What is in Breast Milk?
Breast Milk has long been a critical food source for humans and other mammals. Human breast milk is highly complex and contains over a hundred thousand different components, which play a significant part in meeting the nutrition and developing disease resistance in babies. The following list is only a portion of the more significant portions of breast... [Read more...]
What are the challenges of breastfeeding?
Common concerns of new moms, especially during the first few weeks and months, may include: Personal comfort. Keep in mind this will be a new experience for you and may feel a little awkward in the beginning, remember though that breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt. Latch discomfort is normal for the 7 to 10 days but should only last less than a minute... [Read more...]
Increasing milk supply
Breastmilk production is on a supply and demand basis. The more often and more effectively your baby nurses, the more milk you will produce. This sounds simple in theory, I know. Figuring out how to increase milk supply, when you feel like your baby is not getting enough to eat seems much more daunting. Here are a few ideas that may help. If your milk... [Read more...]
Breastfeeding – La Leche League International
There are many support groups available for breastfeeding mothers but the most famous is the La Leche League International. The organization began with seven women and strives to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as... [Read more...]
What is the Cradle Hold?
See the the traditional hold, the cradle hold demonstrated in the video. Sit up with your back supported, one arm supports your baby, with his or her head in the bend of your elbow and your open hand supporting the baby’s bottom or back. Your baby’s abdomen lies against yours. Use one hand to support the breast and guide it... [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...]
Second latch
Again, just like in ‘First Latch’ this video is showing excellent practice in lactation support. Mother and baby are both comfortable, Dr Jack Newman is quiet and respectful of them both. No coercion is happening at all, and most importantly, no hands are on the back of baby’s head, trying to force matters. Notice that when the mother... [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...]
Breastfed Newborn Weight Gain
When comparing your breastfed newborn weight gain against that of formula fed children you may feel that your young one is not growing fast enough. Not to worry. Breastfed babies may not gain weight as quickly in the first few days when compared to formula fed infants but this disparity rapidly disappears. While formula and breast milk generally... [Read more...]
The First Feeding
It is one of the most emotionally charged moments you will have as a new mother when you and your newborn have the first feeding. Breastfeeding is a continuation of that intimate relationship you shared with your child when they were in your womb. If your birth was straightforward and little or no drugs were administered then you will most likely... [Read more...]
