Go to home page - Ministry of HealthWhats New - Ministry of HealthPublications - Ministry of HealthForums - Ministry of HealthLinks - Ministry of HealthContact - Ministry of HealthAbout - Ministry of HealthSearch - Ministry of HealthSkip Navigation
Print this  Email this
<h1>Breastfeeding - www.breastfeeding.org.nz</h1>

Unable to breastfeed


What if I can't breastfeed?


There are very few women who are unable to breastfeed but there are some conditions that make it harder to establish a full milk supply.

If mothers are unable to fully breastfeed then their baby will need an infant formula. If infant formula is needed, purchase a ‘from birth’ (stage one) formula which is whey protein dominant.

Below is a list of some reasons why a woman may have difficulties achieving a full lactation:

  • Breast surgery can result in a low milk supply. This may be either due to a breast reduction, breast implants or other kinds of breast surgery that could damage the nerve supply from the nipple/areola to the spinal nerves. Talk to a Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) midwife while pregnant or see a Lactation Consultant for a pre-birth consultation. View more information on the La Leche League International website - Breastfeeding after Breast Surgery.
  • Back surgery and back injuries may also cause problems for milk supply if nerve damage has occurred. Mothers with a history of back injury should ask for guidance.
  • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome – can be a factor in low milk supply. View more information on the Kellymom.com website - Breastfeeding and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
  • Other hormonal conditions - such as thyroid disease.
  • Retained placental fragments can be a reason for a short term delay in lactation. The placental fragment secretes a hormone that slows down the milk supply establishment. Mothers sometimes pass a clot with a tiny fragment of placenta inside as a result of the baby feeding frequently at the breast and the uterus contracting with the oxytocin response. Once the placental shred has left the uterus milk supply develops as per normal.
  • Babies who are diagnosed with galactosemia which is a rare genetic metabolic disorder are unable to be breastfed.
  • Babies who are unwell or born premature may have long periods of time before they can actually breastfeed but mothers can express breastmilk for their babies and then work towards establishing breastfeeding when the baby is developmentally ready and or recovered from illness.

    See the following article for more information: Breastfeeding.asn.au website -     Breastfeeding a premature baby

See also:
Website feedback
We welcome your feedback on this page.


Page last reviewed: 31 July 2008


Privacy | Copyright | Disclaimer | About Us | Access Keys | Feedback | Contact Us | Employment | newzealand.govt.nz