Tandem Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding more than one child at a time can be quite a challenge. On one hand it is a great way to keep older child connected with their mother and also introduce them to the concept of sharing. Tandem does not necessarily mean simultaneously nursing more than one child. Usually it refers to nursing the new born baby first and then the older... [Read more...]
What happens during lactation?
You’ve seen it and most like likely experienced it several times already. You draw your child near your breast, they begin to nurse and take in your milk stopping when their stomach is full. But what happens behind the scenes? What happens during lactation? First off milk production depends on the sucking action of your child. This stimulated... [Read more...]
Breastfeeding Techniques Fine-Tuned
Once you have the basics down and your baby is eating and you are happy here are some fine tuning techniques to help make your breastfeeding experience all the better: Burping Cloths – keep some close when you breastfeed, especially in the early weeks. You may notice that you use several after a feeding so it is a good idea to keep 10-12 close... [Read more...]
A Brief History of Weaning
Looking at human society as a whole across history the average age of weaning a child fromt he breast has been between the ages of two to four. Until the twentieth century children in China and Japan breastfed until ages of four or five. In 1967 anthropologist Margaret Mead collaborated with breastfeeding researcher Niles newton to publish an article... [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...]
How can I tell if my baby’s eating enough?
As a mothers new to breastfeeding the question “How can I tell if my baby’s eating enough?” has probably crossed your mind. A few things to put your mind at rest, your baby is eating enough if: your baby looks satisfied and content after breastfeeding you find you need to change about four to six wet diapers a day they have regular bowel movements sleeps... [Read more...]
Should I donate my breast milk?
All babies can benefit from the nourishment in breast milk, but in babies born premature, before the 37th week of pregnancy , the benefit can be much more pronounced. These tiny infants can substantially benefit from human milk’s rich nutrients and disease-fighting protection. Breast milk is also beneficial for babies with failure to thrive,... [Read more...]
Mastitis
Lactational mastitis is a breast infection in a breastfeeding woman. The symptoms are localized pain, swelling and redness, usually in only one breast. Often, women will get flu like symptoms and a high fever and chills. The difference between engorgement and mastitis is that engorgement usually involves both side and the whole breast, while mastitis... [Read more...]
Will I lose calcium?
You may have heard that a woman can lose calcium when she breastfeeds and increase chances of getting osteoporosis. The truth is that during lactation the mother’s body takes calcium from her bones and uses it to make milk. This will happen regardless of calcium intake. Your body does all it can to increase calcium absorption from the food... [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...]
