Breast Augmentation & Reduction in Breast Feeding

While most medical professionals agree that breast milk is best for the baby, women who have had breast augmentation or breast reduction surgery may have difficulty breastfeeding. It will not be known if she is able to breastfeed until she actually attempts it. According to BFAR, a website with information and support on breastfeeding after breast and nipple surgeries, there are several factors to consider when breastfeeding if these surgeries have been performed.

Basics

Most women who have had breast augmentation or breast reduction surgery will be able to breastfeed. However, their milk supply is generally lower than those who have not had the surgery. This may prevent breastfeeding exclusively, though there are ways to increase milk supply such as breast compression, hand expression, pumping and breastfeeding more frequently.

Breast Augmentation

Those who have had breast augmentation generally have a better chance of breastfeeding than those who have had breast reduction. This is due to the fact that placing implants in the breasts generally involves less cutting and disruption of the ducts in the breast than breast reduction surgery. Plastic surgeons generally attempt to minimize the appearance of scars and will place incisions around the areola and in other inconspicuous areas. If ducts and nerves are damaged in the process, it can affect the ability to breastfeed.

Breast Reduction

In breast reduction surgery, the incisions are much more intensive than with breast augmentation surgery. The plastic surgeon is also removing breast tissue, which could include ducts and nerves that make it possible to breastfeed. For women with very large breasts, it may be necessary to completely detach the nipple during the surgery. These women generally have very little, if any, chance to breastfeed after the surgery due to this.

Lactation Consultants

For women who have undergone any type of breast surgery, the lactation consultant can be a valuable resource. Women should reach out to a lactation consultant before delivery to develop a relationship and inform the consultant about her situation. While nothing can be done beforehand to ensure breastfeeding is a success, the lactation consultant can offer tips in breastfeeding that will increase the odds of success for women who face this set of circumstances. Women who have had breast surgery should mentally prepare to have to either breastfeed or pump more often than their non-surgical breastfeeding peers.

Considerations

If planning to breastfeed, consider delaying any breast augmentation or breast reduction surgery until after breastfeeding is complete. If this is not possible, inform the plastic surgeon of the desire to breastfeed prior to surgery. While no guarantees can be made about breastfeeding, the surgeon can proceed more carefully in removing tissue or making incisions to provide the greatest chance of success.