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Home › Articles › Essays/Opinion › Milk Production After Breast Reduction

Milk Production After Breast Reduction

One Woman's Story of Success

By Kim Folsom

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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.

Long-term Breastfeeding Success
At the end of two weeks, Heather's goal is for Baby to be back to birth weight. On day 15 of life, Grace weighed in at a healthy 8 pounds, 1 ounce, up from her birth weight of 7 pounds, 9 ounces. She was regularly taking in more than 2 ounces at each feed and weigh appointment. Heather released us from daily appointments and suggested weekly weight checks until our two-month exam. I was thrilled, and I think Heather was amazed. I knew I needed to thank my surgeon.

Dr. Philip E. Gutek, with Associated Plastic Surgeons, P.C., in Kansas City, Mo., is one of my heroes. He came highly recommended by two women I knew who had other procedures. I can't stress enough the importance of finding a trained and skilled surgeon, with recommendations from past patients and a stellar reputation.

Milk Production After Reduction-One Woman's Stor of SuccessAccording to Dr. Gutek, the type of breast reduction surgery performed determines whether breastfeeding can be considered. If a dermal pedicle or a free nipple graft has been performed, breastfeeding would not be possible, due to the severance of connective breast tissue. However, Dr. Gutek uses an inferior-lateral pedicle or dermo-glandular pedicle method, in which the nipple areolar complex is left intact, increasing the possibility of adequate blood supply, nerve supply and continuity of breast tissue and milk ducts. In his opinion, with current techniques, breastfeeding should be possible in 60 to 70 percent of women who would have been able to breastfeed prior to reduction surgery.


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