•  
  •  

Breast-Feeding After Breast Surgery

Topic Overview

Women who have had breast implants or surgery to remove cysts or benign (noncancerous) lumps usually are able to breast-feed.

Women who have had surgery to make their breasts smaller (breast reduction) may have trouble breast-feeding if the milk ducts were cut or removed during surgery. These women may wish to consult their surgeons to determine whether this is a problem. They also are encouraged to see a lactation consultant before delivery. The consultant will then know to watch the mother and baby closely.

A woman who has had surgery to treat breast cancer and who is planning to become pregnant and breast-feed should discuss possible problems with her cancer specialist (oncologist). Depending on the type of cancer and the kind of treatment she had, she may still be able to breast-feed.

Related Information

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Kirtly Jones, MD, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Revised April 14, 2011

Last Revised: April 14, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones, MD, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.