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Does the implant affect breastfeeding?

Understanding the Impact of Breast Implants on Breastfeeding
The question of whether breast implants affect breastfeeding is one that many expectant mothers with implants ponder. The good news is that most women with breast implants can successfully breastfeed, although there are some nuances to consider.
Placement of Implants and Milk Supply
Breast implants are typically positioned either behind the milk glands or beneath the chest muscles. This placement generally does not interfere with milk production. According to experts, the critical factor influencing breastfeeding success is often the type of incision made during surgery. Incisions around the areola can potentially sever nerves or milk ducts, which may lead to challenges in milk flow. However, many women who have undergone this type of surgery still manage to breastfeed successfully .
Research Insights
A systematic review published in the *International Breastfeeding Journal* indicates that while there is no significant difference in the rates of attempted breastfeeding among women with implants, those who do breastfeed may experience a reduced likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding. This suggests that while breastfeeding is possible, some women may face challenges that could affect their ability to exclusively breastfeed.
Challenges and Support
Mothers with breast implants may encounter specific challenges, such as lower milk supply, sore nipples, or engorgement. These issues can be addressed with the help of lactation consultants, who can provide strategies to enhance breastfeeding success. It’s important to remember that any amount of breast milk is beneficial for the baby, and support is available for mothers who may need it.
Safety for Infants
Concerns about the safety of breastfeeding with implants have also been addressed in recent studies. Research has shown that there are no adverse outcomes for infants breastfed by mothers with silicone implants. In fact, studies have found that levels of silicon in breast milk are lower than those found in many infant formulas. This alleviates fears regarding the potential transfer of silicone to the baby during breastfeeding.
Conclusion
In summary, while breast implants can introduce some complexities into the breastfeeding experience, they do not inherently prevent successful breastfeeding. The key factors include the surgical technique used and the individual circumstances of the mother. With the right support and resources, many women with breast implants can navigate these challenges and provide their infants with the benefits of breast milk.

What birth control is best while breastfeeding?

  • How to prevent pregnancy while breastfeeding. Whatever you may have heard, breastfeeding alone cannot be considered a reliable birth control method.
  • Option #1: IUD.
  • Option #2: Mini-pill.
  • Option #3: Barrier methods.
  • Option #4: Implant.
  • Option #5: Depo-Provera shot.
  • Option #6: Natural family planning.
  • Option #7: Sterilization.

Can Nexplanon dry up breast milk?

The implant will is not likely to change the volume of breast milk produced. The implant did not affect the newborns growth even when placed directly after delivery. Approximately 19.86 ng/kg/day of etonogestrel is secreted in breastmilk.

How do you breastfeed with implants?

Larger breast implants may be associated with less nerve sensitivity or more feelings of engorgement, which may impact breastfeeding. If you’re unable to produce a full milk supply because of breast implants, you can supplement your baby’s nutrition with pasteurized breast milk from a human donor or with baby formula.

What happens to implants after breastfeeding?

Furthermore, breastfeeding generally does not damage or ruin breast implants. The implants are protected by the breast tissue and, depending on how they were placed, sometimes the chest muscle. While nursing, the baby cannot bite or otherwise harm implants.

Does Nexplanon dry up breast milk?

The implant will is not likely to change the volume of breast milk produced. The implant did not affect the newborns growth even when placed directly after delivery. Approximately 19.86 ng/kg/day of etonogestrel is secreted in breastmilk.

Does implant reduce breast milk?

Breast implants may affect the amount of breast milk you’re able to produce. But in some, milk supply isn’t affected at all. You may also worry about the effect breastfeeding will have on your implants. It’s normal for your breasts to change in shape and size during pregnancy and after breastfeeding.

Do implants affect nipples?

The projection of the implant stretches the nerve that gives sensation to the nipple. This stretching can irritate the nerve and cause changes in sensation. For some women, this increase can be uncomfortable, even painful.

Do men care if a woman has breast implants?

It’s a 50/50 split. The reasons why some men may like or dislike breast implants in women they are pursuing varies as well. You should feel comfortable in your own skin and make this decision for yourself first. Others’ thoughts on breast implants should only come as a secondary factor in your decision.

Does a birth control implant affect breastfeeding?

A large international study conducted by the WHO tells us that the use of progesterone contraception, in various forms (including the pill, the injectable, and the implant), will not affect breast feeding performance or rate of infant growth.

Do implants make it harder to breastfeed?

In my study, I found implants don’t necessarily have an impact on the mother’s ability to secrete milk. I did note women with a periareolar incision (around the base of the nipple) had more problems with breastfeeding. However, recent studies2-3 have shown no correlation between incision type and breastfeeding ability.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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