Bathing your baby

How often should I bath my baby?

It’s up to you how often you bath your baby. Some babies love being in the water, and giving your baby a warm bath can become a fun and relaxing daily ritual. 

That's not to say you have to bath your baby every day. If your baby is newborn, a bath once or twice a week is enough to keep him clean. Bear in mind that if you live in a hard water area, too much tap water may dry out and damage your baby’s skin. 

Between baths, wash your baby's face regularly, clean his genitals and bottom after each nappy change, and wipe any muck off his skin. 

When you do bath your baby you may find it a little scary the first few times. It's a good idea to have someone with you to give you a bit of support. It's also helpful if you've forgotten something you need for your baby. Until you get into a routine, you'll probably find this is a common occurrence! 

Handling a wriggling, wet and slippery baby takes practice and confidence, but you and your baby will get used to bath time and enjoy it. Most babies find warm water soothing and a bath may help a fussy baby to relax and calm down.

Where should I bath my baby?

To begin with you may find it easier to use the kitchen sink or a small plastic baby bath. 

You could use your big bath, but it can be awkward as you need to kneel or lean over the side. If you do use your big bath, it may help to use a bathing seat or support, or a rubber mat or sponge bath base.

When should I bath my baby?

Choose a time of day when you're not expecting any interruptions and have time to devote to your baby. It's best if your baby is awake and contented before you start, and in between feeds so he’s neither hungry nor full. 

When your baby is newborn you may find it easiest to bath him during the day. But after a couple of months, a bath can become part of his bedtime routine. 

Warm water can help to relax your baby and make him sleepy. It's also an opportunity for other family members to get involved. The nightly bath is a part of babycare that dads often enjoy taking on. 

If someone comes to the door or the phone rings and you feel you must answer it, scoop your baby up and take him with you. 

Never leave your baby unattended in the bath, not even for a few seconds. That could be all the time it takes for your baby to get into difficulty in the water, even when he's in a bath seat.

What's the best way to give my baby a bath?

At first, bathing your baby may seem like a huge undertaking, with all the things you have to remember to have to hand. It will get easier. It won't be long before your baby's bath becomes another routine you've got done to a fine art. 

Before you start your baby's bath, gather all the things you’ll need. These may include: 

• A bowl of warm water, boiled and cooled if your baby is less than two months old, for face washing.
• Several clean pieces of cotton wool.
• A sponge or flannel.
• Baby cleanser, mild soap or bath emollient.
• At least one clean, dry towel. Hooded towels are good for wrapping up your baby from top to toe.
• A thermometer, if you have one, for testing water temperature.
• A muslin square or old towel if you have a baby boy. He may do a wee when his nappy comes off and he feels the fresh air on his skin.
• A clean nappy and clothes.
• A warm blanket

Before you bath your baby, wash his face. It's easier than trying to do it while your baby is in the water. There's no need to use soap or cleanser on your baby's face. 

Wash your baby's face with clean pieces of cotton wool dipped in warm water (previously boiled if your baby is under two months) and squeezed out. 

If your baby has dried mucus in his eyes or nostrils, dab it first to soften the mucus. Wipe each eye from the nose outwards with a fresh piece of dampened cotton wool. 

Now, follow these steps to make baby bathing easy: 

• Keep the room warm and bath water comfortably warm but not hot. If you have a bath thermometer, warm the water to about 37 degrees C.
• For newborns and babies up to six months old, fill the bath with about 13cm (5in) of water. Or just make sure there’s enough to allow your baby to settle in the water with his shoulders well covered. Never fill the bath more than waist-high (in sitting position) for older babies.
• Bring your baby to the bath area, undress him and remove his nappy. If there's poo in the nappy,clean your baby`s genitals and bottom before putting him in the bath.
• Gradually slip your baby into the bath, using one hand to support his neck and head. Keep a good grip, as he might get quite slippery when he’s wet.
• Wash your baby with a little mild, unperfumed soap or pH neutral liquid baby cleanser. If your baby's skin is dry or tender you could add a little bath emollient to the water. The emollient will make your baby slippery to handle, though.
• Use your hand, or a flannel or sponge, to clean your baby from top to bottom and front to back. For your baby`s genitals, a routine wash is all that’s needed.
• Lift your baby out of the bath, and straight onto a dry towel. Wrap him up warm and pat, rather than rub, him dry. You may want to smooth on a mild moisturising lotion or cream, or oil if his skin is dry.
• Dress your baby in clean clothes, wrap him in a dry, warm blanket, and give him a kiss on his sweet-smelling head.

Once your baby is a couple of months old, you or your partner could share a bath with him. Being in the bath with your baby is a lovely way for you to be close to each other. It's a great way for dads to have precious skin-to-skin time with their baby, too. 

Have a quick shower or wash before you get in the bath. Make sure the water is warm, not hot. Use mild baby cleansers and washes, as your normal bath products will be too harsh for your baby's skin. 

It can be tricky, and risky, to get in and out of the bath while holding your baby, so ask your partner or someone else to help. 

They can pass your baby to you once you’ve got in and lift him back out again when you've finished. 

Nappy changing tips: be prepared

          

Where do I start?

Stock up on nappies before your baby arrives.  Newborns can wet about 12 nappies a day, so you'll need them. Buying in bulk can really save money. 

Wash cloth nappies regularly so you don't run out. Buy 18 cloth nappies for a newborn, if you want to wash daily. If you want to wash every other or every second day, you'll need between 24 and 36 nappies. To treat stains, you can soak nappies for an hour or two before washing them. 

Change nappies frequently to avoid your baby getting nappy rash, especially if they're soiled with poo. Nappy rash can develop quickly, and is the red puffy rash around your baby's genitals, bottom and the folds of her thighs. The best prevention and remedy is to keep your baby clean and dry by changing her nappy frequently and cleaning her properly at each nappy change. 

Washing your baby with unperfumed soap and warm water is the best way to keep her clean and prevent nappy rash. Disposable wipes are convenient but are best used when you are out and about and during the night. 

Learn how to spot the difference between nappy rash and yeast nappy rash, as they need to be treated differently. Thrush or candida begins as tiny red spots which multiply and mass into a solid red blotch which may include pus-filled bumps. 

If poo keeps leaking out of the top back of your baby's nappy, it may be time to go up a size. The weights on the packaging are just guidelines, and your baby may need a bigger size sooner than the manufacturer suggests.

How many nappies will I need?

You'll need between 15 and 20 nappies if you plan to use reusable nappies full-time, or between eight and 10 if you plan to use them some of the time. 

You may want to try a few types in the early days before buying your full amount. As Lisa, a BabyCentre mum, says: "If you want to try a new type or brand of cloth nappy, buy one to start with. That way you can make sure you and your baby are both happy with the style before splashing out on one in every colour!" 

If you are using disposables, you can expect your baby to get through about 12 nappies a day when she is a newborn.

How will I know if my baby needs changing?

You should change your baby's nappies regularly. Your baby's wee, combined with the bacteria in her poo, may make her skin sore and lead to nappy rash. Change your baby's nappy before or after every feed, or whenever she's done a poo. 

If your baby wakes in night for a feed change the nappy as part of your usual routine. Otherwise your baby may wake an hour later because she has a full nappy. You may wish to use wipes during the night to clean your baby up if you're worried about disturbing her. 

Your newborn baby will poo several times a day and wee every one hour to three hours. Wetness doesn't bother most babies though, so don't expect her to cry or show discomfort every time she needs changing. 

Disposable nappies absorb moisture particularly well, so you may not always be able to gauge their wetness until they're soaked. Check for wetness every couple of hours by testing with a clean finger. 

Some disposable nappies for young babies have a wetness indicator on them. This is a line that changes colour if the nappy is wet. This isn't necessary, but it's a handy way to tell if it's time for a change.

How can I make it easier for us both?

Keep distractions handy. If your baby fusses and squirms during changes, hang a mobile over the changing area, put up pictures or mirrors for your baby to focus on. Or give your baby a small toy to play with. 

Enjoy it! Nappy changes offer a chance for special one-on-one time. Talk and sing to your baby, pointing out the different parts of your baby's body and explaining what you're doing. 

Once your baby is cleaned up, try a few simple songs such as Incey wincey spider. Play a bit of peekaboo and share a kiss once you've finished changing your baby.

What will I need when we're out and about?

When you're away from home, take a wetbag and put dirty cloth nappies in it until you get home. Wetbags are waterproof bags that help to reduce unpleasant smells. 

If you're using disposables, when you go out, carry some extra plastic or biodegradable bags with you. You'll then have somewhere to put dirty nappies if there's nowhere to dispose of them. You may also choose to use these to store cloth nappies until you get home. 

Take one small bag, containing a clean nappy and an extra cover, if using cloth nappies, and a couple of wipes, for each nappy change. Each time you change your baby, simply exchange the clean items in the bag for the dirty ones. 

Or you can have one large wet bag to put all the dirty nappies in. Or have a wet/dry bag, which allows you to put clean things on the dry side and dirty things on the wet side. 

For wipes, if you choose not to use disposable wipes, you could take pre-moistened cloth flannels in a small wet bag. Or you can moisten dry cloth wipes with a small spray bottle filled with a mild water and soap solution and spray the solution onto a wipe when you need one. Some mums also add a drop or two of tea tree oil or lavender oil to the water.

Your Baby`s Daily Massage

Getting to know you

These techniques are good for all babies who aren't yet crawling. For the best chance of success, don't try a massage just before or after a meal or when she needs a nap. When you think she's ready, set yourself up on the floor with a towel and a small bowl of oil suitable for massage. If your baby seems to be uncomfortable or starts crying before you have finished the massage, stop and give her a cuddle instead.

The legs

Her legs are a good place to begin, as they're less sensitive than some parts of her body. Using a little oil, wrap your hands around one of her thighs and pull down, one hand after the other, squeezing gently, as if you're "milking" her leg. Switch legs and repeat.

The feet

Take one foot and gently rotate it a few times in each direction, then stroke the top of her foot from the ankle down to the toes. Switch feet and repeat.

The soles

Use your thumbs to trace circles all over the bottom of each foot.

The toes

To finish off the feet, take each toe between your thumb and forefinger and gently pull until your fingers slip off the end. Repeat for all ten toes.

The arms

Take one of her arms in your hands and repeat the milking motion from her armpit all the way to her wrist. Then, take her hand and gently rotate her wrist a few times in each direction. Switch arms and repeat.

The hands

Trace tiny circles over the palm of each of her hands with your thumbs.

The fingers

Gently take a finger between your thumb and forefinger and pull, letting her finger slip through your grasp. Repeat for all her fingers and both thumbs.

The chest

Place your hands together in prayer position over her heart. Then, opening out your hands slowly, stroke outward and lightly flatten the palms over her chest. Repeat several times.

The chest (continued)

Place one hand flat across the top of her chest. Stroke it gently down to her thighs. Repeat the motion, alternating hands, several times.

The back

Roll your baby onto her tummy. Using your fingertips, trace tiny circles on either side of her spine from the neck down to the buttocks.

The back (continued)

Finish with some long, firm strokes from her shoulders all the way to her feet. When you have finished, put on her nappy and cuddle or breastfeed her. She'll probably doze off!

More About Bath Refer Bathing Your Baby 
And
 Bathing And Soothing Your Baby`s Skin
And
First Bath Of Your Newborn Baby

Learn About Safe Homemade Baby Food Preparation with these Homemade Baby Food Safety Tips

            You can safely and easily make your baby's food with little time and effort.  Homemade baby food is the healthiest alternative to using commercial baby foods and the end result is a tasty array of foods that you just cannot get when using commercial jars. Contrary to some beliefs, making homemade baby food is very safe when you follow a few simple procedures.

One of the things that the baby food companies do have that you won't be able to access is the tools for industrial sterilization and cleansing.  This does not mean that you cannot guard against food borne pathogens or other unwanted items in your homemade baby food.  Here are a few simple and relatively quick things that you can do to ensure your baby food is safe.

Preparation - You, the Areas and the Tools

Always be sure to thoroughly wash your hands.  Yes, it seems so common- sensical ; we just wanted to remind you. Make sure that any tools or areas you use such as countertops, utensils, pots and pans, cutting boards and blender/food processors are thoroughly cleaned; preferably with an anti-bacterial soap (using a natural anti-bacterial soap is a fine option for those opposed to commercial cleansers). 

Never use  the same cutting board for meats and fruits/vegetables.  You should have a cutting board solely for meat preparation and a cutting board solely for vegetable/fruit preparation.

Safe Methods of Proper Food Preparation

Fruits and Vegetables: 

Always be sure to thoroughly wash and cleanse the fruits and vegetables that you will be using to make your baby food.   Even if you are not using the peels or skins, and even if you buy Organic, you should always cleanse the produce. 

Peeling skins, and pitting or removing the seeds is important prior to cooking.  There are however instances when you do not need to peel, pit or remove seeds; these instances will vary according to your baby's age, the fruit/vegetable that you are cooking and way in which you will be cooking the food item.

Using a wooden cutting board is safer than plastic.  It has been shown that bacteria is easier to cleanse/remove from wooden cutting boards.

Meats: 

When preparing and/or handling Meats, you should always have clean hands or use plastic gloves whenever possible.

If you are going to be moving from preparing meats to preparing another food item, always wash your hands prior to handling the next food.  Always wash your hands after handling meats, specifically after handling poultry products - including eggs.

Do no use the same prep surfaces or the same utensils that have been, or will be, used for your fruits or vegetables.  Using a wooden cutting board is safer than plastic.  It has been shown that bacteria is easier to cleanse/remove from wooden cutting boards.

Always thaw meats in the refrigerator or the microwave and never on the counter. Never give an infant raw or semi-cooked meats, poultry, fish and eggs.  In other words, babies and even toddlers need their meats "Well-Done".

To ensure the utmost in safety, all Meats such as poultry and red meats, including fish, should be cooked as shown *:

  Cook all red meats to an internal temperature of at least 160° Fahrenheit. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer.

  Cook white meat poultry to an internal temperature of at least 170° Fahrenheit and dark meat poultry to an internal temperature of at least 180° Fahrenheit for doneness. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer.

 Cook fish to an internal temperature of 160° Fahrenheit. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer.  

Other Food Safety Tips and Musts

Leaving foods out on the counter or at room temperature: Do not leave uncooked or even cooked foods out on the counter at room temperature for longer than 2 hours.

Frozen foods should not be allowed to thaw and then be re-frozen without first being cooked.  Frozen foods should remain at a temperature of 0 degrees or lower.

Cooked and prepared foods for baby should be kept in the refrigerator for no longer than 48-72 hours before they are used or frozen.

Foods in the freezer have varying storage times; it is prudent to use frozen baby food cubes within 1 (one) month.

Bathing & Soothing Your Baby's Skin

Your newborn is home now, and you're settling into a daily routine. Keeping your baby warm and nourished is tops on your list. Baby skin care is just as important.

Newborn skin is delicate -- and so is the baby's immune system. Chemicals, fragrances, and dyes in clothing, detergents, and baby products can cause newborn skin irritation, dryness, chafing, and rashes. However, there's much you can do to protect your baby from these skin problems.

The upside to baby's skin sensitivity? Your touch on your newborn's skin has a soothing, nurturing effect -- and is critical to your baby's development.

Natural Baby Skin Care

A newborn baby is born with wrinkly skin and a protective covering called vernix that naturally peels off during the first week. There's no need to rush it, rub it, or treat it with lotions or creams. (If baby is born past the due date, this process is likely finished while she is still inside the womb.)

With newborn skin care, the adage is "less is more." Here are tips to help protect your baby from developing allergies and rashes:

Resist the urge to bathe your baby frequently. Too-frequent bathing -- more than three times per week during the first year of life -- removes the natural oils that protect baby's skin. That leaves baby's skin vulnerable, so it reacts to any potential allergen -- triggering a reaction like eczema.  

Except for drool and diaper changes, newborns don't get very dirty. Babies aren’t working 9 to 5 and hitting the gym afterward! For the first month or so, a sponge bath two or three times a week will keep your baby safely clean. In between, simply clean baby’s mouth and diaper area with a little water or cleanser.

Once-a-week sponge baths (or even less) are best for newborns with darker skin tones (like African-American). These infants tend to have dryer skin and have a higher risk of skin problems such as eczema.

Don't use baby products in the early months. The immune system is still developing. If you have a family history of skin problems, allergies, or asthma, it's especially important to protect your baby's immune system -- and protect baby from irritating allergens.

Wash baby's clothing before it's worn. Use only baby laundry detergents that are fragrance- and dye-free. Wash baby clothes, bedding, and blankets separately from the family's laundry. 

Newborn Dry Skin: Eczema

Most newborn skin problems, such as eczema or diaper rash, don't develop for the first month or two. Eczema appears as a red, itchy rash mostly on face and scalp, at the elbows, and behind the knees.

A few tips on preventing dry, irritated skin and eczema:

• Try once-a-week bathing to allow skin to retain natural oils.
• Limit your use of baby skin products. If necessary, use only a small amount of lotion on dry skin areas.
• Make sure baby wears only soft clothing.

When baby has an allergic reaction, the result can be a rash. Rashes under the diaper can actually be eczema and not a diaper rash. An allergy to dyes in the diapers themselves can cause this reaction. Switching to dye-free diapers may be all that's needed to prevent future outbreaks.

Check with your pediatrician about using over-the-counter lotions or creams to treat eczema. You may need a prescription treatment.

Baby Skin Care: Diaper Rash

Most often, diaper rash is caused by the irritating wetness of a soiled diaper. The rash can also develop when baby's skin is not properly dried after a bath. Sometimes, a bacteria or yeast infection will cause diaper rash. Babies taking antibiotics are especially susceptible to a yeast infection diaper rash because the drugs allow fungal growth.

Most forms of diaper rash don't require medical care. To treat diaper rash -- and prevent further newborn skin problems:

• Check diapers frequently.
• Change diapers immediately when wet or soiled.
• Wash the diaper area with mild fragrance-free cleanser or plain water. If the rash is severe, use a squirt bottle to cleanse without rubbing.
• Use a soft clean cloth, not baby wipes. The perfume or alcohol in some wipes can further irritate and dry baby's skin.
• Pat baby dry. Don't rub. Let the diaper area air-dry fully before putting on a fresh diaper.
• Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) or a protective ointment like Desitin or A&D.
• If using baby powder, take care to keep it away from baby's face. The talc or cornstarch in the powder can cause breathing problems.

See your pediatrician if the rash doesn't clear up in two to three days. If the rash is caused by eczema, a bacterial or yeast infection, or other condition, you may need a prescription treatment.

Newborn Skin Soaks Up Calming Touch

Giving your newborn a massage is important one-on-one time. Like cuddling, a massage is a way to convey your love and affection for your baby. In fact, research shows that a baby's very survival depends on being touched by others -- as touch triggers hormones, boosts immunity, and helps fight disease. Also, massaged babies are calmer, sleep better, and cry less -- every parent's dream!

There's no special technique to massaging a baby. Find a carpeted floor in a warm room. Simply lay baby on a soft blanket or fabric. Get a little baby oil or a gentle lotion. Warm it in your hand. Then gently massage baby's chest and tummy -- using a gentle yet firm touch. Try to make eye contact and talk to your baby. Sing softly.

If there's any fussing, baby may not be ready for a massage. Or the massage may be too forceful, so use a gentler touch. It's the time spent together that's most important.

Diet for a healthy breastfeeding mum

There is a lot of conflicting advice, traditional and modern, about what you should and should not do when you’re breastfeeding. Can you drink coffee? If you eat certain foods, will it give your baby colic? We dispel the myths about breastfeeding and diet and give you the facts. 

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Do I need extra calories when I am breastfeeding?

Yes, but your body is highly efficient at producing breastmilk from what you eat so you do not need to have a particularly calorie-rich diet. It's best to be guided by your appetite and to eat normal food when you are hungry. In other words, there is no need to add extra ghee to your food. Your body may have laid down fat stores during pregnancy, and breastfeeding can help to use up that fat.

There's no right answer about how many calories a day you should have. The amount you need to eat depends on your weight and how physically active you are. So let your diet be guided by your body so that you eat as often as you feel hungry. But it is important to eat foods that are rich in nutrients rather than food with a lot of fat or sugar content. These will give you calories but fewer nutrients. 

As you start to wean your baby, your calorie needs will gradually return to pre-pregnancy levels. Some studies show that if you breastfeed your baby, you may lose your pregnancy weight faster as compared to a mother who does not breastfeed. 

Breastfeeding usually gives you a big appetite. So if you don't feel like eating, it could be a sign that you need extra emotional support. Sometimes, women who have postnatal depression lose their appetite. If you're finding it a struggle to eat, see your doctor and talk about how you're feeling. 

What should I be eating now that I’m breastfeeding?

Think of breastfeeding as continued motivation to follow the healthy diet you followed during pregnancy. Focus on eating whole grains and cereals, legumes, fresh fruits and vegetables And go for foods that provide plenty of protine, calcium and iron (and, as always, an occasional treat is fine). 

Traditionally, breastfeeding mums are given a lot of dried fruit , ghee and sugar. These high calorie foods usually were meant to supplement the kitchery diet that mums traditionally follow after birth. If you are eating normal food, you can leave out the extra ghee and sugar. Dried fruits are extremely healthy and used in most traditional confinement foods. Try having them without the ghee and sugar by putting them in your porridge (dalia) for example or in some kheer. This way your relatives will be happy that you are eating the traditional ingredients but you will not be loaded with the high calories. If you must eat the laddoos or panjiri you can reduce the calorie count by eating smaller portions. Some recipes could work well with lesser quantities of ghee and for others you could use a healthier alternative such as canola oil.

If you are used to having aerated drinks to quench your thirst it is best to avoid these while breastfeeding. They contain just empty calories and no nutrition. You could instead substitute it with healthier drinks such as lassi, coconut water, butter milk, fresh fruit and vegetable juices or nimbu pani. 

Do I need to take vitamin supplements?

Yes. The National Institute of Nutrition recommends that breastfeeding mums take iron, folic and calcium supplements. You may also need supplements of vitamin A, zinc, vitamin B12 and vitamin C. 

It would be best to speak to your doctor before taking any vitamin supplements. If you do take supplements, bear in mind that it can't make up for poor eating habits. It is also important to eat a well-balanced, varied diet.

Do I need to drink extra fluids to help maintain my breastmilk supply?

You only need to drink enough to satisfy your thirst while you're breastfeeding. You may have been told that you should drink lots of water to keep up your milk supply. Actually, drinking lots of water, or indeed going a bit thirsty, won't affect the amount of milk you make. Your body is good at regulating its reserves to make sure it keeps your milk supply going. 

It's a good idea to have a drink nearby when you are breastfeeding, though. While you are feeding, your body releases the hormone oxytocin, and it makes you feel thirsty. 

If you're worried about whether you're getting enough to drink, keep an eye on the colour of your urine. If it is pale-coloured, you're getting plenty to drink. If your urine is dark yellow or smells strongly, it may mean that you are dehydrated, so you should drink more. 

Are there any foods that I should not eat and drink?

You can eat everything in moderation. However it is possible to that some types of food and drink that get into your milk may unsettle your baby's tummy. She may have colic or gas that makes her cry. Every mum and baby is different, though, so there are no hard and fast rules about what to include or leave out of your meals.

If you think a particular food has affected your baby, you could try cutting it out for a few days to see if it makes a difference. It's thought that vegetables such as cabbage (patta gobhi), cauliflower (gobhi), broccoli (hari gobhi) and onions (pyaaz), as well as cow`s milk eggs and chocolate can cause colic symptoms. Read more on foods and drinks to avoid when breastfeeding.

Some mums swear that hot or spicy dishes. upset their baby but this is not true for all mums and babies. As you get used to breastfeeding, you will get a better idea of what suits your baby. 

If you want to cut out a food that is important for your own health, your doctor may refer you to a dietitian. She’ll work out how you can have a healthy diet without it. This might be the case if, for example, you are a vegetarian and you want to cut out dairy produce. 

Can I drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes when I am breastfeeding?

Research indicates that it is best to stay away from caffeine,alcohol,fish high in toxins such as mercury, nicotine and drugs. These substances can pass from your blood into your breast milk and to your baby.

The amount of alcohol in your blood usually peaks 30 to 45 minutes after you have drunk it. You'll need to allow four hours for your body to be clear of one unit of alcohol. Drinking lots of water, resting, or expressing your milk after you have had a drink and then throwing it away (known as pumping and dumping!), won't make your body get rid of the alcohol any faster. 

If you want to have an alcoholic drink when you are breastfeeding, it's best to feed your baby first and have a drink afterwards. Four hours later, when it's time to feed your baby again, the level of alcohol in your blood, and therefore in your breastmilk, will be so low it's unlikely to affect your baby. Bear in mind, though, that if your baby is newborn, she may need feeding more often than every four hours.

If you can plan in advance, you could express milk for a few feeds before having your drink so that you are sure that by the time you start feeding again, your body has cleared out all the alcohol.

Can I lose weight when I am breastfeeding?

Yes if you’re healthy. It is wise to lose weight gradually by combining a healthy, low-fat diet with moderate exercise. 

Rapid weight loss may be harmful for your baby because it possibly releases toxins (normally stored in your body fat) into the bloodstream. And these contaminants can end up in your milk.

Keep a tab on your weight gain. And, remember to reduce your calorie intake when your baby switches over to solid foods.

But you will only get to your pre-pregnancy weight once you have stopped breastfeeding and fully weaned your baby. This is because your breasts are heavier with breastmilk and with additional fat cells that help in the production of milk. 

If you do decide to cut down slightly on your food intake, wait until at least two months after your baby is born. Limiting what you eat in the early weeks of lactation and over a long period of time may reduce your milk supply.

Can I have herbal remedies?

You can drink most herbal teas when you are breastfeeding. Herbal teas which use ingredients you might cook with, such as, fennel, camomile and peppermint, are thought to be safe to drink. 

Herbal medicines, however, are a different matter. These should not be taken while you are breastfeeding. Although remedies such as these are readily available, we can't be sure they're safe for your baby. 

You may also be offered traditional drinks prepared with specific herbs. Check with your doctor before including any herbs in your diet.