Depending on your needs, a quick chat with a breastfeeding peer supporter might be enough! Our lovely Danni is available on Wednesdays at 12:30 PM at Langney Community Centre, Eastbourne, to help you. The La Leche League, the ABM, and the NCT hotline are also great resources! If you need further support, I’m available to help in the group as well. Can’t make it to Eastbourne? Online support is always an option!

Your health matters just as much as your baby’s. Most products are safe while breastfeeding, but if you’re unsure about a specific cream, serum, or pill, the Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) is always a great resource to check.

Freshly pumped breast milk can stay at room temperature (25°C/77°F or lower) for up to 4 hours. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to 6 months (though up to 12 months is acceptable). You can reheat breast milk by placing the container in warm water or using a bottle warmer. Avoid microwaving, as it can create hot spots and destroy nutrients. Once warmed, use within 2 hours and do not reheat more than once.

Newborn: Intake varies depending on age: Day 1: About 5–7 mL (0.2 oz) per feed Day 3: About 22–27 mL (0.7–0.9 oz) per feed Week 1: About 45–60 mL (1.5–2 oz) per feed Week 2 onward: About 60–90 mL (2–3 oz) per feed Newborns typically feed at least 8–12 times per day. 6 weeks old: Around 90–120 mL (3–4 oz) per feed, feeding every 3–4 hours. 4 months old: Around 120–150 mL (4–5 oz) per feed, usually minimum 5–6 times per day. Feeding on demand is the best way to ensure your baby gets enough milk, as it focuses on your baby’s needs rather than the clock. However, these numbers can be helpful if you need to top up or are unsure how often your baby is feeding at a minimum.

Coffee: It’s generally safe to drink coffee while breastfeeding in moderation. The amount of caffeine that passes into breast milk is small, and most babies are not affected by it. However, it's best to limit your intake to 1-2 cups per day to avoid any potential disruption to your and your baby's sleep patterns or irritability. Alcohol: Depending on your baby's age it’s safest to wait 2-3 hours per drink before breastfeeding, allowing time for the alcohol to leave your system. Alcohol passes into breast milk, but the levels are generally low, and infrequent drinking is unlikely to harm your baby. Pumping and dumping are not necessary unless you are uncomfortably full as it's not decreasing the alcohol levels. Food: In general, there are no strict foods you must avoid while breastfeeding. You can eat everything! If you notice any changes in your baby after eating certain foods, you may want to avoid them or consult a healthcare provider.

Why not follow me on Instagram @latchoneastbourne, where you can find nearly 800 posts on breastfeeding, maternal health, baby sleep, and baby feeding. If you still can't find an answer, feel free to reach out!

Regarding its safety during breastfeeding, there is limited research on how tirzepatide / semaglutide affects breast milk or infants. Since tirzepatide belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which work by influencing hormone levels, it's essential to be cautious; although a recent study (Available on Lactmed: Semaglutide) shows promising results. The official prescribing information for Mounjaro does not provide specific guidance for breastfeeding, and the safety of tirzepatide in lactation has not been well studied yet. It is always recommended to consult with your healthcare provider before using any medication, including tirzepatide, while breastfeeding. Your doctor can help weigh the potential risks and benefits, considering your individual health needs and those of your baby. Resource: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500980/