It is still possible to breastfeed when you have had breast implants, but elements of the procedure can affect how easy it is. It depends on where incisions were made during the procedure. If an incision was made around the areola, it is possible that some of the milk ducts and nerves in the breast may have been cut or damaged.

If the milk ducts have been damaged, milk may not be able to pass through to your nipple, even if you are producing plenty of milk. If nerves have been cut or are damaged because of surgery the brain may not be triggered to release the hormones prolactin and oxytocin, which are both needed for milk production, and so you may produce slightly less milk. If you are planning to have surgery and think that you may wish to breastfeed in the future, speak to your surgeon as this may affect the type of surgery which is best for you.

Until you try to breastfeed you will not know if it will be possible. Having implants does not mean that you can’t breastfeed your baby. A common concern is whether the silicone in implants can damage you baby. This is not the case, studies have shown that silicone molecules are too large too pass through to the milk ducts, so having silicone implants will not affect your breast milk. It is also common after having breast implants that your nipples may become more sensitive and this may result in breastfeeding being slightly more painful than for other mothers.

Hi, I had implants 10 years ago, and like you i have sensitive nipples. However I have managed to succesfully breast feed my two children, the first one, who is now 4 years old I fed for almost a year and my 5 month old I fed for 4 months. Breast feeding is hard at first but your implants should make no difference, if you can get through the first 3 weeks you should be fine, stick with it, its worth it.

Hi, Does anyone have breast implants, and know if it is still possible to breastfeed? I had implants put in 3 years ago, but my nipples are very sensitive, and although I really want to breastfeed, I think it may be painful and the baby may not get enough milk. Has anyone any experience of this? Thanks