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Can I Still Breastfeed? Common Questions Answered

BMSG Editorial Team
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April 7, 2025

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way to nourish your baby. Many mothers choose to breastfeed, and it’s often encouraged by healthcare professionals. Here are answers to some common questions mothers have about breastfeeding:

🥗 Dietary Considerations

High Mercury Fish
It’s important to be mindful of fish consumption due to mercury levels. Limit high-mercury fish like shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. Opt for low-mercury choices such as salmon, sardines, and prawns. For safe fish consumption guidelines, refer to your local food authority or the Singapore Food Agency.

Spicy Food
Spicy food is usually not a problem during breastfeeding. While some babies might show sensitivity, most tolerate spices well. There’s no need for routine avoidance unless clear reactions are observed.

Allergens
Common allergens such as dairy, eggs, and nuts may occasionally affect sensitive babies. If your baby shows signs like rash, blood in stools, or excessive fussiness, consult a healthcare provider.

📌 ABM Protocol #24: Allergic Proctocolitis
This protocol supports an evidence-based approach to identifying food-related reactions in breastfed infants without overly restrictive maternal diets.

🩺 Medical Conditions

Mastitis
Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue that can cause pain, redness, warmth, and fever. It’s important to continue breastfeeding through mastitis as it helps drain the affected breast. Prompt medical attention and possibly antibiotics are required.

📌 ABM Protocol #36: The Mastitis Spectrum 
This protocol outlines the management of mastitis and emphasises continued milk removal as key to recovery.

Being Sick
Most illnesses, including common colds and fevers, do not require stopping breastfeeding. Your body produces antibodies that pass to your baby through breastmilk, providing protection. According to UNICEF’s guidelines on breastfeeding when sick, it’s important to continue breastfeeding to help protect your baby from illnesses. If you’re feeling unwell, rest, hydrate, and seek medical advice as needed. Breastfeeding while sick also helps reduce the risk of the baby catching the illness.

Chronic Conditions
Conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and high blood pressure can usually be managed safely during breastfeeding. Consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.

💉 Medical Procedures & Treatments

Ultrasound & CT Scans
Generally safe for breastfeeding mothers. Most contrast dyes are minimally absorbed and rapidly cleared from the system.

Local Anaesthesia
Considered safe, as most local anaesthetics do not significantly pass into breastmilk.

Vaccinations
Vaccines, including the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, are safe while breastfeeding.

📌 ABM Protocol #19: Breastfeeding and Immunisation
This protocol confirms that vaccines are compatible with breastfeeding and highlights their importance for maternal and infant health.

🌿 Lifestyle

Alcohol
Moderate alcohol consumption (up to one standard drink a day) is usually compatible with breastfeeding. Wait at least 2 hours after drinking before nursing. A useful rule of thumb is: if you’re sober enough to drive, you’re sober enough to breastfeed.

Pumping and dumping does not speed up alcohol clearance from your system—it only helps relieve engorgement. Alcohol leaves your milk at the same rate it leaves your blood.

📌 If you’re unsure, seek guidance from a doctor who is supportive of breastfeeding, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), or contact the Breastfeeding Mothers’ Support Group (BMSG).

Smoking
Smoking introduces harmful chemicals like nicotine into breastmilk. It can reduce milk supply, increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and affect your baby’s lungs and brain development. If quitting is difficult, try to smoke only after breastfeeding and avoid smoking indoors or near your baby. Seek medical support to quit.

⚠️ Word of Caution: Even secondhand smoke is dangerous for infants. Smoke-free environments are critical.

Caffeine
Moderate caffeine intake (1–2 cups per day) is generally fine. Higher doses may make your baby fussy or affect their sleep.

Hair Colouring & Keratin Treatments
Limited evidence suggests that hair treatments are low-risk. Use precautions such as good ventilation and avoiding scalp contact.

💊 Medication & Traditional Medicine

Medication
Many medications are compatible with breastfeeding. Always check with a knowledgeable healthcare provider. Resources like LactMed and e-Lactancia can help assess the safety of specific drugs.

Traditional Medicine (TCM)
Not all herbs are safe. Some can affect milk supply or be harmful. Discuss any TCM use with a doctor or IBCLC.

 Other Special Circumstances

🤰 Breastfeeding During Pregnancy

Breastfeeding during pregnancy is usually safe for most mothers, but it’s important to monitor for any complications. Many mothers successfully continue breastfeeding while pregnant, but there are some considerations to keep in mind. Hormonal changes during pregnancy may affect milk supply and sometimes cause nipple tenderness. It’s also crucial to ensure the pregnancy is progressing well and there are no risks of complications such as preterm labour.

If you’re pregnant and breastfeeding, it’s recommended to:

  • Stay well-nourished: Pregnancy increases nutritional demands, so it’s important to maintain a healthy diet with adequate calories and nutrients to support both your baby and breastfeeding.
  • Ensure adequate hydration: Drink plenty of water to maintain hydration, as breastfeeding and pregnancy both increase your body’s fluid needs.
  • Monitor milk supply: As pregnancy progresses, your milk supply may decrease due to hormonal changes. This is normal, and many children will gradually start to wean themselves, but some may continue to breastfeed.
  • Address discomfort: If you experience nipple tenderness or other discomforts, try using different positions, or seek support from a lactation consultant.

📌 ABM Protocol #5: Peripartum Breastfeeding Management (2013)
This protocol emphasizes the importance of counseling and assessing maternal and infant health during the peripartum period, including breastfeeding during pregnancy. It guides healthcare providers in ensuring that breastfeeding continues safely, even during pregnancy, and addresses any challenges that may arise.

For further guidance, refer to ABM Protocol #5, which offers evidence-based recommendations to ensure successful breastfeeding during pregnancy.

🧓 Myths and Old Wives’ Tales

“Don’t breastfeed if you have postpartum depression.”
This is a harmful myth. In fact, breastfeeding may help reduce postpartum depression symptoms by promoting bonding and releasing feel-good hormones like oxytocin. What’s important is that mothers with PPD receive support. Medication and therapy are often compatible with breastfeeding.

“Your milk turns bad if you fall sick.”
False. When you’re ill, your body produces antibodies that are passed to your baby via breastmilk. Far from harmful, it actually helps protect your baby.

“You must avoid spicy foods.”
Most babies handle a variety of flavours well, and avoiding spicy foods is usually unnecessary unless a baby shows a specific sensitivity.

“You must stop breastfeeding when your child gets teeth.”
Teething is not a reason to stop breastfeeding. With proper latch, biting can often be prevented or managed.

🤝 When to Seek Help & BMSG Support

If you have concerns or questions about breastfeeding, consult a supportive healthcare provider or an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Peer support can also be incredibly valuable.

Contact BMSG for evidence-based guidance and peer counselling:

📚 References

 

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