Becoming a Mom After Breast Cancer

A breast cancer diagnosis changes everything. If you’re entering motherhood after treatment, you likely have big questions: Can I breastfeed? How do I protect my health? Will my mental health be okay postpartum?

You’re not alone. In the U.S., 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.  Many women go on to have healthy pregnancies and thriving babies after breast cancer, especially with the right information and support. Understanding what to expect and knowing where to find help can make this next chapter feel less overwhelming and more empowering. 

 

Can You Breastfeed After Breast Cancer?

This is one of the most Googled questions for survivors. The answer: often, yes.

1. Breastfeeding lowers risk: Research summarized in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine shows that for every 12 months a woman breastfeeds, her breast cancer risk drops by about 4.3%, and each birth reduces risk by roughly 7%.  
2. Safe for survivors: A 2025 study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that breastfeeding after breast cancer does not increase the risk of recurrence, even among women with BRCA gene mutations. 

Challenges to Expect

• Surgery, radiation, or chemo can change breast anatomy and milk supply.
• Some moms only breastfeed from the unaffected breast.
• You may need to combine breastfeeding with pumping, donor milk, or formula — and that’s okay.

👉 Pro tip: Look for an oncolactation specialist (a lactation consultant trained in working with cancer survivors) for tailored support.

Screening for Breast Cancer During Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Another common question: Is it safe to get screened while pregnant or nursing?

Key Facts

• It’s rare but real: According to the National Cancer Institute, pregnancy-associated breast cancer happens in about 1 in 3,000 pregnancies.
• Breast changes in pregnancy and lactation can make screening harder — but imaging is still safe and important.
• Imaging is still safe: Mammography, ultrasound, and MRI are considered safe during breastfeeding (interpretations may just be adjusted for denser tissue).

Call your provider if you notice:

• A lump that doesn’t go away after a couple of weeks
• Persistent breast pain or swelling on one side
• Nipple changes or unusual discharge

Don’t dismiss symptoms as “just milk ducts.” Always get checked.

Mental Health: The Overlooked Part of Survivorship

Motherhood is emotional enough — layering breast cancer history on top can increase stress, worry, or grief.

According to the WHO, meta-analysis shows that about one in five new mothers experiences a maternal mental health disorder such as postpartum depression or anxiety. And those challenges are trending upward: a 2024 study published in JAMA Network Open found that rates of postpartum depression nearly doubled between 2010 (9.4%) and 2021 (19%). 

For survivor moms, the emotional landscape can feel even more complicated. Qualitative research highlights common themes of anxiety around milk supply, guilt or sadness when feeding is harder than hoped, and appearance-related concerns from feeding primarily on one side. These experiences don’t mean every survivor will develop a disorder, but they underscore why screening, self-compassion, and tailored support are so important in the postpartum period.

 

What Helps

• Screening matters: Ask your provider to use validated tools like the EPDS or PHQ-9 during and after pregnancy.
• Talk openly about feeding: Feeding challenges can trigger guilt or sadness. Naming this can reduce shame.
• Build a support team: Therapist, lactation consultant, support group, and trusted partner/friend.

FAQs Moms Are Searching For

Can breastfeeding after breast cancer cause cancer to return?
No. Current research shows it does not increase recurrence risk.

How long should I wait to get pregnant after treatment?
Most oncologists recommend waiting ~2 years after completing therapy, but this depends on your cancer type and treatment. Always ask your doctor.

Is breast cancer screening safe while breastfeeding?
Yes. Ultrasound, MRI, and mammograms can all be done during lactation. Just let the radiologist know you’re breastfeeding.

What if I can’t breastfeed after cancer?
Formula, donor milk, or combination feeding are all healthy options. What matters most is a fed baby and a supported mom.

Key Takeaways for Moms After Breast Cancer

• Breastfeeding may still be possible after treatment, though you may need support from an oncolactation specialist and flexibility with combination feeding.
• Screening during pregnancy and breastfeeding is safe—don’t ignore lumps, pain, or changes.
• Mental health matters. Cancer survivors may be at higher risk of anxiety, depression, or body image challenges. Early screening and compassionate support are essential.
• You are not alone. Nourishment comes in many forms, and thriving in motherhood is about connection, not perfection.

Support for Moms Nationwide

At New Mom School, we walk beside you in the fourth trimester—no matter where you are in your feeding or survivorship journey. From breastfeeding and pumping, to navigating postpartum mental health, to connecting with other moms who’ve walked this path, our community and expert-led classes are here for you.

Our weekly breastfeeding support groups, led by IBCLCs, address both the technical and emotional sides of feeding. We also offer classes focused on mental health, self-compassion, and whole-family well-being.

📍 Find Your Local NMS Studio — start your support network today.

 

📚 More for You

→ Maternal Mental Health in the 4th Trimester
Discover how feeding, recovery, and self-care impact maternal mental health in the 4th trimester.

→ My Breastfeeding Journey
A candid look at the realities of breastfeeding challenges—how they affect mental health, the resilience of survivor moms, and the grace it takes to redefine nourishment.

👉 You deserve support in every step of this journey. If you’re looking for expert guidance and a community that understands, join a class near you today.

 

Sources:

1. 1. American Cancer Society, 2025. “Key Statistics for Breast Cancer”
   2. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2018. “Breastfeeding and Breast Cancer Risk Reduction: Implications for Black Mothers. American journal of preventive medicine”
   3. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 2025. “Breastfeeding after breast cancer in young BRCA carriers.”
   4. World Health Organization. “Perinatal mental health”
   5. JAMA Network. 2024. “Trends in Postpartum Depression by Race, Ethnicity, and Prepregnancy Body Mass Index”
   6. The Journal of Cancer Survivorship. 2009. “A qualitative investigation of breast cancer survivors’ experiences with breastfeeding”
   7. The Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 2025. “Breastfeeding after breast cancer in young BRCA carriers”