Breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do for a sick baby. You will be sharing your antibodies with him, which helps him fight infection. Breastfeeding will also help your baby stay hydrated. That's important because when babies are sick, they need more fluid than when they are well -- and breast milk is better for a baby than any other fluid.
Breastfeeding A Baby
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Darria Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answeredSee All 2 AnswersWhile I wouldn’t really call them “complications,” breastfeeding can have some challenges. Each of these has solutions, however, so I like sharing them so moms can be aware, catch them early -- and get treated!- Soreness. It’s not uncommon for breastfeeding to be uncomfortable for the first couple of days, but it should not significantly HURT. If it does, you should first check with your doctor or a lactation consultant to get help with baby’s latch, and to check his or her mouth and tongue or any issues. Also, check for any cuts on your own skin, which can really make breastfeeding sting -- and you can avoid those further with lotions such as lanolin and making sure the latch is not making that worse.
- Sometimes, especially if you haven’t nursed in a few hours, women can get engorged, which is very uncomfortable. Warm compresses and nursing will relieve this discomfort.
- Plugged ducts often happen at some point. It occurs when a duct doesn’t drain properly and becomes inflamed. If this happens, breastfeed often on the affected side -- as frequently as every 2 hrs. Massage the area of the plug to get it to free up, use a warm compress and make sure that you’re not wearing a bra that’s too tight, as that can worsen the problem and constrict ducts.
- Lastly, some women may develop an infection, known as mastitis. This happens when the area of the breast becomes red, swollen, painful and very tender. There may even be discharge from the nipple. If this happens, you can keep breastfeeding, but you should also see your doctor, as you may need antibiotics for the infection. While I wouldn’t really call them “complications,” breastfeeding can have some challenges. Each of these has solutions, however, so I like sharing them so moms can be aware, catch them early -- and get treated!
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Dr. Tiffanie Davis Henry, PhD , Psychology, answeredSee All 5 Answers
If you are nursing your baby, your libido can be affected since the focus is on your new baby, not your partner; hormonal changes can also make sex uncomfortable. Watch as I discuss what you can expect. -
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Brigham and Women's Hospital answeredSee All 2 AnswersBabies suck in bursts. Every baby has his or her own unique style and rhythm, but in general, you’ll want to feel about six to 10 sucks followed by an audible swallow, then a pause. This pattern will slow as she or he swallows the richer milk at the end of each feeding. -
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See All 5 AnswersThe best way to increase the amount of breast milk produced is to breastfeed or pump as frequently as possible. The direct nipple stimulation of the infant latching on stimulates the hormones that help produce breast milk. Another factor is that mothers should make sure they are eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of fluids so that they do not become dehydrated. -
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If you have a question about your milk supply or feel you have a low milk supply you can contact a Lactation Consultant. A Lactation Consultant specializes in assisting mothers with breastfeeding issues, such as; sore nipples, low milk supply, latch and positioning, returning to work, weaning, and pumping.
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Dr. Stuart A. Linder, MD , Plastic Surgery, answeredSee All 3 AnswersLoss of breastfeeding is approximately 5% of elective cosmetic breast augmentations by board-certified plastic surgeons throughout the United States. The numbers increase to 12-15% for breast reductions and larger breast lifts (mastopexies). Mastectomy patients can not breast feed if the entire glandular tissue with ducts are removed. -
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Breastfeeding during your next pregnancy is not a risk to either the breastfeeding toddler or to the new developing baby. If you are having some problems in your pregnancy such as uterine pain or bleeding, a history of preterm labor or problems gaining weight during pregnancy, your doctor may advise you to wean. Some women also choose to wean at this time because they have nipple soreness caused by pregnancy hormones, are nauseous, or find that their growing stomachs make breastfeeding uncomfortable. Your toddler also may decide to wean on his own because of changes in the amount and flavor of your milk. He or she will need additional food and drink because you will likely make less milk during pregnancy.
If you keep nursing your toddler after your baby is born, you can feed your newborn first to ensure he or she gets the colostrum. Once your milk production increases a few days after birth you can decide how to best meet everyone's needs, especially the new baby's needs for you and your milk. You may want to ask your partner to help you by taking care of one child while you are breastfeeding. Also, you will have a need for more fluids, healthy foods, and rest because you are taking care of yourself and two small children.
This answer is based on the source infromation from the the National Women's Health Information Center -
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See All 5 AnswersGenerally it is okay and recommended that you continue to breastfeed if you are ill. It can even be beneficial to the baby because you are transferring antibodies to the baby that will help fight off infection. This is true of illnesses such as colds and conditions such as mastitis (an infection of the milk ducts in the breast). However, it is always good to check with your doctor, as there are conditions in which it would be advisable to stop breastfeeding temporarily, such as if you were taking a medicine that can affect your breast milk and the baby.
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See All 3 AnswersTalk to your physician about whether it’s okay to take depression medications when breastfeeding. This decision will depend on how severe your depression is and what medication you are taking. Certain antidepressants, such as paroxetine, are considered safe while breastfeeding, while others may be harmful. Your doctor may decide to have you hold off on your depression medications or switch to a drug that is safe for the baby.