About Julie Love., LPN, CBC Expertise As a licensed practical nurse and a certified breastfeeding counselor, I can answer questions/make suggestions about getting started, nutrition, common problems-such as yeast/thrush infections, mastitis and clogged ducts, ect., lactation gadgets such as breast pumps, shells, shields, ect., alternative feeding methods such as cup feeding, finger feeding, syringe feeding, ect., positioning-proper positioning, positions to use after a c-section, positions for large and small-breasted women, ect., special needs and breastfeeding, such as premature baby, cleft lip/palate, neurological problems, and relactation/adoption, Baby blues and postpartum depression, and questions about medications while breastfeeding. It is out of my scope of practice to make a medical diagnosis.
Experience I work full-time as a nurse in an excellent OB/GYN office with many great doctors. I love working directly with breastfeeding patients and giving suggestions to physicians.
I have experience breastfeeding my daughter until she was about 18 months. I have went through difficulties, including a VERY reluctant newborn, after a c-section and long separation, sleepy baby, clogged ducts, putting in a 40 hour week at the same time-.I am the mother of 2 children and am hoping to help in any way I can!
Question Hi, I've been told my my OB and Pediatrician that I should not breastfeed due to some medications I am on which I understand. However I have friends who are telling me I need to pump and just dump it out for the first month to lose baby weight. Is there any truth to this and does it have any benefits to the mom to do so? I know this sounds very vain, I really didn't think about it before but I've been told by several people to do this. Please advise. Thank you. 30 weeks pregnant right now. Thanks!
Answer Hello,
That is an interesting question that I have never been asked before! I would suggest speaking with a lactation consultant about the medications you are on. If you are on them during your pregnancy, I don't know why you wouldn't be able to breastfeed. The reason weight is lost by breastfeeding is because breastfeeding burns calories. I guess if you pumped you would burn calories, and possibly lose weight. But if able, breastfeeding would be better for both you and the baby.
You said that you've been told by several people to pump and dump to lose weight, I am wondering if they only did this to lose weight and did not actually breastfeed their baby? Support for breastfeeding is out there, such as le leche league, the internet, in your ob office. I encourage you to get another opinion on your medications. I work in an OB/GYN office and you would be surprised at how little the doctors know about breastfeeding.
