7. Questions & Answers

How can a new mother tell if colostrum has come into her breasts yet?

There really is no need to tell except for your own security in knowing it's there. Your baby is getting it if he is sucking. But if you must be reassured that your breasts are secreting colostrum roll your nipple around with your fingers and pinch it gently. The yellowish fluid should come out.

I have known many women who's hair has fallen out when nursing their babies. What causes this?

I cannot give you a specific cause but as with all ailments and diseases a lack of health due to lifestyle and diet are causative. I would recommend cutting down on cooked, processed, refined, salted, or sugared foods and including more fresh, ripe, raw fruits and vegetables in the diet without sauces and dressings. Get plenty of exercise, fresh air, and sunshine to make sure you're assimilating the foods. Make sure you eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to get a plethora of vitamins and minerals.

I've noticed since the baby's born that my sex drive has diminished greatly. Is this normal?

Yes, it is normal and natural. Nature worked out a plan so that everything would be perfect. Not only are you getting all of your touching needs fulfilled by your relationship with your baby, but your baby will be healthier without your vital fluids being drained from you. As for your husband's needs—well that's something you will have to work out together. Compassion and understanding are necessary in this case.

I know it's best for my baby to be breastfed, but I'm feeling very inhibited and concerned that the baby's sucking at my breasts will sexually stimulate me. Do other women experience these feelings and if so what do they do about them?

Many women have inhibitions such as these and it is mostly because our society sells breasts as play things for men rather than what they truly are—for feeding of infants. When the baby is born, your natural instinct to nurse will come and your breasts will no longer feel like sexual objects. Your baby's needs will transcend sexual needs or desires.

What if I am six months pregnant and my first child who is two-and-a-half years old is still nursing? Will my unborn child be deprived of nutrients?

If you are making sure that your diet is well-balanced—that is, it contains a wide variety of raw fruits and vegetables, with nuts included, then chances are it will do no physical harm to the baby. You also need much more rest than normal and light exercise, fresh air, and sunshine. However, the older child may become very jealous when the new baby comes if you suddenly wean him. You need to cut down gradually on your child's intake of breast milk and substitute other foods and juices so that by the time the baby comes he will be adjusted to not receiving as much milk as often. You also need to explain to him in as simple terms as possible that a new baby is coming and will be nursing often. You can nurse them both for awhile as long as the older child is not nursing very often—perhaps once a day or so.