Had breast reduction surgery,want to breastfeed

QUESTION: I'm 21 weeks and am due in November and I want to know how far ahead should I start taking Fenugreek...I had a breast reduction about 6 years ago...I was told I couldn't breast feed, but I do believe I will be able to produce some milk for my baby. I have been giving myself breast massage and have produced some liquid. So, I just wanna make sure I'm doing all I can to insure that I can breast feed!

Thank you and Aloha!!

Noelle,

How wonderful that you are trying to find out the best thing to do before your baby is born! One of the questions I have for you is who told you that you were not going to be able to breastfeed? I wonder if it is possible to find out from the doctor who did your surgery what kind of cuts he made to your breast, the more information that you are able to find out ahead of time the better informed you will be when the time comes.

I also recommend that you find a good breastfeeding book such as "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" by La Leche League so that you can read as much as you can about breastfeeding before the baby is born. Knowing the signs to look for to let you know that your baby is doing well at breastfeeding will help you immensely in your self confidence.

Also, keep in mind that just because you had breast reduction surgery does not guarantee that you will not produce enough breast milk for your baby. There have been cases of woman's milk ducts "recanalizing" or growing back after they were cut. In my opinion, it is not a good idea to recommend Fenugreek at this time. First find out about the type of surgery that you had, then find out about breastfeeding in general for all women regardless of surgery, then be ready just incase you do need to increase your supply by pumping and maybe Fenugreek or another aid.

It is important to know that depending on the type of surgery, you may be able to produce a full milk supply for your baby but depending on the type of surgery the baby may not be able to get the milk due to the type of cut so that the milk can simply not pass through. The more breast tissue that was removed, the less likely that you may be able to fully breastfeed your baby and if your nipples were removed your chances may be less. However, the only true way of finding out if you can or cannot feed your baby is by giving it a try and being very well informed about breastfeeding. You are more than welcome to contact me again once you find out, in detail, about your particular surgery. Good luck.

Yvonne C. Bannister, B Sc, CBC, LLLL, IBCLC

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