Breastfeeding with Implants
by Jean Turner, RN, BSN, RNC-OB, Certified Breastfeeding Counselor, Holistic Health Nurse Coach
According to statistics provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there were 313,735 breast augmentation surgeries performed in 2018. That is a 4% increase from the previous year (www.plastic surgery.org).
Breast augmentation is the use of breast implants (or fat transferred from another part of the body) to increase size and/or fullness of the breasts. There are a variety of reasons why women choose to have this procedure done. Many wonder if they will be able to breastfeed their baby. If you are one of these women, allow me to share some hope. You may be able to breastfeed if you have implants, but it is important to understand that there is the potential to experience milk production and supply issues.
The location of the augmentation incision made during surgery can affect your ability to breastfeed. An incision that was made around or across the dark circle surrounding your nipples can cause nerve damage. Incisions made in the armpit or in the belly button are less likely to damage the milk ducts, milk glands, or nerves. The best site for an augmentation incision is under the fold of the breast.
The area where the implants are placed can also affect your ability to breastfeed. Implants placed close to the surface of the skin (i.e., in between the breast tissue and the chest wall) may make one’s cleavage look better but is more likely to block milk ducts and impede breastfeeding. Implants placed underneath the chest muscle help to prevent damage to milk ducts and nerves. This makes placement of implants in this location best for breastfeeding.
In addition to location and placement, the type of implants and a history of augmentation related complications affect breastfeeding. Silicone implants can rupture, and the gel can leak into the surrounding tissue. Let your obstetrician, midwife, and baby’s pediatrician know if you have silicone implants and ask them if it is okay for you to breastfeed your baby. Saline implants are filled with normal saline (i.e., saline H20). Inform you and your baby’s care team if you have experienced any complications related to your breast implants.
If you are a birth worker, it will be important to teach moms with breast implants how to hand express their milk immediately! Implants increase pressure within the breasts. To decrease pressure and prevent engorgement, it is important for moms to keep the milk moving through the ducts. This is accomplished by placing the baby directly to the breast or by hand expressing breast milk before and immediately after each feed.
Location and placement matter! Be informed. Do your research. Be your own patient advocate. If you have breast implants and are pregnant, inform your birthing team. Together you can create a breastfeeding or breast milk plan ready to implement when your baby arrives.
For more information, contact Nurse Coach Jean Turner at www.spiritofawarrior.life or www.spiritofawarrior.life@gmail.com
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