As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, I was pleased
to see breastfeeding considered as a factor in making decisions about
breast reductions in "More or Less" (April, 1999).  However, the article
understated the risks of this surgery.  Research has shown that women
who've had reduction surgery are three to five times more likely to
produce insufficient milk than women who have not had breast surgery.
The problem stems from the fact that there is no "excess glandular
tissue" in large breasts, the excess tissue is fat.  Surgeons are not
able to remove only the fat, because the gland is embedded in and
interwoven with the fat, which cushions and protects it.  How much
tissue is removed, whether the nerve that stimulates milk production
when the baby sucks is injured, and whether or not milk duct are severed
determine the ability to produce milk after this surgery.  The normal
breast development in pregnancy can also be more painful for women who
have had breast reductions, especially if significant skin was removed.
Lactation consultants are pleased to provide information and assistance
to women considering breast reduction, or breastfeeding after one.
--
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC  New York City  mailto:[log in to unmask]

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