Welcome to Gaia! ::

We actually had another of these theads on page two, it's not the first time it's been tried in the guild. For reference:

http://www.gaiaonline.com/guilds/viewtopic.php?t=975486

And please keep in mind that elsewhere, also keep an open mind and do not condescend to the mothers who don't breast feed. So they don't erupt into a flamewar. We support everyone no matter how they feed and no one should be made to feel like they're a third rate parent for what the chose to/had to do.

Flaming anywhere in the guild will result in the offending thread's being closed or the posts deleted.

Thank you, carry on.

This isn't precisely related to a current feeding issue, but it is a big concern to me.

I have back problems due to the size of my breasts. I have been to the doctor who suggested consultations for breast reductions. The thing is, I have been told that they sometimes cut through the n****e, or remove it and then reattach it which can prevent you from breastfeeding.

Is this the case? Do you know if there are any types of surgery in which this can be avoided?

Nopen has given you excellent information as well as an informational link. The thing with most breast surgeries that are cosmetic in nature is that they tend to reposition the n****e for asthetics. This being the case there is an incision made around the areola and it is lifted and repositioned to keep it centered. Because nerves are cut in the process it can and many times does cause the areola to not be able to send nerve waves to the brain because sensitivity has been decreased. This can happen in both augmentation or reduction. In the case of reductions which tend to be more medically related they are as Nopen has mentioned removing tissue. In addition to this many times the major nerve supplying sensation to the breast and areola can get severed.
This presents a whole new gammut of problems for the would be lactating woman.

However, I have worked with women who have breastfed partially using a supplemental nursing system at the breast to get extra nourishment into the baby if their supply was not full. In some cases the second experience ends up producing more as the milk ducts "vein" out for lack of a better word with each pregnancy causing slightly more ducts with subsequent pregnancies. A few rare cases I have had the pleasure of working with have had very bad experiences the first time they have nursed after surgery. But the second time around have done excellent. One of whom was able to fully produce all the milk for her baby. Unfortunately those happy stories are few and far between.

On a personal note..I am very small framed. However, very large. I was told in college b/c of non stop headaches and back aches to get a reduction. However, on pressing for more options they sent me to physical therapy to strengthen the muscles involved in holding up the chest and it's connecting tissues. It helped tremendously and when I grew up to a 34 J cup when I was fully lactating and thought they would explode, I had those exercises to lean on to help subside some of the pain. I have told my husband however, the girls can stay in their current state for now. Just in case we have more children. However, as soon as I hit menopause I'm mortgaging the house if my insurance won't pay for the operation. rofl

Hope this helps!

breastfeed breastfeed breastfeed.

And when you aren't doint that, pump or hand express. Also hot towels.

Also try massage from the top of your breast down to the n****e to help work out the clog.

Further, look at your n****e if there is a clogged duct there might be a white spot on your n****e indicating the clog. You can sometimes take a sterilized pin and help draw out the clog.

Mastitis...ick! Crawl in bed with baby. Have someone bring you plenty of liquid and meals so you can rest and tend to diapering and burping. Simply nurse. Keep nursing. Your baby is quite tiny it may be hard to vary nursing positions on that side. But if you can try pointing the baby's nose towards the pain for a few sessions it may help drain it quicker and if not try pointing the chin towards the pain. Start by gently massaging to push the milk out towards the n****e and take your acidophilus since you are now on an antibiotic. You don't want to end up getting thrush on top of this. I'd try nursing mostly on the painful side and pumping the other side so you don't develop a clogged duct in that side as well. Feel better. Mastitis sucks!

This is the time of year it gets common. A lot more shopping sprees getting ready for the holidays. You aren't nursing as often or pumping as often and it just sort of happens. I did want to ask though, are you wearing anything constricting at all? For instance underwire bras? Or putting baby in a backpack carrier or carrying a heavy bag or purse on your shoulder often? The milk ducts go all the way up into your arm pits and lately I've been running into moms who are getting clogged ducts from constricting the milk ducts too often. If baby suddenly starts sleeping for longer stretches this can cause a plugged duct as well. The trick is to sort of wean into every change slowly. Our little ones don't allow that all the time, but start your massage and up your fluids for now being sure to nurse often and trying to point the baby's chin towards the painful area. Sorry if this sounds chaotic. I'm running off of very little sleep lately and have been sick for a few weeks. Let me know if that didn't make sense.

I just noticed your ticker, she's not even 2 months old yet? It could just be your body trying to regulate. She's hitting a growth spurt then tapering off. She's trying to figure out when and how she wants to eat, and then may end up sleeping a tad longer than she *should*. It's just a figuring things out game for you and for her right now. If she is gaining well and you don't need the extra milk, I would hold off on pumping unless you are uncomfortable. Pumping will empty your breasts further and convince your body to produce more milk. Which, is a bad thing for plugged ducts. xp If you find you are having an oversupply issue you may want to contact an IBCLC and see if they can help you regulate that. I know some moms have tried things to reduce their milk a bit, but at this stage your body is still adjusting and it may not be necessary.

Hope this helps!