You may either have had breast surgery or may be considering it. While there are several types of breast surgery, the insertion of breast implants is the most common. Many women who have had breast surgery would like to know whether they can breastfeed after breast surgery. The short answer is, it depends.
While most women who have had breast surgery are able to breastfeed, there are a few exceptions. The original state of your breasts prior to surgery and also, the type of incision used during breast surgery will determine whether you are able to breastfeed post breast surgery. There are also certain things to keep in mind if you plan on breastfeeding after breast surgery, which is what we’ll cover in this article…
Points to consider if you plan on breastfeeding after breast surgery
There are certain factors that will determine breastfeeding success after your breast surgery. Some of them are:
· Where were the incisions made? If your incisions go across your areolae and nipples there is a good chance that some of your milk ducts and nerves may have been cut. In this case, you may not be able to breastfeed. But if your incisions were made under your breasts or near your armpits, your surgeon has probably saved major nerves, so you may be able to produce milk and will be able to breastfeed.
· Are you able to still have feelings in your nipples? If you do have feelings in your nipples that is a good sign. It means your nerves are functional and working. However, if your breast surgery was recent, within the last year or two, full nipple sensation may not have returned. However, despite this, you should be able to breastfeed.
· Where are your implants? If your implants are located under your chest muscle, this is better for breastfeeding. However, your implants might interfere with breastfeeding, if they are located under the glandular tissue of your breasts or on top of your chest muscle.
· Why did you need breast surgery? If you had small breasts and went through getting breast implants due to this, you will most likely be able to breastfeed. However, if you needed breast surgery because your breast tissue never developed because your breasts are spaced far apart, because your breasts are tuberous in shape, or are asymmetrical, it is possible that you do not have enough glandular tissue to produce milk.
If you do not have answers to these questions, do consult your cosmetic surgeon.
Tips for breastfeeding if you have had breast surgery
There are certain things to keep in mind if you intend to breastfeed after your breast surgery. These are:
· Breastfeed often: You can and should breastfeed your baby at least 8 to 10 times a day to establish and maintain milk production. When your baby sucks at your breast, it stimulates your body to produce milk. The more you breastfeed, the more milk you will produce for your baby. Don’t worry if you only produce a small amount of milk after your breast surgery. You are still providing your baby with antibodies and nutrients. If you breastfeed from both breasts, this will also increase your milk production.
· Empty your breasts regularly: If you empty your breasts, this also plays an important role in increased milk production. You can empty your breasts regularly by using a breast pump or even manually expressing milk. You can increase milk production if you pump both breasts at the same time. This can also increase the calories and fat in breast milk.
· Ensure that your baby latches properly: If your baby latches properly, this can help her get the most out of every feeding. It is important that your baby takes enough of your breast into her mouth. You should also make sure that your baby’s mouth is wide open when she latches on. Your baby’s gums and tongue should cover an inch or two of your areola.
· Supplement with the formula: If you are only able to produce a small amount of milk after your breast surgery, consult your baby’s pediatrician to see if you can supplement your breast milk with formula. You should be able to know whether your baby is getting enough milk if your baby gains weight steadily. You can talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your milk production or your baby’s weight gain.
So, if you have had breast surgery and want to breastfeed, go right ahead. Even if you produce only a small amount of milk, this will help your baby get at least some of the nutrients that she needs. Also, you can also supplement your breast milk with formula.
If you want to breastfeed after breast surgery, it is imperative that you choose the right cosmetic surgeon. You can do no better than choosing Dr. S. Suma, of Prettyu.com, a cosmetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgeon based in Hyderabad, India. She will understand your desire to breastfeed your baby after your breast surgery and will place the incision accordingly. She will also ensure that there are no breast surgery side effects.
She is not only an extremely skillful surgeon but is also an extremely compassionate and empathetic health provider. She will work closely with you right from the time prior to your breast surgery to understand you and your reasons for undergoing breast surgery and also, whether you want to breastfeed after your surgery. She will make sure that there are no breastfeeding issues after your breast surgery.
She will never treat you as just another case but will work with you individually and holistically. So, if you need breast surgery and still want to breastfeed after your surgery, you can consult with Dr. S Suma, for the right result and outcome!
To know more about breastfeeding after breast surgery, as well as the other cosmetic and reconstructive surgery procedures that Dr. S. Suma performs, you can get in touch with her at +91 86 86 042 042 or email her at info@prettyu.com or visit her website at www.prettyu.com.
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