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...]
What are Montgomery’s tubercles?
They are part of glands that make oily secretions to keep the areola and the nipple lubricated and protected. The portion of the gland on skin’s surface is called Montgomery tubercles and identified by the round bumps are found in the areola or on the nipple itself. They can become much more pronounced and raised when the nipple is stimulated.... [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...]
What foods might make my baby fussy?
While food sensitivities vary tremendously from baby to bay the following list are the most common foods with reputations for bothering babies: Raw Broccoli Brussels Sprouts Raw Cabbage Cauliflower Citrus fruits in excess Corn Dairy products Egg whites Hot peppers Iron Supplements Prescription and over the counter medication Onions Peanuts and peanut... [Read more...]
How long should I breastfeed?
The American Association of Pediatrics suggests breastfeeding your baby for the first six months after birth and encourages mothers to breastfeed at least a full year after their child is born. Your body will continue to produce milk at a level matching your child’s consumption as long as you the mother remain healthy and in physically good... [Read more...]
Common Misconceptions about Milk Supply
New mothers often pay close attention to how thier child is nursing and may encounter some of the following conditions, mistaking them for a diminishing milk supply. Most concerns fall into one of two categories, worry about your baby or worry about your breasts. Baby factors: Your baby seems hungry sooner than expected – adjust your expectations... [Read more...]
Nipple Confusion
When your baby does not know how to suckle the breast properly due to use of a pacifier or bottle it is called nipple confusion. To avoid nipple confusion simply try to stay away from giving your baby pacifiers or bottles for the first six weeks of life. Nipple confusion impairs breast feeding success by compromising your milk production. Your infant’s... [Read more...]
How can I tell when my baby is ready to eat?
How can I tell when my baby is ready to eat? One of the easiest ways to tell if your new born is ready for their next meal is to check the clock. Too little time since the last feeding can indicate that there is something else bothering them. With that in mind here are a few signs that you can use to tell your baby is ready to eat: • moving... [Read more...]
Thrush, Candida, or Yeast Infections
The common yeast infection that you or your baby may experience is also called thrush or candida. Infants with thrush have white patches inside their mouths or an angry looking rash on their bottoms. As a mother you can experience sharp shooting pain in your breast with sometimes red and tender nipples. You may also see patches of red or white on... [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...]
