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Women often feel self-conscious about their breasts.
Whether it be due to size, shape, or symmetry. It’s not surprising then that breast augmentation, or “boob job,” is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures that women get.
In the past year alone, plastic surgeons have noticed a rise in demand for their services, in what they’re dubbing the “Zoom Boom.”
This refers to a period where we’ve simultaneously had to look at ourselves in the computer camera for many hours a day while also being able to take advantage of the extended time at home in lockdown to recover.
If you’ve already had breast augmentation, or you’re considering getting it, you might be curious about what to expect after the procedure.
For mothers and mothers-to-be, this includes an important question: Can you breastfeed after getting breast implants?
Thankfully, the short answer is yes.
Women with breast augmentations can generally breastfeed the same as those without them.
But How?
Implants are not just inserted into the centre of the breast.
Instead, they are placed away from them, under the pectoral muscle and behind the glands in the breast that produce milk.
Incisions are typically made below the breast or by the armpit.
This means all the ducts in your breasts are still there; thus, the flow is not interrupted.
However, some seeking a breast augmentation also request the areola be reshaped to be more symmetrical and aesthetically appealing.
To accomplish this, incisions are made to the areola.
During this process, nerves to the nipple may be severed.
Sensory nerves in your nipples help trigger milk production when stimulated by an action such as a baby suckling.
If these nerves are damaged, milk flow may be reduced.
Those not reshaping their areolas typically do not report any lack of sensation.
Is it Safe for the Baby?
Though your milk flow is likely to be uninterrupted, you may have some concerns about feeding your child with an implant.
But the current consensus is that there is no reason for concern.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say there are no recent reports or evidence of a breast implant causing any problems or side effects to the infant.
The American Academy of Pediatrics issued a report on the matter and also concluded there was insufficient evidence that implants posed any risks to breastfeeding.
Further, The FDA reports that having implants during pregnancy poses no increased risk of congenital disabilities.
Breast implants themselves, like any cosmetic procedure, of course, pose risks such as
- Breast Pain
- Infection
- Implant ruptures
- Position changes
Milk Production Tips
While implants do not affect milk flow or production, you might still like to ensure you’re at your best possible state of milk production to help nourish your baby.
Here are a few tips to help increase breast milk production.
Drinking plenty of fluids like water, tea, and milk all help in keeping you hydrated, which helps your body produce milk
A well-balanced, high protein diet that includes fruits and vegetables not only increases production it also means the milk passed through to your baby will be of the highest nutritional quality in terms of vitamins and minerals.
Breastfeed often. The sensation of your baby suckling at your breast triggers your body to begin producing milk.
Thus, the more often you breastfeed, the higher your production will be.
Newborns can, and should, be breastfed every few hours, roughly 8-12 times a day.
Alternating breasts can help keep this production equal between both breasts.
After feedings, using pumps to drain leftover milk. Pump the rest.
Frequently emptying your breasts can increase the production of milk and increase the calories and fat within it.
