Breastfeeding – the first 6 months of life
Breastfeeding – the first 6 months of life Increasing optimal breastfeeding practices could save an estimated 1.5 million infant lives annually. Up to 55 percent of infant deaths from diarrhea disease and acute respiratory infections may result from inappropriate feeding practices. Optimal feeding for sustained child health and growth includes... [Read more...]
Mastitis
Lactational mastitis is a breast infection in a breastfeeding woman. The symptoms are localized pain, swelling and redness, usually in only one breast. Often, women will get flu like symptoms and a high fever and chills. The difference between engorgement and mastitis is that engorgement usually involves both side and the whole breast, while mastitis... [Read more...]
Counterproductive Breastfeeding Strategies
Some strategies and suggestions you may encounter while breastfeeding may not actually help at all and overall may exasperate the very problem they seek to resolve. Letting your breasts refill before feeding - first your breasts create milk on demand and are always ready to provide your child with nourishment. Second as your breasts reach storage... [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...]
Middle of the Night Feedings
One of the most dramatic adjustments you will make as a new parent is a loss of control on your sleep schedule. Gone are the days (at least for now) of staying up as late as you want and sleeping as late as you want. Now the amount of sleep you get will depend on your child. Newborns don’t have a schedule as they are adjusting to the world... [Read more...]
Breastfeeding troubleshooting guide
Hopefully you will have a problem free time while breastfeeding. However here is a breastfeeding troubleshooting guide for some of the more common issues you may encounter. Be sure to keep your doctor or lactation consultant aware of any of your concerns. Sore nipples - most commonly the result of bad positioning. Check how your child is positioned... [Read more...]
What are the advantages of breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding provides ideal nourishment and a special bonding experience that many new mothers cherish. What are some of the advantages to breastfeeding: Infection-fighting. A mother who breastfeeds her baby passes antibodies to her child which can help lower the occurrence of many conditions, including: ear infections diarrhea respiratory infections meningitis Other... [Read more...]
Cup or Spoon Feeding
One easy to implement alternative feeding method is cup or spoon feeding. Using this methods can be beneficial for an baby that has jaundice, poor elimination patterns, or bad latch. Cup feeding helps reduce the occurrence of nipple confusion and allows the infant to lap milk at its own pace. It can be messy but is an easy temporary solution. To... [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...]
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...]
