Breast Augmentation and Feeding Your Baby

There have been several studies in recent years linking breast augmentation to complications in breastfeeding. It is important to break down these studies and find out the real reason behind the difficulties women are having when feeding their babies.

First of all, breast augmentation means that the patient undergoes a procedure to increase bust size through insertion of an implant. The implant is surgically added to the tissue already existing in the patient's body causing the area to appear larger, rounder or more evenly shaped. Most implants are done for cosmetic reasons. However, some implants, as in the case of post-trauma and cancer patients, are undergone for reconstructive reasons.

When a woman receives an implant in either or both breasts, the result is generally a desired increase in bust size. Most women wait years for their implants, saving money and making sure the decision is truly right for them. They research the implants, choosing the best cosmetic surgeons for the procedure. The implant can cause a boost in self-esteem and increase the patient's general outlook on life.

For women that undergo implants and then become pregnant there are naturally a lot of questions. Firstly, women are concerned that the implants may complicate the pregnancy in some way. The answer to this question is a resounding "no." Doctors, nurses and cosmetic surgeons alike all agree that implants will not complicate a pregnancy or complicate a woman’s chance of getting pregnant.

The only thing affected by implants is the woman's breastfeeding habits after the pregnancy. Most commonly, women undergoing implants could feed a baby normally, though they are afraid to. If the implant procedure is performed without any complication, the woman's ability to lactate normally should not be affected. Often it is the woman who is afraid to try feeding the baby or assumes that they won't be able to lactate without ever having tried it.

If doctors and nurses can educate women that have undergone breast augmentation and become pregnant, they will increase the success rate in post pregnancy breastfeeding. Generally, women just need to be encouraged to work on the process with their newborn. As with a woman without implants, the process of first getting a baby to attach and latch on to the breasts can be difficult.

Of course, it should be noted that there are risks involved in the breast augmentation procedure that the ability to lactate normally might be affected. Studies have shown that women undergoing the procedure that become pregnant after the procedure do have an increased chance of not lactating adequately. Studies show that procedures that are focused on making incisions around the nipples can also disrupt a woman's ability to breastfeed normally.

As with any cosmetic surgery, there are risks that go along with the benefits. Talk to your doctor or surgeon, if you are concerned about the relationship between breastfeeding normally and breast augmentation. Your doctor and surgeon are the best resource for understanding the procedure and whether it is right for you.