Is it safe to breastfeed after breast cancer?

Question

I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 23 in 2001, I received a lumpectomy and then chemo and radiation in 2002. Things have been fine since then, I’m in remission. Now I’m pregnant for the first time, I’m 29 years old, and I’d like to breast feed my child but I’m wondering if it is safe to do that after everything my breasts have been through. Does anyone have any experience with this?

Answer 1

Congrats!

Yes it is possible to breastfeed after chemo therapy, particularly after this length of time. Radiation treatment may reduce the ability to produce milk in the breast it was used on. Most breastfeeding moms can make more than enough milk with one breast. Chemo and lumpectomies (unless under the nipple) generally do not effect the ability to make milk. Also remember breastfeeding may help protect your daughter's from breast cancer. And may protect you as well.

If you are still using *ANY* medications the best reference is Motherisk.org if you use a 10-10 plan the call will cost less than $2.

Motherisk's Home Line - [phone] - for information about the risk or safety of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, herbal products, chemicals, x-rays, chronic disease and infections during pregnancy. [This is a toll call to our call centre. Callers may have to wait up to 10 minutes to speak to a counsellor.]

These Helplines are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.

This is another excellent resource for breastfeeding moms (I've linked to the medication safety pages):
http://www.kellymom.com/health/meds/index.html
http://www.kellymom.com/health/meds/aap-approved-meds.html

Also join you may find some resources at BFAR http://www.bfar.org (Breastfeeding after reductions and nipple surgeries)

And join your local La Leche League for support:
http://www.llli.org

Breastfeeding after breast cancer:
http://www.netscape.com/viewstory/2006/10/26/breastfeeding-after-breast-cancer-treatment/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbreastfeeding123.com%2Fbreastfeeding-after-breast-cancer-treatment%2F&frame=true

"The answer is yes, as long as you are not still being treated with chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. If you still have a breast, breastfeeding is possible—and safe—after breast cancer."
http://www.breastcancer.org/breastfeeding_safe.html

Answer 2

I don't have any personal experience... as I have never had breast cancer, but I know a lot about chemo and radiation, and cancer in general..( my son and husband both have battled cancer). I would tell you that as long as you have a lumpectomy and not a mascetomy that is a good place to start. Next I would say if your breast produce milk to feed your baby then go for it. There are no studies that show a baby being affected by chemo and radiation taken by the the mother previous to conception.. I suggest asking your doctor to make sure.. But I would say if you want to do it, your breast want to do it, and your baby agrees... go for it.. After all that is why god blessed us with breast .. Good luck!

Answer 3

Although I don't have personal experience with breast cancer, I was able to find a few links that might help you out (see below). Usually, you can breastfeed after breast cancer as long as you are not still receiving any radiation treatments.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Yes it's totally safe .I'm a doctor from india.If the local condition of breast is good ,no problem

Answer 5

I think that's only a question your DR can answer and truly tell you if its safe or not. If your still producing breast milk, I would assume it's safe, but you need to talk to your doctor on that one

Answer 6

properly i could certainly could desire to assert you may desire to ask your well being practitioner approximately it, they could could desire to do some sorting out on you to analyze, so for the reason which you be responsive to you're pregant, then why don't you ask your well being practitioner once you bypass and spot him.

Answer 7

Yes, you're fine.