Many women want to breast -feed their child after they’ve given birth, but those who’ve been through breast augmentation surgery might worry they won’t be able to. Figures from the 2010 Australian National Infant Feeding Survey found that 96 per cent of mothers at least attempt breastfeeding, even if they don’t stick with it in the long term.
If you’re thinking about going for a boob job and want to breastfeed, it’s important to be aware that your operation will have very little, if any, impact.
How can I be aware of the risks?
Before undergoing any cosmetic procedure, it’s important to be fully aware of what it entails and any potential side effects. Your surgeon is the best person to speak to about this, as they will be able to talk you through the surgery and any difficulties you might come up against as a result.
Having all the information on hand will help you come to the right decision for you and weigh whether the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.
What potential problems could I face?
There are some difficulties that you could face if you try and breast -feed after the procedure. The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) explained that some women encounter reduced nipple sensation following surgery, which may impact their ability to produce milk.
It’s also possible you might not have enough milk, especially for your first child. This may mean you need to go in search of supplements to improve your chances of success.
The Australian Breastfeeding Association suggests that galactagogues might help – these are certain types of food and medication that are believed to increase the supply of milk. The best course of action is to discuss this with your doctor either before or after the procedure.
What are my chances of being able to breast-feed?
Generally speaking, your ability to breast-feed should be on par with any other woman. The ASPS reveals that when compared to a group of women who are a similar weight, 65 per cent of those who’d undergone a boob job decided to breastfeed their babies. The result was the same for women who hadn’t been through the procedure.
It’s common for some mothers to breastfeed their babies and use formula at other times. This could always be an option if you find that you’re not producing as much milk as you would like, but still hope to breastfeed your child.
If you have more questions and wish to learn this matter in full detail, come and talk to us. Book a consult and let’s discuss everything in full detail to ensure a successful aesthetic outcome without undermining other functions.
