Becoming a mom is an exciting journey, and when it comes to breastfeeding, it’s natural to have many questions and a little bit of worry. If you’ve had breast or nipple surgery in the past, you may wonder if you’ll be able to produce enough milk for your baby. While some surgeries may affect milk supply more than others, it’s important to remember that with the right information, support, and strategies to maximize production, many moms are able to enjoy a successful breastfeeding experience. Here’s what you need to know to feel confident and make informed decisions about feeding your baby.

Types of Breast and Nipple Surgeries

Breast Augmentation (Implants)

Breast augmentation is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries in the United States. During breast augmentation surgery, implants are placed either beneath or over the chest wall muscle to enhance the appearance of the breasts. For many women, silicone gel or saline breast implants do not affect milk production, although engorgement in the early weeks may be more intense.

If the surgery involves cutting through the nipple or areola, it may affect nipple sensation, nipple sensitivity, or the nerves and milk ducts responsible for milk flow. The type of surgery and type of procedure performed matters. It’s also important to consider why the augmentation was done. If it was performed to correct underdeveloped tissue or breast asymmetry, this may relate to lactation issues such as hypoplasia (insufficient glandular tissue), which can make producing a full milk supply more challenging. Even so, many women are still able to breastfeed fully or partially with the right support. If you’re unsure how the effects of breast augmentation may influence feeding, a lactation consultant can help you prepare.

Breast Lift

Also known as mastopexy, a breast lift procedure reshapes and repositions the breasts, giving them a higher, more rounded appearance. The surgery primarily involves removing excess skin, so it typically does not affect the nerves or milk ducts. As a result, breastfeeding is usually not impacted when a breast lift is the only procedure performed. However, the location of the incisions, whether the lift is combined with other procedures (such as augmentation), and underlying risk factors for low supply (such as hypoplasia) can increase the likelihood of challenges with milk production. Procedures that use a vertical incision may carry a higher risk of disrupting ducts close to the nipple.

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery removes excess breast tissue to create smaller, more proportionate breasts. While this procedure can improve comfort and relieve physical strain, it often affects the amount of milk your body can produce because a significant portion of breast tissue—including milk ducts—is altered or removed. Although some mothers are still able to produce a full milk supply, this is uncommon, and many will need to supplement. Predicting milk production before birth can be difficult. Your lactation ability depends on how much glandular tissue remains and how many ducts were preserved during surgery. Close monitoring of your baby’s weight and intake, especially in the early weeks, helps ensure they receive enough nutrition while you build your supply.

Breast Biopsy

A biopsy is a type of surgery performed for diagnostic purposes, removing a small sample of tissue to check for abnormal cells or cancer. The impact on production depends on the location of the biopsy and how much tissue was removed. If the biopsy was performed near the nipple or milk ducts, or if there is significant scar tissue, it could potentially cause more issues on the affected side. However, many women find that a history of breast biopsy does not impact their ability to breastfeed.

Lumpectomy

A lumpectomy removes a tumor along with some surrounding breast tissue. Depending on the tumor's location, some milk ducts might be affected, which could lower supply on that side. However, any ducts that are not damaged may still produce milk. If you had radiation as part of your treatment, it could also reduce production on the treated breast. Since lumpectomy usually only affects one breast, the unaffected breast often compensates well, and many mothers can still produce enough for their babies.

Nipple Inversion Correction

Women who undergo surgery to correct inverted nipples may experience unique challenges when breastfeeding. The procedure typically involves cutting the shortened ligaments and milk ducts that cause the nipple to pull inward. While many women who have had this surgery will produce milk, the lack of an effective outlet often leads to severe engorgement, which suppresses production. In some cases, mothers may be able to partially breastfeed if not all the ducts were severed during surgery. However, it is important to closely monitor the baby’s feeding and growth, and provide appropriate supplementation, as needed.

Nipple Piercings

Nipple piercings are unlikely to affect breastfeeding, especially if you’ve had them over a year and they are fully healed. While it is advised to always remove your piercings during feedings, some mothers choose to wear them occasionally when not nursing, while others remove them for the duration of breastfeeding, allowing them to shrink or close. Whatever you decide, it’s important to keep your piercings clean and well-cared for to prevent infection. While the piercings themselves don’t usually affect supply, scarring from the piercing can sometimes lead to issues like plugged ducts. Additionally, milk may leak from the extra hole, which may make feedings a bit messier.

Helpful Strategies to Get Started

Your body begins making colostrum in the second trimester, and after birth, hormonal shifts trigger a gradual increase in milk volume. Most mothers notice changes—such as breast fullness, warmth, or occasional leaking—between Days 3–5 postpartum. In these early days, regular and effective milk removal is what tells your body to keep increasing supply. For many moms, a healthy baby is all that’s needed to establish a strong milk supply. However, if you’ve had any type of surgery that might affect production, being proactive with feeding and pumping strategies can significantly improve your chances of building an abundant supply.

Breastfeed Frequently

Aim to nurse your baby at least 8–12 times a day, offering both breasts at each feeding, especially in the first few weeks.

Hand Expression and Pumping

Hand expressing colostrum after feedings can encourage your body to produce more milk and provide your baby with additional milk, if needed. Initiating pumping, in addition to breastfeeding, signals your body to fill your breasts faster and increase milk production. A hospital-grade, double electric breast pump can help boost supply beyond what your baby alone can stimulate.

Supplement at the Breast

Offering your baby any needed supplements at the breast, with a tube and syringe or supplemental nursing system, can help to boost milk supply while supporting your breastfeeding relationship. 

Take Good Care of Yourself

Drink plenty of fluids and eat a balanced diet to keep your energy up and support milk production. Try to find time to nap each day in the early weeks.

Consider Galactagogues

Some foods, herbs, and medications—called galactagogues—are known to support and increase milk supply. Always check with your healthcare provider before trying any herbal supplements to ensure they’re safe for you.

Get Breastfeeding Help

Working with knowledgeable health professionals—including your OB, pediatrician, and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant—can make a big difference in meeting your breastfeeding goals. If your baby experiences more than expected weight loss or if you need to initiate pumping and supplementing, your healthcare team can work with you to create a feeding plan that ensures your baby is growing as expected.

Finding Your Path to Success

While many mothers who’ve had breast or nipple surgery successfully produce enough milk for their babies, others may face challenges and need to supplement. Remember, any amount of breast milk is a wonderful gift. It’s important to give yourself grace and recognize that every breastfeeding journey is unique. Tracking your baby’s feeding cues, growth, and satisfaction can provide reassurance that they are thriving. Supplementing when necessary does not diminish your efforts or your bond—it’s a tool to ensure your baby gets the nutrition they need while you continue to build your supply. Over time, many mothers find that breastfeeding improves with time and support.

Above all, trust your instincts, seek guidance when needed, and celebrate each small success. Every feeding and every cuddle contributes to your baby’s well-being and strengthens the connection you share. Motherhood is a beautiful journey, and your love, dedication, and care are what truly matter. Whether you produce a little or a lot, the bond you share with your baby is what will last forever.

Disclaimer: Our classes and accompanying materials are intended for general education purposes and should not replace medical advice. For personalized recommendations, please consult your healthcare provider and/or lactation consultant.