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U S Department of Health and Human Services www.hhs.govOffice of Public Health and Science
WomensHealth.gov - The Federal Source for Women's Health Information Sponsored by the H H S Office on Women's Health
1-800-994-9662. TDD: 1-888-220-5446

The National Women's Health Information Center - womenshealth.gov
A service of the Office on Women's Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services


La lactancia materna. Mejor para el bebé. Mejor para la mamá.
Breastfeeding: Best for baby. Best for Mom.Breastfeeding: Best for baby. Best for Mom.
Do You Have Basic Breastfeeding Questions?  Call Us at 1-800-994-WOMAN (9662)

BREASTFEEDING MADE EASIER AT HOME AND AT WORK

See also: Family Support -- Pumping -- Storage -- Breastfeeding and Pumping Accessories

Breastfeeding is a unique experience for each woman and her baby, and each woman has to find her own routine, setting, and positions that work best. Today, many mothers return to jobs outside of their homes after their babies are born, and the breastfeeding routine that they've set up while on maternity leave has to change. Many women continue to breastfeed successfully though, with the help of a breast pump. Whether you choose to stay at home to care for your baby, or choose to return to a job outside your home, here are some tips about breastfeeding and pumping to make breastfeeding easier and safe for you and your baby.

Before Your Baby is Born

Nipple Type

  • Before your baby is born, it is helpful to know what type of nipples you have. A flat nipple lies flat against the areola (darker circular area around the nipple) instead of protruding outward like a normal nipple. Inverted nipples seem pushed inward to the areola. Both flat nipples and inverted nipples can make correct latch-on more challenging for your baby since they are not easy for the baby to grab in his or her mouth. One solution is to wear a breast shell (a round plastic shell that fits around your breast) in your bra to create a moist environment around the nipple to help it protrude for easier latch-on.

 

Regular nipple
Regular Nipple
Flat nipple
Flat Nipple
Inverted nipple
Inverted Nipple

Regular, flat, and inverted nipples

 

Medications

  • Before the birth of your baby, know what medications you are taking or may have to take after the birth, and how they will affect your baby through your breast milk. Talk with your health care provider about their safety, and about possible alternative treatments that won't affect the baby. While breastfeeding, if you become ill and have to take medication, tell your health care provider that you are breastfeeding. It may be possible to temporarily pump and discard your breast milk while taking the medication. During this time, you can use previously stored breast milk or formula to feed your baby, but you will be keeping your breast milk supply at a level that will meet the baby's needs when your treatment is over. For more information on how medications affect breast milk, see the section on How Lifestyle Affects Breast Milk.

Current as of August 2005

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