Q&A: Will breast reduction surgery affect my ability to breastfeed?

The simple answer is yes. But you'll definitely want to research and choose a breast surgeon with whom you feel comfortable discussing these wishes and who has experience operating on women of childbearing age, as breast reduction surgery can impede full milk production if milk ducts are severed or nerves are damaged.

Diana West, MA, IBCLC, a leading researcher and author in the field of breastfeeding after a breast reduction, writes in her book Defining Your own Success: Breastfeeding after Reduction (published by La Leche League International), "Each woman's experience of success will be different; some may be able to breastfeed exclusively, while others may need to supplement the baby's entire nutritional requirement."

The philosophy is that "success" does not necessarily mean exclusive breastfeeding; each woman can define it for herself. Many women who can make some milk will use what are called "at breast" supplementers, allowing breastfeeding and supplementation to occur together. Some women will breastfeed and then offer a supplementation after.

Considerations for Breastfeeding After Surgery
Research shows that many women can experience nerve regeneration and recanalization (milk ducts reconnecting) with subsequent babies. Studies also show that more time between the surgery and breastfeeding attempts may increase chances of success.

It is important to work with a lactation consultant (LC) who is board certified and specializes specifically in working with women who have had reductions.

Techniques a LC may utilize to help maximize your production include these:

• Pumping
• Frequent nursing and skin-to-skin time with Baby
• Use of galactogogues (herbs or medications to increase supply)
• Warm compresses
• Massage
• Breast compression to increase flow
• Use of a supplemental nursing system (SNS) for at-breast supplementing