Breastfeeding contraindications

Contraindications to breastfeeding are those conditions that could compromise the health of the infant if breast milk from their mother is consumed.

Examples include galactosemia, untreated HIV, untreated active tuberculosis, Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 or II, uses illicit drugs, or mothers undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

[5] If a mother contains this virus and is not aware of it the spread to her infant can be at an all-time high of 25%.

[6] If a mother is binge drinking while breastfeeding there is a risk of slow weight gain for the infant.

[7] Alcohol interferes with the milk ejection reflex, which may ultimately reduce milk production through inadequate breast emptying.50 (III) Human milk alcohol levels generally parallel maternal blood alcohol levels, and studies evaluating infant effects of maternal alcohol consumption have been mostly mixed, with some mild effects seen in infant sleep patterns, amount of milk consumed during breastfeeding sessions, and early psychomotor development.