This is one of the most common concerns for new mothers with breast augmentation. Technically having breast implants does not prevent successful breastfeeding. However, the surgical technique used for implant placement is the biggest factor that can affect your milk supply and nursing success. We'll explore the key details you need to know to feel confident about your breastfeeding journey.
Factors that influence breastfeeding success with implants
Several key elements from your breast augmentation surgery can influence your breastfeeding experience. Understanding these factors will help you manage expectations and prepare for potential challenges like one breast producing less milk.
Type of implant (saline vs. silicone)
💡 Whether you have saline or silicone implants, both types are contained within a solid shell.
The primary concern is often the safety of the milk.
- Safety Consensus: Major health organizations, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), agree there is no credible evidence that silicone or saline poses a risk to the infant through breast milk. The molecules are too large to pass into the milk ducts in significant amounts.
- What if an Implant Leaks? While an implant rupture or leak is a medical concern for the mother, the contained material does not typically pass into the milk ducts in quantities harmful to the baby. For silicone gel implants, the material is thick and is usually contained within the breast tissue capsule, minimizing systemic spread.
Implant placement: over-the-muscle vs. under-the-muscle
The position of the implant relative to the chest muscle is a major factor in protecting the essential structures of the breast.
- Under-the-muscle (subpectoral) placement: This technique is typically less disruptive to the milk-producing tissue, ducts, and the sensory nerves surrounding the nipple. This often leads to a higher success rate for maintaining a full milk production.
- Over-the-muscle (subglandular) placement: This may slightly increase the risk of pressure and atrophy on the underlying glandular tissue. Some women might experience reduced supply or notice that one breast produces less milk than the other. Importantly, the overall breast size and milk production are not directly related—a small breast can produce just as much milk as a large one.
Type of incision
The incision used to insert the implant determines which nerves and ducts might be cut, which can impact sensation and milk flow.
- Inframammary fold incision (under the breast): This incision, placed in the crease beneath the breast, is the most common and has the least impact on the nerves and milk ducts. This is the preferred method for preserving breastfeeding function.
- Axillary incision (underarm): This involves placing the incision in the armpit. It also typically results in minimal impact on the core milk-producing structures.
- Periareolar incision (around the nipple): This incision, placed along the border of the nipple/areola, carries the highest risk of nerve damage and severed milk ducts. Since the sensory nerves are critical for triggering the let-down reflex, damage here can potentially lead to significantly reduced milk flow and supply issues.
Is breastfeeding safe with implants?
Yes, breastfeeding with implants is considered safe. The safety of your breast milk is the most important consideration, and current scientific evidence is reassuring.
- Milk composition: Implants do not change the composition of your milk. The nutritional value, antibodies, and hormones remain the same.
- Medical organization advice: Leading medical and health organizations (such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the AAP, and the FDA) consistently state that there is no evidence that silicone or saline is transferred into the milk in amounts that would pose a health risk to the infant. The molecules of both substances are too large to pass through the cellular barriers into the milk ducts easily.
Common breastfeeding challenges with implants
While breastfeeding with implants is possible, it's realistic to discuss the primary challenges mothers may face so you can proactively manage them.
Impact on milk supply (hypogalactia)
Some women may experience reduced milk supply (hypogalactia), particularly if they had a periareolar incision. The reduction occurs because the original surgery may have damaged the milk-making glandular tissue or the nerves critical for triggering the milk production and let-down reflex.
- Actionable advice: The key is early intervention. Monitor your baby's weight and output (wet and dirty diapers) closely. If you are concerned, consider strategies like power pumping to stimulate increased demand or discussing the use of galactagogues (herbal or pharmacological) with your healthcare provider or an IBCLC.
- Reassurance: It is crucial to remember that many mothers with implants can produce milk. In some cases it might be hard to achieve an exclusive breastfeeding journey but with a little bit of support and some milk complements in the early months you might be able to have a long breastfeeding journey.
Changes in nipple sensitivity and latch
💡 Breast augmentation can alter the shape of the breast and, crucially, the sensation of the nipple and areola.
This can present two issues:
- Nipple numbness: If the nerves were severed, a lack of sensation can prevent the brain from receiving the signal needed to release the "love hormones" (oxytocin and prolactin) that trigger the let-down reflex.
- Hypersensitivity: In some cases, the area may be overly sensitive, leading to pain or a poor latch.
- Actionable advice: The importance of working with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) cannot be overstated. An IBCLC can help you adjust positioning to achieve a deeper latch, ensuring the baby draws out milk effectively and preventing issues like a nipple blister from pumping.
Engorgement or pressure from implants
Engorgement is a common postpartum experience where the breasts become overly full and hard. For mothers with implants, this can be slightly more challenging.
- Distinction: It's important to differentiate between typical, natural engorgement (swollen, heavy, and warm milk-making tissue) and discomfort caused by the pressure of the implant on the swollen tissue. The implant itself may restrict the space the engorged tissue needs to expand.
- Advice: Ensure a proper latch to drain the breast effectively and prevent severe engorgement. Apply cool compresses between feedings. Hand expression or a brief pumping session before nursing can soften the areola, making latching easier for the baby.
Tips to improve breastfeeding success with implants
Proactive strategies can significantly increase your chances of a successful breastfeeding experience.
- Start breastfeeding early and frequently: Initiate nursing as soon as possible after birth (ideally within the first hour) and continue to feed on demand (8-12 times in 24 hours). Frequent milk removal is the best way to establish a robust supply.
- Try different breastfeeding positions: Experiment with positions like the laid-back (biological nurturing) or the football hold. This can help find an angle that reduces pressure or discomfort caused by the implants and optimizes the baby's latch.
- Consult an expert: Seek out a lactation consultant with specific experience in post-augmentation breastfeeding. They can assess your milk transfer and offer personalized strategies.
- Monitor baby’s intake: The ultimate measure of success is your baby's health. Monitor your baby’s weight and hydration (diaper count) daily in the first week and weekly thereafter.
- Use a pump to boost supply: If you notice a reduction in supply, using a high-quality breast pump, such as a Perifit Pump (hospital grade quality), can help. Pumps often include features like a power pumping program specifically designed to support and boost milk supply by mimicking cluster feeding.
Can you breastfeed after implant removal?
Yes, if you have had explant surgery (implant removal), you can absolutely breastfeed. The ability to lactate is not permanently compromised by the presence or subsequent removal of the implant. Your success will depend on the extent of any prior damage to the nerves or milk ducts from the original augmentation incision. If you were able to breastfeed before the removal, or if the initial surgery was not disruptive, your chances of success are high.
Breastfeeding after a breast augmentation surgery is achievable. While the journey may present unique challenges—primarily related to the type of incision and potential nerve or duct damage—these obstacles can often be overcome with informed planning and professional support. Remember, the material within both saline and silicone implants has been deemed safe by leading health organizations, meaning your milk remains the gold standard for infant nutrition.
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