Breastfeeding After Breast Implants

Besides being the important facet of motherhood, breasts also hold the supreme position in ranking a woman’s sex appeal. More often than not women, especially young girls tend to get under the knife just for the fervor of a raised eyebrow! Are breast implants safe for an impending motherhood? Can they rob a mother from creating and experiencing the most beautiful bond with her child - breastfeeding?

Breast augmentation or breast implantdefine is a prosthesis used to enlarge the size of a woman's breasts primarily for cosmetic reasons.

There are many myths believing that women who get breast implants are not able to breastfeed their babies. Contrary to these myths, a majority of women can actually breastfed even after implants, but it’s important to be aware of the associated risks.

So, if you are considering having breast implants and also plan to breastfeed in the future keep in mind the following issues.

• Position of the implants:
The key to successful breastfeeding even after breast implants is the safe positioning of the implants. Incisions made under the fold of the breast or through the armpit are safe and do not hamper breastfeeding. However, on the other hand, if the nerves around the areoladefine are cut or damaged to create the ‘smile’ incision, breastfeeding can be a problem.

• Sensitive nipples:
Nipples are vital to successful breastfeeding. Silicone or saline implants in the breasts tend to make the nipples more or less sensitive than normal, thus making breastfeeding uncomfortable.

• Breast Engorgement:
Breasts implants are also known to interfere with the natural flow of breast milk. One may experience exaggerated breast engorgement, thus making the use of breast pump after each nursing session mandatory.

It’s important to take all factors into consideration before deciding for the implants. Discuss with your plastic surgeon your plans on motherhood.

Knowing and understanding that the success rate is high but not cent-percent, the best however, would be to postpone getting breast implants until you've successfully breastfed your child.