Out of curiosity
I don’t want the Family page to come off as me being a paranoid worrywart. Yep, I worry sometimes and the many “what-ifs” cross my mind, but 99% of the time I’m focused on being present and totally happy in this moment, instead of worried about the future. I definitely like to post some of my concerns on here because it’s my TMI-talk-about-everything page, and I really appreciate all of the advice and suggestions you’ve been able to give me, especially so many of you have been around the block before 🙂
Even though I’ve blogged about not being sure how to take care of the baby (and even though I’ve read a ton of books, I won’t know what works for our little family until she’s here), what types of things to register for, blah blah, there’s a deeper worry that I’ve had on my mind. Since I’ve had dreams about it for the past couple of nights, I figured I’d go ahead and blog about it.
I’m worried about breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is a personal choice, and many women choose not to, which is awesome, but it’s something that I’d certainly like to do if my body will enable me to.
However, with the surgery I had on my right breast, I’m wondering if it will make things more difficult.
Here’s the back story, which I’ve touched on briefly on the blog before:
[It’s kind of graphic in one part, so please skip this family post if you’re sensitive to that kind of thing]
About 7 years ago, they found a tumor in my right breast. Of course no one will know what caused it, but it was in debilitating pain throughout the night and eventually started bleeding along with the pain.
After a series of testing, specialists determined that I had a tumor the size of a grape in one of my ducts and that it would have to be removed. Of course, the doctors went over every possible scenario and the fact that it could be cancerous. It was a scary time for me, and all I could do was be positive and pray that things would be ok.
I had a fantastic surgeon (a woman from India, who came over and sweetly held my hand as the anesthesia started to kick in. The last thing I remember before the surgery is the fact that she was holding my hand), and she removed the tumor without damaging all of the ducts. The best news is that it was benign and they got all of it. I’m very thankful <3
At the time, the idea of breastfeeding never crossed my mind, since I still didn’t know when or how I would have children. [Throughout college, I really wanted to adopt more than anything.. an idea we still might explore in the future] But now that our little girl is on the way, I can’t help but wonder if my surgery will affect my ability to breastfeed. I know that for some women it’s no problem, and for others, it’s a challenge or not possible to breastfeed. My mom said that she never had a problem with it, but she also [thankfully] didn’t have anything affect her duct system.
Anyone who may have been in a similar situation with something that may have affected their ability to breastfeed? Is it possible to get enough out of one side if my right side doesn’t work? Any general breastfeeding advice or lessons learned?
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So glad that everything was benign that is a terrifying experience I’m sure. Breastfeeding was the one aspect of pregnancy and childbirth that no one could have prepared me for because it truly is different for everyone. I will say this I love it and adore every minute that I get to have with my son (8 weeks old) but it’s physically and mentally draining. We decided against pumping for now because I don’t work and can feed on demand but that means I spend a good portion of my day with him attached to me. Sometimes I feel frustrated or annoyed that I have to cater to his schedule so much but I’m thankful I can feed him so it’s worth it. If you’re really concerned I would suggest contacting a lactation consultant. We met ours at the hospital where we delivered and she’s amazing. I have her cell number and call her often especially when something is on my mind. Good luck
I know that there are some resources for women who’ve had breast surgeries–La Leche will probably be a good resource. I can’t overstate the importance of a competent, compassionate Lactation Consultant. Also, Rebecca from Girl’s Gone Child had two reduction surgeries and was somewhat able to breastfeed her children–I think she has some posts about her difficulties. Honestly, you might not know until breastfeeding begins–unless you could get some kind of imaging of you breast tissue?
For many women and myself there seems to be an over-productive breast and a “lazy” breast. My right definitely produced more than my left. You might be able to get enough out of one breast, though you might look lopsided (I did for awhile).
Breastfeeding is…a charged topic. Honestly, it’s kind of a shit-storm of an issue with a lot of grandstanding on either side. I nursed C for five months, weaned into six and then switched to formula at 6.5. Our nursing relationship was…complicated…for many reasons. She seemed to *hate* feeding, no matter what I did to alter my flow, letdown, supply or taste of milk. Nursing sessions left us both in tears and added to PPD issues. Claire’s weight dropped off the charts, below the 3rd percentile. So I stopped. And it was one of the best mothering decisions I ever made, despite the side-eyes I got when I pulled out a bottle in front of nursing-mom friends/in public places (I live in a very granola town). Did I feel conflicted? Hell yes. There are so many opinions, so many people ready to judge you–the whole Internet! But that is just a fact of motherhood in our information age.
Breastfeeding is a great thing to do for your child, if you can. It’s beautiful. I’ll try again with my next child. But in the scope of a child’s life it is *one* act. What about giving daily love to your child? Time, attention, good discipline, healthy good, being present? Those are all acts that have just as much–if not more–of an effect on a child. Breastfeeding is a good start and can be a boon to bonding–but it’s also hard, hard work. And it hurts a lot in the beginning. And it’s weird…it just is. It can be difficult to figure it all out. It can be ultimate mind-f*.
Uuugh. I feel like I’m rambling, but I can’t help it. It’s an issue that I feel strongly about in many ways. I guess…I’m ambivalent. It’s a great thing. Many of my friends did it easily. I, however, did not, and in many ways that left me isolated. Just know that if you can’t–or don’t want to!–it’s YOUR decision. And you have to be at peace with it, not the Internet.
Hah, so many soapboxes, so little time, right? I recommend reading the Nursing Mother’s Companion. It’s a good primer on nursing. 🙂 And I’m done!
Holy mother, I wrote a book. I’m sorry!
don’t apologize- i loved reading it, and agree with so much of what you had to say. i just finished that book (and it cleared up a lot for me) but you’re right, i won’t really know until the time comes. and if it doesn’t work out, as much as i’d like it to, it’s no reason to beat myself up. i’ll definitely check out rebecca’s blog, too
Great comment– very helpful!
This isn’t quite the same thing, but I kinda get your fears. When I was young I had to have a rib taken out (to replace part of my jaw – very long story!). It was just as I was entering puberty, and they took from towards the bottom of the breast. I don’t *think* it will affect my ability to breastfeed – but I don’t know (not yet a mum). I also have concerns because I have sensitivity/awkwardness because of the scar tissue (it’s quite a large scar). I suspect I will find it really weird to have a baby attached because of these sensitivities…
But remember, you still have the other one! If all else fails!
My mother was not able to breast feed me because of duct issues. Breast feeding is definitely very good for the baby and important in building a strong immune system. That being said, I’m the healthiest person I know so I don’t think that being a 100% formula baby hurt me at all 🙂
Just wanted to second everything Meagan said above. Everyone’s experience with breastfeeding is unique. Knowing that it might not come easily and is a lot of work means that you’re already pretty well prepared. A good lactation consultant is key – I’d bet your midwife practice likely has some great recommendations for you. If you have a lactation consultant lined up before nugette arrives, you’ve got a great resouce right there if you do run into any challenges (hopefully you won’t).
I have a friend who had a reduction surgery which did affect many of her ducts – she was able to breastfeed her first son, but did need to supplement with formula, which worked great for them. If I remember correctly, she was able to exclusively breastfeed her second and third son with out needing to supplement, mainly because by the second kid, you actually go into the process with the nursing experience and actually knowing how to breastfeed, which I consider a learned skill. And if I’m remembering correctly, it is possible to nurse with just one side and it’s normal to have one side that produces more (I had a lazy left side).
I had a horrible time learning how to BF my oldest daughter, but found a wonderful lactation nurse who I fully credit teaching us both how to nurse. Part of me kind of wishes I could go back and had just switched to formula, since I don’t have many good memories of our first few months with her in terms of nursing. I figure what ever is getting a happy mom and healthy baby is the best way to go, be it nursing or formula.
The waiting part of pregnancy can be so hard for some one who is super organized and a planner, like yourself. I think you’re doing a great job of not worrying too much (the worry is just part of the motherhood package, it’s like the baby, just continues to change as they do). And yet another long & rambling comment! 🙂
Whoa! I got goosebumps when reading your story – because it is so similar to mine!! I’m now almost 40, with three kids (2 boys, 1 girl) but when I was 14 I found a lump in my right breast. It seemed to appear overnight, which the doctors felt wasn’t possible, but I’m SURE that’s how it happened. It was sore and bruised in that area as well – very sore. My family doctor thought it was a cyst, but referred me to a surgeon, who thought it was a tumour. I was scheduled for surgery in a couple of days, and thankfully it turned out to be a cyst. I had an incision halfway around my areola (lower half) which healed nicely and wasn’t too noticeable, thankfully.
Anyways, I just want you to know I breastfed all of my kids. I had no less milk coming from the right than the left at all. And I had a TON of milk. LOL. When I would feed from one side, milk spurted out of the other side too. After a while I got smart and started catching the milk in a cup and saving it up in case I needed to go out – I could just freeze it. At the time I had the surgery, being only 14, I hadn’t even thought about breastfeeding, but like you, once I got preggers I really wondered how it would go. I was so relieved that the surgery had absolutely no effect at all on my milk production.
Personally, I LOVED breastfeeding (well, after the first 5-6 days, when the boobies got used to it!) It was so easy, when the baby needed to be fed I could just go lie on the couch and feed/doze off while the baby nursed. So much easier than sterilizing bottles, making formula, heating to the perfect temp. etc, all while your hungry baby is crying… Also, I found it so relaxing, the hormones that are released, I guess while nursing and I loved the bond that it created. I nursed my first son for a year – but only 2 feeds a day after he turned 6 months since I had to go back to work. My second son, I nursed for about 8 months (went back on the pill and my milk dried up). My daughter was nursed for a year – and I stopped on her first birthday because she decided to start biting! Ouchers.
Everybody’s experience is different, but I would say try for at least a week before you make any decisions. If for some reason you can’t breastfeed your Nugette, or it’s not your thing, no worries!! I’m sure you’ll be an amazing Mama. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. 🙂
By the way, I absolutely LOVE your blog. Thanks so much, for all the great recipes, workouts, and everything else you share! I hope my story helps to reassure you. Feel free to email me or comment if you have any questions.
Dawn 🙂
Ooops, just fyi, my lump was about the size of a walnut.
that helped reassure me so much- thank you. i knew there had to be someone out there who had a similar situation!
hope you and your family are doing well <3
xoxo
As a lactation consultant I’ve seen many moms with breast surgeries fully breastfeed their babies. But it really depends on the surgery, how many ducts you have left, how the supply is on the other breast, how you get breastfeeding established, etc, etc. Many, many women are able to breastfeed fully from one breast (moms fully BF twins!) and even if supply is decreased from one breast, it can be the “snack” breast while the other is the “meal” breast.
Kelly Mom is a great breastfeeding resource. There are many links here to tips on breastfeeding after surgeries: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mom/breast-surgery.html
I’d also really recommend talking to an IBCLC before baby comes so you’ll find one you trust (maybe ask your midwives). She’ll be able to help you get feeding off to the best start.
On a personal level, i just visited a friend yesterday with a month old who had a breast surgery several years back to remove a lump in one of her breasts. While that breast produces about half the milk as the non-effected breast she is getting so much milk total that she is fully breastfeeding and pumping to store milk!
yay for IBCLCs!!! 🙂
you are a pro at all of this, right ash? i may need some help <3
I think you’ll have to wait and see. As Kelly mentioned I don’t think anyone really knows how a surgery may or may not affect supply. I had a breast reduction 10 years ago and was told that some patients could breast feed, some couldn’t. From time to time I’ve read Girls Gone Child blog. She had 2 reductions and was able to breastfeed so …you never know. Be prepared for both and DO NOT feel badly if you can’t.
Just sent you an email lovely xx
thank you!
Hey Gina — In my experience with the breast cancer community, a fair number of women still do breastfeed on their remaining breast after a mastectomy, or on one or both after a lumpectomy, so it’s quite likely that you could do so without any issues. Your surgeon or your ob/gyn can probably tell you, medically, if you should have any lasting side effects from surgery. I second the La Leche comment as well! Very glad your lump was benign :]
What I love about blogs is the fact that you are never alone in your fears! I had a small lump removed from my breast right after high school (breastfeeding never even crossed my mind at that point) and now years later at 8 months pregnant I am wondering what the effects will be. My OBGYN seems to think even if there is a decreased milk supply, I shouldn’t have too many problems. But you just never know. She wasn’t my doc at the time of my surgery and neither of us knows how many ducts were damaged. So while I can’t yet offer you any advice or personal stories to relieve your fears, I will be thinking and hoping things turn out well for the both of us!
My situation isn’t entirely like yours but two years ago, my doctor discovered a lump in my left breast … and then my right. After a biopsy, it was determined that I have fibroadenomas – non-cancerous lumps that didn’t need to be removed. They fluctuate in size depending on hormone levels but the left one can be as big as a golf ball and the right is marble-sized.
I was told they wouldn’t affect my ability to breastfeed and so far it hasn’t. My son is nearly 3 months and we’re still going. I have had to supplement with formula (never more than 6 ounces a day) but I think that’s a general supply issue and not related to the lumps. I will say that I cried when I gave him that first bottle of formula. I felt like I had failed as a mother, as a woman. I have since come to terms with it because any breast milk is better than none.
Gina, as a lactation educator and also as someone who breastfed and who had unique circumstances, I can give you tons of info and stories. And encouragement!! But on email, not here. Just email me and we can chat and I can give you resources, too.
And I think you rock for blogging about this. And when I was pregnant, based on my history, I was extremely worried, too…but it all worked out. It wasn’t always easy, but we made it work. And you and your babe hopefully will too 🙂
xo
how scary! as a bf momma, i think you just don’t know until the time comes – not helpful, right? I also think you have 2 boobs. my sister ebf her baby with one side simply because it produced more milk and the baby preferred it. the body is amazing (and I appreciate mine so much more after giving birth and breastfeeding — I look at my 4 mo. old and am in awe she came out of me(!) and I’ve kept her alive with just my boobs(!) – A-MAZ-ING). You can totally do it. I also think forget LLL meetings and hospital staff. Find a good local private lactation consultant and have that person come over (if needed) the week the baby’s born. So.much.more.helpful and you are so much more aware of your needs…plus you are in the comfort of your own home with your own things.
That’s so tough…I’m worried about breastfeeding without having had any sort of surgery, so I know you must be scared.
My cousin had breast reduction surgery when she was in her early twenties, and was worried about breastfeeding as well. And she was right– it was incredibly painful and frustrating for her, and she never was really able to do it. After about a month of really painful trying with her first two children, she had to give it up and switch to formula. When she wanted to have a third child, her husband said that the only way he wanted to try again was if she agreed that she wouldn’t try to breastfeed this time– he said it was too hard to watch her killing herself, trying to make something happen that just wasn’t going to happen. So with the third child, she went pretty much straight to formula. And honestly, they seemed happier during that baby time than any other– even though it was their third child and they had two other kids running around!
I know that probably isn’t what you want to hear right now, but the point of the story is that all three of her children are wonderful, brilliant (her oldest son skipped a grade), and loving. I know that breastfeeding is seen as the ultimate mother-child connecting bond, but you’ll GET that even if you do struggle with breastfeeding (and maybe you won’t!!). Don’t let it stress you out too much, because it’s going to be what it is, and you and your baby are going to have that bond whether she’s feeding straight from you or from a bottle.
Baklava tastes like heaven <3
I’m so sorry to hear your worry about this! totally understandable. I will say that every woman is different so this may be meaningless, but I happen to be one of the ‘lucky’ who had very abundant milk supply. I dont think I could have fed my son 100% off on milk from one breast alone but definitely more than 60%. Remember that breastfeeding doesn’t have to be all or nothing. if you can give you baby any breastmilk at all that still helps some of the benefits pass along to her. And of course that is whether you are directly breastfeeding or feeding her pumped breastmilk. The best you can do for both of you since its what you want, is to try. Then you have to make the best decision based on your circumstance. Maybe that means breastfeeding exclusively, maybe mixing, maybe formula. Whatever the outcome, she will be one loved little nuggette!
I agree with all the pp about getting in touch with a Lactation Consultant now before you have the baby.
I have one ready to go and come to the hospital when I have my LO next month. With my son (2 years ago) I didnt have one and really regreted it. BF is difficult for lots and lots of women. I didn’t have anything impacting my ducts (no surgery) and still found it hard. Baby would cry and I would cry a lot of the beginning days of BF.
Finally I got a LC and she helped soooooo much!
Find some good ones in your area. Call them and ask if they make hosptial visits as well as home visits. They have so much information and will be able to help answer your questions about the mechanics as wellas your worries about your surgery.
Good Luck.
Thank for you for sharing this on your blog!
I have been worried about breastfeeding a little after seeing my sister-in-law struggle so much. My idea is that you can arm yourself with resources and educate yourself prior to baby but until that sweet little nugette is in your arms you won’t know for certain. All that matters is that she is healthy – if worst case scenario you have a limited milk supply and have to supplement with formula that doesn’t make you any less of a caring mom nor a ‘failure’. You deal with the circumstances you are given. I think talking one-on-one with a lactation consultant would help ease your fears as well 🙂
You will rock. Don’t worry. 🙂
I nursed both of my children for what’s considered a relatively short period of time, for two very different reasons. With my first son I had gotten mastitis & it was quite painful. The remedy: nurse MORE! I tried that, but it was so painful & my nipples were constantly chapped & bleeding. Not especially pleasant. This was after 3 months. But I so wanted to breastfeed… With my second son, I went back to work & dutifully pumped with my super-fancy breast pump. It worked for a little while, but I just wasn’t producing enough milk. So we switched to formula after about 5 months.
So, here’s my take on breastfeeding: if you choose to breastfeed, do it as long as you can & still keep you & your child in good health. And if it doesn’t work for you because of your past surgery, don’t bear yourself up about it. Just know that you did your best for your baby & pick the next best alternative for her. Talk with a good lactation consultant & take it as it comes. You’ll be fine!
My mom had a lump removed from her breast when she was in late high school/early college and she was able to breastfeed me exclusivly without any problems. It was major surgery at the time and she had no problems. She also had a huge tumor on her uterus the year before I was born and had it removed and had no problems having me! (and would have had a natural birth had I not decided to do a lot of somersaults & get the cord wrapped around my neck and try to chock myself during birth! I was an emergancy c-section baby…but my mom got a free tummy tuck out of the deal, lol)
Hi There! Obviously every situation is different, but I am a nurse practitioner and I have seen women who had breast reductions still breast feed. They warnyou prior to surgery that you may not be able to but one Doc I know has had 66 percent rate of happy breast feeding moms. There is A LOT more tissue destroyed in a breast reduction. It sounds like yours was much less. One of the keys to breast feeding is not being too stressed. There are also unpredicatble things that might make breast feeding not work, even if you want it to. BUT the important part is you can have a happy, healthy and well fed infant even if breast feeding doesn’t work ouy. Good luck.Relax. 🙂
thanks, amy – that is good to hear!
I breastfed my daughter Anna for 1yr. My best advice would be to stay calm and relaxed with the experience. I ended up having mastitis 4 times because I had so much milk but I got through it. Try not to get psyched out. It’s not easy at first but by 12 weeks you can do it in your sleep.
Keep calm and take it day by day.
🙂
Ok, I’m not a mom and have no real experience with breastfeeding, but a friend of a friend has had 2 kids and breastfeeds with only one side. For some reason her kids never took to a certain side, so it never produced. They both got enough from the other side until they reached a certain age and then she had to supplement with formula.
I remember reading another blogger who had had breast cysts drained and the doctor had kinda made a mess of things in her girls. She had a heck of a time breastfeeding her first born and was not to happy with Mr. Doctor to say the least.
Then she had baby number two who was a breastfeeding little champ who acted like it was his job (which… it sorta is). Sooo…. it seems even with mangled little ducts, things can work themselves out and sometimes it depends on the bebe.
My mother in law is a LaLeche coach and I really recommend hooking yourselves up with the organization. Hospitals will often provide you a BFing coach, but sometimes you only get them for an hour or two while you’re in the hospital. LaLeche will teach you how to do it before the baby arrives and they’ll come to your house. You can talk to them about your duct experience and they’ll answer all your questions.
OH! And from what my MIL told me, one of the reasons why women often have a hard time BFing right away is because they’re dehydrated — in the past docs won’t let you have food or water while waiting for the bebe to appear in case you need surgery (I have heard that some birthing centers don’t do this anymore though?). Add to that the dehydrating effects of some drugs and it’s no wonder these poor mamas have a tough time.
xoxoxox friend!
I have breastfed three kids for a loooooooong time (I usually don’t wean until 2-3 years old–still nursing my 21 month old) and I have had lots of various challenges, but not a similar situation to yours. However, I just want to say that I do know moms who have nursed from one side only and have produced enough milk that way, so even if you have trouble with the one side, there is a very good chance that you will have a successful nursing relationship with your little girl if that is what you want. Good luck! Breastfeeding can be very difficult in some ways, but is one of the best parts of being a mama in my opinion. Of course, it is different for everyone and a very personal decision.
All you can do is try! If it is not working out, you can always switch to bottles! My sister got very sick after she gave birth to my nephew, and was trying to breastfeed. At the baby’s 2 week or one month checkup, (which she was not even able to go to herself, her DH and MIL took my nephew in), the doctor said he wasn’t getting enough and that every other feeding would need to be a bottle. So my sister did the switch to total bottle feeding! It worked out the best for her, as she went back to work part time when he was a few months old! She had been in a tremendous amount of pain when trying to breastfeed him! All you can do is try, and if it doesn’t work out, you can switch!
The best advice I can offer…relax…listen to your body and your baby girl. I’ve had two boys and struggled with breastfeeding with my first, I was never able breastfed exclusively because I was not producing enough for his appetite and we supplemented with formula. I was devestated and suffering from post-partum and I thought I was a failure in the mother department. Dadgum hormones. With my second we just kinda did our thang and I breastfed almost exclusively the entire three months I was home with him but my milk production plumeted when I went back to work so I supplemented with formula. I limped along for 6 months with both. My boys, now 7 and 3, are healthy, smart and happy. There isn’t a tried and true answer…everyone is different.
The unknowns are the hardest…don’t try to figure it all out before hand. Sounds like you have an amazing support system. You will not believe how much your maternal instincts will kick in as soon as the little nugget arrives and you will just know the answers to MOST of your concerns…lol…we had several late night calls to the pediatrician the first time around. 😀 You will be an awesome mom.
Good luck!
Sandy
Breastfeeding can often be a struggle and lactation consultants are worth their weight in gold. Are you planning to take a breast feeding class? I highly recommend it. The teacher may be able to answer your questions or refer you to someone who can. I talked to a few lactation consultants before I gave birth because I had scar tissue issues in my left breast that worried me. I still had a difficult time breast feeding but we did it for 4 months, which after all the issues I had was a miracle. I would have preferred BFing longer but I did what I could and my son is now a thriving toddler.
This is a post from when my son was 20 days old and some of our struggles
http://ultralaurenruns.blogspot.com/2010_05_01_archive.html
You are already an awesome and attentive mother so whatever you can do is going to be perfect for you and nuggette.
I breast fed both of my children for more than a year each. Neither one of them had even one bottle of formula. I had mastitis with both of them and breast fed through the pain. I also had cracked/bloody nipples and scabbing and breast fed through the excrutiating pain. There was a day, when my daughter was 2 months old and I cried from pain All DAY. No matter what, I wasn’t going to give anybody anything to criticize me about. OMG, don’t do that to yourself!! In retrospect, it was a little (more than a little) crazy what I put myself through in order to breastfeed. I didn’t want anyone to be able to criticize me and I wanted to be better than my mother (long story). But wow, a new mom just doesn’t need that kind of pressure. What made it worse, in a way, was that I produced tons of milk. I had two big children and they ate a lot. If I was a cow, I could have won a prize at the county fair for milk production! I would encourage any new mom to give it a shot. It can, and at times was, absolutely wonderful. It is a bond you will always have with your child and it is clearly the healthiest option. But I was formula fed and I still managed to get a PhD, so do your best and don’t worry about it. There are plenty of other things to worry about.
Now, I haven’t had a child yet so this is yet to be seen, but here is what my doctor’s have told me following my own breast issues:
I had breast augmentation in December 2010 and then subsequently a clogged milk duct in both breasts, both turned into cysts. One went away on its own and the other had to be drained. Oh, the pain! And then it was just gone immediately after the procedure! Every radiologist, doctor, and PA that I’ve encountered in this process has reassured me that my ability to breast feed is no more hit or miss than anyone else. They’ve all seen many patients with tumors that have been removed, even milk ducts cut like mine, and they can still breast feed.
Again, I haven’t tried it yet, but I’ve been told not to worry another second about it 🙂
Wow Gina, I’m so sorry you had to go through that but so happy it turned out to be benign!! I share your thoughts on breast feeding, its what I really want to do when I have kids one day too. I really hope you can, would your midwives be able to advise you on that at all? I feel like they must hear all kinds of questions and concerns, and hopefully can help!
This is slightly vague advice, but hopefully worth the read. I don’t have kids yet but am hoping to someday in the future. I’m a worrier as well, but all of my worries are related to getting pregnant and giving birth (to a healthy baby)! That part freaks me out and worries me that something will go wrong. Once you give me a healthy child, I’m pretty comfortable with the process. For me, that’s when you can say – you can only do so much, and if you can’t breastfeed, you will still be a great mom and raise a loved and loving child.
Maybe not helpful, but just my thoughts and all I can offer since I haven’t tried the rest yet! 🙂
Jumping on the bandwagon to say every woman is different and every baby is different. Women have nursed with just one breast before. I would talk to an LC sooner than later and she’ll help you out. I’m sure your practitioner or Bradley instructor could point you in the right direction. And although I believe breastfeeding is best for so many reasons, there are times it just can’t happen, and if that ends up happening with you for one reason or another, so be it.
i’ve never been in this situation, but just know you are going to be a wonderful mother, gina. the time, love, and care you are putting into to being 100% ready for this baby girl to come into the world is inspiring. i hope to be this kind of mother someday 🙂
thank you kathleen <3
i just barely started reading your blog (i heart it, you’re very inspiring) anyway, i thought i would give you my experience with breastfeeding- i don’t have any advice for your particular sitch- but i have had three kids. so with my first, she wouldn’t latch, she got SO frustrated, which of course frustrated me…so i pumped. i pumped and pumped and out of the blue when she was 2 months old she just latched on like she’d been doing it (i thank avent bottles for that). with baby girl #2 i was determined to breastfeed, i had more of an idea of what to expect. it was easy, peasy. no issues, she took to it easily and it was completely stress free. baby #3 (a boy!) it went well…i mean there was the normal, bruised nipples, raw, hurting…it phased and then around 2/3 months it got really hard, my nipples were covered in scabs, everytime he nursed i wanted to cry and scream out in pain. i really, really wanted to quit (i am a firm believer in doing what makes mommy the happiest, happy mom=happy family) but i knew the work involved in pumping and buying formula would put us in the poor house! so i nursed him only from the side that wasn’t as scabbed and pumped the sore side until it went away and nursing has been pretty easy since then (he’s almost 6 months now). my point to all of this is not to put too much pressure on yourself, give yourself permission to learn. permission to fail and permission to do it. nursing is so easy for some, no issues and for others it’s a stress filled nightmarish challenge. just be positive when the time comes and learn with your new baby, she’s trying to get use to it too, take lots of breaks…remember when you’re trying to figure it all out a little formula will not harm her. good luck!
thank you, christa and welcome to the little blog 🙂
loved reading about your history too… i agree, when mom’s happy, the family is happy 🙂
A dear friend of mine had a reduction on one of her breasts years ago and had a little trouble breast feeding with that breast. Eventually it did stop producing completely, but the good news is that she was in fact able to breast feed from her other breast and has done so for the past six months. She went to see a lactation specialist a few times for support but she was able to do it! Here I am worried about being a full time graduate student and having internships and hoping my crayzay schedule works out for my breast feeding situation- and your story reminds me to be thankful for what I do have! (assuming that my body allows when the time comes) Best wishes and keep positive!
this girl on joyfulabode.com had breast reduction surgery and she can still breastfeed so that’s an example. I don’t know her, just read her blog, but you could talk to her!
awesome- thank you!
From glancing over the many comments, looks like you’ve gotten some great advice! In my undergraduate nursing program I took an entire semester course on breastfeeding (I guess there’s that much to talk about!) and did a presentation on breastfeeding after surgery. Some people can successfully breastfeed after breast augmentation, reduction, biopsies etc while others have difficulty, it really just depends on the extent of duct involvement. If it was a relatively small area, chances are you will be just fine, and that your other breast will compensate if needed. What is very reassuring is that your mom successfully breastfed you, because that is a great predictor! With your team of midwives, doula, and all of your other great support systems, (and perhaps with the help of a lactation consultant if needed), you have many wonderful resources. Trust yourself and baby when the time comes, because being anxious can sometimes even negatively influence your milk supply 🙂 Congrats on making the decision and researching the breastfeeding process!!
The best advice I can think to give you is to not initially blame any lack of milk or difficulty nursing on your surgery. BFing can take some time and frustration for anyone! Now, if you’re sure your hormones are in line (because they can really affect BFing the most, think PCOS) and your left one is functioning at ultimate capacity, even if for some reason your right breast isn’t producing enough milk, the left should be enough. Yes, that might be a little lop sided, but that is well worth the benefits, I think. Many women who have twins can fully BF with two functioning breasts, so I’m absolutely positive one (with balanced hormones!) will do the job just beautifully. But I think that you will be pleasantly surprised that your right breast will carry it’s weight, even if some of the ducts are damaged. Keep your chin up! And pay attention to everything your body is telling you, when the time comes, before you would give up and assume the issue was the surgery. I would highly recommend finding a really really good lactation consultant now. Think how much time and effort people put into their doula, and here you will need someone who might sit with you for several hours a day for who knows how long 🙂
that’s an excellent point. guess i need to start researching 🙂
My cousin had a very similar situation to you – she had a benign lump removed from her breast before she was thinking about kids. When she had her children, she could breastfeed well, but always felt like that breast did not produce as much as the other. She only breastfed for a few months (for other reasons).
My experience, looking back on it, is that breastfeeding was the most difficult for the first 8 weeks. By 3-4 months it had become quite easy and routine. I found my lactation consultation very helpful. Best of all she assured me I wasn’t alone in having some hiccups to start.
I agree with Christa, don’t put too much pressure on yourself about the breastfeeding thing. You won’t have any idea how painful, time-consuming and sleep-deprivating it is until you actually do it. Some people without an issue aren’t able to do it like they planned so you just never know until you try it. I planned to do it but was so cranky, sleep-deprived and frustrated I switched to formula pretty quickly and just did it part time. Now that I’ve done it once I have a greater understanding of how it’ll be and how to prepare for next time.
I would say that breastfeeding is sometimes difficult in the beginning under normal circumstances. If it is what you choose to do, it is wonderful and I would say to surround yourself with plenty of resources and support. My husband essentially taught me how to do it correctly after watching my son latch and identifying the problems I was having. He would coach me each time through the first few days until baby and I both learned. I wish I would have prepared more with resources that I could have called or visited for help to avoid some of the frustration and emotion. In the end I think the circumstances made me research the importance of breastfeeding further. I searched through all of the journals and read all of the studies which resulted in me breastfeeding until my son was 30 months! Something I never would have expected!!
a friend of mine had 3-4 similar surgeries on the same breast throughout high school and college. benign lumps needed to be removed. i remember her bleeding also, but don’t remember all of the details. it was a good 10+ years ago. when she had her son (3 years ago yesterday!), he would not nurse from that breast that had undergone surgery. he just refused that side. so she nursed him on the other side for his entire first year. she laughed about being lop-sided since she began to only produce milk on the one side, but she was still able to exclusively nurse him on the one side. she has now had a 2nd and has also had no problems nursing.
that’s great to know that she was able to still nurse! so glad that hers were benign, too <3
I am so sorry to hear what you experienced and I really hope you can nurse if you want to! It is a beautiful experience if you can do it, but even if you can’t, it doesn’t change you being an amazing mom!! With all the pro-BF messaging out there, it was heart-breaking to find out how much weight my already-small baby had lost and to hear my pediatrician tell me I could definitely supplement — he recommended it. I felt like a failure and he was totally supportive and I did boost my supply in addition to supplementing but it was a hard hurdle to get past. Once I got over that … it was much better!
I just stopped last week when my daughter turned nine months old (I was doing a combo of pumping at work, formula, and nursing when I could) and it was a highly emotional experience to “let go.” I think even without the potential physical challenge you may have, the truth is, BF is the hardest thing about motherhood for most new moms. No book you read or class you take can really prepare you for it. I had low supply from the get-go and I alternated between loving and hating the experience and then loving it all over again. The first six weeks, especially, are HARD. It sounds like you have a great support system in The Pilot and that helps a ton. So many times I was ready to throw in the towel and my DH would encourage me to keep at it. I’m glad I did.
Wishing you the best of luck and just know no one knows your baby like you … and use the lactation consultants!! Best advice I got and would give. They were remarkable!!
Hey! I just wanted to pop in and say that in my experience most women have few issues post breast surgery (this depending on what type of surgery, one breast or both, etc.) As everyone else keeps saying, one fully supplied breast would most likely be plenty on its own (your body will make what your baby needs). A certain Miss Megan you may know would only nurse on one side and did so consistently, leaving my mom slightly lopsided but my sister fully fed. I know you’ve read some great books, if you’re interested when I come down and bring your the Comfort Techniques DVD I can bring some of my breastfeeding DVDs and we can watch some good latches. I’ll even bring my teaching breasts and babies and we can practice together. 🙂
Remember, your attitude and psyche has so much to do with your experience. Coming into the situation armed with knowledge and a can-do attitude should be more than enough for you to be successful. P.S. I know a few AMAZING IBCLCs in Tucson I could get you in touch with as well. One of them is nursing a little girl herself right now. 🙂
that would be amazing- thank you friend <3
What a scary experience!
Breastfeeding is hard, at least I think it is, but totally worth it. My best piece of advice is to get help from a lactation consultant if you’re having a lot of pain or if you’re just unsure if you’re producing enough. I struggled at the beginning with latching especially because my daughter was so little when she was born. There were days that I wanted to give up, but knew that it was the best thing for her.
She’s almost three months old and we’re doing great now!
One more piece of advice, do not let anyone scare you out of pumping and having someone else give her a bottle or using a pacifier. I waited because i was so afraid of nipple confusion until she was a month old,even thought I was exhausted and my nipples were killing me. The first time someone else was able to give her a bottle and I was able to go out by myself for more than a half hour or so and take a shower…amazing! Don’t forget to take care of yourself as well.
I’m so glad everything turned out okay! That had to be really scary. After BFing my 2 for over a year each, here’s my advice… in Finance terms, it’s all about supply and demand. So, if baby is eating, (even if it’s a bottle of your pumped breastmilk) you need to be nursing or pumping, at least until you have an established supply (I’d say about 3 months, but a lactation consultant would have a better idea). If only the one breast is producing, it will be lopsided at first, but should eventually even out so you’re not engorged. Good luck, Gina! It can be challenging at first, but, in my opinion, is so incredibly worth it and I wouldn’t trade that time with my babes for anything.
Hi Gina,
I know you know I struggled with a low milk supply. Honestly, I’m still kind of heartbroken that I wasn’t able to exclusively breastfeed, but I gave it my best shot. Hopefully, you will have zero issues, but some breast milk is better than none. Never forget that and never be too hard on yourself. You will be an amazing mama whether you breastfeed exclusively, supplement with formula, formula feed, pump, etc.
Some of the most comforting advice I received while struggling with my supply was that so many moms go on and on about how they breastfed for x number of years only to feed their children junk after weaning. What you feed a baby after that first year or two is important as well, and you are going to be filling your child’s plate with all kinds of goodness. 🙂
P.S. I agree with the above commenters. Have helped lined up from the very beginning. If you don’t like the lactation consultants at the hospital or birthing center, then have one come to your house. Ask around and find a good one before baby arrives – made a world of difference for me!