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Milk Production After Reduction
One Woman's Story of Success By Kim Folsom
Our first visit to Heather's office was encouraging. She observed Grace's ability to nurse properly and examined my breasts. She commented that my scars were minimal and that I must have had a good surgeon. She also spoke to me about my attitude. She complimented my positive approach and determination. That, she said, would be more than half the battle. She was convinced that a positive attitude and strong will increased our odds.
Grace's birth weight was 7 pounds, 9 ounces. Heather told me that I could safely continue to breastfeed exclusively as long as the baby hadn't lost more than 10 percent of her birth weight at the first appointment. She weighed in at 7 pounds, 4 ounces – within the safe range. Grace consumed 28 ccs, nearly 1 ounce, at that feeding. Heather was pleased and decided that supplementing was not necessary at this point. I was elated! We continued to see Heather for monitored feedings and test weights every day for two weeks.
I learned that if Baby's weight drops below 10 percent of birth weight in the first three days, Mother must begin supplementation. Heather determines the amount of formula needed based on the test weights and the amount of breast milk Baby is getting. There are alternatives to bottle-feeding, which is Heather's least favorite choice. A Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) is her first recommendation, which simulates nursing. A small bottle-type apparatus is taped to the exterior of the breast with tubing attached, allowing Mother to keep Baby at the breast. There is another method using a medicine-type cup placed on Baby's lower lip. Baby should be monitored closely to make sure that weight increases 1/2 to 1 ounce per day during the early visits.
