Nursing with Breast Implants
Patricia Macaluso
Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
From: NEW BEGINNINGS, Vol. 10 No. 4, July-August 1993, pp. 114-5
We provide articles
from our publications from previous years for reference for our Leaders and
members. Readers are cautioned to remember that research and medical information
change over time
After receiving LLLI's booklet
on Breastfeeding with Implants, I decided to share my breastfeeding
experiences.
Fifteen years ago when my
first son Gandalf, was born, I knew no alternative but to breastfeed.
I did not have breast implants at the time. My son thrived receiving
only breast milk at his request, no water or pacifiers. He was a wonderful
contented baby. When he turned six months I noticed he was nursing more
often, and I attributed it to a growth spurt. However, the following
month when I missed my period I realized from a home pregnancy test
that we were expecting our second child. I continued to nurse my son
through the pregnancy. In December 1978 my second son, Nealo, was born.
He took to nursing like a pro and I settled into a wonderful tandem
nursing relationship.
My first son weaned at around
two-and-a-half years of age and my second son also weaned at around
two and a half. I cherish the nursing relationships I had with my two
sons, and I know I gave them the best start to a healthy childhood and
life.
In April 1986, after eight
years of thought on the subject of breast implants for me, I underwent
surgery on both breasts. Since adolescence my breasts had been very
uneven. My right side was concave and my left side protruded. I could
never wear anything tight or even a bra because of the size difference,
and I felt self-conscious about my strange shape. Since I did not plan
on having any more children, I felt comfortable with the procedure.
I did, however, inform the surgeon that a child in the future was not
impossible, and that I would like to retain my ability to breastfeed.
After six years and a new
marriage, I was expecting my third child. Valerie was born July 29,1992.
Since my sons were born at home, I had not had to deal with the procedures
of a hospital. Fortunately, the birth center I went to allowed rooming-in
and at my request my daughter received nothing but breast milk. She
nursed well from the start and pretty much continuously. We were released
the following day and I was grateful to be away from the numerous interruptions
of the hospital routine. Since I was concerned about breastfeeding with
implants, I contacted La Leche League International. The advice I received
was reassuring. I had also spoken with my nurse-midwife and my pediatrician,
who also reassured me before Valerie was born.
Valerie is six months old
now; we have weathered two breast infections, a mild nursing strike,
and two teenagers in the house. She is doing wonderfully. She has gained
very well and receives only breast milk. I have had no problems with
supply, although she favors my left side and will only nurse in the
football hold on the right. I have a slight numbness on the left side
below the areola. However, this does not seem to interfere with the
let-down reflex. I am planning to nurse Valerie until she decides to
wean. I feel very strongly about the advantages of breastfeeding and
if any risks are ever found to be associated with nursing with implants,
I will still feel I've done what is best for her. When considering nursing
with implants, nursing mothers should consider these points:
- What kind of implant
did I receive? (Find out the type, manufacturer, and date of production.
The surgeon should have this information.)
- Were there any complications
associated with this type of implant within a few or several years after
insertion?
- Is my health practitioner
and/or pediatrician supportive? (If not, find a new one who does support
breastfeeding. They are out there.)
- What are the provisions
for breastfeeding at the hospital where I will be delivering? (Patients
can request their routine and not have to be intimidated by complaints
from the staff!)
- How does my husband feel
about my breastfeeding with implants? (Don't listen to friends, family,
or strangers about breastfeeding. Your husband and you are the only
ones who should make decisions about your child's upbringing.)
- Read books on breastfeeding
and contact La Leche League International. (I found these to be a help,
even though I had successfully breastfed two children.
- Listen to your baby!
(The best way to a successful nursing relationship. Let him decide when
he is hungry. What may be a good suggestion for one child is disastrous
for another.)
Since I have had the opportunity
to nurse both with and without implants, I see no difference with the
outcome thus far with my daughter.
Thank you for being a wonderful
organization where women throughout the world can realize the beautiful
natural relationship between a mother and her child.
Last updated 11/12/06 by jlm.
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