First Latch
This is an excellent video, by the wonderful Dr Jack Newman, showing a classic cross-cradle hold, and a baby latching well. Notice how gentle and respectful of the baby Dr Newman, and the mother, are. Only two interventions happen – one to pull the baby’s hand gently out of the camera view – so you can see what’s happening,... [Read more...]
Establishing a routine
In the first few weeks of breastfeeding you will wish your baby had a routine. However your child is changing and learning how to live and you will find that a routine is already forming. There is value in routines as they help the baby to know what will happen next, providing a feeling of safety and security. In the early days you’ll be the... [Read more...]
Not feeding
When you compare this child to the other three babies in the series you can see that it is effectively not feeding. The slow rate of feeding may frustrate your child so keep aware of how they are reacting and be ready for additional patience and find ways to comfort the child during the extended sessions. Compare this child with the baby’s... [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...]
On and off feeding
By comparison with the children in the first two videos this child demonstrates a more relaxed or on and off feeding method. This child will take some time to get a full stomach. Compare this child with the baby’s feeding in the other videos of the series: Excellent feeding Good feeding Not feeding Read More →
Counterproductive Breastfeeding Strategies
Some strategies and suggestions you may encounter while breastfeeding may not actually help at all and overall may exasperate the very problem they seek to resolve. Letting your breasts refill before feeding - first your breasts create milk on demand and are always ready to provide your child with nourishment. Second as your breasts reach storage... [Read more...]
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...]
What should a breastfed newborn’s diapers look like?
Your newborn’s diapers are a good indicator of whether or not your baby is getting what they need from being breastfed. A newborns’ stools are initially thick and tar-like and will become more of a greenish-yellow color as they consume more of your milk, about 3 or 4 days after birth. Generally, the more your newborn nurses, the more dirty... [Read more...]
Baby Stimulation
It may seem that your new baby has no more energy than it takes to eat and sleep, but they are soaking up everything around them in their environment. The time while you are breastfeeding is a great opportunity to begin introducing your baby to the larger world. Begin with small steps and changes, use different positions when breastfeeding. Rock... [Read more...]
Are feeding intervals counted from the time my baby starts or stops nursing?
You count the length between feedings from the time when your baby begins to nurse — rather than when they finish— to when your little one starts to nurse again. For example if your child starts nursing at 8AM, 10AM then at Noon, when asked by your doctor how often your baby is feeding, you can say “about every 2 hours”. This means... [Read more...]
