Breastfeeding - self-care

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Breast feeding

(Page 2)

Since alcohol has been found in human milk and can interfere with the milk ejection reflex, avoid alcohol while breastfeeding. An occasional drink, no more than 2 ounces of alcohol, may be safe, but you should consult your health care provider about the possible risks.

If you are a smoker, this is a great time to quit for yourself and for your baby. Nicotine and other chemicals from cigarettes are found in breast milk.

• Breathing in smoke will increase the number of colds or infections your baby develops.
• If you are unable to quit, visit your doctor. See: Smoking - tips on how to quit.

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DRUGS IN BREAST MILK

Many medications (prescription and over-the-counter medications) will pass into the mother's milk. Most of these medications are safe.

Check with your health care provider before taking any medications. Do NOT stop taking any prescribed medication without first speaking to your doctor. Remember, medications that were safe while you were pregnant may not always be safe while breastfeeding.

The American Academy of Pediatrics' Committee on Drugs releases a periodic statement with a list of drugs and their compatibility with breastfeeding. Your obstetrician and pediatrician are both likely to be familiar with this publication and can answer your concerns about breastfeeding while taking medications.

YOUR MENSTRUAL PERIODS AND BIRTH CONTROL

Breastfeeding will delay the return of normal menstrual periods (called lactation amenorrhea). This helps keep extra iron in your body.

Although the risk of pregnancy is less while you are breastfeeding, you can get pregnant. Breastfeeding should not be used as the only method of contraception.

You are less likely to get pregnant while breastfeeding if:

• It has been no more than 6 months since your baby was born.
• You are breastfeeding only, and your baby is not receiving any formula.
• You have not yet had a menstrual period.

Discuss your birth control choice with your health care provider. Barrier methods (condom, diaphragm), progesterone-only pills or shots, and IUDs have all been shown to be safe and effective.

WORKING OUTSIDE THE HOME -- MAINTAINING YOUR MILK SUPPLY

See: Breast milk - pumping and storage

Review Date: 07/26/2010
Reviewed By: Jennifer K. Mannheim, ARNP, Medical Staff, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Seattle Children's Hospital; and Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).