postpartum
‘ Breast is best’, isn’ t that what we’ re told? So what happens when you have a chronic disease? Is the breast best?
Breast-feeding is often painted as the most natural thing in the world, but for parents living with chronic medical conditions, it can feel anything but simple. However, a diagnosis doesn’ t automatically put an end to your breastfeeding journey.
“ The good news is, most common medical conditions are compatible with successful breast-feeding,” says Dr Hennie
Liebenberg, a paediatrician practising at Mediclinic Louis Leipoldt Hospital. In fact, breast-feeding is often more beneficial for the mom and could also prevent those illnesses from developing in the baby.“ But they may affect milk production, feeding management, or maternal and infant monitoring,” adds Dr Liebenberg.
Let’ s take a deep dive into how chronic illnesses can affect your breast-feeding.
36 www. babysandbeyond. co. za