After Pregnancy
Frequently asked questions about breastfeeding

Q: Will I make enough milk?
A: The more your baby nurses, the more milk your body will make. The size of your breasts does not have anything to do with how much milk you will make.

Q: Can I smoke?
A: When breastfeeding, it's best to avoid drugs, alcohol, tobacco and secondhand smoke because of the harm they can do to your baby. While quitting smoking is best for your baby, if you smoke and choose to nurse:

• Do not smoke while breast feeding
• Allow as much time as possible between smoking and breast feeding
• After smoking, drink lots of water, milk, or juice
• Wash your hands, face and hair
• Change your clothes after smoking and before you hold your baby

Q: Do I have to eat a perfect diet?
A: You do not have to eat a special, or perfect, diet. If you drink enough to not feel thirsty and eat enough to feel full, your milk will have everything your baby needs. It is always best for good health to eat a variety of foods. Some things, like medicines and alcohol can be found in breast milk so talk to your doctor or nurse if you plan to breastfeed and need to take medications.

Q: Will breastfeeding change my breasts?
A: No. Breastfeeding does not change the size of your breasts or make breasts sag. When you are breastfeeding, your breasts will be about the same size as when you are pregnant.

Q: Will breastfeeding tie me down?
A: No. It will be easy to take your breastfed baby with you when you go out. There is no formula to mix and no bottles to wash. If you need to leave your baby with someone, you can nurse before you leave, and nurse again when you return. Or, you can leave a bottle of breast milk or formula.

Q: Can I breastfeed if I go back to work or school?
A: Yes. Many mothers work or go to school and still breastfeed. They breastfeed when they are home. When they are away, they leave bottles of breast milk or formula for the baby. Some mothers pump their breasts while away, saving the milk for the next day's feedings.

Q: Are breastfed babies spoiled?
A: No. Babies cannot be spoiled. They learn to trust if they are picked up when they cry. Breastfeeding your baby will give both of you a really close feeling.

Q: Can I breastfeed if I'm nervous?
A: Nursing will help you feel relaxed. Your milk will still be good even if you do get nervous, worried, sad or angry.

Q: Does breastfeeding hurt?
A: Breastfeeding should not hurt. When your baby is nursing and getting milk, you feel a tug. If you do get sore or have pain, something needs to change. You may need to change the position or teach the baby a better way to get on the breast. Your doctor's office or clinic can help.

Q: Can I breastfeed lf I have HIV, the virus that causes AIDS?
A: HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, can be passed to the baby through breastmilk and give him or her the disease. Current advice in the United States is that mothers who have the HIV virus or AIDS should not breastfeed. For more information about medicines during pregnancy visit
Medication Exposures During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

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Last updated: September 2008