Breastfeeding After Breast Cancer
Considering Breastfeeding
Following the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, you might hope to grow your family and breastfeed. Current evidence shows that breastfeeding is safe and possible.
Learn How Different Treatments May Affect Breastfeeding:
Surgery or Radiation
Lumpectomy and Radiation
Past Cosmetic Breast or Nipple Surgery
What Survivors Say
Breastfeeding with Inherited Mutations in BRCA 1/BRCA 2 Genes
If you carry a BRCA mutation and are still hopeful to breastfeed, you may have additional questions, including the timing of bilateral mastectomy.
Some patients may choose to delay bilateral mastectomy to breastfeed. The risks and benefits of surgical decisions should be discussed with your medical and surgical oncology teams.
Updates From the Latest Research
Can I breastfeed after breast cancer?
Yes. If you’ve had early-stage treatment and still have breast tissue, breastfeeding is safe, even with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.
Will it raise my cancer risk?
No. Research has found no increase in recurrence or new cancers after breastfeeding in BRCA mutation carriers.
Does breastfeeding help protect me?
Yes. It may lower your risk of ovarian cancer in the long term.
Challenges and Successes of Breastfeeding
Breast cancer survivors often face unique breastfeeding challenges but many still find the experience rewarding.
What did a recent study show?
- Most young survivors who tried to breastfeed were able to and were satisfied
- 69% had undergone a lumpectomy and radiation
- Of those, 83% had no milk production from the treated breast
- 17% had reduced milk from the treated breast
- 65% reported feeling at least somewhat satisfied with their ability to breastfeed
- On average, participants breastfed for 6 months
Why did some stop breastfeeding?
Common reasons included:
- Infant dissatisfaction
- Starting or resuming hormone therapy
- Restarting screening tests like mammograms
- Latching difficulties
Overcoming Breastfeeding Challenges
While not always easy, there are ways to support milk supply and supplement feeding.
What strategies have helped new parents?
- Using a breast pump (on one or both breasts)
- Hand expression
- Engaging a lactation specialist
Other feeding options, when breastfeeding isn’t possible:
- Infant formula
- Pasteurized human donor milk [Visit Resources for more information]
What is triple feeding and how can it help?
Triple feeding is a method some parents use to increase milk supply. This approach can be time-intensive but helpful for some people. Here are the steps:
- Breastfeed
- Pump
- Feed again
Talk to Your Doctor or Other Healthcare Providers, Including a Lactation Specialist
You can access breastfeeding counseling and support before, during, or after pregnancy. These services can be tailored to your unique diagnosis and treatment plan. If breastfeeding feels difficult after breast cancer treatment, mental health care and social support (like talk therapy) can also be helpful.
