Medically reviewed by Dr. Kathleen F. McCue, FNP, IBCLC
Dr. McCue is the Owner of Littlebeam Breastfeeding Pillows and the Medical Director of Metropolitan Breastfeeding. She is also the author of three books on breastfeeding and infant care, including Start Here: Breastfeeding and Infant Care with Humor and Common Sense, Mother to Mother, and Father to Father.
Key Takeaways:
- Most Parents With Implants Can Nurse: The answer to “can you breastfeed with implants” is usually yes—outcomes depend more on surgical technique, nerve integrity, and lactation support than on the presence of implants alone.
- Plan Ahead For Breastfeeding Success: Knowing your incision type, where the implant sits, and how milk production works sets realistic expectations for breastfeeding with implants.
- Build A Support Toolkit:. An IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), a comfortable pump setup, and well-fitting nursing bras can all make breastfeeding with breast implants smoother.
Be honest, has someone told you that breast implants and breastfeeding don’t mix? If you’re wondering if you can breastfeed with breast implants, you’re not alone. The short answer is that many parents successfully breastfeed with breast implants. What varies are supply, comfort, and the kind of support that makes the journey easier.
At Simple Wishes, we obsess over comfort-first, problem-solving designs created by moms for moms. From pregnancy through pumping, our bras are made to flex with your changing body and your feeding goals.
In this piece, we’ll cover what affects milk supply, how surgical choices matter, practical nursing and pumping strategies, and what to do if you hit speed bumps.
Why You Can Still Breastfeed With Implants
Milk supply runs on a supply-and-demand loop: frequent, effective milk removal signals your body to make more. That feedback loop depends on:
- Nipple/areola nerve function (especially the fourth intercostal nerve that signals letdown),
- Ductal pathways (milk routes out to baby/pump),
- Regular emptying via nursing and/or pumping.
So, can you produce milk with implants? Typically, yes, the mammary glands remain. The key is whether any nerves or ducts were compromised and how consistently milk is removed in the early days. If you notice slightly lower output at first, it often improves with optimized latch, frequent feeds, and targeted pumping.
Surgical Variables That Matter For Breastfeeding With Implants
Not all “boob jobs” are the same, and breastfeeding really comes down to technique. Here are some things to consider:
Incision Placement
Inframammary (under-breast fold) incisions are generally considered the most breastfeeding-friendly option because the cut typically stays away from the areola and the milk ducts. By avoiding these structures, this approach is less likely to interfere with milk transfer or nipple sensation, both of which are important for establishing and maintaining supply.
Periareolar (around the nipple) incisions carry a higher chance of affecting ducts or nerves, which can sometimes change nipple sensation or make letdown slower. This doesn’t automatically mean there will be problems, but it’s an important point to discuss with your provider so you can plan for extra lactation support if needed.
Transaxillary (armpit) incisions are usually placed away from the ductal system altogether, which can be helpful; however, the risk to nerves can still vary based on individual anatomy and the surgeon’s technique. As with any approach, outcomes are highly personal, so monitoring comfort, sensation, and milk transfer, and looping in an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) early, can make a meaningful difference.
Implant Position
Subglandular (above the muscle) and submuscular (below the muscle) implant placements can feel different during breastfeeding and pumping. For some people, submuscular placement may put less pressure on the milk ducts, which can be helpful for milk flow, while subglandular placement may feel more noticeable during engorgement. Comfort can vary between the two, especially in the early weeks and when pumping, so paying attention to how your body responds and adjusting positioning, support, and pump settings can make a meaningful difference.
Time Since Surgery & Healing
Tissue sensitivity and scar remodeling can continue to evolve throughout the first year or two after surgery. If your augmentation was recent, give yourself extra grace and prioritize supportive strategies—experiment with gentle positioning, use comfortable holds, and establish pumping routines that focus on consistency and comfort rather than intensity.
Common Myths About Breastfeeding With Breast Implants
Before we dive in, it helps to separate fact from fear. Many assumptions about breastfeeding with breast implants are outdated or oversimplified. Below, we’ll clarify what the evidence actually shows so you can make informed choices and feel confident about your feeding plan.
Myth 1: “Implants Poison Breastmilk.”
FDA-approved saline and silicone implants have outer shells designed to be biocompatible; the implant sits behind breast tissue and doesn’t mix with milk. If you ever have concerns, talk with your provider—but the presence of an implant is not the same as milk contamination.
Myth 2: “If You Have Implants, You Won't Make Enough Milk."
Some people experience full supply; others partial supply. Factors like periareolar incisions or pre-existing hypoplastic (insufficient glandular) tissue can play bigger roles than implants themselves. A partial supply can still be meaningful; combo-feeding is feeding, too.
Myth 3: “Pumping Is Unsafe With Implants.”
You can safely pump with implants. Use comfortable flange sizes, avoid painful suction levels, and keep sessions consistent rather than extreme. If anything hurts or looks off (skin blanching, severe tenderness), ease up and consult a lactation consultant.
Your Early-Days Breastfeeding Plan
The first two weeks are foundational for milk supply. Here’s a practical approach to breastfeeding with implants:
Step 1: Prioritize Latch & Frequent Removal
Offer the breast 8–12+ times in 24 hours, swapping sides regularly and using laid-back or football holds to reduce pressure on sore areas. If baby’s transfer seems light or you feel overly full or engorged, add a brief pumping session after nursing to protect comfort and keep milk moving.
Step 2: Calibrate Your Pump Routine
Start with gentle suction because comfort matters more than chasing the maximum vacuum. Aim for 15–20 minute sessions instead of marathon pulls, and consider a pumping bra that stabilizes the flanges and frees your hands for breast compressions; the added comfort often translates into better output.
Step 3: Track And Adjust
Watch diaper counts, weight checks, and your baby’s cues to gauge how feeding is going. If supply lags, try adding a few days of power-pumping and increasing skin-to-skin time to help stimulate letdown. Bring questions to an IBCLC, especially if you had periareolar incisions or notice altered nipple sensation, for tailored strategies and reassurance.
Gear That Helps When You’re Breastfeeding With Implants
Supportive gear won’t change anatomy, but it can remove friction and protect your routine:
- Soft, Supportive Nursing Bras: A flexible band and forgiving cups reduce pressure points as your size fluctuates. Many parents find that rotating breathable maternity bras at night and more structured options by day strikes the right balance.
- Hands-Free Setup For Consistent Pumping: A secure fit keeps flanges in place so you can do compressions (great for output) and keep sessions consistent even on busy days.
- Fit-First Mindset: Re-measure during pregnancy and again postpartum—your ribcage and cup size will change.
Prefer a streamlined 2-in-1 option? Try a bra made for both nursing and pumping, such as the SuperMom Silhouette Bra from Simple Wishes. This hands-free pumping bra helps you keep the routine going without stopping your day, allowing you to multitask while you pump.
Troubleshooting: What To Do When Things Feel “Off”
Sometimes, no matter how much planning you do, things can feel off when trying to get the hang of breastfeeding. When trying to breastfeed with or without implants, look for these signs and solutions:
Nipple Sensitivity Changes
Nipple sensitivity changes can show up as numbness, tingling, or oversensitivity that makes latch uncomfortable or letdown sluggish. To ease it, use warm compresses before feeds and cool packs afterward, and try laid-back positions to reduce friction. It also helps to work with an IBCLC to fine-tune latch and positioning for comfort and efficient milk transfer.
Slow Letdown Or Lower Output
Slow letdown or lower output may look like a baby who gets impatient at the breast and pumping sessions that yield less milk than expected. To address this, increase skin-to-skin time, use hands-on pumping with compressions and gentle massage, switch to shorter but more frequent sessions, and add a consistent daily “power-pump” window for a few days.
Engorgement & Plugged Ducts
Engorgement or plugged ducts may present as firm, tender areas, a baby who struggles to latch, and milk that sprays unevenly. Focus on frequent, gentle milk removal; use a warm shower or heat before feeds and cool packs afterward; massage toward the nipple; and make sure your flanges fit properly to avoid unnecessary pressure. Seek help if you develop pain, redness, fever, sudden shape changes, or any concerns about implant integrity. Check in with your OB/GYN or plastic surgeon, and loop in an IBCLC for feeding mechanics.
Pumping Tips For Parents With Implants
To help prevent engorgement and plugs from recurring, keep milk moving on a steady rhythm, nurse or pump on cue, avoid long stretches between removals, and vary positions so different ducts drain well.
Stay hydrated, wear a supportive, non-compressive bra, and consider brief lymphatic-style strokes (light, outward sweeps toward the armpit) before feeds to reduce swelling; save firmer massage for after milk is flowing.
If a tender spot forms, start feeding on that side, apply warmth just before and gently cool after, and use breast compressions while the baby or pump is actively removing milk. Most cases improve within a day or two once drainage is consistent, but if symptoms persist or worsen, reach out to your care team promptly.
- Flange Fit Matters: Too small causes friction; too large can pull excess areola and reduce efficiency.
- Gentle Suction: Max Vacuum: Discomfort is counterproductive.
- Hands-On Technique: Massage + compressions during sessions improve milk flow.
- Consistency Wins: Short, regular sessions beat occasional high-intensity ones.
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Comfortable Setup: A stable, hands-free pumping bra allows you to relax your shoulders and focus on the letdown.
If You’re Combo-Feeding
Breastfeeding with implants doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Some parents are able to exclusively breastfeed, while others combine nursing with expressed milk or formula. The most important thing is finding a routine that supports your baby’s growth and your own well-being. Success isn’t defined by exclusivity—it’s about creating a sustainable plan that works for your body, your baby, and your lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
So, can you breastfeed with implants? For most, yes. Your specific path depends on incision type, implant placement, nerve integrity, and smart early-day habits. With realistic expectations and patience, a supportive bra wardrobe from Simple Wishes, and a certified lactation consultant in your corner, you can write the feeding story that fits your body and your baby.
Read also:
- Pumping in Public: Tips for Confidence and Convenience
- Finding the Right Bra Fit
- Balancing Work and Breastfeeding: Strategies for Working Moms
Frequently Asked Questions About Breastfeeding With Implants
Will breastfeeding with implants hurt more?
Some people notice temporary tenderness as milk comes in and tissues stretch, regardless of implants. If you had recent surgery, there may be residual sensitivity around scars or the areola. Use laid-back positions to reduce pressure and consider cool packs after feeds. If pain persists, connect with a lactation consultant and your OB/GYN to rule out latch issues or infection.
Can you produce milk with implants if you had a periareolar incision?
Yes, many do. However, periareolar incisions have a greater chance of affecting minor ducts or sensation, which can influence letdown or output. If you sense reduced transfer, increase frequency of gentle milk removal (nursing + pumping), try hands-on techniques, and seek tailored guidance from an IBCLC. Over time, nerve pathways can adapt; consistency helps.
Does a boob job affect breastfeeding if implants are above the muscle?
It can, but not always. Subglandular (above-the-muscle) placement may place more pressure on ducts in some bodies, while others do fine. Watch for engorgement and try different nursing positions to relieve pressure points. A well-fitted pumping setup can also help keep milk moving comfortably.
Is silicone or saline better for breastfeeding?
From a feeding standpoint, the bigger factors are incision and nerve integrity, not filler material. Both silicone and saline implants sit behind breast tissue and do not mix with milk. If you ever suspect a rupture or have new, unusual symptoms, consult your surgeon; otherwise, focus on good latch, frequent removal, and comfort.
How soon after birth should I start pumping if my supply feels low?
In the first days, prioritize frequent latching. If transfer seems light or your breasts still feel very full, add brief pumping (10–15 minutes) after feeds to protect supply. Hands-on compressions and a comfortable pumping bra can boost efficiency. Reassess every 24–48 hours with your lactation consultant to avoid oversupply or nipple trauma.
What if I only make a partial supply?
A partial supply still nourishes your baby and supports bonding. Many families thrive with combo-feeding—breastfeeding first, then offering expressed milk or formula as needed. Track weight, diapers, and the baby’s cues to guide how much to supplement. Your plan can evolve as supply changes over time.
Can wearable pumps be used safely with implants?
Yes, with the same comfort-first rules. Start on gentle suction, verify flange inserts fit well, and avoid any device that creates painful pressure on scar areas. If you notice blanching, bruising, or soreness, scale back and try a traditional pump or a different flange size. Comfort and consistency are better than intensity.
How do I know if nerve sensation is affecting letdown?
Clues include reduced nipple sensitivity, delayed letdown, or the baby getting frustrated early in feeds. Try warm compresses, skin-to-skin, relaxation techniques, and breast compressions to stimulate reflexes. If symptoms persist, schedule with an IBCLC; they can observe transfers and suggest targeted strategies that work with your anatomy.
Can you breastfeed with implants after a revision surgery?
You can, but plan for extra support while tissues re-settle. Discuss your feeding goals with your surgeon before the revision, and ask about incision choice with lactation in mind. After birth, line up an early IBCLC visit to optimize latch and removal patterns—especially helpful if sensation changes post-revision.
When should I seek medical help?
Call your OB/GYN if you have a fever, chills, spreading redness, severe pain, or sudden breast shape changes. Reach out to your plastic surgeon if you suspect implant complications. For latch, supply, or pumping questions, an IBCLC can help quickly. Early support prevents small issues from becoming big ones.
Sources:
- Chen, Jeffrey, et al. “Breastfeeding Outcome and Complications in Females With Breast Implants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Aesthetic Surgery Journal, vol. 43, no. 7, 2023, pp. 731–740.
- Schiff, Michal, Charles S. Algert, Amanda Ampt, Mark S. Sywak, and Christine L. Roberts. “The Impact of Cosmetic Breast Implants on Breastfeeding: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” International Breastfeeding Journal, 2014, article 17.
- Filiciani, Sandra, et al. “Cohort Study to Assess the Impact of Breast Implants on Breastfeeding.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, vol. 138, 2016.
- “Breastfeeding after Periareolar Breast Augmentation.” American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
- “Think You Can’t Breastfeed After Implants? Think Again.” Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
