Breastfeeding & Silicone Breast Implants

Two main concerns regarding breastfeeding with silicone breast implants are whether the nursing mother will be able to produce milk, or sufficient milk, and whether silicone will be present in the breastmilk. Secondarily, there is the question as to whether any silicone that may be present in breastmilk poses any health concerns to infants.

Types

Regarding a mother's ability to produce milk or breastfeed following breast augmentation, a key element is the type of incision that is used to put in the implant.

The most popular type of incision, the "smile" incision where the cut is made in a semi-circle in the region of the aureola, can cause nerve damage. This nerve damage can interfere with milk production.

Incisions made in the armpit or in the fold under the breast typically will not interfere with the nerves or impact breastfeeding.

Complications

Besides nerve damage interfering with breast milk production, scarring of the breast from any type of incision can impact nursing following breast implant surgery. Some women following breast augmentation have scarring that makes nursing uncomfortable or painful.

If breastfeeding is painful, speaking with a lactation consultant might be helpful in finding ways to ease the pain with different position or other therapies.

If milk production is an issue, again a lactation consultant can give nursing mothers tips on building up production. Also, if necessary a breastfeeding mother can supplement with formula.

Silicone Implants

In 2001 the American Academy of Pediatrics or AAP, issued a statement regarding silicone breast implants and breastfeeding. Their findings were that no sufficient evidence was found that made silicone implants a contraindication to breastfeeding.

However, concerns have been raised by organizations such as the National Center for Policy Research for Women & Families as to whether sufficient studies have been done to assure the safety of breastfed infants of mothers with silicone implants.

Very little research has been done on the topic, and the few published studies were very small. However, the general consensus is still that breastfeeding mothers continue to nurse their babies even if they have silicone implants because of the known benefits of breastfeeding versus the questionable concerns over silicone in milk.

Silicon and Silicone

One variable with testing for silicone levels is that silicon is the second most common element in the earth's crust and because of the widespread presence of it, testing for silicone in milk is problematic.

The AAP statement also mentions that silicone is higher in cow's milk and infant formula than in milk from mother's with silicone implants.

Considerations

If a pregnant woman has silicone implants and is concerned, she should speak with her physician about her desire to breastfeed and her worries. Also, she should see a lactation consultant about how to deal with any potential nursing problems in association with breast implants.