Last Reviewed: May 2011
Your Questions Answered
Questions about you
Medications, health and illnesses
Can I breastfeed if I am sick?
If you are sick with an infection, your baby has already been exposed to the virus or bacteria. Breastfeeding will keep your baby from getting sick, or at least not as sick, because of the antibodies that are being passed from you to your child through the breast milk. If you are too ill to continue with breastfeeding, you will need assistance with a breast pump to protect your milk supply. In most cases, this milk can be given to your baby. Consult Motherisk website for more information.
Can I take medication while I'm breastfeeding?
Most medications are safe to take while breastfeeding. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication while you are breastfeeding to ensure there will be no harmful effects on your baby or your milk supply.
For more information on the risk and safety of alcohol, medications, herbs, diseases and more during pregnancy and lactation see Motherisk website.
Are herbal remedies safe to use while breastfeeding?
Herbs such as Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle commonly thought to increase milk supply have not been scientifically evaluated. Peel Public Health does not recommend their use.
For more information on the risk and safety of medications, herbs, diseases and more during pregnancy and lactation see
Motherisk website.
Can I use birth control pills while I'm breastfeeding?
Taking birth control pills containing estrogen can reduce your milk supply. Signs of low milk supply can include:
- your baby has not been gaining weight well or has lost some weight
- your baby is suddenly having fewer wet diapers and fewer bowel movements
- your baby is feeding more frequently than usual and is fussy during the feeding
Breastfeeding Helps Prevent Pregnancy:
This is true under the following conditions:
- your baby is less than six months old
- your menstrual period has not returned
- your baby is exclusively breastfeeding (no bottles or pacifiers) and feeds every four hours or sooner (no longer than six hours at night)
This is called the Lactation Amenorrhea Method (LAM) (PDF file, 85.8 KB) and can be up to 98% effective in preventing pregnancy.
To use LAM effectively, you need additional detailed information. For more information on LAM and other methods of contraception, call Region of Peel—Public Health at 905-799-7700 to speak with a Public Health Nurse. |
My menstrual period has returned; can I keep breastfeeding?
When you are breastfeeding, the milk producing hormone, prolactin, is high while the menstruating hormones estrogen and progesterone are low. The more exclusively you breastfeed (no other fluids, foods or bottles), the higher your prolactin level will be, which will delay menstruation.
If you are no longer breastfeeding exclusively, your hormone prolactin will begin to drop. Eventually your menstrual period will return under the influence of rising estrogen and progesterone levels.
Sometimes the milk will taste a bit different to your child and your milk supply may be slightly less during your period. After a few days, your milk supply will increase again. It is perfectly safe and nutritious to breastfeed during your period. Continue to breastfeed on demand.
If your menstrual period has returned, keep in mind that it is possible for you to become pregnant at any time. The
Lactation Amenorrhea Method (LAM) (PDF file, 85.8 KB) is not effective once your period has returned.
I'm a smoker, should I breastfeed?
Even if you smoke, it is still better to breastfeed your baby. The more you smoke, the higher the impact on your breast milk as well as the health of you and your baby. Nicotine may be present in your breast milk and may cause fussiness and a low milk supply. Never smoke during a feeding. If you really feel you want to smoke, it is preferable to do so after you feed your baby. Children who are exposed to second hand smoke have a significant increased risk of SIDS (crib death), chest and ear infections, and serious complications from asthma.
Whether a mother is breastfeeding or not, if she or other people in the household choose to smoke, they should try to reduce the amount of smoking, should smoke outside, and never smoke in the presence of children. |
Questions about your baby
