When can and when can't I feed my baby breast milk?

Breastfeeding is always welcomed by medicine, because mother's milk is the optimal biological and nutritional product for the child. Even in the maternity hospital, every mother tries to explain that breastfeeding is necessary, and its development and health depends on it. But, unfortunately, there are situations in which breastfeeding is prohibited, or it should be temporarily suspended. So, when you can and when you can not feed your child breast milk? After all, any mother sincerely wishes not to harm the baby. What situations are we talking about? [1]

When should I not feed my baby breast milk?

While insisting on the preference for breastfeeding, experts emphasize that mother's milk is the best food and drink for the baby. Its composition is balanced by nature itself: an optimal ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, a rich vitamin and mineral composition, as well as some hormonal substances and antibodies that can counteract infections. What better than this can be offered to the baby? The answer is obvious: mother's milk can not be fully replaced by anything. But sometimes it happens that breastfeeding is not possible, so as not to harm the baby. Can breastfeeding really have contraindications? Alas, it does. For example, it is strictly forbidden to offer your baby your own milk in such cases:

• If the child suffers from birth from a certain type of enzyme deficiency, or complex metabolic pathologies - for example, galactosemia, valinoleucinuria, lactase deficiency, phenylketonuria;
• if the mother is diagnosed with HIV infection, syphilis (in case of infection in the III trimester), or has an open form of tuberculosis infection;
• if the mother is found to have a particularly dangerous infectious disease such as tetanus, anthrax;
• in decompensated conditions of the cardiovascular, urinary, respiratory system in the mother;
• for advanced purulent mastitis;
• if the mother suffers from acute mental health problems;
• during chemotherapy, antibiotic therapy;
• If the baby is found to have hemolytic disease during immune failure.

The last factor can be called a relative factor, because in hemolytic disease, the ban on breastfeeding may last only 1-2 weeks, depending on the specific case. Other relative (temporary) contraindications are considered:

• Prematurity of the baby with a score of less than 6 on the Apgar scale;
• impaired sucking and/or swallowing reflexes in the baby;
• The presence of maxillofacial defects that interfere with normal breast picking and feeding.

In the situations described above, the doctor himself will indicate to the woman that breastfeeding is not possible. Fortunately, this is not so common. The more common cases in which mothers have doubts about the possibility of continuing breastfeeding will be discussed below. [2]

Can I feed breast milk when I have a fever?

A fever in a lactating woman is a reason to consult a doctor, because this symptom can be caused by many reasons, among which are those that exclude the possibility of breastfeeding. If the temperature rises due to such common reasons as inflammatory processes and infections, then you can feed the baby, and not necessarily, as previously thought, decant and boil milk. The only contraindication may be the mother taking medications that are undesirable during lactation.

Temperature rise during illness is a kind of defense of the body from the infectious agent. In this case, the hypothalamus stimulates such an increase, thanks to which the body starts the production of antibodies (and they, in turn, penetrate into breast milk and then - to the baby). If you stop feeding with fever, then this can cause serious harm - and both mother and child. Why?

Abrupt cessation of breastfeeding can lead to lactostasis, which on the background of weakened immunity and fever can easily be complicated by mastitis. In the meantime, the baby will stop receiving protective antibodies present in the milk, so it may be "attacked" by infection.

A high fever is no reason to stop feeding. The main thing is to find the cause of the disease and take appropriate measures in consultation with a doctor.

Can I feed milk when I have a cold and runny nose?

Colds, runny nose and even a cough are no reason to give up breastfeeding. The only important condition is that the sick mother must wear a medical dressing while breastfeeding.

Scientists have proven that within a couple of hours of the onset of the disease, specific antibodies appear in the mother's milk, which protect the baby from infection. If the disease in the mother progresses, there are other signs of deterioration, then it is necessary to seek medical help. As a rule, breastfeeding and in this case continue, because doctors prescribe medications that are authorized for breastfeeding women. The termination or suspension of feeding is said only if the prescription of drugs that can harm the baby (this is despite the fact that it is not possible to use other, safer drugs).

Can I breastfeed when I have the flu?

Influenza is a viral disease that is accompanied by the most unpleasant symptoms, including runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and fever. Of course, the last thing moms want to "award" all this to their babies. Is it worth continuing breastfeeding, will it not contribute to the infection of the infant? No, it will not, if the mother will take measures to prevent infection, namely - will wear a medical dressing with a mandatory change of it every two hours.

Do not forget that almost any infectious disease, including influenza, has its own incubation period: usually its duration is 1-3 days. You can say with a hundred percent probability that during this period, the mother was in contact with her child and breastfeeding, because she did not suspect the disease. Therefore, stopping breastfeeding at the first symptoms of influenza will do nothing. On the contrary: in breast milk by this time there are already present antibodies necessary for the baby, which will protect him from the disease. Drinking such milk to a baby is not only possible, but also necessary.

Can I feed my baby breast milk when I have mastitis?

Mastitis is an inflammatory reaction in the mammary gland that often develops as a result of congestion, lactostasis. And what is the best way to fight lactostasis? That's right: regular feeding of the baby, ensuring a constant outflow of milk. In this case, the baby should drink just from the sick breast, to improve the resorption of seals.

In cases where a woman needs to take antibiotics, they are prescribed from the list of antibiotics allowed during lactation. This is so that the treatment can be taken without stopping breastfeeding.

If the inflammatory process has gone too far, and purulent infection has joined, then the question of whether breastfeeding can be continued should be decided by a doctor. The decisive factors for the suspension of breastfeeding are severe pain when breastfeeding and the increased risk of purulent discharge into the baby's body. Do not worry: after successful treatment of mastitis, breastfeeding can be fully restored.

Is it possible to breastfeed with rotavirus?

Rotavirus infection is diagnosed quite often - especially in winter time. What should be done if the viral disease is detected in a lactating woman?

Specialists believe that the continuation of breastfeeding is extremely important for the baby, and this can be explained by such factors:

• with breast milk infant receives immunoglobulins that can fight pathogenic bacteria and viruses (in this case - rotavirus);
• The milk will create a specific defense for the baby, as well as give him an energy boost to strengthen his immune system;
• abrupt weaning is a strong stress for the baby, so the cessation of breastfeeding negatively affects the general condition of the child's body, as well as the quality of its immunity.

Of course, when diagnosed with rotavirus infection, it is more reasonable to consult with the attending doctor. However, most experts definitely do not advise stopping breastfeeding.

If you have a sore throat, can you breastfeed?

A sore throat can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as:

• laryngitis-- inflammation of the larynx;
• tonsillitis, or sore throat;
• pharyngitis-- pharyngeal inflammation;
• fungal infection of the mucous tissues of the throat.

Refusal of breastfeeding for sore throat is undesirable, and unreasonable: there are no such good reasons to deprive the baby of extremely necessary nutrients, antibodies that will help him to withstand various diseases.

It is essential to see a doctor. If the cause of pain is angina or fungal infection, you will have to undergo treatment to avoid complications. The doctor will prescribe medications that are compatible with breastfeeding, so in any similar situation you should not stop breastfeeding.

Can I breastfeed when I have herpes?

Herpes is a serious viral infection, and its peculiarity is that the virus is almost impossible to "kick out" of the body. The only way out is to strengthen immunity and reduce the frequency of recurrences of the disease.

Most breastfeeding moms in case of herpes recurrence try not to breastfeed the baby, mistakenly believing that in this way they will prevent infection. This statement is true only when the foci of infection are located directly on the mammary glands. If the rash is localized on other parts of the body, breastfeeding is mandatory, and there is no reason to deprive the baby of nutrients.

The question of prescribing antiviral drugs and immunostimulants in the lactation period is decided by the doctor. He must carefully weigh the complexity of the disease and the likelihood of negative effects on the baby, and only then choose the drug and its dosage. Self-medication for nursing moms is inadmissible categorically.

Can I feed milk when I have diarrhea?

If a breastfeeding woman has digestive disorders and diarrhea, it will not affect her baby's well-being - even if the ailment is caused by an intestinal infection. Such an infection can indeed get to the baby, but not through milk, but through unwashed hands or objects. Diarrhea is a symptom associated with malfunctions of the digestive system, or is a consequence of other processes that do not affect the organs responsible for milk formation. Therefore, you should not worry about the quality of milk with diarrhea, and it is impossible to infect the baby through milk in this case.

In addition, if you have an intestinal infection, specific antibodies will be delivered along with the milk to protect your baby from the disease.

The only thing a nursing mom needs to consider is the increased risk of dehydration during diarrhea. In lactation, this condition is especially undesirable, so it is necessary to take measures to correct digestion and consume enough fluids, replenishing lost moisture reserves.

Can I breastfeed when I have a sore throat?

Angina often runs hard, with a pronounced deterioration of health, fever. But even such unpleasant symptoms are not a reason to keep the child from breastfeeding. Mother's milk is a unique natural product that benefits the baby even when the mother is sick.

Do not forget about the incubation period of angina: it can be 12-48 hours. And during this time, the mother continues to feed the baby without suspecting the disease. Therefore, if the child is destined to be infected, it may well happen at the incubation stage, and in the further abolition of feeding makes no sense. Moreover: drinking the milk of a sick mother will allow antibodies to enter the child's body and actively counteract the infection. If breastfeeding is interrupted, the flow of antibodies will stop, and the child may not just get sick, but get sick with complications, because his own immune defense is not yet able to give a qualitative response to the disease.

There is only one condition that any lactating woman with sore throat must remember: it is important to wear a medical dressing any time she interacts with her baby, and also while nursing. The bandage should be changed every 2 hours.

Can I breastfeed after an x-ray?

The question about the possibility of breastfeeding after an X-ray would hardly bother lactating women, if it were not for the fact that this type of examination is a source of radiation. However, modern medicine assures that there is no reason to wean the baby from the breast on the day of the X-ray examination. Mother's milk does not change its characteristics under the influence of diagnostic radiation, so a woman can safely feed her infant when she gets home.

It is quite different if the examination is performed with the use of X-ray contrast agents. Such special substances are used to improve visualization of cavities, vessels, etc. Despite the fact that the bioavailability of the drugs used through the mother's milk is theoretically reduced to zero, experts advise to suspend breastfeeding for a day after the study. It is optimal to decant the necessary milk dose in advance and feed it to the baby until the end of the dangerous period. After 24 hours, breastfeeding is resumed.

Can breast milk be fed when vomiting?

Vomiting is considered one of the signs of food poisoning: other symptoms may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness, and fever.

In food poisoning pathogenic microorganisms are almost difficult to penetrate into the mother's milk. But the protective antibodies produced by the female body are essential for the baby. Experts explain: theoretically, the child can be infected by the mother. But this does not happen through drinking milk, but through unwashed hands, food, contaminated objects.

Therefore, you should not stop feeding. The main thing is to follow the well-known hygienic rules:

• Wash hands after going to the toilet, after a walk, before eating, before feeding, before picking up the baby, and so on;
• Wash toys, pacifiers and pacifiers, and boil them if necessary;
• Do not give the baby food or drink from the mother's utensils, do not use one spoon, etc.

If the infant has similar painful signs - for example, vomiting, liquid stools, then a doctor's consultation should follow without fail.

Can I breastfeed after anesthesia?

If a nursing mother requires surgery and anesthesia, in most cases the surgeon will recommend stopping breastfeeding. There are many reasons for this:

• lack of conditions for a woman and infant to stay together in the hospital;
• a woman taking a range of drugs other than anesthesia (analgesics, tranquilizers, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, etc.).

As practice shows, many doctors simply do not know whether this or that drug for anesthesia will affect the process of lactation and the baby's well-being, so they advise to stop lactation.

What is the real situation? Anesthetics used for general anesthesia have no effect on breastfeeding and hardly penetrate into the mother's milk. They are eliminated mainly by the kidneys, liver, respiratory system. And the proportion of medications that do end up in breast milk, almost not digested in the digestive system of the baby. Therefore, most anesthetic agents can be considered safe for use in the lactation period.

Let's break down the anesthetic drugs one by one:

• Halothane, Isoflurane, nitrous oxide, Thiopental, Etomidate, Fentanyl, Lidocaine, Naropin, Marcaine are considered the safest because breastfeeding is allowed almost immediately after coming out of anesthesia;
• drugs such as Dormicum or Midazolam are eliminated from the body for a longer period of time, so it is better to decant the milk after using the medicine, and breastfeed the baby no sooner than 4-5 hours after administration of the drug;
• diazepines - for example, the well-known drug Diazepam or Relanium - are characterized by long excretion and get into the mother's milk, so a woman should decant and start feeding the baby no sooner than 8-9 hours after taking the drug;
• preparations such as Procaine, Articaine, Mepivacaine, Benzocaine, Levobupivacaine, Remifentanil have not been studied on this issue, therefore feeding during their use should be suspended.

Every breastfeeding mother should especially carefully monitor the baby's behavior after breastfeeding after anesthesia. Symptoms such as drowsiness, difficulty breathing, weak suckling should be alarming and become a reason to urgently contact a doctor. Such signs are possible if large doses of drugs were used during anesthesia, or such drugs were administered repeatedly.

Is it possible to feed milk after a cesarean?

Breastfeeding may be difficult at first after a caesarean section, primarily for some physical reasons (the mother has difficulty getting up, pain, etc.). Both because of the intervention itself and because of the use of anesthesia, milk often comes a little later - about a week after the baby is born. However, regardless of this, it is better to put the baby to the breast as early as possible, if the medications administered to the woman before, during and after the operation allow it. As a rule, all medications should be compatible with breastfeeding, but it is better to clarify this point with the doctor.

Even in the absence or small amount of milk, you should apply the baby at least eight times a day. This will help to stimulate milk formation. Of course, it is better not to supplement the baby with water or formula. But if the doctor insists on the use of mixtures (for example, with a large loss of weight of the baby), they are given necessarily after laying on the breast, but not before it.

In most cases, the necessary milk supply will be established on the second or fourth day after regular laying of the baby.

Can I breastfeed while on antibiotics?

Antibiotic therapy is prescribed to lactating women only in exceptional cases, in case of special need. For example, antibiotics may be indicated in case of purulent sore throat, pneumonia, pyelonephritis, etc.

Antibiotics have different kinetic properties: some of them fully penetrate into the mother's milk, while others are not detected in it at all. The most harmless drugs include penicillin, cephalosporin, macrolide antibiotics, as well as some fluoroquinolones (in particular, Ciprofloxacin). Treatment with these drugs is allowed in the lactation period, and there is no need to stop feeding the baby.

If the doctor has to prescribe another antibiotic that can fully penetrate the mother's milk, the baby must be fed with formula during the entire therapeutic course. If the woman later wants to resume breastfeeding, she will need to decant regularly so as not to disrupt milk production: if this is not done, it will be almost impossible to restore lactation.

Can I breastfeed after Dostinex?

Dostinex is a popular remedy designed to end lactation. Thanks to this drug, women alleviate their well-being, get rid of milk flushes, avoid stagnation and, as a consequence, mastitis. But many do not think about the fact that the independent use of Dostinex is prohibited, because it can cause a number of adverse effects.

The essence of the action of this medication is to suppress the production of prolactin - a hormonal substance responsible for milk formation. Dostinex is not a hormonal drug, but one of its properties is blocking dopamine receptors synthesized by the pituitary gland, which is a serious physiological change in the body.

Dostinex acts very quickly: a rapid decrease in prolactin levels is observed within three hours after the first dose. During this period, you may experience symptoms such as low blood pressure, dizziness, nausea, tingling in the extremities and chest.

Feeding the baby after taking this medicine is undesirable for several reasons. First, the very process of feeding and even decanting can cause a repeated surge in prolactin production, which will require the introduction of a new dose of Dostinex. Secondly, no one has conducted studies on whether the drug penetrates into breast milk and whether it is safe for the infant.

Some experts say that it is possible to feed the baby, but not earlier than 24 hours after the dose. Others do not advise to do it earlier than after 10 days. Others insist that taking Dostinex implies a complete refusal of lactation, so feeding after treatment is better not to practice at all. How to act in this situation, will prompt the attending physician. One thing is important: it is not necessary to risk the health of the baby in any case.

Can I breastfeed with chickenpox?

Chickenpox, or varicella, is a viral infectious pathology, which is usually considered a "child" disease. However, it also affects adults, so breastfeeding moms are no exception. A woman can get infected in any public place, in transport, in clinics, etc.

Only a doctor should diagnose chickenpox and treat it. It is strictly forbidden to treat yourself, especially since this disease in adulthood is especially often and dangerously complicated - develop lesions of the respiratory system, liver, kidneys, arthritis, heart and nervous system disorders.

Breastfeeding during chickenpox is not prohibited. It is believed that the symptoms of the disease appear in an adult only a few days after infection, so the virus could already be in the child's body, and depriving the child of mother's milk will further aggravate the situation. During breastfeeding, the infant receives not only viruses, but also antibodies that protect it and contribute to the creation of specific immunity. The only option in which doctors will insist on stopping or suspending lactation is for the mother to take antibiotics that are not compatible with breastfeeding. Usually such drugs are prescribed in the presence of complications, or at high risk of their development. In such a situation, the doctor will warn the woman in advance.

Can I breastfeed when I have thrush?

No one is immune to thrush - neither the mother nor her baby. The fungal infection can appear almost anywhere, even on the mother's breasts.

Candida fungus is present in every human body, usually in the intestines. It is not harmful in any way, and only under certain favorable conditions the fungus begins to multiply intensely: thrush develops.

During the lactation period, candidiasis often affects the baby's mouth and the nipple area of the mother's breast. The baby becomes restless, even to the point of refusing the breast. Treatment must follow necessarily: it is prescribed by a doctor, both mother and infant at the same time (even if the signs of thrush are found only in one of them).

Breastfeeding with thrush on the background of treatment continue. However, the milk decanted during the disease can not be saved or frozen - it will have to be disposed of. If you give it to an already healthy baby, it can become infected with candidiasis again.

Can I breastfeed when I have lactostasis?

Lactostasis is a phenomenon associated with milk stagnation in the milk ducts. The sensations of lactostasis are extremely uncomfortable: the mammary glands become dense, painful, hot; one or both glands may be affected. There may be many reasons for this disorder, but most of all women are interested in the question: whether to continue breastfeeding if lactostasis develops?

Let's say at once: if the baby is properly applied, it is possible and necessary to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is considered the best way to eliminate excess milk, which accumulates and "clogs" the milk ducts. Pumping will not empty the breasts as much as suckling can.

The infant is fed first with the affected gland and then with the healthy gland. It is not necessary to keep long intervals between approaches: the baby is fed on demand, as soon as he asks for it - you should give the breast. To improve milk flow and facilitate sucking immediately before feeding should warm the mammary glands in warm water, or by placing a warm compress or heating pad. If the breasts are swollen and too tight, instead of warming them, they should be cooled, for example by applying a cabbage leaf at a temperature of about 16°C.

If other painful signs appear, you should see a doctor.

Can I breastfeed with staphylococcus aureus?

Detection of staphylococcus aureus in breast milk is certainly not a reason to stop lactation. And if the woman and the baby do not have any symptoms of staphylococcal infection, then there is no need to hurry with treatment. Why?

Staphylococcus aureus can be found almost anywhere: on skin and mucous membranes, on objects, on clothing and even in the air. Therefore, when taking a test, bacteria can appear in milk from anywhere - for example, from the hands or from the breast itself. At the same time, it should be understood that germs do not multiply in the biological product itself, but get into its flow, for example, from the skin or from a wound on the nipple.

If the woman or the baby, or both, show signs of staphylococcal infection, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will prescribe therapy and assess the need to stop breastfeeding. In most cases, the baby will receive general treatment, the mother will receive topical therapy, and breastfeeding will be maintained.

However, we repeat that this issue is decided on a case-by-case basis.

Can I breastfeed with maxillary sinusitis?

Gaymoritis - inflammation of the maxillary sinuses - can be caused by various microorganisms - bacteria, viruses and even fungi. Therefore, the treatment of the disease is also correspondingly different. Antibiotic therapy is usually carried out in the acute form of maxillary sinusitis caused by gram-positive or gram-negative bacilli, streptococci, smtaphylococci, anaerobic microbes.

As a rule, breastfeeding in maxillary sinusitis is not stopped, because the treatment is carried out, either without the use of antibiotics, or with the use of drugs compatible with lactation.

Most often for the treatment of maxillary sinusitis in nursing women prescribe Flemoxin, Amoxiclav - these medications are not contraindicated during lactation, so against the background of their reception to stop feeding is not necessary.

Incompatible with breastfeeding:

• tetracyclines (may inhibit the development of the baby, have a toxic effect on the kidneys and liver);
• Metronidazole, Tinidazole (may cause digestive disturbances in the infant);
• Sulfonamide drugs (adversely affect heart function);
• Levomycetin (toxic to the baby's bone marrow and liver).

If the doctor insists on taking any of the above drugs, the child is transferred to formula, lactation is suspended for the entire period of treatment.

Can I breastfeed for colic?

If a baby has colic after breastfeeding, almost any woman will ask: What is wrong with my breast milk? Should I continue breastfeeding, or is it better to switch to formula?

In fact, breastfeeding is possible and even highly recommended. However, a few adjustments will have to be made:

• Mom should follow a special diet, with a restriction of fatty foods and refusal of fried, smoked, spicy food. Instead of regular milk, sour milk products should be preferred.
• It is important to pay attention to the correct way of putting the baby to the breast. If the application is incorrect, the baby will swallow air together with the flow of milk, and then colic is assured. For correct application it is necessary that the baby fully grasp not only the nipple, but also the entire nipple area.
• Almost all babies are helped by the "column" pose: the baby is taken in your arms and carried upright immediately after feeding, until a characteristic burp appears (this is the release of air that has entered the stomach during sucking). It is important to do this immediately after eating, because after a few minutes the air enters the lower parts of the digestive system, and it will be impossible to expel it in this way.
• If a mother feeds her baby only with front milk (for example, by changing breasts frequently), a large amount of carbohydrates and water enters the baby's stomach. The enzymes and fats present in the back milk remain untouched. As a result, the digestive processes of the child are disturbed, colic appears. To prevent this, you should feed the baby only one breast at one feeding, or decant the front portion of milk.

It is necessary to refuse breastfeeding only if the baby is found to have lactase deficiency - that is, the child's digestive system simply cannot digest milk sugar. Hence the constant severe colic. However, such a diagnosis can only be made by a doctor: there is no need to make any independent decisions on this matter.

If poisoning occurs, can breast milk be fed?

It happens that a nursing mother discovers unpleasant signs in the form of diarrhea, abdominal bloating, nausea and even vomiting. In most cases, the cause is poisoning, or intoxication. A mild degree of poisoning is quite treatable at home, but with severe vomiting, tachycardia, fever, you must necessarily consult a doctor.

The question is different: if these signs are present, should I continue breastfeeding or should I stop breastfeeding?

In the case of ordinary poisoning of the mother, the infant is safe, because with breast milk, antibodies that prevent the development of infection in the intestine will enter the body. To completely protect the child, the mother must observe hygienic rules, drink plenty of fluids.

In case of severe poisoning, the decision to continue feeding is made by a doctor. This is because a woman may be prescribed medications that are incompatible with lactation. If the doctor prescribes drugs that can be taken and combined with feeding, there is no need to wean the baby from the breast.

Can I feed breast milk if my baby is poisoned?

If the baby is poisoned, it is necessary to seek medical help from a doctor. As for the possibility of continuing breastfeeding, almost all experts are unanimous in their opinion: feeding is allowed and even recommended. Maternal bioproduct is an ideal means of normalizing intestinal microflora, protecting the child's body from a variety of infections:

• Lactoferrin protein restrains the level of iron ions in liquid biological media. Thus, it inhibits microbial multiplication, stimulates phagocytic activity, and interferes with metabolic processes occurring in microbial cells.
• Carbohydrate bifidus-factor accelerates the synthesis of bifidobacteria, blocks the growth of pathogenic microflora in the intestine.
• Lactoperoxidase is an enzyme that disrupts metabolic processes and literally destroys pathogenic microbial cells.
• Immunoglobulins protect children's bodies from infectious diseases, prevent the penetration of microbes, viruses, allergic agents into the tissues.

Thus, full and regular breastfeeding will contribute to the early recovery of the baby and normalization of intestinal flora.

Is it okay to feed breast milk to someone else's baby?

Feeding a baby with foreign, donor milk does not find approval among pediatricians. First of all, because with such a useful biological product the child can get various dangerous diseases, such as AIDS, viral hepatitis, cytomegalovirus infection. In addition, both the child and another breastfeeding woman has its own individual microflora, which can be disturbed, causing stomatitis and other inflammatory processes.

Immunologists are also against this practice. Everyone knows that mother's milk has different quantitative and qualitative composition, depending on the age and needs of the child. If the baby is offered someone else's milk, and even without matching the age, the immature child's immune system will be subjected to excessive stress, which can lead to unpredictable consequences. The infant's digestive tract is under no less strain.

Taking into account all the points, doctors do not advise experimentation: if for any reason the question of using donor feeding is raised, the optimal solution will be the use of high-quality adapted mixtures.

Can I feed my baby with decanted breast milk?

It is considered absolutely normal to decant breast milk during lactation. However, some women have to pump milk continuously and then feed the baby from a bottle instead of breastfeeding. For example, this occurs with the wrong shape of the baby's mouth, with a specific shape of the nipple of the mother, when the baby simply can not take the breast. There are many such reasons, but women want to give their baby the best, so instead of transferring to formula, they regularly decant and then give the baby a bottle. Is it possible to do this? Of course it can be done - if the mother has enough patience and strength.

In order to keep lactation at the required level, you should repeat decanting at least six or seven times a day (a single portion should be approximately 110 g). It is also recommended to perform one decanting at night, especially when the mammary glands are noticeably "fuller".

Each woman decides how to perform the procedure individually. Some women find it convenient to do it by hand, others - with the help of a manual or electric device - a breast pump.

The decanted product can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. More milk can be frozen: it keeps well in the freezer for 12-16 weeks.

Can I feed my baby thawed breast milk?

If a woman decanted with all the requirements of hygiene, using clean utensils for collection, she may well freeze her own product, in order to defrost and feed the baby if necessary.

In the freezer, maintaining a temperature of -18°C, milk is stored up to six months, although experts advise to use it earlier - within 3-4 months.

The defrosted product cannot be re-sent to the freezer. It is suitable for consumption within 1.5-2 hours at room temperature, or it can be stored for a day in the refrigerator. The milk undrinkable by the baby should be poured out.

If the product has separated into layers during the freezing-thawing process, there is no need to worry: just mix the layers a little afterwards until homogeneous.

Defrosting should take place in the refrigerator, not in the microwave or on the table at room temperature. It usually takes about 12 hours in the refrigerator.

Breast milk does not lose its nutritional value when properly collected and frozen, so it can safely be used to feed an infant.

Can I feed breast milk to an older child?

It happens that a lactating woman becomes pregnant again and gives birth to a second child. She wants to breastfeed both the first and the second child - after all, the age difference between them is small, only about a year. Is it possible to breastfeed two children at the same time - the oldest and the youngest?

There is no single answer to this question, as the opinions of experts differ. On the one hand, this approach allows you to strengthen the immunity of babies, gets rid of the problem of jealousy of children to each other. But on the other hand, milk for the older child does not quite meet the age requirements, and the mother double feeding adds worries and fatigue.

Nevertheless, this possibility cannot be ruled out. And if a woman decides to double breastfeed, she should familiarize herself with these recommendations:

• the babies should be fed at the same time;
• give children a different breast at the next feeding from the one they sucked on the previous time.

As you can see, there are many confusing situations with breastfeeding. However, if you know exactly when you can and when you can't breastfeed your baby, most of the questions disappear by themselves.