When Breastfeeding Is Impossible? (Health conditions, medications and more)

Breastfeeding is the most natural process that helps your child to become healthier and grow better. Unfortunately, sometimes a mother can do more harm breastfeeding her child than good. That is why you should know the situations when you should stop nursing your baby. Among the problems that can prevent a mother from breastfeeding are some diseases, medications and therapies. 

When You Should Stop Breastfeeding

Experts say that the reasons for quitting breastfeeding are:

• An active form of tuberculosis in a mother;
• The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in a breastfeeding woman;
• The human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I or type II;
• Antiretroviral medications taken by a woman;
• If a woman takes illicit substances;
• Cancer chemotherapy agents that influence DNA and cell structure;
• Radiation treatment.

Some of these reasons are temporary and allow you to continue breastfeeding after the undesired condition is eliminated. 

Diseases That Influence Breastfeeding:

• Thyroid diseases and some gastrointestinal issues. These diseases usually involve a problem of weight loss. Having such issues, a woman is advised to stabilize her caloric intake and watch her diet to continue breastfeeding. 
• Diabetes may be a reason to pause breastfeeding as this disease is connected with drop in blood sugar. A mother should stick to a particular diet to have her sugar level stable. 
• If a woman has had a breast surgery it may be a reason to refuse from breastfeeding. 
• In case a mother has chemical dependency she will be more likely recommended to stop breastfeeding. 
•  Galactosaemia in newborns is another reason not to breastfeed. Having this disease, the child cannot digest some particular substances contained in breast milk. 

Medications That Prevent a Mother from Breastfeeding:

• Medications taken for chemotherapy;
• Medications for HIV or AIDS treatment;
• Medications for stabilization of mental activity, including medications for reduction of anxiety, fear, distraction, fatigue;
• Contraceptive pills.

You should consider all these aspects when deciding whether to breastfeed your little one or not. Anyway, before making any decisions about breastfeeding, a doctor’s visit is a must.