Breastfeeding After Cancer

Hi Gang!

Today’s blog is inspired by a conversation I had last month with a friend of mine over tea and biscuits. As we spent time catching up, she started to tentatively ask about my breast cancer journey as a new mum; what it was like in the hospital, and what it had meant for my career - the normal questions I tend to be asked. However, by the end of our time together we had created a space for her to ask all the silly questions about having breast cancer whilst having a newborn! It was especially good to chat it all through with her as she hasn’t had cancer, and she doesn’t have children, she just wanted to help other women around her and support them more, as well as understand my work on a deeper level as a doula who has had both. We talked breastfeeding after cancer, boobs, and bras, and so I thought I would share some of the  top silly questions about breast cancer and being a new mum with you here! I hope you enjoy the read and find the links helpful. 

• Can Chemotherapy affect breastfeeding? 

Sometimes! It all depends on timings. If you had chemo before pregnancy and your body has had time to recover, it can be possible. Some drugs, surgery and radiotherapy can affect milk production, depending on whereabouts the affected area was on the breast, lymph areas or chest. If you are currently having treatment, it is generally not recommended, as many chemo drugs can pass into the milk. As everyone’s treatment and cancer diagnosis is personal, the best thing you can do is discuss your options with your oncology team, alongside a lactation consultant or infant feeding specialist or breast cancer nurse. 

There can also be a stigma attached to this question too. On a slightly deeper level it is often the case that new Mummas who cannot breastfeed feel as if they have fundamentally failed at the first step. I want to take this moment to let you know that this is not true at all - you are doing amazingly well! But it is always worth talking to someone, aside from your oncology and medical team, to get a more supportive and different perspective on this area so that you can feel strong in your body, and in your journey into motherhood. Doula support during this time is an anchor, as we can come alongside you, listen, support, and help you through.

• I only have one boob that hasn’t been affected by breast cancer, so will I be lopsided if the other boob doesn’t grow during pregnancy? 

 The affected breast may not grow as much during pregnancy, but again, it will depend on the type of surgery and treatment received. For some, the difference can be barely noticeable but for others it might be significant. There are a lot of practical ways to help, including breast prostheses and soft inserts (like I used and my breast cancer nurse supported me with this). They can be popped into bras and some makes and models even have specific pockets for them on the inside which are great as the prostheses then don't move around too much! Being lopsided is something us mums may have to navigate regardless of surgery so again, speak to your oncology team. 

• What if my body doesn’t work the way I hoped it would and I can’t feed my baby with breast milk? 

 Scars, surgery, drugs, fertility, feeding and body confidence can all play a slightly bigger part in becoming a mother, however, there is more support than ever in this area nowadays. If breast milk is important to you and you can’t breastfeed, there is a Facebook group called Human Milk 4 Human Babies UK, a large peer to peer milk sharing community that some of my clients have used successfully with some lovely heartwarming stories. It operates on a donation basis rather than buying and selling milk. There is also donor milk through hospitals and milk banks, as well as combination feeding and decent formulas. Your antenatal team should be able to refer you to breastfeeding specialists and lactation consultants, and it is always worth researching local feeding drop ins as many doulas, peer supporters and feeding specialists will be ready to help too. 

On other levels, it is ok to grieve the body you had before breast cancer treatment, surgery, medication, intervention, and what you have felt change within you; we hold that space whilst celebrating what your body has done, is doing, and can still do. 

• How will I manage if I need treatment again? 

 No one wants to think about this however, it is a real thought and fear for many women recovering from childbirth after a diagnosis, or during one. Having practical plans, a solid support team, a trustworthy medical team and friends and family around, is important. 

This is where doula support can also come into its own as impartial and non judgmental support for whatever you need, when you need it. There are also many charities that can be incredibly helpful such as Mummy Star, Future Dreams, Home Start, Maggie’s and Macmillan. There are also two incredible charities available to help support children with a parent's cancer; Fruitfly Collective and Winston's Wish.

• What can I do to help my physical healing if I have a C section as well as recent breast surgery? 

There are so many things we can do to help our healing! But it is so important to remember that recovering from breast cancer and having a baby are not that different. Healing takes time and we need to nurture our recovery. Staying hydrated, eating well and getting a little movement are obviously key. However adding functional help is important, like feeding positions, massage around any surgery sites, gentle stretching, and fresh air. A team behind you to help with heavy chores and logistics is so important too, so always ask for help even when this seems really tricky when you are either a single mum, or family is far away; doulas and healthy friendship circles are especially vital at  this time for you.

• Can pregnancy make the cancer come back, or put me at higher risk? 

One of the most common fears is that pregnancy might somehow ‘wake up’ cancer cells or increase the risk of reoccurrence. The good news is that current research suggests pregnancy after breast cancer is generally safe for many women and does not appear to increase the risk of the cancer returning. Everyone’s situation is unique though so it is important to talk to your oncology team, before trying for a baby. 

• Is there any specialist support or community for new mums affected by cancer? 

There are a growing number of organisations, communities and professionals who understand the unique challenges of navigating pregnancy, birth and early motherhood after cancer. Many may find comfort in connecting with others who have faced similar experiences, especially around fertility, treatment, feeding following surgery and parenting post a diagnosis or while managing ongoing treatment. As well as cancer charities and support groups, some postnatal doulas, counsellors, breastfeeding supporters and maternity professionals have specific experience supporting families affected by cancer. You don’t have to do any of this alone and the doula community can signpost to other specific communities. Use us! 

Let's Connect! Email me here xx

Until next time, remember…

Once your doula, always your doula! 

Love,

Sam xx