You may have heard that widely accepted myth that it is not possible for a woman to breastfeed after getting breast augmentation. Truthfully, though, many women who have had breast surgeries are able to nurse their babies without much or any difficulty. In isolated cases, however, you may encounter some of these known breastfeeding issues after a surgery:
- Decreased nipple sensitivityYour nipples may be less sensitive after getting breast augmentation. If you do not have any feeling in your nipples, then you could have difficulty getting your baby to latch on correctly. Additionally, your body could miss the signal when your breasts need to make more milk. If you are having these difficulties, speak with a lactation consultant about your options.
- Insufficient Milk SupplyEven though most women are able to breastfeed after getting breast augmentation, many of them have to supplement with formula because they have an insufficient milk supply. There was a study done by the Texas Children’s Hospital that involved breastfeeding mothers who had undergone breast augmentation prior to becoming pregnant. The results of the study showed that 67 percent of the women had an insufficient milk supply.
A 2010 Annals of Plastic Surgery study observed two groups of breastfeeding women to measure milk supply as well. One of the groups had undergone breast augmentation and showed they had a 25 percent decrease in their breastfeeding ability.
- Exaggerated Breast EngorgementExaggerated breast engorgement can make breastfeeding very painful for you. You may also develop a fever and chills. Pumping may alleviate some of this problem, or more frequent nursing. Speak with your doctor or lactation consultant if this becomes a problem for you.
- Damaged Milk DuctsAlthough rare, it is possible that the surgeon could damage your milk ducts while he or she is operating. The implants could also pinch the milk ducts, which can block the flow of milk. If you have either one of those problems, then you will probably not be able to breastfeed. This is another reason why it is so important to select the right cosmetic surgeon for your procedure, to limit the risk of these surgical mishaps.
Again, it is very possible for you to breastfeed after you get breast augmentation. However, if you have trouble breastfeeding, then it is best to consult with your physician. Your physician can recommend things that you can do to increase the efficacy of breastfeeding. If you are still having problems, then you will most likely have to supplement with formula.
Finally, most surgeons recommend waiting for a breast augmentation procedure until after you’ve had children and don’t plan on having more. Your body undergoes many drastic changes during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, which have the potential to ruin the work done on your breasts beforehand. It’s best to wait until you’re done procreating to have any plastic surgery done on your body to avoid these problems and the potential breastfeeding issues that may arise.
