You're sitting there, maybe scrolling through Instagram or looking in the mirror, wondering if those implants you got five years ago (or the ones you're dreaming about getting) are going to mess up your plans to be a "human milk machine" later on. It's a valid worry. Honestly, the internet is full of horror stories and weirdly perfect "breastfeeding journeys" that don't reflect reality.
Can you breastfeed with fake boobs?
The short answer is yes. Usually. Most women with breast implants can absolutely produce milk and feed their babies. But it isn't always a total breeze, and there are some technical "gotchas" that surgeons don't always lead with during the initial consultation.
It’s not just about the silicone or saline bags themselves. It's about how they got in there, where they’re sitting, and how much of your original "plumbing" is still intact.
Why the Surgery Method Changes Everything
Most people think the implant itself is the problem. It’s actually the incision.
If your surgeon went in through the periareolar route—that’s the one where they cut around the dark circle of your nipple—you might have a trickier time. Why? Because that circle is where the nerves live. Those nerves tell your brain, "Hey, a baby is sucking! Send the milk!" If those nerves were nicked during surgery, the communication line is broken. Dr. Diana West, a world-renowned lactation consultant and author of The Breastfeeding Mother's Guide to Making More Milk, has noted that nerve damage is a primary culprit when milk supply is lower than expected in augmented parents.
Then you have the inframammary incision. This is the one under the fold of the breast. It’s generally the "gold standard" for future breastfeeding because it stays far away from the milk ducts and the nipple nerves. You've also got the transaxillary (armpit) or TUBA (belly button) routes. These are even further away from the action, which is great for your milk supply but might be tougher for the surgeon to get the placement perfect.
Placement matters too. Submuscular (under the muscle) is usually better for breastfeeding than subglandular (over the muscle). When the implant is tucked under the chest muscle, it stays away from the glandular tissue where the milk is actually made. If the implant is sitting right on top of the glands, it can put pressure on the ducts, which might lead to more frequent cases of mastitis or engorgement.
The "Room for Milk" Problem
Think about your breasts like a closet. You’ve just stuffed a massive suitcase (the implant) into that closet. Now, when your milk comes in, you’re trying to shove a bunch of coats in there too.
Things get tight.
Breastfeeding with fake boobs can sometimes feel more painful during the first week because of the "pressure" factor. When your milk first "comes in" around day three or four, your breasts swell. If you already have 400cc of silicone in there, there isn't much room for that extra fluid and tissue expansion. This can lead to intense engorgement.
Sometimes, this pressure actually tells the body to stop producing so much milk. It’s a feedback loop. If the breast feels "full" because of the implant pressure, the brain thinks, "Oh, we have plenty of milk, let's slow down production." This is why some women with implants struggle with a low supply, even if their ducts are totally fine.
Is the Milk Safe?
This is the big one. Everyone asks it.
"Is my baby drinking silicone?"
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no evidence that breastfeeding with silicone or saline implants is harmful to the infant. Even if an implant were to have a "silent rupture," the silicone molecules are generally too large to pass through the biological barriers into the milk ducts.
Actually, cow’s milk and store-bought infant formula often contain higher levels of silicon (the element) than the breast milk of women with implants. So, purely from a safety standpoint, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Your milk is still the "liquid gold" it’s hyped up to be.
Dealing With "The Fold" and Other Realities
Let's get real about aesthetics for a second.
Pregnancy changes your boobs. Breastfeeding changes them more. Then, when you stop breastfeeding, they change again. If you have implants, this can lead to some... interesting visual results.
Some women experience what’s called the "snoopy" effect or "waterfall" deformity. This happens when the breast tissue saggs over the top of the firm, stationary implant. The implant stays high and tight, but the natural tissue goes south. It’s not a health risk, but it’s something to be aware of. You might find yourself wanting a "revision" surgery a year after you wean.
Also, let’s talk about mastitis. It’s an infection of the breast tissue that feels like the flu but in your boob. It’s miserable. If you have implants, you have to be extra vigilant. Because the space is more cramped, a clogged duct can turn into an infection faster. You’ve got to be the queen of "hand expression" or using a warm compress at the first sign of a lump.
Tips for Success (Because You Can Do This)
If you’re determined to make it work, you need a plan. Don't just "wait and see."
- Meet a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) early. Not the hospital nurse who helps for five minutes, but a real pro. Tell them exactly where your scars are. They can help you figure out if you have enough "functional" tissue.
- Watch the weight gain. I know, I know—everyone says "eat for two." But extreme breast growth during pregnancy can put more strain on the skin and the implant, making the post-breastfeeding "deflation" look a bit more dramatic.
- Pump often. If your supply is on the lower side because of the pressure issue, frequent "emptying" is your best friend. Even 5-10 minutes after a feed can signal your body to keep the factory running.
- Check your bra. Seriously. Most "nursing bras" are flimsy. If you have implants, you need support, but you absolutely cannot have underwires. Underwires and implants together are a recipe for clogged ducts.
Is Low Supply Guaranteed?
No. Not at all.
There are plenty of women who have 500cc implants and produce enough milk to feed twins. Every body heals differently. Some people develop thick scar tissue (capsular contracture) that might squeeze the ducts, while others have very "stretchy" internal healing that leaves everything functioning perfectly.
If you find that you aren't producing 100% of what your baby needs, it’s okay. "Combo feeding" (breast milk plus a bit of formula) is a great middle ground. It doesn't have to be all or nothing. The benefits of breastfeeding—the antibodies, the bonding—still happen even if the baby is getting a "side of formula" to stay full.
What to Do Next
If you’re currently pregnant and have implants, or if you're thinking about getting them before kids, here’s how to handle it.
First, go find your surgical records. You need to know if the incision was periareolar or inframammary. This piece of paper is more important than any blog post you'll read. It tells the story of your anatomy.
👉 See also: Why 75 Soft Before and After Results Actually Stick (When 75 Hard Fails)
Second, get a high-quality, hospital-grade pump. If you have any supply issues, you’ll want the big guns, not a manual hand pump.
Third, monitor your baby’s diapers, not your breast size. A lot of women with implants don't "feel" full or "leak" like other moms do because the skin is already tight from the implant. You can't rely on "feeling" engorged to know you have milk. If the baby is peeing and gaining weight, you’re winning.
Breastfeeding with fake boobs is a journey of trial and error. Be patient with your body. It’s already doing a lot of work holding those implants; give it some grace while it tries to figure out the milk thing too.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Audit your scars: Check your incision sites to identify if they are periareolar (around the nipple) or inframammary (under the fold).
- Locate an IBCLC: Find an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in your area who specifically mentions experience with "post-surgical breastfeeding."
- Track the output: Use a tracking app (like Huckleberry or Glow Baby) from day one to monitor wet diapers, as physical "fullness" cues may be dampened by the presence of implants.
- Evaluate your bras: Switch to seamless, non-underwire nursing bras immediately to prevent localized pressure on milk ducts.