Breast Implants and Breastfeeding.

SurprisePartySue

Ok I've done a ton of googling, talked to my doctor, and a lactation consultant. I've gotten mixed signals on all of them. From what I've figured out I can still breastfeed like normal, but I can be more prone to mastitis. I haven't been too worried about not being able to, until last night at my breastfeeding class. When I asked the instructor about breastfeeding success with implants, she didn't seem too optimistic.

My question is, is there any STMs who have had success with breastfeeding with implants? I know everyone is different. I just want to know how it was for you.

(Mine are over the muscle, and the incision is under the breast)

candrew05

Not a second time mom but Ive come to accept its something that is different for everybody like you said, and there is no way of knowing how itll go until you try.

Edit: Sorry that is no help. I really hope it works out for you. I am in the same boat.

IBackBevo

savannah_girl said:

If  yes, then you are more likely to have a successful breastfeeding experience, if they don't change/respond to the hormones during pregnancy, then it may be more difficult.

Don't have breast implants, but I think there is some truth to this.  I had major, major issues breastfeeding my first and my boobs (even though they are large and always have been) did not really change at all.

JessElam

I am very curious about this as well. I had my implants after my first. They are under the muscle and were inserted under the breast. I asked the doctor during my consultation if breast feeding would be possible and he said that some women are able to successfully nurse and some have problems but there is no way to tell until the time comes. I'm staying optimistic but not getting my hopes up.

With regards to boobs changing, mine have definitely grown quite a bit since pregnant and I have had typical changes and swelling so maybe that's a good sign!

ksyknelvr73

I think it is hard to know until you get to that point. My cousin just had her second baby and she has implants and has been able to successfully BF both children so far.

LLolaBean

The most nerve damage and duct damage is done with incisions around the areola. This is more likely to negatively affect BF. However, damage can be caused no matter the technique. There's no way to know until the time comes. Even if your breast size changes, if you have enough nerve damage it can negatively affect sensation/conduction that helps with letdown so that's not necessarily an accurate measure of success or failure. I know different women who have had implants, all with different levels of success. One had a huge increase in breast size but couldn't express her milk and ended up with mastitis. She BF prior to her implants without issue.

KatieP71312

FWIW, I don't have any personal experience, but I know many moms who've had successful BFing relationships after implants. Good luck mama!

NorthernGal248

Good luck! I really want to get implants after this baby - I would love to see an update after baby is here.

firebelle26

I'm hoping it works out, I went under the muscle and under the breast incision wise. Of course my doctor said it shouldn't be an issue, but time will tell.

awc1986

I don't have implants, but I had surgery on my chest as a newborn that sliced across my areola. I have a feeling it will affect my ability to BF, so it would be interesting to hear if anyone has had any similar experiences (general breast surgery, not just implants) and had problems BFing.

candrew05

IBackBevo said:

savannah_girl said:

If  yes, then you are more likely to have a successful breastfeeding experience, if they don't change/respond to the hormones during pregnancy, then it may be more difficult.

Don't have breast implants, but I think there is some truth to this.  I had major, major issues breastfeeding my first and my boobs (even though they are large and always have been) did not really change at all.


This worries me because mine havent changed at all. Stay positive OP!

bcnoelle

I'm not sure what type, but one of my close friends has implants and is still exclusively nursing her 15 month old. I do think it's possible and if your breasts have grown/changed during pregnancy that's a favorable indicator.

SurprisePartySue

Thanks everyone! I guess I'll see how it goes in around 7 weeks! *thinking positive thoughts*

spinsoffresonance

No experience with implants, but just wanted to say try posting this on the breastfeeding board you might get more answers...
Also BFing success varies pregnancy to pregnancy. MIL (no implants) nursed DH successfully for 2 years but wasn't able to BF DH's younger brother at all.

jordannicole

I'm in the same boat I'm a FTM and had implants put in a few years ago. I had to have a lift in one breast so my incisions are through the areola. I'm going to try to breast feed but I'm not optimistic. My breasts haven't changed AT ALL this pregnancy. It just seems like the rest of my body is adjusting and changing and preparing for a baby, if my breasts were going to cooperate, I'd expect them to be changing a bit at this point but who knows? only time will tell

Mr. & Mrs. Woodtick

I have implants and I was able to nurse my LO successfully until he was 17 months old. Mine were done through through the areola and I was told in the hospital that those incisions were the most likely to affect the ability to nurse successfully. The LC in the hospital also warned me that even if I was able to nurse, that due to having an implant my supply might not be that great due to the implant taking up space that the milk could use. Fortunately in my case, I didn't have a problem with supply either. Good luck!

Hnova86

I successfully BF my son for 16 months. I have mine under the muscle and my surgeon put them in through an very small incision in my armpit....seems weird I know! But stay positive and at least try! I was told it would be difficult and all that mumbo and I actually ended up over producing and did very well. You just never know until you try!

danabsd

No personal experience but I know plenty of people who have had success.  I am surprised you've been met with unsupportive answers to your concerns.  The best thing you can do is try and not beat yourself up if it doesn't work out.  

jenb_99

candrew05 said:

Not a second time mom but Ive come to accept its something that is different for everybody like you said, and there is no way of knowing how itll go until you try. Edit: Sorry that is no help. I really hope it works out for you. I am in the same boat.

Pretty much this, regardless of enhancements or lack thereof, though I believe some procedures can make BF impossible or at least very unlikely to be successful (some lifts, most reductions, and most through-the-nipple implants).