Who is not suitable for breastfeeding?

Introduction
Breastfeeding is widely celebrated for its numerous health benefits for both infants and mothers. However, there are specific circumstances and conditions that may render breastfeeding unsuitable or challenging for certain individuals. Understanding these factors is essential for ensuring the health and safety of both the mother and the child.
Medical Conditions
1. Infectious Diseases:
Mothers who are infected with certain communicable diseases may be advised against breastfeeding. For instance, those with active tuberculosis or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may transmit these infections through breast milk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that mothers with HIV in the United States should not breastfeed to prevent the risk of transmission to their infants.
2. Certain Medications:
Some medications can pass into breast milk and may pose risks to a nursing infant. For example, mothers who are undergoing treatment with chemotherapy drugs or those taking medications that are contraindicated during lactation may need to avoid breastfeeding. It is crucial for mothers to consult with healthcare providers to determine the safety of their medications during breastfeeding.
3. Substance Abuse:
Mothers who abuse drugs or alcohol are generally advised against breastfeeding. Substances such as cocaine, heroin, and excessive alcohol can adversely affect the infant’s health and development. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasizes the importance of maternal sobriety for safe breastfeeding.
Physical Conditions
4. Severe Illness:
Mothers suffering from severe, acute illnesses may find it challenging to breastfeed. Conditions that lead to significant debilitation or hospitalization can impede a mother’s ability to care for her infant adequately. In such cases, alternative feeding methods may be necessary until the mother recovers.
5. Breast Surgery:
Women who have undergone certain breast surgeries, particularly those that involve the removal of breast tissue or alterations to the nipple, may experience difficulties in breastfeeding. This can affect milk production and the baby’s ability to latch properly.
Psychological Factors
6. Mental Health Issues:
Mothers dealing with severe mental health conditions, such as postpartum depression or psychosis, may find breastfeeding to be an overwhelming or unmanageable task. In such scenarios, it may be more beneficial for both mother and child to consider alternative feeding methods, while also ensuring that the mother receives appropriate mental health support.
Conclusion
While breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial practice for many mothers and infants, it is not universally suitable for everyone. Individuals with specific medical conditions, those taking certain medications, or mothers facing severe psychological challenges may need to explore alternative feeding options. It is imperative for mothers to consult healthcare professionals to assess their individual circumstances, ensuring the best possible outcomes for both themselves and their babies.

How do you know if breastfeeding isn’t for you?

If you have severe nipple pain or significant cracking of the nipples that makes it too painful to nurse, consult your physician or lactation specialist. They can check for a nipple or breast infection, such as mastitis, and help you with any problems with latching on.

Who should avoid breastfeeding?

If the mother is taking antiretroviral medications (useful against HIV and AIDS), breast feeding is not advised. Mothers with cancer who are taking cancer chemotherapy medications also cannot breastfeed their babies. Cancer chemotherapy drugs hamper cell division and rapidly growing cells.

What is a true 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).

Are low income mothers more likely to breastfeed?

Data from several studies suggest that women of lower socioeconomic status (SES) are less likely to breastfeed their infants, both in the United States and elsewhere.

Who should not breastfeed?

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.

Who is unable to breastfeed?

If you’ve ever had a breast reduction, breast enhancement, mastectomy, or other breast surgery, your ability to breastfeed may be compromised. However, many women who have had breast surgery are able to produce breast milk. Some women will be able to exclusively nurse 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.

Why would a mom not breastfeed?

Most frequently reported breastfeeding challenges included: perception of poor infant feeding technique, fear of infant not receiving enough breastmilk, excessive vomiting/reflux, perceived insufficient milk-supply, positioning and latching problems, infant rejection of the breast, and painful breasts/nipples (17, 18).

Who is least likely to breastfeed her child?

Mothers with lower rates of breastfeeding tend to be young, low-income, African American, unmarried, less educated, participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), overweight or obese before pregnancy, and more likely to report their pregnancy was unintended.

How do I know if I will be able to breastfeed?

The vast majority of women CAN breastfeed, as long as they get skilled support when they need it. Some mums find it helpful to visit a local breastfeeding group and chat to other breastfeeding mums or a breastfeeding supporter about any worries they have before their baby is born.