Effects of alcohol on breastfeeding and the breastfed baby

Alcohol does not increase milk production. In fact, babies nurse more frequently but take in less milk in the 3-4 hours after mom has had a drink, and one study showed a 23% decrease in milk volume with one drink (Mennella & Beauchamp 1991, 1993; Mennella 1997, 1999). 2+ drinks may inhibit let-down (Coiro et al 1992; Cobo 1974). One study showed changes in the infant's sleep-wake patterning after shortterm exposure to small amounts of alcohol in breastmilk -- infants whose mothers were light drinkers slept less (Mennella & Gerrish 1998). Daily consumption of alcohol has been shown in the research to increase the risk for slow weight gain in the infant. Daily consumption of alcohol (1+ drinks daily) has been associated with a decrease in gross motor development (Little et al 1989)

Caffeine and Breastfeeding coffee and breastfeeding Is it safe drinking coffee when breastfeeding? Is it safe drinking any caffeine when breastfeeding? No, dont worry, you can still drink your coffee! ;-) Drinking any caffeinated beverages in moderation while breastfeeding will not harm baby. Moms that are tired out from looking after a newborn might want to drink more coffee for energy, the thing to remember is moderation is key.

Safe tea for breastfeeding mothers Drinking lots of tea and breastfeeding? If you are drinking tea while breastfeeding you need to remember that most teas contain caffeine. Caffeine is not recommended in large quantities, breastfeeding moms are advised to stick to no more than two or three cups per day. Read more on caffeine and breastfeeding. Also when drinking tea with caffeine its best to drink a cup after breastfeeding to ensure that the caffeine does not enter your breast milk. Excess caffeine can cause baby to become fussy and may cause trouble sleeping. Mom can start drinking more tea once baby is about 6 months old. Most herbal teas are caffeine free (always read the label though), so why not substitute your regular tea for some herbal tea. Some herbal teas are safe to drink while breastfeeding and can even help with several breastfeeding problems like low milk supply and even thrush. Women who are healthy and eat a well-balanced diet that includes meat and fish do not usually need to take a vitamin supplement while breastfeeding. However, all

women, including those who breastfeed, should ensure that they consume an adequate amount of calcium and vitamin D (see 'Calcium' below). Vegans Women who are healthy but who do NOT eat meat, chicken, fish, or dairy products need to take a vitamin supplement that contains vitamin B12. Most commercially available multivitamins contain an adequate dose of B12. Calcium Pregnancy and breastfeeding cause a temporary decrease in bone mass. This loss cannot be prevented by consuming additional calcium during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. However, lost bone is usually regained after a woman stops breastfeeding. All adult women should consume a daily minimum of 1000 mg of calcium; adolescents should consume 1300 mg of calcium per day. The primary sources of calcium in the diet are milk and other dairy products, such as hard cheese, cottage cheese, or yogurt, as well as green vegetables, such as spinach (table 1). If it is not possible to consume enough milk or other foods that contain calcium, it is reasonable to take a calcium supplement (table 2). (See "Patient information: Calcium and vitamin D for bone health".) Vitamin D Absorption of calcium depends upon having an adequate level of vitamin D. Both breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding women require at least 800 IU per day of vitamin D when sunlight is inadequate; in many areas of the United States, there is inadequate sunlight during the fall, winter, and early spring months [1]. Milk is the best source of dietary vitamin D, with approximately 100 IU per cup. A vitamin D or calcium plus vitamin D supplement are also good sources of vitamin D. (See "Patient information: Calcium and vitamin D for bone health".) Iron Women who are not anemic after delivery and who breastfeed exclusively do not usually have a menstrual period for the first four to six months. Thus, there is little iron lost in menstrual blood. An iron supplement is not usually needed during this time. Women who are anemic after delivery usually require an iron supplement; this may include an over-the-counter or prescription iron supplement. The recommended type and dose of iron should be discussed with a healthcare provider. (See "Patient information: Anemia caused by low iron". Vitamin B12 The body requires a source of vitamin B12 to maintain blood cells. Low levels of vitamin B12 can lead to anemia, developmental delay, and other problems. A multivitamin supplement that includes B12 is recommended for breastfeeding infants of strict vegetarian (vegan) mothers. Adequate B12 is available in most non-prescription infant vitamin drops. Folic acid: Found in asparagus, cabbage, corn, chickpeas, spinach and orange juice. Zinc: You need 20 mg every day. Foods that you can eat that could help if you dont like taking supplements: Eggs, meat, oats, peanuts and prawns.

DHA & AA: These are two very important fats needed for babys brain development. Foods that contain these fats are: Nuts, green vegetables, sunflower oil and fatty fish like herring, sardines, and anchovies - Choline: Also needed for babys brain development. Foods rich in Choline: Eggs and beef. - Dont forget to add a multivitamin to your breastfeeding diet make sure that its one that contains iron. Eat foods containing iron every day. Red meat is the best source. For non-meat sources like breakfast cereal or green vegetables, include some vitamin C like a glass of orange juice with the same meal to increase iron absorption. Proteins - An additional 15 gms/day of protein has to be supplied in the diet. Complete and good quality proteins in the form of milk, meat, egg and cheese along with legumes, pulses, nuts and whole grains will help.

Fibres - A common problem during pregnancy is constipation. Therefore the diet should contain plenty of fibres in the form of whole fruits and vegetables, whole grain cereals, vegetable soups and whole pulses. Fats - The fetal organs already have stores of fat and so additional fat is not required. Nevertheless, essential fatty acids (EFA) should be supplied during pregnancy. Minerals - Calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, sodium and iodine should be taken during pregnancy. The deficiency of these minerals leads to complications during pregnancy and has adverse effects on the fetus-infant. Vitamins - these nutrients have special roles to play in the physiological state of the mother and fetus. Vitamin A improves vision and maintains the integrity of cells. Vitamin D is essential for maternal calcium absorption and calcium metabolism of infant. Vitamin E helps in preventing abortions. Vitamin K helps in preventing neo natal haemorrhages. Fish and shellfish can be an important part of a balanced diet during pregnancy. They are a good source of high-quality protein, healthy omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients, and are low in saturated fat. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advise women who may become pregnant, pregnant women and nursing mothers to eat the types and amounts of fish and shellfish that are safe. By doing so they will gain the positive benefits of eating fish, but prevent harm to the development of their baby. Seafood Do's and Don'ts for Expecting and Nursing Moms: 1. DON'T eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel or tilefish because they contain high levels of mercury.

2. DO eat up to 12 ounces (2 to 3 meals) of other purchased fish and shellfish a week. Five of the most commonly eaten fish that are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish. 3. DO mix up the types of fish and shellfish you eat. 4. DON'T eat the same type of fish or shellfish more than once a week. 5. DO check local advisories about the safety of fish caught by family and friends in your local rivers and streams. If no advice is available, you can safely eat up to 6 ounces (one meal) per week of fish you catch from local waters, but don't consume any other fish during that week.