Sep 09, 2025
Every woman’s journey to motherhood is different, but one of the first decisions a new mom makes is how to feed her child. The experience of breastfeeding is special for so many reasons: the joyful closeness and bonding with your baby, the cost savings, and the health benefits for both mother and baby. Joining us tonight is a medical professional from United Hospital Center, here to discuss the importance of breastfeeding.
1). Does my baby need more vitamin D?
Most likely, yes. Vitamin D is needed to build strong bones. All infants and children should get at least 400 International Units (IU) of vitamin D each day. To meet this need, your child’s doctor may recommend that you give your baby a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU each day.
2). Is it okay for my baby to use a pacifier?
If you want to try it, it is best to wait until your baby is at least three or four weeks old or until breastfeeding is well established to introduce a pacifier. This allows your baby time to learn how to latch well on the breast and get enough milk. Once your baby is breastfeeding well, you should use the pacifier when putting your infant to bed to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
3). Is it safe to smoke, drink, or use drugs?
If you smoke, the best thing you can do for yourself, and your baby, is to quit as soon as possible. If you can’t quit, it is still better to breastfeed because it may protect your baby from respiratory problems and SIDS. Ask a doctor or nurse for help while quitting smoking.
You should avoid alcohol, drinking, and drug use while pregnant and breastfeeding.
It is not safe for you to use an illegal drug. Drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and PCP can harm your baby. Some reported side effects in babies include seizures, vomiting, poor feeding, and tremors.
This content was originally posted on the WDTV News website here.
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