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...]
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...]
Increasing milk supply
Breastmilk production is on a supply and demand basis. The more often and more effectively your baby nurses, the more milk you will produce. This sounds simple in theory, I know. Figuring out how to increase milk supply, when you feel like your baby is not getting enough to eat seems much more daunting. Here are a few ideas that may help. If your milk... [Read more...]
Truth behind a few Breastfeeding Myths
There are a few myths that every new mother confronts as they decide whether or not to breastfeed. Breastfeeding Myth #1 – Will you make enough milk? – Most certainly. According to the World Health Organization over 97% of all women are able to produce a sufficient milk supply for their child without any other help. In the first days after... [Read more...]
Excellent feeding
How much milk is your child consuming is a question that concerns every mother regardless of experience. This video (the first in a set of four) show an excellent feeding. Watch the jaw and cheek muscles on this child as large amounts of milk are being extracted from the mother’s breasts. This child will likely feed for only a few minutes before... [Read more...]
Tandem Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding more than one child at a time can be quite a challenge. On one hand it is a great way to keep older child connected with their mother and also introduce them to the concept of sharing. Tandem does not necessarily mean simultaneously nursing more than one child. Usually it refers to nursing the new born baby first and then the older... [Read more...]
Breastfeeding Benefits to the Mother
We always hear about the benefits of breastfeeding for the child, and the benefits on the mother/child relationship. There are also substantial benefits to the mother, independently. Breastfeeding stimulates a woman’s body to release the hormone oxytocin. This becomes important in a couple of ways in the days immediately after the birth of the baby.... [Read more...]
What is Amenorrhea?
After your child is born and while you are breastfeeding you may experience a time with no menses or amenorrhea. Many women do not have a period for the first six months of breastfeeding. As long as you are exclusively breastfeeding, lactational amenorrhea, you are less likely to become pregnant. Although not a completely effective form of birth control... [Read more...]
Sore Nipples
Sore nipples are a common and frustrating difficulty of breastfeeding. The most likely cause of sore nipples is mechanical- how the baby latches on or how the baby sucks. Make certain that when the baby is going to latch on, she opens her mouth wide first. If she fails to do this, she might latch by essentially chewing her way onto your nipple, which... [Read more...]
What is BBTD?
BBTD is commonly referred to as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. It is most commonly found in children who are bottle fed or are in the transition period when your child is being weaned. BBTD is indicated by some of the following signs: Decay in two or more of the top front teeth, bottom front teeth are generally not affected Possible decay in other primary... [Read more...]
