Breastfeeding vs. Women’s Health: So Which Wins?

I have been mulling over this for a few days, since the incident occurred, and I am still trying to formulate answer as to what I think the best response is.
I am part of a group that is comprised of people with varying mental disorders – this is through my therapist’s office. One of the women, who I am pretty close with, because we are both bipolar – came in with an upsetting story. She recently had a baby, which was a incredibly happy moment for her. But she was very upset with what happened afterwards in the birthing center. The center permits lactation consultants to come in and speak with the women prior to feeding their newborns to inform them about the benefits of breastfeeding. Now, this woman was well-aware beforehand about the benefits of breastfeeding, as are many women. There have been campaigns, it seems like an increasing number, telling women that “breast is best” and why they should consider it. Now, here’s where it gets tricky – for my friend in particular and myself –
My friend currently takes Lithium for her disorder. Lithium is known to cause detrimental effects when exposed to developing unborn children and newborns. It is present in a multitude of bodily fluids, including breast milk. My friend ceased using Lithium during her pregnancy, which she did at personal risk. She was advised by her doctor that it was up to her to decide whether she wanted to breastfeed while on Lithium, though the drug has been linked to impaired kidney function in children and people who ingest it long-term. Now, almost all people who my friend has disclosed this to are extremely understanding, but a few are not, including the lactation consultant in the hospital.


My friend is not one who discloses her disorder to many people – in fact, she discloses it to as few as possible. She stated once to the consultant that she had made the decision not to breastfeed her child. The woman persisted, wanting to know why she chose that. My friend kept trying to end the conversation, but the woman persisted in wanting to know why my friend “was not doing what was best for her child.” Finally, she felt compelled to disclose that she is on medication for a mental disorder, and the medication is not entirely safe for newborns. The consultant then suggested that my friend cease the medication for at least a few weeks (which may lead to a manic or depressive episode) or use the drug only short term (which lithium is not designed to be used as). These are not just one woman’s talking points: They can be found on the La Leche League’s website, which includes an article, written about breastfeeding while medicated: IT IS ALWAYS WORTH IT.
Now, I am all for informing women about breastfeeding and the potential benefits. Great, go ahead. However, what disturbs me is that a great amount of current breastfeeding promotion is based in GUILT. A “good mother” is one that breastfeeds, because if she doesn’t, she is subjecting her child to a lower IQ, more sickness, and other less then preferable outcomes. And most breastfeeding literature I’ve seen doesn’t mention that women who, for any reason, cannot breastfeed shouldn’t feel guilty or bad for that inability. I think there is a lot more to being a good mother than breastfeeding. My friend is a great mother who took a huge risk by being Lithium-free for the duration of her pregnancy to try to give her child the best beginning she could. Why should she be made to feel bad for choosing to give her child formula so that she can return to her medication, which makes her life (and by extension her husband and child’s) so much easier and happier?
So, no I disagree: it is not always worth it. Not when breastfeeding may potentially mean the loss of medication, medical treatment, or other needs of the mother that she deems essential. It is not worth it when it may come at the cost of a mother’s health, sanity, or otherwise well-being. And I think that the current incarnations of breastfeeding awareness and whatnot are missing this point: not every woman can breastfeed (for a variety of reason). Not every woman wants to. And those women, when they make this choice fully informed, should not be made to feel bad about it. Like I said before, there is more to being a good mother than breastfeeding.

Disclaimer: This post was written by a Feministing Community user and does not necessarily reflect the views of any Feministing columnist, editor, or executive director.

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