Breastfeeding: Answering your questions

You may feel a little lost when you first embark upon the great breastfeeding adventure. But here’s the good news: you’ll finally be able to tell right from wrong in the realm of advice that you receive. We’ll cover all your questions and give you the right answers for you to start this special period confidently.

Does breastfeeding damage the appearance of your breasts?

Not necessarily! To help keep your breasts beautiful, make sure you pamper them with suitable care products, on a daily basis. The objective is to stimulate the supporting tissues and avoid the risk of skin sagging, linked to sudden variations in size. When you breastfeed, it is also essential to choose a specific bra that will support your breasts without compressing them. A worthwhile investment!

Do you produce less milk if you have small breasts?

When you think of breastfeeding, old-time images of wet nurses may come to your mind, and these women were always featured with big breasts.  Forget about them entirely, and classify them as legends: in reality, all women have approximately the same volume of mammary gland. The size of the breasts has no relation to the amount of milk that can be produced. Lactation mainly depends on your baby's appetite: the more he sucks, the more milk you will produce. Even if your bra is a “small” size!

Can breast milk not be of good enough quality?

Breast milk is never bad, too clear, or not nourishing enough. If your baby is not gaining enough weight, it’s because he’s not latching on properly. However, just like any new mum, you may experience transient drops in your milk production, resulting from fatigue or strong emotions. Don't start blaming yourself, everything will most probably sort itself out quickly. The solution? Breastfeed your baby as often and for as long as possible. Here’s the best advice of all: get plenty of rest and don't hesitate to ask for help (and call on those around you). Your lactation will quickly return to normal.

Does breastfeeding make you lose or gain weight?

Milk production consumes a large part of your daily calorie intake. If you make sure you eat well and in reasonable amounts, breastfeeding can only help you lose pregnancy-related weight faster. Morale-boosting, isn’t it?

Is breastfeeding exhausting?

It's not so much breastfeeding that is exhausting, as all that comes with being a new mum: childbirth, physiological upheaval, sleepless nights, repeated washing machine chores, and great emotions of course.  At night, mums generally tend to breastfeed more (as opposed to giving the bottle). It’s therefore more tiring, but on the other hand, it’s less time-consuming than having to prepare a bottle of powdered milk and make sure your baby burps afterwards. It's hard to avoid fatigue, so the best advice is: don’t try to be superwoman at this time and don’t hesitate to ask for help.

Can you sleep with your baby to breastfeed more easily?

In principle, it’s a good idea: proximity between mother and baby promotes breastfeeding, and baby’s presence by your side at night can greatly facilitate feedings. However, there is a “but”. Safety conditions must imperatively be respected if your child is to sleep in your bed. This means no duvet or pillow near your baby, a firm mattress, and of course you have to anticipate the risk of falling. The best option is to place your baby's bed next to yours, or to use a special co-sleeping cradle that you attach to the parents' bed.

Do night feedings make breastfeeding any easier?

You probably can’t wait for your baby to sleep through his nights... But it’s important to know that most infants need to breastfeed at night during their first months. These night feedings promote the start and the good maintenance of lactation because they prevent the period between two stimulations from being too long. Don’t worry, these tiring nights will only last for a while! Again, the solution is to have your partner help out with everything else as much as possible, for you to rest.

Can flat or malformed nipples prevent breastfeeding?

Your breasts or nipples can be big, small or flat, point inward or out, it doesn't matter! Babies always manage to latch on, regardless of their shape. What’s important is to place your baby in the correct position, facing your breast. If he's really having trouble latching on, because it's too bloated with milk for instance, pull your nipple slightly to loosen it up and squeeze out a little milk before you have him try again.

Is it useful to breastfeed for less than six months?

Health authorities and many pediatricians recommend breastfeeding until your baby is six months old. But this is not an injunction, it all depends on your availability and what you choose to do! And it’s good to know that even if you breastfeed for a short time, it will benefit your baby’s health and your own health too. When you return to work, you can still continue breastfeeding in the morning, evening and on weekends. Again, it all depends on your availability, on what your baby wants and how tired you are. Just listen to yourself and make your choice accordingly.

Can breastfeeding be painful?

Yes, breastfeeding can be painful. But the reason for this, most of the time, will be that your baby cannot latch on properly because of bad positioning - especially in the very first weeks of breastfeeding when your nipples are often sensitive. Your baby can be pinching your nipple or rubbing it on his palate bone for example, causing an itchy feeling or even cracks. The solution is to use a nursing balm that promotes skin repair. If the situation persists, seek advice from your pediatrician or a midwife.

Do you need contraception when you breastfeed?

Here’s the theory: from the moment you exclusively breastfeed, menstruation is blocked and you should be safe. But there's also practice: Sometimes menstruation may occur while you are still breastfeeding and ovulation may also happen even before your period returns. So, unless you want to be pregnant again immediately, you should resume contraception after childbirth. Your doctor or midwife will be able to advise you on this.

Can you breastfeed if you’re under medication?

It depends… Many medicines are compatible with breastfeeding. Remember to tell your doctor that you’re breastfeeding, so he can give you the right prescriptions. And of course, never self-medicate! The golden rule is to always ask your doctor, midwife or pharmacist for advice before taking any treatment.

Breastfeeding, alongside its many benefits on infants’ health, offers unique moments with your little one. But it’s not an easy adventure, so, definitely congratulate yourself on each day that you have already spent breastfeeding! If you experience pain or difficulties, talk to your doctor or midwife, who will be able to help you. And if it doesn’t get better, switch to the bottle without feeling guilty! The golden rule is to listen to yourself.