Counterproductive Breastfeeding Strategies
Some strategies and suggestions you may encounter while breastfeeding may not actually help at all and overall may exasperate the very problem they seek to resolve. Letting your breasts refill before feeding - first your breasts create milk on demand and are always ready to provide your child with nourishment. Second as your breasts reach storage... [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...]
Nursing your Toddler
The benefits of breastfeeding your toddler are no different than they are for younger children. Some of the reasons mothers decide to continue breastfeeding their toddlers are: Breast milk continues to be a wonderful source of nutrition regardless of anything else your child eats Antibodies in your milk continue to protect your toddler, even if nursing... [Read more...]
What is in Breastmilk?
Breast milk contains everything that the growing body of your baby needs. But what exactly are you giving your baby? Breast milk is a living substance, similar in concept to blood, in that it changes based on the needs of your child and the environment that you experience. For example it has been discovered that mothers of prematurely born babies produce... [Read more...]
Can I breastfeed if I adopt?
Yes you can! But to breastfeed when you adopt is more of challenge for you as a new mother as your breasts will take some time to get their milk production going. The process is not easy, but can be done, and has been done by many women. In comparison to natural mothers, adoptive mothers usually may not produce enough milk to fully feed a young infant.... [Read more...]
How do I burp my baby?
As your crash course into parenting continues and the first feeding are going well you are probable starting to ask yourself, how do I burp my baby? Not to worry for a few simple steps will get you moving in the right direction. Step 1 Use a clean soft towel, a clean cloth diaper or other soft blanket and place it where your baby’s head will rest,... [Read more...]
Second latch
Again, just like in ‘First Latch’ this video is showing excellent practice in lactation support. Mother and baby are both comfortable, Dr Jack Newman is quiet and respectful of them both. No coercion is happening at all, and most importantly, no hands are on the back of baby’s head, trying to force matters. Notice that when the mother... [Read more...]
What is latching?
Latch or latching is the term used to describe when your baby is correctly attached to your nipple correctly and is ready to nurse. To tell if your baby has latched on correctly, look for alignment of your baby and their position at the breast Listen for your baby’s swallowing You may feel uterine cramps, feel drowsy, and tugging/pulling on the... [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...]
Twelve fabulous foods to eat while breastfeeding
While you breastfeed it is important that you keep up your nutrition. While part of that plan can be supplements take a look at these twelve fabulous foods and all they offer to help keep you healthy while you breastfeed. Avocado – thiamin, niacin, folic acid, fiber, protein, riboflavin, vitamin B6, zinc Chickpeas (especially as hummus) –... [Read more...]
