Breastfeeding FAQs: A pediatrician answers five questions new moms ask most 

By Dr. Lubena Khambaty, pediatrician at Premier Pediatrics, part of Rady Children’s Health

There’s something special about walking alongside families during that first year of life, and for many new parents, breastfeeding is a big part of the journey. It also comes with a lot of questions.  

Here are the five questions I hear most often as a pediatrician, along with what I want every nursing mother to know. 

Is breastfeeding supposed to hurt? 

In the first few days, a little discomfort is common while you and your baby figure out positioning and latching.  

What’s important to know is that breastfeeding shouldn’t keep hurting past those early days. If the pain continues, or if nursing hurts throughout an entire feeding, take that as your cue to reach out for help from a lactation consultant or your pediatrician. 

How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk? 

Your breasts will always have milk, no matter how full or empty they feel, so the way they feel isn’t the most reliable gauge. Instead, focus on your baby. A few things to look for: 

• Can you express a little milk before a feeding? 

• When your baby latches, do you hear swallowing? 

• Do you see milk pooling at the corners of their mouth? 

• Does your baby seem satisfied after eating? 

• Are there enough wet diapers? After the first few days, aim for at least six a day. 

Taken together, these cues give you a much clearer picture than how your breasts feel on their own. 

How long should I breastfeed? 

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. During that window, breastfeeding is linked to fewer lower respiratory tract infections, fewer ear infections, and a lower risk of obesity, along with other benefits for both baby and parent. 

The AAP also supports continuing to breastfeed up to two years of age, or as long as it works for you and your baby, alongside solid foods once your little one is ready. And if you want or need to add formula, combination feeding is perfectly okay. For some families, it’s what helps them keep breastfeeding longer. 

Is it safe to take medications while breastfeeding? 

Most medications are safe to take while nursing, though a few are not. Before you start something new, a quick call to your doctor or a question to your local pharmacist will give you a clear answer.  

Here’s the reassuring part: treating something like a common cold usually doesn’t mean you have to stop breastfeeding. 

When should I call the doctor? 

Pay attention to how your breasts feel between feedings. If one becomes tender, warm, or red, especially alongside a fever, it could signal a blocked duct or mastitis. If that happens, it’s best to call your doctor sooner rather than later so you can feel better and get back on track quickly. 

Reach out if your baby is at least one week old and makes fewer than six wet diapers in a 24-hour period, since this can be a sign of dehydration. Many disposable newborn diapers include a blue wetness indicator, which makes it easy to tell whether your baby has wet even after the liquid has been absorbed. 

Call whenever you’re worried about the latch, meaning how your baby’s mouth connects to the breast or bottle. 

You should also reach out if your baby isn’t feeding well. This might look like refusing the breast or a bottle or vomiting most of what they drink after every feeding attempt. 

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