I sat in my bedroom cradling my four-day-old baby. She screamed and cried and rooted and tried to suck her hands. I was crying, too. This was my first breastfed baby and my nipples were in so much pain I couldn't bear to latch her again. The lactation consultant had reassured me I was latching her correctly, so I couldn't understand why I was in so much pain. Through tears I called her again, and got some great advice that allowed me to continue breastfeeding. I ended up with a prescription cream and I pumped for a day or two until I could handle latching her on to my breast again. Since that time, I have breastfed three other children. … [Read more...]
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Disclaimer: The information in this post is for educational purposes only. I am not a doctor. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. None of the opinions are meant to diagnose or treat any disease or illness. You should always consult your healthcare provider.
Overactive Letdown: 6 Strategies to Help
In the first few weeks after my son was born (and after I dealt with engorgement from my milk coming in) I started noticing that my baby was coughing and choking every time he started to nurse, and he would frequently unlatch and fuss before resuming nursing. For a while I didn't know what the problem was, but after doing a little reading I realized we were dealing with overactive letdown. It took some time, and trial-and-error, but the two of us together have learned how to manage it and he nurses just fine now. If you've noticed that your baby gets frustrated when he or she starts to nurse, if they unlatch and your milk comes … [Read more...]
Why Use Infant Formula – When Breastfeeding No Longer Works
My first child was formula fed. I remember feeling so down on myself because I was not breastfeeding him. I vowed to myself to make breastfeeding work with my next baby, and I did it. I nursed her for two years. She only had a very small amount of formula during her first week when I was in so much pain I could not nurse her. My third child? He never had a single drop of formula. I thought I was some sort of breastfeeding rock star. Then, my fourth baby was born. Breastfeeding went wonderfully with him, too, until I got pregnant again only five months postpartum. If you're wondering to yourself, "Why use infant formula?" I have a few … [Read more...]
Signs of Weaning: How to Know It’s Coming
How will you know if your baby is truly weaning, or if it's a simple (yet incredibly frustrating!) nursing strike? There are several signs of weaning which can help you know the difference. Signs of Weaning Weaning happens over the course of months. Weaning from the breast is a very gradual process of a baby slowly cutting back on the number of nursing sessions and duration of each session. If the baby is suddenly refusing the breast, this could be for any number of reasons, including teething, illness, pain, or emotional stress. This is known as a nursing strike, and usually continues for several days, but does not indicate weaning. … [Read more...]
4 Breastfeeding Positions for New Moms
One of the biggest things most new moms get to learn is how to breastfeed. It looks easy and natural--and it is natural, and easy once you get the hang of it! But there is a learning curve, and it takes some moms and babies longer to learn than others. One important thing to know is that there are multiple breastfeeding positions that can be used, and each has its own benefits. 4 Breastfeeding Positions for New Moms The Football Hold This is probably one of the first breastfeeding positions your nurses or lactation consultants will teach you, because it enables mama to clearly see what's going on, and it is also particularly helpful if … [Read more...]
What Exactly is “Breastsleeping?”
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There is no such thing as infant sleep, there is no such thing as breastfeeding, there is only breastsleeping. Have you ever hesitated to answer for a moment when asked whether baby is sleeping through the night? Or whether you co-sleep or use a crib? Do you worry that you'll have to explain or justify your nighttime parenting style? It's no secret that bed sharing (also called co-sleeping) is a controversial topic. Sleep decisions are often made stressful by the official recommendations of organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics which forbid any kind of same-surface sleep with infants, and the contradictory cultural customs … [Read more...]
Tips for Breastfeeding an Adopted Baby
I remember when my dear friend Shelby was expecting her first adopted baby. She had breastfed her other children and wanted to nurse this baby too, for both health and bonding. Among her many questions as she walked through the nursing journey was, "Can I breastfeed my adopted baby?" She wanted to do everything she could to prepare for this new little one. Because so many moms not only don't have adequate resources and many don't even realize it's possible, I wanted to share tips for breastfeeding an adopted baby. Tips for Breastfeeding an Adopted Baby Breastfeeding an adopted baby IS possible, and it has beautiful and powerful benefits! … [Read more...]
5 Tips for Breastfeeding After a C-Section
Breastfeeding after a c-section can present many challenges. Particularly if you were not planning to deliver by c-section, plans may not have been in place as to how to implement nursing under these changed circumstances. With a little help and the right support, you'll be off to a great start for breastfeeding after a c-section! Breastfeeding After a C-Section: 5 Tips 1. Arrange for skin-to-skin as soon as possible. This is an important subject to broach with your obstetrician or midwife during the course of your pregnancy, since even women who are planning for vaginal deliveries can wind up delivering via cesarean. Many hospitals … [Read more...]
What You Should Know Before Giving Up Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is no simple task. As an onlooker and a non-parent it may come off that way, but trust me when I say that even as a huge breastfeeding advocate I've had those moments when giving up breastfeeding seemed like a completely viable option. There are many factors to consider when making the decision for your family. The benefits of breastfeeding should not be ignored in moments of frustration, exhaustion, or weakness. Here are some facts to keep you going. Breastfeeding saves you money. The cost of formula for the first year is around $1,700 depending on the brand you use. This cost will vary depending on how long you … [Read more...]
6 Tips for the First Month of Breastfeeding That You May Never Have Heard
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I have been breastfeeding for a very long time. 59 months and counting to be exact. That's almost five years. I'll be honest. I had gotten a little cocky about my breastfeeding knowledge. And then I had my fourth baby. Penelope has been nursing pretty well from the get go, but we've certainly had our hiccups in the first month of breastfeeding. I am so thankful for the lactation consultant that came to reassure me in the hospital this time! 6 Tips for the First Month of Breastfeeding That You May Never Have Heard Whenever possible, be skin to skin with your baby right after birth for at least the first hour. Put her on your chest … [Read more...]
