How breast enlargement or reduction affects breastfeeding
The breast of women does not only have a nutrition function for our babies, but is an important part of the erotic and feminine identity. Therefore, there are many women who go through the operating room to touch up that part of their body, both to increase and reduce the size. Today we are going to
The breast of women does not only have a nutrition function for our babies, but is an important part of the erotic and feminine identity. Therefore, there are many women who go through the operating room to touch up that part of their body, both to increase and reduce the size. Today we are going to banish some myths that link breast surgery with breastfeeding.
Myths about breast augmentation or reduction and breastfeeding problems
1. If I wear a silicone prosthesis I will not be able to breastfeed. This statement is false in most cases, since currently the techniques used do not alter the shape of the nipple, do not touch glandular tissue and the prosthesis is usually placed behind the pectoral muscle.
However, there are times when the incision is made through the areola, here there may be problems in the baby's grip if the woman heals badly, and makes a keloid (thickening of the scar). In addition, some studies suggest that this approach could increase the risk of mastitis, because the milk ducts (where the milk comes out) can be damaged.
2. Silicone harms the baby. Studies reveal that silicone is safe for breastfeeding, and that no substance from the prosthesis passes into breast milk.
3. It is more difficult to breastfeed after a breast reduction. Usually yes, since in this type of surgery excess fat is removed and often glandular tissue is carried out, the ducts through which the milk has to flow to the outside are affected, and often the scars prevent or make difficult the lactation.
How breast surgery influences breastfeeding
However, the success of breastfeeding will depend a lot on the technique used by the surgeon en, and to a large extent on the amount of tissue that has to be removed. In addition, many times, the breasts, when operating them, are also modified and the areola is trimmed to be aesthetically harmonic with the new size.In any case, the consequences that a breast reduction operation and breastfeeding will have, can only be assessed at the moment of the beginning of breastfeeding; and we can not do anything to prevent or improve the baby's grip.
It is very important that women who have undergone breast surgery have the support and advice from professionals, such as midwives, and that they go to breastfeeding support groups.
