Expressing milk is a great way of preparing for the times you can’t be there to feed your baby. Having a backup supply of milk means you can spend the day at work or meet friends for drinks without worrying about what your baby will drink.

Expressing milk is pretty amazing, and will probably make you realise just how precious your milk is. After all, once you’ve invested time and effort in pumping and storing your milk, you really don’t want any of that liquid gold to go to waste.

How to store breast milk

There are a number of different ways to store breast milk, and how you choose to store it affects how long it can be used for. For example:

• if kept at room temperature, freshly expressed breast milk can be used or properly stored within six hours. Ideally, however, you should aim for just four hours.
• if you want to take expressed breast milk out with you for the day, you should keep it in a cooler bag with ice packs.
• if you’re using a fridge, breast milk can be stored for up to five days at the back of a clean fridge. However, using within three days will be best.
• if stored in the freezer, your breast milk will be good for up to six months.

How to use expressed breast milk

If the milk needs to be defrosted first, simply stick it in the fridge until it has thawed. Once thawed, the milk can be used straight away. You should never refreeze milk that has been thawed. Once milk has been thawed for 24 hours, it should be discarded if it hasn’t been used.

Some babies are happy to drink milk straight from the fridge, however others will prefer it to be at body temperature. To do this, simply place the bottle of milk in some lukewarm water so it can warm up a little. Once your baby has started drinking from a bottle of breast milk, it should be finished or thrown away within the hour.

You should never use a microwave to heat up the milk, this can cause the milk to overheat and burn your baby’s mouth.

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

As a breastfeeding mother, you probably double check whether pretty much everything you do will affect your milk. You have probably googled how much caffeine it’s safe to consume, whether alcohol enters your breast milk and how long until you can switch back to your beloved underwired bras. What did mothers do before Google was there to answer all of their questions?!

Will exercise affect my milk?

If you’re hoping to improve your fitness and, perhaps, get rid of some of the baby weight, you may be wondering if it’s safe to exercise when you’re breastfeeding. Obviously, you shouldn’t be lifting weights or running laps with a baby attached to your breast, but exercise is generally perfectly safe for new mamas.

Now is a great time to improve your health. The healthier you are, the better able you will be to look after your baby. Exercising can help to lift your mood, fight stress and help you sleep easier (obviously, the baby will still be keeping you awake, but at least you know you could sleep if you wanted to…).

The key is to start slowly and gradually increase the amount of exercise you do. If you are taking an unhealthy approach to exercise, and exercising to extreme exhaustion, you may find that it does affect your milk supply and general health. Instead, take baby steps along the road to fitness.

Things to keep in mind

It’s always important to wear a decent sports bra for support when exercising, but this is arguably more important when you’re a breastfeeding mother. You may find it most comfortable if you feed your baby just before exercising, as this will ensure your breasts don’t feel too full.

You can feed your baby as soon as you need to when you return from exercising. There is no minimum period, exercising doesn’t have much affect on your milk. It can increase the amount of lactic acid in your breast milk, but most babies don’t seem to mind this. Some babies aren’t keen on the salty taste of sweat, so you may find that washing your breasts after exercising encourages your baby to feed.

Exercise can be the perfect way to unwind after a long day of parenting. If you’ve been home with the baby all day, you may find yourself feeling touched out and stressed. A brisk walk or a few lengths of the pool could be all you need to turn the day around.

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

If you’re feeling unwell, you may be worried about whether it’s safe to continue breastfeeding your baby. Many mamas worry that perhaps they shouldn’t feed their baby when they’re ill. However, in reality, there are very few instances in which illness may require you to stop breastfeeding your child (e.g. HIV, active tuberculosis, HTLV-1, HTLV-2).

Assuming you aren’t suffering from any of these conditions, you should be fine to continue breastfeeding your baby for the duration of the illness.

Will breastfeeding make my baby sick?

If you’re suffering from a cold or flu illness, you may worry about whether your breast milk will contain the virus. It won’t, so don’t worry. Not only that, because your milk contains the antibodies your body is busy producing to fight the infection, your baby will actually get this extra boost of immunity to protect her from the illness.

Do I need to take any precautions?

If you are prescribed medication to treat the illness, make sure you tell the doctor that you’re breastfeeding. Your doctor will need to check that the medication he or she prescribes is suitable for breastfeeding mothers. Most medication is suitable for breastfeeding mothers, but it’s always worth checking just in case.

If you have a sickness and diarrhoea bug, you need to make sure you’re drinking plenty of water. It’s easy to become dehydrated, especially when you’re breastfeeding, so make sure you keep your fluid levels up.

To minimize the risk of your baby getting ill, take the usual precautions. Wash your hands often, cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, and try not to kiss your baby near the mouth.

If you’re feeling rubbish, it’s important to take care of yourself and allow yourself time to rest. If you’re really unwell, you might need somebody else to stay home and help with the baby. That will give you the opportunity to get some sleep between feeds, and put someone else in charge of diaper changes for a little while. If your partner is unable to take the day off work, ask a family member or friend to pop round for a few hours and help out.

Remember to keep breastfeeding on demand, a drastic reductions in the number of feeds each day could begin to affect your supply.

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Pediatricians in the United States recommend routine supplementation of all breastfed babies with 400IU daily of vitamin D, starting in the first days of life. As a breastfeeding mom, you thought your breastmilk was all baby needed. So, why add something?

What is vitamin D?

Our bodies need vitamin D for healthy bones and a strong immune system. While we can get some vitamin D through diet, typically our bodies synthesize vitamin D from sunlight. Living at a higher latitude with fewer hours per day of sun, living in a culture where much of the skin is covered, and having darker skin pigmentation are all risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. In addition, the widespread use of sunscreen when we are exposed to sunlight limits the amount our bodies are able to use to make the necessary amount of vitamin D.

Why does my baby need vitamin D?

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets, a softening of the bones leading to fractures and deformity. Researchers also think vitamin D deficiency could be linked to chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.

If your baby is not breastfed, you do not need to supplement with any extra vitamin D because it is already added to infant formula.

Is my breastmilk lacking?

The most important thing to remember is that breastmilk isn’t deficient – it has just the amount of vitamin D that it’s supposed to have as long as mom isn’t deficient. The problem lies in the fact that while humans get some vitamin D from diet, the majority comes from sunlight exposure. And some babies just don’t get enough sunlight.

Can I take vitamin D instead?

A recent study found that if a breastfeeding mother takes 6400IU of vitamin D daily, it’s enough to keep her baby’s vitamin D status at a healthy level.

Are recommendations the same around the world?

In the UK and Canada, the recommendation is for breastfeeding moms to take a vitamin D supplement to increase the amount baby will get through breastmilk. In Australia, the recommendation is for babies’ vitamin D levels to be tested. Only those with low levels will need supplementation.

Keep in mind that a vitamin D supplement is only a few drops of liquid. It will not in any way affect your milk supply or your breastfeeding relationship. But it will keep your baby healthy.

Please ask your healthcare provider to show you how to give the correct amount of vitamin supplement to your baby. When it comes to vitamin D, too much of a good thing may be dangerous, so it makes sense to ensure that you are giving the proper dosage. Never give your baby more vitamin D supplement than your healthcare provider recommends. You can’t overdose on vitamin D from sunlight, but you can get too much vitamin D through supplements.

In summary, supplementing with vitamin D is an easy and inexpensive solution for a simple problem that can become a complex series of problems if left untreated. But before making a decision about whether or not to supplement, talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits.

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Your body went through some pretty big changes during pregnancy. It grew a whole new organ, created a baby from scratch and stretched to accommodate that growing baby. If you’ve started to dream about getting your pre-pregnancy body back, you may be wondering whether it’s safe to lose weight when breastfeeding.

As long as you lose weight healthily, and don’t restrict the healthy foods you eat, it’s perfectly safe to lose weight and get fit whilst breastfeeding. In fact, the healthier you are, the better this will be for your baby. You should wait until your baby is, at least, two months old, however, because this will allow your body enough time to build up a good milk supply.

How can I lose weight when breastfeeding?

In order to stay healthy, maintain your supply and lose some weight, you should:

• eat healthy – don’t restrict the number of calories you eat. As a breastfeeding mother, you should continue to eat at least 1500 to 1800 calories each day, you may even need more than that. You might be surprised at just how much energy it takes to breastfeed a growing baby! Instead of restricting calories, focus instead on eating healthy foods. Cut out the junk, processed and sugary foods from your diet. Instead, reach for the fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
• take up exercise – exercising is one of the best ways to lose weight. If you’re a new mama, going for a brisk daily walk with your baby in a sling could be all you need to shift those stubborn pounds. Or perhaps you’d prefer to try a mother and baby yoga class at your local gym? Some mamas find (slow) running, or a fast walk, to be a stress-relieving and enjoyable exercise, and you can go whenever you like so you won’t need to worry about being late for class.
• do it gradually – losing weight too quickly could actually have a negative impact on your milk supply. It’s important to lose weight gradually whilst breastfeeding. Remember, this isn’t a quick fix. This is about getting your health back to where you want it to be, and encouraging your body back to its pre-pregnancy shape. It’s not about overnight results or unsustainable lifestyle changes.
• do it together – invite your new mama friends to join you for a brisk walk round the park, or a pleasant afternoon stroll while your babies nap in the carrier or pram. Exercise doesn’t have to be a solitary thing. You can get your mom friends involved too.

What steps are you taking to try and lose weight when breastfeeding?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Newborn babies are notoriously terrible at sleeping. So much so, that you’re likely to be feeling sleep deprived for at least the first few weeks (months?) of parenthood. Your baby is likely to wake frequently during the night, leaving you struggling to catch more than a couple of consecutive hours of sleep. When your baby wakes for the day, you might find yourself reaching for the coffee pot. But is it safe to drink caffeine when breastfeeding, or will your baby end up on a caffeine high?

Caffeine in breast milk

Once consumed, caffeine enters your bloodstream and from there it enters your milk supply. It is thought that around 1% of the caffeine you consume ends up in your breastmilk. This may not sound like much. It’s important to remember, however, that your baby’s liver is much smaller than yours so may not process caffeine as easily.

How much caffeine can I consume whilst breastfeeding?

The US guidelines state that breastfeeding women can have up to 200mg of caffeine when breastfeeding. This is the same limit as advised during pregnancy, so you may already be used to limiting yourself to 200mg of caffeine each day. 200mg of caffeine works out at about two mugs of tea each day. If you’re a coffee drinker, you can enjoy two mugs of instant coffee or one mug of filter coffee. You need to remember that caffeine is also present in chocolate and soda drinks, so you’ll need to count these in your daily tally.

What to drink instead

If you’re using this as an opportunity to cut down (or cut out) caffeine, you might be looking for inspiration of other drinks to enjoy. You can of course drink decaffeinated teas and coffees instead of your usual brew, this will allow you to enjoy the great flavor without worrying about caffeinated breast milk! Fruit teas are a great option if you want to limit your caffeine intake and there are plenty of different flavors to try so you’re bound to find one you love.

Breastfeeding is thirsty work, so you need to make sure you’re drinking enough fluids throughout the day. Many women find a tall glass of icy water to be particularly refreshing when that breastfeeding thirst kicks in. If you’re not a huge fan of plain water, try adding slices of lemon or cucumber for extra flavor. Fruit juices and cordial drinks are also great ways to increase your fluid intake.

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Breastfeeding works on supply and demand. If your baby is feeding more, you will produce more milk. If your baby starts feeding less, your breasts will reduce how much milk they produce. Many women worry about low milk supply, but most of the time, there is nothing to worry about. If your baby is gaining weight well on a diet of just breast milk, and is producing plenty of wet and dirty diapers, there’s usually nothing to worry about. If you feel concerned, however, it’s always worth chatting to your healthcare provider for reassurance.

What causes low milk supply?

A lactation consultant or breastfeeding peer supporter should be able to offer you expertise regarding your supply. The following things can sometimes contribute to low milk supply:

• supplementation – if you are supplementing with formula, this will reduce the amount of time your baby spends at the breast. Pacifiers can have the same effect. To try and increase supply, reduce the number of bottle feeds you give to your baby.
• nipple preference – if you’ve been bottle feeding your baby, your baby may have cottoned on to the fact that drinking from a bottle requires less effort. To breastfeed, your baby must suck to stimulate the flow of milk. With a bottle, the flow is instant. To try and encourage your baby back to the breast, try cutting down on bottle feeds.
• sticking to schedule – if you’re feeding your baby according to a schedule, this could affect your supply. Breastfeeding on demand is one of the best ways to encourage a healthy milk supply.
• sleepiness – if you have a sleepy baby, your baby may not be spending enough time breastfeeding each day. Be sure to wake your baby every few hours to offer feeds for the first few weeks. You may also want to try and keep your baby awake during feeds, you can do this by gently blowing on her face as she drifts off at the breast.
• breastfeeding obstacles – improper latch, tongue tie and the use of nipple shields are just some of the things that could be restricting how much milk your baby is able to get each feed. If you think a breastfeeding barrier is to blame, make an appointment to see a lactation consultant for advice.
• your health – your health could be impacting your milk supply. Hypothyroidism, smoking and hormonal problems could all contribute to a decreased supply.

To increase your supply, you should offer the breast frequently. You should also offer both breasts during a feed, and ensure the first breast is properly drained before offering the second. A lactation consultant is best placed to offer advice on any breastfeeding issues you may have, so make an appointment to see one as soon as possible.

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

There are a lot of inevitabilities that go hand in hand with having a baby. One of them is that at some point, you will open some magazine and find a picture of some celebrity who gave birth a week or two before you and somehow, miraculously, has their pre-baby body back. It’s one of the laws of the universe, it would seem; nature’s way of making us feel guilty for not bouncing back so quickly ourselves.

When you come across those pictures, try to keep a few things in mind. Celebrities have a crew of people on board to help them bounce back like that, everything from nutritionists and trainers, to nannies and plastic surgeons. And those magazines have skilled Photoshop experts at their disposal as well. So don’t let the pictures weigh you down too much.

In fact, don’t let them weigh you down at all. These post partum months shouldn’t be about losing weight. Yes, that will happen on it’s own with time (and bonus, breast feeding can help!) but your focus now should still be on healing and being the best, healthiest version of yourself for your baby. Which means paying attention to your hunger cues (no starvation diets!) and skipping the calorie counting drama.

It also means filling up on these foods for breastfeeding that are great for you, your baby, and your breast milk:

1. Oats: It’s believed that oats serve both as an anti-inflammatory (which is great for a woman post-partum) and a milk supply booster. So start your morning off with a bowl of whole grain oats, or splurge on some oatmeal cookies.
2. Garlic: Studies have actually found that babies drink more breast milk when mothers have garlic before breastfeeding. This can be a good thing for little ones who are slow to eat otherwise, and it can also help to boost your production in the process. Plus, who doesn’t love garlic?
3. Nuts: All nuts contain amino acids that are necessary for serotonin production, which is integral to lactation. If you’re standing in the nut aisle and don’t know what to choose, go for the almonds—they’re a great source of protein as well. Breastfeeding mothers whose children have a high risk of developing an allergy, may want to discuss with their healthcare provider about eliminating foods such as dairy, nuts, eggs, and fish from their diet. However, so far there is no clear evidence that a breastfeeding mother’s diet will have any effect on whether her baby develops an allergy.
4. Healthy Fats: Every healthy diet should include healthy fats, making avocados and salmon great breastfeeding foods.
5. Water: Okay, so maybe water isn’t exactly a “breastfeeding food” or something you “eat,” but it is a necessary component of breastfeeding and overall health. Becoming dehydrated is one of the quickest ways to dry up your milk supply, so remember to always keep a full bottle of water handy!

What are your favorite foods for breastfeeding?

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

What is thrush?

Yeast is a normal part of the body that can get out of control. When you develop a fungal infection caused by yeast, it may be called thrush. Since yeast flourishes in dark, moist areas and feeds on sugars, it’s not surprising that breastfeeding moms and babies are predisposed to this infection.

What are the symptoms for mom?

You may have a thrush infection if you are experiencing stabbing or burning pain in the breast (which may happen during feeding or between feedings). Most moms with thrush have a red, shiny, itchy rash on the areola that may include peeling skin or small blisters. Nipple soreness is another common complaint.

Some women experience a vaginal yeast infection at the same time. If you have a history of mastitis or plugged ducts, this may increase the likelihood of thrush. In addition, if you’ve recently had a course of antibiotics, your natural balance can be shifted allowing the overgrowth of yeast.

What are the symptoms for baby?

For babies, the hallmark of thrush is white patches in baby’s mouth that don’t easily wipe off. These may be on baby’s gums, tongue or the insides of baby’s cheeks. Baby’s saliva may also look pearlescent. Gassiness, fussiness and refusing the breast can all happen with a thrush infection. A red, shiny diaper rash may happen along with the other symptoms. Even if you have clear thrush symptoms, your baby may not show any signs of the infection.

How is thrush treated?

Both mom and baby should be treated, even if only one has thrush symptoms. The chance of reinfection is increased when only one member of the dyad is treated, prolonging the discomfort of the infection.

Antifungal creams are the most commonly prescribed treatment. Your doctor may also recommend an antibiotic cream (for mom’s breasts) or suspension (for baby’s mouth). Oral antifungal medication can also be used, though a longer course is usually needed than is typical for a vaginal yeast infection.

Taking probiotics along with other treatments can be a useful adjunct. Baby can be given probiotic powder diluted in milk or rubbed inside the mouth. Other home treatments include a vinegar rinse (1 tablespoon of vinegar to 1 cup of water) or grapefruit seed extract (GSE) dabbed on the breast after each feeding. In addition, coconut oil (which is a natural antifungal) may be soothing when applied to mom’s itchy breasts.

Because yeast thrives on sugars, eliminate those from your diet during treatment (include natural and artificial sweeteners). Cut back on carbs and caffeine. Add yogurt and kefir (with their natural probiotics) to your diet.

Only your healthcare provider can diagnose nipple yeast and thrush. If you think you may have a thrush infection, contact your physician or other healthcare provider.

What can I do to keep it from returning?

It might be useful to treat the whole family (including dad and other children) when one person has obvious thrush symptoms. That way you’re not passing the infection back and forth! Be sure you are cleaning anything that comes in contact with mom’s breast and baby’s mouth or diaper area.

• Wash bras, breast pads, underwear, cloth diapers, etc. in hot water (consider adding vinegar to the wash)
• Wash your hands often with soap and hot water
• Boil pacifiers, bottle teats, teethers, toothbrushes, etc. for 20 minutes every day
• Wash baby’s toys in hot water daily
• Sterilize all pump parts if you are pumping (Keep in mind freezing does not kill yeast, so any milk pumped during infection will need to be used during treatment and discarded once the infection clears.)

Written by Michelle, Lamaze instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

While mom may be the one with the goods, dads and partners can be an integral part in supporting breastfeeding. Research shows that the support of her partner is one of the strongest predictors of whether or not a mom starts breastfeeding and keeps going with it as baby grows.

The early days and weeks of initiating breastfeeding can be the hardest for a new mom. But, as far as long term milk supply, those first experiences are essential. Babies need to feed early and often, and they need to learn to latch and transfer milk well. And moms need to learn to get baby positioned and latched for the most productive feeding. As her partner, you may feel out of the loop. The mother-baby dance is happening without you.

So, how can you help? If you can’t feed the baby what can you do?

• You don’t need to feed your baby to bond with him: Find ways to care for your baby that don’t involve feeding. Take care of diaper changes and bathing, burping and comforting. Your baby will love to cuddle to sleep on your chest, too.
• Take on other tasks: Do the shopping, cooking and cleaning so mom can focus on the feeding. Freeing her from these responsibilities allows her to focus on the physically demanding aspects of feeding a newborn often.
• Learn about breastfeeding: If you know the basics about how a woman’s body makes milk and how to tell if the baby is getting enough, you’re less likely to suggest formula as the first solution. You’re much more likely to find ways to fix breastfeeding. But keep in mind you don’t need to know everything – there are trained lactation professionals who can help mom with any breastfeeding concerns.
• Take care of mom: Bring her a snack or a glass of water when she’s nursing. Care for your baby while mom takes a break to shower or nap, especially in those early days at home with a new baby. Bring the baby to her when he wakes to feed at night.
• Find ways to support her emotionally: Tell her she’s doing a great job – be specific in your praise – “Look how the baby is growing on your milk alone,” “You are really learning our baby’s cues,” etc.
• Turn away the naysayers: Be an advocate for breastfeeding and a gatekeeper for commenters. When someone raises doubts about your partner’s ability to breastfeed, kindly tell them “this is what our doctor has recommended” or “this is what works for our family.”
• Help her find the help she needs: If she is having breastfeeding problems, find a lactation consultant or breastfeeding counselor she can call. If she seems to have symptoms of postpartum depression, help her reach out to healthcare providers for treatment. If she just needs a shoulder to cry on, be her rock.

If you’re a mom reading this, be sure to share it with your partner. If you’re an experienced parent – mom or partner – let us know what you found most valuable in the early weeks of learning to breastfeed.

Written by Michelle, Lamaze instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

When you were pregnant, you likely abstained from alcohol. Now that your baby is born and you’re breastfeeding, you may wonder if you still need to refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages. Here’s the low-down on alcohol and breastfeeding.

Alcohol passes in and out of your breastmilk in the same way as it does in your bloodstream. So if you aren’t feeling the effects of the drink, then it’s likely that your baby would not be exposed to enough alcohol through breastmilk for it to be a concern.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, an occasional drink has not been found to be harmful to a breastfeeding baby. They suggest feeding your baby right before you enjoy a drink, then waiting two hours or more to minimize baby’s exposure. Even if you’re baby is hungry during that time, the dose of alcohol your baby would get is minimal (if you’ve had only one drink).

It takes about two to three hours for a 120-pound woman to eliminate one serving of beer or wine from her system. This rate changes depending on maternal weight, as well as whether or not you are eating or snacking while you’re enjoying your beverage.

The effects on your baby are directly proportional to effects on you. Babies may be sleepy and hard to rouse, though they get less sleep overall. Also, research shows that babies nurse more often but take in less milk generally. Experts think this may be due to inhibition of mom’s letdown reflex, which is a side effect of drinking alcohol, or with the fact that alcohol may change the way the breastmilk tastes or smells (and baby just doesn’t like the new flavor!).

Additionally, baby’s immature liver can’t metabolize alcohol at the same rate as an adult liver. Around three months of age, baby’s body can better handle this process. So limiting exposure during those first three months may lessen the effects alcohol could have on your baby.

There’s no need to ‘pump and dump’ after having a drink. Other methods to try to speed your sobriety – such as drinking a lot of water, “sleeping it off”, or drinking coffee – will not speed up this process, either.

Keep these tips in mind if you plan to combine an occasional drink with breastfeeding:

• Limit the frequency of consumption for the first three months of baby’s life.
• Consider low alcohol or non-alcoholic alternatives.
• Dilute your beverage with carbonated or flavored water and sip it slowly.
• Eat with your drink.
• Limit yourself to a single beer or glass of wine.
• Nurse your baby immediately before having a drink.
• Wait two to three hours after you’ve had a drink to nurse again.

Even though with these tips in mind an occasional drink may not harm your baby, ultimately it’s best not to drink alcohol or smoke at all while breastfeeding.

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

When helping women with breastfeeding problems, I often hear from moms who say they can’t pump enough. When I ask questions about why they’re pumping, I often hear that they just want to have a bottle with them when they are out and about.

Your baby has a right to eat when he’s hungry no matter where you are. But you may feel unsure about breastfeeding in public – especially if this is your first baby. But breastfeeding wherever you happen to be can be simple and discreet.

Some tips may help increase your comfort level so you can feed your baby at the breast while running errands, sitting at the café, or enjoying time at the park:

• Practice in front of a mirror: Sit down at home and feed your baby in front of a mirror. Notice how little you can see of the process after the initial latch (and even then!).
• Dress the part: Wear two-piece outfits or dress in layers, wear clothes you’re comfortable in, and wear a bra that’s easy to use. If you’re wearing a button front shirt, unbutton from bottom rather than the top. If you’re wearing a cardigan, the sides will likely hide your latching baby. There’s no need to buy specialty clothing – though many options do exist. If you want to have a nursing tank top or t-shirt to layer under you other clothes, you can make a homemade version by cutting slits in the front of an old camisole or t-shirt. If you’re wearing a scarf, you may be able to use it as a convenient cover – while latching or throughout the feeding.
• Wear your baby: If you’re using a sling or a wrap, the material from the carrier will cover your body and will make latching a little easier.
• Use a blanket or a ready-made breastfeeding cover: Sometimes just having something covering you will increase your comfort, though don’t feel obligated to cover yourself. Having a blanket thrown over your cradled baby is sometimes like a neon sign saying ‘Hey! I’m breastfeeding!’ Also, covers may work for newborns, but after a couple of months, your baby may resist being blocked from the world.
• Find a comfortable place: You’re going to be sitting there for as long as it takes your baby to finish, so you likely don’t want to be delicately perched on a low wall. While it doesn’t necessarily need to be someplace secluded, if you’re seeking privacy you might choose a fitting room or your vehicle. But the park bench is fine, too! Just don’t choose the bathroom – would you want to eat in there? Consider using your diaper bag or handbag to pillow your elbow while you’re feeding.
• Follow your baby’s hunger cues: It’s easier to latch a baby when he’s showing early hunger cues. A ravenous, screaming baby calls attention to you, and makes latching more difficult.
• Practice: If you’re especially nervous, get comfortable nursing in front of others at home or at a mother-to-mother breastfeeding support meeting. Ultimately, you could nurse right before you leave the house and, if you get your timing right, you may be home before baby is ready to nurse again.

Most of all radiate confidence! You’re doing the absolute best for your baby. Smile and keep feeding your baby.

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.