Can You Breastfeed With Implants?

Choosing to augment your breasts is a personal matter, but it gets a little complicated for those who decide later on to give birth. You might wonder, after all, if there will be any issues when you get pregnant, and postpartum. The breasts usually grow a cup size or two (or even more for some) during pregnancy. They also then go on to fill up with milk for your baby. But if you’re hoping to avoid formula at first, you might be asking the question, “Can you breastfeed with implants?” The answer, apparently, is a bit more complicated than a simple yes or no.

Can You Breastfeed With Implants?

According to Baby Center, odd are you will be able to breastfeed, though not without some added challenges. For one, your nipples will most likely be much more sensitive than they used to be, which might cause you some discomfort when putting child to breast. When your milk comes in, your engorgement might seem even more exaggerated, and your odds of experiencing more intense mastitis increases. Certainly not a fun way to start your breastfeeding experience, but it’s certainly not the end of the world.

If you’re considering the surgery but have not done so, and you’re considering becoming pregnant in the future, here’s a tip: Request that your incision line be done through the armpit for the least amount of potential harm to the nerves. An incision at the nipple, however, can cause the most damage, and may reduce your milk supply.

More Factors on Breastfeeding With Implants

Additionally, you want to consider why you got (or are getting) implants in the first place. If it’s due to having hypoplastic (underdeveloped) breasts and/or insufficient glandular tissue, then you would likely have trouble breastfeeding regardless of the surgery. Some individuals with these types of breasts are still able to breastfeed to an extent, though they often have to supplement. Others, unfortunately, are never able to breastfeed as no milk comes in. It’s a good thing to bring up to an OB/GYN appointment.

So basically, if you got augmentation surgery but already had a fair amount of glandular tissue, you’ll likely be successful at breastfeeding. If you didn’t, it will still be a challenge as the surgery can’t, unfortunately, add that type of tissue. That said, there are ways to try and increase your milk production (by seeing a lactation consultant, checking for tongue and lip ties in baby, pumping and feeding constantly and regularly, certain supplements, etc). Worst case scenario, you use formula or donor milk to supplement. At the end of the day, what matters most is your baby is fed and healthy, right?

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(Image: Pixabay / badarsk)

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