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...]
As a teen mother will I get enough nutrition to breastfeed?
The general rule is that if your body can make a baby then your body can produce milk. Due to the fact that as a teenager you are still growing pay very close attention to your nutrition. Not only are you feeding a growing baby, you are still growing yourself. Keep in mind that your baby needs a healthy well fed mother. Do your best to avoid... [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...]
Breast Milk and Breastfeeding
Breast Milk is best. Nothing that money can buy is as good for a baby as breastfeeding. Initiation of Breastfeeding within the first hour of life, Exclusive Breastfeeding for six months, Timely Complementary Feeding with appropriate foods, and Continued Breastfeeding for Two Years and beyond. Read More →
Large Milk Storage Capacity
A mother with large breast milk storage capacity will have a different breastfeeding rhythm for the first six months when compared with a mother having a smaller sorage capacity. Some of the ways larger sorage will affect feeding patterns: One breast or two - Having a larger breast milk storage capacity may mean that your baby will only feed on a... [Read more...]
Breastfeeding on Demand
You may find yourself on the receiving end of comments that confuse your attentiveness of your baby’s hunger with spoiling them. Your baby has a genuine need for frequent routine feedings. This is due to their initially having a very small stomach and secondarily that breast milk is very easily digested compared to other foods and formulas. By... [Read more...]
Twelve foods to eat while breastfeeding
This second set of twelve foods offers almost as many of the benefits as what was found in the 12 Fabulous Foods list, but these are sometimes hard to find, harder to prepare, or some other slight that kept them out of the top 12. Almonds – protein, fiber, riboflavin, calcium, zinc, iron, vitamin E, unsaturated fats Artichokes – protein,... [Read more...]
Waking your Sleepy Baby
It may seem a little counter intuitive to wake your baby, but in the first few weeks your baby does not yet know to eat when they are hungry. Frequent feedings also help you establish your milk supply and avoid or reduce the discomfort of engorgement. So here are some tips and tricks to gently wake your baby and get them feeding: Change their diaper Wipe... [Read more...]
Safe and comfortable exercising while you breastfeed
When your body belongs to both you and your baby there area some extra steps you should consider following. Get the milk out before the workout. Treat your baby and yourself to a long feed before beginning your exercise. This will not only help settle your baby but also make you more comfortable as your exercise. Support your breasts. Wear a well... [Read more...]
How can I tell if my baby has latched properly?
To know if your baby is latched on properly, look, listen and feel. Look for alignment, position at the breast Listen for swallowing Feel uterine cramps, drowsy, tugging/pulling on nipple (not biting/pinching) Look Watch for cues baby is ready to nurse, then put him to your breast. Feed your baby before he cries. Hold baby close with his nose level... [Read more...]
