A. Absolutely, you can still be active and breastfeed! For the first several weeks, until breastfeeding is well established, it is easiest to take your baby with you wherever you go, so he can nurse at the earliest signs of hunger (see breastfeeding in public). Fortunately, breastfed babies are very portable Ñno bottles to pack, chill, and heat. After those three to four weeks, your baby can take a bottle of pumped breastmilk, if you are away from him. After a few more weeks -- once your milk supply is well established-- your baby may take formula occasionally, but it is better for your baby's health if you are able to delay the introduction of any formula for as long as possible -- ideally for at least 6 months.

A. Feeding a newborn takes a lot of time, regardless of what feeding method you choose. Because bottles work by simple gravity, a baby drinking a bottle may eat faster, and can go longer between feeds because formula is not easily digested. But, there is more work involved with bottle feeding. Mixing formula, heating formula, and cleaning and sterilizing bottles and nipples, all take up a lot of time and energy.

Breastfeeding may actually save you time. With a nursing pillow wrapped around you, you can have one or two hands free to do other things, like eat, comfort an older child, write, pay bills, even use a computer. In addition, you and your partner can get extra rest if you breastfeed when lying down --and, no bottles to fetch in the middle of the night! This way, your sleep at night will be minimally disturbed, and you and your partner can wake up more refreshed.

A. When you are breastfeeding, you can feed your baby without even getting up at night, and can even feed your baby in your sleep. Breastfeeding while lying down allows you and your partner to get more rest.

A. You can introduce a bottle at three to four weeksÑpreferably not sooner. Even then, it should be a bottle of breastmilk, not formula. It is actually best if someone other than the mother gives bottles. In the meantime, there are many loving ways your partner and family can help with the baby, besides feeding.

A. No. Your body will make the perfect milk for your baby no matter what. For your own health, of course, it is best to eat a balanced diet regardless of how you feed your baby. Some doctors recommend that mothers avoid peanuts during pregnancy and breastfeeding if allergies or asthma run in the family, as avoiding peanuts may help prevent the development of peanut allergy in your baby. (For details, see section on diet, below.)

A. Small amounts of alcohol are considered acceptable -- one drink a day or less, on average. Breastfeeding is still the healthiest way to feed your baby, even for women who smoke. However, for your own health and that of your baby, it is best to quit smoking, regardless of how you feed your baby. For more information, see our questions on our Alcohol, Smoking, Diet, and Medications section.

A. You can nurse discreetly by covering your baby and breast with a small blanket, or by nursing in a baby sling. Wear two piece garments, and always lift your shirt up from the bottom instead of down from the top. Turn your back when your baby first latches on. Try practicing with a mirror first. You can also buy special nursing clothes with concealed openings, so you don't have to lift your shirt. ( http://www.motherwear.com , http://www.onehotmama.com/ ). You will be surprised at how few people notice you -- except for other nursing mothers.

Remember that breastfeeding is something to be proud of, not be ashamed of. You are using your breasts for their intended purpose: to feed and nurture your child.

A. No. Pregnancy causes droopy breasts, not breastfeeding.

A. No. Your milk will be good, no matter what your feelings are. Nursing may help you feel better, too!

A. No. Your milk will remain good. Sex does not affect your milk.

A. Yes. But, if you work more than 3 or 4 hours at a stretch, you will have to nurse your baby at work, or pump. See our section of questions on going back to work for more details.