Health Chronicle: Breastfeeding
In women with cystic fibrosis, breast milk has a normal composition (salt, protein, and fat), and breastfeeding difficulties are instead related to increased energy expenditure and the need for adequate caloric intake.
Dr. Lara Bilodeau Pulmonologist
Quebec University Institute of Cardiology and Pulmonology (Laval Hospital)
Quebec (Quebec) Canada
NURSING
Q: I am 54 years old and have cystic fibrosis in its crude form. I don't take any medication. My question is this: I had two children and I breastfed the first, but not without difficulty. Would the breast milk of a woman with cystic fibrosis be saltier than that of a woman without cystic fibrosis? If so, could that explain my breastfeeding problems? I did not find anything in the literature on the subject.
R : The breast milk of women with cystic fibrosis contains a normal amount of salt and protein. It contains enough fat to meet the energy needs of the infant, without having an adverse effect on the nutritional status of the mother. However, breastfeeding requires additional energy expenditure, and it is important to consume enough calories to meet this expenditure. Otherwise, breast-feeding may cause the mother to lose excess weight.
Many women have difficulty breast-feeding. It is important to know that there are resource persons who can offer support to moms and help them solve problems related to
breastfeeding.
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