Do physical issues or milk supply issues prevent women from being able to breastfeed?

Yes: There may be some physical obstacles to breastfeeding in some women. For example, some women who have undergone breast surgeries that may interfere with the normal anatomy and functioning of the milk ducts (such as breast reduction surgery) may have difficulties breast feeding. Also, women taking certain medications may not be able to breast feed due to side effects on the baby or milk production.

Yes: Breastfeeding is contraindicated in mothers who have active untreated tuberculosis disease who are receiving or exposed to radioactive isotopes, chemotherapeutic agents or a small number of other medications until they clear the milk. Alcohol should be avoid or wait 2 hours after consumption.