Breastfeeding 101 for Moms With Breast Implants

Is breastfeeding after breast augmentation in Scottsdale, Arizona a concern of yours? No need to worry because women with breast implants can breastfeed.

For family-oriented women, it’s normal to have concerns about the effect of breast implants on breastfeeding. Some are also wondering if breastfeeding can alter the appearance of implants. The truth is, breast implants can sometimes affect the amount of milk a mother produces. But in most cases, there is no actual effect on milk supply.

Regarding aesthetics, it’s common for the breasts to change in size and shape during pregnancy and after breastfeeding. Breastfeeding will not affect implants, but the overall size and shape of the breasts may be different since pregnancy and feeding can change the body drastically.

Keep reading to learn more about breastfeeding with implants.

Effect of Breast Implants on Breastfeeding

Implants are commonly placed behind the milk glands or under the chest muscles, which does not affect your milk supply. However, the location and depth of the incision used may impact your ability to breastfeed.

Plastic surgery that keeps your areola intact is less likely to cause you any problems. The areola is the dark skin surrounding your nipple.

The sensitive nerves around the nipples play a crucial role in breastfeeding. The sensation of an infant suckling on the breast helps increase the levels of the hormones oxytocin and prolactin. The latter stimulates the production of breast milk, while oxytocin stimulates the letdown. When these nerves become damaged, a reduction in sensation follows.

In addition, surgical incisions made under the breast, through the armpit, or through the navel (belly button) have a lower chance of interfering with breastfeeding. However, keep in mind that not all plastic surgeons perform breast surgery with incisions through the armpit or belly button.

Safety of Breastfeeding With Implants

There are no recent clinical reports regarding problems in babies of mothers with silicone breast implants, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

There is no known method for accurately detecting the level of silicone in breast milk. However, a 2007 analysis that measured silicon (a component in silicone) levels did not detect elevated levels in breast milk in women with silicone implants in comparison to those without. There is also no evidence of suspected increased risk of birth defects among children born to mothers with implants.

In conclusion, breast implants do not affect the health of babies, but they may pose some risks to the person with implants. These risks include:

• Changes in breast and nipple sensation
• Possibility of needing additional operations, such as implant removal or correction
• Capsular contracture, which occurs when scar tissue forms around the breast implant
• Rupture of implants
• Breast pain or discomfort

Tips for Breastfeeding After Breast Augmentation Surgery

There are several things you can do to increase your milk production and ensure your baby gets the proper nourishment they need.

Here are some tips on how to breastfeed with implants:

1. Breastfeed as often as possible

A 2011 study revealed that breastfeeding 8 to 10 times a day may help establish, maintain, and increase milk production, as the sensation of your baby suckling your breast allows your body to produce milk. The more frequently you breastfeed, the more milk your body may make. Using both breasts to breastfeed can also contribute to an increased milk supply.

2. Empty your breasts regularly

Emptying your breasts has a pivotal role in milk production. Manually expressing milk or using a breast pump after feeding to increase your milk production, a 2012 study concluded. Emptying the breasts also helps increase the calories and fat in breast milk, both of which are essential to newborns.

If your baby is struggling to latch, you can also pump or hand-express into a bottle to feed your baby breast milk.

3. Ensure your baby latches properly

Helping your baby latch can help them get the most out of feedings. The not-so-secret secret to proper latching is making sure your baby takes enough of your breast into their mouth. Begin by making sure your baby’s mouth is wide open before they latch on. Your baby’s gums and tongue should cover at least an inch or two of your areola.

In addition, ensure your baby is in both a proper and comfortable position, and then guide them toward your breast. Using your thumb and forefinger to form a “C” position, hold your breast behind the areola to make it easier for your child to latch on.

If you’re having trouble breastfeeding, consider seeing a lactation consultant or ask your doctor for recommendations. They can observe your feedings and give helpful feedback on your baby’s position and latch.

4. Try herbal galactagogues or lactation cookies

Certain herbs may help increase breast milk production, according to a 2015 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. These herbs include:

• Fennel
• Fenugreek
• Milk thistle

Insufficient evidence backs up the overall effectiveness of herbal galactagogues, although some studies have found that fenugreek may be more beneficial than other herbs in helping increase a mother’s milk supply.

If you’re not interested in herbal galactagogues, you can try lactation cookies instead. As more and more women are choosing breast milk over formula, lactation cookies are becoming more popular. You can either purchase them online or make lactation cookies at home to help boost your milk production.

These cookies often contain these ingredients:

• Whole oats
• Wheat germ
• Brewer’s yeast
• Flax seeds
• Herbal galactagogues

Research on the effectiveness of lactation cookies in increasing milk production, however, is limited. For your child’s safety, it is best to consult your doctor and pediatrician before trying any product with ingredients that are new to you.

The Bottom Line

The majority of mothers with implants continue to breastfeed their children with no problems. If you are done breastfeeding but plan on having more children in the future, having this procedure now will not prevent you from providing your future babies with the nourishment they need.

Write to Guerra Plastic Surgery Center or call us at 480–970–2580 to schedule a consultation and determine if you are a good candidate for breast augmentation in Phoenix, AZ.