Breastfeeding After Breast Augmentation

Yes, it does sound selfish. Which is more important, having perky breasts or giving your baby girl the nutrients and experience she deserves? You decided to have her, so it is your responsibility to give her the best sustenance that you can and she deserves nothing less. Live with less than perfect breasts in favor of providing the best for your daughter. That is what a good mother does.

And no, I am not one of those La Leche Leaugue fanatics. I just believe that if you are fortunate enough to be able to produce enough milk to breastfeed, you owe it to your baby to do it, at least for a few months.

3 moms found this helpful

Hi, J.! I got implants in 1999 and had my son in 2004 and nursed him for 16 months. My breasts got huge during the pregnancy (to me, anyway), but I didn't get any stretch marks and nursing didn't affect them either. They did get softer, but I believe that's a combination of time and wear (through the pregnancy and nursing and then losing baby weight). Almost 10 years after getting the implants, my breasts still look good. I may consider replacing them due to age in a few years and by then I may want them lifted as well, but we'll see. So nurse as much as you want! You're not selfish...you got them for you. I know I got mine for me and not for anyone else! When you're happy and at peace with yourself then you can better give happiness and peace to others you love! :-)

And for the other ladies who responded to J.'s question by berating her as selfish...get over yourselves! How about taking a step back and being just a little less judgemental, you know? You have that one finger of yours pointing at J. as being selfish, but let me tell you, your other three fingers are pointing right back at yourselves! Let's give advice and express opinions, we're all entitled to that, but can it be done in such a way as to empower each other and give encouragement, please??!!!

3 moms found this helpful

If you are able to breast feed your child, I think you owe it to her to do so. This is the best gift that you can give to your baby - don't worry about how your breasts will turn out (it's likely they'll be fine anyway).
Other than giving her a great start in life, it's also a cheap insurance policy as it will protect her from all sorts of illnesses (a bonus as she will be born during cold-and-flu season).
You will not regret it!

2 moms found this helpful

You're right. It is selfish. You should breastfeed her for 6 months and stop. If your breasts are a bit saggy, get them fixed later. At least they will not be small. Who cares if they are a bit saggy. Your hubby shouldn't care!

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Not to sound mean, but your breasts can wait! Breastfeeding is the best gift you can give your daughter, and worrying about what your boobs will look like, is a horrible reason to base your decision on. I'm sure you'll regret it if you don't breastfeed her, especially knowing that you did with your son. If you knew you wanted another baby, you probably should have waited to get breast implants. My children ruined my body (well, not ruined...just changed), but the love that they've brought to my life outweighs all of that! I'll get the boobs lifted and the tummy tucked when I'm done having babies. For now, this is a "working body", and I'm just happy to be able to make such beautiful babies.

Good luck with your decision. I'm sure you'll do what feels right to you, but I just had to say something.

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There are so many more benefits to breastfeeding that for me I will sacrifice having saggy books. Oh the things we will do for our children!! The benefits of breastfeeding are so great that recently I just read that breastfeed children will have lower cholesterol levels when they are adults. Formula is okay, but scientists have just not been able to duplicate breastmilk. In the end it is your decision and there is no one who should judge you for making your own decision.

1 mom found this helpful

I have implants and breats fed both my kids. They will not be ruined after just a little softer because your real breast tissue lessens. I think my breasts look much more natural now and sometime I wish they were perkier but thats what push up bras are for. It is PREGNANCY and NOT BREASTFEEDING that makes boobs saggy...you gain weight during pregnancy and some of it is in your boobs. I was a MILKING MACHINE while breastfeeding, I could have fed a whole village of children so GO FOR IT...it is one of the most beautiful parts of giving birth, just knowing your body can sustain a little baby...AMAZING!

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Hi,
I had breast implants and breast fed both kids after having them. Granted, I didn't breast feed long as I didn't produce a very rich, or great amounts of milk, but at least they got the breast milk for the first few weeks of life. Both my girls are highly intelligent as well, so, formula does not hurt them early on!

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I don't know what breast feeding would do to implants, I don't have them, but I have 3 kids and none of them were breastfed. They are all very smart (not just mom thinks so) :) I don't see how formula hurt any of them. They make them so advanced these days to make up for nutrients lost without breast feeding. DO what is best for you and don't let anyone make you feel bad! Good luck with your second!

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i have silicone implants breast fed for over 2 years my boobs look great..they actually look better now ...a bit more real..so go for it..don't stress it..oh and i'm 43 my implants are 8 years old.

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Which Is more important to you. Your daughter, or your breasts?

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Hey J... I recall asking my doc about it and he said that breastfeeding isnt what effects your boobs, it's the pregnancy itself due to the stretching, growing etc. The reason people blame the breastfeeding is because normally by the time you notcie the change in your boobs it's while your breastfeeding and not technically after you are healed from pregnancy and all the hormones have left. Maybe ask your doc about it.

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I had my implants done in 1998, breastfed my 1st daughter in 2004 for 13 months. My boobs were fine after. I breastfed my 2nd daughter in 2006 for 11 months. My boobies were OK after. BUT, they were 10 years old. I needed them replaced anyway due to rippling but I could have held onto them as far as look wise. I wouldn't worry about sagging. Breastfeeding is such a wonderful thing, I don't think you'll want to pass it up if you can help it.

1 mom found this helpful

I've heard and I believe it is pregnancy that causes your boobs to sag. Not breastfeeding. My Mom, my sister, my cousin - none of them breastfed and my boobs are more perky than there's! LOL I breastfed my first for 2+ years and my second for 3 years.

I do have a girlfriend who had implants and is now nursing her second child, from what I can tell, they look great.

Best wishes,
M.

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hi J.,
Being a mom is self-less, not selfish.
I think giving of our bodies to have kids entitles us to some work, and if a boob job makes you feel good, then you are a better mom for it!
A happy mommy makes a happy kid and family and marriage and world, so mommies need to take care of themselves!
I just wanted to say that I am so sorry that there are moms out there who feel bad about "only" breast feeding for six months (that is AWESOME), or not breast feeding at all, or whatever the case may be. We are WAY too hard on ourselves...........and sometimes each other.
I, personally, am a breastfeeding mom, and i certainly hope i have never said anything to make any other moms not feel good about their decisions.
We each do what we can and what works for us and our kids and families AT THAT TIME........so J., whatever works out for you and for this baby is what is meant to be.
I am sure that if you choose to give it a go, it'll work out great, but if you choose to bottle feed, please don't beat yourself up too much. Either way, you and your daughter will have an AMAZING bond!
I am a HUGE breastfeeding advocate, but the mother daughter bond doesn't have to include the boob!
Happy mothering!
S.
p.s. The other thing to think about is if you are going to do the vaccination thing or not. When you bf you can be more relaxed on the vax schedule (or not do any at all like me) and have the peace of mind in knowing that your baby has stronger vax straight from you than from any shot...........so i guess there are several other things to think about.........but still, I keep going back to the happy mommy thing......YOU need to take care of you, but since you brought it up, I get the feeling you really want to go for it, so plan for success and it will be yours!

1 mom found this helpful

Hi J.! I agree....getting implants were one of the best and most selfish things that I have done for myself. I would not change it at all. I had my implants for 5 years when I got pregnant. I did not notice a huge change in size before I gave birth, but they did feel much heavier. Once I had my daughter, I had not problems with breastfeeding except for the amount I produced. I never produced more than 6 oz per feeding. This only became an issue around 4-5 months when she started to eat more. At that point I put her on formula with no transitional problems. I figured some breastfeeding is better than none. Alot of women will put there 2 cents in on your choice. Just remember, "ITS YOUR CHOICE." I got some flack when I stopped. But my daughter is is just as happy as all the rest. Hope this helps and good luck.

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You should consult with your doctor. A friend had implants done before she was married and was told she should not breastfeed if she every had children.

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HI J.,
I don't have implants, but one of my best friends got them (after losing 100 pounds) before she got pregnant at age 40 with her son. She nursed him through the implants, at age 56 they-and she-still look fabulous! (I am sure this subject has come up before though, so you may want to put a call into your plastic surgeon.) You are not being selfish at all, i am sure the surgery was a time/financial investment and you don't want the effect to be reversed. I know how you feel...I got a tummy tuck when my youngest was 11 years old and have never regretted it. Good luck to you! J.

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I had my implants done sub-muscular prior to my pregnancy. Although I went from a 34B to a 36C while nursing, I never had any problems what-so-ever! As my milk deminished my breasts returned to "normal" with no stretch marks or sagging. I had to replace my implants as they got very old! Although I really didn't want to go bigger, it was neccessary to fill out the space from the evacuated scar tissue so then I became a 36C. Now with Menopause, I have gained about 25 pounds - that has had more effect on my breast size than anything else - the extra weight is putting a lot of strain on the skin! I am assuming that your nipples are still totally functional, so, NURSE AWAY! BTW - why don't doctors tell women that breast implants do not last the rest of your life and must eventually be replaced?!?!?!?

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Hi J., I got my implants two years before I had any children and two children later, both breastfed, and I feel like my breast look even better now than before. They def. look more real now, and not saggy. I did however get stretch marks on them, but that was from being pregnant.

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I don't have any experience with this (saggy boobs, yes, breast augmentation, no, although it wouldn't hurt), but have you considered feeding her formula? All three of my kids were formula fed and they're all very healthy and smart (contrary to popular belief!) Good luck! :)

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You are going to be fine. I had implants for 2 year before I breastfed my son for 10 month without any problems. My boobs did not deflate or changed shapes. However, I have to warn you...make sure he does not kick your boobs or lay on your boobs too much because I didn't think anything of it but because of all the pressure he put on my boobs, I had a slow leak when he turned 3 and I had to get it replaced. In particular, When I would change his diapers, he would kick me or when he slept, I would let him lay on my chest but after a while, I noticed that there was a dent on my boob...come to find out, it was a leak. So I had to get them replaced.

If you have more questions,please feel free to email me and I'll tell you all about it.

A.

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I supplied more milk are I got my implants. I did breastfeed my kids. They are not as high or as firm. I wouldnt say it ruined them but it changed them. I know people say it is better to breastfeed... I truly believe it is your choice. I have 5 kids and the one that I DID NOT bf is my HEALTHIEST kid. I dont have the money to do the breast aug gain BUT even after the way they are I wouldn't change a thing. I love the bonding with the babies. There is just a connection there w/bf. So I leave it up to you. Good luck.

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I had my breasts done 4 years ago and had no problem breasfeeding my son for over 16 months. I did however have my incisions under my breast so it wouldn't interfere with nursing. My breasts still look good. I think they are a tad bit smaller and I did get stretch marks while I was pregnant, but other than that they are great!

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Hi J.,

I've breastfeed 2, and got my implants 8 years prior to having my kids.

Honestly, my boobs look better after breastfeeding with the implants.

You are going to laugh when you read this, but that is cool because you'll "get" this: they now look huge, and REAL, and really nicely shaped. Yes, they are a bit "lower" than they were prior to breastfeeding, but like I said, now they just look like a those of a naturally-big-boobed 22 year old.

Go for the nursing, it won't make a big impact, and I think you'll be glad. I think that actually it is pregnancy that takes a bigger toll on the boobs than breastfeeding...and this is a woman who has nursed for over 3 years of my life. I noticed WAY bigger breast changes during pregnancy than with nursing.

Also...just for the record...mine are also softer and "bouncier" now too...another nice perk. :)

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I would contact your Doctor that did the implants and discuss this when him. Another thing to consider is the implants are in there and man made and should shrink or change like regular breast. The only think I can think of is the tissue surrounding the implants. It also may be hard to breastfeed with implants. I had very non intrusive needle biopsy and it took weeks for the milk to work through the scar tissue.

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I'm sorry, that does sound a bit selfish... Our breasts were solely given to us for the purpose of nourishing our young. Being a mother is the single most SELFLESS job out there and your concerns are a bit vain in my opinion... Most formulas are loaded with MSG and that is a nuero-toxin, health issues aside, you seem to already be placing yourself (appearance no less) ahead of your baby even before she's born. I'm pregnant with #3 right now (due in 3 wks) and can't wait to nurse him and bond with him in such a loving way! I apologize if all that sounds harsh, it is my honest opinion. Good Luck to you, your new baby and your boobs!

1 mom found this helpful

Bottle fed babies turn into great adults. There has never been any study that breast feeding is better. There are hints that it is, but it can't be proved. Don't make an issue about what should be a non issue and just have fun with your baby.With a five year old and a baby you will have enough on your hands to worry about without breast feeding. You may even get your five year old to help make up the bottles and for sure you will have more time for him and that will pay off big time.
Be your own person and do what you find best for you and your family.
Good luck,
B.

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Well, you've gotten alot of responses, but since I do have implants will throw in my 2 cents!

I got implants when I was 24 years old. At that time, I knew I wanted kids SOMEDAY...but no rush and no idea when. My daughter was born when I was 33...and I nursed her like a champ! In fact, I had so much milk it was crazy. My boobs were PERFECT before, and even MORE perfect after. They looked better and more natural after having and nursing my daughter. In other words, they were a little saggy...but perky! Just not fake perky!

Then, a year later, I had our first son. My boobs were HUGE during this pregnancy. I went from a 34D to a 36F! And I only gained 26 pounds, and our son weighed over 9 lbs when he was born. Keep in mind, my implants (saline) were now 10 years old. 5 days before my son was born, I woke up and only had one boob! Imagine my surprise and horror!!! Apparently, in the middle of the night, one of my implants deflated. I panicked, called my surgeon who recommended coming in for a replacement that day! JERK! The same jerk who NEVER mentioned that the average life of an implant is 10 years. So I called my OB who said it's fine...that seeing I was about to give birth, it would ruin my mammory glands, etc, and make breastfeeding almost impossible...and if I wanted to breastfeed our child, the surgery would have to wait until I was done.

Needless to say, I nursed our son for 8 months, at which time had to stop because I had to stop breastfeeding for at least 3 months before the replacement surgery. I was lopsided the whole time, and while sad, I also knew it was only temporary, because my son wouldn't nurse until he was 20!!

So, I got them redone, and proceeded to have another son, and breastfed him without a problem. Somehow, though, my boobs have gotten bigger, even though I am down to my pre-pregnancy weight. They don't look like they did when I was 24 or even 30, but hey, I am not 24, or 30 anymore! And they still look great and feel great, and I love buying bras!

When it all came down to it, I wanted to look and feel good for myself, but I also wanted to give my children every good start and benefit in life...and if it meant only having 1 boob for a while, then so be it! I got through it and it's so far behind me now...and my boobs are just boobs...nothing more nothing less!! They don't make me who I am :)

Good luck with your new baby girl! Enjoy every minute of her - it goes FAR too fast!!

1 mom found this helpful

Hello J., I had a breast augmentation before having any children. I was told that when I had children I could breast feed no problem. When I finally did have a baby, a year after the operation...I wasn't producing enough milk to sufficiently feed my son. The lactation specialist thought this was due to having had a breast augmentation. That was my experience with breastfeeding and a breast augmentation. I hope this helps!

Good Luck!

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I too have breast feed after a B.A. without any problems :-D (We nursed for 2 years).

Congratulations to you and your family with your baby.

I feel that breastfeeding is one of the single most important things you can do to give your child a secure base nutritionally and emotionally. (I'm sure that you feel this with your son.) Why don't you talk to your doctor, see if he has any patients who have done the same?

hi,

there is a site on breastfeeding after breast surgery. just google breastfeeding augmentation.
I am not a big breasted woman either and know what u mean about what your breasts can look like after breastfeeding. unfortunately most of the breast changes ges occur during pregnancy-the milk making gland & such filling your breats etc. it's just that once the hormones aren't high enough to keep those milk making glands full & abundant, the breasts seem to shrink or sag. so whatever you choose, to breastfeed or not, the changes have already occurred. and until you can get saved up for surgery (if you choose) there's nothing a great bra can't do!

Hi J.,
please email me at my private email address so i can share my experience with you. I have a 4 month old daughter and nursed her with implants, and have some information that i'd like to share with ____@____.com

i actually have a question for you not advice. I too breast fed my son that is now 9 months and it totally ruined my breasts. I went from a natural dd to a e when breast feeding and now to a d that are just sad looking:) i want to have another baby first but my question to u is if u were happy with your results. I'm so scared of surgery but i don't want my breasts looking like they do now. Good luck to you and congrats on ur new baby and you're not being selfish for thinking that way.

No problem with affecting your implants. I had my done over the muscle, which means they were always rock hard. Once I started breastfeeding my daughter, they go softer; however, I always supplemented with formula, which the nurses suggested, to make sure she was getting enough milk.

Hi J.,

I don't have any personal experience but I can recommend a website that boasts: the consumer gateway for all your cosmetic and anti aging needs". before and after pictures, ask/chat live with a doctor, blogs ect. perhaps you'll find some answers there.

S.

I breast fed all 3 of my kids after implants. That's what boobs are for. You will still feels the affects of normal aging and gravity even if you feed your baby with artificial baby milk. You may not have the same boobs you had after surgery but your unborn baby shouldn't pay the price for your decision to become pregnant afer surgery. I'm glad I put the needs of my 3 kids before my appearance. I will next year have my implants redone(it's been 10 years+) and love the fullness of implants but will always no despite this vanity I hold I never sacrified my health(BF decr. Breast CA>) and the health of my kids.
Consult a Lactation Consultant after delivery. You might experiance more engorgement since the milk has less room in your breast to store itself
Mary Birch is an Excellent choice even if you deliver elsewhere or Mama's pump in Carlsbad.

Mother of 3 HEALTHY girls, 7-5-2
Wac of Carlsbad

I have experience with this, I have implants and bf my baby for 10 months, I have noticed they actually feel softer and more real, they do seem smaller, since they are so big when nursing, but there is no way they shrunk, every body is made different, but from my experience I would nurse my 2nd in a heartbeat and I can't afford any more surgeries either, hope this helps

ive wondered about that myself. it looks like you have loads of good advice here. honestly i will tell you that breastfeeding your child will be one of the best things you can do for them, if your breast implants do get messed up then maybe it would be a good idea to set aside a little savings for the lift. it doesnt just sound selfish, it is selfish. but geuss what? moms NEED to do something for themselves once in a while!! good for you!

Hi J.,
I have two friends that breast fed with implants and they are just fine after stopping. One says she likes hers even more now!
S. G