NPR: Breast Reduction- Not sure where to post this...

Since we all experienced body changes after pregnancies I figured Parenting board was a good start to post this

I am a full breasted woman and HATE it....after I had my DD my boobs bacame even bigger then before..I breastfed DD and figured after I stop they will "go down" to my normal D cup...well I was wrong.....they got even bigger.....I went from a D cup pre pregnancy to an E or F ..DD is almost a year now......

Some of you might be thinking you lucky thing (all my friends say that) but I am really depressed about this.....they are causing me pain and discomfort.......

My question is: did any of you get a breast reduction or are thinking about it?? I am really serious about it....what are the steps in getting one?? I am also planning on having DC #2 and breast feeding, so should I wait until after # 2? I am really really ready to get one done right now.....

Any input/advice will be greatly appreciated....TIA!

Re: NPR: Breast Reduction- Not sure where to post this...

no advice, but I personally would wait till after baby #2. JMO

Re: NPR: Breast Reduction- Not sure where to post this...

I have heard that you can't breastfeed if you get a reduction.

If you really want to BF the second, maybe you can consider waiting. Sorry!

Re: NPR: Breast Reduction- Not sure where to post this...

Never had a breast reduction but a family member has. Wait till baby#2. Especially if you want to breast feed.

Message edited 11/9/2009 2:30:07 PM.

Re: NPR: Breast Reduction- Not sure where to post this...

I have a family member who had one (after she had her 2nd baby) and it was actually covered by her insurance. Just wanted to let you know so you can look into that.

Re: NPR: Breast Reduction- Not sure where to post this...

I won't tell you that you are "lucky" because there is no such thing as being lucky when you are in pain. You can call a plastic surgeon and ask them about breast reduction and if you could possibly breast feed afterwards but I would be concerned about additional growth after the second baby was born. Also, you may want to talk to your primary care physician and see if it could be covered under your medical insurance related to your pain and suffering.

Re: NPR: Breast Reduction- Not sure where to post this...

Posted by Superkat

I won't tell you that you are "lucky" because there is no such thing as being lucky when you are in pain. You can call a plastic surgeon and ask them about breast reduction and if you could possibly breast feed afterwards but I would be concerned about additional growth after the second baby was born. Also, you may want to talk to your primary care physician and see if it could be covered under your medical insurance related to your pain and suffering.

Re: NPR: Breast Reduction- Not sure where to post this...

Definitely wait until after #2. They move your whole aerola when you have the breast reduction!

Re: NPR: Breast Reduction- Not sure where to post this...

Posted by MST9106

Definitely wait until after #2. They move your whole aerola when you have the breast reduction!

Re: NPR: Breast Reduction- Not sure where to post this...

I had a breast reduction 8 years ago. I talked to my PCP about all my back and neck pain and she referred me to a plastic surgeon. After the initial consultation, the plastic surgeon took photos and wrote an explanation to my insurance company on why it was medically necessary. The entire surgery was covered by my insurance (at the time was Humana HMO).

When I had my kids, I was very concerned about whether or not I would be able to BF. I called my surgeon and asked him if I would be able to. He said that since they didn't completely detach the nipple and that there was time for glands to regenerate there was a possibility that I could BF.

When I had DS#1, he didn't latch on and I had pshyced myself so much in believing that I couldn't do it that I didn't really try until he was 2 weeks old. I started pumping and was able to get sometimes 1 oz at time. I think if I had done it consistently and earlier then I would have gotten a much better result.

With DS#2, I was very committed to trying and giving it my all. I did have to supplement in the hospital, but I was able to BF. Then DS was transferred to a NICU at a childrens hospital. I tried to keep up with pumping but I was so stressed bc we didn't know what was wrong with him. I was definitely getting more milk during pumping sessions but I wasn't consistent.

I know I rambled but I just wanted to let you know my experience. Unless you are physically in pain, I would wait until you finish having kids to have the reduction. There is absolutely no way to know if you'll be able to BF until you actually have a baby and try.

This site Breastfeeding after Breast and Nipple Surgeries has lots of information and stories of people who were successful in BF after a reduction.

Please FM me if you have anymore questions.

Re: NPR: Breast Reduction- Not sure where to post this...

Ladies, thank you so much for all your input....I really appreciate it.....

To the poster above, thank you for sharing your story....it really makes me think about the surgery, pregnancy and breast feeding

Re: NPR: Breast Reduction- Not sure where to post this...

I'm a large chested girl and they went up after DD as well...I am def thinking of a reduction...I'm a DD right now, but it's not proportional to me and I hate the way they look..I'm def waiting until I'm done with kids, but def am seroiusly thinking about it!!! I agree with waiting after, but def talk to your dr and see what they have to say

Re: NPR: Breast Reduction- Not sure where to post this...

I had a reduction last February, after I had my second and final baby.

I have always had a large chest, but even more so after 2 babies.

My SIL also had it done years ago, and was able to breast feed her 2 children after. I believe that it can go either way, you may or may not be able to. I don't think the Dr. can make any guarantees.

IMHO, wait until you are finished having children. Pregnancy really changes your breasts, and it would be a shame to have it done, and then not be happy with them.

Mine was not covered by ins, because our coverage is the worst. My friend is having hers done in a few weeks, and hers is covered about 75%. I t can't hurt to contact a DR. for a consult and ask all of your questions.

I used Dr Romanelli in Huntington and am very happy with the results.
631-424-3600

Re: NPR: Breast Reduction- Not sure where to post this...

I def. think you should go ahead with the reduction but you may want to wait till after # 2.

Re: NPR: Breast Reduction- Not sure where to post this...

i will DEFINITELY be having one when i'm done having kids. i've wanted it for years.

Re: NPR: Breast Reduction- Not sure where to post this...

I am the same way, but after #2 they definately got smaller

Re: NPR: Breast Reduction- Not sure where to post this...

I had a breast reduction 15 years ago - and it was the best decision I ever made. They took of 15 lbs!!! It was insane. I was 20 and miserable.

I was not able to breast feed - my milk never even came in -but honestly, it was worth it to me. I would never have been able to get through pregnancy wiht those things. I hated being that big. It is worth the scars and everything.... When I say I am so happy everyday about doing it,... I only wish I did it sooner so I could have enjoyed my teenage years.

ETA 80% was covered by insurance

Message edited 11/10/2009 7:18:55 AM.

Re: NPR: Breast Reduction- Not sure where to post this...

waiting until after i am finished having kids. i thought my boobs were going to go down after i finished bfing. ugh no tops fit anymore!!!

Re: NPR: Breast Reduction- Not sure where to post this...

Re: NPR: Breast Reduction- Not sure where to post this...

I was a 34DDD before getting pregnant with DD1 and went up to at least a 36F while I was breastfeeding. I looked like a circus freak. I got pg again 4.5 months after DD1 and am definitely planning a breast reduction/lift. I am not sure when. I had actually gone for a consult before DD1, and the doc said it wouldn't affect my ability to breast feed. But I think he was wrong, because everything I've read said it may or may not, and there's just no way to tell. My lactation consultant in the hospital said to wait until after kids because there is a good chance it could impact my ability to BF. Breastfeeding is really important to me, so I would not want to take that risk. Im going to rely on good bras until I am sure I am done having kids.