Breastfeeding and the Ill Mother

There are times where the mother may be too ill to breastfeed and interventions will be put into place to allow the child access to breast milk. Breastmilk banks can be utilized or breast pumps - these options are further discussed on "The Ill Infant" page. 

• Depending on the mother’s medical condition, the infant should be admitted with her to allow the mother to breastfeed

• If the mother is very ill and lactation is not a plausible option, relactation can be initiated when the mother’s health has improved.

• Relactation – this is the establishment of breastfeeding after a period of little or no breastfeeding

• When a mother is ill and is unable to breastfeed, it is important to know that re-establishing a milk supply and breastfeeding is possible after her health has improved

• During the time where a mother cannot breastfeed, initiating skin-to-skin contact is a must as this will help with bonding and promote the production of prolactin and oxytocin