What illnesses should you not breastfeed with?

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What STDs can be passed through breast milk?
What are the absolute contraindications to breastfeeding?
When to avoid breastfeeding a baby?
When is it unsafe to breastfeed?
Under what conditions should a mother avoid breastfeeding?
What condition is unable to breastfeed?
When is it no longer appropriate to breastfeed?
Will my baby get sick if I’m sick and breastfeeding?
What illnesses should you not breastfeed?
What viruses pass through breast milk?

Understanding When Not to Breastfeed
Breastfeeding is widely recognized for its numerous benefits to both mothers and infants. 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 through breast milk. Certain illnesses can pose significant risks to a nursing infant. For instance, mothers diagnosed with HIV are generally advised against breastfeeding, as the virus can be transmitted through breast milk. Similarly, mothers with active tuberculosis should refrain from breastfeeding until they are no longer contagious, as the bacteria can also be passed to the infant.
Other infectious diseases that may warrant caution include herpes simplex virus (especially if lesions are present on the breast) and hepatitis B. While hepatitis B can be transmitted through breast milk, the risk is significantly reduced if the infant receives the hepatitis B vaccine shortly after birth.
Medications and Substances
Certain medications and substances can also contraindicate breastfeeding. Mothers who are taking specific drugs, particularly those that are known to be harmful to infants, should consult their healthcare provider. For example, some chemotherapy agents and certain psychiatric medications may not be safe for breastfeeding. Additionally, the use of illicit drugs or excessive alcohol consumption can pose serious risks to a breastfeeding infant, leading to recommendations against breastfeeding during such times.
Other Health Conditions
While most common illnesses, such as colds or gastrointestinal infections, do not typically prevent breastfeeding, there are exceptions. Conditions that severely compromise a mother’s health, such as severe mental health disorders or acute illnesses requiring hospitalization, may necessitate a temporary cessation of breastfeeding. In these cases, it is essential for mothers to discuss their specific situation with healthcare professionals to determine the best course of action.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding is encouraged for its myriad benefits, certain illnesses and conditions can make it unsafe. Mothers should always consult with their healthcare providers to assess their individual circumstances, particularly if they have been diagnosed with an infectious disease, are taking specific medications, or are experiencing significant health issues. By doing so, they can ensure the well-being of both themselves and their infants.

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 are the absolute contraindications 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).

When to avoid breastfeeding a baby?

The World Health Organization recommends that all babies be exclusively breastfed for 6 months, then gradually introduced to appropriate foods after 6 months while continuing to breastfeed for 2 years or beyond. Stopping breastfeeding is called weaning. It is up to you and your baby to decide when the time is right.

When is it unsafe 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.

Under what conditions should a mother avoid 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 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 is it no longer appropriate to breastfeed?

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.