Just wondering if anyone has any experience with breastfeeding after a lumpectomy. I had small lump removed a couple of years ago on my right side, and now I worry that I'll have trouble breastfeeding on that side.
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I don't have any experience but if there's a local la leche league around you they might be able to direct you to someone to give you info on the ins and outs.
Kellymom is a great breastfeeding resource too - she has some links up about breast surgery and breastfeeding, not sure if any are relevant for you.
http://kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mother/breast-surgery/ -
I had bilateral (left and right) lumpectomies about 6 years before I had my first child. I was worried that I'd have bf'ing issues, but everyone told me I should be fine. With my first baby though, I did have trouble... Since the surgery left my left boob (the boob with a whole lot of adenomas taken out) with a slightly flat nipple, my baby had a lot of issues latching on. It was really tough on me. I contacted LCs, but in the end, I didn't produce enough milk after a few months to keep going on.
However, I had my second baby last year... I was so scared to BF again... I def thought I'd have trouble again. Well, It's been 12 months now and I'm still breastfeeding her! So it can be done. I think I learned a lot from my struggles the first time. I also think that my troubles weren't directly affected by the lumpectomies, just the fact that one of my boobs had a more flat nipple because of the surgery was done on that side. But many women with flat nipples are able to bf successfully, though it's harder for some than others.
Also interestingly, my left side gave me a lot of trouble with my first baby, but funny that now it's the side that produces more milk for my second baby. So you just never know. Do express your concerns though with your OB as they know your situation best.
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It really depends on what the surgeon did during the surgery, and how your body responded scar tissue and inflammation wise at the time. It is almost impossible to predict how BF will go, but from what I have learned in my breastfeeding courses (I am taking courses to become an LC), it should be possible with the removal of a small lump from 1 side. The other side will pick up the slack of what that side can't do!
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