For Women in My Situation, pt I
Posted in Whatever Wednesday and tagged with Baby, BFAR, Nursing, Surgery on 04/22/2009 01:00 am by lori
Welcome, Carnival of Breastfeeding readers! This post has been re-published.
This post is for women, so dudes, look away. If you (a male) keep reading, you might feel awkward. So, you can’t say I didn’t warn you.
Anyway, this has been something that has been on my mind for a long time. I have debated about whether or not to broadcast it to the Internet. But I have decided that when I was first dealing with this, I desperately wanted support and to be able to find answers on the Internet. So, here you go. . .
In December of 2005, I had a reduction mammoplasty, aka breast reduction (or as my husband coined it “O.B.C.- Operation Booby Cut). When I started having pre-op consultations as a teenager, the doctors told me the chances of breastfeeding could be 50/50. And now that I’m looking back on it now, they probably didn’t even know because they don’t keep up with their patients after the six month post op appointment. Anyway, at the time, I didn’t care whether or not I’d be able to nurse because I just wanted to be done with the physical pain and embarrassment and be able to play sports again (although none of these occurred because the doctor didn’t take out enough. . . but that’s a completely different story).
When I got pregnant in 2007, I knew I wanted to nurse. I had done extensive research on nursing and knew it would be by far the best thing I could give my child. All the doctors (OB, Pedi, and Family Docs) I talked to said I probably wouldn’t be able to nurse– that their patients weren’t. Even a lactation consultant (who I absolutely adore!) says she can count on one hand women who have been successful with bfaring. There’s actually one from the hospital who’s successful now (Hi, L.).
So, I started searching online for some information about breastfeeding after you’ve had a reduction. There wasn’t much to be found. But I seriously thank God everyday that I found this website: www.bfar.org. BFAR = Breastfeeding after Reduction.
If you read my blog, you know how I hate to spend money, so when I saw that this book, written by the creator of the above website) cost $25-$40, I almost didn’t buy it. I’m a bargain shopper, so luckily I found it for about half that price (I can’t find the link now, but if you need/want this book, let me know, and I’ll try to find it for you for cheap). Best thing I ever did (well, one of them.)! It’s 328 pages about breastfeeding after breast reduction surgery– compared to the 1-2 pages I could find in other breastfeeding books.
Even after reading it, I didn’t think I’d be able to exclusively breastfeed because I don’t think any of the personal stories in the book were able to do so (but, they’re doing awesome things for their babies). Well, I praise God that I am able to. And I’m not saying this has been easy. It most certainly has been a very difficult process, which I’d be happy to share with you if you contact me.
Anyway, I decided to write this post because a lady in my breastfeeding support group from the hospital came up to me and said, “You’re my inspiration. Every time things are hard with nursing, I think of the lady from class who had the reduction and is still persevering, so I know I can, too.” Wow! Totally made my day. And I thought if I could help a non BFAR woman, then, I for sure wanted to help a future BFAR momma.
If I get much feedback from this post, I’ll do a follow up one. And feel free to leave a comment with any questions or simply your email address if you’d like more information about bfaring.
See Part II here.
4/22
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April 22nd, 2009 at 8:42 am
Lori,
How interesting! I, too, have had a breast reduction, but only on one side. (left side was a D cup, right was a B)…when I had my surgery, I asked the doctor if this would decrease my chances of being able to breastfeed later on down the road (I was 17 at the time) and he said no, probably not. I have also asked my OBGYN and he said it probably won’t be a big deal. When we do have a baby, I do want to breastfeed…but now I wonder. When they have told me it wouldn’t be a big deal/not to worry about it, I figured, they are the dr, they must be right…lol. This raises some concerns for me! We are wanting to start our family in the near future, so please let me know any information that you can!
Jennifer
Jennifer Lowe’s last blog post..New Baby, Hogs Game and Savings for the Week
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:05 am
P.S…
You can email me at jlowe@harding.edu
Jennifer Lowe’s last blog post..New Baby, Hogs Game and Savings for the Week
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:26 am
Jennifer- I’ll email you, and I will ALWAYS be here for more info whenever you do have a sweet baby!
Lori’s last blog post..For Women in My Situation
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:36 am
good to know that there is information on this &… even better to know someone who has personally gone through it!
kim’s last blog post..pinic and the zoo with the crew
April 23rd, 2009 at 11:51 am
What a great resource! I would like a breast reduction and lift, but I keep saying “after babies.” We’ll see what I decide to do. I nursed baby #1 and I plan to nurse #2, but it was such a struggle to nurse anywhere other than the privacy of my own home bc my boobs are just too darn big. I basically have to get half naked to nurse well, and Lord knows I’m not risking an accidental “flash” in public!
Ali’s last blog post..Non-Maternal Instincts
April 23rd, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Kim- Yes, that book is soooo helpful!
Ali- I hear ‘ya. I’m even more nervous because of the scars. But I use something like a hooter hider when I nurse at church or in a car on a road trip. That’s the most “public” nursing I do. Let me know if down the road you decide to get a reduction, and I’ll email you my personal experiences.
April 28th, 2009 at 11:20 am
Lori,
So happy you found my blog and I found yours! I can’t believe how similar our stories are! The BFAR group/website is awesome, but it’s also inspiring (I think) for future moms to find women like us in a casual, more personal setting where we can chat about and share our experiences. Congrats to you!!! I just found out I’m preggo with #2 and I can’t wait to see if my son will be weaned by then or if I’ll be TANDEM feeding after reduction!
Best to you and your family,
Kimberly
Secret Mommy’s last blog post..Sharing the big news
April 28th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
I appreciate this post and am so glad I found it through Blissyfully domestic. I have been thinking a lot about getting a reduction. My chest is really large and I am not a super overweight person. My breasts have always been large and make my back hurt and annoy the heck out of my. I am convinced that most of the weight I have is because of my chest. However, I know nothing about going a head and doing it, I am scared to death to get it done, I am afraid of how people react and I really would love to have another child and would love to be able to breast feed them (I didn’t get to with my son.) I know that I would love to know some support and am glad I came across your blog! I need to start looking up information about it…however I am super nervous about doing the reduction. Thanks for sharing your story!
Denise’s last blog post..My Mother’s Day Gift Guide!
April 28th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Denise- thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I’m willing to answer any of your questions. I hope you can make a wise decision and have peace about it!
Lori’s last blog post..Free Movie Rental for Today
April 28th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my BFAR post. You’ve done great! In case you missed it, in addition to my BFAR at 12 months post, I’ve also written a post about BFAR at 19 months. Good job and I’m proud of you too!
April 28th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
Secret Mommy & Christina- It’s good to know that other BFAR mamas are doing well, too. Thanks for your posts, and thanks for coming back her and leaving a comment. Oh, and congrats Secret Mommy on your pregnancy! I hope things go well w/ nursing.
April 28th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Thanks for sharing your struggles, I am so happy that things worked out so great for you. Way to go!
Jenna @ Newlyweds’s last blog post..Crock-pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots
May 4th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
One of my good friends had reduction and has been able to nurse both her kiddos!
AWESOME!
Kara-Noel’s last blog post..Recycle Container into a Bath/Pool Toy…
May 4th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Kara- Yea for your friend! It’s hard work, so she should be very proud. Thanks for leaving a comment!
Lori’s last blog post..Kids Say the Darndest Things
May 25th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
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May 25th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
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May 25th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
This is great! I just met a woman last week who breastfed after breast reduction surgery too! She is still going after 9 mos. She was really scared she wouldn’t be able to and even had to use a nipple shield which she is actually still using!! and had a course of other problems, but has stuck with it. This is wonderful news for women who’ve also had a BR. Thank you for sharing your story here. I hope lots of women in your shoes find it and go onn to breastfeed because of you!
Melodie’s last blog post..Can Early Public Breastfeeding Sightings Shape One’s Future Breastfeeding Practices?
May 25th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Melodie- You’re welcome, and thanks. Please let your friend know about the website I mentioned; it’s very helpful and encouraging. Good job for your friend, too! Good to hear.
Lori’s last blog post..Jimmy Fallon & Steve Higgins
May 25th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Lori, it’s great for you to pass on hope to post-reduction mamas. Many women I know that have had reductions done simply say they’ve had a reduction and therefore won’t be able to breastfeed. That might be the case for some, or alot (I don’t actually know). But definitely not ALL cases. Good for you for being able to, and then sharing about it after!
Nicole’s last blog post..Skinny Penny’s About to Gain Some Weight!
May 25th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Nicole- Thanks, please feel free to pass on the information to your friends who may need a reduction and want to nurse.
Lori’s last blog post..Jimmy Fallon & Steve Higgins
May 25th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
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May 25th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
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May 25th, 2009 at 8:50 pm
Thanks for a great blog post! I also had a breast reduction, and have successfully breastfed two babies since (still currently breastfeeding the youngest, at 11 months). Will also be happy to answer any questions anyone has about it.
Emily Jones’s last blog post..Monday Munchies
May 25th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
That’s awesome! I’m glad that you were able to breastfeed after your reduction. And how great that other moms look to you for inspiration. I think it’s fabulous that you’ve shared your story here, too, so that other moms in the same situation can learn from you.
Amber’s last blog post..Wrap Me Up Mama
May 26th, 2009 at 10:04 am
Emily- Congratulations! And thanks for sharing your success, too! Had you heard of bfar.org? If not, I encourage you to check it out.
Amber- Thank you; I do hope it helps.
Lori’s last blog post..Jimmy Fallon & Steve Higgins
May 30th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Hi,
I had a reduction in 2006 and was unable to nurse my son who was born in October 2007. I was told by the surgeon that I should have no problem breastfeeding at all but later learned from my doctor that she had never heard of anyone being able to breast feed, or at least not exclusively after a reduction. We had so many latching issues in the beginning that I figured I could just pump and feed him that. Needless to say, I was unable to produce enough for even one bottle in a 24 hour period. I am still not sure whether it was because my body wouldn’t produce due to the surgery or because I went to straight pumping instead of having him feed.
Anyway, I am now due with my second child in about two weeks and I would really love to be able to breastfeed. Any tips, tricks or advice you could pass along would be greatly appreciated!
May 31st, 2009 at 10:31 am
Jennifer- Sorry about your first attempt at BFAR not going well. Best of luck this time around! I will send you an email.
Lori’s last blog post..Free Samples for 5/29
May 31st, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Jennifer - it’s hard to say. I know that how frequently you nurse your newborn in the first 2-3 weeks determines your supply for the rest of their infancy. The problem with pumping for newborns is that you pump on a schedule, and breasts don’t often respond well to pumps. Newborn babies may cluster feed, which is to say they will nurse constantly for an hour or two occasionally in the first few weeks. It’s nature’s way of building supply. The more baby demands, the more your body makes. When you pump, you’re not actually demanding very much, so your body is not making very much.
Pumping before 6 months is a quick way to kill a supply.
Emily Jones’s last blog post..You lost, get over it.
June 1st, 2009 at 11:53 am
Jennifer & Emily- Yes, nursing frequently helps your supply. But pumping in addition to nursing frequently helps your supply: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/low-supply.html and http://www.breastfeed-essentials.com/supply.html. I pumped after every nursing session for the first week. After that, I pumped after 4 of the nursing sessions. This cues your body into thinking that baby needs more milk: http://www.lowmilksupply.org/pumping.shtml. I think that is one reason I had such a good supply for a bfar mom.
Lori’s last blog post..Cat Ranch
June 24th, 2009 at 11:51 am
Hi,
I am really glad you posted your info! I had a bilateral breast reduction in 2003, in which they removed 2 lbs per breast- and along with it (I’m assuming), the majority of my ducts and glands. Three years later, I had my daughter and tried to breastfeed. She was latched on almost constantly, and losing weight. I started pumping to see how much I was producing, and was only able to produce about two to three ounces in a whole day.
I have read in an article that just because you weren’t able to breastfeed for one child after reduction, doesn’t mean you will NEVER be able to… so I’m on a search for info. I am currently 34 weeks pregnant, and scheduled to deliver in 3 weeks due to complications of the pregnancy.
I also read in the article that the ducts and glands continue to regenerate after reduction up to five years post op, and if you had decreased nipple sensation post op, it was a good sign for possible regen of tissue if you notice you’ve regained some sensation in the nipples. Well… this past year I have regained some sensation there, so I’m really really hoping this means I can breastfeed this time!
Any tips you could offer me would be very very much appreciated. This will be my last pregnancy. I only wish I had known in 2003 how important breastfeeding would be to me in the future… I think I would have waited on having the surgery until after I was done having my babies.
June 24th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Peggy- Thanks for visiting; I’ll email you. Wishing you the best of luck!
Lori’s last blog post..Newborn Feeding Charts
July 6th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
You know so many interesting infomation. You might be very wise. I like such people. Don’t top writing.
July 13th, 2009 at 11:17 am
This post has been so helpful. Can you email me, too?
August 9th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Thank you for this post. All i have found on the internet says my chances are minimal to null. I had breast reduction surgery in 1997 when I was in college due to my horrible back pain. I did have the surgery where my nipple was removed. I am really scared that I will not be able to breastfeed. My breast have not really grown in my pregnancy (even though previous to my pregnancy I was a 36 DD - due to weight gain). I have notice that there might be some leaking due to my nipples having a dried film on them. Any encouragement would be helpful. My child is due in 6 weeks and I really want to be able to provide for him. Thanks
August 9th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
Carin- I’ll send you an email, so we can keep in touch better about this. Best of luck to you!! You can do it!
November 10th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
[...] Breastfeeding Practices? Zen Mommy: Celebrating my Chest, in Honor of Breastfeeding The Towells: Breastfeeding after Reduction Surgery Blacktating: Nursing in Public Breastfeeding Mums: Breastfeeding Made me the Mother I am Possibly [...]
November 24th, 2009 at 11:48 am
Lori~ I would be very interested in you sending me the rest of your story. I am currently 6 mos. along with number 4 and planning to BF and pump. I had a reduction when I was 19. My other babies I had minimal success with BFing but I am getting better at it! My third I actually got up to her birth weight by 2 wks, which was a first for me… and with zero formula! I did end up giving up even pumping at about 6 wks because of pure exhaustion (babies 2 and 3 are 15 months apart). Now, however, it will have been nearly 4 years between babies and I am excited to try this whole thing again. Any tips you might have would be AWESOME. Please email me!
Thanks!
February 13th, 2010 at 6:24 am
Hi Lori,
I’ve just found your website - it’s fantastic! I had a breast reduction on one breast, as like another lady who posted here, I had one B sized breast and one D sized. I have scarring around the areola (which is a strangely perfect circle!) This was about 10 years ago now when I was 20. I should imagine that with one working properly I should be able to do something but I’m hoping to breast feed my baby. I am currently ten weeks pregnant so early days but I’m already thinking about it as I can only really imagine breastfeeding my baby and would prefer not to have to use formula milk.
I would appreciate it if you could Email me with any advice or information that may help. Thank-you!
February 14th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
@ Anna- I’m glad you found it, too, and thank you.
I’m so glad you’re already thinking about wanting to breastfeed so early in your pregnancy! You can totally do it!! I’ll send you an email.
February 28th, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Hi Lori,
I had a breast reduction in October 2005, and I recently gave birth to a new baby girl. Fortunately, I’m able to produce milk, but the has been very low. Do you have any advice? I just started taking fenugreek and drinking the mother’s milk supply tea. Just like youo I’m in prayer about this situation.
I would love to hear any advice you can provide.
Thanks,
Kimberly
March 1st, 2010 at 4:40 pm
@ Kimberly, I’m so glad you’re working at BFAR. I will send you an email that I send when people comment here. And then, we’ll go from there. Congrats on your new baby! I’ll be praying for you!!
July 8th, 2010 at 11:09 am
Hi Lori,
I was so excited to find your website. I had a BR Oct 2006 and am due in a few weeks. While i have been leaking and have been able to hand express some colostorum….i was just wondering if there are a few pointers you can give to me. Am really hoping and praying to be able to bf exclusively.Anything would help…supplement used in the past, methods to increase milk supply or anything and ways to avoid cracked nipples
I look forward to hearing back from you soon. Many Thanks!
July 8th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
@Bis- I think leaking colostrum is a good sign (which I did with my first pregnancy)- although, it is not needed to EBF (because I didn’t leak with my second, and I am BFARing exclusively. And prayer is definitely helpful!!
I used Fenugreek, but I don’t think it really helped me, but stats show that it improves milk supply for about 70% of women. Drinking lots of water, eating oatmeal, pumping after feedings are also great. The cracked nipple part is not something I could ever prevent. Maybe not letting baby eat for a long time. Keep nipples dry after feedings (meaning, don’t put a bra on; just stay “exposed”), and uses lanolin or expressed milk should help irritated nips. Check my “part two” post, and that might answer more of your questions. I’m thinking of writing a part 3 post since I’m nursing another baby now.
Anyway, best of luck to you, and let me know if you have other questions.
July 8th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
Hey Lori,
Thanks for your timely response…i am so looking forward to reading a part 3 since you are now BFARing exclusively now. So are you saying none of the supplements worked for you…just curious? I dont know why i feel as if i can relate to you so much…me and hubby have been praying intensively towards the breastfeeding journey…as funny as it sounds.
July 8th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
PS;
my email addy is mealone06@yahoo.com
If it is possible…i will really like to talk to you. I just ordered Diane West’s book as well…cant wait to get it in the mail.