Questions about breastfeeding

Your baby will already have been exposed to any germs you have so there’s no need to stay away from your baby when you’re unwell. Your body will start producing antibodies to protect your baby before you’ve even realised that you’re ill, so there are benefits to carrying on breastfeeding. Suddenly stopping, can cause complications like mastitis.

You’ll continue to make milk for your baby when you’re ill, but you may feel you’re producing less.  Try to keep hydrated, even if you’re not eating, to prevent dehydration.

If you have to start a new medication, be sure to get the right support and advice. Most medicines can be taken while you’re breastfeeding without harming your baby, but it’s always best to tell your doctor, dentist or pharmacist that you’re breastfeeding. The Breastfeeding Network has the most up to date information or you can call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 1000212.

Taking medication doesn’t usually mean that you have to stop breastfeeding. Most medicines, including those used to treat postnatal depression, can be taken while you're breastfeeding without harming your baby.

Small amounts of any medicine you take may pass through your breast milk to your baby. Generally, the amounts are very low and very few medicines are unsafe while you're breastfeeding. It's always best to tell your doctor, dentist or pharmacist that you're breastfeeding, especially when you are prescribed medication. For the most up to date information go to The Breastfeeding Network Drugs Fact Sheet or call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 1000212.

You may wonder if you can continue to have your favourite beauty treatments whilst breastfeeding without harming your baby. Because these products are not readily absorbed, levels reaching breastmilk would be insignificant, if detectable at all. 

Whilst you are breastfeeding you can:

• Have your hair coloured, permed, straightened or bleached.
• Have false nails applied and use nail varnish.
• Have a spray tan.
• Have dental work. There is little research on having teeth whitened but it is unlikely to affect breastfeeding as it should not be swallowed. Find a factsheet on dental treatment from the Breastfeeding Network.
• Have a pedicure or manicure.
• Have osteopathic or chiropractic treatment.
• Have a massage with simple massage oils.
• Have a leg or bikini line wax.

If you have any concerns please contact the Drugs in Breastmilk service.

It’s generally assumed that ink molecules are too large to pass into breastmilk during the tattooing process. Once injected into the skin the ink is trapped. However, it’s not known whether the ink can pass into breastmilk as it slowly breaks down in the body over months and years. Infections are the most common risks of tattooing.

Local infections can occur when the aftercare recommendations are not followed. Allergic reactions to the ink used may also occur. Red inks are the most likely to cause an allergic reaction, even if you’ve had many previous tattoos.

Tattoos and breastfeeding from LLLi.org

Breastfeeding as a smoker

Breastfeeding will still protect your baby from infections and provide nutrients they can't get from formula milk if you are still smoking. The Breastfeeding Network has some great information. Smoking around your baby exposes them to second-hand smoke. This can mean that your baby’s small and delicate airways are irritated and your baby can find it harder to breathe so always ask people to smoke outside your home. If you or your partner smokes, you should not share a bed or sofa to sleep with your baby. This greatly increases the chance of sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS.

Support to go smokefree

By stopping smoking before or as soon as you get pregnant, you can have a safer pregnancy and a healthier baby. Your baby can be affected by both you or your partner smoking. 

Find out more about support to quit smoking during pregnancy or speak to your midwife or health visitor. The One You Kent Stop Smoking Service offers a range of support and advice with face-to-face, telephone or video support, access to prescription products and your own personal quit plan for everyone.

Anything you eat or drink while you’re breastfeeding can find its way into your breastmilk. That includes alcohol.

An occasional drink is unlikely to harm your breastfed baby. You do not have to ‘pump and dump’ after drinking alcohol when you’re breastfeeding, except for your own comfort.

• Breastfeeding alcohol - from NHS.uk
• Alcohol and Breastfeeding - The Breastfeeding Network

Never share a bed or sofa with your baby if you have drunk any alcohol. The same goes for your partner, or anyone else, if they have drunk alcohol. There’s a strong association with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) when an adult who has drunk alcohol lies or falls asleep beside a baby. Don’t do it and don’t let anyone else do it.

Advice from UNICEF Baby Friendly on Caring for your baby at night.

Here are some tips to help you look after yourself and your baby in the heat:

• Your baby may want shorter feeds, more often.
• There’s no need to give your breastfed baby water or any other liquids (especially if your baby is under six months).
• Your baby might not want to feed during the hottest part of the day. They might prefer to wait until the evening, at night and early in the morning when it’s cooler.
• Place a light 100 per cent cotton sheet or muslin between you and your baby while breastfeeding to absorb any sweat and keep you from sticking to each other.
• Try breastfeeding lying down. There will be less contact between you and your baby. 
• Make sure you’re drinking regularly to keep yourself hydrated. Having a glass of water each time you breastfeed can be a good way to support your own hydration.
• If you do get thirsty, it won't affect your milk supply. Your body is very efficient at making milk for your baby. It may affect you though, so be sure to stay hydrated for your own sake.
• Wear light, breathable clothes to help your body regulate its temperature. Sun dresses, loose tops and cotton shorts are all ideal.
• If you like some coverage when feeding, keep a light scarf or muslin in your bag.

• Wear something stretchy you can pull down.
• ‘One up one down’ can be a great way to have less skin exposed to the cold. Wear a vest top underneath your outfit and pull the top layer up and the bottom layer down to keep more of you covered.
• Get a coat or cardigan in a larger size to wrap around you and your baby when feeding.
• At night button down pyjamas can be great, especially as they are easy to layer up or down.
• A warm dressing gown is easy to grab and pop on. Just make sure it’s near the bed for easy access when you get up.
• Wrap-top pyjamas or all in ones can be a great investment and easy to feed in at night time.

You might have a party or wedding to go to or even host and worried about how feeding might go, these steps can help things go a little smoother.

• Continue to responsively feed your baby to keep them as calm as possible. You might need to delegate tasks to others to help you, don't put too much pressure on your shoulders if you're hosting an event.
• Try not to skip feeds as this may have an effect on your supply and could lead to engorgement or even mastitis.
• Ask if there is a quiet room you can use if you prefer your own space. 
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothes you can breastfeed in.
• If you prefer you can leave expressed milk or formula for someone else to feed your baby.
• An occasional drink is unlikely to harm your breastfed baby. You do not have to ‘pump and dump’ after drinking alcohol, except for your own comfort.
• You are legally entitled to breastfeed your baby anywhere, thanks to the Equality Act 2010. You cannot be asked to stop or move if you are breastfeeding your child in any public place.

If the thought of travelling with your breastfed baby feels daunting, there are lots of things you can do to help make your journey run safe and smoothly and quite often, it can be more convenient to breastfeed while you travel. There is less of a need to sterilise feeding equipment. You will also travel lighter and it can provide comfort to your baby, especially during take-off and landing can also help relieve any discomfort in your baby’s ears from changes in cabin pressure.

• Be prepared: think of things you might need including a change of clothes (for you and your baby) Layers are helpful as can be added and taken away. 
• Pack plenty of snacks, toys, your baby's favourite songs or nursery rhymes.
• Research your journey and plan for traffic delays. Avoid rush hour if you can.
• Try and sit where your baby can see you.
• You may find yourself having to park up on the side of the road or on public transport to feed your baby. In the car, if you need some privacy you can always pop a muslin or blanket over the car window. If travelling by public transport, some women find a sling helps to feed a baby discreetly if you don't like feeding in public.
• Plan some stops for feeds, a nappy change, and to give your baby a break from their car seat or pram.  You can read more about travelling safely during long distances at The Lullaby Trust.

Expressing milk

If you plan on expressing during your journey, try to take regular breaks at around the same intervals as you would normally express. Planning ahead and try to find to somewhere where you feel comfortable. Just remember to wash your hands thoroughly beforehand and label any milk you are storing to use later.