Breastfeeding After Breast Cancer - Everything You Need to Know

Breastfeeding generates a tender bond between a mother and a baby. It not just satisfies the hunger needs of the baby, but also creates a loving feeling on both sides. But mothers who have had a history of breast cancer and treatments or have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing treatment often get skeptical and worried about breastfeeding their baby. Questions ranging from whether she will be able to breastfeed her little one to the safety of the breastmilk she produces can trouble her. The good news is that breastfeeding after breast cancer is completely safe and possible in women who have completed their treatments.

Is it Possible to Breastfeed After Breast Cancer?

Breastfeeding is a big challenge for every mother regardless of whether she is a breast cancer survivor or not. But for a mother who has just recovered from breast cancer; it can even be more challenging, As she wouldn’t know whether her breast milk is safe for her baby or not. But there’s no concern about breastfeeding your newborn after you’ve successfully combated breast cancer.

As per some experts, mothers can happily feed their baby when she’s over breast cancer. But there is some difference in the breastfeeding care plan.

It is only advised to breastfeed after you have finished receiving chemotherapy.
Additionally, it is strongly advised that you are also in a no-medication zone since there are high chances of the medications entering your breast milk.
For a clear overview, you must have a word with your doctor and see what they say about how long you must wait to feed your baby again post-chemotherapy.

How Do Breast Cancer Treatments Impact Breastfeeding?

There are different types of surgeries available for women who caught breast cancer. Every treatment has different effects and by the course of having such treatments, you will not be able to breastfeed.

The various procedures that have an impact on breast milk are briefly listed below:

1. Double Mastectomy

Unlike single mastectomy, double mastectomy does not allow breastfeeding at all. This is because in this type of surgery all of the milk ducts are taken off. But you can talk to your doctor about a breast and the nipple reconstruction procedure if you plan to have a baby and breastfeed.

2. Chemotherapy

If you have been undergoing chemotherapy treatment, then it would not be possible to breastfeed your baby. You must delay the next nursing session for a while. You will be able to nurse only when the strong chemo drugs and other medications have completely left your system.

3. Single Mastectomy

This is a type of surgery in which a mother can easily breastfeed their baby from the unaffected breast. But one thing which you need to ensure in this is that there’s a limited milk supply initially. But when you continuously nurse and pump, the supply of milk gradually improves. Consult a lactation expert for this.

[Read : Breastfeeding From One Breast Only]

Mammograms After Breast Cancer Surgery

Mammograms are routine tests performed for breast cancer survivors who have completed their chemotherapies, medications, and other treatment processes. Depending on the type of cancer diagnosis and treatment, the doctor will decide the frequency of mammograms.

Mothers undergoing mammograms often worry if the test will affect their breast milk or their ability to breastfeed their baby. The good news is that you can safely breastfeed after a mammogram procedure so long as the reports are fine and there are no anomalies. In fact, you can immediately resume breastfeeding after the test.

Top 5 Tips For Breastfeeding After Breast Cancer

Are you the one who has got a green signal from your doctor to breastfeed your baby after successfully recovering from breast cancer? If yes, then we’ve got some tips for you to go about it:

The most important tip all breastfeeding mothers should remember is that the more you feed your baby, the more milk your body will produce. This is no different for breast cancer warriors. Talk to a lactation consultant for advice in case you are not able to produce enough milk.
While breastfeeding, your breasts would become sore after a certain period. To treat this, you can rub the breast milk on your breast, and it’ll heal on its own.
Do not take any kind of stress or tension. Be carefree and enjoy your nursing period.
You might witness damage to breast lobes due to the cancer treatment which can cause pain while breastfeeding. To heal this, try using an ice pack to ease the pain. Talk to your surgeon and a gynecologist if you have any physical issues that are preventing you from breastfeeding.
Buy a good quality breast pump. This would help you to extract a good amount of breast milk from the non-affected breasts.

[Read : How to Choose the Right Breast Pump For Your Baby?]

Myths And Facts About Breastfeeding And Breast Cancer

Here are some myths and facts about breastfeeding and breast cancer.

Myth 1

It is not possible to breastfeed after breast cancer.

Fact

It is possible to breastfeed after a breast cancer treatment. This depends on the type and the course of treatment. Your doctor will be able to guide you on the possibility of breastfeeding after your breast cancer and treatment. Some types of breast cancer surgeries can interfere with breastfeeding but you can always opt for reconstruction surgeries.

Myth 2

You can get breast cancer while breastfeeding

Fact

This is really rare. Women who are breastfeeding can often develop lumps in their breasts and get worried about the possibility of cancer. But this is generally rare. Having said that, if you find a lump, do consult a specialist and get it checked to ensure that it is just a benign or harmless growth.

Breastfeeding after breast cancer is possible in a majority of cases, especially if you have successfully completed your treatments. Do consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding feeding your baby after cancer.

FAQ’s

1. Is it Safe to Breastfeed After a Mammogram?

Yes, it is safe to breastfeed after a mammogram as the X-rays cannot affect the human milk.

2. Should I Pump And Dump After a Mammogram?

You must keep your breasts well drained with nursing and pumping before and after. The use of a local anesthetic can be safe and there is no need to pump and dump.

Breastfeeding After Breast Cancer – Everything You Need to Know

Is it Possible to Breastfeed After Breast Cancer?