Expert: ruth kraft - 7/1/2009

Question
I have done my research on this deformity and I happen to have it.  I have read and found that a large percentage of women with this disorder have difficulty breastfeeding due to insufficient milk production, abnormal glands, etc.  Is there any possible way to have an idea as to whether I will be able to breast feed or not just by examining the physical appearance of my breasts?  I plan to see a lactation consultant.  There are many different looking tubular breasts and mine are fairly full, they just have the traditional bulbous areola and they point downward.  I have also noticed that when my nipples become stimulated, my breasts perk up and look fairly normal.  Is there any type of treatment I can do before pregnancy to help my milk production, as well as everyday things and post pregnancy regiments?

Answer
Hello :) There isnt anything I know of to do while you are still pregnant other than prepare yourself with a breast pump. A good one ( I tell that to any mom who is getting a pump , as if you get a cheaper brand the quality isnt the same and it doesnt work as well ) So purchase a medela, or a ameda egnell purly yours, and be ready. Start pumping after the first day or so, every few hours, two to three should be fine. Also, make sure you put the baby to breast as much as possible. Every woman I have helped with has gone on to sucessfully nurse. Even the moms I have had who have had breast surgery have gone on to nurse! I have been so proud of them for sticking with it !  

You can try, although I don't know how effective it will be but it certianly wont hurt, take mothers milk tea ( herbal ) and fenugreek ( another herb ) to also help build milk supply. if you do these things, along with pumping and nursing, I would say you will be doing everything to make it work.

If all else fails and you dont make enough , you can always get a supplimental nursing system and breastfeed that way, while also supplimenting with formula, so that the baby gets at least some breastmilk. any breastmilk is better than none :)

But my guess is your going to be fine, and although I think the choices I gave are a little over the top, its better to start out that way than to give up because you didnt do all you can :) if after a week or two you see your supply is fine , baby is doing well and gaining, and baby is nursing well , then just nurse and dont worry about extra pumping etc. wean off of any suppliments or pumping. dont do it all at once. and come back if you have more questions along the way !

good luck!
Ruth KRaft
www.honoringwomen.com