Breast Feeding after Breast Implants

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If you have a vision of children in your future then you can rest easy knowing that breastfeeding is perfectly safe with breast implants. Reports have been made about whether silicone implants can bring harm to the mother or child, but overall results have shown that there is no risk; however, although the milk is safe to feed your baby with, there is a chance that milk production may be affected.

Milk Production Problems & the Breast Implant Procedure

The ability to breastfeed your baby after breast enlargement surgery is likely, but production can be at a reduced rate. If you think you might breastfeed in the future you must inform your surgeon about your desire to do this. This is because the type of surgery you have done can affect whether you can feed your baby naturally and successfully. Certainly if the incision for placing your implant in your chest is in the armpit or under the fold of the breast then problems are less likely. Incisions can be made in the areola, though, and this type of incision will increase the chances of problems with breastfeeding.

Nerve Damage

Breast nerves and milk ducts are integral to the breast production and feeding process. This is because nerves cause the brain to produce chemicals that prompt milk production and the milk ducts carry the milk to the nipple. If, during your implant surgery, milk ducts or vital nerves have been damaged or cut then milk production could be limited.

Risks of Silicone Implants & Artificial Milk

Even though the risks of breast feeding with silicone implants  has had no scientific evidence brought against it, there is still the possibility that it can have an effect on your baby; however, the alternative, artificial feeding, is not an unproblematic solution. Studies have shown that babies who are breastfed are less likely to be ill or suffer from a number of serious sicknesses, such as pneumonia or meningitis; they are less likely to die young; and less likely to have serious health problems later in life, such as diabetes or chronic liver disease

Expecting a Baby & Nipple Sensation

If you are pregnant or currently trying for a baby it is advised that you should wait before having breast implants. If you are pregnant then an unnecessary operation could put needless stress upon the growing baby. Not only this, but your breasts may not have enough time to recover fully before your baby is born.  If nipple sensation is reduced or completely desensitised because of the surgery then breastfeeding can be affected. Nipple sensation can be a sign of underlying nerve damage and, not only this but, if nipples are de-sensitised then your suckling baby may go unregistered by nerves. It takes from 6 – 18 months for nipple sensation to fully return to its original sensitivity, therefore, if your baby is born within this period then, breast feeding may not be as or at all successful. 

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