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...]
How will my breasts change during pregnancy?
The first changes you may notice in your breasts is a feeling of fullness early on in your pregnancy and can occur as early as your first missed period. One of the most noticeable early changes in your breasts during pregnancy is that the little bumps around your areole, the Montgomery’s tubercles, become more raised and pronounced. They... [Read more...]
What foods might make my baby fussy?
While food sensitivities vary tremendously from baby to bay the following list are the most common foods with reputations for bothering babies: Raw Broccoli Brussels Sprouts Raw Cabbage Cauliflower Citrus fruits in excess Corn Dairy products Egg whites Hot peppers Iron Supplements Prescription and over the counter medication Onions Peanuts and peanut... [Read more...]
Alternative feeding methods
Situations may arise that require you to use an alternative feeding method for a short time to help build your milk supply. With the goal of exclusively breastfeeding you should practice any of the following methods only under the guidance of your doctor or lactation consultant. These methods should only be used on a temporary basis to correct breastfeeding... [Read more...]
How often should I breastfeed my baby?
Before your milk supply is established, breastfeeding should be “on demand” (or as often as when your baby is hungry), which is generally every 1½ to 3 hours. As newborns get older, they’ll need to nurse less frequently, and may develop a more reliable schedule. Some may feed every hour and a half, whereas others may go 2 or 3... [Read more...]
Breastfeeding while lying down
If you find yourself feeling tired then breastfeeding while lying down is a great technique to master. It not only will help your baby drift off to sleep, but it places you in a safe place to get a little extra rest as well. Make yourself comfortable by lying on your side with a pillow under your lower back. It may be helpful to try out this position... [Read more...]
Mastitis
Lactational mastitis is a breast infection in a breastfeeding woman. The symptoms are localized pain, swelling and redness, usually in only one breast. Often, women will get flu like symptoms and a high fever and chills. The difference between engorgement and mastitis is that engorgement usually involves both side and the whole breast, while mastitis... [Read more...]
How will it feel to stop breastfeeding?
Many women say they experience a mix of emotions when they finish breastfeeding their child. How will it feel to stop breastfeeding is usually described as a combination of relief to have this intensive part of their child’s life past and sometimes a little tinge of regret as this is really the first time your child is able to demonstrate a form... [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...]
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...]
