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What you Cannot do while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Limitations of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the optimal source of nutrition for infants, with health organizations recommending exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and continued breastfeeding for at least a year. However, there are certain activities and considerations that mothers should be aware of while breastfeeding, which can impact both their health and the well-being of their infants.
Medications and Substances to Avoid
One of the primary concerns for breastfeeding mothers is the use of medications. While most medications can be taken without adversely affecting the infant, there are exceptions. Certain drugs are not recommended during breastfeeding due to potential risks to the baby. For instance, some medications can pass into breast milk and may have harmful effects, making it crucial for mothers to consult healthcare providers before taking any new medication.
Additionally, substances like alcohol and nicotine should be approached with caution. Alcohol can enter breast milk and affect the infant, so moderation is key. Health professionals often advise waiting at least two hours after consuming alcohol before breastfeeding to minimize exposure.
Dietary Restrictions
Mothers may also wonder about dietary restrictions while breastfeeding. While a balanced diet is essential, some foods can cause issues for breastfeeding infants. For example, certain allergens or spicy foods may lead to digestive discomfort in some babies. It’s advisable for mothers to monitor their diet and observe any reactions in their infants, adjusting their intake accordingly.
Workplace Challenges
The environment in which a breastfeeding mother works can significantly impact her ability to continue breastfeeding. A survey highlighted that nearly a third of respondents in the journalism field reported unsupportive workplaces regarding breastfeeding. This lack of support can manifest in inadequate facilities for pumping milk or a lack of understanding from colleagues, making it challenging for mothers to maintain their breastfeeding routine while managing work responsibilities.
Social and Emotional Considerations
Breastfeeding can also be emotionally taxing. Mothers may feel pressure to conform to societal expectations or face stigma in public spaces. This can lead to anxiety and stress, which may affect milk supply and the overall breastfeeding experience. Creating a supportive network of family, friends, and healthcare providers can help alleviate some of these pressures.
Conclusion
While breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial practice, it comes with its own set of challenges and limitations. From medication use to dietary choices and workplace support, mothers must navigate various factors to ensure a successful breastfeeding experience. Awareness and preparation can empower mothers to make informed decisions that benefit both themselves and their infants.

What is the 120 pumping rule?

The first 12 weeks of your breastfeeding journey requires frequent breastmilk removal, stimulating healthy milk production. Studies show moms who exclusively pump for a minimum of 120 minutes per day can make enough to feed their babies primarily breastmilk.

Do and don’ts during breastfeeding?

Do: Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. Your body is losing a lot of liquids while breastfeeding. That’s why it’s important to increase the amount of water you are drinking in order to stay properly hydrated. This will also help your body to produce milk.

What should you not do while breastfeeding?

What foods and drinks should I limit or avoid while breastfeeding?

  • Alcohol. There’s no level of alcohol in breast milk that’s considered safe for a baby.
  • Caffeine. Avoid drinking more than 2 to 3 cups (16 to 24 ounces) of caffeinated drinks a day.
  • Fish. Seafood can be a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

What foods decrease milk supply?

Top 5 food / drinks to avoid if you have a low milk supply:

  • Carbonated beverages.
  • Caffeine – coffee, black tea, green tea, etc.
  • Excess Vitamin C & Vitamin B –supplements or drinks with excessive vitamin C Or B (Vitamin Water, Powerade, oranges/orange juice and citrus fruits/juice.)

How long should I stay in bed after giving birth?

It can also help you recover safely to avoid postpartum injuries and reduce your risk of things like postpartum depression, anxiety, clogged milk ducts and mastitis. The basics of the rule consists of 5 days in bed, 5 days on the bed and 5 days around the bed.

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 are the golden rules for breastfeeding?

The key to successful breastfeeding is the way you position and latch your baby onto the breast. You should hold the baby “tummy to tummy” so that there is no space between your body and your baby. The baby needs to be facing the breast.

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 are the top foods that bother breastfed babies?

Now, in certain uncommon situations, babies can have a reaction to something in the breastfeeding parent’s diet. The top three culprits are dairy, soy, and wheat. But we don’t see too many babies reacting to foods like broccoli, cabbage, etc.

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.

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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