Breastfeeding

The most common questions about breastfeeding

The way we mothers are made, we create problems for ourselves even before our children are born. The question “Will I be able to breastfeed?” or “I will have milk” I think is among the most common in pregnancy.

It’s right to prepare and inform yourself, it’s less right to create anxieties even before problems arise.

Breastfeeding remains a highly debated topic also due to the presence of so many false myths that only confuse ideas. The best advice we can give you is to refer to a lactation consultant in order to start your own experience on the right foot and then have it all the way downhill.

Here we have collected some common questions that we have tried to answer as comprehensively as possible:

If I am breastfeeding can I give him water?

The baby only needs your milk in the first six months of life. Breast milk provides all the nutrition your baby needs.

Even if it’s very hot, breastfeeding does not require supplementation of water or other drinks.

Can I give him the pacifier?

If you want to give him a pacifier, it is recommended to wait until the newborn is at least one month old so that the child learns to feed well from the mother’s breast and feeds properly.

When can I stop breastfeeding?

WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months of the child’s life and then it is generally recommended to breastfeed until at least the first year of the child’s life but it can continue as long as both mother and child want to.

The easiest and most natural time to stop breastfeeding is when the baby leads this process of detachment. But let’s not forget that how moms feel is a major factor in deciding when to stop breastfeeding.

Can I smoke, drink alcohol or take drugs?

If you smoke, it is recommended that you quit immediately for your sake and that of your child.

If you just can’t stop it is preferable to breastfeed anyway because breastfeeding can help protect the baby from respiratory problems and SIDS .

Always smoke away from the baby, change your clothes before breastfeeding in order to keep the baby away from the chemical residues of the smoke. The last tip, however, is to seek support to permanently quit smoking.

Alcohol is to be avoided. If you occasionally drink a glass of wine with meals, make sure you breastfeed no earlier than two hours after drinking it. No alcohol and spirits

Drug addiction is dangerous. Drugs like cocaine, marijuana, heroin etc are harmful to the child.

Can I take medicines if I’m breastfeeding?

Although almost all of the medicines you take pass into your milk in small amounts, many have no effect and can be taken while breastfeeding.

ALWAYS AND ONLY consult your doctor about the medicines, vitamins, herbal medicines, etc. you want to take.

Let’s also not forget that for some women, stopping a drug can be more dangerous than the effects that the drug itself could have on the baby.

There is a very useful site where you can find out about the side effects of any drug on breastfed babies. It is about LactMed®

It is a continuously updated database that contains information about drugs and other chemicals that nursing mothers may be exposed to. It includes information on the levels of these substances in breast milk and in the blood of babies, and possible adverse effects for the infant. Treatment alternatives are suggested (which of course must be discussed with your doctor). All data are taken from the scientific literature.

Can I breastfeed if I’m sick?

Many women think it is best not to breastfeed if they are unwell.

Common illnesses such as coughs, colds, flu or diarrhea are not transmitted with breast milk.

In fact, if you are sick, your breast milk will contain antibodies that will help protect your baby from the same virus.

When is it not recommended to breastfeed?

Breastfeeding is not recommended, for example if the mother:

  • have contracted HIV or have AIDS.
  • are taking antiretroviral drugs
  • she is ill with tuberculosis
  • he is undergoing chemotherapy
  • he is undergoing radiotherapy

Should I limit my sex life while breastfeeding?

No. But, if you suffer from vaginal dryness, more foreplay and water-based lubes are recommended.

It is advisable to breastfeed your baby or express milk before making love in order to be less likely to leak.

Do I have to use contraceptives while breastfeeding?

Many women think that breastfeeding makes it impossible to get pregnant. It is not so

We refer you here to learn more: contraceptive methods in breastfeeding

In any case, the gynecologist and midwife are the professional figures of reference for making the best choice in terms of contraception.

What can I do if the baby keeps crying?

If your baby does not find comfort from breastfeeding or other relaxation techniques, he may be colicky or in discomfort or pain. Talk to the pediatrician who will monitor his health.

Dr Kathryn Barlow

Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.

Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *