I worked with a mother under going chemo.  There were several issues
involved.  One was the mother's health VS the baby's health and
another was the mother's emotional needs- which are very important to
her health and well being.  The mother I worked with was told by every
health care professional that bf wasn't as important as her health.
This mother didn't believe that.  She felt that if she was going to
die, this was the most important gift she could leave her daughter.
There are many emotions involved in making the decision to breastfeed
when faced with such incredible health issues.  This mother decided
that she would breastfeed.  She had to pump and dump her milk for
varying amounts of time, but the baby continued to return to the
breast.  They continued this well into the first year.  This mother
explained to me how she felt about being a mother and possibly dying
and how important it was for her to do this one thing- breastfeed.
She suffered from fatigue and it was not easy, but I believe
breastfeeding for her made the day brighter and gave her something to
fight for. I feel it is extremely important to support a client with
such incredible circumstances to do what they feel will be best for
them and their baby.  Let them know what challenges they face which
would include all the challenges of fighting the disease, caring for a
baby, the possibility that the baby will not return to the breast
after interruption and let them know they can change their mind at
anytime.

Heidi C. Lunn,M.S., I.B.C.L.C.
Miami Dade WIC