What to Know About Breastfeeding After Breast Cancer
Written by Alex Payton. She is an undergraduate student at UNCW, and is a Public Health intern at Going Beyond the Pink.
**Disclaimer: This post contains links to affiliate products.
Women who have experienced breast cancer or are currently going through treatment may naturally assume they won’t be able to breastfeed. Although this is true for some, there are others who will still be able to breastfeed. Whichever you decide, it is extremely important to discuss all options with your doctor prior to making a decision to ensure the safety of yourself and the baby.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
Milk from breastfeeding your baby provides important nutrients and helps build the baby’s immune system to fight illnesses. For some women, breastfeeding after breast cancer can help regain feelings of normalcy about their bodies. For others, it can trigger body image issues and other mental health struggles related to their diagnosis. Though there are benefits to breastfeeding, it’s also okay if you are unable to breastfeed or simply choose not to. Breastfeeding is a varied experience and can be difficult even for those who have never been diagnosed with breast cancer. Breastfeeding also isn’t the only way to feel close and bond with your baby. Just having skin to skin contact straight from birth will establish a bond and closeness.
Breastfeeding after Surgery and Radiation
With surgeries and radiation therapies, milk ducts and other breast tissue may be removed or damaged that may cause difficulties with breastfeeding. Mastectomy is a procedure that removes the entire breast so after a single mastectomy, you can only breastfeed from the other remaining breast. However, with a double mastectomy, breastfeeding is not an option since both breasts are removed.
A lumpectomy removes the tumor and rim of healthy breast tissue around it. Breastfeeding after lumpectomy is often possible. The lobes damaged by lumpectomy or biopsy will produce milk but dry up over time. Remaining undamaged lobes in the breasts can still produce milk to breastfeed. Radiation may damage lobules and can stop them from making milk entirely or change its appearance. Breast milk can appear thicker and darker. If one breast is unable to produce milk, the baby can be fed on the other breast. However, some women choose not to feed from breast after radiation because of the appearance of breast milk. There is not much evidence today demonstrating harmful effects of breastfeeding after radiation.
Breastfeeding from One Breast
Alternating breasts each time when feeding your baby helps your body maintain a good milk supply and reduce nipple soreness and irritation. This is why it is encouraged to feed from both breasts. However, it is still possible to feed a baby with one breast. To relieve nipple soreness from frequent use, gently rub a little breast milk on the nipple. Using a breast pump between feedings will help with milk flow. It’s encouraged to freeze any extra milk and later bottle feed. For limited milk supply, supplementing breast milk with formula feeding is an option.
Tips for Breastfeeding after Treatment
Breastfeeding in itself can be difficult and when battling breast cancer it can be even harder. The following list are tips that may help as you navigate breastfeeding after breast cancer. Note that this list is not a full comprehensive list and that it is best to talk with your team of health care professionals as well.
Have your support lined up before you begin breastfeeding
Be gentle with your breast or breasts!
When breast lobes are damaged and dried up by treatments, use cold packs or take ibuprofen to relieve discomfort
Rent or a buy a high quality breast pump to help you get as much milk as possible from one breast or breast with low milk production
Gently rubbing breast milk on sore nipple when feeding from one breast can help it heal
Support for Breastfeeding after Breast Cancer
Having emotional and practical support will be very helpful when enduring breastfeeding challenges. It may be useful to include a board-certified lactation consultant, particularly someone experienced with patients who’ve had breast surgery or radiation, to guide you through the first few weeks of breastfeeding. Remember to be gentle with yourself and allow your family and friends to support you! You want to make sure to have a support person nearby to help with whatever you need especially during the first few weeks of breastfeeding.
Information from this blog was retrieved from: Living Beyond Breast Cancer. (2016, October 19). Breastfeeding after treatment for early-stage breast cancer. https://www.lbbc.org/young-woman/your-medical-needs/breastfeeding-after-treatment-early-stage-breast-cancer and NCT. (2021, December 1). Breastfeeding after breast cancer treatment | Baby & toddler, Feeding articles & support | NCT. NCT (National Childbirth Trust). https://www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/feeding/practical-tips/breastfeeding-after-breast-cancer-treatment