Can you breastfeed with breast implants?
⚠️ Watch for signs of mastitis
If you develop a red, warm, or hard area in your breast along with fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms while breastfeeding, contact your healthcare provider promptly. Women with breast implants have a modestly higher risk of lactational mastitis, and early treatment is important.
Short answer
Most women with breast implants can breastfeed, but research shows they are somewhat less likely to do so successfully compared to women without implants. Common challenges include pain, perceived low milk supply, and a modestly higher risk of mastitis. Talking with your surgeon and a lactation consultant before and after delivery can make a real difference.
What the research shows
A 2018 meta-analysis found that women with breast implants were about 37% less likely to exclusively breastfeed compared to women without implants. [1] A larger 2023 meta-analysis, which included over 390,000 women, found that roughly 82% of women with implants successfully breastfed, compared to about 88% of women without implants. [2] So while breastfeeding is absolutely possible, there is a real, measurable reduction in success rates on average.
Women with implants also face a modestly higher risk of developing lactational mastitis (a breast infection during breastfeeding). A large study of over 28,000 breastfeeding mothers found the mastitis rate was 8.3% in women with implants versus 6.6% in women without them. [4]
Common challenges reported by women with implants
Studies describe several challenges that breastfeeding women with implants may experience, including breast and nipple pain, a feeling of not producing enough milk, nipple issues, and more frequent use of galactagogues (substances meant to help milk production). [5][6] One survey of 240 women with implants found that about 48% reported perceived insufficient milk supply and 55% reported breastfeeding-related pain. [6]
On a reassuring note, early research found no measurable silicone in the breast milk of women with silicone implants, suggesting the implant material itself does not appear to pass into milk. [7]
Does the type of incision matter?
The location of the surgical incision may play a role. The 2018 meta-analysis found no clear evidence that a periareolar incision (around the nipple) reduced exclusive breastfeeding rates more than other incision locations, though the data were limited. [1] Implant placement (above or below the muscle) and volume may also influence outcomes such as pain and milk production. [5] These are important topics to discuss with your surgeon before any procedure.
What this means for you
Breastfeeding with implants is feasible for many women, but it is not guaranteed to be straightforward. Planning ahead matters: ask your surgeon about incision placement and implant positioning, and connect with a lactation consultant early in your pregnancy. [4][6] Being aware of the signs of mastitis and getting prompt support if challenges arise can help protect both your experience and your baby's nutrition.