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...]
Inducing Lactation in Adoptive Mothers.
A growing number of adoptive mothers are exploring the option of breastfeeding their adopted child. A few prescription medications typically prescribed for other reasons have been shown to stimulate or enhance milk production. Metoclopramide and other such medications must be prescribed by your doctor and do have side effects. There are also herbal... [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...]
Breast Milk Expression Tips
If you are going to be away from your baby for any length of time, here are some breast milk expression tips to help keep a stash of breast milk on hand. Storing some of your breast milk before hand is a great way to continue to provide the benefits of breast milk to your child while you are away. Pumping ahead of time also allows close friends and... [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...]
Latch Evaluation
How can you tell if your baby has established good latch? Does your baby have your entire nipple and about one inch of the areola in their mouth? After you get the let-down feeling can you hear your baby swallow? Does your baby follow a “suck, suck, suck, swallow” pattern Can you see noticeable movement in the jaw that should also make... [Read more...]
Upset Stomach or Diarrhea Relief
If while breastfeeding you find yourself suffering from upset stomach or diarrhea you have a few choices. For milder upset stomach and diarrhea, the best approach is to keep drinking water and eat simple foods such as Bananas Rice Applesauce Toast Also called the BRAT diet. It is extremely important that yo as the mother remain hydrated. If you... [Read more...]
Breast surgery and breastfeeding
Mothers who’ve had breast surgery, such as a reduction, may have difficulty with supply if their milk ducts have been severed. In this situation, a woman should to talk to her doctor about her concerns and work with a lactation specialist. Read More →
Middle of the Night Feedings
One of the most dramatic adjustments you will make as a new parent is a loss of control on your sleep schedule. Gone are the days (at least for now) of staying up as late as you want and sleeping as late as you want. Now the amount of sleep you get will depend on your child. Newborns don’t have a schedule as they are adjusting to the world... [Read more...]
What is a Galactagogue?
A galactagogue is anything that excites lactation. In other words anything that simulates an increase in milk production for a nursing mother. For us humans some common galactagogues are: caffeine hops fenugreek fennel seed blessed thistle domperidone alfalfa Read More →
