Breastfeeding Challenges After Breast Surgery: Key Tips Moms Should Know

Breastfeeding after breast surgery can be challenging but it is not impossible, therefore, many women can still breastfeed successfully, depending on the type of surgery and how much glandular tissue or milk ducts are affected. Below are some things that mothers should keep in mind while breastfeeding, however, mothers need to be patient during this period and seek assistance from a lactation consultant to understand their unique case.

Several key ideas:

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Tina Thomas, Consultant – OBGY at Apollo Cradle and Children’s Hospital in Bangalore, highlighted –

• Milk Supply: Most women notice a reduction in milk supply after surgery, especially when ducts or nerves are destroyed during the procedure. Keep a close eye on your baby’s increasing weight and wet diapers.
• Breastfeeding Support: Communicating with a lactation consultant can make a lot of difference, they can make a mother aware of any problems she is having and teach her how to breastfeed the baby properly.
• Supplement: If the mother is not producing enough milk, formula supplementation may help the baby’s continued growth.

She shared, “Every mom’s way of breastfeeding is different, and there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution. It is important for moms to have good communication with their doctor and ongoing support during this challenging time.

adopting breastfeeding techniques

Bringing in her expertise, Dr. Vani Vijay, General Surgery, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Chennai, suggests, “After breast surgery, you may want to try different breastfeeding positions to find out what works best for you and the baby. What is good? For example, you may find some comfort in positions that relieve some of the pressure on your breasts, such as the side-lying position or the position holding a football. Continuing to experiment with different positions may help you deal with some of the challenges or discomforts you experience.

addressing anxiety

Dr. Vani Vijay reveals, “Physical changes after surgery such as bruising and insensitivity can contribute to your discomfort during breastfeeding. Light massage of the breast may be soothing, as well as using lanolin cream, hydrogel pads, coconut oil, beeswax-based ointments, aloe vera gel, etc. may also help. Scheduling regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider can be helpful in dealing with these problems once you are both satisfied with the breastfeeding technique and process.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.