“I’ve heard that breastfeeding can keep me from getting pregnant. Is this true?” Yes, as long as you nurse according to the rules of natural child spacing. The same hormones that make milk suppress the release of reproductive hormones. While breastfeeding full-time most mothers do not ovulate and do not have menstrual periods. This means […]
Breastfeeding in Public for the First Time
Breastfeeding Wherever You Go There’s no need to stay at home just because you’re breastfeeding. Mothers nurse their babies anywhere and everywhere, and you can learn to do this, too. A mom should feel free to feed her baby whenever and wherever without restrictions, so I don’t mean the following suggestions to be misconstrued as […]
Breastfeeding Before Baby’s Surgery
Breastfeeding Before Baby’s Surgery Food and liquid intake is restricted before a person has general anesthesia because of the risk of vomiting and then having the vomitus get into the lungs. In adults, “nothing by mouth” orders often mean no food or drink after midnight on the night before surgery. However, an eight-hour (or longer) […]
Babies with Jaundice
Babies with Jaundice Around 60% of newborns develop jaundice within a few days after birth. Jaundice tends to be more common in breastfed babies and to last a bit longer. In most cases, it’s harmless, but jaundice phobia on the part of parents and healthcare providers often creates obstacles to successful breastfeeding. Here’s some background […]
Babies with Hypoglycemia
If you’ve been told that your newborn baby has hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or is at risk of developing this condition, you should also know that there are ways that breastfeeding can help the situation. Low blood sugar occurs when the body’s demand for glucose (a simple sugar) is greater than its supply. Infants get […]
Lithium
Lithium is used to treat manic depression and is in the use with caution category while breastfeeding. If all alternatives have been explored and both you and your doctor believe that this drug is necessary and premature weaning is undesirable, lithium could be taken while breastfeeding, provided baby’s blood lithium level is closely monitored, approximately […]
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Most antidepressants in the tricyclic category are listed as “safe to take while breastfeeding,” except DoxetIn . Elavil (amitriptyline) is safe to take while breastfeeding. While an occasional dose of Valium (diazepam) is considered safe while breastfeeding, prolonged use is not advisable.
St. John’s Wort
While St. John’s wort (hypericum perforatum) has been scientifically shown to be an effective antidepressant, its safety for a lactating mother has not been proven. Some authorities believe it could decrease a mother’s milk supply. If you are considering the use of St. John’s wort as an antidepressant, it would be wise to consult a […]
Alternatives to Medication for Depression
Before taking antidepressants, consider alternatives. Some mothers who required antidepressants prior to having a baby have found that the relaxing effects of breastfeeding have enabled them to lower the dosage or get off these medications entirely. Mild depression often responds to simple changes in your lifestyle: exercise, attitude modification, and nutrition.
Do You Need The Drug?
Do you need the drug? Be honest. Trying to tough it out for several days may actually decrease your milk supply, and you may not be a very good mother to your baby during this time. Taking medicine may often lessen the severity and duration of your illness, and in some situations, it’s absolutely necessary. […]
Will The Drug Affect Baby
Many drugs taken by a mother make their way into her milk. The important question is not whether the drug gets into milk, but whether the levels in the milk are such that they will affect the baby. Here are some of the factors that influence how much of a drug gets into a mother’s […]
Will The Drug Affect Your Ability To Make Milk?
Some drugs do not harm the baby, but may affect your milk volume by suppressing the milk-making hormones. On the other hand, some conditions (i.e., hypothyroidism) can interfere with your ability to make milk, and medications to treat the problem will improve milk production.