By Erin K.
At 20 weeks pregnant with my third child, I was diagnosed with breast cancer after having bleeding from my nipple. I was devastated. Not only was the diagnosis scary, but I desperately wanted to breastfeed this baby as I had my previous two children. When I first learned that the treatment recommendation was a mastectomy, one of my biggest concerns was whether or not I would be able to nurse. It was such a relief that I was a candidate for a single mastectomy and would still have one functioning breast!
Breastfeeding my first two children came with a learning curve. My first was a sleepy baby, which led to shorter feeds and difficulty establishing my supply. It was exhausting, but we got support and worked through it, and our commitment paid off. I was able to nurse her through my pregnancy with my second child and even tandem nursed them for a little bit! My second was infinitely easier, as my supply was already established and I was a pro at that point! Knowing I’d be down to one breast with my third baby, I was nervous, but thankful I had that experience with my first to call on and knew a few tips and tricks. At 27 weeks pregnant, I underwent a unilateral mastectomy and kept my unaffected breast intact.
Afterwards, I had a prenatal consultation with an IBCLC, who assured me it was entirely possible to breastfeed my baby with one breast. The provider I saw has a reputation for being one of the best, and I couldn’t agree more. We have become good friends through my endeavors. She was so welcoming, supportive, and practical in her recommendations that after our first consultation, I just knew we could do this. She essentially assured me that if twin mommas can breastfeed two babies, then I surely can feed one baby with one breast. We reviewed strategies ahead of time for increasing supply if needed, including pumping and staying hydrated. And of course, my husband supported us every step of the way. Without a supportive partner, I’m not sure we could have worked through the challenges to be successful.
Still, I was nervous. I gathered a supply of donor milk to have on hand, just in case, and pretty soon after my daughter was born, I began pumping to increase my supply.
My daughter, Eloise, was born with a significant tongue-tie, causing intense pain and cracking during feeds, but I was determined to stick with it. While I had experienced nursing a tongue-tied baby before, I had had two nipples to alternate and give me a break. But with only one breast to work with this time, it was really difficult to manage the pain. We relied heavily on support from our IBCLC, who encouraged us and gave us different latching techniques and strategies to try. After a tongue-tie revision and multiple lactation appointments, we finally settled into a rhythm.
I was able to exclusively breastfeed Eloise for 13 months, never needing to use the donor milk (which I was able to redonate) or supplement with formula. My daughter is now six and a half years old and to this day, it is one of the things I am most proud of.
For anyone in a similar boat, facing a breast cancer diagnosis and wanting to breastfeed, just remember: you can do hard things! Find your support system and be stubborn. It’s so worth it. I once heard someone say, “You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice,” and it has always resonated deeply with me. I didn’t ask for the experience of having cancer while pregnant and wouldn’t wish it on anyone, yet my daughter and I not only survived it, we are thriving.
Share your stories with Kylie at [email protected]
Some helpful resources:
Supporting Breastfeeding Families–Today, Tomorrow, Always
Please consider donating to La Leche League USA.
Your gift helps support this blog and the website!
Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted. Thank you!
Follow us on:
Leave a Comment
Posted: October 1, 2024 by Yael Breimer
Nursing With One Breast: Erin’s Story
At 20 weeks pregnant with my third child, I was diagnosed with breast cancer after having bleeding from my nipple. I was devastated. Not only was the diagnosis scary, but I desperately wanted to breastfeed this baby as I had my previous two children. When I first learned that the treatment recommendation was a mastectomy, one of my biggest concerns was whether or not I would be able to nurse. It was such a relief that I was a candidate for a single mastectomy and would still have one functioning breast!
Breastfeeding my first two children came with a learning curve. My first was a sleepy baby, which led to shorter feeds and difficulty establishing my supply. It was exhausting, but we got support and worked through it, and our commitment paid off. I was able to nurse her through my pregnancy with my second child and even tandem nursed them for a little bit! My second was infinitely easier, as my supply was already established and I was a pro at that point! Knowing I’d be down to one breast with my third baby, I was nervous, but thankful I had that experience with my first to call on and knew a few tips and tricks. At 27 weeks pregnant, I underwent a unilateral mastectomy and kept my unaffected breast intact.
Still, I was nervous. I gathered a supply of donor milk to have on hand, just in case, and pretty soon after my daughter was born, I began pumping to increase my supply.
My daughter, Eloise, was born with a significant tongue-tie, causing intense pain and cracking during feeds, but I was determined to stick with it. While I had experienced nursing a tongue-tied baby before, I had had two nipples to alternate and give me a break. But with only one breast to work with this time, it was really difficult to manage the pain. We relied heavily on support from our IBCLC, who encouraged us and gave us different latching techniques and strategies to try. After a tongue-tie revision and multiple lactation appointments, we finally settled into a rhythm.
For anyone in a similar boat, facing a breast cancer diagnosis and wanting to breastfeed, just remember: you can do hard things! Find your support system and be stubborn. It’s so worth it. I once heard someone say, “You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice,” and it has always resonated deeply with me. I didn’t ask for the experience of having cancer while pregnant and wouldn’t wish it on anyone, yet my daughter and I not only survived it, we are thriving.
Share your stories with Kylie at [email protected]
Some helpful resources:
Supporting Breastfeeding Families–Today, Tomorrow, Always
Please consider donating to La Leche League USA.
Your gift helps support this blog and the website!
Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted. Thank you!
Follow us on:
Facebook
Instagram
Category: Breastfeeding and Health Conditions
Subscribe to Our Blog
Upcoming events:
no event