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...]
When is Spitting up a Problem?
While almost all babies bring up a little milk every once an a while after feedings there are some babies that spit up regularly or after feedings and even in between feedings. Sometimes spitting up is caused by your baby getting too much milk too quickly. If you see your baby gulp and gasp when you get the let-down feeling try taking them off your... [Read more...]
A Brief History of Weaning
Looking at human society as a whole across history the average age of weaning a child fromt he breast has been between the ages of two to four. Until the twentieth century children in China and Japan breastfed until ages of four or five. In 1967 anthropologist Margaret Mead collaborated with breastfeeding researcher Niles newton to publish an article... [Read more...]
Minor Illness and Infection
Chances are that sometime during the course of breastfeeding you will develop a cold, get the flu, a yeast infection or some other illness. If you are actively breastfeeding then your baby has already been exposed by the time your symptoms show. You should continue to breastfeed for your body produces antibodies to the illness and will pass those... [Read more...]
Is it OK to let my baby breastfeed for comfort?
So how do you know if your baby is breastfeeding for comfort instead of nutrition? First off if your baby seems to be getting enough milk, but your child continues to suck for an hour or more,they may be breastfeeding for comfort rather than for nourishment. Some indications to look for: Your child seems seems satisfied They stop sucking and swallowing Your... [Read more...]
Are feeding intervals counted from the time my baby starts or stops nursing?
You count the length between feedings from the time when your baby begins to nurse — rather than when they finish— to when your little one starts to nurse again. For example if your child starts nursing at 8AM, 10AM then at Noon, when asked by your doctor how often your baby is feeding, you can say “about every 2 hours”. This means... [Read more...]
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 →
Breastfeeding – La Leche League International
There are many support groups available for breastfeeding mothers but the most famous is the La Leche League International. The organization began with seven women and strives to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as... [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...]
The First Feeding
It is one of the most emotionally charged moments you will have as a new mother when you and your newborn have the first feeding. Breastfeeding is a continuation of that intimate relationship you shared with your child when they were in your womb. If your birth was straightforward and little or no drugs were administered then you will most likely... [Read more...]
