There is limited evidence that lactation cookies help with breastfeeding and milk supply issues. However, there is anecdotal evidence showing that lactation cookies can have a positive impact on your feeding journey.

Lactation cookies will be most effective when eaten as part of a regular feeding and pumping routine. Lactation cookies and other foods don’t replace the need to eat regular, healthy meals, but they’re a good snack that may have a positive effect on your milk supply.

You can wear anything you like while breastfeeding! When choosing breastfeeding clothes, look for items that are comfortable, made of stretchy fabrics, and provide easy access for feeding. Consider outfits like:

• Button-up clothing
• Zip-front clothing
• Tank tops and dresses
• Wrap or crossover shirts/dresses
• Layered outfits
• Dark colours that will hide leaking breast milk
• Specially designed breastfeeding clothing

It’s recommended that mothers continue to breastfeed their babies for 2 years. Since it’s an ongoing experience, it’s often worth purchasing a few pieces of clothing that are convenient, comfortable and make you feel good while nursing your baby.

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue that is common during breastfeeding. If you have mastitis, you may have flu-like symptoms, and you will have a sore, red or firm area on your breast. You can help prevent mastitis by:

• Making sure your baby is well attached to the nipple
• Allowing your baby to feed for as long as they want
• Treating sore nipples or damaged skin as soon as possible
• Alternating breasts during feeding
• Expressing or pumping milk if your baby is not feeding well
• Resting, eating proper meals and keeping up your water intake

Mastitis can develop quickly and should be treated at the first sign of symptoms. Continue to feed your baby as normal. Gently massage any breast lumps towards the nipple during feeding. You may be able to improve milk flow by applying a heat pack to the sore area during feeding.

Consult your doctor if you don’t start feeling better after a few hours. They may prescribe antibiotics to manage the inflammation.

There is no scientific evidence that burping your baby is helpful. Like adults, babies may burp on their own if they swallow air while feeding. But there’s no harm in burping your baby, and all babies can benefit from taking a pause during feed to be burped.

To burp your baby, hold them upright over your shoulder and gently pat or rub their back. It’s normal for babies to regurgitate small amounts of milk when burping. You can read more about feeding and burping in our baby feeding guide.