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You Can Do It

While motherhood is a wonderful experience, the first couple of weeks can feel stressful for all new moms. Don't forget...it takes a little practice to make perfect. Think of it as a dance – it may feel clumsy at first, but soon you and your baby will be working well together. Read More.

The Good News! You Can Breastfeed Even If...

  • You or your baby has special needs
  • You are sick or taking medication
  • You smoke
  • You have an occasional drink
  • You have been exposed to pollutants
  • You become pregnant
  • You have postpartum depression
  • You have a nipple ring
  • You have hepatitis
  • You have twins
  • You eat junk food
  • Your baby was born prematurely
  • You had breast surgery
  • You had a c-section

In most situations, you and your baby can continue to enjoy the benefits of breastfeeding.

You Or Your Baby Has Special Needs

 
A baby with special needs will benefit from breastfeeding even more than other babies (i.e., your milk is more easily digested and healthier for your baby). The special bond that comes with breastfeeding will help you feel calmer and more in touch with your baby. Read More.

You Are Sick Or Taking Medication


“How can I take care of my baby if I get sick?” is a common question new mothers ask. Breastfeeding is ideal when you are ill and will give you the chance to rest and recover.

If you require medication, even over the counter medications, talk to your Peer Counselor and health care provider. Check out these things to consider.

Smoking


If you smoke, reduce the amount you smoke, or better yet, quit altogether and never smoke in the same room as your baby. Read More.

Want to quit? Click here.

Effects Of Alcohol

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) considers limited alcohol intake to be safe and permissible for breastfeeding mothers. However, moderate to heavy drinking (i.e., two or more alcoholic drinks per day) should be avoided. Read More.

Avoiding Pollutants

Unless there is heavy exposure to toxins, you don’t need to be concerned. The benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the risks of pollutants. Babies who are breastfed are healthier and breastfeeding may lessen the negative effects of some chemicals in the environment. For more tips to reduce the risks of many toxic chemicals, click here.

Breastfeeding And Pregnancy

Talk to your health care provider if you become pregnant while breastfeeding. In most situations, it is okay to breastfeed. Breastfeeding during a pregnancy is not recommended if you have a history of pre-term labor. For more information, click here.

Post-partum Depression

Many new mothers experience the “baby blues” during the first week or two after birth. The “blues” are caused by the hormonal changes that occur after giving birth, fatigue, and the emotional ups and downs that come with adjusting to her new role as a mother. Post-partum depression is a more serious type of major depression that affects 1 in 10 women within the first year of giving birth. More Tips Here.

Nipple Rings

Yes! You can nurse if you have a nipple piercing; just remove the ring before nursing so baby does not choke on it. You may notice some leaking around the piercing site, nursing pads will catch any leaks.

Hepatitis

There is no evidence that breastfeeding poses any risk to infants of Hepatitis B (HBV) carrier mothers.

You Have Twins

Can you really breastfeed twins or triplets? Of course...the benefits of breastfeeding are multiplied! Your body will naturally produce enough milk to meet the needs of two (or more) babies. Read More.

You Eat Junk Food

It is not necessary to maintain a strict diet in order to produce healthy breast milk for your baby. Research has shown that a “less than ideal” diet will not affect breast milk’s supply or quality. Click here to learn more.

Your Baby Was Born Prematurely

Whether your baby is healthy and born just a few weeks early or is born very early and is too small to breastfeed, he needs your milk! In fact, he needs your milk more than ever...it will help him grow bigger and stronger. Click here to learn more.

You Had Breast Surgery

Some surgeries can impact your ability to make milk; however, it is still possible to breastfeed after a procedure. Learn as much as you can about breastfeeding and give it a try! Closely monitor your baby and be sure to include your health care provider in the discussion.

You Had A C-Section

A cesareans section (C-section) should not prevent you from breastfeeding. However, know that you may need extra help in the first weeks after your baby is born. Certain breastfeeding positions may more comfortable than others.