump and when.

Secondly is a more selfish slant - I had a reconstruction but to my old size and therefore have to 'enhance'  :wink: my recontructed breast as my other breast has grown with pregnancy.  I am not sure if your breasts stay larger or get even larger after birth and would like some advice on perhaps being able to get the good one back to normal size?  Does it naturally go back after you have finished breast feeding or am I going to be 'enhancing' forever - or saving for a boob job on the other side?  Or would limiting breast feeding be an option?  HELP!!

Thanks very much in advance.

[isaac'smom]

Hi,

Here's an article from the La Leche League website:

http://www.lalecheleague.org/FAQ/surgery.html

You were wondering about how your breasts change during/after breastfeeding.....Personally, I found that my breasts expanded when I was breastfeeding (especially in the early days :shock: ) but as ds began to reduce the amount he was eating, they returned to their old size. I found that they are little less firm and perky (too much info?) than before pregnancy now that he is only bf once a day. Everyone is different, but that's what happened to me.

HTH!
 

[annamum]

There is a chance that the breast that had a surgery won't produce that much, as long as the scalpel cut through the milk ducts area, it depends on surgeon, where they do an incision.

Even if you experience lower milk in that breast, you can still produce enough with the other one. Women with twins are perfectly capable to satisfy their hunger nursing exclusively. I, personally, nursed my 18 month old with one breast only and she was always at the top of the charts. So, yes, this is absolutely possible.

Regarding your breast size, it is supposed to go back to normal after you  are done with nursing.

[Annabel]

Thanks for your help here.  The breast was totally removed (due to cancer) so therefore it will be one breast only - but its reassuring to know that it is possible.  Thanks