Nursing with Silicone Breast Implants
Women have nursed with breast implants; however, implants may make nursing more difficult. Doctors don't agree as to whether it is safe or possibly harmful to nurse with implants. If you are concerned, discuss the matter with your healthcare provider; ask him or her for the latest information.
Silicone Breast Disease
Research continues into silicone breast implants and how they affect women. In 1995, the American College of Rheumatology issued a statement that there was no demonstrable risk between silicone breast implants and connectivetissue diseases or rheumatic disease. In contrast, other studies have shown a small but significant risk of developing a connectivetissue disorder with silicone breast implants.
Some labs in the United States offer diagnostic tests to screen for silicone breast disease. However, none of these tests have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Check with your physician if you are concerned.
If you're going to breastfeed your baby, you need to begin thinking about nutritional needs for the time you will nurse. You will probably be advised to eat about 500 extra calories each day during this time. A breastfeeding mother secretes 425 to 700 calories into her breast milk every day! The extra calories you take in will help you maintain good health.
These calories should also be nutritious and healthy, like the ones you've been eating during pregnancy.
As previously discussed, you may have to avoid some foods because they can pass into breast milk and cause your baby some stomach distress. Avoid chocolate, foods that produce gas in you, such as Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, highly spiced foods and other foods you have problems with. Discuss the situation with your healthcare provider and your pediatrician if you have questions and concerns.
In addition to the food you eat, you need to continue to drink lots of fluids. You need to drink at least 2 quarts of fluid every day to make enough milk for your baby and for you to stay hydrated. You'll need more in hot weather. Avoid caffeine-containing drinks because caffeine can act as a diuretic. It can also pass to your baby through your breast milk. Although caffeine is out of your bloodstream in 3 to 5 hours, it can remain in a baby's bloodstream for up to 96 hours!
Keep up your calcium intake. It's important if you breastfeed.
You might ask your healthcare provider what kind of vitamin supplement you should take. Some mothers take their prenatal vitamin as long as they breastfeed.

