Lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and milk products. Learn more about treatment, symptoms and tests for lactose intolerance.

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Breastfeeding and periods

Many factors determine when your period will return when you're breastfeeding. Learn more about how breastfeeding affects your menstrual cycle.

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About breastfeeding

Breastfeeding can be a special time for both mum and baby. Breast milk meets all your baby's nutritional needs from birth to 6 months.

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Breastfeeding problems

Breastfeeding is not always easy. You may have some problems, particularly if you are a new mum. It is a learned art — don’t worry, most problems can be overcome.

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Medicines and breastfeeding

While most medicines are safe to take while breastfeeding, some can affect your baby. Find out which medicines you can take and how to get advice.

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Allergic reactions to cow's milk

About 1 in 50 infants has an allergic reaction to cow’s milk. Learn more here about allergy to milk proteins.

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Breastfeeding and work

Links to information about breastfeeding and returning to work.

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Why 4 in 10 mothers stop breastfeeding by 6 months

Most new parents know 'breast is best', but while more than 9 out of 10 babies are breastfed at birth, few mums are breastfeeding exclusively 5 months later.

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How to breastfeed

Breastfeeding is a partnership between you and your baby and it takes time to establish breastfeeding successfully. It may take up to 6 weeks for you to feel confident.

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Weaning

Weaning is when you stop breastfeeding your baby or toddler and start introducing solids (and possibly formula).

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Mastitis

Mastitis occurs when breast tissue gets inflamed, usually due to a blocked milk duct from breastfeeding. It can lead to infection.

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Baby feeding

It is important to talk to your midwives, nurses or doctor if your baby is not feeding as you expect. Here's information about breast feeding, formula feeding and moving onto solids.

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How your baby gains weight

All babies will gain weight differently, but there are some guidelines for healthy weight gain.

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Vaginal thrush treatments

Trusted information about vaginal thrush treatments, and alternative treatments if you are pregnant or breastfeeding can be found on this page.

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A balanced diet

A guide to getting the right portions of the 5 food groups — whether you're male, female, a child, an older person or breastfeeding.

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Mini pill (progestogen-only pill)

The 'mini pill' is a type of contraceptive. It contains only one hormone and you can use it while breastfeeding.

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Babies' and toddlers' health

Knowing and understanding the health risks of young children is an important part of being a parent. Learn about health issues like breastfeeding, croup and fevers in young children.

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Iodine deficiency

Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of thyroid disease and can even cause brain damage in babies. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, women should take iodine supplements. Learn more here.

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Flatulence

Flatulence is the passing of air or gas from the intestine and through the anus, often accompanied by a sound and smell. Read more about flatulence.

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Dairy foods

Dairy foods such as milk, yoghurt and cheese are rich sources of many vitamins and minerals, including calcium, which is essential to bone health.

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Bloating

Bloating – feeling that you have a swollen tummy – is common, but if you feel bloated regularly, you should see your doctor. Learn more about the causes here.

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Underlying causes of diarrhoea

Diarrhoea usually occurs when fluid cannot be absorbed from your bowel contents, or when extra fluid is secreted into the bowel. Find out what causes diarrhoea.

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Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea may last for just a few days, or it might be a sign of something more serious. Find out here about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatments.

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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects the colon and while it’s not dangerous, the symptoms can be uncomfortable. Learn how to manage the symptoms here.

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Expressing and storing breast milk

Expressing milk means squeezing milk out of your breast so that you can store it and feed it to your baby at a later time.

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Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a hormone that makes you feel love and trust. Understand the role of oxytocin and find out if you can adjust the levels of this hormone in your body.

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Foods high in iodine

Foods high in iodine include fish, prawns and seafood, as well as iodised salt and packaged bread. Here's how to get enough iodine in your diet.

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Asthma and pregnancy

Most asthma medicines have been shown to be extremely safe for both you and your developing baby but check with your doctor if taking oral corticosteroids.

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HTLV-1 infection

Human T-cell leukaemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a virus that infects T-cells, white blood cells that form part of the immune system. Learn more here.

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Smoking and pregnancy

Find out how quitting smoking will improve your health and give your baby the best start in life.

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