One of the first decisions pregnant mothers have to make is whether to formula feed or breastfeed their babies. In fact, the closer they get to the due date, the more their anxiety grows, especially if they are new mothers.
When it comes to expectant mothers with breast implants, the question becomes more important. They worry that breastfeeding will negatively alter the appearance of their breasts, particularly after they have spent so much money on breast augmentation.
Since nursing is good for a mother’s and baby’s overall health, it is important to understand whether there are any risks associated with breast feeding and implants.
- In certain cases, breast augmentation by inexperienced doctors may damage the nerves and milk ducts, which may limit a mother’s ability to breastfeed. However, most women are able to breastfeed after having breast augmentation surgery.
- Certain women with breast implants complain of increased sensitivity and pain in the nipples while breastfeeding.
- Certain women have experienced inadequate milk seep out due to the type of implants and the position of the incisions, especially if an inexperienced surgeon did the surgery. It is common for such women to combine bottle feeding and breastfeeding to compensate for inadequate milk production.
- Breast augmentation may cause infection, heightened sensitivity and swelling, which may increase the risk of getting mastitis, a very painful condition. This disease of the breast tissue causes warmth and redness of the breasts, pain, and swelling.
It is possible to breastfeed even after breast augmentation; however, many mothers choose to forego breastfeeding fearing that chemicals in the implants will mix with the breast milk and endanger the health of the baby.
All mothers should understand that the advantages of breastfeeding extend beyond basic nutrition. In addition to containing all the necessary nutrients and vitamins the baby needs in the first 6 months, breast milk contains disease fighting substances.
Other benefits of breastfeeding include:
- Breast milk is always fresh and free of dangerous preservatives, unlike formula. As a proof of this, recently, there was a tainted baby formula scandal in China.
- The disease–fighting antibodies, hormones and cells contained in breast milk protect babies from diseases.
- The thick, yellowish milk that women make before and just after birth is also called liquid gold. It is extremely rich in antibodies and nutrients.
- It is easier for babies to digest breast milk than formula, especially premature babies. Formula contains cow milk, which has proteins that take time to digest.
- Crohn’s Disease and Colitis are more common in bottle–fed babies. Breast milk is good for babies’ intestinal tract, enabling them to grow healthier and stronger.
- Researchers believe that breast–fed babies develop higher IQ scores than bottle–fed babies. This is because of the connection that the mother and baby develop while breastfeeding and the fatty acids contained in breast milk.
The benefits are not limited to babies; mothers also benefit from breastfeeding. While breastfeeding, a mother can bond with her baby, while the skin–to–skin contact can enhance the mother’s oxytocin levels. Breastfeeding is also linked to lower risks of breast cancer, diabetes, postpartum depression, and ovarian cancer. Finally, it is cheaper to breastfeed that buy to formula.
Women can opt for other breast augmentation techniques apart from breast implants. Brestrogen, a breast enhancement cream, can increase the size of the breasts with none of the risks associated with implants. The health and safety of the baby should always come first.
