One of the decisions new mothers face is whether to breastfeed. And for those who have had breast implants, this decision may be a little more complicated.
While breastfeeding is not impossible with breast implants, it can be more challenging.
But you should keep a few things in mind if you consider breastfeeding with breast implants, such as:
Breastfeeding with Implants: Does It Hurt?
New moms ask a common question— does breastfeeding with implants hurt?
The short answer is that it depends.
In some cases, breasts can feel slightly sore after nursing, but in other cases, there may be no discomfort at all.
A few factors can influence the pain you’ll experience while breastfeeding with implants, such as:
- Placement of your incisions. When your incisions are under the breast, you’re likely to have less pain than when it’s around the areola.
- Type of implant. Silicone implants tend to have a softer and more natural feeling than saline implants. As a result, they may cause less pain while breastfeeding.
- Pain tolerance. Some women tend to have a higher pain tolerance than others. And if you do, you may find that breastfeeding with implants is less painful than expected.
- Body’s natural healing ability. Everyone’s body heals differently. So, if you have a fast-healing body, you may find discomfort goes away quickly.
Milk Supply When Breastfeeding with Implants
Do mothers with breast implants have difficulties with milk production? Again, there’s no definitive answer, as each mother’s experience is unique.
But as per Dr. Nick Masri, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- The size of your breasts does not dictate how much milk you can produce. Many mothers with small breasts can have plenty of milk for their babies.
- The experiences vary. Some mothers with breast implants report issues with milk production. But others find that their implants help them produce more milk.
General Safety Concerns With Breastfeeding and Breast Implants
There are a few general safety concerns to be aware of, including:
- Potential for leakage. With leaking implants, there’s a possibility that your breast milk contains harmful chemicals.
- Infection risk. Breastfeeding with implants can increase your risk of developing an infection.
- Nipple stimulation concerns. In some cases, too much nipple stimulation can cause the implant to deflate.
- Implant rupture. Although rare, there’s a risk that your implants could rupture while you’re breastfeeding. And it typically happens if the implants’ position isn’t correct or if they have damage.
- Pain. Breastfeeding with implants can be painful, especially if you have overly full breasts.
Ensuring Safe and Comfortable Breastfeeding With Implants
- Choose the right surgeon. When selecting a surgeon, ask about their experience with breastfeeding mothers. You want to ensure they understand the potential risks and will take measures to minimize them.
- Plan ahead. Dr. Nick Masri advises informing your surgeon in advance if you plan to breastfeed. This way, they can take special precautions to minimize the risk of damage to the milk ducts.
- Choose the proper position. Experiment with different positions until you find one comfortable for you and your baby. You may need to adjust your position frequently as your baby grows.
- Be prepared for leakage. Breastmilk leakage is normal, but it can be especially notable if you have implants. Wear nursing pads to absorb any leaks and keep your clothing clean and dry.
- Pay attention to your body. Contact your physician instantly if you notice any changes in your breasts. These changes could be signs of an infection or other complications.
- Express milk regularly. If you need to take a break from breastfeeding, use a pump or hand express milk. Regular expressions will also help to reduce the risk of mastitis.