Breastfeeding can be a confusing enough journey as it is,for but women who have previously had a breast augmentation there may be more questions regarding whether or not it will work for them. Many mothers who have had breast implants before falling pregnant often wonder if the surgery will impact their supply or quality of their milk, so we’re here to uncover the truth.
Placement is Key
When a woman undergoes breast augmentation, the implants are placed above or behind the pectoralis major muscle, which is nowhere near the milk ducts. Although it may feel that your implant is directly in the middle of where the milk is made, the implants actually don’t interfere at all with the connection between the gland and the nipple. Therefore, an implant shouldn’t have any negative impact on breastfeeding at all.
If you’ve previously had breast implants and are concerned about the effects this might have, the easiest way to ease your mind is to contact a lactation consultant. The Australian Breastfeeding Association has a number of resources you can use to find a professional who can assist, and they will be able to give you peace of mind that your milk quality or supply won’t be negatively affected.
The Wonders of the Body
The human body never ceases to amaze us, and this is especially true in the case of an expectant mother. Even women who have had a breast reduction previously and may have had some of the milk ducts removed will be astonished to learn that our bodies can rebuild nerves and possibly even grow new glandular tissue while pregnant.
Although you might have discussed the possibility of breastfeeding in your future with your surgeon at the time of the surgery, it might not always have been at the forefront of your mind. You can rest assured, though, that most women report little to no impact on a successful breastfeeding journey, even with a previous augmentation in their medical history, so you shouldn’t let it cloud your thoughts.
Your Breastfeeding Questions Answered
There are plenty of great resources available for breastfeeding women, and if you have specific questions relating to your breast implants, you might wish to contact the surgeon who performed the procedure. Otherwise, a qualified lactation consultant or your local GP may be able to give you the information you need to ease your mind.
Breastfeeding can be a troubling time for some mothers, but it doesn’t need to be when you have support and the right resources. Our Peachymama blog has a number of articles available on how to enjoy the breastfeeding journey,and you look at the topic list by clicking here.
Further Reading:
http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/Gyn/Lactation/BreastfeedingAfterBreastImplants.pdf