can we breastfeed after a mastectomy?

In France, breast cancer affects more than 50,000 women each year and represents 33% of cases of female cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. The disease forces some women to have a mastectomy, which is a complete removal of the breast in which the tumor is located, including the areola and the nipple. This is often the case when the tumor is too large to allow breast-conserving surgery or several tumors are present in the same breast.

Although breast reconstruction is possible in the years that follow, this medical intervention is often difficult for women to experience, as it affects their body image. Some, who have not yet realized their maternity plan or who wish to become mothers again, also wonder if they will be able to breastfeed their babies. And if this operation did not harm the nourishing function of their breasts. Véronique Darmangeat, lactation consultant and founder of breastfeeding center eponymous, answers their questions.

Breastfeeding after a mastectomy

In the case of a double mastectomy, that is to say, the total removal of both breasts, breastfeeding will be impossible. On the other hand, “after a unilateral and total mastectomy, it is quite possible to breastfeed with the other breast”, reassures the expert.

However, this must be done after chemotherapy treatment, during which breastfeeding is prohibited. It is indeed an aggressive treatment containing toxic substances and which can endanger the child. The same goes for treatment with hormone therapy. On the other hand, as specified Henri Hartmann Breast Institute, in the case of external beam radiation therapy without additional drug therapy, breastfeeding her baby may be “considered safe”. Do not hesitate to ask your medical team for more information.

Note that between 300 and 500 women per year are affected by breast cancer during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. In this context, health professionals may advise against or even prohibit the mother (or future mother) from breastfeeding, because of drug treatments.

What about conservative surgery?

Breastfeeding in case of conservative surgery is also possible. But according to Véronique Darmangeat, “it all depends on how the surgery was done and the tissues that were removed”. She explains: “If the incision was made far from the areola and little tissue was removed, there is a good prognosis for possible breastfeeding with this breast. If the incision was made along the areola, milk ducts and / or nerves may have been affected, and this may interfere with the initiation of breastfeeding. If a lot of mammary gland has been removed, there may be a lack of milk. It is therefore case by case and breastfeeding must be tested and observed. “

Also, if there are recent scars near the areola, breastfeeding with that breast can be painful. The specialist adds: “If the nipple and areola were not affected, the latch is the same for the baby. But if there is a lactation failure, the baby may be frustrated at the breast if he does not get the desired amount of milk. “

Does milk production change?

If the new mother has undergone conservative surgery and the mammary gland has been removed, “this will affect the amount of milk produced,” warns the lactation consultant. In some cases, however, the rest of the mammary gland can compensate. “And anyway, the unaffected breast can breastfeed normally,” she reassures.

During radiotherapy treatment, milk production can be reduced or even prevented, also specifies the Henri Hartmann Breast Institute. However, this is not a general truth: every body and every cancer is different. However, it is important to note that there may be some difficulty in breastfeeding.

Can we breastfeed after breast reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction after breast cancer and conservative surgery does not normally prevent breastfeeding. Once again, it all depends on the operation, as our expert indicates: “The prostheses in themselves are not a problem for breastfeeding, but you have to look at the way the breast was operated, how the prosthesis has been inserted and if any milk ducts or nerves have been affected. “

Breastfeeding after breast cancer: what are the risks?

Once complete remission and the treatments are over, “breastfeeding after breast cancer presents no risk for the mother and the baby”, according to Véronique Darmangeat. The benefits will be the same for all mothers and babies.

However, in women at high risk of recurrence, breastfeeding is not recommended, as this could complicate post-cancer surveillance (especially due to changes in breast tissue, informs the Henri Hartmann Breast Institute. ).
In any case, do not hesitate to seek advice from health professionals and lactation consultants, so that this breastfeeding goes smoothly and without fear.

Journalist specializing in parenthood, Elise writes for aufeminin and Parole de mamans. She is also very involved in the fight for women’s rights. If you only have to remember …