Q. I am 21 weeks pregnant with my second child. I would like to breastfeed, for a couple months at least, but I am lactose intolerant. How will my inability to tolerate dairy products affect the ability to breastfeed? I take calcium supplements daily for my growing baby, so s/he's getting enough calcium. Will this be sufficient for nursing?
A. Lactose intolerance does not affect a woman's ability to breastfeed at all, provided she is receiving enough calcium to meet her nutritional needs. Just be sure you are drinking plenty of liquids (milk is not necessary to have an abundant milk supply). There should be no trouble at all with you nursing for well past two months, if you choose. Many lactose intolerant women breastfeed their babies. Some people are of the opinion that dairy products are not the best dietary choice for us, nursing or not, and they are perfectly healthy.
