Can mothers with epilepsy breastfeed their children? I believe that this issue is of great concern to many mothers with epilepsy and their families. Many mothers with epilepsy are afraid that their condition might be passed on to their children genetically, so they hesitate to breastfeed. Below, experts from the Epilepsy Treatment Center at Guangzhou Zijing Hospital will address whether mothers with epilepsy can breastfeed.
**Can mothers with epilepsy breastfeed their children? Here's a detailed explanation:**
For many people, breastfeeding is normal and beneficial for a child’s physical development. However, if the mother has certain health conditions, breastfeeding may not be suitable — such as in the case of mothers with epilepsy. This often leaves many families, especially mothers with epilepsy, feeling confused. Epilepsy is genetic but not contagious. After carrying a child for nine months, seeing the baby born brings immense joy and a sense of accomplishment. But denying the option of breastfeeding can feel like depriving the mother of a right.
Experts from the Epilepsy Treatment Center at Guangzhou Zijing Hospital remind us: **The treatment of epilepsy primarily focuses on prevention, so mothers with epilepsy are advised not to breastfeed their children. The reasons are as follows:**
1. **Firstly**, breastfeeding increases the physical burden on the mother, which could worsen her condition and trigger epileptic seizures.
2. **Secondly**, epilepsy has a genetic component. Reducing maternal breastfeeding can help lower the risk of the child developing epilepsy to some extent.
3. **Thirdly**, if the breastfeeding mother is taking anti-epileptic drugs, certain components of these drugs may enter the breast milk, potentially affecting the infant.
In fact, individuals with severe heart, kidney, or liver diseases, or those with heart dysfunction, also should avoid breastfeeding personally. Newborns are delicate and require careful care. For mothers with epilepsy, comprehensive attention is necessary to ensure the health of their babies.
**Source:** Epilepsy Treatment Center at Guangzhou Zijing Hospital
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**【People's Livelihood Service 24-Hour Health Consultation Hotline】:** 020-34123353
**Official Website of the Mental Disorders Treatment Center at Guangzhou Zijing Hospital:** http://www.120jsyy.com/
**Official Website of the Epilepsy Treatment Center at Guangzhou Zijing Hospital:** http://www.gzzj120.com/
**Blog of Guangzhou Epilepsy Hospital:** http://blog.sina.com.cn/u/2663553252
**Metro Route:** Exit at Dongxiaonan Station on Line 2
**Bus Routes:** Take buses 779, 211, 462, 301, 546, or Holiday Bus Line 2 within the city.
**Address of Guangzhou Epilepsy Hospital:** No. 28 Beilu Nanzhou, Guangzhou Avenue South, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province
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*Note: The information provided is for reference only. Please consult a medical professional for personalized advice.*
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