Breast Milk Production and Breastfeeding
The breast is a gland consisting primarily of connective and fatty tissues that support and protect the milk producing areas of the breast. The milk is produced in small clusters of cells called alveoli. The milk travels down milk ducts to the milk sinuses, which act as a collecting reservoir. These sinuses are located behind the areola, the pigmented... [Read more...]
Three Things Everyone Thinks Dramatically Affect Milk Supply
There are three things you will find often repeated as ways to increase your milk supply, but in reality have little to no impact when the mother is already in good health. Drink more fluids - Although your fluid consumption will increase as you breastfeed keep in mind that you only are replacing the amount your child consumes, which is about four ounces... [Read more...]
Small Milk Storage Capacity
If you have a small breast milk storage capacity, it is no reason to worry that you may not be able to supply enough nutrition for your child. You will have no trouble providing all the needed nutrition for your child but it will be on a different rhythm than mothers having a larger capacity. One breast or two – Mothers with a smaller breast... [Read more...]
Large Milk Storage Capacity
A mother with large breast milk storage capacity will have a different breastfeeding rhythm for the first six months when compared with a mother having a smaller sorage capacity. Some of the ways larger sorage will affect feeding patterns: One breast or two - Having a larger breast milk storage capacity may mean that your baby will only feed on a... [Read more...]
Common Misconceptions about Milk Supply
New mothers often pay close attention to how thier child is nursing and may encounter some of the following conditions, mistaking them for a diminishing milk supply. Most concerns fall into one of two categories, worry about your baby or worry about your breasts. Baby factors: Your baby seems hungry sooner than expected – adjust your expectations... [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 two to five days after childbirth is delayed in women who experience complication in labor and delivery. Conditions that can affect... [Read more...]
As a teen mother will I get enough nutrition to breastfeed?
The general rule is that if your body can make a baby then your body can produce milk. Due to the fact that as a teenager you are still growing pay very close attention to your nutrition. Not only are you feeding a growing baby, you are still growing yourself. Keep in mind that your baby needs a healthy well fed mother. Do your best to avoid... [Read more...]
Increasing milk production
If you and your doctor have determined that your baby is not getting enough milk there area some things you can try for increasing milk production. Some of the strategies to help increase the levels of prolactin and then more milk are to: Increase breastfeeding frequency Feed from both breasts at every breastfeeding session Express your milk with a... [Read more...]
Where has my Milk Gone?
When your milk comes in your breasts will feel quite full, and some women will even experience the unpleasant feeling of engorgement. You are very aware at these times that you have lots and lots of milk for your baby. As the days pass so will that that fullness feeling leaving some women to wonder if their milk supply has decreased or gone away. It... [Read more...]
Is my Baby Getting Enough Milk?
Although it is difficult to track how much your baby is consuming while at your breast, there is an easy trick to keeping track of how they are feeding. And the trick is keeping watch on what comes out of the other end. Once your milk comes-in your baby should have five or six wet diapers a day. After the black, tarry looking meconium has been cleared... [Read more...]
