Breastfeeding A Baby

Recently Answered

• QWhat should I eat while breastfeeding?

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  A Intermountain Healthcare answered

  What you eat and drink is very important when you’re breastfeeding, especially during the first two to three weeks when your milk supply is becoming established. Don’t diet during this critical time. Follow an eating plan that includes a generous intake (1,800 to 2,200 calories each day) of nutrients from all food groups. Also, be sure to make smart choices from each food group, now and all through your life:

  • Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Dark green, orange and yellow vegetables are especially healthy choices.
  • Make most of the grains you eat whole grains. Examples include whole-wheat bread, brown rice and oatmeal. These have lots of healthy fiber and nutrients.
  • Choose heart-healthy proteins. Examples include beans, eggs, low-fat cheese, nut butters, skinless poultry and lean red meats. Fish is another good protein source, but to limit your intake of mercury (common in many sea fish), eat no more than 12 ounces a week of halibut, sea bass, swordfish, mackerel, grouper, red snapper and orange roughy.
  • Select low-fat dairy products. Go for nonfat or low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese. If you’re breastfeeding, you need at least four servings of dairy each day.
  • Choose unsaturated fats and oils—and stay away from trans fat. Read food labels to see what’s inside.
  • Limit salt and sweets. Most Americans get far too much sodium (salt) in their diet and eat too many sweets. So keep salty and sweet snacks to a minimum—save your appetite for foods with the nutrients you need right now.

  What about foods to avoid? Contrary to popular belief, there are no “forbidden foods” for breastfeeding women. Unless you have a food allergy in the family, you should be able to eat everything in moderation—including spicy foods, nuts, dairy, broccoli and chocolate. Your baby’s occasional fussiness is probably not related to your diet. However, if you’re concerned, you can try eliminating a particular food for a time to see if things improve, or talk to your baby’s doctor.

  You should drink plenty of fluids. Try to drink at least 8 cups of fluid each day. However, forcing fluids beyond your thirst will not increase your milk supply.

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• QWhat are some tips for breast feeding my newborn?

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  A Dr. Farzanna S. Haffizulla, MD , Internal Medicine, answered on behalf of MDLIVE

  Breastfeeding is highly beneficial to both mother and baby and will be successful if approached with the correct mindset. Becoming mentally prepared and having a very positive support system is essential to early success. Important tips for successful breastfeeding in your newborn is as follows:

  1. Create a calm, tranquil, "nesting" spot. This may be a comfortable glider or cushioned seat with adequate support for your back, body and baby. Using a "boppy" pillow eases your posturing and allows for easier breastfeeding.
  2. Always have a generous supply of water and nutritious snacks and foods available in your "nesting" spot. Proper hydration and balanced nutrition is essential to proper milk production.
  3. Proper "latch on" technique by your newborn is key to ensuring both continued milk production and supply to your baby. Babies need to latch on to the "areolar" or dark area around the nipple to allow for proper milk ejection. A lactation consultant can help you master this technique.
  4. Nurse frequently and for at least 20 minutes on each breast. Newborns nurse at least every 2 hours. Gently massaging each breast in circular motions and mental visualization of flowing water or milk enhances your "milk let down" reflex. Your newborn gets the "hind" milk after this occurs which is richer in fat and calories and satisfies your newborn's appetite.
  5. Proper nipple and breast care will ensure less cracking, pain and infection. Applying lanolin-based cream and nursing equally and frequently on each side also helps prevent complications. Nipple shields can help cracked or sore nipples heal while nursing.
  6. Maintain your milk supply by nursing frequently and emptying both breasts completely. If you are away from your baby for more than 4 to 5 hours, pump your breastmilk using a double-breast pump and store properly in a freezer. If possible, avoid giving your baby breastmilk from a bottle in the first 4 to 6 weeks. Your newborns sucking reflex can become "lazy" and may alter baby's latch on and sucking technique when breastfeeding.
  7. Always keep a positive mindset about breastfeeding. Half the battle is "mental." Strong visualization of flowing milk can fine tune your "milk let down" reflex.
• QWhat beta-blockers are safe to use for headaches when breastfeeding?

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  A Sharecare Editorial Advisory Board answered

  One of the safest medications to be used in both pregnancy and breastfeeding for pain or headache is acetaminophen. Tylenol is one brand of acetaminophen. Acetaminophen has a long safety record.

• QDo I need birth control if I am breastfeeding?

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  Breastfeeding can delay the return of normal ovulation and menstrual cycles. But, like other forms of birth control, breastfeeding is not a sure way to prevent pregnancy. You should still talk with your doctor or nurse about birth control choices that are compatible with breastfeeding.
  
  This answer is based on source information from the National Women's Health Information Center.

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• QCan I still breastfeed if I have had breast surgery?

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  How much milk you can produce depends on how your surgery was done, where your incisions are, and the reasons for your surgery. Women who have had incisions in the fold under the breasts are less likely to have problems making milk than women who have had incisions around or across the areola, which can cut into milk ducts and nerves. Women who have had breast implants usually breastfeed successfully. If you ever had surgery on your breasts for any reason, talk with a lactation consultant. If you are planning breast surgery, talk with your surgeon about ways he or she can preserve as much of the breast tissue and milk ducts as possible.

  This answer is based on source information from the National Women's Health Information Center.

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• QWhat are the benefits of breastfeeding?

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  A Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answered

  Breastfeeding is a bonding, tender experience. It's neither embarrassing nor a competitive event, and it gives your child many important health benefits. Breast milk provides good gut bacteria to strengthen immunity, especially if you take a probiotic capsule twice a day (seems good gut bacteria migrate to breast milk). Breast milk also supplies the right balance of carbs, protein, and brain-boosting fatty acids, plus digestive proteins, minerals, vitamins, hormones and disease-fighting antibodies. Children who nurse dodge allergies, eczema, digestive woes and respiratory diseases -- not to mention diabetes, obesity, SIDS and tooth decay.

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• QIs breastfeeding hard to do?

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  A Dr. Farzanna S. Haffizulla, MD , Internal Medicine, answered on behalf of MDLIVE

  Breastfeeding can be successful and beneficial for both mother and baby if done correctly.  A proper "latch on" technique by the baby is essential to emptying the breasts properly and stimulating more milk production. Once proper "latch on" is achieved, breastfeeding is quite an easy process.  Proper maternal hydration, nutrition and maintaining a positive attitude about breastfeeding are also essential to milk production. In the early stages of breastfeeding, finding a comfortable stress free area of your home to master these techniques is essential to successful breastfeeding. A full glass of water and nutritious snacks in this location is also recommended. A lactation consultant or experienced breastfeeding mothers are a great source of support during this time period.

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• QWhy am I not producing enough breast milk?

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  A Intermountain Healthcare answered

  There are several possible reasons for a low milk supply. The most common is lack of demand (not nursing or not pumping often enough or long enough). Poor nutrition, fatigue, and stress can also play a role.
  
  Another possible cause of low milk supply is medications and drugs. Talk to a lactation consultant (breastfeeding expert) about any medications, herbs, supplements, or other substances you may be taking.
  
  Some substances, alone or in combination, can lower your milk production. In particular:

  • Talk to your doctor about your birth control. Some birth control with estrogen can lower breast milk production. You may need to switch to a different birth control for a time.
  • Don’t take any special teas, vitamins, or supplements for breastfeeding without first talking to your lactation consultant. 
  • Some of these don’t work, and some actually decrease breast milk production in some people.
  • Don’t smoke. For help quitting, talk to your doctor. Keep trying to quit until you succeed. It’s worth it!

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• QHow can I increase my milk supply when breastfeeding?

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  A Dr. Tanya R. Altmann, MD , Pediatrics, answered

  To increase milk supply...
  
  • stay hydrated (keep a water bottle within reach while nursing)
  
  • eat a balanced diet (about 500 calories more than you ate before pregnancy…yummy!)
  
  • breastfeed regularly
  
  • pump it up (pump an extra morning feed if you have time)
  
  • get enough sleep (or as much as possible)
  
  While there is not enough medical evidence to support the use of fenugreek capsules, Mother’s Milk Tea, barley, or oatmeal to increase milk supply, many moms swear that they really do work.

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• QHow do breast implants or breast surgery affect breastfeeding?

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  A Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answered

  If you have a breast implant, it can start to leak during the time you're breastfeeding. An even bigger issue: if you've had a breast reduction, your milk ducts may have been severed and you may be unable to breastfeed. Talk with your breast surgeon if you're not sure.

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