Milk supply
The 3-Month Breastfeeding Crisis: What's Really Going On
Soft breasts, short or fussy feeds and a baby who looks around at everything? What the 3-month breastfeeding crisis is, and the real signs of low supply.
Library
Breastfeeding articles
Every guide on Breastfeeding Mom, newest first. Prefer to browse by subject? See all topics.
Medicines & safety
Can You Take Antibiotics While Breastfeeding? Amoxicillin, Cephalexin and More
Most common antibiotics are compatible with breastfeeding. Here's what LactMed says about amoxicillin, cephalexin, azithromycin, doxycycline and others.
Medicines & safety
Antihistamines While Breastfeeding: Zyrtec, Claritin, Allegra and Benadryl
Cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin) are the usual first choices while nursing. See what the evidence says about Allegra, Benadryl and sprays.
Common challenges
Block Feeding for Oversupply: How It Works and When to Use It
Block feeding can calm a true oversupply and forceful letdown, but it carries real risks. Learn how it works, who it's for and why to do it with support.
Common challenges
Cow's Milk Protein Allergy in Breastfed Babies (CMPA/MSPI)
Blood or mucus in your breastfed baby's diaper? Learn the signs of cow's milk protein allergy, how a dairy-free trial works and when to call the doctor.
Nutrition & health
D-MER (Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex): Why Let-Down Can Bring Sudden Sadness
D-MER is a brief wave of sadness, anxiety or dread just before milk lets down. Learn what it feels like, why it may happen and how it differs from PPD.
Milk supply
Fenugreek for Breastfeeding: Does It Work, and Is It Safe?
Fenugreek is the best-known herb for milk supply, but the evidence is weak. Learn the side effects, the maple-syrup smell and who should avoid it.
Medicines & safety
Heartburn and Stomach Medicines While Breastfeeding: Tums, Pepcid, Pepto-Bismol and More
Antacids, famotidine, omeprazole, loperamide and simethicone are generally fine while nursing. Pepto-Bismol is the one where the sources urge caution.
Pumping
Hospital-Grade Breast Pump: What It Means, Who Needs One and Insurance
What 'hospital-grade' really means (the FDA doesn't define it), who may need a rental pump, and what US health plans must cover under the ACA.
Pumping
How to Clean Breast Pump Parts: The CDC Steps, Simplified
How to clean breast pump parts the CDC way: washing after every use, sanitizing, air-drying, tubing and mold, the dishwasher and the fridge hack.
Milk supply
Moringa and Breastfeeding: Does It Boost Milk Supply, and Is It Safe?
Moringa (malunggay) is a traditional herb for milk supply. See what the trials and reviews found, how good the evidence is and what safety data exist.
Common challenges
Nipple Vasospasm: Signs, Triggers and How to Get Relief
Does your nipple turn white and burn after feeds? Learn the signs of nipple vasospasm (Raynaud's of the nipple), common triggers and what helps.
Weaning
Post-Weaning Depression: Mood Changes After You Stop Breastfeeding
Feeling low, anxious or teary after you stop breastfeeding? What's known about post-weaning depression, what isn't, and where to get help right away.
Nutrition & health
Postpartum Thyroiditis and Breastfeeding: Symptoms, Tests, Treatment and Hair Loss
Postpartum thyroiditis affects about 5 to 10% of US women. Learn the two phases, how it's diagnosed, breastfeeding safety and how it differs from hair loss.
Medicines & safety
Salicylic Acid While Breastfeeding: Is It Safe? A Guide to Skincare While Nursing
Topical salicylic acid is barely absorbed and considered safe while nursing. Here's how it compares with benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid and hydroquinone.
Medicines & safety
Sudafed While Breastfeeding: Does Pseudoephedrine Lower Your Milk Supply?
Pseudoephedrine isn't expected to harm your baby, but a small study found one dose cut milk volume by about a quarter. Here is what that means.
Common challenges
Triple Feeding: What It Is, Why It's Used and How to Step Down
Triple feeding means breastfeeding, then supplementing, then pumping. Learn why it's used, how to make it manageable and how to step down with your care team.
Breast milk storage
TSA Breast Milk Rules: Flying With Breast Milk, Pumps and Ice Packs
TSA rules for flying with breast milk, ice packs and pumps, plus dry ice, hotel fridges, shipping milk home and what to know before flying abroad.
Common challenges
Baby Biting While Breastfeeding: Why It Happens and How to Stop It
Teeth don't have to mean the end of breastfeeding. Learn why babies bite, the warning signs, how to react calmly and how to care for a bitten nipple.
Breastfeeding basics
Baby Falls Asleep While Breastfeeding: Is It Normal and What to Do
Why babies fall asleep at the breast, how to tell a full baby from a too-sleepy one, gentle ways to keep a newborn feeding, and when to call the doctor.
Medicines & safety
Can You Get Botox While Breastfeeding? What the Research Shows
Small studies find little or no Botox in breast milk after facial injections. Here's what LactMed, MotherToBaby and InfantRisk say, and what to ask first.
Breast milk storage
Breast Milk Color: What Yellow, Blue, Green and Pink Milk Mean
A color-by-color guide to breast milk: yellow colostrum, bluish and green milk, pink or rusty milk, blood, rare black milk, and when to call your doctor.
Breast milk storage
Breast Milk Cooler: How Long Milk Lasts and How to Use One for Work and Travel
Breast milk keeps up to 24 hours in an insulated cooler with frozen ice packs. What to look for in a cooler, plus work and TSA travel tips.
Common challenges
Breast Milk Jaundice: How It Differs From Early Feeding Jaundice
Is your breastfed baby still a little yellow after the first week? Learn what breast milk jaundice is, how it differs from early jaundice and when to call.