Does Breast Enhancement Surgery Affect Breastfeeding?
A woman who desires to look her womanly best and at the same time fulfill her role as a nursing mother need not sacrifice one for the other in consideration of breast enhancement surgery. Being able to communicate your intention with the doctor is key, so he may proceed with the surgery while taking full consideration of your desire to nurse. How does it work?
Breast enhancement surgery can be done on the fold of the breasts, from the arm pit, or by forming a smile cut around the areola. With the first two procedures, there is close to nil chance that breast milk production will be affected. Doctors need only be extra careful not to cut or trip the nerves on the areola when doing a smile incision. Nerves are important as they signal the brain to produce prolactin and oxytocin, hormones which are needed for breast milk production. The doctor should also be careful to leave the milk ducts through which the milk passes intact so you have a better chance of successful breastfeeding.
A common fear or incorrect notion is about silicone implants leaking onto the milk. There is no verified and recorded evidence to this suspicion. In fact, even if silicone did leak, baby experts believe that it still will not be harmful for the baby because silicone is the same ingredient used to treat baby’s stomach gas.
Whether you are going for breast enhancement surgery as a medical need or for aesthetic reasons, remember that you can still successfully breastfeed your baby even with your breasts enhanced.
Remember, too, that size does not matter when it comes to breastfeeding. Whether you are a cup A or a cup C, your ability to produce milk is what counts. And for you to be able to produce more milk, a healthy diet, relaxation, and hydration are crucial.
Good luck to getting into a womanly figure and with your noble breastfeeding efforts!