What do I need to know about breastfeeding rules?

[calpurnia]

To be honest, I've kind of ignored the dietary rules of pregnancy (I have a cup of coffee every day, a glass of wine once a week or so, eat cheese, fish & er - what else aren't we supposed to do? I probably do that too) but I want to know the "rules" of breastfeeding. I had a curry last night & suddenly thought - is this going to bother the babe? Will a cup of coffee keep it awake? Can I have a glass of champagne at my sister in law's wedding in a month?

[alegna]

Mostly I don't have any rules

A drink or two is no big deal. MOST babies aren't sensitive to foods or caffeine- you just have to watch your baby.

Most meds are fine- though watch out for antihistamines and decongestants as they can kill supply.

Any other specific questions?

-Angela

[K's Mom!]

I agree with Angela. There are not very many "rules" to BFing. Just watch your baby and see how he/she responds to your milk/diet. Some babies are sensitive to Cow milk and a few other things; just watch for rashes or throwing up a lot more than normal, etc.

However, I think it should be pointed out that if you have to take antibiotics while BFing, your baby can be affected by it and can get thrush.

[Shanana]

This is the way I think about drinking ...

I've read the amount of alcohol in your milk is equal to that in your blood. So even if you had a fairly high blood alcohol level -- say, 0.1%, which is well above the legal limit for driving -- that means baby is drinking a "drink" of 0.1% alcohol, which is really, really low.

That said, I tend to err on the side of caution and don't usually drink for a few months; their digestive systems are so porous in the beginning. But then again, I have babies with lots of digestive problems too, so I don't want to do anything to make that worse! Am currently considering cutting out dairy, sigh ...

[NatureMama3]

don't watch the clock... oh, wait, diet rules.

I don't have any really. If baby shows a problem then I address it.

[*Melissa*]

Drink lots of fluids (the non-alcoholic kind )

That's about it.

[calpurnia]

Brilliant - I like these rules, nice & simple. Now I just need the babe to get here so I can start... Thanks peeps!

[1Plus2]

Try this....

Lifestyle Choices:
What is compatible with breastfeeding?
http://kellymom.com/health/lifestyle/index.html

[Mamato2and2]

I have never followed any rules and I "think" my kids are all ok !

[Tinker]

The most important breastfeeding rule is to listen to your baby. Feed him/her when s/he wants to nurse. That's the only rule you need.