Middle of the Night Feedings
One of the most dramatic adjustments you will make as a new parent is a loss of control on your sleep schedule. Gone are the days (at least for now) of staying up as late as you want and sleeping as late as you want. Now the amount of sleep you get will depend on your child. Newborns don’t have a schedule as they are adjusting to the world... [Read more...]
What is Human Milk Banking?
Human Milk Banking is an effort that collects donated human milk, ensures milk safety and quality and makes it available for infants in need. Primarily the goal is to make quality human breast milk available to all premature and critically-ill babies. The Human Milk Banking Association of North America and the National Milk Bank are two of the major... [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...]
Human Milk vs. Formula Intake
When exclusively breastfeeding your baby you may find that your baby is not consuming as much (in volume) of your milk if you compare to babies on a formula only diet. For example children of about four months old consume 33 percent more formula each day than breastfed babies. This has been well documented by health professionals studying nursing... [Read more...]
Galactosemia and Breastfeeding
Babies suffering from galactosemia are unable to process galactose, one of the simple sugars formed by the digestion of breast milk. Galactosemia is a rare inherited disorder that affects about 1 in 60,000 newborns. Galactosemia and Breastfeeding are an incompatible combination. There may be no initial indication when your child first begins to breastfeed... [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...]
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...]
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...]
Ask Obama to Support Breastfeeding: Sign the Petition
Recognition and support for breastfeeding is often neglected as an important part of mothering. Help us put breastfeeding on the radar for President-elect Barack Obama to ensure it is treated as a high priority health issues and receives the support it deserves. Our economy is in crisis and this nation’s leaders are looking for solutions to help... [Read more...]
How long does it take to nurse?
As a new mother who has decide to breastfeed then it’s very likely that you’ve wondered, how long does it take to nurse? The answer depends on you, your baby and a few other things such as: how developed your milk supply has become how quickly your “let-down” happens, immediately or a few minuted into nursing how fast your milk flows how you... [Read more...]
