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...]
Nipple Confusion
When your baby does not know how to suckle the breast properly due to use of a pacifier or bottle it is called nipple confusion. To avoid nipple confusion simply try to stay away from giving your baby pacifiers or bottles for the first six weeks of life. Nipple confusion impairs breast feeding success by compromising your milk production. Your infant’s... [Read more...]
Breastfeeding toddlers
Babies breastfeed, and if they are very lucky, in the West, they are allowed to follow their biological norm and breastfeed into toddler-hood. There is no ‘natural’ time to fully wean an infant, and thus refuse it your breast. All infants give up breastfeeding themselves, when they have finished with it, and move on. This usually occurs... [Read more...]
As a teen mother will I get enough nutrition to breastfeed?
The general rule is that if your body can make a baby then your body can produce milk. Due to the fact that as a teenager you are still growing pay very close attention to your nutrition. Not only are you feeding a growing baby, you are still growing yourself. Keep in mind that your baby needs a healthy well fed mother. Do your best to avoid... [Read more...]
What are the different types of Breast Milk?
There are several different types of breast milk: Colostrum Mature Milk Foremilk Hind-milk Colostrum Colostrum is the initial milk made shortly after your child is born and is initially present in small amounts for the first three days to match the small size of your baby’s stomach Ideally you should begin breastfeeding as soon as possible... [Read more...]
What is Normal Weight Gain?
No matter what else is going on while you are breastfeeding (feeding pattern change, sleep patterns change, milk supply changes) if you are exclusively breastfeeding and your baby is consistently gaining weight, then you can relax with the knowledge that you are doing well. Your baby will gain weight at differing rates based on their age Birth to four... [Read more...]
Breastfed Newborn Weight Gain
When comparing your breastfed newborn weight gain against that of formula fed children you may feel that your young one is not growing fast enough. Not to worry. Breastfed babies may not gain weight as quickly in the first few days when compared to formula fed infants but this disparity rapidly disappears. While formula and breast milk generally... [Read more...]
Nipple Preparation during Pregnancy
You may have heard it said that during your pregnancy you need to prepare your nipples for breastfeeding. Some of the suggestions you may get are to rub your nipples with a towel or to continually try to express milk before your child is even born. Recent studies have shown that the body will prepare your nipples for breastfeeding and there is little... [Read more...]
Breastfeeding after a Cesarean Section
There is no reason to think that you will have problems breastfeeding after a cesarean section. While you and your baby may feel the after effects of the drugs administered during the procedure these feelings will soon pass. You may find that your milk does not come in right away but be patient for as soon as the medication leaves your system your... [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...]
