Breastfeed After Breast Surgery
Breastfeeding after breast surgery can be a challenge, however, it is possible. Some surgeries--especially breast reduction--can sever milk ducts, resulting in low milk supply. This can be overcome either by raising milk supply with herbs, or supplementing with donated breastmilk or formula through either a bottle or a breastfeeding supplementer. Whether you've had breast reduction, implants, lumpectomy or other invasive breast surgery, there are some things you can do to prepare for breastfeeding after surgery in order to minimize your stress level in those first postpartum days.
Instructions
Breastfeed After Breast Surgery
1. Purchase a nursing supplementer. This is a flexible tube attached to a milk container, which allows the baby to receive formula or donated breastmilk while nursing at your breast. Study the instructions and practice filling and putting on the supplementer ahead of time. The two main brands of nursing supplementer are the Lact-Aid, and SNS (supplemental nursing system) by Medela.
2. Purchase herbal galactogogues (herbs or ingredients which increase milk supply). These can be helpful to a mother breastfeeding after surgery. Such herbs include fenugreek, blessed thistle, goat's rue and alfalfa.
3. Locate a qualified lactation consultant. Try to find one who has specific experience with breastfeeding after breast surgery. Line up the services beforehand so that both you and the consultant are ready to immediately tackle any problems that may arise when the baby is born.
4. Attend a local La Leche League meeting and note the schedule for future meetings. While not every La Leche League leader has experience with mothers who are breastfeeding after breast surgery, most are acquainted with nursing supplementers and ways to improve milk supply, therefore can be a vital source of support when breastfeeding in a challenging situation.
5. Nurse frequently. This is particularly important for mothers breastfeeding after breast surgery. Don't worry about nursing the baby "too much", babies know to let you know when they need to eat, and nursing very frequently--as often as every 30 to 60 minutes--is helpful in building a good milk supply.
6. Watch the baby's urinary and bowel output, and monitor his or her weight. Breastfed babies should have a minimum of six to eight wet diapers and several small bowel movements per day. If the baby's output is not adequate, consult your pediatrician and lactation consultant.
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