It’s the joy of emotionally healthy mothers to breastfeed their newborns and watch as they get stronger, healthier, and bigger. Sadly, this is not the case for some. While there are women who would prefer the bottle over breastfeeding, some cannot do it because of medical issues. In some cases, the problem is temporary, and once treated, the mother can start breastfeeding again, but to some, they can never breastfeed. When does this happen?
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When the Mother has an Infectious Disease
Most infections cannot be transmitted to the baby through breast milk, but few can. These include HIV, active Tuberculosis, HTLV, and breast herpes. It’s possible to start breastfeeding again after two weeks of TB treatment, but the dangers of infecting the child when you have HIV far outweigh the benefits of breastmilk. If you have herpes on any other part of the body apart from the breasts, you can breastfeed but observe high hygiene standards. Sometimes, a mother can be advised not to breastfeed if exposed to harmful substances such as radiation or metals. For instance, PFAS, which has been in use since the 1940s, is dangerous to pregnant women.
Low Breast Milk
Having low breast milk can be a temporary issue sorted when the underlying problem is corrected. Still, in some cases, this is a permanent problem that will require a breastmilk supplement. The good thing is, you can still breastfeed and achieve all the other benefits such as bonding, security, and comfort to your child, then supplement with a suitable product. Most low breast milk causes include previous chemotherapy treatments, breast surgeries, hypoplastic breasts, hypothyroidism, and polycystic ovary syndrome. It’s important to notify your doctor if you have a low milk supply.
When the Mother is on Medication
Most medications are breastfeeding friendly, but few can be passed through breast milk, causing harm to the baby. If you are on chemotherapy, use antiretroviral drugs, seizure medications, radioactive iodine, some sleep medications, and drugs that may interfere with breathing, your doctor may advise you not to breastfeed. Some drugs, such as sinus medications and various hormonal birth controls, can affect breast milk supply.
The Child is Unable to Breastfeed
Some conditions, such as a cleft palate, prematurity, and down syndrome, may make it difficult to breastfeed the baby, resulting in bottle feeding. However, there are instances when breast milk can cause serious harm to the child. If the child has classic galactosemia, the body cannot break down galactose, leading to serious health complications and death. Also, maple syrup urine disease is a condition that makes it hard for the body to breakdown certain amino acids leading to buildup and eventual health complications. When a baby has any of these conditions, the doctor recommends using a special formula that meets the nutritional needs and is safe.
Even if you can’t breastfeed, spending time together can help you bond and establish the needed security and comfort the child needs to grow healthily. If you follow the doctor’s recommendations, the child will overcome each milestone and live a fulfilling, happy, and comfortable life.
