How often should I burp my baby during breastfeeding?
Let your baby breastfeed at one breast then switch to the other side. Try burping your baby when switching breasts and at the end of the feed. Often, the movement alone can be enough to cause a baby to burp. However, because some lactation consultants are now recommending just nursing on one breast during each feeding (see the question above), if your... [Read more...]
Breast Milk Production and Breastfeeding
The breast is a gland consisting primarily of connective and fatty tissues that support and protect the milk producing areas of the breast. The milk is produced in small clusters of cells called alveoli. The milk travels down milk ducts to the milk sinuses, which act as a collecting reservoir. These sinuses are located behind the areola, the pigmented... [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...]
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...]
What foods might make my baby fussy?
While food sensitivities vary tremendously from baby to bay the following list are the most common foods with reputations for bothering babies: Raw Broccoli Brussels Sprouts Raw Cabbage Cauliflower Citrus fruits in excess Corn Dairy products Egg whites Hot peppers Iron Supplements Prescription and over the counter medication Onions Peanuts and peanut... [Read more...]
Breastfeeding Acronym
Here is an acronym for breastfeeding that will help you remember some of the benefits of nursing your child. BREASTFEEDING Best for baby Reduces incidence of allergies Economical – no waste Antibodies – greater immunity to infections Stool inoffensive – never constipated Temperature always correct and constant Fresh milk –... [Read more...]
Breastfeeding while lying down
If you find yourself feeling tired then breastfeeding while lying down is a great technique to master. It not only will help your baby drift off to sleep, but it places you in a safe place to get a little extra rest as well. Make yourself comfortable by lying on your side with a pillow under your lower back. It may be helpful to try out this position... [Read more...]
Finger Feeding
Finger feeding has several drawbacks as an alternative feeding method, it is hard to learn, it is awkward to use, and can cause dependency. However finger feeding is useful for babies with a weak suck, who are experiencing nipple confusion, or are having neurological problems. A small tube is inserted into a container of expressed milk. A baby bottle... [Read more...]
Breastfeeding Discreetly
The American Academy of Pediatrics noted that in the United States, “It is a curious commentary on our society that we tolerate all degrees of explicitness in our literature and mass media as regards to sex and violence, but the normal act of breastfeeding is taboo.” Embarrassment or difficulty breastfeeding in public is a reason some mothers... [Read more...]
Can I take Herbal remedies while I Breastfeed?
Your first step before taking any new herbal remedy or medication should be to discuss it with your doctor or lactation consultant. Some herbs can affect your milk supply either increasing or decreasing production. While herbs may seem a safe or natural alternative to other types of medications keep in mind that many herbs are potent pharmacological... [Read more...]
