Empowering: Breastfeeding After Breast Cancer
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when we focus on raising awareness about the impact of breast cancer, early detection, and the treatments that help save lives. As more women survive breast cancer, many find themselves contemplating life after treatment, including whether breastfeeding is possible if they become pregnant. Breastfeeding itself has many health benefits for both mother and baby, but for women who have battled breast cancer, the journey can be more complicated.
Breast Cancer and Breastfeeding – The Basics
Breast cancer, one of the most common cancers among women, affects the cells in the breast, typically forming in the ducts (ductal carcinoma) or the lobules (lobular carcinoma). Depending on the type and stage of cancer, treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy can alter the breast’s ability to produce milk.
When a woman undergoes treatment, it may damage the milk ducts, decrease the breast tissue needed for lactation, or affect hormone levels critical for breastfeeding. For example, a mastectomy removes the entire breast, making breastfeeding on that side impossible, while a lumpectomy preserves some breast tissue, leaving the potential for breastfeeding on that side.
Is Breastfeeding Safe After Breast Cancer?
Many mothers wonder if breastfeeding is safe after surviving breast cancer, and it’s a valid concern. The good news is that breastfeeding after cancer treatment is generally considered safe. Research has shown no direct link between breastfeeding and increased cancer recurrence. In fact, many healthcare providers encourage breastfeeding because of its health benefits for both mother and baby.
The American Cancer Society and other reputable organizations advise that each case is unique. It's essential for mothers to work with their oncologists, lactation consultants, and obstetricians to evaluate their individual circumstances. Some women may need to wait a certain period after completing treatments like chemotherapy or radiation before breastfeeding, but the decision to breastfeed is often encouraged for those who are able.
Hormonal Treatments and Breastfeeding
Hormone therapy is a common treatment for breast cancer, especially for estrogen receptor-positive cancers, where hormones fuel the cancer’s growth. Medications like tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors help block the effects of estrogen on breast cancer cells but can interfere with a woman’s ability to breastfeed. These medications may reduce milk supply or make breastfeeding unsafe due to their presence in the breast milk.
Women undergoing hormone therapy should discuss the risks and benefits of breastfeeding with their doctors. It’s important to weigh the effects of continuing hormone therapy versus the desire to breastfeed. Some women may choose to pause hormone therapy while breastfeeding under the supervision of their healthcare provider, while others may seek alternatives.
Breastfeeding After Surgery: What to Expect
For mothers who have had breast-conserving surgeries like lumpectomies or partial mastectomies, breastfeeding on the treated breast may still be possible, though it could be affected by the amount of tissue removed or damaged. Some women experience difficulty in milk production from the affected breast and may need to supplement with formula or use the unaffected breast exclusively for breastfeeding.
For mothers who have undergone surgery due to breast cancer, breastfeeding may present unique challenges, depending on the type and extent of the surgery.
What is Unilateral Feeding?
Unilateral feeding simply means nursing from only one breast. If breast cancer treatment has made breastfeeding difficult or impossible from the treated breast, it’s okay to breastfeed solely from the healthy breast. Many mothers worry that one breast won't produce enough milk for their baby, but it’s important to remember that any amount of breast milk offers tremendous benefits, even if supplementation is needed.
In fact, many women successfully breastfeed using just one breast, as it’s entirely possible for the healthy breast to produce enough milk. The key is to use the healthy breast frequently, and take care to avoid irritation. Addressing any issues with latching as soon as possible is crucial to maintaining successful breastfeeding. Consulting with a lactation consultant before birth is a great step toward ensuring breastfeeding success after breast cancer.
Mastectomy
A mastectomy is the surgical removal of a breast. Unfortunately, this means you cannot breastfeed from that breast. For mothers who have had a double mastectomy, breastfeeding is not an option, but there are resources available for donor milk and other alternatives. Scroll to the end of this blog for helpful resources.
Lumpectomy
A lumpectomy involves the removal of a tumor or abnormal tissue while preserving as much breast tissue as possible. If the tumor was located near the nipple, or if the ducts and nerves were damaged during surgery, the affected breast may produce little or no milk. However, it’s not always the case, and some women may still be able to breastfeed from the breast that underwent surgery.
Radiation treatment can also affect breastfeeding because it damages not only cancer cells but surrounding healthy tissue. The extent of the damage depends on the dosage and location of the radiation. After radiation, the treated breast may have reduced milk supply or none at all. Working with a lactation consultant can help mothers assess their options and manage feeding challenges.
Options for Mothers Who Can’t Breastfeed
For some mothers, breastfeeding may not be an option due to surgery, treatment, or low milk production. In these cases, formula feeding is a healthy alternative that ensures babies receive the nutrition they need. Additionally, donor milk from certified milk banks can be an option for mothers who prefer breast milk but are unable to produce enough on their own.
The emotional toll of being unable to breastfeed can be significant, especially for mothers who had hoped to bond with their baby through breastfeeding. It’s important to remember that the ability to breastfeed does not define a mother’s love or dedication to her child. Many moms form strong bonds through skin-to-skin contact, bottle-feeding, and simply being present with their baby.
Breast Cancer During Breastfeeding
In rare cases, women may be diagnosed with breast cancer while they are still breastfeeding. Breastfeeding during cancer treatment may need to be paused or stopped altogether, depending on the treatment plan. Chemotherapy, for example, introduces toxins into the body that can be passed into breast milk, making it unsafe for the baby. Radiation may also limit breastfeeding options.
For mothers diagnosed with breast cancer during breastfeeding, the emotional challenges can be overwhelming. Facing the demands of motherhood while undergoing cancer treatment can feel isolating, but support is available. Healthcare providers, support groups, and counselors can offer assistance during this difficult time, helping mothers navigate their emotions and make informed decisions about their care and their baby’s needs.
The Psychological Impact
Motherhood after breast cancer can come with mixed emotions. For some, breastfeeding may represent a powerful symbol of healing and reclaiming their body. For others, the inability to breastfeed may trigger feelings of loss or guilt.
It’s crucial to acknowledge these emotions and seek support. Breastfeeding after cancer is deeply personal, and each mother’s journey will look different. Support groups, whether online or in-person, can be an excellent resource for connecting with other moms who understand what you're going through. Cancer survivor networks, lactation consultants with experience in post-cancer care, and mental health professionals can all play an important role in offering guidance and support.
Practical Tips for Navigating Breastfeeding Post-Cancer
Work with a lactation consultant: Find a lactation consultant who has experience working with mothers after breast cancer surgery. They can help you assess milk supply, teach you how to manage single-sided breastfeeding, and offer strategies for supplementing if needed. Booking an appointment with Innovations Family Wellness is easy! ifwinc.org/contact
Be patient with your body: Your body has been through a lot, and your breastfeeding journey may not be the same as it was before cancer. Give yourself grace and time to adjust.
Stay on top of follow-up care: Regular follow-ups with your healthcare team are important. Monitor any changes in breast health and discuss concerns about milk supply or breastfeeding challenges.
Breastfeeding after breast cancer is a journey of hope, resilience, and adaptation. While it may not look the same for every mother, the bond between a mother and her child remains unshaken, no matter how they choose to feed. By working closely with healthcare providers, lactation consultants, and support networks, mothers can navigate this path with confidence and find solutions that work best for their unique situation.
For further support, consider reaching out to organizations like the American Cancer Society, Breastcancer.org, and local breastfeeding groups. Remember, your strength and love are the most important gifts you can give to your child—whether you breastfeed, formula feed, or a combination of both.