Excellent feeding
How much milk is your child consuming is a question that concerns every mother regardless of experience. This video (the first in a set of four) show an excellent feeding. Watch the jaw and cheek muscles on this child as large amounts of milk are being extracted from the mother’s breasts. This child will likely feed for only a few minutes before... [Read more...]
Human Milk vs. Formula Intake
When exclusively breastfeeding your baby you may find that your baby is not consuming as much (in volume) of your milk if you compare to babies on a formula only diet. For example children of about four months old consume 33 percent more formula each day than breastfed babies. This has been well documented by health professionals studying nursing... [Read more...]
What to Wear? – Breastfeeding Fashions
While you can make nearly any clothing work for breastfeeding there are a few special items that can make your life much easier. When during pregnancy your milk comes in and your breasts begin to enlarge you may find the support of a well fitted bra most welcome. At this point you may wish to explore the varieties of nursing bras, trying two or three... [Read more...]
Breast Milk Expression Q & A
A few common questions and answers about breast milk expression. I’m going back to work when should I start to express? Six to eight weeks is a good time to begin practicing expressing your breast milk. This will allow you to learn at a more relaxed pace. Knowing your child will have the food will help make the transition back to work easier. My... [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...]
Middle of the Night Feedings
One of the most dramatic adjustments you will make as a new parent is a loss of control on your sleep schedule. Gone are the days (at least for now) of staying up as late as you want and sleeping as late as you want. Now the amount of sleep you get will depend on your child. Newborns don’t have a schedule as they are adjusting to the world... [Read more...]
Breastfeeding Benifits
Saves Lives. Currently there are 9 million infant deaths a year. Breastfeeding saves an estimated 6 million additional deaths from infectious disease alone. Provides Initial Immunization. Breastmilk, especially the first milk (colostrum), contains anti-bacterial and anti-viral agents that protect the infant against disease, especially diarrhoea. These... [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...]
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...]
Breastfeeding Step-by-Step
The following steps outline and help explain the general flow of a breastfeeding session. Position yourself properly. Pillows are generally a must as your arms and back will get sore from trying to maintain the same position while your baby is feeding. Use the pillows behind your back, under your elbows, and on your lap. If you are trying a position... [Read more...]
