Is Breastfeeding Safe After Treatment for Breast Cancer?

The nonprofit organization, breastcancer.org, recently posted its protocol on whether or not it is safe to breastfeed a baby if you have or have had breast cancer. The general answer is that it is safe, unless you are currently being treated with chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. If you have not had a mastectomy, breastfeeding is absolutely possible and very safe. Here are the highlights:

If you become pregnant after treatment with lumpectomy and radiation:

• The untreated breast will most probably become bigger than the treated breast and will typically make enough milk to sustain the baby.
• Radiation may cause the breast to produce very little, if any, milk.

If you're nursing your infant and you're advised to start chemotherapy: You must stop nursing before you begin chemo. The treatment medications will be present in your milk.

If you're unable to breastfeed but want to capture the experience:

• Try using a supplemental nursing system.
• Cuddle and bottle feed your baby. The closeness will be very comforting to both of you.