After birth, most women find it helpful to take a period of rest with their new baby – this can extend for as long as you wish or are able. When they feel ready, some mothers may choose to continue their previous forms of exercise, or start something new. You may wonder whether they are able to … [Read more...] about Exercise and Breastfeeding
What About Breastfeeding When...?
Breastfeeding and Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a key nutrient in the maintenance of bone health in children and adults. It helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, which are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency may contribute to a number of health issues such … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding and Vitamin D
Smoking, Vaping, Cannabis and Breastfeeding
When a mum quits smoking, she’s making one of the biggest changes she can to improve her health, and the health of her baby. Any accurate information that those involved in breastfeeding support can give her, will support her to maintain that change. The hardest time to make or maintain behaviour … [Read more...] about Smoking, Vaping, Cannabis and Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding and Dental Health
From the early days with your newborn, breastfeeding often becomes a very important and comfortable part of your relationship with your child. As well as continuing to provide important nutrients and protection against ill health, it’s a wonderful way to continue to connect with and comfort your … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding and Dental Health
Breastfeeding and HIV
Please note: The British HIV Association (BHIVA) guidelines were updated in 2018. The current BHIVA guidelines (as well as patient information leaflets) are here: https://www.bhiva.org/pregnancy-guidelines Summary of Key points • The World Health Organisation recommends that replacement feeding … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding and HIV
Alcohol & breastfeeding (quick read)
The effects of alcohol on your baby are directly related to the amount you drink. When you drink occasionally the amount of alcohol your baby receives has not been proven to be harmful. Things to consider Do I need to pump and dump? Can alcohol affect milk supply? Do I have to pump and dump … [Read more...] about Alcohol & breastfeeding (quick read)
Diabetes and Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is the normal and natural way to feed and nurture a baby. If you have diabetes you may be concerned about whether you can breastfeed. The answer is yes. All mothers experience metabolic and hormonal changes after giving birth. A mother with diabetes who breastfeeds has an advantage … [Read more...] about Diabetes and Breastfeeding
Smoking & Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding your baby is still the best choice you can make, even if you can’t stop smoking. Breastfeeding provides significant health benefits for mothers and babies. For babies, it reduces their risk of diabetes, certain cancers, respiratory infections, diarrhoea, and many other health … [Read more...] about Smoking & Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding at a Swimming Pool
Women are sometimes told that breastfeeding at, or in, a swimming pool is prohibited. The reasons for this are often cited as hygiene or contamination fears. Fears that breastmilk will 'pollute' the pool Fears that a baby will vomit in the pool It is unhygienic for the baby No eating rule … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding at a Swimming Pool
When a Mother is Ill
When a mother is ill, it affects the whole family. For a breastfeeding mother, there are additional concerns about how her illness may affect her baby, whether directly because of any medication she needs to take, or indirectly if the illness makes it more difficult for her to feed and care for her … [Read more...] about When a Mother is Ill