Breastfeeding Discreetly
The American Academy of Pediatrics noted that in the United States, “It is a curious commentary on our society that we tolerate all degrees of explicitness in our literature and mass media as regards to sex and violence, but the normal act of breastfeeding is taboo.” Embarrassment or difficulty breastfeeding in public is a reason some mothers... [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...]
Is my Baby Getting Enough Milk?
Although it is difficult to track how much your baby is consuming while at your breast, there is an easy trick to keeping track of how they are feeding. And the trick is keeping watch on what comes out of the other end. Once your milk comes-in your baby should have five or six wet diapers a day. After the black, tarry looking meconium has been cleared... [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...]
Employed and Breastfeeding
There are some particular challenges faced by the mother who returns to work and desires to continue breastfeeding her baby. Fatigue and Discouragement – Fatigue plagues all new parents from time to time and caring for a new infant is hard enough without the added demands of a daily commute, deadlines, and all the other aspects of a job. Don’t... [Read more...]
Are there toxins in breast milk?
Because breast milk comes from your body it is composed from what can be found in your body. Despite any efforts you may find toxins in breast milk. This is not due to any negligence on your part, simply the fact that undesirable components are found everywhere in life, water, air, food, formula, breast milk etc. With healthy eating and informed... [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...]
PKU and Breastfeeding
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic condition that affects 1 in every 16,000 newborns. Babies with PKU are unable to produce an enzyme that allows their body to absorb the amino acid phenylamanine. Should levels of phenylamanie build up in your babies body symptoms from rashes to central nervous system damage may occur. Babies with PKU require frequent... [Read more...]
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 →
Breastfeeding – the first 6 months of life
Breastfeeding – the first 6 months of life Increasing optimal breastfeeding practices could save an estimated 1.5 million infant lives annually. Up to 55 percent of infant deaths from diarrhea disease and acute respiratory infections may result from inappropriate feeding practices. Optimal feeding for sustained child health and growth includes... [Read more...]
