Breastfeeding while Pregnant
Pregnancy and lactation are quite compatible and continued breastfeeding helps the older child feel secure during a time of change. During your pregnancy you and your toddler will have to accommodate some changes. Beginning about the fourth month of pregnancy your breast milk may decrease in volume and begin to change to colostrum. Your toddler may... [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...]
Breastfeeding Weaning Best Practices
Improved weaning practices Complementary foods should normally be started when a child is 6 months old. These may be started any time after 6 months of age, however, if the child is not growing satisfactorily. Good weaning practices involve selecting nutritious foods and using hygienic practices when preparing them. The choice of complementary foods... [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...]
One Breast or Two?
One of the most common questions new mothers ask is whether they should give both breasts at each feeding or just one. Ideally your baby will make this decision. When a baby is healthy and breastfeeding normally they are capable of determining when it is time to switch breasts. Babies need a good mixture of foremilk (lower fat) and hind-milk (higher... [Read more...]
The First Feeding
It is one of the most emotionally charged moments you will have as a new mother when you and your newborn have the first feeding. Breastfeeding is a continuation of that intimate relationship you shared with your child when they were in your womb. If your birth was straightforward and little or no drugs were administered then you will most likely... [Read more...]
How long should I breastfeed?
The American Association of Pediatrics suggests breastfeeding your baby for the first six months after birth and encourages mothers to breastfeed at least a full year after their child is born. Your body will continue to produce milk at a level matching your child’s consumption as long as you the mother remain healthy and in physically good... [Read more...]
Leaking Nipples
One of the more common concerns of breastfeeding mothers is a worry about leaking nipples. Although a few women never experience leaking nipples most women will have it happen to them one, twice, or even more during the time they are breastfeeding. Leaking usually occurs during the first few weeks of breastfeeding while your body is adjusting to the... [Read more...]
What should a breastfed newborn’s diapers look like?
Your newborn’s diapers are a good indicator of whether or not your baby is getting what they need from being breastfed. A newborns’ stools are initially thick and tar-like and will become more of a greenish-yellow color as they consume more of your milk, about 3 or 4 days after birth. Generally, the more your newborn nurses, the more dirty... [Read more...]
