Experiences of Women Living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Breastfeeding Challenges and Need for Breastfeeding Support

Background: While it is well accepted in the breastfeeding community that women-living-with (WLW) PCOS are more likely to experience breastfeeding challenges, there is a dearth of information in the literature about the breastfeeding experiences of WLW PCOS.

Methods: As part of a larger study exploring the overall experiences of WLW PCOS, 34 women with the syndrome were interviewed. Among women who had successfully carried a pregnancy to term, half reported low breast milk production. As such, breastfeeding challenges and need for breastfeeding support emerged as a dominant theme of the study.

Findings: In relation to other PCOS symptoms, breastfeeding challenges proved to be the most difficult for participants to discuss, as these descriptions were often interrupted by tears and moments of silence during which participants took time to regain their composure.  Many women mourned the loss of their ability to bond with their children through breastfeeding and expressed frustration towards their providers for not advising them that breastfeeding may be problematic. Similarly, most reported that the LCs they sought advice from had little information on PCOS and breastfeeding, and one participant expressed concern that WLW PCOS who breastfed their female children placed their children at greater risk for developing PCOS, which almost discouraged her from breastfeeding her child. 

Implications: To improve the breastfeeding experiences of WLW PCOS, their breastfeeding education, and provider training, more research is needed to explore the relationships between PCOS, breast development, and breastfeeding.  Medical school curriculum and educational materials for LCs should also be reviewed for PCOS-related content and revised accordingly.