Exclusively breastfeed infants for the first six months, then continue breastfeeding while introducing age-appropriate foods until 12 months or longer, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Mothers can take a daily high-dose vitamin D supplement of 6,400 IUs to increase the vitamin D concentration in their breast milk, providing sufficient intake for their exclusively breastfed infant.
Ensure all newborn infants receive an injection of vitamin K1 shortly after birth to prevent hemorrhaging, as breast milk is very low in this essential nutrient.
Pediatricians recommend introducing iron-rich complementary foods by the age of six months, as breast milk is low in iron and infants’ iron stores can deplete by this time.
Avoid maternal cigarette smoking as it impairs the uptake of critical nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids (DHA) and iodine into breast milk, which are essential for infant brain development and thyroid function.
Avoid nicotine as it transfers into breast milk at higher concentrations than maternal plasma and is eliminated much slower by infants, leading to harmful effects on infant health and sleep.
Avoid marijuana use while breastfeeding, especially during the first month of an infant’s life, as THC can be detectable in breast milk for days and is associated with decreased infant motor development.
Absolutely avoid taking anti-cancer drugs, lithium, oral retinoids, high-dose iodine, amiodarone, and gold salts while breastfeeding due to potential risks to the infant.
If you require prescription drugs, especially those with known risks, discuss with your healthcare provider whether breastfeeding is a safe option for your infant.
Be aware that substances you eat, drink, supplement, and especially smoke, can transfer into breast milk and potentially affect the infant.
Be aware that harmful substances, such as heavy metals like cadmium, can transfer from a mother’s blood into breast milk, potentially impairing infant nutrient metabolism and posing health risks.
Limit extremely high caffeine intake (750 mg/day or more, equivalent to 6-8 cups of coffee) while breastfeeding, as infants metabolize caffeine poorly and could reach toxic concentrations.
Exercise caution with social drugs like alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and cannabis, as they can transfer into breast milk and carry risks to the infant.
Understand that alcohol metabolism occurs at a constant rate, so drinking water, exercising, or pumping and dumping will not speed up its elimination from breast milk; allow sufficient time for it to break down.
When feeding expressed breast milk, provide it to the infant at the same time of day it was expressed to help maintain the infant’s circadian rhythm.
If a mother is undernourished or eats an unhealthy diet, her breast milk may lack essential micronutrients, so supplementation for the mother, infant, or both might be necessary.
Lactating women can take a dietary supplement containing 400 milligrams of marine omega-3 fatty acid (DHA) to increase DHA levels in their breast milk, which is crucial for infant brain development.
Ensure a smoke-free household environment, as exposure to secondhand smoke can negatively influence breastfeeding duration and increase the likelihood of stopping breastfeeding early.
Breastfeed for any length of time, even if not exclusively for six months, as it significantly reduces the risk of nonspecific gut infections in infants, with benefits lasting beyond cessation.
Consider working with a lactation consultant during the first few weeks of breastfeeding to address challenges like sore nipples, plugged ducts, or lack of support.
If a mother’s milk supply is insufficient or health concerns prevent breastfeeding, donor milk may be a viable option for healthy, full-term babies.
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