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The only comprehensive resource on the market today that specifically addresses the questions surrounding the special circumstances of a woman who has had breast reduction surgery and wishes to breastfeed her children.

Most women who have had or are considering breast reduction surgeries are told in very uncertain terms that breastfeeding may or may not be a possibility for them. Some women are even told, most often incorrectly, that breastfeeding will be impossible following breast reduction surgery. In the past, this may have been more true but with advances in surgical techniques for reduction mammoplasty (breast reduction), surgeons are increasingly able to preserve milk-producing tissue so that women who have had breast reductions are able to breastfeed. Even so, however, many surgeons and health care professionals are still unaware of the effects these types of surgeries have on breastfeeding and are therefore unable to give the detailed answers and support these women need when they are ready to breastfeed their children. Unfortunately, in a day and age when the phenomenal and unmatchable benefits of breastfeeding are returning to the forefront of common knowledge and medical wisdom, many of these women feel forced to abandon breastfeeding in favor of exclusive formula feeding simply because no one around them knew enough about their specific issues to be able to educate them or fully support their efforts. The truth is most of these women are capable of breastfeeding and they should have the information they need in order to empower them to give their very best to their babies.

Written for the woman who has had or is considering breast reduction surgery and for the surgeons and other health care professionals who come into contact with her, this book provides detailed, critical information and valuable insights into BFAR specific issues. DEFINING YOUR OWN SUCCESS puts the challenges of breastfeeding after reduction into perspective.

As West says, one of the most important views that this book strives to convey to mothers and health care professionals alike is that success:

"...is not an absolute term referring to a continuum of less to more breastmilk produced. Rather, it is defined by the degree of satisfaction each woman and her baby derive from the breastfeeding relationship they create together. It is not determined by the amount of milk a woman produces."

Whether she is able to produce a full milk supply or if she will supplement some of the nutrition that her baby needs, every woman can have a success story and every health care professional can learn how to support her in it.

Through pairing the most up-to-date research with the tried and true real life advice and stories from mothers who have come face to face with the realities of breastfeeding after breast reduction, Diana West discusses the following topics:

Reasons women have breast reduction surgery
A clear explanation of the anatomy and physiology of the mammary system
A discussion and illustrations of the most common breast reduction surgery techniques and each surgery's affect upon milk producing tissues
A discussion of the vast benefits of breastmilk and breastfeeding
The wide range of BFAR experiences along with many success stories as told by experienced post-breast-surgery, breastfeeding mothers
A thorough discussion of what a mother can feel and experience in her BFAR journey
How the BFAR mother can prepare for breastfeeding before her baby is born
A discussion of the practical mechanics of breastfeeding from the post-surgical perspective
How to maximize the milk supply and BFAR in the first few weeks postpartum
Methods of increasing milk supply, including pumping and galactagogues
Common breastfeeding problems from the BFAR perspective

Table of Contents:

Forewords
Introduction
Diana's Story
Part I
Before Birth: Contemplating Breastfeeding after Breast Reduction Surgery

Chapter One Why Women Have Breast Reduction Surgery
Physical Reasons
Psychological Reasons
Making the Decision to Have Breast Reduction Surgery

Louise's Story

Chapter Two Before and After: The Effect of Reduction Surgery on the Anatomy and Physiology of the Breast
Anatomy of the Lactating Breast
Exterior Anatomical Differences of the Breast after Reduction Surgery
Physiology of the Lactating Breast
Effects of Reduction Mammoplasty Surgical Techniques on Lactation
Conclusion

Vicki's Story

Chapter Three Why Breastfeeding is Worth the Effort
The Wonders of Human Milk
The Living Biochemistry of Human Milk
The Nutrition of Human Milk
Protection Against Disease
The Functional Benefits of Breastfeeding
The Maternal Benefits of Breastfeeding
A Mother's Pride

Sarah's Story

Chapter Four What to Expect
So What Will Your BFAR Experience Be Like?
The Range of BFAR Experiences
Determining Your Lactation Potential
Research Findings
Baseline Lactation Capability
Combinations of Feeding Methods
The Effort and Rewards of BFAR

Patti's Story

Chapter Five Preparing to Breastfeed after Breast Reduction Surgery
What You Can Do Before the Baby Is Born

Carol's Story

Part II
Baby Is Born: Maximizing Your Milk Supply and Developing Your Breastfeeding Relationship

Chapter Six Birth and BFAR Mechanics
Ensuring a Good Start
Beginning to Breastfeed
Establishing Your Milk Supply
The Influence of the Hospital and Health Care Professionals

Tracy's Story

Chapter Seven The First Month of BFAR
Nurturing Yourself
Tracking Your Baby's Progress
Evaluating Your Baby's Progress to Determine If Supplementation Is Necessary
Special First Month Concerns
Conclusion

Vanessa's Story

Chapter Eight Supplementing
When to Begin Supplementation
Human Milk Substitutes
How to Supplement
How Much to Supplement
Supplementation Devices

Wendy's Story
Chapter Nine Increasing Your Milk Supply
Psychological Techniques
Increased Demand Techniques
Galactagogues
Janna's Story

Chapter Ten Breastfeeding Problems from the BFAR Perspective
Nipple/Areola Problems
Breast Problems
Baby's Problems
Mother's Problems
Overcoming Severe Difficulties
Conclusion

Misha's Story

Part III
Beyond BFAR: Evolving Your BFAR Relationship

Chapter Eleven BFAR and the Older Baby
How BFAR Changes as Your Child Grows Older
Supplementing the Older BFAR Baby
Weaning

Jenifer's Story

Chapter Twelve Emotional Issues
A Wide Range of Emotions
Common Emotional Reactions
Emotional Reactions to Specific Situations
Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression
Coping Techniques
Your Identity As a Breastfeeding Mother
Conclusion

Lara's Story

Chapter Thirteen Defining Your Own Success
Exploring Your Feelings
Making Peace with Your BFAR Experience
Defining Your Own Success

Part IV
Assisting the BFAR Woman from the Professional Perspective

Chapter Fourteen Assisting the BFAR Mother from the Professional Perspective
All Healthcare Providers (HCPs)
Plastic Surgeons
Obstetricians and Midwives
Maternity Nurses
Lactation Consultants
LLL Leaders
Pediatricians and Pediatric Nurses
BFAR Topics for Future Research

Appendices

Appendix 1 Support and Resources
Appendix 2 Weight Gain Chart
Appendix 3 Assessment Chart
Appendix 4 Relaxation Techniques
Appendix 5 What to Have On Hand Checklist
Appendix 6 Marmet Technique-Manual Expression of Breast Milk

Glossary

Index

La Leche League International, ISBN: 0912500867, © 2001, 6 in. x 9 in (about 15 cm x 23 cm), Soft Cover, 328 Pages