Breast Procedures

Breast Procedures

Breast surgeries can influence your body’s ability to produce and release breast milk. Whether you've had a breast augmentation, lift, reduction, lumpectomy, or biopsy, it’s important to understand how these procedures may affect lactation — and how to plan accordingly.

Breast Development & Milk Production

The ability to make and release milk depends on healthy breast development during puberty and pregnancy, and intact nerve pathways. During pregnancy, hormonal signals — primarily prolactin and oxytocin — stimulate the growth of milk-making tissue and the milk ejection reflex. These hormones are mainly produced in the pituitary gland, although emerging research suggests that small amounts may also be produced in the alveoli themselves.

Surgical Impact on Lactation

Surgical manipulation of breast tissue can disrupt the delicate anatomy involved in lactation, particularly if the nerves around the nipple/areola complex or milk-making (glandular) tissue are affected.

Breast Reduction

Among all breast procedures, reduction surgery poses the highest risk to milk production. This is due to the removal of milk-producing tissue and potential disruption to nerve supply. If you’ve had a breast reduction, early and frequent stimulation is essential. It's strongly recommended to begin double pumping with a hospital-grade breast pump 8 times per day — starting within the first 6 hours after delivery — in addition to nursing your baby directly. A personalized feeding and pumping plan with an IBCLC and coordination with your OB/GYN is key. In some cases, lactogenic foods or supplements may be considered, under medical supervision.

Breast Augmentation & Lifts

Augmentation generally has a lower risk of affecting milk supply, though implants can lead to more intense engorgement due to limited space within the breast. Many individuals with implants are still able to exclusively breastfeed. However, if you had asymmetrical or underdeveloped breasts prior to surgery, there may be an underlying issue with glandular tissue that can contribute to low milk supply. Breast lifts, particularly when involving the areola, may also impact nerve signaling and milk flow.

Lumpectomy or Biopsy

The extent of impact on milk supply depends on the location of the incision and whether nerve pathways were affected — especially those around the nipple or outer breast near the axilla (armpit). If these nerves are severed or damaged, it may interfere with the hormonal feedback loop necessary for milk ejection.

Insufficient Glandular Tissue (IGT)

In some cases, low milk supply isn't the result of surgery but rather an underlying condition such as Insufficient Glandular Tissue (IGT) — where the breast does not develop enough milk-producing structures during puberty or pregnancy. Signs may include widely spaced breasts, tubular shape, or minimal breast changes during pregnancy. IGT can coexist with a history of breast procedures or be independent of them.

Breast Cancer & Lactation Planning

If you are currently navigating a breast cancer diagnosis or treatment, a prenatal lactation consultation is strongly encouraged. During this appointment, we will:

Review your medical and surgical history
Discuss medications and treatment timelines
Develop a personalized breastfeeding plan in collaboration with your medical team

Working with a certified lactation consultant can help optimize your milk supply, support your breastfeeding goals, and provide guidance tailored to your unique history and body. At milkGEN, we’re here to empower your journey — with compassion, evidence-based care, and deep respect for every individual path.