Hi Moms,
Back in 97 I had breast implants. I became pregnant in 2002, had my daughter in 03. The surgeon who did the procedure said it was ok to breastfeed. I managed to do it for 2 and 1/2 months before returning back to work. Afterward, I noticed some changes happening to my left breast. It seemed that the implant sort of shifted up towards my chest, and the nipple now points downward. This started to bother me a couple of years ago(it looks funny, and to me is noticeable) It also hurts if she rubs up against me, so much that i wince. I went and had a consult with a more local surgeon. he advised taking out the old implant, and replacing it. I am booked for this procedure in May. Here's the dilemma I have, what on earth do I tell my daughter, who is six? She doesn't know I have these implants, and I don't wish to share that info with her for obvious reasons. I will have to take it easy for about 1 week. She will be curious I'm sure as to why I'm moving slow, and can't lift, so on, and so forth. Does anyone have any good ideas to tell this precious little girl? I would really appreciate it. Thanks!
I wouldn't lie to her, but she doesn't need all the details either. You can say that your breast hurts and that the doctor needs to fix it. Surgery is hard and you are going to need some time to recover, and you will be moving a little slowly.
I went the other way and had a breast reduction in December :-) My kids are a little bit younger than yours -- 5 and 3 -- but they are quite perceptive and curious. I told my girls that I had "owies" that the doctor had to fix so they had to be careful around Mommy for a little while. Whenever they asked to be picked up or wanted to climb on me I gently reminded them of my owies and told them they could cuddle with Daddy. That seemed to satisfy them for my recovery period since they knew it was temporary. Good luck and speedy recovery!
I agree - don't lie, but she doesn't need to the details either. I would just say you have something in your breast that hurts so the doctor is going to fix it. She is too young to worry that it's breast cancer. Kids around her age, no matter how perceptive you think they are, are still fairly self centered and it probably won't really phase her, even during your recovery. Good luck!
Children are really curious, but also except the truth in simple statements such as, "Mommy had to have a minor surgery... I'm fine, but I need to take it easy." If she ask Why, just give another simple answer like, "Because part of Mommy's body hurt... As we age, our bodies change, and sometimes we need to have surgery."
Hope this helps, and everything goes well for you :)
