Leaking silicone breast implants

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Pregnancy & ParentingNewborn / Breastfeeding / Safe Nursing

Leaking silicone breast implants

by Debbi Donovan, IBCLC (see more from this expert) EXPERT ?????? NOT hardly !

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I have three children -- two were breastfed. I have silicone implants and was recently told that they may be leaking. Both of my breastfed children have medical problems. Does anyone really know how this may affect children?

This is quite a complex issue The media brought the concerns over the safety of silicone breast implants into the forefront of our consciousness. Though there was a settlement by the manufacturer of silicone breast implants, I am not aware of any conclusive evidence that silicone causes auto-immune (or other) diseases. Let's take a look at some of the facts.

In 1994, a study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association received much publicity. Breastfed children of women with silicone breast implants were studies, and abnormal esophageal motility was found in six out of the eight children studied. This study is now in question due to small study size (11 children, 8 of whom were breastfed) and selection bias (all had gastrointestinal problems.)

It is quite doubtful that nursing with silicone breast implants would be harmful to your baby. Even if silicone did leak from your implants, it is highly unlikely that it would be able to leak through the pores in your alveoli (milk-producing cells) and into your milk, due to it's high molecular weight. Also, it's inability to dissolve in water makes it unlikely to enter your milk supply.

If it did somehow find its way into your milk, would it be dangerous to your baby? Actually, the silicone used in implants is the same form as in Mylicon drops that have been used for many years to treat gassiness and colic in babies. Silicone is also used to coat fruits and vegetables, in the manufacturing of pacifiers and bottle nipples, and in over-the-counter medications, such as antacids. Through use of these foods/products we are already ingesting silicone.

In regard to testing for silicone in the body, there is no standardized test available. Safe levels of silicone have not yet been determined, even if adequate testing were available at this time.

I'm sorry that your children are suffering from medical problems. I would highly advise working along with your health care provider to determine the underlying cause. Don't hesitate to seek a second opinion if necessary. Best of health to you and your family!

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Leaking silicone breast implants

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