Most people know that breastmilk is best for baby. It is extremely rare that a mother cannot breastfeed her baby, but she may have concerns that keep her from even trying. Let's address some of these questions...

Please Note: These answers are intended as general information and are not meant to take the place of your doctor's guidance.

1. I have heard that breastfeeding is a lot better for the baby, but why?



2. If I breastfeed does that mean that my husband won't get to bond with our baby because he can't feed her?



3. Why do they say not to give a newborn baby a bottle if you are breastfeeding?



4. If I have a cold will my baby catch it from my breastmilk?



5. How will I know if my baby is getting enough milk?



6. I don't eat healthy, so doesn't that mean my milk won't be nutritious enough for my baby?



7. How will I know when my son is hungry?



8. How long should I nurse the first time I breastfeed my baby?



9. Can I breastfeed even if I have to take medication?



10. You said that breastfeeding saves money - how much?



11. Do I need to do anything special to prepare my breasts for breastfeeding before my baby is born?



12. My cousin is breastfeeding her 6 week old baby. It seems like he is always eating. Shouldn't she be putting pablum in a bottle to fill him up?



13. I know that breastfeeding is good for my baby, but won't it hurt me?



14. Is it true that you should nurse your baby every 4 hours?



15. What if my new baby doesn't feed as much as she should?



16. I am a smoker. Can I breastfeed?



17. Is it O.K. to give my baby a soother if I breastfeed?



18. How many days after the birth of my baby will my milk come in?



19. I am trying to wean my baby. Can you give me more information on how to go about it?



20. How long will it take for my milk supply to dry up?



21. What benefits are my fourteen month old getting from breastfeeding?



22. Recently my son has been full of gas. What foods should I avoid while breastfeeding?



23. Is there any way to increase my milk supply?



24. I have been told I can’t produce enough milk for my baby. How can I tell?



25. I really am not producing enough milk for my baby, but I really want to breastfeed him. What can I do?



26. I was just wondering if I have expressed milk and refrigerated it and then warmed it how long can I keep it out before discarding it?