Dear Valerie,
        Every case is different.  I had a client that had surgery on both
breasts at the age of 16.  This client had one over-developed and one
non-developed breast (her recollection).  This woman could not wear a
bathing suit after the age of 12, due to her breast development.(In
Florida, as a teenager, this was important.)
        The surgery was done using the free nipple technique, and even
though the surgeon denied it, the woman was sure that the nipples were
switched during surgery.
        When her breasts started leaking during her first pregnancy, she
asked her surgeon whether she would be able to breastfeed.  Thinking only
of his artwork, the doctor replied no.  The lady did anyway, although
with some nipple discomfort, and some supplimentation.  I did not meet
her until her second child was born.  She was successfully breastfeeding
this one, but again with nipple discomfort.
        On examination, I discovered that she had no montgomery glands.
Once lanolin was introduced, the discomfort dissapeared.  This woman
always had a struggle with supply, but did not need to suppliment the
second child.
        I have a theory as to why this woman was able to nurse so well
following such extensive surgery.  I believe that since the surgery was
done while breast development was still taking place, that the ducts were
able to grow and re-attach.  Even though one breast supposedly did not
develop at all, apparantly the breast tissue did develop either during
puberty or during pregnancy.  The nerves also must have re-attached or
grown.  The mother did report altered sensation, nipples did not change
during stimulation, but breasts worked anyway.
        Do check for montgomery glands.  Breastfeeding will be much more
comfortable with lanolin applied after every feeding, and possibly before.
        As you learn with this mom-to-be, please share it with the rest
of us.  We'll learn with you.


Margie Forrest, in WPB, winter capitol of the breast-augmented!