Can I breastfeed after breast surgery?

If you have had breast reduction surgery in the past, breastfeeding may be more challenging, and it may be more difficult to establish exclusive breastfeeding.

This is because the milk ducts, nerves, blood vessels and glandular tissue may all be affected to varying degrees during breast reduction surgery. This can affect both milk production and the let-down reflex.

How easily breastfeeding works varies from person to person and depends largely on how extensive the surgery was. If you know which surgical technique was used, it is a good idea to talk to your midwife about it, so you can get the best possible advice and align your expectations about breastfeeding before the birth.

How to support breastfeeding after breast reduction surgery

Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to support breastfeeding:

• Put your baby to the breast often to increase milk production.
• Stimulate milk production early and often after the birth, preferably with an electric breast pump.
• Consider using a supplemental nursing system, such as Lact-Aid, if your baby becomes impatient at the breast.
• Talk to your doctor about whether oxytocin spray could help support the let-down reflex.

How much milk you can produce depends on how much glandular tissue, and how many nerve fibres and blood vessels, have been preserved. The surgical technique therefore makes a big difference. Your midwife or health visitor can help you make a plan that suits your situation.

Breastfeeding may become easier later — or with your next baby

The breast continues to develop over time through the hormonal changes that occur during each menstrual cycle. This means that new milk ducts can form, and the blood supply and nerve supply may improve. Breastfeeding may therefore become a little easier over time. It also means that you may be able to fully breastfeed your next baby, even if this was not possible before.

Can I breastfeed with implants?

Most women can breastfeed with breast implants, but in some cases implants may cause extra breastfeeding challenges.

The type of surgery makes a big difference to which problems may arise.

It is a good idea to talk to your midwife about the operation, including the surgical technique used, during pregnancy. This means you can learn about any problems that may arise and align your expectations before the birth.

What breastfeeding challenges can implants cause?

• Pressure from the implant may affect milk production because the glandular tissue is affected by the pressure, especially if the implants are large.
• If the implant has been placed above the chest muscle, there may be less space to store milk because the implant takes up room. This may mean that you need to breastfeed more often.

Pay attention to your baby’s wellbeing when breastfeeding after breast surgery

If you have had breast surgery in the past, you may need extra support just after the birth to make sure breastfeeding is working as it should:

• Ask your midwife or health visitor to help make sure your baby is latching on well.
• Keep a close eye on how your baby is doing from the start.
• You may need to supplement with infant formula for a period of time until your milk production is stable and your baby is getting enough milk to meet their needs and grow well.

It may be a good idea to have more frequent visits from your health visitor in the early period, so you can get extra help to assess whether your baby is thriving and whether breastfeeding is working well.

Is our baby getting enough milk?

How can we best prepare for breastfeeding if I have had breast surgery?

Start by talking to your midwife, preferably during pregnancy. You may also want to consider a pregnancy visit from your health visitor. This allows you to make a plan together for a good start.

In practical terms, you can prepare by:

• Renting or getting hold of a breast pump, so you can stimulate milk production.
• Practising how to use a supplemental nursing system, such as Lact-Aid, if this becomes relevant.
• Having infant formula ready as a backup in the beginning, especially if you have had breast reduction surgery.
• Agreeing how you can support each other, both practically and emotionally.

It can feel vulnerable if breastfeeding does not come easily from the start. Being prepared and having support around you from the beginning can therefore make a big difference.