Frequently Asked Questions Breastfeeding
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why should I breastfeed?
Breastfeeding is normal and healthy for infants and moms. Breast milk has disease-fighting cells called antibodies that help protect infants from germs, illness, and even sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfeeding is linked to a lower risk of various health problems for babies, including:
- Ear infections
- Stomach viruses
- Respiratory infections
- Atopic dermatis
- Asthma
- Obesity
- Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- Childhood leukemia
- Necrotizing enterocolitis, a gastrointestinal disease in preterm infants
In moms, breastfeeding is linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and postpartum depression. Infant formula cannot match the exact chemical makeup of human milk, especially the cells, hormones, and antibodies that fight disease. For most babies, breast milk is easier to digest than formula. It takes time for their stomachs to adjust to digesting proteins in formula because they are made from cow's milk.
How long should I breastfeed?
Many leading health organizations recommend
that most infants breastfeed for at least 12 months,
with exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months.
This means that babies are not given any foods or
liquids other than breast milk for the first 6 months.
These recommendations are supported by organizations
including the American Academy of Pediatrics,
American Academy of Family Physicians, American
Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American
College of Nurse-Midwives, American Dietetic
Association, and American Public Health Association.
Should I supplement with formula?
Giving your baby formula may cause him or her to
not want as much breast milk. This will decrease
your milk supply. If you are worried that your baby
is not eating enough, talk to your baby’s doctor.
Does my baby need cereal or water?
Your baby only needs breast milk for the first six
months of life. Breast milk alone will provide all
the nutrition your baby needs. Giving the baby
cereal may cause your baby to not want as much
breast milk. This will decrease your milk supply.
Even in hot climates, breastfed infants do not need
water or juice. When your baby is ready for other
foods, they should be iron-rich.
Is it okay for my baby to use a
pacifier?
If you want to try it, it is best to wait until the
baby is one month old to introduce a pacifier. This
allows the baby to learn how to latch well on the
breast and get enough to eat.
Is my baby getting enough vitamin D?
All infants and children, including those who are
exclusively breastfed and those who are fed formula,
should have at least 400 International Units (IU)
of vitamin D per day. This should start during the
first two months of life. Vitamin D is important
for building strong bones. You can buy supplements
for infants at a drug store or grocery store.
Sunlight is a major source of vitamin D, but it is
hard to measure how much sunlight your baby gets
and too much sun can be harmful. Ask your baby’s
doctor about vitamin D as well as sun exposure.
When should I wean my baby?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends
breastfeeding beyond the baby’s first birthday, and
for as long as both the mother and baby would like.
The easiest and most natural time to wean is when
your child leads the process. But how the mother
feels is very important in deciding when to wean.
Is it safe to smoke, drink, or use
drugs?
If you smoke, it is best for you and your baby to quit
as soon as possible. If you can’t quit, it is still better
to breastfeed because it can help protect your baby
from respiratory problems and SIDS (sudden infant death
syndrome). Be sure to smoke away from your baby
and change your clothes to keep your baby away
from the chemicals smoking leaves behind. Ask a
health care provider for help quitting smoking!
You should avoid alcohol, especially in large
amounts. An occasional small drink is ok, but
avoid breastfeeding for two hours after the drink.
It is not safe for you to use or be dependent upon
an illicit drug. Drugs such as cocaine and marijuana,
heroine, and PCP harm your baby. Some reported
side effects in babies include seizures, vomiting,
poor feeding, and tremors.
Can I take medicines if I am breastfeeding?
Although almost all medicines pass into your milk in
small amounts, most have no effect on the baby and
can be used while breastfeeding. Very few medicines
can’t be used while breastfeeding. Discuss any
medicines you are using with your doctor and ask
before you start using new medicines. This includes
prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins,
and dietary or herbal supplements. For some women
with chronic health problems, stopping a medicine
can be more dangerous than the effects it will have
on the breastfed baby.
You can learn more from Medications and Mothers’
Milk, a book by Thomas Hale, found in bookstores
and libraries. The National Library of medicine
also offers an online tool for learning about
the effects of medicines on breastfed babies.
Can I breastfeed if I am sick?
Some women think that when they are sick, they
should not breastfeed. But, most common illnesses,
such as colds, flu, or diarrhea, can’t be passed
through breast milk. In fact, if you are sick, your
breast milk will have antibodies in it. These antibodies
will help protect your baby from getting the same
sickness.
Breastfeeding is not advised if the mother:
What should I do if I have postpartum
depression?
First, postpartum depression is different than postpartum
“blues.” The blues — which can include lots
of tears, and feeling down and overwhelmed — are
common and go away on their own. Postpartum
depression is less common, more serious, and can
last more than two weeks. Symptoms can include:
feeling irritable and sad; having no energy and not
being able to sleep; being overly worried about the
baby or not having interest in the baby; and feeling
worthless and guilty.
If you have postpartum depression, work with
your doctor to find the right treatment for you.
Treatment may include medication such as antidepressants
and talk therapy. Research has shown
that while antidepressants pass into breast milk,
few problems have been reported in infants. Even
so, it is important to let your baby’s doctor know if
you need to take any medications.
Let your doctor know if your blues do not go away
so that you can feel better. If you are having any
thoughts about harming yourself or your baby, call
911 right away.
Will my partner be jealous if I
breastfeed?
If you prepare your partner in advance, there
should be no jealousy. Explain that you need support.
Discuss the important and lasting health benefits of breastfeeding. Explain that not making
formula means more rest. Be sure to emphasize
that breastfeeding can save you money. Your
partner can help by changing and burping the baby,
sharing chores, and simply sitting with you and the
baby to enjoy the special mood that breastfeeding
creates. Your partner can also feed the baby
pumped breast milk.
Do I have to restrict my sex life while
breastfeeding?
No. But, if you are having vaginal dryness, you can
try more foreplay and water-based lubricants. You
can feed your baby or express some milk before
lovemaking so your breasts will be more comfortable
and less likely to leak. During sex, you also can
put pressure on the nipple when it lets down or
have a towel handy to catch the milk.
Do I still need birth control if I am
breastfeeding?
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 a
health care provider about birth control choices
that are okay to use while breastfeeding.
I heard that breast milk can have
toxins in it from the environment. Is
it still safe for my baby?
While certain chemicals have appeared in breast
milk, breastfeeding remains the best way to feed
and nurture young infants and children. The advantages
of breastfeeding far outweigh any possible
risks from environmental pollutants. To date,
the effects of such chemicals have only been seen
rarely — in babies whose mothers themselves were
ill because of them. Infant formula, the water it is
mixed with, and/or the bottles or nipples used to
give it to the baby can be contaminated with bacteria or chemicals.
Does my breastfed baby need vaccines?
Is it safe for me to get a vaccine
when I’m breastfeeding?
Yes. Vaccines are very important to your baby’s
health. Breastfeeding may also enhance your baby’s
response to certain immunizations, providing more
protection. Follow the schedule your doctor gives
you and, if you miss any, check with him or her
about getting your baby back on track. Breastfeeding
while the vaccine is given to your baby — or
immediately afterwards — can help relieve pain
and sooth an upset baby. Most nursing mothers
may also receive vaccines. Breastfeeding does not
affect the vaccine. Vaccines are not harmful to
your breast milk.
What should I do if my baby bites
me?
If your baby starts to clamp down, you can put
your finger in the baby’s mouth and take him or
her off of your breast with a firm, “No.” Try not
to yell as it may scare the baby. If your baby continues
to bite you, you can:
-
Stop the feeding right away so the baby is not
tempted to get another reaction from you.
Don’t laugh. This is part of your baby's learning of limits.
- Offer a teething toy, or a snack (if older baby),
or a drink from a cup instead.
- Put your baby down for a moment to show that
biting brings a negative consequence. You can
then pick your baby up again to give comfort.
What do I do if my baby keeps crying?
If your baby does not seem comforted by breastfeeding
or other soothing measures, talk to your
baby’s doctor. Your baby may have colic or may be
uncomfortable or in pain. You can also check to
see if your baby is teething. The doctor and a lactation
consultant can help you find ways to help your
baby eat well.
For more information
For more information about breastfeeding, call womenshealth.gov at 800-994-9662 or contact the following organizations:
American Academy of Pediatrics
Phone: 847-434-4000
American College of Nurse-Midwives
Phone: 240-485-1800
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
Phone: 202-638-5577
American Pregnancy Association
Phone: 972-550-0140
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH
Phone: 800-370-2943
International Lactation Consultant Association
Phone: 919-861-5577
La Leche League International
Phone: 800-LALECHE or 800-525-3243
March of Dimes
Phone: 914-997-4488
Wellstart International
Phone: 619-295-5192
United States Breastfeeding Committee
Phone: 202-367-1132
All material contained in this FAQ is free of copyright restrictions, and may be copied, reproduced, or duplicated without permission of the Office on Women's Health in the Department of Health and Human Services. Citation of the source is appreciated.
Content last updated August 1, 2010.
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