When not to breastfeed Are there any situations when mothers should not breastfeed? There are some medical reasons why a mother should not breastfeed and these are listed below: In New Zealand a woman who is HIV positive is advised not to breastfeed as the HIV virus may pass through breastmilk to the baby. If a mother is taking antiretroviral medications breastfeeding is also contraindicated. The New Zealand Ministry of Health considers infant formula to be safer in these circumstances. Mothers who are undergoing chemotherapy treatment are advised not to breastfeed. Current thinking indicates that if a mother is breastfeeding, that after a chemotherapy cycle, the mother must not give the baby the breast or fresh expressed breast from her breasts for eleven days. Radiation therapy requires only a temporary interruption to breastfeeding. Untreated active tuberculosis. Breastfeeding may be contraindicated if the mother is using illicit drugs of addiction. Drugs can pass into breastmilk, particularly CNS depressants, which may dangerously sedate or cause respiratory depression in the neonate. Methadone passes into breast milk only in small amounts, and mothers should be encouraged to breastfeed where possible. More information is available in Practice Guidelines for Opioid Substitution Treatment in New Zealand 2008 Ministry of Health. Specialist services or obstetric services that are experienced in the care of women dependent on opioids can provide advice if required. See also: HIV positive Unable to breastfeed Back to the Question and answer index page Website feedback We welcome your feedback on this page.

Where to get help Midwives Healthline - 0800 611 116 Well Child La Leche League More information on these and other breastfeeding help providers...

Page last reviewed: 31 July 2008