Diagnosed While Breastfeeding: Now What?
The months after having a baby are often filled with physical changes, sleepless nights, new routines, and emotions that can shift from one moment to the next. Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis during this already tender time can feel especially overwhelming.
You may be trying to understand what your diagnosis means while caring for your baby, and if you're breastfeeding, wondering how treatment might affect that too. It can be a lot to process at once. Give yourself permission to feel shocked, frightened, angry, or anything else that comes up. There is no right way to respond to news that suddenly changes the future you had pictured.
Although a diagnosis can feel all-consuming, you are still more than a diagnosis. You are a mother, a partner, a friend, and a whole person deserving of care and support.
During your next visit, ensure every member of your care team knows you are breastfeeding, including your breast specialist, oncologist, surgeon, radiologist, and any other providers involved in your care. It is also important to share your baby’s age, how frequently you nurse or pump, and whether your baby also receives formula or other foods.
Some medications and treatments may be compatible with breastfeeding, while others may require you to pause or stop. These decisions depend on your diagnosis, treatment plan, medications, and your baby’s needs. Your providers can explain the safest options and help you understand what each one may mean for you and your baby.
If you decide that continuing to breastfeed is important to you, let us know. It may not always be possible, but your care team should understand your wishes and will include them in the conversation whenever it is medically safe to do so.
Breast changes are common while breastfeeding, which can sometimes make it difficult to know what is normal. Lumps, tenderness, and changes in breast shape may have harmless explanations, but a new or persistent change should always be evaluated.
Breast ultrasounds, mammograms, and biopsies can generally be performed while you are breastfeeding. Your care team may recommend that you nurse or pump shortly before breast imaging to reduce the amount of milk in the breast and make the experience more comfortable.
Needing additional testing does not mean you must stop breastfeeding immediately. Let our imaging team know that you are nursing and ask whether there are any instructions you should follow before or after your appointment. Most importantly, do not delay recommended testing out of concern that it may interfere with breastfeeding. Getting clear answers allows you and your providers to make informed decisions about what comes next. If you have any questions about breastfeeding during treatment or how breastfeeding affects your breast health, our team at NY Breast Health is here to help. Call us at (516) 676-7676 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.