A Closer Look at Breastfeeding with Implants

Whether you have already had a breast augmentation, or you are considering one, you may be wondering if you can still breastfeed your baby. If you have spoken to friends or looked around on the Internet, you have likely been told that breastfeeding is not possible. If this is the case, all those well-meaning information givers were wrong – with a bit of planning, you can enjoy the same bonding time with your baby as mothers who have not had breast implants. Keep reading to find out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about breastfeeding with implants.

Can I Breastfeed My Baby if I Have Implants?

The short answer is yes, you can have the same success with breastfeeding as any other mother. However, you will need to pay close attention to your baby to make sure he or she is getting the nutrition needed to grow. In some cases, women may experience a decrease in nipple sensation after augmentation, but this should not affect your ability to breastfeed. During breastfeeding, your infant will latch on to the areola, not just the nipple. If you don’t make sure the latch on is correct, it will result in sore, tender, and cracked nipples. You should always consult with your hospital’s lactation consultant to make sure you understand the proper way to breastfeed, as this will not change, even if you do have implants.

Speak to Your Plastic Surgeon

The best way to ensure that you have no problems breastfeeding with implants is to discuss it with your plastic surgeon beforehand. During your consultation, let your surgeon know that you want to breastfeed in the future – even if you don’t know for sure whether you will do so. This will ensure that the two of you can work together to determine the best implant size, placement, and surgical incision to use to ensure the best outcome for your breasts, and breastfeeding in the future. For example, since the baby latches on to the areola for feeding, that type of incision may not be the best option for you. Additionally, the size of your breast implant will matter during breastfeeding. If you opt for larger breasts, you may need to provide manual support so that your baby can feed properly. Your plastic surgeon will be able to go over all of this information with you to help you make the best choices.

How Do I Know if There Are Any Problems During Breastfeeding?

If you are currently pregnant and plan to breastfeed, there are some signs that you should pay attention to, as they will help you determine whether your baby is getting enough milk:

• Your baby should make audible swallowing sounds during feeding.
• He or she should have five to six wet diapers, and two to five bowel movements each day.
• Your baby will typically gain between four to seven ounces after the first week of life.

While there usually are not any problems with breastfeeding with implants, there are rare cases in which no milk production in one or both breasts occur. If you are unsure whether you are breastfeeding properly, or you have any concerns, you should always contact your lactation consultant or your baby’s doctor to be sure.

It is entirely possible to breastfeed after having breast implants. Proper communication with your surgeon is vital, so always make sure to discuss your concerns. If you are interested in breast implants, contact Ruhge Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation and get the answers to any questions you may have, (626) 397-9095.

Sources:

http://www.llli.org/faq/surgery.html
http://www.implantinfo.com/media/news/breast-feeding-implants-410.aspx