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Producing colostrum during pregnancy after a double mastectomy

Atlanta1
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Hi all, I will be contacting my surgeon directly after Christmas but I’m a little concerned. I had a double mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction exactly 2 years ago. I chose to keep my nipples. I am 5 months pregnant (I got the all clear first) and I have started to leak tiny amounts of colostrum from my nipples.. I’m aware to keep my nipples they had to leave behind a tiny amount of tissue to keep the nipples alive but I am freaking out that I’m producing colostrum..?!! Did something not go right in the surgery? Did they leave too much tissue? As far as I’m aware I shouldn’t be able to produce anything? Or is it different because my reconstruction was with my own tissue?

  • Hello and thank you for posting.

    I am so sorry to hear about your need for a double mastectomy, but delighted to hear about your pregnancy.

    From what I understand colostrum can be produced, even after surgery due to the ducts just behind the nipple.

    I am glad you are going to let your breast team know, as its good to update them. But it may also be good in the mean time to contact Breast Cancer Now in case they have further information on this very specialist subject, and update your midwife.

    Take care, and best wishes for the future with baby.

    If you want to chat anything through with our nurses the number is 0808 800 4040, lines are open mon-fri 9-5.

    Sarah.

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