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Ask A Lactation Consultant

Q. What complications might occur in breast feeding after you have had a reduction?

A.Dear Renee,

I get asked this question fairly frequently. The answer is things may work out with breastfeeding just fine. It depends what part of the breast was removed. If your health care provider looks at the records from the reduction, he or she may be able to tell if any milk ducts were removed and how much. Some times it is difficult to tell. I usually advise mothers who have had a reduction to give breastfeeding a try. If there she doesn't build a supply, we try to increase it, but sometimes there it just doesn't build up due to the reduction. A lot of times, though it works out fine. Talk with you health care provider and if you do decide to give it a try, consult with a breastfeeding specialist after the baby is born just to have a resource. Good Luck!

Here is an additional resource:

• Breastfeeding after a Reduction Surgery
• Reduction FAQ
• Personal Story
• One Woman's Story

Stephanie Ryan, RN, BSN, ICCE, IBCLC answers your breastfeeding questions.