Why Can't Some Women Breastfeed, and What Are the Solutions?

Breastfeeding is often perceived as the ideal feeding method. But for some women, breastfeeding is not possible. For they may be plagued by medical conditions, past surgeries, or other personal challenges. This article aims to cast light on the reasons why some women can't breastfeed in mutiple ways and provide alternatives to breastfeeding that most of you may find useful.

Reasons Why Breastfeeding May Not Be Recommended

Some health conditions and medical treatments do render breastfeeding risky or even harmful. Take heed of the main situations where breastfeeding might not be recommended:

Diseases: Women with untreated HIV are advised against breastfeeding, as the virus can be transmitted through breast milk. However, mothers on antiretroviral therapy with undetectable viral loads may have a reduced transmission risk and can consult with their doctor. Cytomegalovirus and hepatitis C don’t automatically prevent breastfeeding. However, if a mother has cracked or bleeding nipples, the risk of transmission increases. Additionally, active tuberculosis that’s untreated is a strong reason to avoid breastfeeding until treated. Chronic conditions, such as heart failure or kidney disease, can deplete a mother’s energy, making breastfeeding too strenuous. For these mothers, alternative feeding methods might be the healthiest choice.
Radiation Therapy: Mothers undergoing radiation therapy should refrain from breastfeeding, as radiation exposure can be transferred to the baby through breast milk. This restriction may also apply to mothers who have been in close contact with someone undergoing radiation treatment.
Medications That Pass into Breast Milk: Although most medications are safe during lactation, certain drugs, such as chemotherapeutic agents and some psychiatric medications, may enter breast milk and harm the baby. It’s crucial to consult a doctor to determine which medications are safe.
Substance Use and Smoking: Drug and alcohol abuse are grounds to avoid breastfeeding due to the risk of substance transfer. For smokers, it’s recommended to delay breastfeeding for at least an hour and a half after smoking to allow nicotine levels to decrease, but quitting smoking is the best approach.

A newborn baby is sleeping peacefully on a person's chest, with the person gently holding the baby's head.

Other Reasons Why Breastfeeding May Be Difficult or Not Possible

Some mothers may not have medical conditions but instead face social, cultural, physiological, and mental health challenges, each of which can also make breastfeeding a hard nut to crack:

Lack of Knowledge and Skills: Many mothers lack specific knowledge about breastfeeding’s benefits and the skills required for successful breastfeeding, such as proper latching and positioning. This gap can lead to frustration and early weaning, especially if mothers expect breastfeeding to be easy and are unprepared for challenges.
Social Norms and Cultural Beliefs: In the U.S., bottle-feeding is often viewed as “normal,” especially in communities with lower breastfeeding rates. Immigrant mothers, in particular, often shift toward formula-feeding over generations due to these social norms. Certain cultural beliefs, like the idea that“bigger is healthier,” also lead some mothers to supplement with formula.
Limited Family and Social Support: Family and partner support significantly impact a mother’s breastfeeding experience. When partners are educated on breastfeeding’s benefits and ways to assist, breastfeeding rates improve. Without this support, mothers may feel pressured to quit breastfeeding sooner.
Embarrassment and Public Stigma: Public breastfeeding is often stigmatized, causing many mothers to feel uncomfortable or self-conscious when breastfeeding outside the home like milk leaking. This discomfort can lead mothers to rely more on formula to avoid social judgment.
Employment Constraints and Child Care Challenges: For working mothers, returning to work often disrupts breastfeeding, especially in workplaces lacking lactation spaces or flexible breaks. Short maternity leaves and inflexible hours make it difficult for mothers to establish and maintain breastfeeding, often leading to early weaning.So it’s really important to coordinate breastfeeding with going back to work.
Hypoplasia or Insufficient Glandular Tissue (IGT): A rare condition in which a woman’s mammary tissue doesn’t fully develop, limiting milk production. Women with IGT may not be able to breastfeed exclusively and often need to supplement with formula.
Breast Reduction Surgery: Breast reduction surgery that removes milk ducts and glandular tissue can significantly impact milk production, making exclusive breastfeeding unlikely. Breast augmentation can sometimes also reduce milk supply, although it’s less likely.
Postpartum Depression or Anxiety: For mothers dealing with postpartum depression, breastfeeding may feel overwhelming or add to existing stress. It’s essential to prioritize mental health, and many safe medications for lactating mothers can help without affecting the milk supply.And skin-to-skin contact with newborn can lower chance of postpartum depression.

A mother is breastfeeding her newborn baby while sitting comfortably in a hospital room.

Can’t Breastfeed? Here’s What You Can Do

If you find breastfeeding difficult, you can try several alternatives to ensure your baby receives proper nutrition and the chance for close bonding.

Donated Breast Milk: Donor milk from screened milk banks is a reliable alternative, particularly beneficial for babies with specific health needs, such as those born prematurely. Donor milk offers many immune and digestive benefits of breast milk, as it is processed to remove potential risks before reaching the baby. It's recommended to consult with healthcare providers to access this option, especially for infants at a higher risk of poor growth.
Formula Feeding: For babies who can’t exclusively consume breast milk, formula is a complete and regulated nutritional option. While formulas lack the antibodies found in breast milk, they are fortified with vitamins, including vitamin D, which breast milk can lack. Special formulas are available for babies with lactose intolerance or other specific needs. In cases where a mother has health limitations or takes medications, formula is a dependable choice that supports healthy growth and development.
Try Pumping: A high-quality hospital grade breast pump, like the Momcozy V1 Pro, can be invaluable for mothers who can’t nurse directly. The wearable, lightweight pump delivers powerful 300mmHg suction and offers 15 adjustable levels, ensuring efficient milk extraction while allowing mothers to multitask. Its three pumping modes—stimulation, expression, and mixed—accommodate varying needs throughout the pumping session. With a secure DoubleFit™ flange, custom-fit inserts, and leak-proof design, the V1 Pro prioritizes comfort and hygiene, helping mothers build a milk supply for bottle-feeding. The long-lasting 2300mAh battery enables up to nine sessions per charge, supporting flexibility for busy or working moms.

V1 Pro Breast Pump with display showing three pumping modes for efficient milk collection.

Don’t Feel Guilty if You Can’t Breastfeed

Choosing to stop or forgo breastfeeding can be emotionally challenging, but remember that feeding your baby with love and attention is what truly matters. Here is what you can do to overcome feelings of guilt if breastfeeding doesn’t work out:

Focus on Bonding. Bonding doesn’t rely solely on breastfeeding. Holding, making eye contact, and snuggling with your baby during bottle-feeding fosters the same connection. This time creates comforting routines and strengthens the parent-child relationship.
Embrace Shared Feeding. Bottle feeding allows partners, family, and friends to help nourish the baby, giving mothers the opportunity to rest and reduce stress. This also encourages bonding within the family and provides valuable support.
Set Realistic Expectations. Feeding is just one part of nurturing a baby. Mothers who choose formula or pumping can still provide warmth, care, and security. Remind yourself that prioritizing both your and your baby’s health is what matters most.
Seek Support. Joining support groups or connecting with other mothers in similar situations can be beneficial. Many communities and online groups focus on navigating alternative feeding methods, helping mothers to feel less isolated and more supported in their choices.

A woman wearing a floral dress is feeding a baby from a bottle while holding it close to her chest.

FAQs

Why is it harder for some women to breastfeed?

A variety of factors make breastfeeding more challenging for some women. First, breastfeeding relies on complex hormonal processes that can be disrupted by health conditions, hormonal imbalances, or physiological issues, all of which can affect milk production. Additionally, a lack of knowledge about breastfeeding and the societal acceptance of formula feeding can hinder breastfeeding success. Insufficient support systems, including from family, workplaces, and public settings, further contribute to these challenges.

How common is it to not be able to breastfeed?

Around 5-10% of women are physiologically unable to breastfeed, but many more struggle with supply issues or difficulty lactating, leading them to believe they cannot exclusively breastfeed. Due to these challenges, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding decreases significantly by 3-6 months as many mothers turn to formula.

Is not being able to breastfeed genetic?

Genetic factors can indeed affect a woman’s ability to breastfeed. Variations in genes related to lactation pathways, like the prolactin signaling pathway, can impact milk quantity and quality. However, research indicates that genetics is only one of several contributing factors, with environmental and dietary factors playing significant roles as well.

What should I do if I suspect my baby isn’t getting enough milk?

If you’re worried about low milk supply, look for signs like fewer than six wet diapers a day, poor weight gain, or continuous fussiness after feeding. Consulting a lactation consultant or pediatrician can help assess if your baby is getting enough and recommend strategies to boost milk supply if needed.

Are there ways to increase milk production if I have a low supply?

Yes, frequent pumping, ensuring proper latch, staying hydrated, and reducing stress can help increase milk supply. Some mothers find supplements like fenugreek helpful, but consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement.

Can I combine breastfeeding and formula-feeding without issues?

Yes, many mothers successfully combine breastfeeding and formula-feeding. Gradually introducing formula can help the baby adapt while maintaining a bonding experience. It’s best to consult with a pediatrician to ensure a balanced approach for your baby’s needs.

How can my partner support our breastfeeding journey?

Your partners can create a comfortable environment, handle household duties, bring the baby to mom for nighttime feeds, and help with pumping sessions. Emotional support matters, too. It helps reduce stress and boosts milk production.

How soon can I resume breastfeeding after stopping temporarily?

If you paused breastfeeding due to medications, illness, or travel, you may be able to resume with a process called relactation, which involves frequent pumping and skin-to-skin contact with the baby.