Ask LC Doris Fok
if you have a question on breastfeeding!

If your question is not selected. Do check our archives below as your topic of interest may have been addressed in the past. Alternatively, you may contact Doris during these times to make an appointment for a consultation* (Please note that charges apply for consultations):

Mon to Friday: 830am to 530pm (off duty on weekends)
Tel: +(65)9638-7660

Copyright © 2009

Please click on the following links for your topic of interest. If your topic is not covered, do drop us an email with "Ask LC Doris Fok" as the subject heading.

Your question may be answered if selected. We regret that due to Doris' various commitments and busy schedule, she would only be able to answer 2 queries every month for this column.

Ask LC Archives

My 1-week old partially breastfed baby has not passed his bowels for 3 days. Should I be concerned?

I have been expressing my breastmilk at work, and my yield seems to be declining. What could be the cause?

I have been breastfeeding my baby fully since his birth, with occasional feeds of water by my family, and the occasional bottle when he was 2 months old. I now nurse him every hour, but he has not been gaining weight progressively. Should I be concerned?

I worry my 2-week old baby is not getting enough breastmilk as she cries, often less than 2 hours after each feed. I supplemented her feeds with formula milk. Is it too late to make the switch to exclusive breastfeeding?

I am 7 months pregnant with twins, and diagnosed with pre-eclampsia. I anticipate that I will deliver prematurely, will my body then be able produce enough breastmilk for both babies?

My baby has been introduced to the bottle quite often, while I am suffering from sore nipples due to poor latch. He now prefers the bottle over the breast. If I want to start breastfeeding again, is it too late to correct his latch at 9 weeks old?

My baby is refusing the breast after I introduced the bottle. Is it still possible to coax him back to the breast after 4 weeks of bottlefeeding?

I have been taking domperidone and fenugreek, however my breastmilk supply is still low. Does having Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome affect my breastmilk supply?

I am having a flu, and taking antibiotics, decongestant and a cough syrup. Should I continue to breastfeed or stop for the time being until I am fully recovered?

I feel exhausted and experience joint pain after childbirth. I am breastfeeding exclusively. Would it be safe for me to take health supplements, and will it interfere with the quality of my breastmilk?

I heard about astringent properties in food that can dry up breastmilk. How true is this? What herbs and foods contain astringent?

Why does my frozen expressed breastmilk smell so bad after I thaw it? Has it turned bad?

My baby often complains when I feed her thawed breastmilk because of the smell. Would bringing the expressed breastmilk to a boil help eradicate the odor? Is there a proper way to do it without risking contamination?

Part of my nipple (a small round piece of flesh) protrudes out from the rest of the nipple. Although it does not hurt, I am worried it would not enable me to breastfeed. Should I be concerned?

I have nipple eczema, and have had to endure dreadful pain while I breastfeed. Although applying hydrocortisone helps, is there anything else I can do to help my situation?I have an itchy white spot on my breast and occasional sharp shooting pains in my nipple. Will a topical fungal cream work for me?

I am undergoing a diet program which consists of exercise, diet & slimming pills to achieve my healthy weight range. How long does it take for my body to flush out the traces of the slimming pills, for it to be safe to breastfeed again?

I am experiencing recurrent migraines, and I have read that cafergot is not safe for breastfeeding mothers. Is there any other "safe" medication or solution to ease my pain?

My expressed breastmilk supply is declining as my pump. What should I do to increase my supply? Is Fenugreek safe and effective?

*We regret that only 2 letters will be answered by Doris every month.

Neither the information nor any opinion expressed constitutes a medical consultation or prescription or treatment of a medical or health condition. This column is prepared for general viewing and is published for general information only. It does not have regard to the specific medical or health condition, and the particular needs of any specific person who may receive this information. Persons needing medical attention should seek advice from his/her healthcare practitioner regarding the appropriateness of information discussed or recommended in this column. Should you have a pressing question or issue concerning your medical or health condition, please consult your healthcare practitioner.

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