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Mother and their familes often have lots of questions. Some of the most frequently asked ones are :
As with many things to do with babies there is a large variation of what is normal. Night feeds are important because they:
Help is available from a range of places. The Child Health Information Book in your baby's personal health record contains lots of practical tips and information.
Mothers should eat a healthy diet from a variety of foods. Mothers who are breastfeeding can eat all foods in moderation. There are no food restrictions. It is recommended that mothers take a daily 150 micrograms iodine supplement to assist with the babies brain and nervous system development.
Any medications taken by a breastfeeding mother may pass into the breast milk. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, illegal and complementary and alternative medications.
Seek assistance for information about specific medications.
Mothers should always tell the doctor or pharmacist they are breastfeeding before taking prescription medications. Complementary and alternative medications are unregulated and not well researched, therefore are not recommended for breastfeeding mothers.
Caffeine does cross into breast milk. The level of caffeine is highest about one hour after drinking. Too much caffeine can cause babies to become unsettled.
Just like toddlers and older children, each baby can be different with time between feeds, the length of feeds and sleeping patterns. If mothers are concerned about their baby they should seek the advice of a health professional.
Important points to remember are:
All babies should be left on the first breast until
Mothers should then offer the baby the second breast. The baby may or may not wish to feed on the second side. Most babies (57%) will vary at every feed between taking one side or both.
The most common reason mothers will stop breastfeeding is they are concerned that their baby is not getting enough breastmilk. Some are concerned that their breastmilk is not good enough. Mothers can be reassured that breastmilk is meeting all the babies needs if:
Mothers should seek assistance if they are concerned about their baby.
Mothers who continue to breastfeed after returning to work experience many benefits including:
Some tips for mothers returning to work and breastfeeding:
Supporting mothers to return to work when they are breastfeeding is important for workplaces. Breastfeeding mothers who return to work need the support of their families, employers and colleagues.
Information available for expressing, freezing, refrigerating and warming breastmilk:
If a mother is breastfeeding and chooses to drink alcohol she should:
The benefits of breastfeeding are especially important for babies whose mothers smoke.
Mothers who smoke can breastfeed, but should be aware that:
Suggestions to reduce harm for baby
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) patches and gum may pass through the breastmilk. There is no evidence that any NRT is preferred for a breastfeeding mother.
Queensland Cancer Fund provide resources for mothers about smoking.
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