One Breast or Two?
One of the most common questions new mothers ask is whether they should give both breasts at each feeding or just one. Ideally your baby will make this decision. When a baby is healthy and breastfeeding normally they are capable of determining when it is time to switch breasts. Babies need a good mixture of foremilk (lower fat) and hind-milk (higher... [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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
Breastmilk Weaning and Diarrhoea
Weaning a Critical Time for Diarrhea Transmission Infants are at greatest risk of diarrhea when foods other than breast milk are first given. This is because during weaning infants are being exposed to food-borne germs for the first time and they are losing the protection of breast milk which has anti-infective properties. High levels of contamination... [Read more...]
Good feeding
In this second clip of the series the child again has an active jaw and surrounding muscles for a good swallowing motion. You can see the pauses where the child waits for milk to flow into its mouth before swallowing again, it is a good feeding technique and definitely not as rapid as the child in the first video. Compare this child with the baby’s... [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...]
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...]
Breastfeeding after a Cesarean Section
There is no reason to think that you will have problems breastfeeding after a cesarean section. While you and your baby may feel the after effects of the drugs administered during the procedure these feelings will soon pass. You may find that your milk does not come in right away but be patient for as soon as the medication leaves your system your... [Read more...]
