Feeding a baby after breast reduction surgery

There are many moms who want to breastfeed their babies but aren’t 
able to after breast reduction surgery.  I saw a mom the other day who 
delivered her second child a few weeks earlier.  She said that she
attempted to breastfeed in the hospital, but realized that there was 
nothing coming out and immediately switched to formula.  Her 1st child 
wasn’t able to breastfeed either.

We talked about whether she would have had the breast reduction 
surgery had she known that breastfeeding would be impossible.  She 
said yes, that her breasts were so large that she was in constant pain 
and that it was the best thing she ever did.  She also said that she 
felt comfortable with using formula.  She put the baby to her breast 
after delivery for the skin to skin contact. In this way, she was 
helping her baby be exposed to the beneficial bacteria that lives in 
our intestines. Research has shown that these bacteria help our immune 
systems develop. For women who don't breastfeed, skin to skin contact 
is still beneficial.  Babies can also suck on a clean, washed finger 
instead of a pacifier.

I’ve cared for many women who have breast surgery for lots of 
reasons.  Some can breastfeed, most can not.  Thankfully, infant formula 
is a safe alternative for healthy nutrition.  Women have more than 
enough pressure on them to care for their babies in specific ways. 
Everyone’s circumstances are different, each mother / baby pair is 
unique and each will make the best choice for themselves.