• Chronic disease (diabetes, Crohn’s disease, allergies)
• Acute illnesses (viral respiratory illnesses, diarrheal and vomiting illnesses)
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Are there health benefits for me if I breast feed? Yes. Breastfeeding decreases a mother’s risk of ovarian and breast cancer. It also lessens the risk of anemia in mothers after birth.

Breastfeeding also promotes bonding with your newborn.

How often should I nurse? Babies should initially be fed 8 to 12 times in a 24-hour period. Nursing every one and one-half to three hours is normal. Until your newborn regains his or her birth weight, it is best to nurse at least every two to three hours during the day and every four hours at night.

You will need to watch your baby for clues that your baby is ready to feed. It is best to feed while your baby is alert.

When should I start my baby on solids? The current recommendation is to start solids between four and six months. Babies do not need solids nutritionally and are not physically and developmentally ready to eat from a spoon until around four to six months.

Recommendations will vary from child to child. Please discuss this with your provider.

How long will breast milk keep refrigerated? Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days after pumping and up to 24 hours after thawing, if frozen.

How long can I keep breast milk frozen? Breast milk can be stored in a regular freezer for 3 to 4 months and in a deep freezer for up to 6 months.

How should I thaw frozen breast milk? Run under cool water and slowly increase the temperature of the water. Do not microwave breast milk! This may cause hot spots within the milk which could be dangerous to your baby.

Thawed breast milk may be bluish or yellow in color. This is normal.

What is the recommended length of time I should nurse? Most health care professionals recommend breastfeeding for the first year of your baby's life, and breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months if possible.

It is the best source of nutrition for the first six months of your baby's life before solids are started. Breastfeeding your baby for any length of time, regardless of how short, can be beneficial for you and your baby.

Can I drink alcoholic beverages while I nurse? It is best to avoid drinking alcohol. If a nursing mother chooses to drink alcohol (no more than two drinks per day), it is best to drink it just after you nurse rather than before. If a breastfeeding mom drinks heavily, it is best to pump and dump your milk until the alcohol is cleared from the body (usually about eight hours).

What is colostrum? Colostrum is the first milk to come from the breast, usually in the first three to five days. This first milk is very concentrated and contains antibodies and agents against infection, to protect your baby.

What is the normal weight gain for a newborn? Babies can lose up to ten percent of their birth weight in the first few days of life. They regain their birth weight by 10 to 14 days of life. We look for a gain of one-half to one ounce per day.

How many wet diapers should my newborn have? A good general rule is at least three wet diapers by three days of age and four wet diapers at four days. For nursing mothers, when your breast milk is fully in, you should see six to eight wet diapers a day.

How often should my newborn poop? Typically newborns will stool with every feeding but they can have as few as two poops a day. Eighty percent of newborn stools will be yellow and seedy after their meconium has passed. They can be other colors such as green or brown or orange. As newborns get older, stooling decreases.

What is mastitis? Mastitis is an infection of the breast. It occurs when blocked breast ducts become inflamed. Symptoms include pain, redness, warmth, fever, nausea and vomiting. Mastitis typically covers a quadrant of the breast and usually only affects one side. Contributing factors include:

• Missed or infrequent feedings
• Insufficient emptying of the breast during nursing.
• Constriction of the breast.
• Untreated plugged ducts or engorgement
• Nipple trauma.

Treatment may include:

• Antibiotics
• Rest.
• Frequent nursing.
• Unrestricted clothing.
• Warm moist packing of the affected area
• Massage.

When should I seek a lactation consult? In general, seek advice if:

• Your baby is having fewer than four wet diapers per day by the fourth day of life.
• Your baby is having two or less stools per day by the fourth day of life.
• Your baby is breastfeeding fewer than eight times a day.
• Your milk is in but you don’t hear gulping or swallowing frequently while breastfeeding.
• Nipples are painful throughout breastfeeding.
• You don’t feel like your milk has come in by the fifth day of life.
• If you have any questions of concerns regarding breastfeeding.

Can I give my baby a little honey for her colic? Honey is not recommended for infants under 12 months of age. Honey can carry botulism spores, which can produce deadly toxins and result in serious illness. Although children and adults can destroy these spores through digestion, babies are not able to do this.

How much juice should my baby have in a day? Infants under six months of age should not be given juice unless it is recommended by a physician for constipation. Infants and children over six months can have a maximum of four to six ounces of juice a day. If you give your child juice, it should be 100 percent pasteurized fruit juice. Excessive juice can contribute to obesity, tooth decay and gastrointestinal problems.

How do you know if your child is lactose intolerant? Lactose is the sugar found in milk. Lactose intolerance occurs when the digestive system is unable to break down these sugars. Symptoms usually include nausea, cramps and bloating gas that usually occurs within 30 minutes of drinking milk.

What food do I introduce first? Rice cereal with breast milk or formula is recommended as a first food. Rice cereal is less likely to cause allergic reactions than other grains.

As you introduce solids, add one new food at a time. Give your baby time to get used to it before adding another. This will help with identification of a problem food if there seems to be a food allergy or intolerance.