Nipple Preparation during Pregnancy
You may have heard it said that during your pregnancy you need to prepare your nipples for breastfeeding. Some of the suggestions you may get are to rub your nipples with a towel or to continually try to express milk before your child is even born. Recent studies have shown that the body will prepare your nipples for breastfeeding and there is little... [Read more...]
Second latch
Again, just like in ‘First Latch’ this video is showing excellent practice in lactation support. Mother and baby are both comfortable, Dr Jack Newman is quiet and respectful of them both. No coercion is happening at all, and most importantly, no hands are on the back of baby’s head, trying to force matters. Notice that when the mother... [Read more...]
Can I stay a vegetarian while breastfeeding?
Being a vegetarian will not affect your ability to produce milk. However if you are following a more strict vegan diet as opposed to lacto-vegetarianism or lacto-ovo-vegetarianism, be sure to consult with a nutritionist to make sure that you are consuming a balanced diet for your baby. Vegan should be sure that their diet includes proper amounts of: Vitamin... [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...]
Bottle Feeding
You may find that bottle feeding is the only alternative feeding method that works after exploring the other ways. Bottle feeding can be useful if the infant has difficulty opening their mouth to get good latch on the breast. A word of caution, babies who switch back and forth between bottle feeding and breast feeding are likely to suffer from... [Read more...]
Steps when using a Breast Pump
When you get ready to use a breast pump find a quiet spot where you will have twenty to thirty minutes undisturbed. Wash your hands with soap and water Wash and assemble all breast pump equipment Find a comfortable location to express your breast milk Gently massage your breasts or apply a warm washcloth Center the nipple on the plastic flange. Begin... [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...]
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 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...]
Breastfeeding Benifits
Saves Lives. Currently there are 9 million infant deaths a year. Breastfeeding saves an estimated 6 million additional deaths from infectious disease alone. Provides Initial Immunization. Breastmilk, especially the first milk (colostrum), contains anti-bacterial and anti-viral agents that protect the infant against disease, especially diarrhoea. These... [Read more...]
