13 Breastfeeding FAQs Answered

1. How can I tell if my baby is allergic to my breast milk? Breast milk is hypoallergenic. While it’s possible that a baby may develop an allergic reaction to a food ingested by his mother, breast milk itself is unlikely to cause any allergies. In fact, it is the milk of choice for children with known allergies.

2. Can a lactose intolerant baby take breast milk? Yes, breast milk is the ideal milk for lactose-intolerant babies.

3. Can I let other babies drink my breast milk? The ideal substitute to a mother’s own milk is donor breast milk. There are certain guidelines for the screening of breast milk donors such as checking for HIV, Hepatitis B, and other viruses. Pasteurization of breast milk which is performed at certain hospitals and milk banks is an added safety measure. It is also important to follow guidelines for proper milk storage to keep the unique properties of breast milk intact, and to keep milk clean and safe.

4. Are some moms’ milk more nutritious than others? For example, is the quality of the milk of a woman eating all the proper food the same as the milk produced by a woman who doesn’t? While the individual components of breast milk from a single person may vary through time, within the day, and even within a feeding, the caloric content of breast milk is standard at 20 kcal/oz. It is unusual for someone to produce milk with higher or lower calories regardless of their diet.

5. If I decide not to breastfeed but change my mind later on, can I still do so? Generally speaking, there’s no window of time; anybody can lactate. Even an adoptive mother who did not go through pregnancy can lactate. The real question is, how difficult will it be? If it’s not through the normal course of pregnancy, it will be harder.  The mom will probably need help from an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or a breastfeeding counselor. It’s not easy, but it can be done. It’s possible but not advisable.
The same rule applies to moms who start out by giving their babies formula and eventually want to switch to breastmilk. With the help of an IBCLC or a counselor, she’ll probably be able to do so.

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6. Is it okay to breastfeed while pregnant? Yes, most women are able to continue breastfeeding safely while they are pregnant with another child. In some cases however, women develop contractions or preterm labor in response to the hormones released during breastfeeding. When this happens, doctors may advise weaning.

7. Can I still breastfeed if I am taking glutathione oral supplements? Glutathione is a molecule that has received a lot of attention for many reasons other than skin whitening. It is a substance that is thought to have many “immune effects.” It is presently marketed as a food supplement with “no therapeutic claims,” and has not undergone the rigorous testing of other medicines and drugs that need to pass through the BFAD or US FDA. As such, there is no information on the safety of oral or IV glutathione in breastfeeding (taking IV glutathione will result in higher blood levels than taking the oral form). A safe rule to follow is that if a drug is unnecessary, it’s best avoided.

8. Can a mom who has undergone breast augmentation (or reduction) still breastfeed? Yes, if there was no damage to the breast tissue and milk ducts during the surgery.

9. Can a heavy smoker still breastfeed? Heavy smokers are encouraged to quit for the sake of their health and their baby’s. Having a baby is probably the best incentive to stop smoking. But between taking formula and breast milk from a heavy smoker, breast milk is still better. Nicotine does not pass through breast milk. However, common sense dictates that smoking moms should not be smoking and breastfeeding at the same time so as not to expose their babies to secondhand smoke.

10. I’m diabetic. Can I still breastfeed? Yes, diabetic moms can breastfeed.

11. Do I really need malunggay to produce milk? Malunggay is a galactagogue. It is a breastfeeding tool that may aid a breastfeeding mom in increasing her milk supply. However, it can only aid you in increasing your supply if you still follow the supply and demand rule. Meaning, you breastfeed your baby directly as often as you can. No amount or type of malunggay supplements can increase your supply if you limit the times you put your baby to your breast.

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12. Can I get my hair colored, rebonded, or permed and still breastfeed? Yes, moms can still indulge in these treatments even while breastfeeding.

13. I have fever and flu. Can I still breastfeed? Yes, for as long you do not have untreated Tuberculosis or herpes lesions on the breast. Your baby will actually benefit from the antibodies you will pass on to him when you breastfeed him while you have fever or flu. You can also take medication for flu and fever. Ask your doctor for breastfeeding-friendly medications. You can also check out the site of the American Academy of Pediatrics (www.aappolicy.aappublications.org) for a list of medicines and antibiotics that are contraindicated for breastfeeding.

Photo from flickr.com