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 helath professionals studying nursing... [Read more...]
Latch Evaluation
How can you tell if your baby has established good latch? Does your baby have your entire nipple and about one inch of the areola in their mouth? After you get the let-down feeling can you hear your baby swallow? Does your baby follow a “suck, suck, suck, swallow” pattern Can you see noticeable movement in the jaw that should also make... [Read more...]
Breast Engorgement
In the initial days after giving birth, overly full or engorged breasts can be a problem as your body adjusts its milk supply to your babies needs. The best way to relieve engorgement is to nurse frequently and get your body tuned into your baby. Warm moist wash cloths applied to your breasts before breastfeeding can help your milk flow easier.... [Read more...]
Breast Augmentation and Breastfeeding
It’s not the size of the breast it’s the milk generating glands and the nipple that are important for breastfeeding success. Breast Augmentation and breastfeeding ususally have no problem. During breast augmentation surgery your doctor will generally make incisions under the armpit or under the fold of the breast. As the nipple and overlaying... [Read more...]
How can I tell if my baby’s eating enough?
As a mothers new to breastfeeding the question “How can I tell if my baby’s eating enough?” has probably crossed your mind. A few things to put your mind at rest, your baby is eating enough if: your baby looks satisfied and content after breastfeeding you find you need to change about four to six wet diapers a day they have regular bowel movements sleeps... [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...]
Is it normal for my baby to seem much hungrier than usual?
As your child begins to grow and gain weight you should notice an increase in the amount they eat at each feeding and also that your child should go longer between feedings. Still, it is normal for my baby to seem much hungrier than usual at times. Your baby may be going through a period of rapid growth, a growth spurt. Although the can happen at any... [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...]
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...]
Premature Birth and Breastfeeding
Many parents feel helpless when their child requires so much medical attention, but a great way for you as a mother to be involved and provide the nourishment your child needs is to begin pumping your breastmilk. This will provide your child with the ideal source of nourishment and keep your breasts ready for when your newborn can effectivly nurse. Babies... [Read more...]
