Can I Breastfeed After Breast Surgery? What You Need to Know
- Chelsea Lactation & Postpartum Care
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
If you've had breast surgery in the past—whether it was for medical, cosmetic, or gender-affirming reasons—you might be wondering: Will I be able to breastfeed? It's a great question, and the answer isn't always straightforward. The good news? Breastfeeding is often still possible. But it might come with some extra challenges and considerations.
As a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist and Postpartum Doula, I’ve worked with families in a variety of situations—including those who have had breast surgery. Here's what I want you to know.
Types of Breast Surgery and What They Can Affect
There are a few types of breast surgery that might impact breastfeeding:
Breast reduction: Often involves removing both glandular tissue and milk ducts. If nerves around the nipple are severed, it can affect milk ejection (let-down) and sensation.
Breast augmentation (implants): Usually has less impact on milk supply, but if implants were placed due to underdeveloped breast tissue or marked asymmetry, an underlying issue—not the surgery—may affect milk production.
Mastectomy or lumpectomy: If only one breast was affected, the other may still produce milk and support breastfeeding.
Breast lifts or cosmetic revisions: May affect milk flow or nipple sensitivity, depending on the technique used.
Gender-affirming top surgery: The ability to produce milk depends on how much breast tissue and ductal structure was preserved and whether nerves to the nipple were affected.
Will I Make Enough Milk?
Maybe. Some people are able to produce a full milk supply after surgery; others make some milk, and some may not produce much at all. The key factors are:
How much glandular tissue was removed
Whether the nipple and areola nerves are intact (especially the fourth intercostal nerve)
How long it’s been since the surgery (nerves can regenerate over time!)
Your overall health and hormonal function
Even if your milk supply is limited, any amount of breast milk is valuable—and breastfeeding can still be a meaningful experience.
How to Tell if Baby’s Getting Enough
After breast surgery, you might need to keep a closer eye on feeding cues and weight gain. A lactation professional can help. You'll want to monitor:
Diaper output (wet and poopy diapers)
Weight gain (usually tracked regularly in the early days)
Signs of milk transfer (swallowing sounds, satisfied baby, breast softening after feeds)
You may need to supplement—either temporarily or long term—but that doesn’t mean breastfeeding isn’t working. You’re still providing comfort, bonding, regulation, and nutrition. It doesn't need to be all or nothing.
Tips for Breastfeeding After Breast Surgery
Get lactation support early. A consultation during pregnancy and in the first few days postpartum can help catch and address any issues quickly.
Pump if needed. In some cases, pumping can help increase supply or provide milk for supplementing.
Consider a supplemental nursing system (SNS) . You can combine breast and formula or donor milk feeds while keeping your baby at the breast.
Stay flexible. Sometimes, breastfeeding looks different from what you expected—and that’s okay.
You’re Not Alone
If you’ve had breast surgery and want to breastfeed, you deserve compassionate, knowledgeable support. Every feeding journey is unique, and I’m here to help you explore your options and feel confident in how you're nourishing your baby.
Whether you’re still pregnant and planning ahead, or you’re already postpartum and have questions—I’d love to support you.
Feel free to reach out to schedule a personalized feeding consultation. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
