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 →
Diabetes and Breastfeeding
Although lactating can help you control your blood sugar as you transition from pregnancy to postpartum you’ll need to pay close attention to your diet. While you are breastfeeding keep water nearby and snacks within reach to help prevent becoming hypoglycemic while nursing. Although your normal insulin injections are generally safe to use while... [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...]
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...]
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...]
Breastmilk Trivia
So what is this milk that your body is producing? Your child seems to love it but really, what is it like? Here’s a little breast milk trivia to help you get a better understanding of this seemingly magical fluid your body is making. What does breast milk look like? – In the first few days after your child is born your breast milk... [Read more...]
What is Normal Weight Gain?
No matter what else is going on while you are breastfeeding (feeding pattern change, sleep patterns change, milk supply changes) if you are exclusively breastfeeding and your baby is consistently gaining weight, then you can relax with the knowledge that you are doing well. Your baby will gain weight at differing rates based on their age Birth to four... [Read more...]
Breastfeeding toddlers
Babies breastfeed, and if they are very lucky, in the West, they are allowed to follow their biological norm and breastfeed into toddler-hood. There is no ‘natural’ time to fully wean an infant, and thus refuse it your breast. All infants give up breastfeeding themselves, when they have finished with it, and move on. This usually occurs... [Read more...]
Allergies and the Breastfed Baby
While human breast milk does not typically cause reactions in breastfeeding infants some mothers express concern that their child may react to something passed into their breast milk. Only 2-3 babies who are exclusively breastfed demonstrate an allergic reaction and that is usually traced back to cow’s milk in the mother’s diet. If cow’s... [Read more...]
Breastfeeding while Pregnant
Pregnancy and lactation are quite compatible and continued breastfeeding helps the older child feel secure during a time of change. During your pregnancy you and your toddler will have to accommodate some changes. Beginning about the fourth month of pregnancy your breast milk may decrease in volume and begin to change to colostrum. Your toddler may... [Read more...]
