Q&A – HeraMums

It's hot! Can I give my baby a bottle with water?

Most parents worry at some stage that their fully-breastfed baby may not be getting enough to drink in hot weather. In most cases is that extra fluids are not required if your baby is breastfed whenever s/he needs and this may be more often than usual - just as you are drinking more often. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and keep hydrated.

In very hot weather, skin contact can be quite uncomfortable for both you and your baby. A towel, pillowcase, or cloth nappy placed between your baby and your arm and body can be helpful.

I want to go out with my friends. I'm breastfeeding. Can I have an alcoholic drink?

Anything you eat or drink while you're breastfeeding can find its way into your breast milk, and that includes alcohol.

An occasional drink is unlikely to harm your breastfed baby.

But never share a bed or sofa with your baby if you have drunk any alcohol. Doing this has a strong association with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

I'm going back to work in a few weeks. What does my employer need to do?

If are in England & Wales, your employer needs to make reasonable adjustments under the Health and Safety regulations [year]. Most employers need to arrange a fridge, a private place for you to express your breastmilk. For more information click [xxxxx].

My baby’s tooth has come up will it hurt when breastfeeding?

Some new moms think that once their newborns sprout teeth, breastfeeding will suddenly become very painful, and they may consider weaning at that point. Teeth actually don’t enter into breastfeeding at all. When latched properly, your baby’s tongue is between their bottom teeth and your nipple. So if they’re actually nursing, they can’t be biting.

There’s no need. Teething shouldn’t have much effect on your nursing relationship. In fact, your baby might need comfort when their gums are hurting, and your breast has been their greatest source of comfort until now.