Breast augmentation is one of the five most common cosmetic procedures, with hundreds of thousands of Americans undergoing the procedure each year. If you’re one of the many new parents who have breast implants and are considering breastfeeding or breastfeeding, you may have some questions or concerns. You may want to know if breastfeeding is safe with implants or if your implants may affect your milk supply. You may also want to know what you can do to maximize your chances of success.
These concerns are completely understandable. We reached out to two lactation consultants and a lactation consultant to answer some common questions about breastfeeding with implants.
Success rate of breastfeeding with implants
Let’s start with the good news. Yes, you can breastfeed if you have implants and the vast majority of parents who do are successful. Several studies have shown that people with breast implants can have positive experiences.
For example, a 2016 study compared breastfeeding parents who had implants to breastfeeding parents who did not have implants. The study found that parents with implants were able to breastfeed 93% of the time. This was slightly lower than parents without implants, who successfully established breastfeeding 99% of the time. However, the study showed that the vast majority of parents with implants had success.
Another study, from 2019, only looked at breastfeeding parents with implants. The researchers found that overall, parents with implants were able to breastfeed successfully 75% of the time. The bottom line is that, for parents with breast implants, it is entirely possible and possible to have a successful and fulfilling breastfeeding journey.
Do breast implants affect milk supply?
While many parents with implants are able to breastfeed successfully, there are some considerations to keep in mind regarding breast milk supply.
“The main risk associated with implants is a low breast milk supply,” says Jessica Madden, MD, IBCLC, a pediatrician, neonatologist, lactation consultant, and the medical director of Aeroflow breast pump. “This is because implant surgeries can scar the breast tissue, rupture the milk ducts, and/or can damage the nerves involved in milk release.”
Remember that most parents with breast implants do not experience breast or breastfeeding problems, but milk supply issues are something to consider as you move forward on your journey. That said, remember that you can still have an empowering nursing experience even if you’re not fully stocked.
Are there risks of breastfeeding with implants?
One of the first questions parents have about implants is whether they are safe for babies. The answer is that implants are very likely to be safe. “I’m not aware of any safety issues associated with breast-feeding with implants,” says Dr. Madden. “The type of implant (saline vs. silicone) should not affect breastfeeding, and if an implant were to leak, there is very little chance it would enter breast milk.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are all on a similar page about this. As the CDC notes, although there is limited research at this time, there have been no reports of parents with silicone implants having safety issues. Additionally, the AAP has not found sufficient evidence that silicone implants should be a contraindication to breastfeeding.
According to the FDA, it is not currently known whether a small amount of silicone could potentially pass into breast milk if a parent has implants. However, their website adds this important caveat: “Although there are currently no established methods for accurately detecting silicone levels in breast milk, one study that measured levels of silicon (a component in silicone) did not show higher levels in breast milk from women with silicone gel. -filled implants compared to women without implants’.
Of course, all parents are different and you should check with a healthcare provider about your implants and if there are any safety risks you should be concerned about for your baby.
Things to consider before breastfeeding with implants
Breastfeeding is usually not a problem for people with implants, but when problems do arise, they are likely caused by a few main issues. Here’s what you need to know about these potential concerns.
Type of breast augmentation surgery
There are different types of breast augmentation surgery, and the type of procedure you had can affect your ability to breastfeed and your milk supply. The biggest factor is how close the surgical incision was to your nipple, Dr. Madden explains. “Incisions located around the areola are more likely to affect milk supply than those in different locations, as peri-areolar incisions can sometimes damage the nerves involved in breastfeeding,” she says.
Another aspect to remember is if you’ve also had a breast lift along with implant surgery. “Implants done along with breast ‘lifts’ may involve the removal of portions of breast tissue, which can affect milk supply,” notes Dr. Madden.
If you are unsure about the type of surgery you had and whether it may affect your milk supply, be sure to contact a healthcare provider who specializes in breast surgery.
Breast hypoplasia
It may not just be surgery that can affect your mic supply, says Kelly Kendall, RN, IBCLC, nurse practitioner and lactation consultant at The Balanced Boob. Many people decide to have breast augmentation surgery because of anatomical problems with their breasts, such as breast hypoplasia, Kendall says.
“Breasts that are broadly shaped, tubular, or have a large difference in size between the breasts are signs of possible breast hypoplasia or insufficient glandular tissue,” she explains. “These conditions mean that when the breasts were developing during puberty, less glandular or milk-producing tissue developed.” Hypoplasia or insufficient glandular tissue can put parents at higher risk of low milk supply, and these problems can persist after breast implant surgery.
Tips for breastfeeding with implants
Again, most parents with implants can continue to have satisfactory nursing experiences. But since there is a somewhat higher risk of challenges, it can be helpful to have a few tips to help you deal with any issues that may arise and set you up for optimal success.
Get a prenatal assessment
Kendall strongly recommends that if you have implants, you take a proactive approach and see a lactation professional before you give birth. “My number one tip would be to meet with a lactation consultant before birth for a prenatal appointment,” she says. “Collecting training will help you feel ready to face potential challenges.”
Generally, a lactation consultant will discuss your medical history, risk factors and examine your breasts and nipples. In addition to potential milk supply issues, sometimes parents breastfeeding with implants will have a harder time with engorgement, Kendall says, and a lactation consultant can offer techniques to deal with that, since engorgement is a common issue. the first days of breastfeeding.
Please reach out for help as soon as any problems arise
Of course, problems can arise after your baby is born. If this happens, don’t hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant or health professional, advises Sheila Dukas-Janakos, MPH, IBCLC, lactation consultant and CEO/co-founder of Healthy Horizons Corporate Breastfeeding Programs and Breastfeeding Centers. When possible, try to find out who has experience breastfeeding with implants, she recommends.
“An IBCLC should be well versed in the various aspects of supporting a person who has undergone these surgeries and can help create a plan where milk supply can be established early and carefully monitored,” adds Dukas-Janakos. .
Have Realistic Goals
In addition to meeting with a lactation professional if necessary, Dr. Madden recommends trying to breastfeed with a healthy dose of realism—and lots of self-love and compassion. “Having realistic goals is important,” she says. “Even if you can’t fully breastfeed because of your implants, the goal of partial breastfeeding may be achievable.”
This can be hard to remember because there can be so much pressure to be perfect with breastfeeding, but remember it’s not all or nothing. You can be a successful parent whether you exclusively breastfeed or not.
