Can you breastfeed with breast implants?

Can you breastfeed with implants? Can you still nurse your baby if you’ve had breast augmentation surgery? These are common questions many new or expecting mothers ask. With a few exceptions, most women with breast implants are able to breastfeed. In fact, many women are successfully breastfeeding with breast implants and experience no issues at all. Breastfeeding ability is determined by the status of your breasts prior to surgery, as well as the type of incision employed. The amount of breast milk you can produce may be affected by breast implants. However, milk supply is unaffected in some areas. You could also be concerned about the impact of breastfeeding on silicone or saline implants. It’s natural for the form and size of your breasts to alter during pregnancy and after breastfeeding. Breastfeeding has no effect on your implants, although it may change the size and form of your breasts overall.

Breastfeeding and the impact of implants

Implants are typically put below the milk glands or under the chest muscles, so milk supply is unaffected. Your ability to breastfeed, however, may be impacted by the location and depth of the incision utilized during your surgery. Surgery that preserves the areola is less likely to produce complications. The black area around your nipple is known as the areola. Breastfeeding relies heavily on the nerves surrounding your nipples. The experience of a newborn sucking on the breast raises prolactin and oxytocin levels in the body. Breast milk production is triggered by prolactin, while letdown is triggered by oxytocin. Sensation is reduced when these nerves are injured. This is why some women worry about breastfeeding with boob implants, but complications are uncommon when proper techniques are used.

Is it Safe to Nurse While Wearing Implants?

There haven’t been any recent clinical reports of issues in babies born to moms who have silicone implants, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Trusted Source. There are no ways for determining silicone levels in breast milk that are accurate. In a 2007 study, however, silicon levels in breast milk were not found to be higher in moms with silicone implants compared to those without. Silicon is one of the ingredients in silicone. If you’re concerned about the safety of breastfeeding with implants, rest assured there’s no evidence showing increased risks to babies. There’s also no indication that babies born to moms who have breast implants are at a higher risk of birth abnormalities. Can you breastfeed with silicone implants? The answer, for most women, is yes.

Breastfeeding advice

There are certain things you can do to help boost your milk production and ensure your baby gets all the nutrition they require.

Breastfeed frequently

Breastfeeding your baby 8 to 10 times a day can assist in the establishment and maintenance of milk production. Your body produces milk in response to your baby sucking on your breast. Your body will produce more milk if you breastfeed frequently. Even if you can only produce a small amount of milk, you’re still supplying antibodies and nutrition to your kid with each feeding.

Empty your breasts on a regular basis

The act of emptying your breasts is crucial to milk production. To enhance milk production, try using a breast pump or manually expressing milk after feedings. According to a 2012 study, pumping both breasts at the same time enhanced milk output. Breast milk’s calories and fat content increased as well.

Check to see if your baby is latching properly

A good latch will help your infant get the most out of his or her meals. The key to a successful latch is making sure your baby gets enough of your breast into his or her mouth. Making ensuring their mouth is wide open when they latch on is the first step. Your nipple should be positioned far enough into your baby’s mouth for their gums and tongue to cover an inch or two of your areola. Begin by ensuring that your baby is properly positioned before gently guiding them toward your breast. Holding your breast in a “C” posture with your thumb and forefinger right behind the areola will help your infant latch on.

Final Thoughts

Can you breastfeed with breast implants? Absolutely—many mothers breastfeed successfully after breast augmentation. While some individual factors can impact milk supply, most women with implants can safely and effectively breastfeed their babies. If you’re planning to have children in the future, talk to your plastic surgeon about your concerns. Choosing the right incision technique and implant placement can increase your chances of maintaining breastfeeding ability.

5424 Discovery Park Blvd BLDG A Suite 202 Williamsburg, VA 23188