Health studies have shown that the health and diet of a mother from the first trimester of her pregnancy to the time she gives birth to her child are of great consequence. They help ensure her breastfeeding abilities, like sufficiency of her breast-milk's nutrients from which her child will be wholly dependent for proper growth and development.

Should a woman breastfeed her baby who has jaundice? - Jaundice is very common among young breastfed babies. This is generally because of the effect of the hormone in the breast milk. This jaundice does not harm the baby in any way. However, new born babies may develop jaundice due to some other reason and occasionally this may be very harmful. Therefore, consult your doctor if signs of jaundice are visible in the baby. At times the jaundice in a breastfed baby may become pronounced and breastfeeding may have to stopped for a couple of days.

The tri-monthly injectable DMPA can be started as early as six weeks after childbirth. The biggest advantage of this method is that DMPA does not affect the quality and quantity of breast milk or have any adverse effect on the health of the baby. DMPA is long acting and does not require daily action, nor is it coital dependent. Hence, mothers are freer to dedicate time and attention to her health and that of her newborn.

The risk is even more high if women smokes cigarette during or just before feeding. This is due to the fact that the level of nicotine in her milk and blood increases rapidly. Although it decreases over the time but is still harmful for the baby.

Colostrum is a liquid slightly yellow in color and thick in consistency. It is secreted from the breasts during the first few days after the delivery of a child. In the olden days the colostrum was thrown away believing that it was unfit for the child being the accumulated milk of pregnancy. Some called it pus and thought it was harmful for the child. The truth is colostrum is not harmful for new born babies. In fact it must be given to a newly born baby as it is rich in proteins, minerals and vitamins. It is low in fat and carbohydrates. Colostrum provides the child with a lot of antibodies and protects the child against infections and allergies in later life.

Engorgement will pass very quickly. You can expect it to diminish within 24 - 48 hours, as nursing your baby will only help the problem. If you aren't breast feeding, it will normally get worse before it gets better. Once the engorgement has passed, your breasts will be softer and still full of milk.

Breast milk should not be given to the baby as long as any potentially harmful medicine is being given to the mother. During this time the baby may be given artificial milk with a spoon. The mother should express her milk as frequently as possible and throw it away during the period she is taking the medicine. Expressing of breast milk is very essential, as this will help to maintain her milk supply.

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