by Ann Calandro BSN, RNC, IBCLC Lactation Consultant

Question:

Is it safe to breastfeed with saline breast implants? Mine are implanted under the muscle and the plastic surgeon insists there should be no problem. Is this true, and can it have an ill effect on the milk?

Answer:

Yes, it is safe to breastfeed with saline breast implants. Saline is a natural substance, like tears. Implants do not have an ill effect on breastmilk. At times, however, the surgery itself may cause problems.

If the implants were inserted from under the armpit or in the fold under the breasts, it is likely that the nerves important to breastfeeding have not been damaged. If they were inserted from an incision around the areola, there may be problems with milk supply. Sometimes there is scarring inside the breast, which in severe cases may cause some discomfort during breastfeeding.

It is also important to understand why the implants were done. If the breasts were normally developed, but augmented for personal reasons, there is likely plenty of breast tissue and milk ducts. If the augmentation was done because there was little or no breast development, it is possible that there may not be sufficient milk ducts to breastfeed. In this case, Mom should go ahead and breastfeed after giving birth, carefully monitoring the baby to assure he is getting sufficient milk.