Can I Breastfeed After Breast Surgery

Can I Breastfeed After Breast Surgery

A woman’s ability to breastfeed after surgery depends on:

• The type of surgery.
• The surgery technique.
• Whether nerves were cut during surgery.
• The amount of breast tissue removed.

Women who have had breast surgery are more likely to have problems with breastfeeding than women who have never had breast surgery.

How does the location of incisions affect breastfeeding?

Cuts made around or across the colored ring of your nipple (areola) are more likely to affect your ability to breastfeed than cuts made on other parts of your breast. This is because your milk ducts come together in your nipple. There are also nerves in this area. Surgical cuts to this part of the breast may cause you to lose some feeling (sensation) in the affected nipple and lower your milk supply.

How do common breast surgeries affect breastfeeding?

Breast reduction

A breast reduction is surgery to decrease the size of the breasts. A breast reduction is likely to affect breastfeeding because major nerves are usually cut and sections of the breast, including milk ducts, are often removed during the surgery. If the nipple is removed and then reattached, breastfeeding is less likely to be successful. The less amount of tissue that is removed during this surgery, the more likely that breastfeeding will be successful.

Breast augmentation

A breast augmentation is surgery to increase the size of the breasts. This surgery can cause problems with overfilling of the breasts with breast milk (engorgement). The surgery usually does not affect breast milk production unless incisions are made near the nipples.

Women who have had this surgery should breastfeed or pump their milk consistently. This is important because the pressure implants put on breast tissue can make the body think that the breasts are full of milk when they are not. Breastfeeding or pumping milk consistently is one way to make sure the body makes enough milk.

Breast cancer surgery

Breast cancer surgery involves removing breast tissue. This surgery often limits the ability to breastfeed. If the surgery is done to remove only the cancer and a small amount of breast tissue (lumpectomy), breastfeeding may be possible. If the surgery involves radiation treatments along with breast surgery, or if the breast is removed entirely (mastectomy), breastfeeding will not be possible. If the surgery was done on only one breast, it may be possible to breastfeed from the other breast.

Women who have this surgery should check with a health care provider if post-surgery medicines are safe for breastfeeding.

What should I do before having breast surgery?

Before having breast surgery, talk to a lactation specialist and your surgeon about whether you will be able to breastfeed after the surgery. If you have concerns about breastfeeding, let them know. Your surgeon may be able to do the surgery in a way that preserves as much breast tissue and nerve function as possible.

What are some tips for breastfeeding after breast surgery?

• Work with a lactation specialist to find positions and breastfeeding strategies that work best for you and your baby.
• If possible, start breastfeeding right after your baby is born. Breastfeed your newborn baby often.
• Breastfeed your baby whenever you notice hunger cues. Keep breastfeeding your baby until he or she falls asleep or releases the breast.
• Make sure your baby is getting enough milk by counting your child’s wet diapers and bowel movements. Signs that your baby is getting enough milk include:
  • Wetting at least 1-2 diapers in the first 24 hours after birth.
  • Wetting at least 5-6 diapers every 24 hours for the first week after birth. The urine should be clear and pale yellow by 5 days after birth.
  • Wetting 6-8 diapers every 24 hours as your baby grows and develops.
  • Producing a healthy amount of stool:
    • By the time your baby is 5 days old, he or she should produce at least 3 stools in a 24–hour period. The stools should be soft and yellow.
    • By the time your baby is 7 days old, he or she should produce at least 3 stools in a 24–hour period. The stool should be seedy and yellow.
  • Gaining a healthy amount of weight:
    • Your baby should not lose more than 10% of his or her weight by day 4.
    • Your baby should gain about 4–7 oz (113–198 g) per week after day 4.
• If your baby is not getting enough milk from breastfeeding alone, talk with a lactation specialist. It may be possible to breastfeed part of the time and supplement feedings with donated milk or formula.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your baby is older than 5 days old and:
  • Does not seem satisfied after feeding at the breast.
  • Is not producing 5–6 wet diapers per day.
  • Is not producing 3 stools per day.

Get help right away if:

• Your breasts become swollen, red, and tender.

Summary

• Breast surgery can affect your ability to breastfeed if nerves were cut and milk-producing tissue removed.
• Before having breast surgery, talk to a lactation specialist and your surgeon about whether you will be able to breastfeed after the surgery.
• After having your baby, work with a lactation specialist to find positions and breastfeeding strategies that work best for you and your baby.