Breastfeeding After Breast Surgery

Most women who have breast implants, and many women who have undergone breast surgery, are able to successfully breastfeed. How successful they are depends on where in the breast the biopsy was done, and whether the actual milk-producing gland has been affected by all the action in there.

Just because you're not getting colostrum doesn't mean that the right breast isn't functioning. Many women don't ever get a colostrum discharge while pregnant. I would plan to breastfeed. Line up a lactation specialist in advance so you'll have a resource available if nursing is difficult for you.

Even if it turns out that your right breast doesn't produce milk, you can still breastfeed. One breast can produce plenty of milk (think "twins"). You 'll just be a little lopsided. Here's something to watch out for - most people are right-handed, which means they usually balance baby on their left hip, leaving their right hand free to answer the phone, type, eat, fold laundry, fax manuscripts, etc. If you are right-handed and only nursing from the left side, watch out for your neck and back! The heavy baby and breast will tend to pull you down on that side. Remember to keep switching baby from side to side; it will save on chiropractic bills.

Get The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding from La Leche League International. It provides lots of advice and support. You may want to call a local La Leche League chapter.

Finally, keep close tabs on your baby. Since surgery to the breast can affect breastfeeding, any woman who has undergone breast surgery must absolutely clear about what type of surgery she has had. Your baby should be monitored closely by a pediatrician for failure to thrive.