Prevention

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Breastfeeding is a unique experience for each woman and her baby. You may not experience the same (or any) breastfeeding symptoms a friend had, while you may have more trouble getting started than your mother did (or not). Many difficulties associated with breastfeeding can be minimized. The benefits of staying committed, whenever possible, to breastfeeding always pay off.

Here are a few tips to further explain why breastfeeding is valuable to you and your baby's health now and in the future, as well as how to prevent complications.

• Breastfeeding offers a wide range of health benefits and reduces the risk of certain illnesses for both mom and baby.
  • Breast milk has antibodies that bolster you baby's natural immunity to fight common childhood infections, including diarrhea, ear infections, respiratory infections and meningitis. It can also lower the risk of some chronic illness (e.g., juvenile diabetes, some childhood cancers, irritable bowel syndrome/colitis, overweight and obesity). Because breastfed babies tend to be healthier, they have fewer:
    • Illnesses (less severe and shorter)
    • Sick care visits
    • Hospitalizations
  • Breastfeeding helps moms recover from pregnancy and childbirth and can reduce the likelihood of certain cancers (e.g., breast, ovarian) and osteoporosis.
• Before starting to breastfeed, talk with your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking, just in case these can pass into your milk and harm your baby.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can easily pass into your milk. The effect of alcohol is related to the amount you consume. It's OK to have the occasional beer or glass of wine (one glass or less a day). Time feedings so they occur one to two hours later, so the alcohol is no longer in your system.
• Avoid certain kinds of fish and shellfish that contain high levels of mercury. These include shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish. You can safely eat up to 12 ounces (two servings) per week of fish low in mercury, which include shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, clams, haddock, trout and catfish.
• Get plenty of rest and eat a well-balanced diet. As a new mom, you are probably feeling overly tired and may not be eating as well as you should be. This can lower your resistance to illness, making breast infections more likely.
• Some women experience problems when breastfeeding, such as sore or cracked nipples, engorgement or blocked milk ducts, especially during the first four weeks. There are preventive steps you can take to limit their occurrence and reduce the likelihood of breast infections that may develop as a result. Here are some helpful tips:
  • Breastfeed frequently for your baby's health and to help empty your breasts.
  • Check your baby's position and the way he/she is latched on to your breast. If he/she is not latched on properly, nursing may hurt, and your breasts will be overly tender and sore.
  • Let your nipples air dry between feedings.
  • Wash your nipples daily with warm water. Avoid using soap or lotion that may contain alcohol, which can dry the skin.
  • Manually express some milk on your nipples to provide a natural moisturizer or use a breast cream that contains lanolin and water to soothe the area.
  • Don't skip feedings. Frequent breastfeeding is the most important thing you can do to protect your breast milk supply when with your baby. Frequently pumping when separated from your baby is equally important.