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What should you not do while breastfeeding?

What Not to Do While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial process for both mother and child, but it comes with its own set of guidelines to ensure the health and well-being of both parties. Here are some critical practices to avoid while breastfeeding.
1. Avoid Certain Foods and Beverages
Mothers should be mindful of their diet while breastfeeding. Caffeine is one of the primary substances to limit. Consuming coffee and tea can lead to caffeine entering breast milk, potentially affecting the baby’s sleep patterns and making it harder for mothers to rest when their infants do. Additionally, alcohol should be consumed sparingly. While occasional drinking may not pose significant risks, it’s advisable to wait at least two hours after consuming alcohol before breastfeeding to minimize its presence in breast milk.
2. Be Cautious with Medications
When it comes to medications, mothers should exercise caution. While many medications are safe to take while breastfeeding, some can pass into breast milk and may not be suitable for the infant. It’s crucial for mothers to consult with healthcare providers or lactation consultants regarding the safety of any prescribed or over-the-counter medications. This includes herbal supplements, which can also have unknown effects on both milk supply and the baby’s health.
3. Neglecting Hydration and Nutrition
Breastfeeding mothers need to maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated. Neglecting proper nutrition can lead to decreased milk supply and affect the mother’s energy levels. It’s essential to consume a variety of nutrients to support both the mother’s health and the quality of breast milk.
4. Stress and Lack of Support
Stress can significantly impact breastfeeding success. Mothers should avoid environments that are overly stressful or unsupportive. A lack of support from family, friends, or the workplace can lead to feelings of isolation and anxiety, which may hinder the breastfeeding experience. Creating a calm and supportive atmosphere is vital for both the mother and the baby.
5. Skipping Breastfeeding Sessions
Mothers should not skip breastfeeding sessions without a valid reason. Regular breastfeeding helps maintain milk supply and ensures that the baby receives adequate nutrition. If a mother is unable to breastfeed directly, using a breast pump can help maintain supply and provide milk for the baby.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding is a rewarding experience, but it requires careful consideration of various factors. By avoiding certain foods, being cautious with medications, maintaining proper nutrition, managing stress, and adhering to a consistent breastfeeding schedule, mothers can enhance their breastfeeding journey and promote the health of their infants.

Does pumping every 2 hours increase milk supply?

Pump more often, from both breasts
Many women wonder how often they should pump. A general guideline is to pump every three hours. But if you’re trying to produce more breast milk, you can: Try pumping both breasts for 15 minutes every two hours for 48-72 hours.

What are the don’ts of breastfeeding?

Don’ts

  • Don’t give up on breastfeeding your newborn no matter how hard you find it.
  • Do not ignore your pain if you are experiencing sore nipples.
  • Don’t eat any painkillers or medicine unless your doctor prescribes it.
  • Don’t start breastfeeding when you are feeling angry or depressed.

What are 5 cons of breastfeeding?

  • There can be discomfort involved with breastfeeding.
  • You may leak milk at times that are inconvenient or embarrassing.
  • Feeding your baby in public may be more difficult.
  • Everything you consume is being passed on to your baby.
  • You need special clothing and bras for breastfeeding.

Why avoid strawberries while breastfeeding?

A quart or more of orange juice or a diet heavy in seasonal fruits such as strawberries, melons or cherries have been associated with diarrhea and colicky symptoms in some infants. Foods containing many preservatives, additives or dyes have been associated with signs of discomfort in some babies.

What negatively affects breast milk?

Stress is the No. 1 killer of breastmilk supply, especially in the first few weeks after delivery. Between lack of sleep and adjusting to the baby’s schedule, rising levels of certain hormones such as cortisol can dramatically reduce your milk supply.

What is the 5-5-5 rule for breast milk?

Something I recommend to moms is the 5-5-5 rule. Try and use milk within five hours at room temperature, five days in the fridge, and by five months in the freezer.

What is the 5 5 5 rule breastfeeding?

The Centers for Disease Control recently updated their recommendations on breast milk storage. Previously, many people followed the 5-5-5 rule: storing breast milk for five hours at room temperature, five days in the refrigerator, and five months in the freezer.

What can affect baby while breastfeeding?

Foods like beans, broccoli, cauliflower, or some dairy products can cause fussiness, gassiness, or colicky behavior in some babies. Foods like cow’s milk, soy, wheat, corn, oats, eggs, nuts and peanuts, and fish or shellfish are common allergy-causing foods.

Is there anything to avoid while breastfeeding?

But there are certain foods to avoid during breastfeeding, including: Foods with artificial sweeteners. There’s some concern that artificial sweeteners may increase your child’s risk of obesity, but more research is needed. Fish with high levels of mercury like shark, mackerel and swordfish.

What are the golden rules for breastfeeding?

The more your baby nurses, the more signals your body receives to produce milk. 2. Empty Breast After Each Feeding: Ensuring that the breast is emptied during each feeding or switching sides helps your baby get both the foremilk (lower in fat) and hindmilk (richer in fat), providing a balanced nutrition.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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