Common Misconceptions about Milk Supply
New mothers often pay close attention to how thier child is nursing and may encounter some of the following conditions, mistaking them for a diminishing milk supply. Most concerns fall into one of two categories, worry about your baby or worry about your breasts. Baby factors: Your baby seems hungry sooner than expected – adjust your expectations... [Read more...]
Latch techniques
The huge value in this tiny video is… stop pressing down and poking on your nipple like that! Getting milk out of your breast requires a lot of the breast tissue BEHIND the nipple to be compressed – it’s got nothing to do with the nipple itself, in that sense. Baby sucking on your nipple, and/or you poking and prodding your nipples... [Read more...]
Truth behind a few Breastfeeding Myths
There are a few myths that every new mother confronts as they decide whether or not to breastfeed. Breastfeeding Myth #1 – Will you make enough milk? – Most certainly. According to the World Health Organization over 97% of all women are able to produce a sufficient milk supply for their child without any other help. In the first days after... [Read more...]
What are some medicines to avoid when breastfeeding?
As with any medicine be sure to check with your doctor before taking, even over the counter medicines. Here is a partial list of some common and even over the counter medication and the reasons to avoid them Antibacterials – While some are safe others may cause diarrhea, thrush, rash, bloody stools, or other problems Antidepressants – drowsiness... [Read more...]
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...]
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...]
Colostrum, the wonder food
Colostrum is the name of the first milk a woman produces after delivery of her baby. It is very concentrated, and there is not very much of it. A newborn baby’s stomach is only about the size of a marble, so not very much volume is needed. Colostrum acts as a laxative, to help the baby pass her first stool, known as meconium, which in turn lowers... [Read more...]
When to stop a breastfeeding session?
If you are trying to prevent sore nipples, making your baby switch sides or stop breastfeeding is not a good way to go and may end up causing more problems in the future. Babies can usually decide for themselves when they’re finished breastfeeding or if they want to switch to your other breast. When your baby has finished with your first breast... [Read more...]
Breast Engorgement
In the initial days after giving birth, overly full or engorged breasts can be a problem as your body adjusts its milk supply to your babies needs. The best way to relieve engorgement is to nurse frequently and get your body tuned into your baby. Warm moist wash cloths applied to your breasts before breastfeeding can help your milk flow easier.... [Read more...]
What happens during lactation?
You’ve seen it and most like likely experienced it several times already. You draw your child near your breast, they begin to nurse and take in your milk stopping when their stomach is full. But what happens behind the scenes? What happens during lactation? First off milk production depends on the sucking action of your child. This stimulated... [Read more...]
