Breastfeeding with Tuberous Breasts that have Undergone Breast Surgery

I was so excited to find your website and am so hopeful that you'll be able to help me! I'm due with my first child on August 8, 2012 and would love to breastfeed my child, but am not sure if it will be feasible.

Back in 2009, I had breast surgery as an attempt to correct my tuberous breasts. To do this, they performed breast reduction and lift (to make them the same size) before finishing with small breast implants. I know women who have had breast augmentation are able to breasfeed; however, as you can see, my surgery was not as simple as just augmentation. Additionally, from what I've read, the fact that I started with tuberous breasts may be another reason why I may not be able to breastfeed.

I also have fairly sensitive nipples, but I'm not sure if that's do to possible nerve damage from the surgery or a pregnancy symptom.

Any advice you may be able to give me would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you, in advance, for your help!
Megan

Answer from the lactation consultant:

The best advice I can give you is to see a lactation consultant in person who can do a physical exam and discuss all options with you.
If you have a before photo of your breasts it will help the lactation consultant greatly.
The main obstacle to overcome is if your breasts were tuberous due to Insufficient Glandular Tissue. YOu should be able to contact the plastic surgeon to find out. If this is the case, it is difficult to achieve full milk production and will likely require use of galactogogues to achieve any supply. However, make no assumptions until a board certified lactation consultant has been consulted. It could just be that your breasts were simply pendulous thus tuberous in appearance.
Very smart of you to investigate prior to the birth!


Hope this help,
Liz Pevytoe, RN, IBCLC