What is Normal Weight Gain?
No matter what else is going on while you are breastfeeding (feeding pattern change, sleep patterns change, milk supply changes) if you are exclusively breastfeeding and your baby is consistently gaining weight, then you can relax with the knowledge that you are doing well. Your baby will gain weight at differing rates based on their age Birth to four... [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...]
What is a Galactagogue?
A galactagogue is anything that excites lactation. In other words anything that simulates an increase in milk production for a nursing mother. For us humans some common galactagogues are: caffeine hops fenugreek fennel seed blessed thistle domperidone alfalfa 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...]
Breastfeeding after a Cesarean Section
There is no reason to think that you will have problems breastfeeding after a cesarean section. While you and your baby may feel the after effects of the drugs administered during the procedure these feelings will soon pass. You may find that your milk does not come in right away but be patient for as soon as the medication leaves your system your... [Read more...]
When to stop a breastfeeding session?
If you are trying to prevent sore nipples, making your baby switch sides or stop breastfeeding is not a good way to go and may end up causing more problems in the future. Babies can usually decide for themselves when they’re finished breastfeeding or if they want to switch to your other breast. When your baby has finished with your first breast... [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...]
Increasing milk production
If you and your doctor have determined that your baby is not getting enough milk there area some things you can try for increasing milk production. Some of the strategies to help increase the levels of prolactin and then more milk are to: Increase breastfeeding frequency Feed from both breasts at every breastfeeding session Express your milk with a... [Read more...]
Thawing and Warming Breast Milk
The best way to thaw breast milk is to let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. It will thaw slowly and consistently over about a twelve hour period. If your child has an immediate need then you can also place the frozen milk in a pan of warm water and change the water frequently. If you need to warm your breast milk do so gently. Overheating and... [Read more...]
Breastfeeding Acronym
Here is an acronym for breastfeeding that will help you remember some of the benefits of nursing your child. BREASTFEEDING Best for baby Reduces incidence of allergies Economical – no waste Antibodies – greater immunity to infections Stool inoffensive – never constipated Temperature always correct and constant Fresh milk –... [Read more...]
