Q and A

Ask Anne… Question: My baby is three months old and is exclusively breastfed. Recently, I developed mastitis, and my doctor prescribed an antibiotic. Every time I’ve taken an antibiotic in the past, I’ve developed a vaginal yeast infection. I’d like to keep that from happening again, especially since I’ve read that I might get yeast on my nipples and my baby might get …

Ask Anne… Question: I’m 36 years old and my daughter just turned one. We have breastfed for 12.5 months and are still going strong! I’ve truly enjoyed nursing and know there are many benefits to breastfeeding more than a year. Unfortunately, I am afraid I may have to wean her in order to get pregnant again sooner than later. My …

Ask Anne… My pediatrician told me that breastfed babies need extra iron, and should start eating fortified cereal at 6 months or they will become anemic.  I told her I was nursing and she said “especially when they are breastfeeding.”I am currently taking my prenatal vitamins , and feel my baby is  getting the best nutrition possible from my breast  …

Ask Anne Question: I have a two year old son and a seven month old baby girl who is still breastfeeding. She started solids last month, but still nurses a lot day and night. Here’s my problem: I have practically no sex drive anymore, and it’s causing problems in my marriage. I love my husband, but we keep getting in …

Ask Anne… I currently have a wonderful nursing relationship with my seven-month old son. People are starting to ask me how long I plan to breastfeed. To be honest, I don’t know how long I plan to nurse. My question is, what are the benefits of breastfeeding more than a year? I understand the benefits of nursing your baby until …

Ask Anne… Question: I know that during pregnancy I was not supposed to scoop cat litter. How about while breastfeeding?  Is it dangerous? Should I get rid of my cat? Answer: The concern about cleaning out litter boxes is the transmission of a nasty parasite called ‘toxoplasma gondii’. You don’t need to get rid of your family pet, but you do need …

Ask Anne… Question: My 4 1/2 month old daughter has started to pull away and yank on my nipples when nursing. As a result my nipples are getting sore. I used to enjoy nursing and would like to continue. What can I do to break her of this bad habit? Answer: There are a number of reasons for babies to …

 Ask Anne… Question: I started smoking when I was in high school, and smoked 10-15 cigarettes a day until I found out I was pregnant and I quit cold turkey. Now my baby is 6  months old and exclusively breastfed. Over the past few months, I have gradually started smoking again. My husband still smokes, and it’s hard not to have a hit …