What is Amenorrhea?
After your child is born and while you are breastfeeding you may experience a time with no menses or amenorrhea. Many women do not have a period for the first six months of breastfeeding. As long as you are exclusively breastfeeding, lactational amenorrhea, you are less likely to become pregnant. Although not a completely effective form of birth control... [Read more...]
How do I begin Relactating and Resuming Breastfeeding?
Circumstances may arise that may cause you to stop breastfeeding or find that being separated from your baby has led to decreased milk supply despite pumping. Regardless of the reason you stopped breastfeeding it is sometimes possible to begin again, to re-lactate, and begin providing all or part of the nourishment your baby requires. Re-lactation... [Read more...]
Small Milk Storage Capacity
If you have a small breast milk storage capacity, it is no reason to worry that you may not be able to supply enough nutrition for your child. You will have no trouble providing all the needed nutrition for your child but it will be on a different rhythm than mothers having a larger capacity. One breast or two – Mothers with a smaller breast... [Read more...]
HIV and Breastfeeding
Some studies have found that the breast milk of an HIV infected woman can contain the HIV virus, but there is uncertainty regarding whether the virus is contagious. At the present level of research it is hard to know what to do. Couple that with the fact that the number of HIV positive mothers birthing an HIV negative child and you have the makings... [Read more...]
10 Reasons to Think Twice about Weaning
You and your child will know when it is time to wean from the breast. Here are ten circumstances that may not necessarily be a good reason to wean: A breastfeeding problem you haven’t solved. A mother in the midst of a breastfeeding crisis can genuinely feel as if the situation is hopeless. If you have yet to discuss your problem with your... [Read more...]
Breastfeeding on Demand
You may find yourself on the receiving end of comments that confuse your attentiveness of your baby’s hunger with spoiling them. Your baby has a genuine need for frequent routine feedings. This is due to their initially having a very small stomach and secondarily that breast milk is very easily digested compared to other foods and formulas. By... [Read more...]
Breastfeeding and allergies
Research into the connection between breastfeeding and reduced childhood allergies is dynamic and growing. Public health studies have shown that breastfeeding can have a long term impact on your child’s immune system. Breastfeeding may protect your child against inflammatory and autoimmune disease. It was more than 75 years ago that the first study... [Read more...]
Breast Engorgement
In the initial days after giving birth, overly full or engorged breasts can be a problem as your body adjusts its milk supply to your babies needs. The best way to relieve engorgement is to nurse frequently and get your body tuned into your baby. Warm moist wash cloths applied to your breasts before breastfeeding can help your milk flow easier.... [Read more...]
Are there toxins in breast milk?
Because breast milk comes from your body it is composed from what can be found in your body. Despite any efforts you may find toxins in breast milk. This is not due to any negligence on your part, simply the fact that undesirable components are found everywhere in life, water, air, food, formula, breast milk etc. With healthy eating and informed... [Read more...]
Herpes and Breastfeeding
If contracted during the last trimester of pregnancy herpes can be deadly to your child. However herpes sores on your breasts are a less serious concern. Should a herpes sore develop on your nipple it is best to feed only from the unaffected side. Using a breast pump on the affected breast while the sore is present will help maintain your milk supply.... [Read more...]
