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What condition is contraindicated for breastfeeding?

Understanding Contraindications to Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the optimal method of infant nutrition, providing numerous health benefits for both mother and child. However, there are specific medical conditions that can contraindicate breastfeeding, meaning that in these cases, breastfeeding is not recommended due to potential health risks to the infant.
Key Contraindications
The primary conditions that are considered true contraindications to breastfeeding include:
1. Classic Galactosemia: This is a rare genetic disorder in which the infant cannot metabolize galactose, a sugar found in breast milk. If a baby has this condition, consuming breast milk can lead to serious health complications, making it essential for these infants to be fed a special formula that does not contain galactose.
2. HIV Infection: Mothers who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are advised against breastfeeding. The virus can be transmitted through breast milk, posing a significant risk to the infant’s health .
3. Untreated Active Tuberculosis: If a mother has untreated active tuberculosis, breastfeeding is contraindicated due to the risk of transmitting the infection to the infant.
4. Human T-Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV) Infection: Similar to HIV, mothers infected with HTLV-1 or HTLV-2 should not breastfeed, as the virus can be passed to the infant through breast milk.
5. Illicit Drug Use: Mothers who are using illicit drugs are also advised against breastfeeding, as these substances can be harmful to the infant.
Other Considerations
While the aforementioned conditions are clear contraindications, there are other situations that may complicate breastfeeding but do not necessarily prohibit it. For instance, certain maternal health issues may pose obstacles to breastfeeding, such as severe illness or the need for medications that could affect milk quality. In these cases, healthcare providers often recommend alternatives like pumping and storing breast milk or using formula.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding is encouraged for its myriad benefits, specific medical conditions such as classic galactosemia, untreated HIV, active tuberculosis, and certain viral infections necessitate caution. Mothers facing these challenges should consult healthcare professionals to explore safe feeding options for their infants. Understanding these contraindications is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of both mother and child during the breastfeeding journey.

What is contraindication to breastfeeding?

Medical Contraindications for Breastfeeding
There are a few medical contraindications to breastfeeding, and these include: An infant who has the metabolic disorder of classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency). A mother living with human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type I or type II.

Why is breastfeeding contraindicated in galactosemia?

But some babies are born with galactosemia. It’s a rare metabolic condition that prevents them from processing galactose (one of the sugars in breast milk and formula) and turning it into energy. The disorder can cause many problems for newborns and can be life-threatening if left untreated.

What illnesses should you not breastfeed?

When Should I Not Breastfeed My Baby?

  • If the mother has been infected with HIV or has AIDS.
  • Many medications taken by the mother may pass onto the baby via breast milk.
  • Mothers with cancer who are taking cancer chemotherapy medications also cannot breastfeed their babies.

Who is not allowed to breastfeed?

Women who actively use drugs or do not control their alcohol intake, or who have a history of these situations, also may be advised not to breastfeed. Infants who have galactosemia—a rare metabolic disorder in which the body cannot digest the sugar galactose—should not be breastfed.

What is an absolute contraindication for breastfeeding?

The only true contraindications to breastfeeding are the following: infants with classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency) mothers, in the US, who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Who is not suitable for breastfeeding?

Women undergoing chemotherapy treatments that interfere with DNA replication and cell division should not breastfeed. Women receiving radiation therapies though can breastfeed with some interruption. Has an illicit drug dependency.

In which condition is breastfeeding contraindicated?

Medical Contraindications for Breastfeeding
There are a few medical contraindications to breastfeeding, and these include: An infant who has the metabolic disorder of classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency). A mother living with human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type I or type II.

What condition is unable to breastfeed?

Insufficient glandular tissue (IGT) — or hypoplasia of the mammary gland — is a condition where the mammary tissue of the breast is supplanted by fatty tissue. It’s one of the main causes of primary lactation failure, or the failure to ever produce enough milk.

Which of the following are contraindications to breastfeeding?

There are a few medical contraindications to breastfeeding, and these include:

  • An infant who has the metabolic disorder of classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency).
  • A mother living with human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type I or type II.

Which condition in the mother is a contraindication to breastfeeding?

The only true contraindications to breastfeeding are the following: Infants with classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency) Mothers, in the US, who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), untreated brucellosis, or suspected or confirmed Ebola virus disease.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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