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...]
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...]
Can I breastfeed if I adopt?
Yes you can! But to breastfeed when you adopt is more of challenge for you as a new mother as your breasts will take some time to get their milk production going. The process is not easy, but can be done, and has been done by many women. In comparison to natural mothers, adoptive mothers usually may not produce enough milk to fully feed a young infant.... [Read more...]
How can your family help while you breastfeed?
The family’s role The family plays a major role in the breastfeeding relationship between you and your baby. One of the most precious gifts a family can give is to take care of you and encourage and support a healthy breastfeeding relationship. For example, family members can do the many household tasks that take your energy away from nursing... [Read more...]
Cup or Spoon Feeding
One easy to implement alternative feeding method is cup or spoon feeding. Using this methods can be beneficial for an baby that has jaundice, poor elimination patterns, or bad latch. Cup feeding helps reduce the occurrence of nipple confusion and allows the infant to lap milk at its own pace. It can be messy but is an easy temporary solution. To... [Read more...]
Breast Milk Storage – Glass vs Plastic
When freezing breast milk it is best to do so in amounts of two to four ounces. It will thaw more quickly and you will not waste as much if your baby decides not to be hungry. Plastic – If you are freezing breastmilk in plastic bottles or liner bags leave about an inch at the top for the milk will expand as it freezes. Be sure to label... [Read more...]
Breastfed Newborn Weight Gain
When comparing your breastfed newborn weight gain against that of formula fed children you may feel that your young one is not growing fast enough. Not to worry. Breastfed babies may not gain weight as quickly in the first few days when compared to formula fed infants but this disparity rapidly disappears. While formula and breast milk generally... [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...]
What is Human Milk Banking?
Human Milk Banking is an effort that collects donated human milk, ensures milk safety and quality and makes it available for infants in need. Primarily the goal is to make quality human breast milk available to all premature and critically-ill babies. The Human Milk Banking Association of North America and the National Milk Bank are two of the major... [Read more...]
Sleep and your baby
When you first bring your baby home you will see that their life consists of eating and sleeping and eating and sleeping. As they grow older you will see they spend less time napping and more time sleeping at night. During the first few weeks working with your partner to have “Baby-Care” shifts can help you both get some uninterrupted... [Read more...]
