Lactation after breast reduction?

Question

I had a breast reduction 4 yrs ago. I am 24 weeks now. My breast have gotton much bigger and they are always sensitive, but i was wondering if i am going to start leaking milk or not. Also, if i do, @ how many weeks would that happen. Has anyone else out there had a breast reduction before getting pregnant?

Answer 1

I'll be honest-- I'm cutting & pasting this answer from another asker's thread a few days ago. But, she did give me a Best Answer for it, so I hope it can help you, too. :)

Many women start to notice colostrum leaking in small amounts (a few, in large amounts!) sometime in the late 2nd/early 3rd trimester. Some women show no signs of it, but somewhere within, the changes *are* taking place that lead to full lactation after the baby's birth.

Once the baby is born, the body sends out a new combination of hormones to jump-start milk production. Colostrum continues to be produced even as the milk begins to "come in". Usually, milk production is in full swing by about the 3rd to 5th day, earlier in subsequent pregnancies, and later in some cases (including previous breast reduction or surgery, preeclampsia, medicated labors, and many other reasons).

Since you have had a breast reduction, you may naturally have a harder time putting faith in your body's ability to produce milk and fully nourish your baby. And you would be prudent to be watchful; I'm sure you already know that your chances of having a full milk supply may be compromised somewhat. But please try not to let your watchfulness become distrust. The body is capable of doing amazing things.

It may sound corny, but I suggest you do some affirmation exercises. Look in a mirror at your breasts, and tell yourself every day that they are full of milk, so full and ready to feed your baby when s/he arrives. A positive attitude can do amazing things too!

I applaud you for your decision to breastfeed. Getting as much information and education ahead of time is the best thing you can do to ensure a good start to your breastfeeding relationship when your baby arrives. Congratulations on your pregnancy, and best of luck!

Answer 2

my mom had breast reduction before she had my brother and sister and she was still able to lactate, it all depends on whether the surgeon severed the milk ducts or not... and you wont produce milk until a few after the baby is born but you may or may not start leaking colostrum in your third trimester if you dont, either way would be normal whether you leak or not has nothing to do with whether you will be able to produce milk! good luck

Answer 3

Generally speaking, breast redux surgery reduces the number of milk producing alveoli and also disrupts the flow of milk to the outside. You probably will not be leaking milk all over, it wouldn't happen until after the birth (most likely, if it does happen) and your breasts are probably swollen because the milk producing ducts and alveoli that you do still have are producing colostrum (premilk) which is because of the hormonal changes that take place while you are pregnant.
Good luck

Answer 4

i haven't had a reduction, but I know people who have gone on to successfully nurse after reduction. FWIW i never leaked milk and sucessfully nursed, so that itself is not an indicator.

Here are some groups and links for more info:

http://www.bfar.org/index.shtml

http://www.lalecheleague.org/books/bfar.html