Topic Overview

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

Women who have had surgery to make their breasts smaller (breast reduction) may have trouble breastfeeding 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 breastfeed 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 breastfeed.