Breastfeeding is a remarkable and rewarding experience for mothers and babies alike. It’s the most natural way to nourish your baby and establish a bond. But for women who have undergone breast augmentation or breast surgery, the question often arises: Can you breastfeed with breast implants? While it’s understandable to wonder how silicone or saline breast implants may impact the ability to produce milk, rest assured that, in most cases, breastfeeding with implants is entirely possible.

In this blog, we will explore the relationship between breast implants and breastfeeding, the factors that could affect milk production, and practical advice for women with implants who wish to breastfeed. Whether you’re considering breast augmentation or you already have implants, understanding how your breast surgery might influence breastfeeding will help you make informed decisions about your breastfeeding journey.

What Are Breast Implants?

Breast implants are medical devices typically used in breast augmentation surgery to enhance the size, shape, and symmetry of the breasts. There are two main types of breast implants:

1. Silicone Implants: These implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel that feels like natural breast tissue. Many women prefer silicone implants due to their realistic appearance and feel.
2. Saline Implants: These implants are filled with a sterile saline solution and are usually less expensive than silicone implants. While they may not feel as natural as silicone implants, they offer a safe option for breast enhancement.

Breast augmentation surgery can be performed for cosmetic reasons or as part of reconstructive surgery following mastectomy or other breast-related medical conditions.

Can You Breastfeed with Breast Implants?

The good news is that in most cases, women with breast implants can breastfeed successfully. Whether you had breast augmentation surgery or another form of breast surgery, the ability to produce and nurse with breast milk can often remain intact.

However, there are a few factors that can impact breastfeeding after breast augmentation, including the type of surgery, the incision location, and how the implants are positioned. Let’s dive into how these factors might influence your ability to breastfeed.

Key Factors That Influence Breastfeeding with Implants

1. Incision Location

The placement of the incision during breast augmentation surgery can play a significant role in breastfeeding ability. The most common incision sites include:

• Inframammary Incision: This is located beneath the breast and has the least impact on breastfeeding because it avoids disruption of the milk ducts and nipple tissue.
• Periareolar Incision: This incision is made around the areola, and while it may affect nipple sensitivity, it can also impact the milk ducts if not carefully placed.
• Transaxillary Incision: This incision is made in the armpit, avoiding direct contact with the breast tissue but still requiring careful attention to avoid damaging nerves that could affect breastfeeding.

2. Type of Breast Surgery or Implant Placement

• Implant Placement: Implants can be placed above or below the chest wall muscle (subglandular or submuscular placement). Submuscular placement, where the implant is placed under the chest muscle, generally has less impact on breastfeeding, as it is less likely to interfere with the milk ducts and breast tissue.
• Prior Breast Surgery: If you have had prior breast surgery, such as a breast reduction or nipple surgery, it can affect your ability to produce breast milk. A reduction, for example, may involve the removal of glandular tissue, which is crucial for milk production.

3. Milk Ducts and Glandular Tissue

The milk ducts and glandular tissue are essential for producing and transporting breast milk. If the surgery disrupted the ducts or tissue, it could impact your milk production. However, in most cases, implants do not interfere significantly with milk ducts or the ability to produce milk.

For women with silicone breast implants, there is some concern about potential damage to the milk ducts. However, many women with silicone implants are still able to produce breast milk without issues.

4. Nerve Damage

Breast surgery, particularly surgeries that involve an incision near the nipple, can sometimes lead to nerve damage. This can result in reduced nipple sensitivity, making breastfeeding more difficult, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t breastfeed. Nerve damage is not always severe enough to affect milk production, but it can make the breastfeeding experience less comfortable.

Does Breast Augmentation Affect Milk Production?

In general, breast augmentation surgery does not affect milk production significantly. However, there are a few important considerations that may impact your ability to nurse:

1. Milk Supply and Glandular Tissue

For women with silicone implants or saline implants, the key factor for successful breastfeeding is the amount of glandular tissue in the breast. Most women can produce enough milk to feed their baby if the tissue is undisturbed during the surgery. However, some women may experience insufficient milk production due to previous breast surgery or other factors such as hormonal imbalances.

2. Implant Size and Milk Supply

Larger implants may exert pressure on the breast tissue and potentially reduce the amount of breast tissue available to produce milk. However, this is a rare occurrence, and most women with implants can breastfeed successfully and maintain a full milk supply.

3. Breastfeeding with Implants vs. Without Implants

For women without implants, breastfeeding may come more naturally, but for women with breast implants, the challenge often lies in adjusting to the new breast structure. Some women may have more milk production or need to increase their milk supply through pumping or frequent breastfeeding.

How to Increase Milk Supply After Breast Augmentation

While most women with breast implants can breastfeed successfully, some may encounter difficulties with milk production. If you are concerned about producing enough breast milk, here are a few tips to increase your milk supply:

1. Frequent Breastfeeding or Pumping: One of the best ways to signal your body to produce more milk is by feeding or expressing milk regularly. Aim to breastfeed or pump every 2 to 3 hours to maintain a consistent milk supply.
2. Consult a Lactation Consultant: If you’re having trouble breastfeeding, consulting with a lactation consultant can help you improve your breastfeeding technique and ensure your baby is latched properly. A lactation consultant can also recommend strategies to increase milk production.
3. Maintain a Healthy Diet: A well-balanced diet is essential for maintaining a healthy milk supply. Ensure you consume enough calories, protein, and healthy fats to support lactation.
4. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps to maintain adequate milk production.
5. Herbal Supplements: Some women find that herbal supplements such as fenugreek or blessed thistle help to increase milk production. However, always consult with your doctor before trying any new supplements.

Common Challenges and Concerns for Women Breastfeeding with Implants

While breastfeeding with implants is entirely feasible for most women, certain challenges and concerns might arise. Let’s discuss some of the common issues:

1. Nipple Sensitivity

Women who have undergone nipple surgery or have nerve damage may experience sore nipples or reduced nipple sensitivity. This can make breastfeeding uncomfortable. A lactation consultant can assist with positioning and techniques to reduce discomfort.

2. Concerns About Silicone Leaks

Some women are concerned about the possibility of silicone breast implants leaking or rupturing during breastfeeding. However, it’s important to note that silicone implants are made with strong, durable materials that are designed to be safe. In the rare case of a rupture, the silicone gel would likely remain within the implant shell and would not affect the breast milk.

3. Insufficient Milk Production

In some cases, women may experience insufficient milk production, particularly if the breast tissue was significantly affected by prior breast surgery. If you’re not producing enough milk, expressing milk regularly and consulting with a lactation consultant can help you get back on track.

Can You Exclusively Breastfeed with Implants?

Yes, many women with implants can breastfeed their babies exclusively. The success of exclusive breastfeeding depends largely on factors such as how well the milk ducts and glandular tissue were preserved during breast augmentation surgery. Women who had reconstructive surgery or prior breast surgery may have to work a little harder to establish a strong milk supply. However, it is still entirely possible to breastfeed without supplementation.

If you’re having trouble producing enough milk or are concerned about your baby’s weight, it’s important to consult your baby’s doctor. They can help determine whether supplemental feeding with infant formula is necessary.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, breastfeeding with breast implants is typically possible for most women, regardless of whether they have silicone implants or saline implants. While there may be some challenges to overcome, especially for women who have had prior breast surgery or nipple surgery, most women with implants can still successfully breastfeed and provide their babies with the many benefits of breast milk.

If you’re a mother with implants, it’s important to be proactive in understanding how your implants may affect breastfeeding, and don’t hesitate to reach out to lactation consultants or other support groups for assistance. You can likely have a fulfilling and successful breastfeeding experience with proper care.

Remember, milk supply can vary from person to person, but with patience, practice, and support, you can help ensure that you can produce breast milk and care for your baby in the best way possible.

References

https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/can-you-breastfeed-with-implants

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/think-you-cant-breastfeed-after-implants-think-again

https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/feeding-your-baby/breastfeeding/can-i-breastfeed-if-im/breastfeeding-with-implants/