Breast feeding and cystic fibrosis

Introduction

Successful breast feeding in mothers who have CF has been achieved (Michel & Mueller, 1994; Gilljam et al, 2000). Breast milk from women with CF has normal sodium and protein levels and the lipid levels are sufficient for the nursing needs of the infant. However, pregnancy exerts a nutritional strain on the mother that will be intensified by breast feeding which increases maternal nutritional requirements by 500 kcal/day. Protein, calcium and vitamin D requirements are also increased. Every mother who has CF should be considered individually according to her clinical condition and circumstances when advice about infant feeding is given.

Data suggest that detectable levels of tobramycin are not reached in human milk during intravenous antibiotic treatment of the mother and therefore use of this antibiotic for breast feeding women with CF is safe for the infant (Festini et al, 2004).

Key points

• Successful breast feeding in mothers who have CF has been achieved

• Breast milk from women with CF has normal sodium and protein levels and the lipid levels are sufficient for the nursing needs of the infant

• Pregnancy exerts a nutritional strain on the mother that will be intensified by breast feeding

• Numerous drugs can be secreted in breast milk

References

Festini E, Ciuti R, Repetto T, et al. Safety of breast feeding during an IV tobramycin course for infants of CF women. Pediatr Pulmonol 2004; Suppl 27: A291.

Gilljam M, Antoniou M, Shin J, et al. Pregnancy in cystic fibrosis. Fetal and maternal outcome. Chest 2000; 118: 85-91. [PubMed]

Michel SH, Mueller DH. Impact of lactation on women with cystic fibrosis and their infants: a review of five cases. J Am Dietet Ass 1994; 94: 159-165. [PubMed]