ermaem: What can I do to help with sore nipples?

Nolene Duclos, RN, IBCLC: The most common reason for sore nipples is the baby isn't latched on deep. There are other reasons also, do you have trauma noted on the nipples or are they pink & burn when water hits them in the shower?

brosepd: What are the uppper age limits on nursing? If you nurse too long is the transition tougher for the child?

Nolene Duclos, RN, IBCLC: The AAP's guideline is to nurse for the 1st year and then afterwards as long as mom & baby desire. Its a personal choice for the duration. It's more of a relationship & nurturing instead of just nutrition. The transition from nursing is more baby led & is usually easier because its gradual.

Casey: Can you drink energy drinks while breastfeeding?

Nolene Duclos, RN, IBCLC: Energy drinks can cause nervousness, insomnia, nauseau spikes in blood pressure depending on the contents, some contain ephedra & large amounts of caffeine. This in turn may cause the baby to be jittery so caution should be used, moderation in all things, water is a better way to hydrate.

Eener: Why does society pressure all moms to breastfeed, and then make us feel guilty if we can't? Some mom's can't nurse because of medical reasons, or don't wish to nurse because of personal reasons.

Nolene Duclos, RN, IBCLC: We're sorry you feel pressured! Sometimes no matter what we choose we don't think we've made the right one due to what others think we should do. However breastfeeding is a choice mothers may make based on their lifestyle & family needs. Being informed on all options for feeding your baby helps to make the right decision for them. There are other suitable options when choosing to feed your baby. Learning to trust your own instincts about nutrition for your baby and parenting are all part of being a mom.

Jane Unger: While breastfeeding is natural and instinctual, I hear new mothers struggle during the first few weeks, not expecting some of the challenges. What advice can you give them about how to persevere?

Nolene Duclos, RN, IBCLC: The best advice I have is education, attending a breastfeeding class prenatally and being part of a support group. Breastfeeding is a learned skill, takes time & patience which is hard when you are sleep deprived. Ask for help early and often from qualified people, such as lactation consultants, la leche league and other breastfeeding mothers. It's like riding a bike, you don't learn the first time you try. Takes time & practice. While its a natural process, the baby has to learn too. The breastfeeding experience within a family can be very different with each baby even with a mother who has breastfeeding experience.