When I think back to my postpartum experiences, chest recovery is one of the things I never expected to navigate—especially as a trans man who had already had top surgery.
Before pregnancy, I truly believed my chest was done being part of the conversation. Top surgery felt like a closed chapter. I had healed, moved forward, and finally felt at home in my body. Pregnancy brought a lot of unexpected changes, but chest-related issues weren’t something I thought I needed to prepare for.
I was wrong.
When My Chest Tried to Produce Milk
After I gave birth to my kids, my chest began trying to produce milk. The swelling, pressure, and pain caught me completely off guard. I remember thinking, How is this even happening? I had assumed top surgery meant this simply wouldn’t be an issue.
There wasn’t much representation or information out there for trans men in this situation, which made it even more isolating. I felt confused, uncomfortable, and honestly frustrated with my body for doing something I thought it couldn’t do anymore.
More than anything, I just wanted the swelling to go away and for my chest to feel like mine again.
Looking for Answers with Medical Support
After talking with my OB, we focused on stopping milk production as quickly and safely as possible. With her approval, I used two main methods: icing my chest and binding it.
I used perineal ice packs—the same ones I already had for postpartum recovery—and a large zip-up chest binder. I wrapped the ice pack in a thin towel and put it inside the binder. Not support type but snug. These weren’t extreme measures, just practical tools used carefully and under medical guidance.
It wasn’t comfortable. In fact, it was painful.
The Difference the Second Time Around
During my second postpartum experience, I used these methods more intentionally and earlier on. The difference was noticeable. My chest recovery time was significantly faster—about half the time, if I remember correctly.
The pain was still there, but it didn’t last as long. Knowing what to expect and having a plan made a huge difference, both physically and mentally.
Pain, Parenthood, and Possibility
I won’t sugarcoat it—this part of recovery hurt. But for me, it was a small price to pay to carry and bring my sons into the world.
I carried my own kids. I became a father. And despite how complicated and unexpected parts of this journey were, it was possible.
If you’re a trans man navigating pregnancy or postpartum recovery, you’re not alone—even when it feels like there’s no roadmap. Your experience is real, valid, and worthy of being talked about.
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