A first-time mother who is diagnosed with breast cancer is shocked. On the other hand, nursing mothers who are given treatment will still be able to breastfeed their infants, as per some researchers, with several restrictions.

This blog from the Best ayurvedic cancer hospital in India presents information about breast cancer treatment and breastfeeding as well as directions provided for those mothers who consider doing so.

Benefits of Breastfeeding

To begin, let us examine the proven advantages of breastfeeding:

Breastfeeding delivers the perfect infant feeding due to the immunity-enhancing natural components it brings with it. The formulation cannot perfectly illustrate its biological complexities.

• Breastfeeding is particularly necessary since it establishes a bond between the child and the mother, helps with contractions after birth, and reduces vaginal bleeding risk.
• For mothers, breastfeeding limits the possibility of developing cancer in breasts and ovaries as well as type 2 diabetes. It promotes post-pregnancy weight loss.
• Compared to non-breastfed babies, infants who are given their mother’s milk have a reduced risk of ear infections, diarrhea, respiratory disorders, obesity, diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
• In terms of family budget, breastfeeding is cheaper since there is no need to buy formula. It also minimizes time and material costs.

The WHO and AAP encourage mothers to exclusively breastfeed their infants for the first six months of life and continue partial feeding until one year or longer as food introduction begins. Though the formula can be a safe alternative, it is the healthiest option for the baby and mother, with benefits for the baby’s entire life span.

Cancer Treatment Effects on Breastfeeding

Certain cancer cures can make their way into breast milk, posing major risks to a nursing infant. However, not all treatments automatically require full weaning. With guidance from doctors, some breastfeeding may still be possible even during treatment.

Chemotherapy

Many chemo agents have been detected in breast milk in small amounts. However, systemic absorption by the infant may be limited.

Older drugs like methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, and fluorouracil require avoiding breastfeeding due to high infant exposure. However, some common regimens, like anthracycline-based treatments, pose low risk while breastfeeding.

Case reports have found normal development in children breastfed during chemo, especially with agents like doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide. But the long-term impacts remain unknown, warranting caution.

Hormonal Therapies

Tamoxifen and other anti-estrogen drugs can pass into breast milk but have not been shown to cause problems. However, their unknown effects on infant development merit consideration.

Targeted Therapies

Modern targeted drugs like trastuzumab (Herceptin) and lapatinib (Tykerb) have uncertain breastmilk transfer and pediatric effects. However, early results suggest they may be safer options if breastfeeding is desired.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation is not excreted into breast milk. However, treatment to the chest can damage milk ducts, reducing milk production from that breast.

Surgery

Breast and nipple-sparing surgeries allow many women to breastfeed after cancer treatment involving one breast. However, options for feeding from the affected side may be limited.

Discussing the Options With Your Care Team

Given the uncertainties around cancer therapies and breastfeeding, open discussions with health providers are crucial. Topics to cover include:

• Your breast cancer subtype and stage – Early-stage, hormone-negative cancers may present fewer breastfeeding concerns. The advanced or hormone-positive disease requires more caution.
• Your treatment regimen – Understanding your particular drugs and dosing helps assess breastfeeding risks. Oncologists can identify the safest options.
• Monitoring needs – Pediatricians can advise on developmental monitoring and testing to catch any subtle effects on the infant. Frequent assessment is recommended.
• Pumping and dumping – Breast Milk could be pumped and discarded during periods right after chemotherapy infusion when drug levels peak. This may diminish exposure.
• Alternating feedings – Combining treated breastmilk with unaffected milk from the opposite breast or formula feeding may be reasonable options to balance benefits and risks.
• Early weaning risks – Stopping breastfeeding sooner than ideal could impact bonding and raise infection risks. But the child’s safety is paramount.

Breastfeeding is highly personal. Take time to consider your priorities in consultation with your care team. If risks outweigh benefits, excellent formula options exist.

Possible Feeding Options During Treatment

Depending on the treatment plan and physicians’ recommendations, here are some possible feeding options:

• Short-term interruption of breastfeeding during the most intensive treatment phases
• Pumping and dumping milk for a period after chemo infusion when drug levels crest
• Alternating breastfeeding from treated and untreated breasts with pumping sessions
• Combining treated breastmilk with increasing amounts of formula over time
• Exclusive formula feeding while continuing pumping to establish supply if desired for after-treatment
• Donor breast milk from certified milk banks if strong feelings about human milk use exist

Navigating conflicting emotions around breastfeeding and cancer treatment is challenging. Social supports like partners, family, friends, support groups, and counseling can help provide clarity.

Prioritizing Emotional Health

A choice to wean can stir up intense grief over lost bonding time. However, bottles and skin-to-skin contact still provide closeness. And once treatment ends, breastfeeding relationships can often be rebuilt.

Postpartum depression may also amplify angst over breastfeeding changes. The significant physical and emotional toll of simultaneous cancer treatment and new motherhood cannot be understated. Be gentle with yourself and seek mental health support from the doctors at the Best cancer hospital in India if needed.

Above all, remember that food is best. Your baby needs your love and presence far more than any milk. Focus on the joy of parenting and do not hesitate to supplement however needed – it’s the healthiest choice while you heal.

Take Things Day by Day

For women desiring to breastfeed through cancer treatment, open dialogue with care providers and lactation specialists is key. There are often ways to safely continue providing breast milk – whether solely from the untreated breast, in combination with formula, or fully after therapy.

Focus on each milestone at a time, stay closely monitored, and never be afraid to reassess if breastfeeding feels untenable. Making the most informed decision amid a cancer diagnosis empowers you to nurture your baby while caring for your own health safely.