When should one discourage breast-feeding
Berger, L.R.
Pediatrics 67(2): 300-302
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-4005 PMID: 7243458 Document Number: 181671
Despite the known psychosocial and nutritional advantages of breast feeding, circumstances may occur which represent medical contraindications to breast feeding. Galactosemia, phenylketonuria, premature birth, or serious illness in the infant are occasions in which mothers should not expect to be able to provide the total nutrient needs of their infants. Physical illness and/or infection in the mother may also preclude nursing, although breast cancer history or psychiatric disorders should not. When mothers require drug therapy, dosages should be evaluated and infants should be monitored for adverse effects; however, potential drug toxicity should not necessarily be used to discourage breast feeding. Similarly, a risk-benefit approach should be considered in making recommendations concerning potentially toxic environmental contaminants (e.g., PCBs) in breast milk. The physician's role in helping mothers decide how to feed their infants is to provide accurate information, to explore parents' attitudes and knowledge of infant feeding practices, and to support parents' choice of feeding method.