Straight From the Bottle

Well,I haven´t had a breast-reduction, I will most likely rather have a breast enlargement.. but, what I wanted to say was that even without any kind of surgery, breatfeeding can be difficult... I couldn´t get enough milk. There were a few drops, at the most I got out  maybe 1/4 of a milk-glass. And I did everything to get the milk flowing... acupuncture, pumping, breast-support, everything the nurse-lady could recommend. But nothing worked. There´s nothing wrong with my breasts, the milk just wouldn´t flow. Sadly, but I did my best. All of us mothers do our best. I still think it´s sad that I couldn´t feed my babe properly.

He´s four now, so at least he didn´t starve...  and I gave him the most important drops of milk.... Thank heavens for formula...

Quite right, Helene. Quite right.

I had one reduction(yes they grew back and totally ask for smaller. I asked for B I got big B small C but still didn't pass the pencil test) Anyhow, I just had my daughter in Feb. I was told all of the things you were, but miraculously I breastfed and now pump exclusively. It was totally a second job getting my milk to come in. I used herbs, consultants,drugs,a small nation of massage therapists... Also different, nipple sensitivity... My nips were left so incredibly sensitive after reduction that a cool breeze,slight brush,mild arousal would enable them to cut glass. Imagine how suctioning them every three hours feels ? I've decided that I'm completely on crack because instead of stopping at 6 months, I now plan to continue as a human dairy farm until my daughter is a year old. Then it's back to the plastic surgeon for reduction number 2.

A friend of mine got her breasts reduced at 20, but she was one of those girls who knew since she was a child she wanted to breastfeed. (I was in your camp...breastfeeding at 18, hell at 26, creeped me out). She went to a reconstructive surgeon who specialized in rewiring all the milk ducts after surgery. Turns out she was able to pump tons and tons of milk and had so much stored even when her son was weaned.

Thank you for sharing your stories!

Amen to, "A happy mom makes a happy babe."

I didn't comment on the va-jay-jay post, but allow me to say to both that one and this one: OUCH and OUCH!!  So sorry you had to go through all that.  Sucks to be a woman sometimes.  I can't think of anything comparable that men go through.

My son was a preemie, so he was pretty small and not able to latch on. Plus, I was informed by a very nice nurse in the special care nursery, that my nipples were inverted. So I had two marks against breast feeding. Thank goodness we have good formula to fall back on when the natural way doesn't work out, for whatever reason. And while I don't anticipate ever needing breast augmentation of any sort, thanks for sharing!

oh rebecca!  how i envy you.  during the time i was BFing, i was a 36FF-- and i am 5 ft tall!  i am so looking forward to a reduction, but trying to figure out a good time, since i now have a child to look after.

Pre-pregnancy I was a 34DD, which I always felt was big but I'd come to accept it and learned how to disguise it pretty well. Then my boobs exploded to a whopping 34I - as in I didn't know they even made that size - at their largest for the first few months of breastfeeding. Now after 17 months, weight loss back to more or less my pre-pregnancy size, and still breastfeeding, the girls are a 32F. Better than the milk torpedos I was lugging around before, but I still kind of look like a titsicle, despite having some junk in my trunk. Needless to say, I've become rather fascinated with the idea of reduction surgery and maybe a breast lift too, although I am freaked out by the whole nipple removal thing. My question is: If you have the redux and then gain weight or get pregnant, do they grow back?

Nope! Mine didn't grow back AT ALL after having Archer. In fact, when I was pregnant (and now that I am again) they are pretty much the same size. The other bonus with breast-redux is that your breasts stay perky after baby. They are not only made smaller but also perky and totally cute. They're still too big to go bra-less but there is no saggy post-baby boobs, here. At least not after one. Ha!

rebecca, it sounds like you are definitely one of those few women who can't exclusively nurse for legitimate medical reasons, and yet here you are completely committed to giving your babies all the milk you can humanly give them. if i went through what you did nursing archer i don't know if i would do it again, and that's coming from a breastfeeding freak.

i'm one of those lactivists. the kind that support women's right to breastfeed anywhere/anytime, and the kind who  believes that mama milk is the number one food for babies (and toddlers, obviously toddlers eat solid food too, please don't flame me, lol), and the kind that hates the formula companies marketing ploys. not one of the kind that goes after other women for their choices. i don't like those kinds of lactivists either. instead of bashing the mamas, why not get up in arms at the totally non-supportive of nursing society we live in, and save your discussions with the moms about spreading knowledge and understanding. that's what i say. :)

i'm floored by your commitment, really. and so proud.

Amen to the "Happy Mom makes a Happy Babe" statement.  I tried and tried to bf my first daughter and was absolutely unable to.  Every single person I knew pushed it on me, acted as if I was doing my child a disservice if I didn't, or couldn't., bf.  The day I decided to stop trying to bf (when she was about 2 weeks old) is the day I finally stopped crying constantly.  The tears flowed better than the milk up until that point.  The nurses in the hospital wouldn't bring me formula because I had chosen to bf, instead they thrust a lactation consultant in my face who did nothing but make me feel more inadequate as a mom because my boobs wouldn't perform.  Any choice you make is a good one, you know your body and you know whats best.  What is the stigma with formula feeding all about anyway??  Especially when formula is the only food your baby will be able to eat!

I had breast reduction at 23 (only one, but also I agree.. go for smaller!). I was told then that I would never be able to breastfeed (and at 23 hadn't given it a thought). Breast reduction was the best thing I ever did for myself, and not because I wanted my breasts to just look better, but because I was in So! Much! Pain! from them.

I had my son at 38, and being an older, more educated woman, I did want to see what I could do. I was so very sad at the thought that I would never feed my child from my body, but resigned myself to being ok if it wasnt possible... but I was going to go all out to try.

I made milk. But the problem (as you experienced) was getting it out. Shields, shells, pumping, massaging, more people (especially strangers) touching my breasts than I could count. In the end I was only able to pump out very little, but that little bit went straight in to my little boy. I formula fed my baby (Emfamil here too) after exhaustive marathon booby wrestling. I was sad, but clearly my child needed to eat, so that was my priority, not whether or not I was doing it 'wrong'. I would still try again if we have a #2.

After all that, there were several times I was lambasted in public, by complete strangers, for 'poisoning' my child with formula. At first it made me feel sad and inferior.. but then the punk rock girl inside me woke up and spoke up.

No matter what or how I feed my child, I am a kick-ass mama who loves her son.  

Amen, Liz. I had the same experience. I was mixing formula for Archer at the park one day when an older woman said to me that she was disappointed in seeing "another mom formula feeding her baby." That was one of many times I was bombarded by judgmental bitches. I said nothing to anyone. I have since grown balls, however and plan to bust a cap in a bitches face if she tries to call me inferior. It's unbelievable how many women think YOUR BREASTS are their business.

I also realize that breast-reduction or not, there is a chance I wouldn't have been able to breastfeed anyway. I know plenty of awesome rockin' mamas who tried and couldn't breastfeed as well as plenty of awesome rockin' mamas who chose NOT to breastfeed for their own reasons.

I had a breast reduction at 22 and it was the best thing I ever did for myself.  When I had twins at 31 I tried so damn hard to breast feed them.  I produced a little bit of milk, but could only get it out by pumping.  It was painful and bloody and each baby would only get about an ounce a day.  At my first pediatrician appointment she asked how feeding was going and I immediately burst into tears.  She practically ordered me to stop and sent me home with some formula.    

My twins were perfectly happy on formula and better yet, I was a more relaxed mom.  When my son was born two years later,  I pumped what I could but didn't kill myself.  

My breasts DID change after having kids though.  They grew back almost two bra sizes and were so heavy and uncomfortable.  Then a few months ago I read  your post about your reductions.  It had never occurred to me that I could have the surgery again.   You totally inspired me.  I had another reduction LAST WEEK.  The doctor removed 2 pounds of tissue and (bonus!) lipo suctioned out my back fat!  Post surgery is not fun, but I am so happy I did it.   So thank you Rebecca for not being afraid to write about it (is there anything you're afraid to write about?).   I have a slew of cute summer tank tops I can't wait to wear, without a bra.

i also had a breast reduction and was told that i might not be able to breast feed. of course, at that time in my life breastfeeding seemed like something off in the distant future. when i was pregnant with my son, i was prepared for it to go either way. luckily, i was able to breastfeed him with no problems at all. in fact, i nursed him for over a year.

i am now breastfeeding baby #2, and so far also no problems! i am very grateful to my doctor for such a good job!!

Aw, Mama Ginger Tree! Good for YOU! Sending you my best during your recovery! I know how hard (and painful it is) ... If my breasts were to grow back I would absolutely go in for another surgery. Without a doubt. And I would ABSOLUTELY ask the doctor to lipo my arms while he was at it. (Ha!)

Enjoy your summer tank-tops!!!

That's great, Eve! Good to know you're surgery was such a success and you were still able to BF!

oh i must second mama ginger tree (congrats by the way!). i'm so inspired by the way you put your life out there on your blogs. not many people have the courage to do that, but not only do you do it with balls, you do it with grace too.

For what it is worth, I had a reduction 8 years ago (and they grew back to almost the same size.  Will consider another after kids).  Had a similar experience fedding my first son as you, pumped to get anything, but mostly formula fed.  But with my second everything was differenet.  Somehow it just worked this time. (Although when I pump I still get almost nothing!)  I thank a great herablist and fennel tea.  I still supplement a bit because I don't produce enough, but it's been a nice new experience.  Not sure if you're interested, but could try fennel tea or other herbs.  Just an option.  Good luck  

Thanks so much for sharing. I was wondering and was hoping you'd address your reduction. With my first I was deadset on nursing and because my breasts are so large it was kind of a pain in the ass. Hold baby, hold boob, insert boob, keep boob from sufficating baby... sweat and repeat. Having #2 today (induction) and I'm planning to not put so much pressure on myself about it. I've been wanting to get a reduction but had been misinformed before about the risks involved re: breastfeeding and so maybe after #2 I'll finally get the balls to do it.

oh, and because i forgot, make sure you stick it to those ladies at the park too. one thing i really don't get about a lot of BFing mamas is that they get full of righteous indignation when someone comments on them nursing in a negative way (justifiable), but they feel free to comment on another mama mixing formula for her baby and then get defensive when she gets mad (which is also a totally justifiable reaction on her part). it's like "how dare you feed your child, you less of a woman!" puh-lease. i suppose the hypocrisy is lost on them, no?

How odd... I use Ari'sMom as my BBC screen name, and yet the above Ari's Mom ain't me. Who knew there were so many Ari's and like thinking moms. Anyway!

I *was* planning to have a reduction after I have had all my children, but I think you've changed my mind! I like to wipe my own ass. Eeek! You poor thing. Thank goodness it was well worth it for you.

I'm a huge proponent of breastfeeding but don't want to see any mom judged or have her choices questioned, especially when she's in the middle of feeding her baby. I've got a suggestion for a comeback to make the person getting in your business want to crawl under a rock and die! Look at her very forlornly and say, "I'm in the middle of chemotherapy for inoperable cancer and the doctors warned me it would poison my breastmilk. What do you suggest I do?"

So funny (you know, not funny ah-ah...)to read about all of you discussing reduction surgery... Where is fairness in nature? I don't like the idea of implants but I'm so tired of my non-existent chest, wish you guys could just give me a little bit of the overflow, then we would all be happy!

I breastfed for a year (then my boobs were like wow, just perfect!) even though before my son was born I was also freaked and actually kinda grossed out by it. I'm all for breastfeeding and think you should honestly at least try and make the effort, but no one should kill themselves doing it... Breast is most certainly best, but I agree with you Rebecca, formula is not poison! Booh extremists...!

I don't have experience to add to the breast redux part of this discussion, but just wanted to add how angry it makes me that you had to put up with people judging your realivty v.a.v. feeding your child. The fact is, most mothers are going to do what's best for their child, and we need to let them do that. Since I pumped (latch issues that never resolved), I always fed from bottles, and I always felt like I wanted stickers for the bottles that said MAMA'S MILK, OKAY?! or something, because there were some looks, for sure. Sorry to hear you had to deal with that, like you didn't have enough on your plate already. Grrr.

I grew some 34-C's when I was 12 and have kept them at a 34-D by watching my weight religiously since then...they instantly grow if I gain any weight whatsoever.  That being said, I have been dreading the getting-pregnant-and-nursing thing because I know my mom's and all of my cousins' breasts basically doubled in size when they had their babies.  Thanks for the info on redux - very interesting, and it's nice to know there's an option if I'm stuck with saggy 34-G's after all is said and done!

I had breast reduction at 17 and my baby at 31.  Luckily, after many trips to the lactation specialist with clogged ducts, cracked nips, and weird nip-bubbles (little fluid filled sac--eeew), I managed to bf exclusively for his first 6 months.  Supply was always an issue--I could only ever manage to get 1.5-3 oz. per feeding or pumping session.  So when I went back to work I supplemented and pumped.  

My breasts stayed mama-huge until I finally weaned, at 15 months.  Now they're kinda back to pre-baby, post-surg perkiness.

I had huge boobs before babies and now I have RIDICULOUSLY huge boobs.  I couldn't bf my first for the same reasons as you, inverted nipples, lack of milk production etc etc.  I have just started researching breast reduction surgery...do you (or your readers) have any advice on finding a good Dr and dealing with recovery?

Ask around, Kate, or if you don't know anyone local who has had a breast-redux, search the internet for grade A doctors and then go meet with them -- ask to see their "before" and "after" books and ask a thousand questions. I went to a private plastic surgeon's practice, which came highly recommended. (In San Diego.)

As far as dealing with recovery, I highly recommend having someone around to help you with your drains, etc the first couple weeks post-surgery. You're not going to be able to do it all yourself so a close friend or family member to come assist at the beginning would be really helpful! I was unable to lift my arms for a good week or so. Good luck!

I haven't read all of the previous posts as it is late, but I was told by a lactation consultant that sometimes a woman who has had a reduction is able to produce more with subsequent babies. So maybe this time you won't have to pump for hours for an ounce! Kudos to you. I had/have a proliferative supply and it was hard in the beginning, so I can't imagine what mom's dealing with supply issues go through.

I had a breast reduction in 1999, at about the age of 28 — I was a 36 DDD and went down to a 36C. I had the same surgery as you, except that while they did move the nipples up, they didn't remove them entirely, just cut around them to move them, so I actually retained all nipple sensation.

I had my son in 2002 and had the same experience as you — there was milk there, but the poor kid would be sucking for close to an hour and still scream at me because he was starving. I tried pumping, and could barely get an ounce — so after about two weeks of huge frustration and lots of tears, I finally made the choice to switch to formula. Once I made that decision, I was so much more stress-free because finally I knew he was getting enough to eat and he stopped screaming at me.

I had my daughter in 2005, and made the decision right off the bat to not put myself through all that again, so I can't tell you if subsequent pregnancies/births make it any easier to breast feed.

The one thing I will say is that I AGONIZED over the decision to stop breastfeeding — I had people telling me I was doing the WORST THING EVER to my child, etc. It was terrible. But both my kids topped the charts during their infancies, for both height and weight, and are supremely healthy (knock on wood). We have never had any major illnesses or any other problems, which I worried about because of all the stories of the kid getting the mother's antibodies through the breast milk, etc.

My point being, mothers need to do what works for them and their children — and not worry about what everyone else says.

Oh, and I forgot to mention, that after I had babies, my breasts grew back to a D... but that could be the extra ten pounds I've never quite been able to get rid of... Heh.

I had a breast reduction done when I was seventeen, not thinking I'd ever want to breast-feed, and now I'm twenty-one and pregnant and hoping I'll be able to. I had a different experience with my plastic surgeon though - I asked for a small C and he made me a medium B, but whatever. Now that I'm pregnant they're huge again and I'm hoping I won't need to get another after I'm doing having kids.

I suggest you hook up with someone at the LLL. My sister couldn't pump a DROP and just before she was about to throw in the towel the LLL told her to come in, weigh the baby before she ate and after to see how much she was getting. Well she was getting more than enough! Babies are much more efficient than pumps and your boob probably just doesn't want to be molested by a giant cone. :D Good luck!

OK - so I WAITED till I was 34 to have the damn reduction, figuring I was NOT going to have babies - suffering through my teens and 20's with ginormous feed bags - only to have a baby at 38 and DESPERATELY want to breast feed.  I have total nipple sensation, and found that one of my breasts produced a lot more than the other - also - do some herbal research - I drank a special tea (can't remember the name) but was supposed to help with milk production - also look into some accupuncture to stimulate the ducts and production.  Good luck!!  Oh, and my feed bags are back in FULL fucking form as in 36DD after my son and even after I lost the weight.  I'd totally do another reduction and a tummy tuck too!!  

I had a reduction 10 years before my first child was born.  I had milk and tried to breastfeed exclusively but within a week she wasn't gaining any weight.  The ped. suggested all kinds of stuff to mimic the experience and it all sounded horrible, with tubes and constant partial nudity, and for my sanity I switched to full time formula.  She was extremely healthy and I went on to have 3 more kids (yes, I have 4!).  I nursed them all about once a day for a month or so, just for the antibodies and bonding, but I'm sure the calories were all formula.  The pumping was a waste of time for me, time I could be cuddling a baby.  That being said, it was a little more milk and a little easier each time, so you may have more luck this time.  There is a book out which title I believe is the unimaginative "Breast feeding after breast reduction."  Good luck but as you already know, the most important thing is that your baby thrives and that the vibe in the home is mellow, no matter what you choose to feed her.

I must say I'm surprised by all of you who have had negative comments about how you feed your child. I am one of those moms who nursed into (and past) toddlerhood. Neither of my babies ever had a drop of formula. When I see a baby getting a bottle, I feel sad that the mom and baby are missing out on breastfeeding. But I would never say a word, because I don't know the story. Perhaps the baby is adopted, perhaps the mother has a medical problem, perhaps for all I know she is a foster mother to this child. Or perhaps she tried really hard to nurse and is heartbroken that she could not make it work. Breastfeeding DOES matter and it IS best but I prefer to say positive things to the mothers I see nursing and have an effect on the world that way. And by the way, I never once, in many years of nursing everywhere I went, had anybody say anything but really positive things to me about nursing my children in public. I hope that someday breastfeeding will be the norm and our hospitals and doctors will stop giving us horrid advice that wreck so many moms' attempts to nurse, because clearly it's biologically impossible that the human race could have so many females unable to produce enough milk for their children to survive without formula (I'm not talking about moms who have had any kind of breast surgery here). Think about it! It is not our bodies that are at fault, it is the things we subject our mothers to, like unnatural hospital routines, etc.

Thanks for writing about this. I have a 10 month old daughter and was going to have a redux after I was done having kids...which may very well be now. I breastfed and supplemented with formula for 6 months before I gave up and she was on just formula after that. Thankfully, they didn't swell up too much...I was a 36H pre-pregnancy. It was so hard to breastfeed at a 36I size. I literally had to hold my boob up and aim it down towards her, becuase if it laid on her she'd start squirming.

Any good sites that you recommend for questions concerning the surgery? I'd looked into about 10 years ago, but they would not touch me because I was a smoker...was wondering if the rules had chenaged.

Again, thanks for peaking my interest on this topic again. I need to get it done...