Will I be able to breastfeed my baby?

Breastfeeding is encouraged for most women who have heart conditions, even many of those who take medicine. Ask your health care team if any treatment changes need to be made before you start breastfeeding.

Some pregnant people were born with a heart problem that greatly raises the risk of endocarditis. If that's the case for you, your doctor will likely talk with you about the risk of an infection while breastfeeding. The infection is called mastitis, and it could pose a special risk for you. That's why pumping and feeding breast milk from a bottle might sometimes be recommended instead of putting the baby to your breast.