As we have commented on occasion, there are very few reasons that contraindicate breastfeedingThus, most moms can breastfeed their babies, thus offering them the best and most complete food; and incidentally contribute to reduce the impact (on the environment) derived from manufacturing processes, packaging, etc. Another thing is the individual decision, although sometimes the decision is not such since mothers are influenced by prejudices and Myths.
The point is that it is not always possible, and today we are going to focus on the medical aspects that discourage breastfeeding or pose some type of individualized assessment that highlights the benefits and risks, justifying the former based on the latter. One of the general guidelines from WHO is that whenever breastfeeding must be interrupted temporarily, it will be convenient for the mother to empty her breasts frequently, thus maintaining production. Next we are going to discover what are those medical causes that will interfere with breastfeeding.
It will be very important that health professionals who accompany pregnancy, childbirth and newborn care are well trained and know how to detect the justified reasons for not breastfeeding, encouraging mothers to breastfeed in all other cases. It has been said and repeated many times, and despite that the breastfeeding rates are improvable: the baby should be latched to the breast during first hour after delivery, ideally the duration of breastfeeding It will be of six months exclusively and a minimum of 2 years accompanying the complementary feeding.
Breastfeeding is very positive for the health of the baby and the mother, it favors the bond and it has other practical benefits such as that it is always available at the right temperature and without having to look for the container with which to administer it (because we have our boobs on). I would like to talk briefly about these advantages in the health of babies, and then detail those situations that justify the contraindication. It is a preventive factor in the development of infections of various systems, it is protective against some diseases such as diabetes or the obesity; and new mothers also notice positive effects such as the uterus returning to its pre-pregnancy size more quickly, it is associated with contraception, or the reduction of postpartum hemorrhages.
Problems that contraindicate breastfeeding.
Next we will talk about problems related to the baby and the mother:
Baby disorders.
- Classic galactosemia:
- Maple syrup urine disease sickness.
- Pheniceltonuria.
- Congenital primary lactase deficiency.
The affected babies sand fed lactose-free or soy-free formulas right out of the box; There are mild ways that allow partial breastfeeding.
It is a hereditary problem that prevents the breakdown of some parts of the proteins. Formula for these infants should be free of leucine, isoleucine, and pod.
It is hereditary and is based on the absence of an enzyme (phenylalanine hydroxylase) that the body uses to break down an amino acid found in proteins. Infants with phenyeltonuria require phenylalanine-free formula, and with rigorous monitoring they could receive some milk from the mother.
It is very rare, but in any case, those who suffer from it are not able to break down the sugar in dairy products (including breast milk).
Sometimes what is medically indicated is supplementation.
In the case of infants with very low birth weight (less than 1500 grams), born before the 32nd week of gestation, with risk of hypoglycemia due to metabolic adaptation, those who have suffered significant intrapartum hypoxia, of diabetic mothers, or others.
Maternal illnesses
HIV infection: transmission of human immunodeficiency virus through mother's milk is proven. But if substitution is not acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe (AFASS), something that often happens in developing countries, breastfeeding is better.
When it occurs, it is best to temporarily avoid breastfeeding
This is the case of some medications as sedative psychotropics, opioids and derivatives and antiepileptics; radioactive iodine 131, cytotoxic chemotherapy, iodine, or topical iodophors (povidone iodine). And two diseases that are septicemia (or if it is the case, another serious disease that can make it difficult to care for the baby), and Herpes simplex type 1 (as long as the active lesion is not treated and cured, the baby's mouth cannot touch the chest).
Breastfeeding is not contraindicated in case of:
There are a number of diseases or conditions that will not actually interfere with breastfeeding, and therefore are not medically contraindicated. They are as follows:
- Common infections.
- Type A and B hepatitis.
- Salmonellosis, malaria, rubella, and mumps.
- Mellitus diabetes.
- Environmental pollutants.
- Silicone implants.
- Flat or inverted nipple.
They are usually common illnesses such as diarrhea or the flu; There is no reason to stop breastfeeding, and the antibodies that the mother's body makes are also transmitted to the baby.
The first because its transmission is fecal / oral, and the second because the risk of transmission is very low; In addition, there is the possibility of administering anti-Hepatitis B immoglobulin and the vaccine, before 24 hours of life are completed.
Only in the last two cases has the virus been isolated from breast milk, however transmission by this route is rare and the antibodies generated improve evolution.
The benefits outweigh the risks and also the presence in artificial milk is usually higher.
Lactation can be established and maintained without problems.
Here we were already talking about it: with good advice and a lot of patience you can also breastfeed in these cases.
Diseases that should not contraindicate although they can be important health problems.
Breast abscesses, mastitis, hepatitis C, tuberculosis and abuse of stimulant substances (such as ecstasy) or depressants (such as benzodiazepines or cannabis); in general they would have a negative impact on the baby, that is why mothers should receive all the support to give up consumption and detoxify.
Remember that when you need advice, you should always look for those people who give you support and who offer you proven and reliable information; if you have doubts, you will have to find more than one opinion. And remember that nobody has the absolute truth, and that sometimes it is advisable to go to lactation groups, where in addition to finding lactation consultant mothers, you will feel surrounded by other women who also have concerns and need to share their experiences.
Via - WHO