Dear Lactnetters-
     Several months ago a mom with a 5 day old baby called me because her
baby was not latching on.  During my assessment, I notes (jpretty hard to
miss) bi-lateral periareolar incisions.  She was also VERY engorged.  Mom
told me that they were from implant surgery.  I thought that the engorgement
was probably related to milk stasis from the surgery, and was  concerned that
this mom would have low milk supply, milk stasis, mastitis, etc.
     I just saw mom and baby at a nursing mothers meeting where I had the
opportunity to speak.  Baby has the chubbiest cheeks and delightfully squeezy
thighs, and is exclusively breastfed.
     First time I ever worked with a mom with such extensive periareolar
incisions who had no breastfeeding problems.  Well, I'll be!  I always take a
"wait and see" posture with moms who have had breast surgery, but I have to
admit that more often than not I find that there are problems.  I'm so happy
to see it "work"!

Debi Page Ferrarello, RN, IBCLC
Abington, PA