Breastfeeding – Breast is Best

Women have been feeding their children this way from the beginning, and it is of course natures intended food, therefore the best nourishment for your child. The decision to breast-feed is entirely up to you and each woman should make up her own mind, it is an individual choice.

There are a number of reasons why a mother would decide not to breastfeed, including infection e.g. hepatitis or HIV this can be passed onto the baby through the breast milk, or if the mother is on long-term medication for an illness, in this situation it is advised to bottle feed instead. Some mothers can’t produce enough milk and others just do not like the idea at all, either way it’s a personal decision.

In the 40s and 50s it was very unfashionable to breastfeed and mothers were encouraged to bottle-feed. It’s a different story now days with our health conscious society, more and more mothers are deciding that for them and their infant’s breast is best. Breastfeeding benefits not only the child but the mother also.

It is the baby’s natural food and is easily digested limiting stomach problems and wind causing pain and discomfort to the baby. It is also provides antibodies reducing the risks of gastro-intestinal infections, urine infections, chest and ear it infections, breathing difficulties including asthma, diabetes, eczema and childhood obesity.

There are also lots of benefits to the mother for breastfeeding including a close maternal bond between you and your baby, a reduced risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis. Breastfeeding also helps the womb to contract back to its normal size much quicker than if you were not breastfeeding.

You need to keep in mind that when you are breast-feeding it is not safe to take the combined pill but you can take the mini pill for this duration, this of course dispels the myth that you cannot get pregnant during breastfeeding you definitely can. Another positive note is that breastfeeding aids in the loss of the body’s fat stores that were stored in preparation for breastfeeding, this will speed up loosing the pregnancy weight.

Although keep in mind that eating a well balance diet with daily vitamins and minerals is fundamental for producing high quality milk for your baby, this is not the time for any crash diets.

One of the big concerns for mothers when breast feeding is that they are unsure of the amounts of food the baby is consuming, once the baby is breastfeeding well and he or she is having wet and dirty nappies be assured all is well. Your midwife or maybe friends and family can help and advise when you are going through those anxious few weeks of breastfeeding, there are also breast feeding support groups that you can go along to and speak to other mums with the same problems or concerns as you.

Another concern for mothers is breast-feeding in public, most people are okay with breastfeeding in front of friends and family but the thought of breastfeeding in public makes them a little nervous. Do not let this put you off, if you and your baby are comfortable with it that’s all that matters. There is always a discrete table you can sit at in a restaurant and or on the train and there is always the option of planning your outings around feed times to avoid it completely.

When you decide the time is right to wean your baby onto bottles and get some routine back into your life you need to decide if you will be expressing your own milk or using formula.

Expressing is said to be a difficult and tricky task that takes a bit of time and patients, however if you decide to go down this route you can build up a store of breast milk and freeze it in specially adapted freezer bags. Breast milk can last up to six months in the freezer. This way you can be more flexible with your time and your baby gets all the goodness of breast milk.

Although a lot of women actually want their breasts back and to feel it’s their body once again so they go with formula. Bottle feeding using formula is not a bad idea as you can stop worrying about those embarrassing wet patches and get back into your pretty smaller size bras again.

Not all women want to or can breast feed but I think you should give it a go. It is a wonderful bonding experience for both mother and child providing a lot of health benefits, its extremely rewarding all round. 


About the Author

Declan Tobin is a successful freelance writer providing advice for parents and consumers on purchasing a variety of baby products which includes baby crib bedding, strollers, and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information. http://www.no1-in-babies.com.

What Foods Should I Avoid While Breastfeeding?

Women in our culture are sometimes advised to avoid spicy or "gassy" foods when nursing. Or they are told that chocolate, citrus, carbonated beverages or dairy causes problems in all nursing babies.

As a breastfeeding educator, I often see women warning other Moms that they need to avoid certain foods while breastfeeding. There are also websites that give unproven breastfeeding advice that claim that women must eat a certain kind of diet in order to make quality milk for her baby. So what is the truth?

Does a nursing Mom need to restrict her diet? Are there foods that a Mom should avoid while breastfeeding?

Generally speaking, a nursing Mom does NOT need to restrict her diet.

Obviously, drinking heavily or excessive caffeine consumption (meaning several cups of coffee a day) is a no-no, but other than that, there is no reason for a breastfeeding Mother to assume that she needs to avoid any foods.

So called "gassy" foods do not affect the nursing infant because the undigested carbs that cause gas in Mom do not pass into breastmilk. It is literally impossible for "gassy" foods to cause gas in babies except in the rare case of an infant being allergic to one of these foods.

Interestingly, according to the La Leche League (considered the world’s foremost authority on breastfeeding) website, "In Italy, mothers are often told not to eat garlic, cauliflower, lentils, and red peppers. In India most mothers eat all these things and breastfeed very happily. Actually, in parts of India they believe that garlic helps a mother to breastfeed successfully!"

There are even a couple of studies that showed that babies nursed longer and with more vigor when their Moms ate garlic.

The advice given to a nursing Mom varies according to local culture and the popular "old wive’s tales". Women all over the world eating a wide variety of foods produce good quality milk and have thriving babies. There is not a shred of evidence that supports the idea that eating a special diet helps make breastmilk "richer".

Consequently, there is no one food that all breastfeeding Moms should avoid. Breastfeeding women should eat a variety of healthy foods, just as they did while they were pregnant.

The only exception would be if your baby has food allergies/sensitivies, which is rare but not unheard of. If your family has a strong history of allergy to a specific food (such as peanuts), you might consider avoiding that food while nursing and during pregnancy.

Enjoy nursing your baby!

About the Author

Carrie Lauth publishes a free newsletter for Moms who do things the natural way. Get your copy plus free subscriber goodies at http://www.natural-moms.com

When Your Nipples Need Band-Aids – A Breastfeeding Problem

In the olden days, mothers were told to toughen their nipples to avoid pain when the baby started breastfeeding. Rubbing with a wash cloth, pumping and even alcohol was once used to toughen the nipples.

The number one reason why a woman has sore nipples is poor positioning and latching, not the lack of preparation. Possibly, the baby is not turned toward the mother or the baby’s mouth is not over the nipple but on the tip of it. Some babies go on to the breast with a wide mouth. But, throughout the feed, slides slowly down to the nipple.

Another reason for sore nipples may be the mom is feeling exhausted and doesn’t think she can deal with one more thing, including sore nipples. Pain with latch is not normal and needs to be addressed. The sooner the mother fixes the problem, the sooner she will have pain-free breastfeeding.

PREVENTING SORE NIPPLES:

• Whatever position the mom wants to try, the baby’s body needs to be turned in facing mom. Make sure the baby’s bottom is also tucked in close.

• You want to have a breastfeeding pillow or many pillows to bring baby’s nose level to the nipple. The baby can not latch properly if the baby is sliding down.

• When an infant is skin to skin its mother, the baby knows what to do instinctively. Not only will the baby wake up faster, she will breastfeed more efficiently. If the infant is fussy with her arms flailing, wrap the baby snuggly to help soothe.

• Wait for the baby to open her mouth. You want the mouth to be wide as if the baby is going to be eating a big double-double cheese burger. If the baby only wants to open as wide as if eating a small hamburger, you need to wait. Keep the infant up close to the nipple and with one hand hold the baby’s head and with the other hand hold your breast and tease the baby with your nipple. Move the nipple from the baby’s nose to chin in a straight line. If the baby opens wide like that double-double cheese burger, ram him onto the breast quickly. If he does not, then you are to repeat this until he does.

• Make sure that you are holding your breast properly. Hold your breast in the C hold. Bring your four fingers completely underneath your breast and lift up. With your thumb you lay it at the top line of your areola. You do not want to have your fingers near the nipple. Your fingers will look like you are holding that double-double cheese burger.

• Sometimes women may feel discomfort during the first 10 seconds of a feed. This may be normal. However, if pain continues throughout the feed and/or the nipple looks like a ski slope after the feed then the latch and positioning need evaluating. Go back and follow the directions listed above.

HEALING YOUR NIPPLES:

• With improved latch

• Moist healing is preferred.

• Express your colostrum for its antibiotic factors.

• Nipple ointments for example, Lansinoh or Purelan

• Soothies or other gel pads that go over the nipple

• Alternate between ointments and gel pads for soothing relief

• Air Dry

Have patience during this time. If you need more support, seek out your nurse, a Doula, Le Leche League, or an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.

About the Author

Julie L. Johnson is a wife and mother of three who has experienced every pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and breastfeeding situation there is and has lived to tell about. She is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Certified Doula and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant practicing in Southern California. Her website http://www.birth-angel.com provides services and products to help ease the transition into motherhood.

Breastfeeding on Demand

Being a breastfeeding mother, nursing your baby does not have to be time consuming. You do not have to continuously watch the clock. Let your baby cue you when it is time to eat.

It really gets under my skin when I hear a breastfeeding mother say "Well my doctor said to only feed the baby every 3 hours." This is nothing but nonsense. If my baby was ready to eat after an hour, then we nursed. All babies are different and should not be made to go by a schedule to eat. How would you feel if you were only allowed to eat every 3 to 4 hours with no snacks? No adult would be happy to live by that schedule.

Also let the baby feed as long as he/she wants. Babies will let you know when they are full by quit sucking, pulling away from breast, and etc. I was told to feed 20 minutes on one side then offer the other breast. Both of my babies preferred to just nurse on one breast each feeding. Each one nursed however long; either 5 minutes or all way to 1 hour. I left the amount of feeding time totally up to them.

The main point I am trying to make is let your baby guide the way. Do not give in to people trying to persuade you to stick to a schedule. Follow the baby’s cues and actions throughout the day. Believe me it will be less stressful and much more happiness will cross your baby’s and your own face.

Both of my girls were nursed on demand. There would have been no other way I would have nursed them. They are both healthy and vibrant girls and I love that I was a part of them being healthy. They truly are the light of my life and I am proud to be a breastfeeding mother. Just remember to follow your baby’s actions and everyone will be happy.

About the Author

Jennifer Houck is the owner of http://www.attachmentmoms.com, the Attachment Parenting resource for a wonderful parenting style. Visit today to find out more about nursing on demand and other attachment topics.

Breast feeding Guide

The onset of motherhood has a lot of mixed emotions and feelings for a lady. The connection of the child and the mother is the most beautiful relation that is shared by the mother and child. Breast feeding is one of the healthiest ways to feed the baby.  Breast milk is the apt food for the baby. At such a tender level, mother’s milk provides the necessary nutrients for the baby. Feeding your baby immediately after birth is recommended. Attention and care must be given to the baby and at the same time to the mother.

Here are some tips that the mothers must remember to make the breast feeding right:

1) For the first time mothers, consulting a lactation expert is necessary. Breast feeding the baby before the first discharge is usually recommended by the experts. The baby must be fed at regular intervals i.e every three or four hours.
2) The size of the breast does not really matter with the milk quotient. As the mother nurses her child the milk is gradually produced in the breast. Breast milk provides the baby with the necessary water and nutrients. Thus, during the early months the baby does not need any extra food than the mother’s milk.
3) Selecting the right position to breast feed the new born is imperative. Using pillows or comfortable seats wherein the mother can feed the baby in comfort too is helpful. 
4) The mother must take care of her individual health during the breastfeeding process too. The pain in the breast or the nipple pain can be over looked for the first 3-4 days. But if the problem persists consulting an expert would be helpful.
5) Breast feeding acts in the favor of the women as it in turn reduces the chances of suffering from ovarian cancer or the uterine cancer.
6) The environment too counts when the mother is breast feeding her baby. Usually a dark and quiet place can help the baby intake more milk.

Important points to remember:

One may notice that one of the breasts may produce a more quantity of milk than the other one, but again this should not be a reason to worry. To start off with, the feeding should be started with the breast which is comparatively smaller than the other one.  The ladies in the breast feeding phase must have a very healthy and nutritional diet so as to keep the child and the mother fit. Fresh fruits and unprocessed food can act like an energizer for the mothers and in turn for the baby. The lips and the tongue of the baby must be positioned that cups the mother’s breast. Pregnancy can make a lady gain a lot of weight, but the same way, breast feeding helps in losing the extra fat gained during this period. One must keep in mind that any kind of birth control pills can actually freeze the quantity of milk. Most of the hospitals of the world provide special breast feeding classes in which the ladies are taught to take proper care and nurture the child in the best possible way.

Get started on Breastfeeding your baby

Mothers who decide to breastfeed their baby are sure to give their baby the best start in life. However, it can be difficult for first time mothers to breastfeed their baby, as it will be something new for you and also for your baby. It is during the first few weeks after child birth that you and your baby will learn to be together and learn to be a nursing couple. This article discusses some of the problems which mothers face when they decide to breastfeed their baby, and gives tips on getting started on breastfeeding your baby.

Breastfeeding should be as trouble free for mothers as it can get. When you decide to breastfeed your baby, you should make sure that you keep the baby exclusively on breastfeeding during the first 4 to 6 months after birth. By breastfeeding your baby right after birth, your breasts are able to produce more milk to meet the baby’s daily needs. However, if you start using pacifiers or nipples, that can disrupt the babys natural need for milk and breast feeding. It can also alter the way the baby sucks the nipple or pacifier, making breastfeeding a problem for you. So, no matter what other people say, you should make sure that you breastfeed your baby without using bottles or formula milk unless advised by the doctor. As your baby grows old, you may want to use Pump Style Advanced breast pumps by Medela Style to feed your milk to the baby, especially if you are a working mom.

When should you start breastfeeding your baby?

Mothers can start breastfeeding the baby right after birth. Newly born babies normally require being breast fed every 1 to 3 hours in the beginning, which changes to every 2 to 4 hours after a few days. New born babies will breastfeed for about 15 to 20 minutes in the first 24 to 48 hours after birth. This pattern changes to breastfeeding for 20 minutes on each breast after a few days. By breastfeeding for 20 minutes on each breast after every 2 to 3 hours allows your body to make as much milk as your baby needs. Your baby will feel filled and content after each feeding, and will be able to sleep peacefully between feedings. Feeding your baby regularly during the day also ensures that your baby will require less feeds during the night.

When will my milk come in?

Mothers breasts start producing colostrum in the last few weeks of pregnancy. It is also called pre-milk and is of a thick yellow color which is different from natural milk. Colostrum contains antibodies which are needed by the baby during the first weeks after birth for protection against illnesses. In 3 to 4 days after nursing, your breasts should start feeling more firm as the milk changes from colostrum to mature milk. The amount of milk produced by the body increases according to the baby’s response with time.

How to start breastfeeding

One of the most difficult things for new moms is to start breastfeeding their baby. If you do not feed your baby properly, chances are that the baby can be left feeling hungry, or if your positioning is incorrect while feeding, you may feel pain in the back, or experience nipple pain if the baby does not get enough milk. Therefore you have to make sure that you and the baby are both comfortable when you start nursing.

You should start by washing your hands and sitting in a comfortable position. You may want to use a pillow to allow the baby to reach your breast. Make sure that the baby is in a position to reach the breast rather than you taking the nipple to the baby. Do not lean over the baby as it can make the baby choke. Mothers can start by gently massaging the breasts before breastfeeding.

Use one arm to hold the baby with the babys head in your hand, and your arm under the babys shoulder and back. This will allow you to control your baby’s head and neck, allowing you to lift the baby to your breast. With the other hand, support your breast, keeping your fingers and thumbs in a “C” behind the areola, the dark area around the nipple. To start breastfeeding, you may want to tickle the babys lips with your nipple and wait for the baby’s mouth to open, before you bring the baby to your breast. Make sure you support the babys head at all times, and allow the baby to take as much of the areola in its mouth as possible.

Babies need to be fed 8 to 10 times in a 24 hours period in the first 3 months after child birth. You should remember that breast feeding is very important in the early days of life for your baby. As your baby grows older, breastfeeding becomes easier for both you and the baby. Breastmilk is digested easily by babies as compared to formula milk, which means you can give your baby a next feed if you feel the baby is feeling hungry. You do not necessarily need to wait for a “scheduled session” to feed your baby, as mothers using formula milk often have to do.