I had a reduction in 2003. Had DD in 2005 & I tried to BF her in the hospital. She attatched really really well but it seemed no milk was coming out. My nipples bled but from what I could tell, no milk. Day 2 after having her I was told by the midwives I had to decide whether I was going to feed boob or bottle. (yep, they said it... no help to get me BFing ) I said that considering it seemed no milk was coming out & DD had to be "topped up" with formula after every feed then I guess I'd go bottle. So she was formula fed from that moment on.

I had DS in 2008. After he was born I was still a bit dopey from having the pethadine. I had had my shower & was sitting in a chair waiting to go to my room. The midwife asked if I wanted to try to feed DS & I said "ok". She placed him in my arms but I couldnt get him in a good spot & he wouldnt attatch (I had no idea what I was doing!) The midwife came back after a while & asked how I'd gone. I said I wasnt able to breastfeed my DD & it looks like it might be the same with DS. She said "ok, I'll go prepare a bottle for him". No offer to help him attatch or to even see if I had any milk
about 5 days later at home after I got out of the shower I saw something dripping... it was MILK! Unfortunately I still couldnt get DS to attatch even though apparently the MCHN said I had a "good supply"... too bad she didnt show me how to hold DS & get him to attatch (I'm still getting over the dissapointment of that whole situation)

If I have number 3 (which hopefully one day I will.... if I find the right man) then I WILL breastfeed. I know the milk comes in & comes out. No-one will stop me & I will speak up & get more help if I'm struggling.

I suggest you give it a go. If you have problems then ask someone to help... you dont want to be regretting it for the rest of your life (not asking for help). You can only do your best, if you try your hardest & it doesnt work then thats the way it is but if you dont give it your best shot then you'll never know IYKWIM.

Sorry I went on a little bit, as you can tell its still pretty raw for me... something I hope you wont have to go through

Good on you for asking questions & reading books etc... I wish you all the best & hope you are able to successfully BF your next bubba