Is my Baby Getting Enough Milk?
Although it is difficult to track how much your baby is consuming while at your breast, there is an easy trick to keeping track of how they are feeding. And the trick is keeping watch on what comes out of the other end. Once your milk comes-in your baby should have five or six wet diapers a day. After the black, tarry looking meconium has been cleared... [Read more...]
What is in Breastmilk?
Breastmilk contains everything that the growning body of your baby needs. But what exactly are you giving your baby? Breastmilk is a living substance, similar in concept to blood, in that it changes based on the needs of your child and the environment that you experience. For example it has been discovered that mothers of prematurely born babies produce... [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...]
Signs your baby is effectively breastfeeding
Once your baby has latched on the next thing you shoulw watch for are signs your baby is effectively breastfeeding. Initially you should feel a more rapid and intense sucking sensation, this will in turn stimulate your let-down reflex. Once your milk flow is increased you should notice you baby slowing the rhythm, swallowing every two or three sucks.... [Read more...]
Breastfeeding troubleshooting guide
Hopefully you will have a problem free time while breastfeeding. However here is a breastfeeding troubleshooting guide for some of the more common issues you may encounter. Be sure to keep your doctor or lactation consultant aware of any of your concerns. Sore nipples - most commonly the result of bad positioning. Check how your child is positioned... [Read more...]
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...]
Breastfeeding Lactivism vs Facebook
Recently Facebook has been marking profile pictures of women nursing their children as obscene and removing them. Users with such pictures have been warned that should they repost the images they will face expulsion from the site. Several groups have sprung up on Facebook with Hey, Facebook, breastfeeding is not obscene!(Official petition to Facebook)... [Read more...]
Five item breastfeeding checklist
There are several items that can make your first breastfeeding experience much better. Nursing bra – The eight month of your pregnancy is a good time to pick up three or more nursing bras. If yu can have a profesional fitting for your measurments have changed since your pregnancy began and these bras fit differently than the ones you have been... [Read more...]
Breast Milk Storage – Glass vs Plastic
When freezing breast milk it is best to do so in amounts of two to four ounces. It will thaw more quickly and you will not waste as much if your baby decides not to be hungry. Plastic – If you are freezing breastmilk in plastic bottles or liner bags leave about an inch at the top for the milk will expand as it freezes. Be sure to label... [Read more...]
What is latching?
Latch or latching is the term used to describe when your baby is correctly attached to your nipple correctly and is ready to nurse. To tell if your baby has latched on correctly, look for alignment of your baby and their position at the breast Listen for your baby’s swallowing You may feel uterine cramps, feel drowsy, and tugging/pulling on the... [Read more...]
