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Is breastfeeding your baby possible after getting a breast augmentation? This question may be one of the top concerns on your mind if you are considering getting breast implants, but are hoping to start or add to your family someday. The answer is typically good news.

Most mothers with implants can breastfeed after their surgery. However, there may be exceptions to this rule. With planning, preparation, and education, mothers can successfully breastfeed their babies. Below are answers to six popular questions many women ask during their breast augmentation consultations.

1. Should I Bother With Breastfeeding?

Breast milk provides much more than nutrition for your baby. It provides optimal support for a growing infant, strengthens their immune system, and reduces the risk of specific diseases like breast cancer and diabetes later in life. Breastfeeding is also an unmatched opportunity for a mother to bond with her newborn child.

2. How Should I Prepare for Breastfeeding With Implants?

Before your baby is born, discuss any prior breast surgery with your obstetrician. Make sure your doctor understands you’ve had implants, the type of implants, the surgical technique used, and how long it’s been since your procedure.

3. How Will Implants Influence My Breastfeeding?

Researchers have studied how breast implants affect a mother’s ability to produce milk. For example, some studies show an incision around the nipple may create problems. In contrast, other studies explain no correlation between incision and breastfeeding ability.

A 2016 study found women with implants try breastfeeding at a slightly lower rate than women without implants. However, when measured at 30 days, much fewer women attempted breastfeeding than those without. With proper resources and education, it’s possible more women with implants would find breastfeeding to be a successful endeavor.

4. Will Implants Limit My Milk Flow?

Some women worry that implants might limit the milk flow from their breasts. However, this is usually not the case. Milk production is like a feedback loop; your body will automatically start making new milk when you run low. Therefore, the more milk your baby drinks, the more you will have available. Relying on your body’s innate abilities is crucial when establishing a breastfeeding routine. Eventually, when you wean your baby, your flow will dry up.

To establish if your baby is getting an adequate amount of milk, keep an eye on their growth. Schedule regular visits with their pediatrician to check weight and length. You can also monitor the number of dirty diapers to gauge if they are getting enough to eat. Remember, what goes in must come out!

5. Is My Breast Milk Safe?

Often, moms are concerned the core solution in their implants may taint breast milk, causing possible harm to the baby. This topic gained concern in the ‘90s, leading implant manufacturers to create saline implants. However, silicone is a natural component in our environment and is present in cow’s milk. To date, there is little evidence to suggest the risk of milk contamination is a consequence of breastfeeding with implants.

6. Will Breastfeeding Affect My Implants?

Many women think breastfeeding or pumping milk will damage their implants or change the aesthetics of their breasts. There is no evidence to support this. You can breastfeed or pump milk without the risk of affecting your breast augmentation benefits.

Breast Augmentation in Houston, TX

Dr. Christopher K. Livingston is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has been attracting patients throughout Southeast Texas for the aesthetic benefits he delivers. He strives to provide his patients with safe and effective procedures with minimal downtime and long-lasting results.

For more information on breast augmentation, contact Dr. Livingston at (281) 501-1812 or fill out an online form to schedule your consultation today.