Written by Sarah Mansell Published on 3rd November 2021

This blog was updated on 08/30/2023

Having any type of surgery can be daunting enough, but if you’ve recently gone through (or are about to go through) a procedure such as a mastectomy, you’re bound to have countless questions and concerns: How will I feel afterwards? Will it affect my confidence? Will I be able to breastfeed?

If you’re wondering about the latter, you’ve come to the right place. 

So, can you start breastfeeding after breast augmentation or other similar surgeries? From implants to reductions and from mastectomies to top surgery, these procedures affect everyone differently, so let’s talk about how breast surgery can affect moms when they’re breastfeeding.

How to start breastfeeding after breast or chest surgery

If you’re planning on getting pregnant, or maybe already are (congrats!), then it’s likely you’ve already started thinking about breastfeeding. And if you’ve undergone any type of breast surgery, you might be wondering, will I even be able to do it? 

Instead of consulting Doctor Google, we recommend contacting a breastfeeding counselor or lactation consultant. They’ll have probably seen cases like yours before and will be able to provide you with clear, practical advice. It’s even worth booking an appointment before you’re pregnant. That way, you’ll know either way and can start planning accordingly. 

An illustration of the milk ducts inside the breast Image: Alakina Mann

How soon can you start breastfeeding after surgery?

Like all breast surgeries, you need to fully recover before you can breastfeed. If you undergo surgery a few years before your pregnancy, then damaged milk ducts may have had a chance to regrow, making it easier for you to breastfeed. If you have surgery closer to your pregnancy, however, it’s important to let your doctor or midwife know so they can advise you on the safest feeding journey.

Of course, the length of time you’ll need to wait between having breast surgery and being able to breastfeed again will vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of procedure you’ve undergone, how drastic the surgery was, and how quickly your body is able to recover post-op. You should consult your surgeon, doctor or midwife to understand your options and to ensure you receive the best aftercare. 

Can you breastfeed after a breast reduction or breast implants?

It’s a common breastfeeding myth that you can’t breastfeed after augmentation surgery. While it’s certainly not always the case, most moms who’ve had breast surgery can breastfeed, at least to some extent. Usually, you’ll fall into one of the following categories: 

  • Can breastfeed fully. No issues here, you’re good to go. 

  • May need galactagogue. Depending on the reason for the low supply, some herbs and medications can help. 

  • Can partially breastfeed. Your little one might need some formula feed to supplement your breast milk. 

Similarly, if you've had top surgery and would like to breastfeed, breastfeeding or chestfeeding is still an option.

The different types of breast surgery

Your mind might immediately jump to breast reductions and ‘boob jobs’ when thinking about breast surgery, but there are in fact lots of different types of breast surgery, with some carried out for cosmetic reasons and others for medical purposes. Each type of surgery can cause different complications and challenges when it comes to breastfeeding and chestfeeding.

Breastfeeding after breast lift or augmentation

Whether for cosmetic purposes or another reason, breast augmentations and lifts have the potential to affect the nerves and ducts within the breast, which can then have an impact on lactation. Do breast implants affect milk supply? Depending on where the implants are placed, breastfeeding after breast augmentation should be fine — implants below the muscle typically affect milk production less than implants above the muscle. 

If you had breast surgery a while before giving birth, any ducts that were severed may have grown back or formed new pathways, enabling you to produce milk. When you’re pregnant, be sure to let your doctor know about any procedures you’ve had because it’s likely that you’ll be monitored more closely to make sure your little one is getting sufficient amounts of milk from you. 

Breastfeeding after breast reduction

Some women may choose to have a breast reduction, often to ease the pressure on the back if they have very large breasts. As with a breast augmentation, the nerves and ducts in the breast may be affected by breast reduction surgery, which may affect lactation and milk supply. However, many women who have their breasts reduced can still breastfeed normally, while others may have to supplement their babies’ milk intake through bottle feeding if their milk production is impacted. 

Breastfeeding after mastectomy

A single breast can produce enough milk for a healthy baby, so if you’ve been treated for breast cancer with partial or total mastectomy, that doesn’t rule out breastfeeding for you. However, it can result in the removal of breast tissue and damage to essential nerves involved in lactation, which could reduce the amount of milk you produce. Speaking with your doctor is encouraged, as they’ll be able to help tailor a breastfeeding plan for your individual needs. Can we also just say you're awesome?

Breastfeeding after surgery for hypoplastic breasts

Underdeveloped (hypoplastic) breasts are characterized by breasts that appear tubular, widely spaced, or significantly asymmetrical, and some women with this condition seek reconstructive surgery. If you suffer from hypoplastic breasts, there’s a chance you might not be able to produce enough milk for your baby and will need extra support to stimulate lactation or maybe supplement your supply with formula.

Breastfeeding after top surgery (transgender men)

Chestfeeding is a term used by some transgender and non-binary parents, and most commonly describes when a transgender man breastfeeds. It’s still possible for a transgender man to lactate and chestfeed — sometimes with the support of medication — but this may depend on the hormonal changes that have occurred during your transition and, if applicable, your pregnancy.

Alongside the physical support you may need to chestfeed, you may need emotional support, too. Help can be given for everything from maximizing milk production to suppressing lactation for those who choose not to breastfeed or chestfeed.

How to increase your milk supply after breast surgery?

If you’ve undergone any type of breast surgery, the likelihood is you will need to make a conscious effort to increase your breast milk supply, so here are some ways you can do just that: 

  • Use a breast pump: Using a breast pump such as Elvie Pump can help to unplug ducts and increase your milk supply. Pumping after and between feeds can stimulate milk production by ensuring the breast is fully drained following each feed.

  • Try hand expressing: When your baby arrives, hand express colostrum every 2 to 3 hours (this parenting thing is a full-time job), and as your supply increases, pump at least 8 times a day for 5 to 10 minutes (after nursing) until you’re sure you’re making plenty of milk.

  • Monitor your infant’s weight closely: During the first month, keep up with regular weight checks. It’s hard to measure how much milk your baby is actually getting from your breast, but the most reliable measure of adequate milk intake is the amount of weight gain from one day to another, such as over 3 or 5 days.

  • Use a feeding tube: If your supply is low and you’re supplementing with donor milk or formula, you can still feed at the breast with a feeding tube. That way, your little one will hopefully stay interested in your nipples. 

  • Add supplements to your diet: Known as galactagogues, there are some herbal supplements that are recommended which are safe with few side effects. Certain foods may also help boost your supply and help with breastfeeding after a breast lift or breast reduction.

Don’t give up!

If you had your heart set on breastfeeding after breast augmentation or breast surgery, but your breast surgery means your milk supply is not sufficient on its own, don’t give up! Remember, every drop of milk that your baby receives is precious and every moment a baby spends at your breast is worthwhile.