After surviving breast cancer, if a woman is able to become pregnant and give birth, she may wonder if breastfeeding is possible. There are obviously certain circumstances that make this impossible, however for some women breastfeeding is not out of the question. After surviving breast cancer there are a few things to keep in mind before making the decision.
- Be patient with yourself — Breastfeeding can be a challenge for any woman let alone a cancer survivor. Know going into the process that you may have more obstacles to overcome. Your breasts are like any other part of your body. If they’ve undergone a great deal of stress they’ll need some recovery time before they can begin to function normally.
- You may only be able to feed from one breast — If the damage to the affected breast is too severe breastfeeding from that breast may not be possible.
- Try not to get too discouraged — This can lead to stress which can have an adverse affect on milk production as well as your baby’s mood. You’ve been through a lot and you’ve come out on the other end fighting. Don’t let a little breastfeeding setback get you down. If you can survive breast cancer you can do anything.
- Review your breast function — Screening methods like thermography are a great way for you to consult with your doctor to review your breast health and its function and to know if you’re ready to breast feed.
Always talk with your physician before making the decision to breast feed after surviving breast cancer. Your doctor can advise on the best diet, methods and tricks that lead to success.
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