So, the simple answer would be – usually!
There is a really good chance that you would be able to breastfeed after having breast surgery, though you may face some challenges, but then again, many women who breastfeed face challenges and some of them are not unique to having had breast surgery.
If you haven’t had surgery yet and are considering augmentation surgery and also considering that you may want to breastfeed in the future make sure you tell your breast surgeon so they can advise you on the optimal techniques to minimise any damage to the main milk tissue, ducts and nerves.
Understanding Breast Surgery Types and Their Impact
Types of Breast Surgery and Effects:
- Breast Augmentation: Most women with breast implants can breastfeed. However, challenges like insufficient milk production can arise, particularly if the surgery involved incisions around the areola or placed implants over the muscle, affecting milk ducts and nerves.
- Mastectomy: Women who have undergone a mastectomy may face more significant challenges. If only one breast was removed, breastfeeding from the remaining breast is possible. Double mastectomies preclude breastfeeding entirely due to the absence of milk-producing tissue.
Incision Location:
- Areola Incision: More likely to sever milk ducts and nerves, potentially affecting milk supply.
- Under Breast or Armpit Incisions: Generally cause less damage, preserving the ability to breastfeed.
Potential Breastfeeding Challenges Following Surgery
Low milk supply can be a result from damaged milk ducts and nerves. Strategies to address this include:
- Frequent Feeding: Stimulating milk production through regular breastfeeding.
- Pumping: Using a breast pump can also encourage milk production.
Inhibited Let-Down Reflex: Damage to the nerves can reduce sensitivity and the biofeedback mechanism necessary for milk release. Consulting a lactation expert can provide techniques to manage this.
Sore Nipples and Engorgement: Increased sensitivity from surgery can make breastfeeding painful. Proper latching techniques and using breast pads can alleviate discomfort. Engorgement might be more pronounced due to the space occupied by implants.
Mastitis: Inflammation of breast tissue, with a higher risk noted in women with implants. Awareness and prompt treatment are crucial.
Factors Influencing Breastfeeding Success
Time Since Surgery: Healing over time can improve breastfeeding outcomes. The longer the gap between breast surgery and pregnancy, the better the chances for successful breastfeeding as tissues and nerves may recover.
Reasons for Breast Surgery:
- Cosmetic Reasons: Typically, better breastfeeding outcomes.
- Hypoplastic Breasts: These may inherently produce less milk regardless of surgery.
- Post-Mastectomy: Breastfeeding is generally not possible from the removed breast(s).
Steps to Maximise Breastfeeding Success
- Consult a Lactation Consultant: Working with a professional before and after birth can provide tailored advice and support. They help with proper latching and positioning techniques crucial for effective breastfeeding.
- Feed Frequently: Early and frequent breastfeeding encourages milk production and helps establish a good supply.
- Learn About Baby’s Needs: Understanding signs of hunger and baby’s normal behavior helps ensure they are feeding adequately. Monitoring wet and dirty diapers, along with weight gain, can indicate sufficient milk intake.
- Utilize Support Networks: Joining breastfeeding support groups can offer emotional support and practical advice from other mothers who have faced similar challenges.
What can I do to ensure breastfeeding success?
All new mothers need support with breastfeeding so do not feel that you cannot access the help and support you need – but it will absolutely be worth putting some things in place to maximise you chance of success!
Find a local lactation consultant: a lactation consultant is specially trained to support breastfeeding mothers. They are different to a midwife or health visitor but unfortunately they are often self employed and there will be a requirement to pay but if you find one that is local to you they will be worth their weight in gold! (We love Alison at The Latch)
A lactation consultant can begin to work with you before baby is born and help you to prepare but after the birth they will get you off to a great start by making sure that your baby is latching on well and giving you self help techniques for good positioning.
Feed, feed, feed: you get the picture! Put baby to the breast as soon as baby is born and keep doing so – even if you do not feel that baby is getting the colostrum (and then the milk) the more often your baby feeds the more your body will get the signal to produce milk. A breast pump can also help with this before and after the baby is born.
Learn about your baby’s behaviour: knowledge is power and it is even more powerful when you can apply it to your own individual circumstances. When you understand what is normal for your baby you will be aware of when to seek more help and support if there is a problem. For example baby should produce frequent wet and dirty nappies and these will decrease if milk supply is low. Baby may also lose weight or be slow to gain weight and this can indicate the need for further support.
One final note
There has been a lot in the media about the risk of silicone implants. In the event that you have had silicone breast implants be reassured that there is NO known risk to baby if you breastfeed. In fact, formula milk actually contains more of the element silicone than breast milk from mothers who have had implants.
Some women are also concerned that breastfeeding may affect the look of the breasts (particularly if you have had implants for cosmetic reasons). We know that breastfeeding can change the appearance of your breast due to the increase in breast tissue but a study at Yale University School of Medicine found no differences in measurement or sagging of the breasts caused by breastfeeding in women with implants versus women with implants who did not breastfeed.
Thank you to Jo Parkington (CEO of Epical Global, midwife, entrepreneur) for contributing your wisdom!