Can You Breast Feed With Implants?

Many women are concerned as to whether or not it is possible to breastfeed with implants. The way the breast augmentation surgery was done plays a big role in the ability to breastfeed. But overall, it is very likely a woman can successfully breastfeed with implants. Most women who have had breast augmentation surgery find that breastfeeding is just as easy with implants.

Implants

Breast implants are bags filled with either silicone gel or salt water that are placed behind breast tissue during surgery. Breasts are pushed forward and appear larger and fuller with the implants. Scar tissue will likely form around the implant and keep it separate from milk ducts and the rest of the breast tissue. Regardless of the type of implant, it is important to know that it can not leak into your breast.

Surgery

The way breast augmentation surgery is done can affect the ability to breastfeed. Breast tissue can be cut and milk glands can be damaged. The type of incision made is very important. An incision made under the breast or in the armpit will prevent any damage. Whereas an incision made around the areola has a chance of damaging nerves. Implants can be placed either between breast tissue and chest muscle or under the chest muscle. Placing implants under the chest muscle will help prevent damage to the milk ducts.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is very beneficial for a woman and her baby, and it is possible to do this with implants. However, breasts containing implants can possibly make less milk or decrease the milk stored in the breast. It is also possible for the implant to press nearby breast tissue causing that portion of tissue to die. The nerves around the areola also possibly could have been cut or damaged, making it unable to nurse fully. The implants can potentially pinch milk ducts in the breasts. This can block the flow of milk and cause breasts to swell. Pain may occur when breasts are full of milk. This may increase when breastfeeding.

Risks

After breast augmentation surgery, nipples can be either more or less sensitive than before. After the child is born and breasts develop milk, it is possible to have exaggerated breast engorgement. Fever, pain and chills may occur. Some women worry that the contents of breast implants may mix with breast milk. Whether the implant is silicone or salt water it will not hurt the baby. The silicone that is used in breast plants is actually very close to the silicone babies with gas are treated with.

Solution

It is possible to have nerve damage during breast augmentation surgery. Until a woman tries to nurse, it is hard to know the full extent of the damage. It is important to keep the baby's doctor information about the surgery. In the event that only a portion of breast milk is produced, it is essential to have a formula for the baby, as well.