Breastfeeding Benifits
Saves Lives. Currently there are 9 million infant deaths a year. Breastfeeding saves an estimated 6 million additional deaths from infectious disease alone. Provides Initial Immunization. Breastmilk, especially the first milk (colostrum), contains anti-bacterial and anti-viral agents that protect the infant against disease, especially diarrhoea. These... [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...]
How long will a breastfeeding session last?
As a new mother who has decide to breastfeed then it’s very likely that you’ve wondered, how long does it take to nurse? The answer depends on you, your baby and a few other things such as: how developed your milk supply has become how quickly your “let-down” happens, immediately or a few minuted into nursing how fast your milk flows how you... [Read more...]
What are the drawbacks of bottlefeeding?
When deciding if breastfeeding is the choice for you, consider some of the drawbacks to bottle feeding: Organization and preparation. When planning to feed formula to your newborn enough formula must be on hand at all times and bottles must be prepared. Bottles and nipples need an initial sterilization and a good washing after every use. Bottles and... [Read more...]
Can I take Herbal remedies while I Breastfeed?
Your first step before taking any new herbal remedy or medication should be to discuss it with your doctor or lactation consultant. Some herbs can affect your milk supply either increasing or decreasing production. While herbs may seem a safe or natural alternative to other types of medications keep in mind that many herbs are potent pharmacological... [Read more...]
Eating while breastfeeding
Will you eat more when you are breastfeeding, yes! How much more though depends on a few things: Activity Level – the more active you are the more calories you will burn Body type – lean body types tend to have higher metabolisms than other body types Needs of your baby - how often your baby eats and how much the baby consumes will also... [Read more...]
Excellent feeding
How much milk is your child consuming is a question that concerns every mother regardless of experience. This video (the first in a set of four) show an excellent feeding. Watch the jaw and cheek muscles on this child as large amounts of milk are being extracted from the mother’s breasts. This child will likely feed for only a few minutes before... [Read more...]
What is Normal Weight Gain?
No matter what else is going on while you are breastfeeding (feeding pattern change, sleep patterns change, milk supply changes) if you are exclusively breastfeeding and your baby is consistently gaining weight, then you can relax with the knowledge that you are doing well. Your baby will gain weight at differing rates based on their age Birth to four... [Read more...]
Breastfeeding toddlers
Babies breastfeed, and if they are very lucky, in the West, they are allowed to follow their biological norm and breastfeed into toddler-hood. There is no ‘natural’ time to fully wean an infant, and thus refuse it your breast. All infants give up breastfeeding themselves, when they have finished with it, and move on. This usually occurs... [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...]
