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Breastfeeding and Beyond
You have many parenting choices to make right away that will help you and your baby breastfeed
effectively. For example:
- To introduce a pacifier, wait at least two to three weeks before trying it out. This way your baby is doing all
of his sucking at the breast, telling your body to make milk. If you find your baby is not gaining well or you are
experiencing nipple soreness after you introduce a pacifier, take it away for a while and concentrate on breastfeeding.
- Wait until about three weeks before introducing a bottle. Your body needs the stimulation by the baby to make milk.
If you must supplement for medical reasons, you can keep breastfeeding. If your baby is not feeding well and has lost
weight, begin pumping as soon as you begin supplementing.
- Sometimes a lactation consultant will recommend using a nipple shield, a thin silicone device that fits over your
nipple and helps the baby to latch. Speak with a lactation consultant after discharge if you are having trouble with
the shield or are concerned about milk supply.
Other topics of interest:
More detailed information from our Breastfeeding Resource Guide can be accessed by clicking on "more" at the end of each section.
Bras
You may choose to wear a bra to prevent muscle strain in your chest and leaking of milk from your breasts as they
become fuller. If you buy a bra during late pregnancy, it should have adjustable cup sizes because your breasts will
be larger after the milk comes in. This is the best time to be fitted for a nursing bra. Underwire bras may press on
the milk ducts and block milk flow if they do not fit properly. It is helpful to be fitted by a certified bra fitter
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Nutrition while breastfeeding
Eating a perfect diet is not necessary while breastfeeding. Below are some general guidelines:
- Often the vitamin you took during your pregnancy will help you meet the vitamin and mineral needs of breastfeeding.
- Breastfeeding mothers can eat most foods. You do not need to worry about gassy or spicy foods unless your baby seems fussy every time you eat that particular food.
- A "colicky" baby may be allergic to cow's milk that passes through your milk. Removing dairy products from your
diet for a period of time to see if your baby continues to be fussy can help determine whether or not dairy products
cause the fussiness.
- Caffeine in moderation is advised. Experiment with small amounts to figure out what your baby can tolerate.
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Alcohol and drugs
Alcohol and drugs pass through the mother's milk and can be very harmful to your baby. Never take illegal drugs while
you are breastfeeding. Speak with your physician, midwife or lactation consultant about alcohol and over-the-counter
or prescription medications while breastfeeding.
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Smoking
Even if you smoke, breastfeeding is still the best food for your baby. However, smoking does affect breast milk. Many
harmful substances, including nicotine, pass through your bloodstream into your breast milk. Nicotine slows the milk
flow and lessens milk supply. Smoking also decreases the levels of some vitamins in the breast milk.
A mother who smokes should never smoke near her baby. If you smoke, please try to stop.
Speak with your lactation consultant, doctor or midwife for help with smoking cessation.
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Growth spurts
A growth spurt is a time of rapid growth for your baby. These usually occur around the first few days at home and then
at two and six weeks, and again at three and six months. You will know your baby is having a growth spurt if he is
eating more frequently. Feed your baby following his cues during a growth spurt. This will increase your milk supply
to the amount your baby needs.
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Twins, triplets or more
It is possible to breastfeed more than one baby with support and encouragement from family and friends. During the
first few weeks of life, you may feel more comfortable breastfeeding one baby at a time. As your babies get older and
you are more experienced, you will be able to feed two at a time. As always, patience and creativity are helpful.
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Weaning
When you choose to wean, it should be done slowly to give your body and your baby time to adjust. Take away a feeding
every three to five days. Before your baby is 12 months old, these feedings need to be replaced with either stored
breast milk or formula. If you wean your baby after he is 12 months old, these feedings can be replaced with whole
milk.
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