When Breastfeeding is not Advisable

There are certain cases where it is not advisable to breastfeed the baby. When mother is unwell or sick, she can breastfeed the baby but there are some exception. A mother should breastfeed her baby, if she is on certain medications, only after doctors consultation. Read on for some tips.Although, breastfeeding is the best feeding sometimes it may not be suitable. Breastfeeding a baby while coping with certain medical conditions or being in a particular state of health can be risky. During such conditions even feeding expressed milk is not advisable. Discussed below are the conditions when breastfeeding is not allowed. In this articleWhen a mother should not be allowed to breastfeed her baby?Can a mother continue breastfeeding if she has illness like cough, cold or fever?When should breastfeeding be strictly avoided?If the mother becomes pregnant again, should she stop breastfeeding?Can a mother coping with diabetes breastfeed her baby?Which are the other diseases that restrict breastfeeding?Which are some exceptional cases due which breastfeeding are not advisable?When a mother should not be allowed to breastfeed her baby?Breastfeeding is not an option if the mother has cancer and is being treated with radioactive compounds and anti-cancer drugs. It may also not be possible if the mother has been hospitalized due to a serious illness.Can a mother continue breastfeeding if she has illness like cough, cold or fever?However, a mother can continue breastfeeding her baby even if she has common infections like cough, cold or fever. When she is unwell, a mother can feed her baby while lying down. It is mandatory to confirm with a doctor if it will be safe to breastfeed a baby while coping with such illnesses.When should breastfeeding be strictly avoided?A mother should strictly avoid breastfeeding her baby if she is coping with following medical conditions.She has acquired HIV (Human Immune Deficiency) virusShe is undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapyShe is addicted to illicit drugsShe is coping with tuberculosisShe has acquired T-cell lymphotropic virusShe is taking antiretroviral medicinesIf the mother becomes pregnant again, should she stop breastfeeding?No. There is no harm in breastfeeding a baby when the mother is menstruating or if she is halfway through another pregnancy. If the mother is eating well, she can breastfeed throughout her pregnancy. However, it is extremely important that she take calcium and iron supplements, because she is now meeting the nutritional requirements of three people - her baby, her unborn baby, and herself.Can a mother coping with diabetes breastfeed her baby?Yes, a mother coping with diabetes can breastfeed her baby. In fact if a diabetic mother breastfeeds her baby, the risk of diabetes getting developed in the baby is reduced. Other than that there are other benefits of breastfeeding which diabetic mothers can enjoy. Baby’s blood sugar levels are stabilized with the help of colostrum. It is also helpful for mother to get back in pre-pregnancy shape. Through breastfeeding the body’s metabolism to use insulin is improved and thus the need for insulin is reduced. It also helps to reduce physical stress and tension in mothers which are mainly responsible for diabetes. But it is better for diabetic mothers to consult a doctor on this issue.Which are the other diseases that restrict breastfeeding?If the mother is infected with the following diseases, she must avoid breastfeeding her baby.MalariaJaundiceToxoplasmosisInfluenzaHepatitis B and CAnthraxWest Nile VirusOther food-borne and water-borne diseasesWhich are some exceptional cases due which breastfeeding are not advisable?There are some exceptional cases due to which breastfeeding may not be possible. If mother has undergone breast augmentation surgery she may not be able to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is also not possible if mother is exposed to environmental toxins. It can also prove risky to breastfeed if mother is using tobacco.If you are coping with any medical condition or problem you must definitely talk your doctor to know if you can breastfeed or not. You should also confirm with your doctor if it is safe to breastfeed if you are taking any medications, hormones or contraceptives.