Breast augmentation is a process that many modern age women are leaning towards in order to boost their confidence with fuller looking breasts. Almost 313000 American women opt for breast augmentation every year, as a result of this now more and more women are concerned whether they can breastfeed their children just as any normal woman can do? The Internet can be misleading and deceiving as many searches claim that the women with breast augmentation will not have any problem but others claim that the procedure can cause potential challenges such as insufficient milk production, for the mother. Now even though with great lactation treats and other sources to boost milk supply, one has to make sure that the natural supply of milk is there.
In order to be sure and precise about whether one can breastfeed without any obstruction with breast implants or breast augmentation, the type of surgery done on the breasts has to be taken into account and also the state of the breasts before the incision was made. Breast augmentation surgery is done by inserting silicon pads under your breasts to make them appear bigger and fuller. In this article we will address all your concerns about breastfeeding with breast augmentation, its effects, tips and tricks, risks and complications and how to maintain a healthy milk supply.
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Can you Breastfeed with Breast Augmentation?
The first question that pops in the mind of a foreseeing woman is that, what will be the consequences of this beautification process? Will I be able to bear a child and nurse him normally? Well, most women have no problems in bearing a child and nursing them while having breast implants. However, in some cases it has affected the milk production of the women but that can be easily handled with milk supply supplements and lactation treats. Breastfeeding depends on various other things like a good latch, position, pumping, regular nursing, job etc, you have to make a conscious effort to make it work for you.
Most of the time we only think about the effects of breast implants on breastfeeding but we fail to comprehend the effects if the situation is reversed. Breastfeeding also has effects on breast implants. A woman’s body goes through many alterations during the whole pregnancy and lactation process. It can affect the size, shape and overall appearance of your breasts for which you have gone under the knife and spend so much money on. So, we need and want to make sure that both work together with each other, without having one effect the other.
What are the Effects of Breast Augmentation on the Breasts?
One of the main things that can affect breastfeeding after a breast augmentation is the location of the incision and the size and position of the implants among other things. So, first things first, let’s see the different incisions that can be made in a breast augmentation process and what are its effects. Further we will explore the sizes and positions of the implants so that you can understand which process to choose or which one has what effects.
There are mainly 3 incisions that can be done to enlarge your breasts. The first one is the most popular one called the Inframammary Technique or simply put under the breast incision. This process requires a cut under the breasts, the area where the breast meets the chest wall, this minimizes the scarring and also is safe as the glandular tissues and nerves are intact. If you have gone through this process, you’re safe to nurse your child.
Next up is the Axillary Technique or the incision under the armpit, in this process the cut is made under the arm near the armpit area and the implant is inserted through there. The scarring in this process is almost invisible, unless you raise your arms, but the implants slide perfectly without disturbing any nerve or tissue.
After that comes the notorious process of incision that requires the doctors to go around the nipple or Periareolar incision. The deep cut is made around the areola and nipple (both very sensitive and important areas for nursing) to insert the implants deeper. This incision causes sensitivity in breasts; it reduces nipple stimulation thus causing problems during nursing.
Then comes the positioning and size of implants and how it can have effects on breastfeeding later on. The size and position of the implant can affect the pressure on the breast. Our breasts have a glandular tissue which makes milk that is placed on a layer of muscle. If the position of the implant is between the glandular tissue and the layer of muscle, then it may have adverse effects on the milk supply as it will exert great pressure on the glands and milk ducts. On the other hand, if the implant is carefully placed under the layer of muscle and glandular tissue than it will have less pressure on the muscle and it will not hamper the milk supply.
Tips for Nursing with Implants
Women who have breast implants often suffer from a low milk production, due to the added pressure of the implants. Lactation treats and milk supply supplements are great for increasing milk supply along with some other tips that will not only help you to have a steady milk supply but also a satisfied child. Mothers must nurse their babies on demand at least 4-5 times in day time and 4-5 times during the night. The milk which is left by the baby must be removed so that new milk is produced and the production stimulates. Another important thing is to be sure that the baby is latching perfectly. With these things in mind, you’ll have a smooth as silk breastfeeding journey with breast augmentation.
Takeaway
Breast milk is really essential for the development of a healthy child. If you have breast implants you are still very much illegible to breastfeed your baby. This article addresses most of your concerns and encourages you to breastfeed your little one.