Every pregnant woman looks forward to the time she’ll eventually get to hold her baby in her arms and nurse the little one. This is one of the many reasons most pregnant women attend those ante-natal sessions and learn latching techniques. However, there may be times when a woman may not be able to breastfeed after all. It could be due to various biological, physical, or life-style driven reasons. While not being able to breastfeed is in no way a measure of a woman’s mothering skills, it may be a bit disappointing for a new mom. Therefore, it helps to know in advance if a certain condition will affect your chances of breastfeeding. Here are a few such instances where a soon-to-be mom might not be able to breastfeed:
1. History Of Enhancements
If you’ve had a breast enhancement procedure done in the past, it may affect your breastfeeding ability. Because breast enhancements, including surgical procedures like lifting and reduction, require incisions through the breast tissues which may cut through the muscles and nerves responsible for lactation.
2. Insufficient Glandular Tissues
If you’ve had a breast enhancement procedure done in the past, it may affect your breastfeeding ability. Because breast enhancements, including surgical procedures like lifting and reduction, require incisions through the breast tissues which may cut through the muscles and nerves responsible for lactation.
2. Insufficient Glandular Tissues
At times, when a woman is pregnant with twins, triplets, or more, she may find it difficult to breastfeed. This doesn’t mean that she will not lactate. It is just the sheer number of mouths to feed that she might not be able to keep up with.
4. Chemotherapy
A chemotherapy or radiation treatment works by destroying cancer cells. In the process, such treatments may also destroy some good cells. Not all women who undergo chemotherapy are unsuccessful in breastfeeding; however, a majority of them do end up on the other side of the fence.
5. Lack Of Social Support
Breastfeeding journey isn’t easy, especially during the initial phase. This is why new mothers need a lot of encouragement and support. Unfortunately, most postpartum women, especially the working moms, do not get that kind of support, making them turn to formula milk as the last resort.
6. Postpartum Depression
There are a few studies that suggest that breastfeeding might have a few psychological benefits for the mother. Yet, there is an equal number of studies pointing out that postpartum depression may lead to early cessation of breastfeeding. Whatever may be the case, postpartum depression does hinder with a woman’s ability to breastfeed.
7. Thyroid Imbalance
Hormonal imbalances are common during and after pregnancy. However, thyroid hormones are necessary for normal growth and function of the human body, including the production of breast milk. Therefore, if a new mother has low levels of thyroid, also called hypothyroidism, she may be unable to produce sufficient milk to breastfeed.
8. Violent Past History
Sometimes, a new mother will be put on medications due to a complicated surgery or previous illnesses like anti-depressants for depression, etc. We all know that whatever a mother eats directly affects the quality of her milk. Thus, a new mother on such a serious course of medications as part of her treatment is generally advised to refrain from breastfeeding her baby.
You may or may not be able to breastfeed your baby due to these conditions, or other such similar health issues. However, this does not take away from the fact that you’ve been through a long and tedious journey to arrive where you are now. So, don’t worry too much if you are unable to breastfeed. Just cherish your motherhood because your love and care are enough for your baby to last a lifetime!
