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 I tell if my baby has latched properly?
To know if your baby is latched on properly, look, listen and feel. Look for alignment, position at the breast Listen for swallowing Feel uterine cramps, drowsy, tugging/pulling on nipple (not biting/pinching) Look Watch for cues baby is ready to nurse, then put him to your breast. Feed your baby before he cries. Hold baby close with his nose level... [Read more...]
Can I breastfeed if I adopt?
Yes you can! But to breastfeed when you adopt is more of challenge for you as a new mother as your breasts will take some time to get their milk production going. The process is not easy, but can be done, and has been done by many women. In comparison to natural mothers, adoptive mothers usually may not produce enough milk to fully feed a young infant.... [Read more...]
How to create a supportive breastfeeding environment
Six suggestions for creating a supportive nursing environment Find a peaceful atmosphere for nursing. Before beginning the feeding, unplug the phone, turn on relaxing music and do deep breathing. (Take four or five deep abdominal breaths.) If breastfeeding in public makes you uncomfortable, insist on your privacy and/or drape a light cover over your... [Read more...]
Can I Breastfeed while diagnosed with Tuberculosis?
Mothers with untreated and active tuberculosis should not breastfeed their babies. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease most commonly spread by adults who have active tuberculosis. According to the CDC, if you are being treated with the first line anti-tuberculosis drug then you most often can continue breastfeeding. This is due to the fact that... [Read more...]
Breast pumps
Breast pumps come in several general styles depending on their expected use. Hospital-grade electric breast pumps – As the name suggests these are generally used in hospitals or on occasions where an accurate substitute for a baby’s sucking is needed. These pumps are useful to stimulate milk production and larger volume milk collection... [Read more...]
Breastfeeding Benefits to the Mother
We always hear about the benefits of breastfeeding for the child, and the benefits on the mother/child relationship. There are also substantial benefits to the mother, independently. Breastfeeding stimulates a woman’s body to release the hormone oxytocin. This becomes important in a couple of ways in the days immediately after the birth of the baby.... [Read more...]
Allergies and the Breastfed Baby
While human breast milk does not typically cause reactions in breastfeeding infants some mothers express concern that their child may react to something passed into their breast milk. Only 2-3 babies who are exclusively breastfed demonstrate an allergic reaction and that is usually traced back to cow’s milk in the mother’s diet. If cow’s... [Read more...]
Is it Safe to have Sex while Breastfeeding?
A few common myths and questions: Will there be time for my husband and I to be alone together? Absolutely! Remember that that there are two of you and one of your baby. You can put your minds together and find the time and place to be with your partner. You may find that you need to consider being more open about the place and timing, but where... [Read more...]
Breastfeeding while lying down
If you find yourself feeling tired then breastfeeding while lying down is a great technique to master. It not only will help your baby drift off to sleep, but it places you in a safe place to get a little extra rest as well. Make yourself comfortable by lying on your side with a pillow under your lower back. It may be helpful to try out this position... [Read more...]
