Support for Breastfeeding After Breast Reduction
Where to Find Help Nursing Your Baby After Reduction Mammaplasty
Aug 20, 2009
According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 139,926 breast reductions were performed in 2008. It was the fifth most popular plastic surgical procedure among women. Many women have this surgery done before deciding to start a family, whether it is for cosmetic or reconstructive purposes. Having breast reduction surgery, or any breast surgery, can affect a woman's ability to breastfeed her babies. There are several ways to get help to be successful at breastfeeding.
Defining Your Own Success by Diana West
Defining Your Own Success [La Leche League International 2001] is the premier book on the subject of breastfeeding after reduction. The author, Diana West, coined the term "BFAR." However, now it encompasses women who nurse after breast surgeries other than reduction, such as breast implants, breast lifts, and surgeries such as lumpectomies or diagnostic tests.
Diana West is a lactation consultant, and a recipient of a breast reduction surgery. Throughout the book, she includes stories from mothers who have nursed their babies after surgery. She describes the methods of reductions, and tells which ones tend to result in more successful breastfeeding.
This book is a must-read for any woman considering having children after a breast reduction. Many doctors, nurses, lactation consultants, and other health care providers, have no experience dealing with woman who want to nurse after surgery. For years, doctors have been telling women simply that they won't be able to. However, now there are methods of surgery to minimize disruption to the milk ducts.
The only downside to this book is that many of the women whose stories are in the book seem to regret their surgery. Reduction mammaplasty has one of the highest rates of satisfaction of all plastic surgeries. Even if a woman has a lot of trouble breastfeeding afterwards, the surgery can still improve her life in so many other ways. Still, a woman should definitely consider whether she might want to wait to have the surgery until after she has children.
Online Support After Breast Surgery
Many mothers nursing after breast surgery can benefit from online support. The BFAR website was created by Diana West and Carol Maranta, another mother who breastfed after reduction and helped found the initial BFAR emailing list. They have many articles of interest, and an active forum where mothers can give advice directly to each other.
Mothering magazine's website also has an active forum. Abbreviated as MDC for mothering dot community, the forum is for anyone interested in natural parenting. There is a very active forum dedicated to breastfeeding, and while not specifically geared toward BFAR mothers, there are many women there who have successfully breastfed after reduction and are happy to help.
Lactation Consultants
The first step a breastfeeding mother with any issues should take is to contact a local lactation consultant. These specially trained health professionals will be able to help the mother correct any problems that are occurring with breastfeeding. They are knowledgeable about breast pumps and other devices such as nipple shields that may be necessary. However, many BFAR mothers find they don't have that much experience with mothers breastfeeding after breast surgery. Still, they can be invaluable.
Breastfeeding is the best option for babies. Even mothers who have had breast reduction surgery can breastfeed. There is a lot of information and help out there, if one knows where to look. Doing research before pregnancy and childbirth can help ensure a successful outcome. After the baby has come, getting support is key. For more information about devices and drugs to help breastfeed after a reduction, please read Methods to Breastfeed After a Reduction Surgery.
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