What happens during lactation?
You’ve seen it and mostlike 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...]
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 are the different types of Breast Milk?
There are several different types of breast milk: Colostrum Mature Milk Foremilk Hind-milk Colostrum Colostrum is the initial milk made shortly after your child is born and is initially present in small amounts for the first three days to match the small size of your baby’s stomach Ideally you should begin breastfeeding as soon as possible... [Read more...]
What are Montgomery’s tubercles?
They are part of glands that make oily secretions to keep the areola and the nipple lubricated and protected. The portion of the gland on skin’s surface is called Montgomery tubercles and identified by the round bumps are found in the areola or on the nipple itself. They can become much more pronounced and raised when the nipple is stimulated.... [Read more...]
Excessive Leaking of Milk
Most women experience some leaking of milk when their milk ejection reflex is triggered. Most commonly milk will begin to drip from one breast while your child nurses at the other. Women also experience different triggers, for example some women find that their milk ejection is triggered during lovemaking. If you find that milk leaking embarrassing... [Read more...]
What are inverted nipples?
Nipples that do not protrude or poke out from the breast are called inverted nipples. During the hormonal influences of pregnancy the inversion can become more pronounced as your change and grow. Although inverted nipples are not a common occurance you are still able to breastfeed your child, but it may be more challenging to learn the best way to... [Read more...]
Six things to avoid while breastfeeding
What you consume when you are breastfeeding goes directly into your milk and then into your child when you breastfeed. Like the list of things to avoid when your are pregnant the six things to avoid while breastfeeding should sound familiar. Alcohol – alcohol is not good (think dangerous) for a developing child. If you have a drink give yourself... [Read more...]
Breastmilk Trivia
So what is this milk that your body is producing? Your child seems to love it but really, what is it like? Here’s a little breastmilk trivia to help you get a better understanding of this seemingly magical fluid your body is making. What does breastmilk look like? – In the first few days after your child is born your breastmilk will... [Read more...]
Teething and Biting
If you experience your baby biting your nipple you should talk to them and reprimand them. The best way is to tell them “NO” and break the latch, then look them in the eye and say “No Biting”. Be serious but not angry for your baby may already be in tears from your surprise reaction. Offer your breast again, but if biting... [Read more...]
Finger Feeding
Finger feeding has several drawbacks as an alternative feeding method, it is hard to learn, it is awkward to use, and can cause dependency. However finger feeding is useful for babies with a weak suck, who are experiencing nipple confusion, or are having neurological problems. A small tube is inserted into a container of expressed milk. A baby bottle... [Read more...]
