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...]
Mastitis
Mastitis is a bacterial infection of your breast usually resulting from a plugged duct or cracked nipple. You may have mastitis if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms along with a fever and a hard spot or lump on your breast that has some swelling , redness or pain with it. Measures you can take to help treat mastitis are taking warm showers,... [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...]
Herpes and Breastfeeding
If contracted during the last trimester of pregnancy herpes can be deadly to your child. However herpes sores on your breasts are a less serious concern. Should a herpes sore develop on your nipple it is best to feed only from the unaffected side. Using a breast pump on the affected breast while the sore is present will help maintain your milk supply.... [Read more...]
Can I Breastfeed while diagnosed with Tuberculosis?
Mothers with untreated and active tuberculosis should not breastfeed their babies. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease most commonly spread by adults who have active tuberculosis. According to the CDC, if you are being treated with the first line anti-tuberculosis drug then you most often can continue breastfeeding. This is due to the fact that... [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...]
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...]
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...]
Safe and comfortable exercising while you breastfeed
When your body belongs to both you and your baby there area some extra steps you should consider following. Get the milk out before the workout. Treat your baby and yourself to a long feed before beginning your exercise. This will not only help settle your baby but also make you more comfortable as your exercise. Support your breasts. Wear a well... [Read more...]
Nursing your Toddler
The benefits of breastfeeding your toddler are no different than they are for younger children. Some of the reasons mothers decide to continue breastfeeding their toddlers are: Breast milk continues to be a wonderful source of nutrition regardless of anything else your child eats Antibodies in your milk continue to protect your toddler, even if nursing... [Read more...]
