Breastfeeding while Pregnant
Pregnancy and lactation are quite compatible and continued breastfeeding helps the older child feel secure during a time of change. During your pregnancy you and your toddler will have to accomodate some changes. Beginning about the fourth month of pregnancy your breast milk may decrease in volume and begin to change to colostrum. Your toddler may... [Read more...]
Nursing your Toddler
The benefits of breastfeeding your toddler are no differeent than they are for yournger children. Some of the reasons mothers decide to continue breastfeeding their toddlers are: Breast milk continues to be a wonderful source of nutrition regardless of anything else your child eats Antibodies in your milk continue to protect your toddler, even if... [Read more...]
Thawing and Warming Breast Milk
The best way to thaw breast milk is to let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. It will thaw slowly and consistantly over about a twelve hour period. If your child has an immediate need then you can also place the frozen milk in a pan of warm water and change the water frequently. If you need to warm your breast milk do so gently. Overheating and... [Read more...]
Breast Milk Storage – Glass vs Plastic
When freezing breast milk it is best to do so in amounts of two to four ounces. It will thaw more quickly and you will not waste as much if your baby decides not to be hungry. Plastic – If you are freezing breastmilk in plastic bottles or liner bags leave about an inch at the top for the milk will expand as it freezes. Be sure to label... [Read more...]
How to Store Breast Milk
If your breast milk is not immediately given to your baby, it can be stored at room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen. General Storage Time Guidelines Room Temperature – 6-10 hours Refrigerator – 5-8 days Freezer – 3-6 months Deep Freeze (below 0F) 6-12 months Defrosted or thawed milk can be stored for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. ... [Read more...]
Steps when using a Breast Pump
When you get reasdy to use a breast pump find a quiet spot where you will have twenty to thirty minutes undisturbed. Wash your hands with soap and water Wash and assemble all breast pump equipmeent Find a comfortable location to express your breast milk Gently massage your breasts or apply a warm washcloth Center the nipple on the plastic flange. ... [Read more...]
Employed and Breastfeeding
There are some particular challenges faced by the mother who returns to work and desires to continue breastfeeding her baby. Fatigue and Discouragement – Fatigue plagues all new parents from time to time and caring for a new infant is hard enough without the added demands of a daily commute, deadlines, and all the other aspects of a job. Don’t... [Read more...]
Excessive Leaking of Milk
Most women experience some leaking of milk when their milk ejection reflex is triggered. Most commonly milk will begin to drip from one breast while your child nurses at the other. Women also experience different triggers, for example some women find that their milk ejection is triggered during lovemaking. If you find that milk leaking embarrassing... [Read more...]
Failure of Lactogenesis
While some woman suffer from engorgement other new mothers find themselves at the other end of the spectrum wondering if their milk came in. Occasionally, lactogenesis, the onset of milk production that usually occurs teo to five days after childbirth is delayed in women who experience complication in labor and delivery. Conditions that can affect... [Read more...]
Safe and comfortable exercising while you breastfeed
When your body belongs to both you and your baby there area some extra steps you should consider following. Get the milk out before the workout. Treat your baby and yourself to a long feed before beginning your exercise. This will not only help settle your baby but also make you more comfortable as your exercise. Support your breasts. Wear a well... [Read more...]
