Sore Nipples and Blisters
Most often cracked sore, or blistered nipples are a result from improper latch. When the baby feeds on only the nipple it can cause your nipples to crack and blister. Blistering can also be the result of your nipple being rubbed against the roof of your baby’s mouth or along your baby’s gums. The pain you experience from blisters and... [Read more...]
Leaking Nipples
One of the more common concerns of breastfeeding mothers is a worry about leaking nipples. Although a few women never experience leaking nipples most women will have it happen to them one, twice, or even more during the time they are breastfeeding. Leaking usually occurs during the first few weeks of breastfeeding while your body is adjusting to the... [Read more...]
Are Contractions and After-Pains Normal?
When breastfeeding after pregnancy you will feel some uterine contractions when your baby begins to nurse. These contractions are also called after-pains. With nipple stimulation, your uterus regains its tone and expels excess blood, so you may also feel a simultaneous gush of blood on your sanitary pad. These contractions are a normal occurrence... [Read more...]
Relieving Engorgement Pain
During the first few days after you have given birth many women experience engorgement, when their breasts are overfilled with milk. There are a few things you can do to help relieve the pain and discomfort of engorgement. 1) Cabbage Leaves – many women who have tried this timeless remedy have found relief. At this time there is no known... [Read more...]
Breast Engorgement
In the initial days after giving birth, overly full or engorged breasts can be a problem as your body adjusts its milk supply to your babies needs. The best way to relieve engorgement is to nurse frequently and get your body tuned into your baby. Warm moist wash cloths applied to your breasts before breastfeeding can help your milk flow easier.... [Read more...]
PKU and Breastfeeding
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic condition that affects 1 in every 16,000 newborns. Babies with PKU are unable to produce an enzyme that allows their body to absorb the amino acid phenylamanine. Should levels of phenylamanie build up in your babies body symptoms from rashes to central nervous system damage may occur. Babies with PKU require frequent... [Read more...]
Galactosemia and Breastfeeding
Babies suffering from galactosemia are unable to process galactose, one of the simple sugars formed by the digestion of breast milk. Galactosemia is a rare inherited disorder that affects about 1 in 60,000 newborns. Galactosemia and Breastfeeding are an incompatible combination. There may be no initial indication when your child first begins to breastfeed... [Read more...]
Should I breastfeed my Jaundiced baby?
While many newborns experience jaundice to some degree it is more acute in a smaller portion. Jaundiced babies appear tinted yellow or orange due to their body’s excess of bilirubin. Bilirubin is produced when a human body breaks down extra red blood cells. Normal newborn jaundice occurs withing the first week of life and lasts generally no... [Read more...]
Diabetes and Breastfeeding
Although lactating can help you control your blood sugar as you transition from pregnancy to postpartum you’ll need to pay close attention to your diet. While you are breastfeeding keep water nearby and snacks within reach to help prevent becoming hypoglycemic while nursing. Although your normal insulin injections are generally safe to use while... [Read more...]
How do you prevent a clogged or plugged duct?
A clogged or plugged duct can be the cause if your breasts are very tender, milk is not squirting out of those 15-20 holes, and you have redness or a hard spot near the sore area. There area few things you can do to prevent a clogged or plugged duct: Limit the breastfeeding or breast pumping intervals. Check your bras for a bad fit, pulls tightly,... [Read more...]
