Breastfeeding with Breast Implants: What You Need to Know

For many mothers, the decision to breastfeed is one of the most rewarding and natural parts of motherhood. However, if you’ve had breast implants, you may wonder how, or if, breastfeeding will be affected. The good news is that, in most cases, breastfeeding with breast implants is possible, though there are a few things to consider. This article will explore the various factors influencing breastfeeding success after breast augmentation, including the impact of different implant placements, common challenges, and tips to help make breastfeeding as smooth as possible.

Can You Breastfeed With Breast Implants?

Breastfeeding Is Often Possible

One of the first things to know is that many women with breast implants can successfully breastfeed. In fact, having implants does not inherently prevent you from breastfeeding, and most women with implants can produce a sufficient milk supply for their babies. However, the location and type of surgery you’ve had, along with other factors, may impact your ability to breastfeed.

The Impact of Implants on Milk Production

While breast implants themselves don’t directly affect your milk production, the surgery involved in placing the implants can sometimes impact the milk-producing glands and ducts. For example, if the implants were placed under the breast tissue and over the chest muscle (subglandular placement), there is typically less interference with milk production. However, implants placed under the muscle (submuscular placement) may have a slightly greater impact, depending on the extent of the surgery.

Factors That Influence Breastfeeding Success with Implants

Several factors can influence your success with breastfeeding after breast implants. These include:

• Surgical Placement: Implants placed under the muscle may interfere with milk production more than those placed above the muscle. Additionally, if there was damage to the milk ducts or nerves during surgery, it may affect milk flow.
  
• Incision Location: Incisions made around the nipple (periareolar incision) could damage milk ducts or nerves, potentially leading to issues with milk production or breastfeeding difficulty. Incisions made under the breast (inframammary) or through the armpit (transaxillary) generally have a lesser impact on breastfeeding.
  

While it’s essential to keep these factors in mind, it’s important to note that many mothers with implants can still successfully breastfeed with the right support.

Types of Breast Implant Surgeries and Their Impact on Breastfeeding

Understanding the type of breast implant surgery you’ve had can help you determine how it might impact your ability to breastfeed. Here's a look at the two main types of implant placements and how they might affect milk production:

Implants Above the Muscle (Subglandular)

When implants are placed above the muscle and underneath the breast tissue, the milk glands and ducts are generally left undisturbed. As a result, breastfeeding success is typically higher with this type of implant placement. There is minimal interference with milk production or the ability to latch.

Implants Below the Muscle (Submuscular)

Implants placed under the muscle tend to compress the milk glands more than subglandular implants. However, this doesn’t always prevent breastfeeding. While some women may experience a reduction in milk supply, many still find they can breastfeed successfully. The difference comes down to individual factors, including the skill of the surgeon and how much tissue was disrupted during the procedure.

Incision Location

The location of the incision used during surgery can also affect breastfeeding success. Incisions around the areola can potentially damage the milk ducts or nerves responsible for triggering milk production. However, incisions under the breast (inframammary) and through the armpit (transaxillary) are less likely to interfere with breastfeeding.

Common Challenges of Breastfeeding with Implants

Though many women with implants can breastfeed successfully, there are some challenges you might face. Understanding these challenges will help you better prepare and address any potential issues.

Reduced Milk Supply

One of the most common challenges is a reduced milk supply. For some women with implants, the breast surgery may interfere with the glands responsible for producing milk. While this isn’t a universal issue, it’s important to monitor your milk supply and ensure your baby is feeding effectively.

Nipple Sensitivity and Nerve Damage

Another challenge can be nipple sensitivity or nerve damage resulting from surgery. Nerve damage can make it more difficult for the breast to respond to the baby’s latch, or it may cause discomfort while breastfeeding. Some women with implants experience a loss of nipple sensation, which may also affect the milk ejection reflex (letdown).

Difficulty with Latch

While breast implants generally don’t affect the baby’s ability to latch, some women may experience difficulty, especially if the implants are placed under the muscle or if nerve damage has occurred. Proper positioning and latch techniques are key to ensuring your baby can latch effectively and feed well.

Tips for Successful Breastfeeding with Breast Implants

If you’ve had breast implants and are planning to breastfeed, there are several tips that can help you increase your chances of success:

Positioning and Latching Techniques

Proper positioning and latching are crucial to successful breastfeeding. Experiment with different positions to see which one works best for both you and your baby. You might find that side-lying or laid-back positions offer more comfort. Additionally, make sure your baby is latching deeply to avoid nipple pain and ensure efficient milk transfer.

Stimulation and Pumping to Increase Milk Supply

To help boost your milk supply while breastfeeding with breast implants, stimulation and pumping are essential. Regular pumping sessions, even after breastfeeding, can signal your body to produce more milk. It’s important to fully empty the breasts during each session, as this encourages the milk-producing glands to keep working. For moms with breast implants, using an electric breast pump can be especially helpful in maintaining a healthy milk supply, as it mimics the natural suckling rhythm and promotes consistent milk production.

A great tool for this is the MomMed S21 wearable breast pump. It features adjustable suction settings that can closely mimic your baby’s natural feeding pattern, making it easier to express milk efficiently. The S21’s ergonomic design and quiet operation allow for discreet, comfortable pumping, whether you're at home or on the go. Using a reliable breast pump like the MomMed S21 regularly can help boost milk production and make breastfeeding a smoother experience.

Massage and Compression

Using gentle breast massage and compression while breastfeeding or pumping can help with milk flow and alleviate any blockages in the ducts. These techniques can encourage milk to flow more freely and ensure that the breast is emptied effectively.

When to Seek Help for Breastfeeding with Implants

If you’re struggling with breastfeeding after getting breast implants, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible to avoid complications like low milk supply or engorgement. Here are some signs that may indicate you need support:

Consulting a Lactation Consultant

If you’re having trouble breastfeeding or feel that your milk supply is insufficient, a lactation consultant can help. These professionals are trained to support mothers with unique breastfeeding challenges, including those with breast implants. They can guide you on latch techniques, suggest additional support measures, and recommend ways to increase your milk supply.

When to Consider Supplementing with Formula or Donor Milk

In some cases, you may need to supplement with formula or donor milk to ensure your baby is getting enough nutrition. It’s important to remember that supplementing doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It’s simply a way to make sure your baby’s needs are met while you work on increasing your milk supply.

Medical Advice for Persistent Issues

If you continue to experience persistent issues like painful latching, nipple sensitivity, or a low milk supply, it’s important to consult a medical professional. Your doctor or pediatrician may recommend further evaluation or a different course of action to help resolve these issues.

Considerations for Future Breastfeeding After Breast Augmentation

If you're planning future pregnancies or considering additional breast surgeries, there are a few important factors to keep in mind for your breastfeeding journey.

Planning for Future Pregnancies

Pregnancy can cause changes in breast tissue, leading to fluctuations in size and shape. These changes might affect your milk supply after breastfeeding. While many women with breast implants successfully breastfeed during and after pregnancy, it’s essential to recognize that these changes can sometimes result in a decrease in milk production or difficulty achieving a proper latch. Staying proactive with breastfeeding techniques and regular pumping can help maintain or even boost your milk supply.

Exploring Breastfeeding Alternatives

In some cases, breastfeeding with implants may not be as successful as hoped. If that’s the case, don’t be discouraged – there are many alternative feeding options to ensure your baby receives the best nourishment. Pumping can be a great alternative, especially if direct breastfeeding isn’t working. Using donor milk is also an option for parents who prefer to keep the feeding process as natural as possible. When using a breast pump, the MomMed S10 Pro is an excellent choice. With its customizable settings and quiet operation, this pump helps express milk efficiently, ensuring that your baby gets all the nutrients they need, even if breastfeeding directly isn’t possible.

Maintaining Milk Supply Post-Surgery

If you're undergoing additional surgeries, such as a breast lift or augmentation, it's important to monitor your milk supply closely. While surgery can sometimes impact milk production, consistent breast stimulation and pumping can help maintain a healthy supply. Even after surgery, with proper techniques and support, you can continue breastfeeding successfully. It's crucial to keep up a regular pumping routine, especially if there are concerns about milk production. Regular pumping sessions will help signal to your body that milk is still needed, encouraging your body to continue producing. If you're struggling with milk supply or need extra support, consult with a lactation consultant who can offer tailored advice based on your specific situation. They can provide insights on how to keep your supply stable and recommend adjustments to your pumping routine or techniques to maximize milk expression.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding with breast implants is possible, though it may come with some unique challenges. By using proper techniques, being consistent with pumping, and seeking guidance from lactation consultants, many mothers with implants can successfully breastfeed. If you encounter difficulties, tools like the MomMed S21 and S10 Pro breast pumps can be invaluable. Both pumps offer efficient milk expression, with the S21 providing a comfortable, quiet experience and the S10 Pro offering adjustable suction to help boost milk supply. With the right support and the right tools, you can navigate breastfeeding with implants and ensure both you and your baby thrive.