Breastfeeding and Breast Implants on the web

[Guest guest]

Gena Nolan just had a baby and is circulating this ... http://www.celebrity-babies.com/2006/07/gena_lee_nolin_.html

I recommend everyone read Dr. Zuckerman's piece discussing ths topic:

http://www.breastimplantinfo.org/what_know/bi1102.html

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http://www.medela.com/Newfiles/faq/implants.html

Breastfeeding and Breast Implants

By Barbara -Clay, BS, IBCLCWomen who have breast implants can breastfeed. While any form of breast surgery carries some risk that ducts and nerves may be damaged, most women with implants have happy and successful breastfeeding experiences.

Some mothers worry that the quality of their milk may be affected by implants. There is no evidence that the material in the implants can harm a baby (even if a leak in the implant packet occurs). (1)The location of the implant surgery can impact breastfeeding. When the packets are inserted under the fold of the breast or under the arm, there is less risk of damage to important nerves and milk ducts. Sometimes, implants are inserted at the edge of the areola. There is more risk with this surgical approach that the nerve sensation to the nipple will be damaged. If this happens, both milk supply and milk release can be affected. (2,3)

On rare occasions, a woman gets implants because her breast development was abnormal. She may have too little glandular tissue to bring in a full milk supply. In such a case, her breastfeeding problems are not directly related to the implants, but to the earlier problem. (4,5)

A lactation consultant can be a valuable resource to the woman who has experienced breast surgery.

References:1. C. Berlin. Silicone breast implants and breastfeeding. Pediatrics 1994; 94:547-549.2. N. Hurst. Lactation after augmentation mammoplasty. Obstetrics and Gynecology 1996; 87(1):30-34.

3. M. Neifert, S. DeMarzo, J. Seacat, et at. The influence of breast surgery, breast appearance, and pregnancy induced breast changes on lactation sufficiency as measured by infant weight gain. Birth 1990; 17:31-38.

4. M. Neifert, J Seacat, W Jobe. Lactation failure due to insufficient glandular development of the breast. Pediatrics 1985; 76(5):823-827.