Common Breastfeeding Questions & Answers

While breastfeeding is natural, you still may need some advice. There are many sources of support available for breastfeeding mothers. You can seek help from different types of health professionals, organizations, and members of your own family.

If you have a question about breastfeeding scroll down and read some common questions and answers about breastfeeding.

Here are some common breastfeeding questions & answers:

	Should I supplement with formula?
	Does my baby need cereal or water?
	Is it okay for my baby to use a pacifier?
	Is my baby getting enough vitamin D?
	What do I do if my baby keeps crying?
	I heard that breast milk can have toxins in it from my environment. Is it still safe for my baby?
	What should I do if my baby bites me?
	D oes my breastfed baby need vaccines? Is it safe for me to get a vaccine when I’m breastfeeding?
	When should I wean my baby?
	Is it safe to smoke, drink, or use drugs?
	What should I do if I have postpartum depression?
	Can I breastfeed if I am sick?
	Will my partner be jealous if I breastfeed?
	D o I have to restrict my sex life while breastfeeding?
	D o I still need birth control if I am breastfeeding?

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Should I supplement with formula?

Giving your baby formula may cause him or her to not want as much breast milk. This will decrease your milk supply. If you are worried that your baby is not eating enough, talk to your baby’s doctor.

Does my baby need cereal or water?

Your baby only needs breast milk for the first six months of life. Breast milk alone will provide all the nutrition your baby needs.

Giving the baby cereal may cause your baby to not want as much breast milk. This will decrease your milk supply. Even in hot climates, breastfed infants do not need water or juice. When your baby is ready for other foods, the food should be iron rich.

Is it okay for my baby to use a pacifier?

If you want to try it, it is best to wait until the baby is one month old to introduce a pacifier. This allows the baby to learn how to latch well on the breast and get enough to eat.

Is my baby getting enough vitamin D?

Vitamin D is needed to build strong bones. All infants and children should get at least 400 International Units (IU) of vitamin D each day. To meet this need, all breastfed infants (including those supplemented with formula) should be given a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU each day.

This should start in the first few days of life. You can buy vitamin D supplements for infants at a drug store or grocery store. Sunlight is a major source of vitamin D, but it is hard to measure how much sunlight your baby gets, and too much sun can be harmful.

Once your baby is weaned from breast milk, talk to your baby’s doctor about whether your baby still needs vitamin D supplements. Some children do not get enough vitamin D through diet alone.

What do I do if my baby keeps crying?

If your baby does not seem comforted by breastfeeding or other soothing measures, talk to your baby’s doctor.
Your baby may have colic or may be uncomfortable or in pain. You can also check to see if your baby is teething.
The doctor and a lactation consultant can help you find ways to help your baby eat well.

I heard that breast milk can have toxins in it from my environment. Is it still safe for my baby?

While certain chemicals have appeared in breast milk,breastfeeding remains the best way to feed and nurture young infants and children.The advantages of breastfeeding far outweigh any possible risks from environmental pollutants.
To date, the effects of such chemicals have only been seen rarely – in babies whose mothers themselves were ill because of them. Infant formula, the water it is mixed with, and/or the bottles or nipples used to give it to the baby can be contaminated with bacteria or chemicals.

What should I do if my baby bites me?

If your baby starts to clamp down, you can put your finger in the baby’s mouth and take him or her off of your breast with a firm, “No.” Try not to yell because it may scare the baby. If your baby continues to bite you, you can:

	Stop the feeding right away so the baby is not tempted to get another reaction from you. Don’t laugh. This is part of your baby learning limits.
	Offer a teething toy, or a snack (if older baby),or drink from a cup instead.
	Put your baby down for a moment to show that biting brings a negative consequence. You can then pick your baby up again to give comfort.

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