08/04/2026
I read a post where someone complained about the lack of medication to suppress prolactin, so breast milk production does not start after childbirth. ๐ค
This is extremely vital in certain cases where the mother is recommended or needs caution while breastfeeding:
โถ๏ธInfections like HIV/AIDS.
โถ๏ธHuman T-cell leukaemia virus type 1.
โถ๏ธUntreated active tuberculosis.
โถ๏ธ Medications or treatments such as chemotherapy drugs, radiation therapy, and certain psychiatric medications.
โถ๏ธSubstance abuse.
โถ๏ธInfant-related conditions like Galactosemia, because babies with such conditions cannot process breast milk.
โถ๏ธSevere maternal illness, like being critically ill, unconscious, or unable to position the baby.
โถ๏ธ Severe breast abscess or Herpetic lesions on the breast (Herpes simplex virus infection).
โถ๏ธ and of course, personal choice.
It is important to know that "breastfeeding is ideal in many cases...but it is not universal, and it is not COMPULSORY."
This is serious information, especially in Nigeria, where many people do not mind their business and would gossip about other people's choices even when it does not affect them in any way.
๐not every woman should breastfeed.
๐not every woman can breastfeed.
๐And sometimes...not every woman wants to.
They are situations we do not talk about like grief, trauma, exhaustion.
In some countries, a single dose of Cabergoline is offered within hours after delivery to safely stop milk production.
โ
no pain.
โ
no engorgement.
โ
no silent suffering.
So maybe the question isn't "Why isn't she breastfeeding?"๐ค
Maybe the real question is:
"Did anyone give her a choice?"โ
Even in cases where breastfeeding is medically possible, it's not always emotionally or practically realistic.
And forcing it can sometimes do more harm than good.
In Nigeria, breatsfeeding is strongly promoted for good reason, so the assumption is always that "you will breastfeed. ๐คทโโ๏ธ
I hope that every hospital facility can start working towards offering "lactation suppression when indicated."
