Breastfeeding - What If You Have Breast Implants?
Many
women are concerned about breastfeeding after implants. For many,
breast implant surgery has occurred before they have thought about
breastfeeding at all. Any chest or breast surgery can impede the ability
for successful breastfeeding for the same reasons as discussed below.
Whether
you can or can't breastfeed after getting implants is individual and is
influenced by many factors. Research has shown that surgery that was
performed at least 5 years or more before having a baby is more likely
to be successful for lactation. This is thought to be because the nerve
pathways and milk ducts have had time to re grow enough to allow
sufficient stimulation and flow for lactation.
The main factor is
how the surgery was done. Breast implants can be inserted via an
incision at the base of the breast, under the arm, sometimes in the
umbilicus(belly button area) or around the nipple. Successful
breastfeeding relies on intact milk ducts, nerve pathways and
sensitivity of the nipple. The nerves that supply the nipple and breast
come from under the arm mostly. So if the nerves around the nipple are
cut or damaged this can interfere with breastmilk supply by reducing
stimulation to the nipple which then sends signals to the brain to make
and release milk.
The other important factor is the ducts that
carry the milk. If these are also damaged, they may not allow the milk
to flow to the nipple.
Currently most breast implant surgery is
performed with leaving a wedge of breast still attached to the nipple
and areolar. Some women see an incision mark around their areolar and
think successful lactation is not possible. This may not be so if the
wedge technique has been used. When the whole nipple and areolar has
been removed and re attached is lactation most unlikely due to the nerve
and ductal pathways being damaged. So the best place for an incision
for breast implants is either at the side or base of the breast or
umbilicus if possible. Leaving the nipple and areolar untouched is the
best. The best position of the implant is below the muscle layer so it
is right away from the breast tissue.
Even though the size of
breasts is no reliable indicator of breastfeeding ability, it may be
that there wasn't sufficient breast tissue for successful and exclusive
breastfeeding. It is important to ascertain with the mother what
successful breastfeeding means to her. It may be that the baby goes to
the breast daily, receives any breastmilk or a combination of breastmilk
and formula.
It is important for women to explore this with an
experienced and skillful consultant such as a child health nurse or
lactation consultant before birth. This gives the mother and skilled
helper time to implement strategies, assist the mother in deciding what
successful breastfeeding means to her and devise a plan for management
of breastfeeding. Strategies that may be implemented may include the use
of galactogogues. Medications or herbs to assist with increasing
breastmilk supply. Frequent and effective drainage of the breasts in the
first weeks after birth is also important in establishing supply.
All
mothers will produce some milk due to the hormonal changes associated
with having a baby. The amount will vary. Regardless of the amount each
mother should be given the utmost support to achieve whatever
breastfeeding possible.
It is up to society and health services
to support mothers in attaining the best possible outcome for their
breastfeeding experience. Breastfeeding after implants is possible as we
have explored.
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