Chestfeeding if you've had chest (top) surgery
If you've had chest (top) surgery to remove soft tissue, you may still be able to chestfeed or express your milk.
It's not possible to know how much milk you will produce and if it will be enough for your baby. You may need to offer your baby supplementary feeds.
Your milk supply might be reduced if:
- surgery has removed all or some of the tissue that produces milk
- the nipple is no longer connected to tissue that produces milk, or it has been removed
Your baby may also find it difficult to latch on to your nipple if there is less soft tissue available.
Binding while chestfeeding
If you bind (reduce the appearance of soft tissue by flattening your chest) and are chestfeeding, there may be a higher chance of you getting blocked milk ducts and an associated infection called mastitis.
Binding may also reduce the milk supply for your baby.
Speak to your midwife or doctor if you are planning to bind while feeding your baby.
Non-urgent advice: Speak to your doctor, midwife or health visitor if:
- you are pregnant and you are thinking about chestfeeding
- you want to take testosterone while chestfeeding
- you are planning to bind your chest and feed your baby
- you are worried that your baby is not getting enough milk
Testosterone can decrease your milk supply so you should also seek advice from your midwife or doctor.
Skin-to-skin contact
Skin-to-skin contact with your newborn is a great way to bond with your baby.
Skin-to-skin means holding your baby naked or dressed only in a nappy against your skin.
It’s good to do at any time and will help to comfort you and your baby over the first few weeks as you get to know each other.