Rebornne Baby. American Baby
Rebornne Baby. American Baby
breastfeeding
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quizzes experts
Breastfeeding is natural, but it
doesn't come naturally to every mom. Find out how to overcome the
most common nursing difficulties, like latch-on problems, nipple
confusion, and engorgement.
experts
Do breast implants affect
your ability to nurse a baby?
Question
I had silicone breast implants five years ago. While I've had no complications,
now that I'm expecting I'm worried about being able to nurse my baby.
Will I produce enough milk with implants in my breasts, and can the
implants harm my baby if I nurse him?
Answer
An article in Obstetrics and Gynecology (1996;87:30-4) by Nancy M.
Hurst, RN, MSN, addresses this exact question. When they are pregnant
and planning to breastfeed, women who have undergone surgery for breast
implants understandably experience a heightened anxiety and concern
regarding the possible effects the implants may have on the quality
and quantity of their milk. In this study, the author looked at lactation
outcomes of breast-augmented women and nonaugmented women.
A significantly greater number of women (64 percent) with breast
implants had difficulty with lactation insufficiency. The type of
breast incision used to place the implants was significantly associated
with lactation outcome. More specifically, it was the periareolar
(placement of the implant through the areola) approach that was most
significantly associated with lactation insufficiency. The incidence
of lactation insufficiency with the submammary-axillary approach (placement
of the implant under the armpit) was less.
According to the same study, in addition to the type of incision
possibly affecting lactation, the pressure exerted by the implant
itself may be detrimental to milk production. Despite these findings,
some women have success in breastfeeding and there is no way to predict
exactly which women will do well or poorly with breastfeeding. So
for that reason, I would encourage you to try breastfeeding your baby
with the assistance of a lactation consultant.
There is no evidence that attempting to breastfeed your child will
have any negative effects from the silicone.
