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...]
Breastfeeding Discreetly
The American Academy of Pediatrics noted that in the United States, “It is a curious commentary on our society that we tolerate all degrees of explicitness in our literature and mass media as regards to sex and violence, but the normal act of breastfeeding is taboo.” Embarrassment or difficulty breastfeeding in public is a reason some mothers... [Read more...]
Allergies and the Breastfed Baby
While human breast milk does not typically cause reactions in breastfeeding infants some mothers express concern that their child may react to something passed into their breast milk. Only 2-3 babies who are exclusively breastfed demonstrate an allergic reaction and that is usually traced back to cow’s milk in the mother’s diet. If cow’s... [Read more...]
Waking your Sleepy Baby
It may seem a little counter intuitive to wake your baby, but in the first few weeks your baby does not yet know to eat when they are hungry. Frequent feedings also help you establish your milk supply and avoid or reduce the discomfort of engorgement. So here are some tips and tricks to gently wake your baby and get them feeding: Change their diaper Wipe... [Read more...]
Breast Milk Storage – Glass vs Plastic
When freezing breast milk it is best to do so in amounts of two to four ounces. It will thaw more quickly and you will not waste as much if your baby decides not to be hungry. Plastic – If you are freezing breastmilk in plastic bottles or liner bags leave about an inch at the top for the milk will expand as it freezes. Be sure to label... [Read more...]
What are the drawbacks of bottlefeeding?
When deciding if breastfeeding is the choice for you, consider some of the drawbacks to bottle feeding: Organization and preparation. When planning to feed formula to your newborn enough formula must be on hand at all times and bottles must be prepared. Bottles and nipples need an initial sterilization and a good washing after every use. Bottles and... [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...]
How often should I burp my baby during breastfeeding?
Let your baby breastfeed at one breast then switch to the other side. Try burping your baby when switching breasts and at the end of the feed. Often, the movement alone can be enough to cause a baby to burp. However, because some lactation consultants are now recommending just nursing on one breast during each feeding (see the question above), if your... [Read more...]
The Flipple
This technique for getting your nipple into your baby’s mouth is called The Flipple. It is based on rolling the underside of your breast, but with a twist. As your baby opens its mouth wide press on your breast just above your your nipple with a finger running parallel to your baby’s upper lip. This will point your nipple up and away... [Read more...]
How to stop breastfeeding?
When you have made the decision to stop breastfeeding, understanding will help you establish a firm plan and make the weaning process much easier for you and your baby. Some mothers decide to wean their baby when their child begins teething, other mothers wait for the baby to begin showing disinterest, and some mothers feel they cannot supply... [Read more...]
