Contraindications to breast feeding

There are very few contraindications to breast feeding.

Below is the short list:

Neonatal galactosemia

Maternal HIV infection

Maternal HTLV-1 infection

Maternal drug abuse

Some maternal medications (chemotherapy, radiopharmaceuticals, etc.)

There are a few maternal infections which transiently contraindicate breastfeeding.

Active maternal tuberculosis, requiring separation of the mother and infant

Active herpetic lesion of the breast

Primary maternal varicella immediately peripartum

A complete list of the medications and drugs of abuse which contraindicate breast feeding are published in the September 2001 issue of Pediatrics.

The lactation consultants are also available to answer questions regarding concerns about breast-feeding.

References:

American Academy of Pediatrics. Transfer of drugs and other chemical into human milk. Pediatrics 2001; 108: 776-89.

Howard CR, Lawrence RA. Drugs and breastfeeding. Clin Perinatol 1999; 26 (2): 447-

Lawrence RA, Howard CR. Given the benefits of breastfeeding, are there any contraindications? Clin Perinatol 1999; 26 (2): 479-490.

Briggs GG, Freeman RK, Yaffe SJ. Drugs in Pregnancy & Lactation: A Reference Guide to Fetal & Neonatal Risk. Williams & Wilkins, 2001.

Discussed at Collaborative Pathways meeting 10/24/01.