It is safest to not use drugs and alcohol during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding provides the newborn with nutrition, protection, and bonding time with the mother. Breast milk is the only food that a newborn needs for the first six months of life, making it a healthy, affordable, and accessible way to feed a baby. Breast milk provides antibodies to protect the baby from illness and infection. Women who breastfeed will need to give their baby a supplement of Vitamin D.
Breastfeeding can be difficult at first, and it may take time to adjust. Some women may also experience certain infections or soreness when breastfeeding. Women who plan to breastfeed are encouraged to continue trying and to talk with a health professional if they have any questions or concerns.
Formula is recommended for use only if the mother cannot breastfeed for some reason or if she has made an informed decision not to breastfeed. In Canada, breastfeeding is not recommended for women living with HIV, even if they have an undectable viral load. For more information about HIV and pregnancy, including Saskatchewan’s Infant Formula Program, please visit: https://skprevention.ca/sexual-health/hiv-and-pregnancy/. Women who formula feed should use a cow’s milk formula fortified with iron.
Certain medications, as well as alcohol and most illicit drugs, can be passed to the baby through breast milk. If a woman is taking medication, she should discuss her intake with her healthcare professional.
It is safest to not use drugs and alcohol in pregnancy and when breastfeeding.
Alcohol can be passed to the baby through breast milk. The baby’s system is not mature enough to process alcohol in the same way as the mother’s. When there is alcohol in the mother’s milk, it can change how the baby breastfeeds, his sleeping patterns, and behaviour. It is healthiest for baby when the mother does not drink before breastfeeding. If she would like to use alcohol, it is recommended that she breastfeeds before drinking alcohol and waits until the alcohol has left her body before she breastfeeds again. It may take up to two hours for one standard drink to leave the mother’s system and longer if she has more drinks.
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