What to Wear? – Breastfeeding Fashions
While you can make nearly any clothing work for breastfeeding there are a few special items that can make your life much easier. When during pregnancy your milk comes in and your breasts begin to enlarge you may find the support of a well fitted bra most welcome. At this point you may wish to explore the varieties of nursing bras, trying two or three... [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...]
Can I take Herbal remedies while I Breastfeed?
Your first step before taking any new herbal remedy or medication should be to discuss it with your doctor or lactation consultant. Some herbs can affect your milk supply either increasing or decreasing production. While herbs may seem a safe or natural alternative to other types of medications keep in mind that many herbs are potent pharmacological... [Read more...]
Finger Feeding
Finger feeding has several drawbacks as an alternative feeding method, it is hard to learn, it is awkward to use, and can cause dependency. However finger feeding is useful for babies with a weak suck, who are experiencing nipple confusion, or are having neurological problems. A small tube is inserted into a container of expressed milk. A baby bottle... [Read more...]
Colostrum, the wonder food
Colostrum is the name of the first milk a woman produces after delivery of her baby. It is very concentrated, and there is not very much of it. A newborn baby’s stomach is only about the size of a marble, so not very much volume is needed. Colostrum acts as a laxative, to help the baby pass her first stool, known as meconium, which in turn lowers... [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...]
Latch techniques
The huge value in this tiny video is… stop pressing down and poking on your nipple like that! Getting milk out of your breast requires a lot of the breast tissue BEHIND the nipple to be compressed – it’s got nothing to do with the nipple itself, in that sense. Baby sucking on your nipple, and/or you poking and prodding your nipples... [Read more...]
Signs your baby is effectively breastfeeding
Once your baby has latched on the next thing you should 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 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...]
Breastfeeding Benefits to the Mother
We always hear about the benefits of breastfeeding for the child, and the benefits on the mother/child relationship. There are also substantial benefits to the mother, independently. Breastfeeding stimulates a woman’s body to release the hormone oxytocin. This becomes important in a couple of ways in the days immediately after the birth of the baby.... [Read more...]
