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...]
Flailing Hands
For some mother’s their child’s flailing hands can present a challenge for latch. A hungry baby can sometimes be their own worst enemy by batting at and inadvertently pushing the breast away. There are several strategies you can try if flailing hands becomes a problem. First you might try giving your baby some time to massage and feel... [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...]
How will my breasts change during pregnancy?
The first changes you may notice in your breasts is a feeling of fullness early on in your pregnancy and can occur as early as your first missed period. One of the most noticeable early changes in your breasts during pregnancy is that the little bumps around your areole, the Montgomery’s tubercles, become more raised and pronounced. They... [Read more...]
Sore Nipples
Sore nipples are a common and frustrating difficulty of breastfeeding. The most likely cause of sore nipples is mechanical- how the baby latches on or how the baby sucks. Make certain that when the baby is going to latch on, she opens her mouth wide first. If she fails to do this, she might latch by essentially chewing her way onto your nipple, which... [Read more...]
How often should I breastfeed my baby?
Before your milk supply is established, breastfeeding should be “on demand” (or as often as when your baby is hungry), which is generally every 1½ to 3 hours. As newborns get older, they’ll need to nurse less frequently, and may develop a more reliable schedule. Some may feed every hour and a half, whereas others may go 2 or 3... [Read more...]
Three Things Everyone Thinks Dramatically Affect Milk Supply
There are three things you will find often repeated as ways to increase your milk supply, but in reality have little to no impact when the mother is already in good health. Drink more fluids - Although your fluid consumption will increase as you breastfeed keep in mind that you only are replacing the amount your child consumes, which is about four ounces... [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...]
What is Colostrum?
What is colostrum? Colostrum is a form of milk produced by the mother in late pregnancy and shortly after birth. As a new mother you can expect to generate colostrum beginning at some point during the day you birth your child. Colostrum is also known as besting or first milk or “immune milk”. It gets its nickname “immune milk”... [Read more...]
How to Store Breast Milk
If your breast milk is not immediately given to your baby, it can be stored at room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen. General Storage Time Guidelines Room Temperature – 6-10 hours Refrigerator – 5-8 days Freezer – 3-6 months Deep Freeze (below 0F) 6-12 months Defrosted or thawed milk can be stored for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. ... [Read more...]
