ABSTRACT
Over the years many more women have been able to become pregnant and remain healthy despite having a chronic disease. Advances in medication have made life more normal for many who in the past would have been unable to consider pregnancy. The dreadful consequences of exposure to thalidomide have left a mark on prescribing and concerns for many. Somehow this has spilled over into support for mothers with chronic conditions who want to breastfeed. There is an alternative way to feed a baby whereas, apart from surrogacy, there is no alternative way to undertake pregnancy. As has already been discussed, breastmilk and formula milk are not the same and we need to consider the health consequences (and wishes of the mother) in exploring the polarity map for each individual mother and baby dyad.
