What illnesses should you not breastfeed?

Understanding When Not to Breastfeed
Breastfeeding is widely recognized for its numerous benefits to both infants and mothers. However, there are specific circumstances under which breastfeeding may not be advisable. Understanding these conditions is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of both mother and child.
Infectious Diseases
One of the primary concerns regarding breastfeeding is the potential transmission of infectious diseases from mother to baby through breast milk. Certain illnesses can pose significant risks. For instance, mothers diagnosed with HIV are advised against breastfeeding, as the virus can be transmitted through breast milk, potentially leading to infection in the infant. Similarly, mothers with active tuberculosis should refrain from breastfeeding until they are no longer contagious, as the bacteria can also be transmitted through close contact.
Other infectious diseases that may warrant caution include human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) infections, which can also be passed through breast milk. In these cases, healthcare providers typically recommend alternative feeding methods to protect the infant.
Medications and Substances
Certain medications and substances can also contraindicate breastfeeding. If a mother is taking specific drugs that are known to be harmful to infants, such as some chemotherapy agents or certain psychiatric medications, she may be advised not to breastfeed. It is essential for mothers to discuss their medication regimens with healthcare providers to determine the safety of breastfeeding while on these treatments.
Additionally, the use of illicit drugs or excessive alcohol consumption can pose serious risks to a breastfeeding infant. Substances like cocaine or methamphetamine can be transmitted through breast milk, leading to severe health issues for the baby.
Other Health Conditions
While most common illnesses, such as colds or gastrointestinal infections, do not typically prevent breastfeeding, there are some health conditions that may require a mother to stop breastfeeding temporarily or permanently. For example, if a mother has a severe illness that significantly affects her ability to care for her infant or if she is undergoing treatment that compromises her immune system, she may need to consider alternative feeding options.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding is encouraged for its many benefits, certain illnesses and conditions necessitate caution. Mothers diagnosed with infectious diseases like HIV or active tuberculosis, those taking harmful medications, or those with severe health issues should consult healthcare professionals to determine the best course of action for their health and the health of their infants. Open communication with healthcare providers is key to navigating these complex decisions and ensuring the well-being of both mother and child.

What STDs can be passed through breast milk?

If you have HIV, do not breastfeed. You can pass the virus to your baby. In countries like the United States where clean water is available, using a breastmilk substitute like formula is recommended. If you have chlamydia, gonorrhea, or HPV, you can breastfeed your baby.

What viruses pass through breast milk?

Virus Transmission through Breastfeeding

Virus family	Virus	Demonstrated transmission through breastfeeding
Flaviviridae	HCV	X if the nipples and/or surrounding areola are cracked and bleeding
Hepadnaviridae	HBV
Hepeviridae	HEV
Picornavirus	HAV

Will my baby get sick if I’m sick and breastfeeding?

In fact, your body will actually start producing antibodies for those illnesses and pass those antibodies through your milk to your baby, effectively reducing the risk and severity of those illnesses to your infant and/or toddler.

Who is not allowed to breastfeed?

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.

Under which conditions should breastfeeding be avoided?

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.

At what age is it unhealthy to breastfeed?

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend continued breastfeeding along with introducing appropriate complementary foods for up to 2 years or longer.

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.

When should a mother avoid breastfeeding?

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 medical conditions preclude a woman from 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.

What medical conditions affect milk supply?

Some pieces of the placenta stay in the nursing parent’s body (retained placental fragments) Thyroid conditions, polycystic ovarian syndrome, diabetes, or obesity. Past breast surgery that cut some of the nerves, milk-making tissue, or milk ducts. Not enough glandular breast tissue.