After overcoming breast cancer and becoming a mother, one of the most common concerns is whether the baby can be breastfed since some treatments could affect the breast and therefore make it difficult to breastfeed.
But there is no contraindication or evidence to show that breastfeeding can pose any risk to either the mother or the baby. If you decide to breastfeed your baby, scientific evidence indicates that it is a safe and recommended practice after completing the therapy.
As explained by Gloria Ortega, specialist at the Breast Unit at MD Anderson Cancer Center Madrid,
“Only in cases in which a bilateral mastectomy (removal of both breasts) is performed by completely removing the breast tissue, the possibility of breastfeeding is eliminated. For those in which a conservative surgery is performed, where only part of the breast is removed. breast tissue, the ability to respond to stimuli and therefore to produce milk can be maintained. If, in addition, the areola-nipple complex and the retroareolar mammary ducts have not been removed, it would also be possible, mechanically, to breastfeed the baby “.
In a study published in 2010, 20 women who had become pregnant after breast cancer treatment were interviewed and there was no difference in terms of cancer recurrence. The authors of this research concluded:
“Advising breast cancer survivors against becoming pregnant or breastfeeding their babies remains unjustified and there is no scientific evidence to support it.”
When a mastectomy has been performed, one-breastfeeding can be attempted. Since the milk is produced on demand, depending on what the baby suckles, it will be able to obtain the food from a single breast without problem. There is also no toxicity associated with the chemotherapy or hormonal therapy received, nor are there alterations in the characteristics of the milk. However, breastfeeding while receiving treatment or in the first few weeks after chemotherapy is not recommended .
From the point of view of the mother’s recovery, breastfeeding after childbirth is very positive, as well as from the psychological point of view, since after having undergone a severe illness she feels that she is capable of offering food to her child. In addition to favoring the affective bond with your baby, it is advisable to start as soon as possible after birth.
An inspiring story
The photo we see above, captured by photographer Kate Murray, is that of Sera McCorkle breastfeeding her baby for the first time after a few months after becoming pregnant she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Via | Infosalus
In Babies and more | Breastfeeding protects against breast cancer, Interrupting breastfeeding conditions the appearance of breast cancer
