A. Breastfeeding is still the healthiest way to feed your baby, even if you smoke. If you can't quit smoking, limit your smoking to outdoors and away from your baby. Children who live with smokers have higher rates of ear infections and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of these conditions.

If you want to quit, a nicotine patch is probably safer than either nicotine gum and smoking. It's safest to feed then smoke, rather than smoke before or during a feed.

Be aware that smoking can also lower your milk supply.

Quitting smoking is best for your health and that of your child, regardless of how you feed your child.

A. Small amounts of alcohol are considered acceptable -- one drink a day or less, on average. If possible, time your drink so that your baby will not need to nurse for about 2 hours after your drink (feed, then drink). Do not drink more than one drink between feeds. Avoid alcohol if your child is having any problems feeding, or is not gaining weight well.

A. Most medications are safe in breastfeeding but a few are not. Sometimes doctors are not completely familiar with the most current information on medications and breastfeeding, so it does not hurt to double check your doctor's advice, especially if you are advised to stop breastfeeding.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has published guidelines on which medications are safe, and can be found at the bottom of its statement, available at http://www.aap.org/policy/0063.html. Inside the statement, there are tables of drugs you can click on. You need to know the generic name of the drug you are looking for (ask your pharmacist or doctor's office). This list does not include all medications -- just because a drug has not been reviewed does not mean it is safe or unsafe; it only means you must look elsewhere to find out. The list is updated every few years, most recently in 2001. A drug which is "contraindicated" is not safe.

The most authoritative guide to medications and breastfeeding is Medications and Mother's Milk, by Thomas Hale, which also includes the AAP ratings for each drug listed, and includes drugs that have not yet been reviewed by AAP. Your doctor and hospital should have access to this book, which is available in paperback from http://www.ibreastfeeding.com (which is quicker) or from http://www.amazon.com.

A. Yes. You can have a couple cups of coffee a day, and this is considered safe.

A. Yes. Breastmilk from mothers with silicone implants actually has less silicone in it than formula and cow's milk. However, bear in mind that breast surgery can sometimes affect the anatomy of the breast, so your baby should be followed closely at first to make sure your are physically able to make enough milk.

A. Breast surgery can sometimes affect the anatomy of the breast, so you and your baby should be followed closely at first to make sure you are physically able to make enough milk. It's a good idea to see a lactation consultant early. Sometimes women who have had breast surgery need to supplement with formula.

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. Nursing mothers need to drink plenty of fluids, enough so that you are never feeling thirsty. This may mean 2-3 liters (quarts) a day. Your doctor may recommend that you continue to take your prenatal vitamins while you are nursing. 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.

You do not need to drink cow's milk in order to make breastmilk.