Breastfeeding
Common breastfeeding questions and concerns
Newborn jaundice
Why is my baby’s skin yellow?
Jaundice in the first week of life occurs in 60% of healthy newborn infants. It typically occurs between day two to four after birth and is usually cleared by the first week.
Frequent feeding is the best prevention. If a baby appears to be jaundiced, a blood test can determine the level of bilirubin. Treatment, if any, will depend on the level of bilirubin, how the baby is feeding and how old the baby is. Jaundice appears first on the face and head. If the level of bilirubin goes higher, it will appear on the body, and if it goes even higher it will be on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
More information: Queensland Clinical Guidelines parent information – Jaundice in newborn babies
Using a dummy
If you’re breastfeeding, it’s a good idea to avoid using a dummy until breastfeeding is established. This is usually when your baby is four to six weeks old.
Using a dummy (also known as a pacifier) when you plan to breastfeed can:
- lead you to miss those early cues that your baby is ready to feed, thus delaying your milk coming in
- decrease the amount of times you feed your baby
- contribute to low breast milk supply and/or engorgement
- be a factor in low weight gain for baby
- increase baby’s risk of ear and thrush infection
- contribute to an earlier return of your fertility.
More information: Queensland Clinical Guidelines parent information – Breastfeeding your baby
Partners: how can I support my partner?
Partners of new mothers play an important role, they can:
- provide emotional support
- help calm a fussy baby
- bring the new mother food and drink while she is breastfeeding
- reassure the mother that breastfeeding is one of the most important things to give your baby the healthiest start to life
- deflect any negative comments from friends or relatives
- tell her she is doing a great job!
More information:
- Raising Children Network – New dads: 10 tips for making a great start to fatherhood
- Raising Children Network – Grandparents and kinship carers
Video: ACT Government Health – Breastfeeding Give it a Go
Healthy nutrition for breastfeeding mothers
Healthy eating is important when you are breastfeeding.
Your body has a greater need for most nutrients; to meet these needs it is important to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet based on a range of healthy foods and plenty of water.
More information: Queensland Health – Nutrition Education Materials Online (NEMO)
Recommendations about smoking, drinking alcohol and caffeine
Smoking is not recommended while breastfeeding.
Smoking can affect the nutrient content of breastmilk and reduce supply. It also increases the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
Avoid exposing baby to tobacco smoke. Don't let anyone smoke near your baby – whether in the house, car or anywhere else your baby spends time.
For advice and support visit QUIT HQ or call Quitline on 13 78 48.
Alcohol
The safest option is to avoid drinking alcohol while breastfeeding.
Caffeine
Breastfeeding mothers can safely consume caffeine, but they should consume less caffeine than non-breastfeeding women, to protect their health and the health of their breastfed baby.
Medications and breastfeeding
If you have an existing medical condition or are taking an over-the-counter or prescribed medication, discuss this with your health professional.
Always discuss alternative/natural and complementary therapies, as they may not be safe during breastfeeding.
Always check with your doctor or pharmacist regarding prescription and over-the-counter medications when you are breastfeeding.
More information: Australian Breastfeeding Association – Common concerns - baby
In this guide:
- Breastfeeding 101
- In pregnancy – planning for breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding – the first few days
- Signs of hunger
- Breastfeeding – the early weeks
- Positioning and attachment
- Signs of an effective attachment
- Breastfeeding positions
- Common breastfeeding questions and concerns
- Common breastfeeding issues
- Breastfeeding in the first year
- Important points about breastfeeding