One of the most common questions young women who are considering a breast lift with implants ask is whether they would be able to nurse a baby in the future.
Lots of patients haven’t started their journey into parenthood yet, but they want reassurance to know that if they did want to breastfeed any kids, they are usually able to.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) backs this up, saying those who have had nipple surgery typically can still produce some milk at least.
“Having a full milk supply is not necessary for a successful breastfeeding experience because it is possible to supplement in a way that supports breastfeeding,” it stated.
As implants are positioned between the chest wall and the breast, the mammary glands where milk is excreted are not affected.
If the areola is kept intact, this is less likely to cause problems with nursing, as the nerves surrounding the nipple are crucial to successful breastfeeding.
They send signals to the brain to increase hormones prolactin and oxytocin when the baby suckles, and these boost milk production and encourage excretion respectively.
If these nerves are damaged by changing the position of the areola, however, it could impact hormone levels, and subsequently, milk supply and lactation.
Consequently, there is more risk that breastfeeding will be impacted in reduction or mastectomy procedures.
Women who have had breast surgery and want to nurse can help boost their milk supply by feeding their baby or using a breast pump frequently, as more milk is produced the more the nerves around the nipple are stimulated.
They can also take herbal supplements, such as fenugreek.
