Breastfeeding contraindications
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Contraindications to breastfeeding are those conditions that could compromise the health of the infant if breast milk from their mother is consumed. Examples include galactosemia, untreated HIV, untreated active tuberculosis, Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 or II, uses illicit drugs, or mothers undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment.[1][2]
Breastfeeding contraindication are situations where the mother has conditions such as an addiction or disease that would make it harmful to the baby, should the baby be breastfed. Breast milk contains many nutrients that formulas in store shelves do not have which makes breast feeding a healthier and ideal way to feed an infant.[3]
Antenatal contraindications:[3]
- Congenital diaphragmatic hernia
- Oesophageal atresia/tracheo-oesophageal fistula
- Intestinal obstruction
- Imperforate anus
- Gastroschisis/omphalocele
- Most Important – Galactosemia
Maternal contraindications:
- Mother on chemotherapy or recent/current use of radioactive agents[3]
- Mother with human T-cell lymphotrophic viral infection, untreated brucellosis[3]
- Mother having untreated (not yet sputum negative) open tuberculosis (but is still expressing breast milk and can feed)[3]
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Drug addiction
- Mother with suspected or untreated HIV.[4]
- Most Important – Galactosemia
