What is a Galactagogue?
A galactagogue is anything that excites lactation. In other words anything that simulates an increase in milk production for a nursing mother. For us humans some common galactagogues are: caffeine hops fenugreek fennel seed blessed thistle domperidone alfalfa Read More →
Thawing and Warming Breast Milk
The best way to thaw breast milk is to let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. It will thaw slowly and consistently over about a twelve hour period. If your child has an immediate need then you can also place the frozen milk in a pan of warm water and change the water frequently. If you need to warm your breast milk do so gently. Overheating and... [Read more...]
Thrush, Candida, or Yeast Infections
The common yeast infection that you or your baby may experience is also called thrush or candida. Infants with thrush have white patches inside their mouths or an angry looking rash on their bottoms. As a mother you can experience sharp shooting pain in your breast with sometimes red and tender nipples. You may also see patches of red or white on... [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...]
Public Breastfeeding Tips
The acceptance of public breastfeeding varies based on local customs and established norms, but here are several public breastfeeding tips that should help you adjust to feeding outside of your home. The most important way to be comfortable with public breastfeeding is to be comfortable and relaxed when you feed at home. When you and your child have... [Read more...]
Consequence of Sore Nipple
Early mild nipple discomfort is often present by the second day of nursing and improves once your milk starts to come in abundantly. The discomfort is usually greatest at the beginning of feedings and should seldom last throughout nursing. Sore nipple can be more than a nuisance as this complaint is the major cause of early breastfeeding termination. Nipple... [Read more...]
Can I stay a vegetarian while breastfeeding?
Being a vegetarian will not affect your ability to produce milk. However if you are following a more strict vegan diet as opposed to lacto-vegetarianism or lacto-ovo-vegetarianism, be sure to consult with a nutritionist to make sure that you are consuming a balanced diet for your baby. Vegan should be sure that their diet includes proper amounts of: Vitamin... [Read more...]
How can your family help while you breastfeed?
The family’s role The family plays a major role in the breastfeeding relationship between you and your baby. One of the most precious gifts a family can give is to take care of you and encourage and support a healthy breastfeeding relationship. For example, family members can do the many household tasks that take your energy away from nursing... [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...]
Minor Illness and Infection
Chances are that sometime during the course of breastfeeding you will develop a cold, get the flu, a yeast infection or some other illness. If you are actively breastfeeding then your baby has already been exposed by the time your symptoms show. You should continue to breastfeed for your body produces antibodies to the illness and will pass those... [Read more...]
