Are feeding intervals counted from the time my baby starts or stops nursing?
You count the length between feedings from the time when your baby begins to nurse — rather than when they finish— to when your little one starts to nurse again. For example if your child starts nursing at 8AM, 10AM then at Noon, when asked by your doctor how often your baby is feeding, you can say “about every 2 hours”. This means... [Read more...]
Five Signs the Time to Wean has come
There are a few good signs that indicate time to wean has come. You’re ready. Your breastfeeding goals have been met or you have decided to wean based on your unique considerations. Your child is ready. All children will eventually wean sometimes before their mothers are ready to wean. Natural weaning can happen as early as twelve months. A confirmed... [Read more...]
Premature Birth and Breastfeeding
Many parents feel helpless when their child requires so much medical attention, but a great way for you as a mother to be involved and provide the nourishment your child needs is to begin pumping your breast milk. This will provide your child with the ideal source of nourishment and keep your breasts ready for when your newborn can effectively nurse. Babies... [Read more...]
What is Colostrum?
What is colostrum? Colostrum is a form of milk produced by the mother in late pregnancy and shortly after birth. As a new mother you can expect to generate colostrum beginning at some point during the day you birth your child. Colostrum is also known as besting or first milk or “immune milk”. It gets its nickname “immune milk”... [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...]
Co-bedding and breastfeeding
Although a cultural practice in most of the world, co-bedding isn’t for everyone. Some breastfeeding moms swear by it feeling that it helps then get in sync with their co-bedded infants. As sleep cycles are shared these mothers report feeling more rested as a result. It is also easier for a co-bedded infant to breastfeed and return to sleep. ... [Read more...]
How to create a supportive breastfeeding environment
Six suggestions for creating a supportive nursing environment Find a peaceful atmosphere for nursing. Before beginning the feeding, unplug the phone, turn on relaxing music and do deep breathing. (Take four or five deep abdominal breaths.) If breastfeeding in public makes you uncomfortable, insist on your privacy and/or drape a light cover over your... [Read more...]
How can I tell if my baby’s eating enough?
As a mothers new to breastfeeding the question “How can I tell if my baby’s eating enough?” has probably crossed your mind. A few things to put your mind at rest, your baby is eating enough if: your baby looks satisfied and content after breastfeeding you find you need to change about four to six wet diapers a day they have regular bowel movements sleeps... [Read more...]
10 Reasons to Think Twice about Weaning
You and your child will know when it is time to wean from the breast. Here are ten circumstances that may not necessarily be a good reason to wean: A breastfeeding problem you haven’t solved. A mother in the midst of a breastfeeding crisis can genuinely feel as if the situation is hopeless. If you have yet to discuss your problem with your... [Read more...]
Build Your Breastfeeding Support Network
Some women who start out breastfeeding but within a few months or sometimes weeks get discouraged, ween their baby, and switch to formula. The list of reasons ranges from insufficient milk supply, infections, or sore nipples to criticism, or confusion about what they should be doing. Most of these problems can be avoided or at least minimized by... [Read more...]
