end of an electric toothbrush as a
massager can also be helpful,” says
Dr. Bunik. Press on the area while you
are nursing, take an over-the-counter
pain reliever, and if you spike a fever or
see a red, triangular pattern on your
breast where the clog is, there’s a good
chance you have an infection or
mastitis, says Dr. Grant. Then it’s time
to call your doctor.
I ate broccoli for dinner
last night, and I’m
worried it will make my
baby extra gassy.Do you stop eating broccoli because
it gives you gas? No? Then don’t worry
about your baby either. (Besides,
everybody toots!) “Babies’ intestinal
tracts are pretty immature during their
first 3 to 4 months, and any gas or poop
can cause them some distress,” says
Dr. Bunik. “But it’s not dangerous and
it’s no reason to eliminate things.”
The gas will pass, usually in about
six hours. If it’s upsetting to watch your
baby squirm, or if the gas keeps him
(and you) up all night, then feel free to
skip serving yourself broccoli or beans
next time. But overall, you should
eat what you love and try to have a
well-balanced diet, suggests Dr. Spatz.
I came home from a night
out—whoop!—and nursed when
I was a little tipsy—whoops.
While not drinking is the safest option
for breastfeeding mothers, up to one
alcoholic beverage per day is not known
to be harmful, especially if you wait
at least two hours after having a single
drink before nursing, according to the
CDC. Alcohol is a sedative, so watch for
excessive sleepiness or changes in
your baby’s breathing, says Dr. Bunik.
Call your doctor if something seems
off. Next time, plan ahead by pumping a
couple of bottles to get you through the
night if you know you’re heading out to
enjoy a cocktail.My joints ache as if
I had arthritis. I’ve heard
breastfeeding can
leach calcium from your bones.
Is this permanent?
Some women experience achy or loose
joints when pregnant or breastfeeding.
And yes, it does leach calcium from
your bones. But aches and pains could
also be from holding your baby or
hunching while you nurse. Your
estrogen levels are also higher during
pregnancy and while breastfeeding, and
that can loosen your ligaments. Your
bone density will go down while you’re
breastfeeding but should return to
normal when you stop, says Dr. Bunik.
“Continue taking a prenatal vitamin,
which has extra calcium, and a vitamin D
supplement for bone health.”She keeps biting me!
Once your baby is old enough to have
teeth, she’s also an efficient eater, so
she’ll finish quickly and start chomping
with those new, sharp tools. “Be attuned
to your baby. When she finishes actively
sucking, take her off so she doesn’t get
bored,” says Dr. Spatz. “If she does bite,
give a strong ‘No,’ to send a message.”NEED BOTTLES?
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