Breastfeeding:Breast Augmentation

Can I still breastfeed after breast augmentation?

Many women that have undergone or are considering breast augmentation or other surgical procedures on the breasts wonder if they will be able to breastfeed their babies. If you are considering surgical procedures on your breasts, make sure that you discuss your plans to breastfeed with the surgeon.

Typically, a woman can still breastfeed after having breast augmentation. However, there may be some factors involved that might make breastfeeding more difficult. Research has shows that women undergoing breast enlargement procedures may experience low milk supply. Nobody can tell you that can't breastfeed after having breast surgery until you try it.

There are multiple incision techniques that can be used during breast augmentation procdures. When discussing your breastfeeding plans with your plastic surgeon, he/she will determine the best site and type of incision for your situation. Any incision that is performed across the areola and/or nipple has an increased chance of causing damage to the glandular tissue, nerves and blood supply of the breast, wihch greatly reduces a woman's ability to breastfeed. Surgeons agree that the best option for women that plan to breastfeed after breast augmentation is the axillary incision, which is made in the armpit and does not harm the tissues, nerves or blood supply. Sometimes, breastfeeding mothers report inadequate milk supply that is caused by the preasure the implants put on the milk ducts. In this case, you can work closely with your baby's pediatrician to improve the milk supply. However, if the milk supply does not improve, formula may be a necessary supplement in addition to any breastmilk you are able to produce. You may also try to pump after each feeding session to stimulate more milk production.

Factors To Consider:

Your breasts may be more sensitive during nursing.
You may experience more intense engorgement that usual, causing pain, fever and chills.
If you are planning a baby and know that you want to breastfeed, postpone your breast sugery until after you have discontinued breastfeeding.
If you want to breastfeed in the future, only agree to a surgical incision under the breast or in the armpit.
Silicone gel can't be passed into the breastmilk.

Comments: Breastfeeding - Breast-Augmentation

Comments 1 to 3 of about 3.

lisseth82 - 73 days ago.
I am considering getting breast augmentation in the future, my question is for those who have breastfed or have been engorged, does having implants feel similar to that way? Like the pressure or the hardness or does it soften up? Curious, thanks ladies

babyluv843 - 79 days ago.
I have had mine in for 6 yrs. they are under the muscle. I had no problems breastfeeding or getting milk with my son, as a matter of fact I am 27 weeks along now and leaking!

athenaB1984 - 124 days ago.
I know there are no entries in here, but I'de like to share my experiences with breast augmentation and having a child. I was still able to breast feed with no problems. I was able to express about 4oz each side which I guess is kind of low, but I started supplementing with formula from the beggening, so I wasn't expressing as much. Maybe this is why I was only able to get 4ounces. My breast actually seemed to get smaller after a few months of birth. i didn't know how this was possible until I asked my doctor. The implant did not get smaller, my actual breast tissue got smaller (my real boobs), making my chest appear smaller in size. AND I still got slight stretch marks from this. My breast remained the same size throught pregnancy, except when I was engorging. I was a 36D. I had my incision under the breast. I heard if you get the incision through the nipple, it may effect your ability to breast feed because they might cut some milk ducts.