Any questions about breastfeeding? Our Similac® brand panel of experts has your answers. And if you're looking for advice from moms like you (dads, too), check out our discussion boards and tips and advice section.
Q: Does my baby need to eat anything else besides breast milk?
A: No, your baby shouldn't need to eat anything else besides breast milk, unless it is recommended by your doctor for medical reasons. The AAP, however, suggests all infants and children receive 400 IU of vitamin D daily beginning soon after birth and continuing throughout childhood to strengthen their overall bone health. But, make sure to check with your doctor before making changes to your baby's diet.
Q: What kind of diet is good to follow while I'm breastfeeding?
A: For women who are breastfeeding, an ideal diet includes a well-balanced variety of healthy foods including dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Most women can maintain a healthy milk supply while taking in at least 1,800-2,000 calories per day. It's helpful to minimize the amount of empty-calorie foods and eat much more nutrient-rich foods. A good rule is to listen to your body, which will guide you in getting the calories you need. It's also important to talk to your doctor about vitamins and including iron in your diet. The vitamins can make up for any deficiencies that may be in your diet.
When you're breastfeeding, you're still eating for two. If you notice that your baby becomes upset after some feeding, it may be because of something you ate. If this happens, you should talk with your doctor to come up with a plan of action; however, no one food or food group should be eliminated from your diet unless your baby has a very clear reaction to a specific food.
Q: Can I lose weight if I breastfeed my baby?
A: Ah, the craving for the pre-baby body. While we don't recommend crash diets or over-exercising, you can lose weight while breastfeeding — in fact, it will probably happen naturally.
Breastfeeding often helps a mother get back to her pre-pregnancy weight for two reasons. First, the hormones involved in breastfeeding help the uterus shrink back to the size it was before you became pregnant. Second, you naturally burn calories in order to produce breast milk. If you are worried about your diet, encourage yourself to eat healthy foods, which will increase your energy while providing nutritious milk for your baby. Also, many moms find that frequently eating small, nutritious snacks and meals and drinking plenty of fluids help them lose weight.
Ready to exercise? Go right ahead. Breastfeeding mothers can begin exercising as soon as their doctors give them the OK.
Q: I know that I'm going to have to go back to work. How can I continue to give my baby breast milk while I'm away?
A: You can continue giving your baby breast milk while you are away by expressing (commonly called pumping) breast milk to be bottle fed. Many women pump during the day while at work and breast feed when they are at home. In order to pump breast milk at work, you'll need a pump, access to a private area, a place to store the breast milk while at work (a breast milk cooler or refrigerator/freezer), breast milk storage bags/bottles, flexible break time, and a supportive company policy. Your employer may already have an established lactation program to help you get started. Regardless, let your supervisor know of your pumping needs in advance so that you have a plan that will work for both of you.
Q: Can you give me some information about expressing breast milk?
A: We suggest a breast pump or hand expression. Hospital-grade electric pumps with double collecting systems provide the closest imitation of your baby's sucking action and are a great option if you will be pumping on a regular basis. If you're only going to be separated from your baby occasionally, a hand pump should do fine.
Q: What can I do to get Dad involved?
A: Let him know he plays an important role in feeding time. The truth is, studies have shown that with a father's support, breastfeeding is more successful and continues for a longer period of time. To start, Dad can be your cheering squad. He can also prepare meals, help around the house, and if you're expressing milk, take a turn and bottle feed, which will allow him to bond with baby. All told, Dad's help can give you a much-needed break, not to mention give your home a more positive environment.