Can You Still Breastfeed After Breast Surgery?

One of the most commonly asked questions by anyone considering breast surgery is will I still be able to breastfeed? Even if you are not currently planning to have a baby, it is an important issue to consider for the future. The answer to this question will depend on the type of surgery you have had. Here’s a closer look at the question. 

Most women with breast implants are able to breastfeed, but if you want to have children in the future, it is important to discuss the issue with your surgeon before the procedure takes place. In some cases, they may advise you that it is best to consider completing your family before you consider having a breast procedure.  

This is not only because of the breastfeeding question, but also because pregnancy and lactation can stretch and change the shape of your breasts, which may alter the original profile, size, and position of the breast that was achieved through surgery. For example, they may become more droopy despite the augmentation, uplift or reduction surgery.

The NHS explains that the ability to breastfeed after surgery depends on where the incision is made, and whether or not the milk ducts around the areola (the darker area of skin surrounding the nipple) have been cut.  

The Start4life website states: “If the incisions are under the fold of the breast or through your armpit, you should not have any problems breastfeeding. But if the incision is around the areola, you may have problems as there's a chance the milk ducts have been cut.” 

The website also explains that if you have had breast surgery, your breasts may feel fuller and more swollen during the breastfeeding stage. You may also experience more pain if you get mastitis (inflammation of the breast tissue that results in swelling and tenderness of the breasts, and is common during the breastfeeding process.) 

If the areola is left intact, then it is more likely that you will be able to breastfeed as normal, and retain the usual levels of nerve sensitivity in the nipple area. In breast uplift or reduction surgery there is usually an incision around the areola and this may have some effect on your ability to breastfeed. In some cases, women who have had breast augmentation may produce less milk. However, it is not possible to be 100% certain of this until you try breastfeeding, and most women will be completely unaffected.

How can you make breastfeeding after breast surgery easier?

If you have had breast surgery and are worried about the breastfeeding process, the best thing that you can do is to talk about your concerns with your health visitor or midwife. They will be able to provide you with tailored and up to date advice, which takes into account your personal medical history and circumstances. 

It is good practice in any case to let your health visitor, GP, and midwife know if you have had implants and are intending to breastfeed. They will monitor your baby’s weight to ensure that they are getting enough nutrients and are growing as expected.  

There is also plenty of useful information available online, including free helpline numbers that offer confidential advice.

If you would like some information on breast lift surgery in Lincolnshire, please get in touch today.