From pregnancy down to giving birth, there are a lot of misconceptions women have which we need to debunk. One common question women ask is if breastfeeding with implants has any safety issues. This is a topic of concern many mothers have, especially when they have breast implants or are planning to get it in the future.
Even I’ve asked if breast implants and breastfeeding have a connection, which is why I wanted to do the research. So if you’re wondering, “can you breastfeed with implants?” then read on! I’ll show you all about any safety risks this may have and if it’s still safe to breastfeed.
What Are Silicon and Silicone?
Silicon is also used in cosmetics, prostheses, medication, and fruit juice used without any danger unless made into silica dust (which you don’t find in implants and other common materials).
A lot of moms think that silicone breast implants and breastfeeding makes milk unhealthy. However, you may not know that silicon occurs naturally in our bodies. It’s also one of the most abundant elements in our planet’s crust.
This material is essential for our connective tissues, found in our bones, hair, nails, skin, and tendons. Silicon is also used in cosmetics, prostheses, medication, and fruit juice used without any danger unless made into silica dust (which you don’t find in implants and other common materials).
Breast implants usually contain silicone gel, which is a synthetic polymer made with a mix of oxygen, silicone, and different elements like hydrogen and carbon.
One case reported of rheumatoid-like symptoms after an infant breastfed from a mother with silicone implants.
While there is naturally-occurring silicone in breast implants, can you breastfeed with breast implants?
One research shows that there was a case of esophageal dysmotility (the esophagus moves slowly) in infants nursing from mothers who have had a silicone breast implant. One case reported of rheumatoid-like symptoms after an infant breastfed from a mother with silicone implants.
Another study shows that there are even higher levels of silicon found in cow’s milk compared to human milk.
It’s important to note that these were studies that only examined TWO children. The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs sees that these two pieces of evidence aren’t enough to justify silicone breast implants as detrimental in breastfeeding.
An even larger study shows that there aren’t any negative outcomes when breastfeeding with silicone implants. Another study shows that there are even higher levels of silicon found in cow’s milk compared to human milk.
There haven’t been any reports of infants suffering from other toxic side effects.
Silicon-containing silicone breast implants have been used for decades. There haven’t been any reports of infants suffering from other toxic side effects. Because of that, mothers who have had silicone breast implants can breastfeed if they choose or need to.
The Platinum Found In Breast Implants
So should breastfeeding women be concerned about the platinum content in breast implants?
While silicone is deemed safe, saline implants and breastfeeding may be different. After all, there are more materials implants can be made of other than silicone.
Platinum can be found in either silicone and saline implants, which is a toxic metal that can affect your baby’s health during early development.
After urine and blood tests of 18 women with breast implants and five women without it, it shows that there is no difference of platinum content In blood.
Some studies show that there are significant levels of platinum found in silicone breast implants. It may even leak out of implants, accumulating to women’s tissues. So should breastfeeding women be concerned about the platinum content in breast implants?
There is only one study to date that focuses n platinum in breastmilk of mothers that have silicone implants. After urine and blood tests of 18 women with breast implants and five women without it, it shows that there is no difference of platinum content in blood. While there are detectable levels of platinum, it was thought to come from the environment.
Though it’s also important to note that the methodology the study had was questioned.
BUT, there was a difference in platinum concentration in sweat, nails, hair, and breastmilk. Women with SILICONE breast implants have higher amounts of platinum compared to saline implants. Though it’s also important to note that the methodology the study had was questioned.
Meaning, there isn’t enough research and more needs to be done to further prove these findings. Even then, it still raises questions about platinum content found in breast milk. It’s best to have your milk checked to ensure it’s healthy for your baby.
Is Breastfeeding With Implants Safe?
You need to take a test and consult with your doctor to see if your breastmilk has any traces of platinum which can harm your little one.
Now that you know all about the silicone and platinum content in breast implants, is it safe to breastfeed?
While you won’t have any worry about silicone in breast implants, the platinum content is to be of concern. You need to take a test and consult with your doctor to see if your breastmilk has any traces of platinum which can harm your little one.
If you’re still planning to get a breast implant and breastfeed, you need to let your surgeon know.
Furthermore, some studies show that women who have breast implants may impact their milk production. There is some evidence that surgery may cause damage to the milk ducts or breast tissue. However, this rarely happens and overall, the materials and procedure of breast implantation don’t seem to affect one’s breastfeeding.
So once you get your breastmilk tested and see that both volume and quality hasn’t changed, then you can breastfeed your little one with ease. If you’re still planning to get a breast implant and breastfeed, you need to let your surgeon know.
Wrapping It Up
Breastfeeding with implants don’t need to be so much of a problem, though this depends on what your implants are made of. Furthermore, you have to make sure that the procedure didn’t affect your milk production and quality. If it has, it’s best to consult a doctor or follow healthy tips to remedy any issues.
I hope this article on breastfeeding with implants helped you out. While it’s safe, just make sure that your implants don’t contain any unsafe chemicals which may be harmful to your little one.
If you have any questions or want to share your knowledge with implants and breastfeeding, then comment below! Your comments are much appreciated.
