Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC) Practice

When considering breast reduction, at what time should surgery ideally take place?

1. During lactogenesis II

2. 1+ year after birth

3. Before the baby is born

4. At the onset of pregnancy

The correct answer is: 1+ year after birth

Breast reduction surgery is ideally recommended to take place at least 1 year after giving birth. This timing allows for the breasts to stabilize postpartum and for the milk supply to establish, reducing the risk of impacting milk production and breastfeeding success. Performing the surgery before the baby is born or during lactogenesis II can interfere with milk production and breastfeeding. Similarly, breast reduction surgery at the onset of pregnancy may disrupt the natural changes the breasts undergo to prepare for lactation. Therefore, waiting until at least a year after giving birth is considered the most suitable time for breast reduction surgery in this context.