Twelve fabulous foods to eat while breastfeeding
While you breastfeed it is important that you keep up your nutrition. While part of that plan can be supplements take a look at these twelve fabulous foods and all they offer to help keep you healthy while you breastfeed. Avocado – thiamin, niacin, folic acid, fiber, protein, riboflavin, vitamin B6, zinc Chickpeas (especially as hummus) –... [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...]
One Breast or Two?
One of the most common questions new mothers ask is whether they should give both breasts at each feeding or just one. Ideally your baby will make this decision. When a baby is healthy and breastfeeding normally they are capable of determining when it is time to switch breasts. Babies need a good mixture of foremilk (lower fat) and hind-milk (higher... [Read more...]
What does it feel like to breastfeed?
Feel You will feel your nipple and breast being tugged into baby’s mouth. Your nipple may be tender, especially during the first 30 seconds of a nursing session. After a minute or two, you may feel mild uterine cramps. After five minutes you may feel: Sleepy Thirsty Hot flashes Cramps After nursing for three to five days, you may feel letdown in your... [Read more...]
Is it OK to let my baby breastfeed for comfort?
So how do you know if your baby is breastfeeding for comfort instead of nutrition? First off if your baby seems to be getting enough milk, but your child continues to suck for an hour or more,they may be breastfeeding for comfort rather than for nourishment. Some indications to look for: Your child seems seems satisfied They stop sucking and swallowing Your... [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...]
Five item breastfeeding checklist
There are several items that can make your first breastfeeding experience much better. Nursing bra – The eight month of your pregnancy is a good time to pick up three or more nursing bras. If you can have a professional fitting for your measurements have changed since your pregnancy began and these bras fit differently than the ones you have... [Read more...]
How can your family help while you breastfeed?
The family’s role The family plays a major role in the breastfeeding relationship between you and your baby. One of the most precious gifts a family can give is to take care of you and encourage and support a healthy breastfeeding relationship. For example, family members can do the many household tasks that take your energy away from nursing... [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...]
How often should I alternate breasts?
How often should I alternate breasts? It is important to alternate breasts more for your sake than for your child. Changing between breasts while you nurse will maintain the milk supply in both and prevent one or the other from becoming painfully filled with milk. As for how much time should you spend nursing before you alternate to the other breast,... [Read more...]
