Can you still breastfeed with IGT?

Understanding Insufficient Glandular Tissue (IGT) and Breastfeeding
Insufficient Glandular Tissue (IGT) is a condition that affects some women, characterized by a lower amount of glandular tissue in the breasts, which can impact milk production. For mothers diagnosed with IGT, the question of breastfeeding can be complex and nuanced.
The Challenges of Breastfeeding with IGT
Women with IGT may find that their bodies produce less milk than is typical, which can lead to challenges in sustaining breastfeeding exclusively. The underlying anatomy of the breast plays a crucial role in lactation; glandular tissue is essential for producing milk, and if there is insufficient glandular tissue, it can result in lower milk supply.
Many women with IGT may experience:
– Delayed Milk Coming In: After giving birth, some may notice a delay in their milk supply.
– Difficulty in Maintaining Supply: Even if milk production begins, maintaining a sufficient supply can be challenging.
– Frequent Feeding: Babies may need to feed more often due to lower milk availability, which can lead to frustration for both mother and child.
Strategies for Successful Breastfeeding
Despite these challenges, many women with IGT can still successfully breastfeed. Here are some strategies that may help:
1. Consultation with Lactation Experts: Seeking guidance from lactation consultants can provide personalized strategies and support tailored to individual needs.

2. Supplementing with Formula: Many mothers find that combining breastfeeding with formula feeding can alleviate the pressure of meeting their baby’s nutritional needs while still enjoying the bonding experience of breastfeeding.
3. Use of Breast Pumps: Regular pumping can stimulate milk production and help mothers gauge their supply. Some mothers also find that pumping before breastfeeding can help get the milk flowing.
4. Skin-to-Skin Contact: This practice can encourage bonding and stimulate the baby’s natural instincts to feed, which may help with milk production.
5. Herbal Supplements and Medications: Some mothers explore options like herbal galactagogues or medications that might help increase milk supply, but it’s crucial to discuss these with a healthcare provider.
Emotional and Psychological Considerations
The emotional aspect of breastfeeding with IGT should not be overlooked. Many mothers experience feelings of inadequacy or guilt if they struggle to provide enough milk. It’s essential for mothers to recognize that their worth is not defined by their ability to breastfeed. Support groups and counseling can be beneficial in navigating these feelings.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding with Insufficient Glandular Tissue presents unique challenges, it is possible to breastfeed successfully with the right support and strategies. Each mother’s journey is different, and finding the right balance between breastfeeding and supplementation can lead to a fulfilling experience for both mother and child. As always, open communication with healthcare providers and support networks can provide invaluable assistance on this journey.

Can I still breastfeed with tubular breasts?

Tubular breasts can make breastfeeding (chestfeeding) difficult because your milk supply may be lower than normal.

How much milk can you make with IGT?

In my experience I find that most women with IGT will make somewhere between 50 and 90% of the milk their baby needs, which is fantastic! With skilled and sensitive help and the right kind of support, women with IGT CAN breastfeed! They just probably need to supplement their baby with some extra milk.

How do I know if I have breast hypoplasia?

Signs of Breast Hypoplasia
Narrow, widely spaced breasts. Areolas appear swollen or puffy. Asymmetrical breasts, where one is much larger than the other. Breasts do not grow or change during pregnancy, and milk never “comes in” around 3 days after giving birth.

Is it possible to breastfeed with IGT?

With skilled and sensitive help and the right kind of support, women with IGT CAN breastfeed! They just probably need to supplement their baby with some extra milk. How they do this is up to them.

How to increase milk production with insufficient glandular tissue?

How can I make more milk?

1. Make a special plan just for you.
2. Think about expressing your colostrum before your baby is born.
3. Try to get breastfeeding off to the best start possible with lots of skin-to-skin contact with your baby and early, frequent feeds.
4. Learn about positioning and attachment.

Can nitrates pass through breast milk?

Nitrate concentration of human milk on days 1,2, and 3, respectively, was 4.4, 5.1 and 5.2 mg/L. Conclusion: Women who consume water with a nitrate concentration of 100 mg/L or less do not produce milk with elevated nitrate levels.

What are the symptoms of IGT breastfeeding?

The mother with IGT will often (but not always!) have a physical presentation characterized by a wide space between the breasts on the chest wall, tubular shaped breasts with bulbous areolae, and a lack of breast growth during pregnancy.

What condition is unable to breastfeed?

A small percentage of women have conditions such as past breast surgery, thyroid conditions, polycystic ovary syndrome or insufficient glandular tissue (also known as breast hypoplasia) that may mean they can’t make enough milk to breastfeed exclusively, although this is not always the case.

What is dry nursing breastfeeding?

With “dry” breastfeeding your baby does not actually drink significant amounts of milk, but he is able to smell and taste the droplets of milk that remain in your breast after pumping.

Why do I feel like I have mastitis but not breastfeeding?

In non-breastfeeding women, mastitis most often occurs when the breast becomes infected. This can be as a result of damage to the nipple, such as a cracked or sore nipple, or a nipple piercing. However, it can also occur if you have a condition that affects your body’s immune system or ability to fight infection.