There are an estimated 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States, and with October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s an important time to reflect on the ways that breast cancer may impact motherhood. While breast cancer is more commonly diagnosed in females 40 years or older, there are still thousands of cases every year for women in their 20s and 30s, many of whom look forward to being mothers later in life. After experiencing treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, many questions remain regarding whether or not these women will be able to breastfeed their children. But breastfeeding after breast cancer is possible.
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For those currently in treatment and considering breastfeeding at the moment, consult your doctor and oncology team. The treatments for breast cancer most commonly include, but are not limited to, chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Some of the side effects of these treatments include a decreased milk supply as well as physical changes to the breast, which can hinder breastfeeding.
Some of the physical changes to the breast post-treatment can make breastfeeding painful for the mother, or difficult for the baby to latch. However, it’s important to listen to your own body, in addition to taking it slow and not forcing it. If it becomes too painful, or your baby cannot seem to latch, it’s OK to take breaks and pause. You can always supplement your baby’s diet with formula and donated breast milk.
When it comes to breastfeeding, there is a correlation between supply and demand. So typically, the more you breastfeed, the more milk your body will start to produce. Similarly, if you are not breastfeeding as often, your body may slow milk production in response. This rings true for cancer survivors, even if your milk supply already decreased because of treatment.
In order to keep your body producing the milk supply you want, consider pumping regularly to keep up production. There are a variety of electric, wired breast pumps on the market in addition to hands-free, portable breast pumps. With the various options, you can pump as you please and store milk for later use. If you are worried about the price of a breast pump, or multiple ones, keep in mind that most health insurance will help with the cost of breast pumps.
Even for new mothers who are not cancer survivors, breastfeeding can be very difficult and require extra help from a lactation consultant or breastfeeding medicine specialist. No matter your situation, don’t forget to check in on your own postpartum mental health, as it can be heavily influenced by your breastfeeding journey, for better or for worse.
When successfully breastfeeding, the hormone oxytocin is released, leading to a stronger bond felt by the mother toward the child, and it can be a beautiful thing. However, at the end of the day, as long as your baby has a full belly of breast milk, formula, or both, you’ve fulfilled the responsibility of nourishing your child.
