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...]
Failure of Lactogenesis
While some woman suffer from engorgement other new mothers find themselves at the other end of the spectrum wondering if their milk came in. Occasionally, lactogenesis, the onset of milk production that usually occurs two to five days after childbirth is delayed in women who experience complication in labor and delivery. Conditions that can affect... [Read more...]
What is the Cradle Hold?
See the the traditional hold, the cradle hold demonstrated in the video. Sit up with your back supported, one arm supports your baby, with his or her head in the bend of your elbow and your open hand supporting the baby’s bottom or back. Your baby’s abdomen lies against yours. Use one hand to support the breast and guide it... [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...]
Poop Colors
Your newborn’s diapers are a good indicator of whether or not your baby is getting what they need from being breastfed. A newborns’ stools are initially thick and tar-like and will become more of a greenish-yellow color as they consume more of your milk, about 3 or 4 days after birth. Generally, the more your newborn nurses, the more dirty... [Read more...]
Will I lose calcium?
You may have heard that a woman can lose calcium when she breastfeeds and increase chances of getting osteoporosis. The truth is that during lactation the mother’s body takes calcium from her bones and uses it to make milk. This will happen regardless of calcium intake. Your body does all it can to increase calcium absorption from the food... [Read more...]
Breastfeeding Step-by-Step
The following steps outline and help explain the general flow of a breastfeeding session. Position yourself properly. Pillows are generally a must as your arms and back will get sore from trying to maintain the same position while your baby is feeding. Use the pillows behind your back, under your elbows, and on your lap. If you are trying a position... [Read more...]
Myths about giving up breastfeeding
Once you’ve started breastfeeding one of the next questions you begin to ask yourself is how will you know it’s time to cease breastfeeding. You will no doubt come across several “helpful” suggestions that can be nothing more than myths. Some the myths about giving up breastfeeding are: when your baby gets their first tooth when... [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...]
Build Your Breastfeeding Support Network
Some women who start out breastfeeding but within a few months or sometimes weeks get discouraged, ween their baby, and switch to formula. The list of reasons ranges from insufficient milk supply, infections, or sore nipples to criticism, or confusion about what they should be doing. Most of these problems can be avoided or at least minimized by... [Read more...]
