Is Breastfeeding Safe After Breast Cancer Treatment?

The questions don't stop once you've successfully conceived and given birth. One important question is: Can I safely breastfeed my baby?

The answer is yes, as long as you are not still being treated with chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. If you still have a breast, breastfeeding is possible—and safe—after breast cancer.

If you become pregnant after treatment with lumpectomy and radiation:

• Your untreated breast will probably get significantly bigger during the pregnancy than your treated breast. After breastfeeding ends, the breast usually gets back to its pre-pregnancy size. But in some women, it may remain somewhat larger.
• If you had radiation to one breast, it is not likely to produce very much milk, if any.
• Your untreated breast can usually make enough milk to feed a baby. There won't be any harmful elements present in the milk.

If you're nursing your infant and you're advised to start chemotherapy:

Stop nursing before you start the chemo. The treatment drugs are likely to come through in your breast milk.

If you're unable to breastfeed but want to capture the experience:

• Try using a breastfeeding simulator — a milk reservoir that empties through a small tube positioned on your nipple. The baby sucks both the tube end and your nipple, at the same time.
• Many non-breastfeeding adoptive and biological mothers lovingly cuddle and bottle-feed their children. The intimate contact when you feed your child — no matter what method — is comforting and meaningful with or without a breast.