The thought of being a mother is quite scary for many. You will not only be in charge of your life but also another tiny, delicate human being. And as a mother, you will always want the best for your baby and will try to protect it from all possible harm. One of the best ways you can ensure your baby is healthy is by breastfeeding it. Breastmilk not only contains nutrients but also antibodies that will help boost your baby’s immunity. Baby formula lacks these antibodies due to which breastmilk is always a much better option for your little one.
If you are a new mother who has breast implants, you may have a lot of questions running through your mind. Can you breastfeed if you have implants? Will the implants affect your ability to produce enough milk? Will the implants harm your baby’s health when you breastfeed? Should you wait till your baby is older in order to start breastfeeding? The good news is, breast implants do not compromise your ability to breastfeed in any way. Unless the implants are structurally damaged, you have nothing to worry about.
Do Women With Implants Have High Amounts Of Silicone In Their Milk?
Since breast implants are made of silicone, you may be wondering if the level of silicone in your breast milk is too high for your baby. Fortunately, it is not. According to a study that measured the amount of silicone in the breast milk of women with and without implants, there is no significant difference. The study found that the amount of silicone in breastmilk is actually much lower than regular cow’s milk or store-bought infant formula.1
According to another study based in Argentina, which compared the breastfeeding success rates of new mothers in hospitals who had breast implants and those who did not, there was no significant difference. The only small difference was that women without implants were able to replenish their milk quicker and were able to breastfeed more often. Even when different types of implants, like submammary and areola incisions, were monitored and compared, there were no differences.2
Should A Mother With Implants Breastfeed?
Since breast implants have no effect on pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is completely up to the mother whether to breastfeed or not. If you want to, you can breastfeed like any other woman without implants would do, regardless of whether you have silicone or saline implants. You have the full right to take care of your baby and nourish it the way you want to. You should not be made to feel inferior in any way because of what you choose to do with your own body.
Though implants do not interfere with breastfeeding, you should be careful if you have nipple piercings or have had breast reduction surgeries. This is because the scarring may slightly affect your ability to breastfeed. So if you are planning to have a baby in future but want to get implants, you are empowered to go ahead with your decision. But do consult your doctor before you do so and get thoroughly checked for any health issue that may cause complications. And make sure you get the surgery done by a reputable surgeon who has a lot of experience. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
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