Breastfeeding & Breast Cancer: A Connection We Don’t Talk About Enough

October is a special month for many of us. It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is a time to honor the women and families affected by breast cancer, but it’s also a time to reflect on breast health in a more personal way. At Mood Lactation Partners, we believe awareness isn’t just about early detection. It’s also about understanding the ways we can care for our bodies through every season of life, especially during breastfeeding.

When we talk about breastfeeding, the conversation usually focuses on the baby... the nutrients, the antibodies, the bonding. But what we don’t talk about enough is how breastfeeding also supports the long-term health of the parent. In fact, studies show that breastfeeding can actually help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

So, how does breastfeeding help?

When you’re breastfeeding, your body naturally goes through hormonal changes that lower your lifetime exposure to estrogen, one of the hormones linked to certain types of breast cancer. Your breasts also go through a cycle of growth and renewal during pregnancy and lactation, and when that milk-making phase ends, your body sheds old cells that may have been damaged or unstable. That’s your body’s way of protecting itself.

And while everyone’s journey looks different, research has shown that the protective benefits can grow the longer you breastfeed, especially when that time adds up across multiple pregnancies. But even if you breastfed for a few weeks or months, your body still receives some level of that benefit.

It’s not just about protection, it’s about empowerment.

This is why access to breastfeeding support matters. When families have the knowledge, tools, and community to feed their babies in the way that works best for them, they’re not just supporting infant health, they’re investing in their own well-being too.

At Mood, we know breastfeeding isn’t always easy. It’s beautiful, but it’s also demanding, emotional, and deeply personal. Every ounce, every latch, every pumping session is a small act of care, for your baby and for yourself.

So this month, as we honor survivors and remember those we’ve lost to breast cancer, let’s also celebrate the power of prevention and awareness. Let’s keep talking about breast health. Let’s keep showing up for each other. And let’s remind every mom and birthing person that caring for yourself is one of the most powerful ways you can care for your family.

Because at the end of the day, nurturing starts with you. So what's next? Self checks.

Why Self-Checks Matter

Even with all the benefits of breastfeeding, self-awareness and early detection remain critical. Taking five minutes each month to check in with your body can truly make a difference.

Use the “Look, Raise, Feel” method, the same one we share in our Mood visuals:

• Look in the mirror with your arms relaxed and then raised. Watch for any changes in size, shape, color, or dimpling.

• Raise your arms overhead and notice how your breasts move — new or uneven movement could be a sign to check in with your provider.

• Feel for lumps or thickened areas using small, circular motions from collarbone to bra line, including under your arms.

If something feels different or off, don’t ignore it. Trust your body. Trust your gut. Get it checked.

Let’s Normalize this Conversation

We talk about hair care, skin care, and baby care, but breast care deserves that same energy. Whether you’re breastfeeding, weaning, or years past your postpartum days, your breast health still matters.

At Mood Lactation Partners, we want to normalize these conversations, and not just in doctor’s offices, but in group chats, mom circles, and family spaces. Let’s make it a habit to remind our sisters, friends, and ourselves:

🩷 Do your self-checks.

🩷 Schedule your screenings.

🩷 Know your body.

Because taking care of your breasts isn’t just about detection, it’s about protection, prevention, and self-love.

LOVE!