ASK WITHOUT FEAR
Clear answers to common questions, with age guidance and reliable sources. Your context and your care team matter.
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Pregnancy
No amount or stage of pregnancy is known to be safe for alcohol use. This includes alcoholic home-brewed drinks.
If you have had alcohol, stop and discuss it without shame at your appointment. Ask for support if stopping is difficult.
Breastfeeding
Not drinking is the safest choice. Alcohol enters milk; pumping and discarding milk does not remove alcohol faster. Drinking does not automatically mean permanent weaning.
Ask for advice about feeding according to the amount and timing. A sober adult should care for the baby if you are affected by alcohol.
From six months
No. WHO recommends continued breastfeeding to two years or beyond, with appropriate complementary foods from six months.
Continuing or weaning should work for you and your child. Complementary foods do not require automatically stopping breastfeeding at nine months.
Age and feeding matter
Before six months, a healthy exclusively breastfed baby does not need extra water even in hot weather: offer more feeds. Needs change when complementary feeding starts at six months.
For formula, follow preparation instructions and safe-water guidance exactly. Do not add extra water to dilute feeds. During illness, this rule does not replace assessment or prescribed rehydration treatment.
Complementary foods, from six months
A whole brand cannot be judged without knowing the formula sold in your country. Compare age guidance, ingredients, added sugars, texture and preparation instructions. WHO advises against adding sugar to complementary foods.
Show the package or a photo to your professional if needed. Offer varied age-appropriate local foods prepared hygienically; a commercial product is not essential.
All infants
Check hunger, nappy, temperature and need for contact. Try holding, a calm voice and gentle rocking. Never shake a baby.
If overwhelmed, put your baby safely in their cot and ask for help. Unusual crying, appearing unwell or difficulty feeding needs medical advice.
Multiple birth
Breastfeeding several babies is possible. Feeding can be sequential or simultaneous according to your comfort. Each child has individual needs, especially if born prematurely.
Keep a separate record and weight follow-up for each child. Arrange help for meals, rest and travel. If one baby feeds or grows less, arrange individual assessment.
Infants and young children
Constipation mainly means hard, painful or difficult stools; the number of days alone is not enough. Advice depends on age and feeding.
Seek advice, especially for a very young baby. Follow formula proportions. Do not improvise laxatives, enemas or traditional remedies; ask for age-appropriate treatment.
Premature birth
A premature baby needs an individual plan for feeding, warmth, weight, treatment and appointments. Kangaroo skin-to-skin care can be very helpful when explained and supported by the team.
Learn positioning that keeps the airway clear. Skin-to-skin care does not replace necessary treatment or equipment. Before discharge, obtain instructions and signs requiring urgent return.
Accident
Appropriate first aid can help while waiting for a professional, but choking procedures differ below and above one year. Practical training is better than improvising.
Breathing difficulty, unconsciousness or a swallowed button battery needs urgent help. Do not delay going to a health facility to search the app.
Urgent help and appointments
A temperature of 38°C or above below three months needs urgent assessment. Difficulty breathing, seizures, very poor responsiveness or not waking normally are warning signs.
This list is not exhaustive. Seek advice if your baby feeds less, behaves differently or worries you. If a paediatrician is unavailable, use the qualified health facility you can reach fastest.
Fall or head injury
A fall cannot be assessed only by a visible bump. Unconsciousness, seizures, vomiting or unusual behaviour after a head injury need prompt assessment.
Seek emergency help if your child does not wake or has serious symptoms. After medical advice, follow monitoring instructions. When unsure, seek assessment rather than assuming everything is fine.
After birth
There is no single waiting period for everyone. Resuming sex depends on desire, consent, healing and comfort. Discuss pain or concerns with your midwife or doctor.
Pregnancy is possible from three weeks after birth, even while breastfeeding and before periods return. Discuss contraception. Follow individual advice after complications, caesarean birth or tears.
Sources checked on 4 October 2026. These general answers do not replace a consultation or an individual care plan.