Dear All,

I had a phone call from a neighbouring hospital this a.m. about a woman, 2nd
baby, day 4.  This woman had breast reduction surgery between babies
(breastfed her first I believe). Now is lactating, but has extreme pain when
feeding (the midwife who called me couldn't tell me if the pain continues
between feeds), baby has only lost 15 g since birth, so is obviously getting
plenty of milk.  I'm assuming no other feedings were given to this baby.

I've no had experience with women after breast reduction surgery, but I
understand that it depends largely on how the surgery was done and, whilst
women may be able to breastfeed, they may not be able to fully breastfeed.
I believe this is the same woman who I was asked about (again by someone
else) during her pregnancy, but I was not given the opportunity to actually
see her and discuss this issue.  I was told that the surgeon who did the
operation had said it would improve breastfeeding!!

Whilst I'm not discounting thrush as a problem, my thoughts are that the
milk is just not able to get through some of the ducts and this would indeed
cause extreme pain, especially when the milk ejection reflex occurs.  Does
anyone have any ideas on this?  In time would the alveoli in these
non-patent ducts stop producing, thus easing the pain?  Apparently this
woman has asked the midwife to "give the baby a bottle" for the next feed as
it is just too painfu, so I need information ASAP.  Sorry I can't give any
more information at this stage as everything I've been told has been 2nd
hand.  I look forward to your responses.  Could you please forward responses
to my private address as I am off the list at present.
TIA
Joy
Joy Cocks RN RM IBCLC
BRIGHT Vic 3741
email:[log in to unmask]

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