Breastfeeding after breast cancer

Abby20

For those among us who successfully got pregnant after breast cancer diagnosis and who had lumpectomy, I wonder how was your breast feeding experience?

I had my post BC child 2 months ago, and tried to breastfeed from the non cancer side but found it really difficult to maintain a good supply with one breast only. I was supplementing with formula and now slowly having almost no more milk. My breast is so lumpy and I get panic every time I feel something!My oncologist said it will take few months for breast tissues to go back to normal and better to wait before doing an MRI but I am scared.

Oncearunneralwaysarunner

Hi Abby20,

My experience is pretty much the same as you. My daughter was born almost four months ago and I tried breastfeeding from both sides but could never get more than a few drops out of my cancer side and I had to supplement because I could not get a decent supply on my good side. Over time my supply dwindled and I stopped breastfeeding a couple of weeks ago.

I was able to successfully breastfeed by oldest who was two and a half when I was diganosed so it was really hard to deal with not being able to successfully feed the new baby. I was having a really hard time with breastfeeding her and then having her scream cause she was still hungry. To me continuing was not worth the mental aggravation it was causing me.

I'm completely lopsided and lumpy but I'm not too worried since it does not feel anything like my cancer did and I'm starting to notice less lumpiness as more time passed.

Congrats on the new addition

ShetlandPony

Good for you for trying to breastfeed in challenging circumstances. Supplementing can contribute to a reduced milk supply, which causes more supplementation, and so on. So it would be a good idea to work with a lactation consultant to learn how to build and maintain milk supply (even for one breast) or to re-start your supply. Whatever happens, enjoy your precious baby!

Oncearunneralwaysarunner

I'll second working with a lactation consultant but know that even if you do you may not get a full supply. I asked to see a lactation consultant in the hospital and then saw one privately. I followed everything they told me to do short of taking supplements to increase my milk supply. That was one thing I was not willing to do since no one could tell me if they were safe given my history. I got to the point where I was barely supplementing but then over a few weeks it would not matter how much I offered the breast, the little one was still hungry.

I'm sharing because seeing a Lactation consultant may not be a quick fix all and I don't want you to be discouraged if you work with one and still can't get a full supply. It's not to say that you won't but I thought it would be for me and it wasn't. It took me a while to come to terms with that. At the end of the day we have to look at our individual circumstances and make the best decisions for our families.