Signs your baby is effectively breastfeeding
Once your baby has latched on the next thing you should watch for are signs your baby is effectively breastfeeding. Initially you should feel a more rapid and intense sucking sensation, this will in turn stimulate your let-down reflex. Once your milk flow is increased you should notice you baby slowing the rhythm, swallowing every two or three sucks.... [Read more...]
Is Breast Reduction Surgery and Breastfeeding Compatible?
Breast reduction surgery will not prevent you from breastfeeding your child as most women who undergo the surgery can produce some amount of milk. However it is typical that you may not produce enough milk to offer your child an exclusively breastfed diet. You should investigate breast milk banking to help make up the difference. In some cases of... [Read more...]
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...]
Is it OK to let my baby breastfeed for comfort?
So how do you know if your baby is breastfeeding for comfort instead of nutrition? First off if your baby seems to be getting enough milk, but your child continues to suck for an hour or more,they may be breastfeeding for comfort rather than for nourishment. Some indications to look for: Your child seems seems satisfied They stop sucking and swallowing Your... [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...]
What to Wear? – Breastfeeding Fashions
While you can make nearly any clothing work for breastfeeding there are a few special items that can make your life much easier. When during pregnancy your milk comes in and your breasts begin to enlarge you may find the support of a well fitted bra most welcome. At this point you may wish to explore the varieties of nursing bras, trying two or three... [Read more...]
The First Feeding
It is one of the most emotionally charged moments you will have as a new mother when you and your newborn have the first feeding. Breastfeeding is a continuation of that intimate relationship you shared with your child when they were in your womb. If your birth was straightforward and little or no drugs were administered then you will most likely... [Read more...]
Nipple Confusion
When your baby does not know how to suckle the breast properly due to use of a pacifier or bottle it is called nipple confusion. To avoid nipple confusion simply try to stay away from giving your baby pacifiers or bottles for the first six weeks of life. Nipple confusion impairs breast feeding success by compromising your milk production. Your infant’s... [Read more...]
What is the let-down in Breastfeeding?
The let-down reflex How your body responds to your baby’s suckling: Infant suckling stimulates the nerve endings in the nipple and areola, which signal the pituitary gland in the brain to release two hormones, prolactin and oxytocin. How Your Breast Responds to Your Baby’s Suckling: Prolactin causes your alveoli to take nutrients (proteins, sugars)... [Read more...]
How long should I breastfeed?
The American Association of Pediatrics suggests breastfeeding your baby for the first six months after birth and encourages mothers to breastfeed at least a full year after their child is born. Your body will continue to produce milk at a level matching your child’s consumption as long as you the mother remain healthy and in physically good... [Read more...]
