Breastfeeding can pose many questions for parents, so here is a small collection of some of the most often asked breastfeeding concerns.
How do I treat sore, blistered, or bleeding nipples?
- Try to change feeding positions with each feed, as this will shift the position of the baby’s mouth.
- Try to feed more often, but for shorter periods of time. The idea is that the infant will not be as hungry, thus will not suck as avidly when going shorter times between feeds.
- Apply breast milk to nipples, as this can help heal them. Do not use soap or alcohol, or an alcohol based cleaner as that can dry the nipple and cause further pain and irritation.
- If nipples are bleeding or blistered, apply a lanolin medication as directed by your physician or lactation nurse. The lanolin will act as a protective barrier to help speed the healing of the nipples.
Can I consume caffeine or alcohol while breastfeeding?
- Ideally, the answer would be no to both, as alcohol and caffeine can both be passed to the infant via breast milk.
- For caffeine, limit quantities as much as possible. Switching to decaffeinated drinks can help.
- For alcohol, if there is an occasional drink, the ideal time is immediately after a feeding. If not, the option is always to ‘pump and dump’, meaning pump the next scheduled feeding and dump it. Use previously pumped milk (either frozen or refrigerated).
Can I get pregnant while breastfeeding?
It is possible, yes. Many women do not ovulate while breastfeeding, and many do. The deception is that for the period a mother is breastfeeding, the common signs of a period may not present themselves as they normally would.
The discomfort related to having a period may not occur for several months, leading a mother to believe she is not ovulating. This is not always accurate, so it is best to take precautions if desired.
Can I take birth control pills while breastfeeding?
This is a question to be discussed with your physician, so the both of you can determine what the best form of contraception is. That said, yes, there are birth control pills that can be taken while breastfeeding. These pills are a weaker form of their normal counterparts, but still may pose the risk of side effects.
Are there any foods I should avoid?
There is not set list of foods to avoid, but a safe assumption is to avoid things that give you yourself issues. If something causes gas for you, it may be best to avoid that food, just in case it may have a similar effect on your baby. If your baby seems to be gassy or have an upset stomach, try to correlate what foods were eaten prior to that feeding. Mothers tend to notice very quickly what foods affect their babies when breastfeeding.
Disclaimer: This information is not to be considered medical advice. This article is for informational purposes only, and before any application of the above information, consult with your physician or doctor.
Updated: June 2011
