How safe is it to breastfeed when you have breast cancer?

Breast cancer treatments

Here are the different treatments for breast cancer and how they affect breastfeeding.

• Surgery:

A surgery is performed to remove the malicious lump in your breast. You might be able to continue breastfeeding before and after the surgery, however, always consult your doctor first. If you are going for a double mastectomy, i.e. the surgical removal of both breasts, then you won’t be able to breastfeed. In case only one breast is treated, you can feed the child through the untreated breast. In many cases, after the surgical removal of tumour, radiation therapy is recommended. In that case, breastfeeding won’t be recommended.

• Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy is an intense medical procedure to gradually destroy cancer cells. The medications administered to the patient during this therapy are not at all safe for the baby as there is risk of excretion into breast milk. If you are a mother who has already gone through chemotherapy, you can consult your doctor regarding breastfeeding and breast cancer. You might be asked to pump and discard breastmilk for a few weeks before resuming to feed your baby.

• Radiation therapy:

You may or may not be able to continue breastfeeding during radiation therapy. There are different types of radiation therapies and the impact of each differs, so your doctor can advise you accordingly. While going through radiation therapy, some women can continue to breastfeed with the unaffected breast only.

Tips to continue breastfeeding during breast cancer treatment

If your doctor gives you a go ahead and you choose to breastfeed during breast cancer treatment, here are a few tips you can follow to make the experience smooth for yourself and your baby.

• Pump often:

Pumping often helps to keep up your milk supply. Even if your doctor advises you to start breastfeeding after the treatment, you can keep pumping throughout the treatment in order to maintain a good supply once you start breastfeeding the child. If you are feeling unwell or wish to rest, your spouse or a nanny can feed the pumped milk to the baby. This way, you can get some rest and your child can get the best of nourishment.

• Stay positive:

When you are going through breast cancer treatment, it is possible that your breastmilk supply might be affected and it may not be enough for the baby and you might have to use formula. Be easy on yourself and face this setback with a positive mindset.

• Ask for help:

It is said that it takes a village to raise a child. So, while undergoing cancer treatment, you can seek help from your loved ones so that both you and your baby can get the best care.

• Always keep your doctor in the loop:

Even if you are advised to continue breastfeeding, keep your doctor in the loop and discuss every small detail with them. Breastfeeding enhances blood supply to the breasts, which in turns results in your breasts appearing bigger during breastfeeding. If this change interferes with your treatment, your doctor might ask you to discontinue.