Galactosemia and Breastfeeding
Babies suffering from galactosemia are unable to process galactose, one of the simple sugars formed by the digestion of breast milk. Galactosemia is a rare inherited disorder that affects about 1 in 60,000 newborns. Galactosemia and Breastfeeding are an incompatible combination. There may be no initial indication when your child first begins to breastfeed... [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...]
Increasing milk supply
Breastmilk production is on a supply and demand basis. The more often and more effectively your baby nurses, the more milk you will produce. This sounds simple in theory, I know. Figuring out how to increase milk supply, when you feel like your baby is not getting enough to eat seems much more daunting. Here are a few ideas that may help. If your milk... [Read more...]
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...]
Relieving Engorgement Pain
During the first few days after you have given birth many women experience engorgement, when their breasts are overfilled with milk. There are a few things you can do to help relieve the pain and discomfort of engorgement. 1) Cabbage Leaves – many women who have tried this timeless remedy have found relief. At this time there is no known... [Read more...]
What if my breasts are small?
Don’t worry of your feel your breasts are small, as size of your breasts is not an indication of how much milk your breasts will produce. What matters more than the size of your breasts is the increase in the size of your breasts during pregnancy. If you end up one to two bra sizes larger at the end of your pregnancy versus the start then you... [Read more...]
Five item breastfeeding checklist
There are several items that can make your first breastfeeding experience much better. Nursing bra – The eight month of your pregnancy is a good time to pick up three or more nursing bras. If you can have a professional fitting for your measurements have changed since your pregnancy began and these bras fit differently than the ones you have... [Read more...]
PKU and Breastfeeding
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic condition that affects 1 in every 16,000 newborns. Babies with PKU are unable to produce an enzyme that allows their body to absorb the amino acid phenylamanine. Should levels of phenylamanie build up in your babies body symptoms from rashes to central nervous system damage may occur. Babies with PKU require frequent... [Read more...]
Thawing and Warming Breast Milk
The best way to thaw breast milk is to let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. It will thaw slowly and consistently over about a twelve hour period. If your child has an immediate need then you can also place the frozen milk in a pan of warm water and change the water frequently. If you need to warm your breast milk do so gently. Overheating and... [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...]
