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When you can’t breastfeed

There may be reasons you can’t or shouldn’t breastfeed. Maybe you and baby are separated, or you’ve had surgery which means you can’t produce a full milk supply.

Find out what to do if you are in this situation – you may still be able to express milk for baby, or you may need to learn to bottle-feed.

If you have feelings of sadness and/or disappointment that you are not fully breastfeeding your baby, it is a good idea to discuss these feelings with your nurse or doctor.

In this section

  • When not to breastfeed
    There are some situations when you shouldn’t breastfeed. This include if you’re HIV positive, undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, have untreated active tuberculosis or are using illicit addictive drugs. Read more
  • Unable to breastfeed
    Very few women are unable to breastfeed but some conditions do make it harder to establish a full milk supply. Breast surgery, back surgery or injuries and hormonal conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome can all cause problems. There are also some conditions that mean babies are unable to breastfeed. Read more
  • Formula feeding
    Formula is there for when you can’t or shouldn’t feed baby your own breast milk. Find out how to use it, what the risks are, and why it’s important to buy a proper infant formula. Read more
  • Separation from baby
    Find out what to do if you are separated from your baby for some reason. Read more
  • Expressing breast milk and storing expressed milk
    If you’re going to be apart from your baby, they can still be fed your breast milk. Find out how to express breast milk, how to store and use expressed milk and how expressed milk differs from breastfeeding baby. Read more
  • Bottle-feeding
    Some people have the idea that bottle-feeding is easier than breastfeeding. Find out the facts and how supplementing breastfeeding with a bottle can introduce problems; what to do if you do need to start formula feeding and how to bottle-feed safely. Read more
  • ‘Comping’ breastfeeding with formula
    If you’re thinking of introducing infant formula because you’re worried your milk supply is insufficient, or because a family member wants to be involved with baby’s care, read this page – ‘comping’ breastfeeding with formula is usually unnecessary, and there are other ways to help family members feel close. Read more
  • Marketing of formula
    There should be no marketing of formula for babies under six months. If you see or experience inappropriate infant formula marketing, you can lay a complaint to the Ministry of Health. Read more

Related areas

Page last updated: 28 February 2012