Breastfeeding Matters!
Having a baby is one of the most beautiful things in the world. As soon as your baby enters the world you want what is best, this starts with breastfeeding.
There are two aspects why breastfeeding is important for the mother as well as for the child. One is the nutritional aspect while the other is the psychological aspect. While the nutritional aspect is no doubt very important, that which some think can be substituted, the psychological bonding which develops between the child and the mother is unparalleled and does not have any alternative.
Some would say that breastfeeding comes natural to all mothers, if you have ever breastfed you know this is NOT true. Some new mothers seem to have no problems with breastfeeding both baby and mom know exactly what to do. This isn't always the case, breastfeeding is a learning experience for both baby and mom. This experience is not always a pleasant one. Breastfeeding help is offered all over the place from hospitals to the internet but something that works for one mother might not work for another.
Having the right knowledge and support can help make breastfeeding go a little smoother, and smoother is what you want when you have a new little baby in your arms.
Helping you breastfeed baby is my goal, I hope that you find the information below helpful.
Here's to your breastfeeding success!
There are two aspects why breastfeeding is important for the mother as well as for the child. One is the nutritional aspect while the other is the psychological aspect. While the nutritional aspect is no doubt very important, that which some think can be substituted, the psychological bonding which develops between the child and the mother is unparalleled and does not have any alternative.
Some would say that breastfeeding comes natural to all mothers, if you have ever breastfed you know this is NOT true. Some new mothers seem to have no problems with breastfeeding both baby and mom know exactly what to do. This isn't always the case, breastfeeding is a learning experience for both baby and mom. This experience is not always a pleasant one. Breastfeeding help is offered all over the place from hospitals to the internet but something that works for one mother might not work for another.
Having the right knowledge and support can help make breastfeeding go a little smoother, and smoother is what you want when you have a new little baby in your arms.
Helping you breastfeed baby is my goal, I hope that you find the information below helpful.
Here's to your breastfeeding success!
Breast Changes
Your Changing Body | Breast Milk Production
During your pregnancy the first thing you might start to notice is breast changes. Your body is starting to prepare for breast milk production. This is a very special blend of nutrients to meet your baby's needs. Colostrum (early breast milk) is the perfect starter food for your baby. This yellowish, creamy substance is found in the breasts during pregnancy and for a few days after delivery. Your colostrum provides all the nutrition your baby will need right after birth. It also provides important protection against bacteria and viruses. Colostrum acts as natural laxative (something that makes it easier to have bowel movements) to help clear the meconium (the dark sticky stool that is made while the baby is in the uterus) from your baby's intestines.The amount of breast milk you make will increase over the first few days after birth. Breast milk is the perfect balance of water and nutrients containing fats, sugars, proteins, minerals, vitamins, antibodies and enzymes. It is also designed to promote brain and body growth. As your baby grows older, your milk changes to meet your baby's nutritional needs.
The before you start to breastfeed is it important to understand how your breast milk is made. A behind the scene look.
The skin on the breast becomes more elastic and the nipple and areola may become darker in color. Tiny raised bumps known as Montgomery glands on the areola secrete oil that cleanses and lubricates the nipple, keeping it soft and pliable. It also has a scent that the baby uses to locate the breast. You cannot smell it but your baby will be able to, especially right after the birth. Do NOT remove this oil with soaps or other drying agents such as alcohol or witch hazel. If your nipple tissue becomes dry or crusty from leaking colostrum, cleanse gently with clear warm water and apply a small dab of Lansinoh ointment after showering. "Toughening" of the nipples before birth is no longer recommended as it will further damage your tissue toward breakdown.
You should notice an increase in your breast size during your pregnancy. Swelling and tenderness are indications that the breast is changing appropriately. The amount of breast change will vary between women. Breast size does not indicate success or failure in breastfeeding. It is the development of the glandular tissue (shown above) throughout pregnancy that leads to milk production. If there is very little or no breast change, it is important to discuss it with your lactation consultant or health care provider knowledgeable about breastfeeding.
Your breasts already are producing colostrum during the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. Some women may even experience slight leaking from the nipples toward the end of their pregnancy.
Colostrum is the first type of milk that your baby will receive after birth until it changes into mature milk by the 3rd to the 5th day after birth. The illustration above shows the alveoli, the grape-like cells that make, store and secret milk. Each one connects to small ducts which branch out from the nipple. Your nipple has many openings that release milk as the baby suckles the areola (the darkened target around the nipple) after latch-on. The baby's jaws compress the areola, the tongue moves in a wave-like motion front to back, creating a vacuum to release the milk.
Breastfeeding Help Books
Knowledge is power!
Preparing yourself for your new arrival is the best thing you can do. Having a baby is a HUGE change, getting all the information you can will help make that wonderful change go a little smoother.
Preparing yourself for your new arrival is the best thing you can do. Having a baby is a HUGE change, getting all the information you can will help make that wonderful change go a little smoother.
Helpful Breastfeeding DVD's
Breastfeeding Positions
Comfort Is Key!
Before you start breastfeeding it is important for you, the mother, to be comfortable. Have a glass of water near by in case you get thirsty, have extra burp cloth or blanket for an spit up.
Sit somewhere you find relaxing. A rocking chair is very soothing for both baby and mom. Being relaxed is VERY important, your baby can sense when you tense up or get frustrated.
Decide which breastfeeding positions you find comfortable to feed your baby. There are four positions that most women use when breastfeeding.
The Cradle Hold:
This is the first hold many mothers will try, soon after their babies are born. To start, cradle your baby's head in the crook of your arm with your baby's nose opposite your nipple. Use that hand to support your baby's bottom. Turn your baby on their side, so that your baby is belly to belly to you. Raise your baby to your breast, DO NOT bring your breast to your baby! You can support your breast with your other hand if you feel so inclined.
The Cross-Cradle:
This hold is similar to the cradle hold, but your arms are positioned differently. Instead of supporting your baby's head in the crook of your arm, use the hand of that arm to support your breast. Your opposite arm should come around the back of your baby. Support your baby's head, neck, and shoulder by placing your hand at the base of your baby's head with your thumb and index finger at your baby's ear level. Like the cradle hold, your baby will be belly to belly to you. The cross-cradle position allows you to have more control over how your baby latches on (see below). Many moms find that they're able to get their babies latched on more deeply with this hold.
The Side-Lying Position:
This position is comfortable for mothers who've had a cesarean section (C-section) because the baby doesn't put pressure on the mother's abdomen. This is also a great way for you to get some much needed rest while nursing your baby. Start by lying on your side with your baby on their side, facing you. Your baby should be positioned so their nose is opposite your nipple. Use your lower arm to cradle your baby's back, or you can tuck a rolled-up receiving blanket behind your baby to help nestle your little one close to you while you use your arm to support your own head. You can support your breast with your other hand if you feel it necessary.
Sit somewhere you find relaxing. A rocking chair is very soothing for both baby and mom. Being relaxed is VERY important, your baby can sense when you tense up or get frustrated.
Decide which breastfeeding positions you find comfortable to feed your baby. There are four positions that most women use when breastfeeding.
The Cradle Hold:
This is the first hold many mothers will try, soon after their babies are born. To start, cradle your baby's head in the crook of your arm with your baby's nose opposite your nipple. Use that hand to support your baby's bottom. Turn your baby on their side, so that your baby is belly to belly to you. Raise your baby to your breast, DO NOT bring your breast to your baby! You can support your breast with your other hand if you feel so inclined.
The Cross-Cradle:
This hold is similar to the cradle hold, but your arms are positioned differently. Instead of supporting your baby's head in the crook of your arm, use the hand of that arm to support your breast. Your opposite arm should come around the back of your baby. Support your baby's head, neck, and shoulder by placing your hand at the base of your baby's head with your thumb and index finger at your baby's ear level. Like the cradle hold, your baby will be belly to belly to you. The cross-cradle position allows you to have more control over how your baby latches on (see below). Many moms find that they're able to get their babies latched on more deeply with this hold.
The Side-Lying Position:
This position is comfortable for mothers who've had a cesarean section (C-section) because the baby doesn't put pressure on the mother's abdomen. This is also a great way for you to get some much needed rest while nursing your baby. Start by lying on your side with your baby on their side, facing you. Your baby should be positioned so their nose is opposite your nipple. Use your lower arm to cradle your baby's back, or you can tuck a rolled-up receiving blanket behind your baby to help nestle your little one close to you while you use your arm to support your own head. You can support your breast with your other hand if you feel it necessary.
Breastfeeding Basics.
Breastfeeding Basics (Newborns #1)
Up to 70% of American women try breastfeeding! Curious about the process of nursing? Learn more here! ――――――――――――――――――――――― WATCH MORE PREGNANCY VIDEOS! Click Here: »»» http://pregnancy.healthguru.com/content/browse/cid/15/sid/37?253Newborns1YT
curated content from YouTube
Nursing Rocking Chairs
A Place To Rock Away
Nursing rocking chairs are a must in every nursery. I spent countless hours feeding and rocking my little angel in my rocking chair. Having a place to go and feel conformable is so important, especially during those frequent night feedings. You will be amazed how much bonding will take place between you and your baby in a comfortable setting.
Regency Premium Multi-Position Locking Glider Rocker and Ottoman Set- White Finish with Pink Fabric
Amazon Price: $339.99 (as of 12/29/2009) 
Dutailier Ultramotion Glider - Natural/Natural Textured
Amazon Price: (as of 12/29/2009)
Regency Premium Multi-Position Locking Glider Rocker and Ottoman Set-White Finish with Blue Fabric
Amazon Price: $349.00 (as of 12/29/2009)
Breastfeeding Pillow
Away From Home Comforts.
Like I said before being comfortable can make or break your breastfeeding experience, especially when you're away from home. The more comfortable you are the more comfortable your baby will be. A breastfeeding pillow is a great way to help breastfeed your baby away from home.
Breastfeeding Problems | Breastfeeding Latch
Getting Your Baby To hold On.
After your baby is positioned correctly, make sure they latch on (takes the breast into their mouth) properly. Many breastfeeding problems occur because of an improper latch.
Instructions:
•Push your baby's bottom into your body with the side (the side of your baby finger) of your forearm. This will bring him towards your breast with the nipple pointing to the roof of his mouth
•Mother's hand under the baby's face, palm up.
•Head supported but NOT pushed in against breast.
•Head tilted back slightly.
•Baby's body and legs wrapped in around mother.
•Use your whole arm to bring the baby onto the breast, when mouth wide.
•Chin and lower jaw touch breast first.
•WATCH LOWER LIP, aim it as far from base of nipple as possible, so tongue draws lots of breast into mouth.
•Move baby's body and head together - keep baby uncurled.
•Once latched, top lip will be close to nipple, areola shows above lip. Keep chin close against breast.
Teach baby to open wide/gape:
•move baby toward breast, touch top lip against nipple
•move mouth away SLIGHTLY
•touch top lip against nipple again, move away again
•repeat until baby opens wide and has tongue forward
•Or, better yet, run nipple along the baby's upper lip, from one corner to the other, lightly, until baby opens wide.
Instructions:
•Push your baby's bottom into your body with the side (the side of your baby finger) of your forearm. This will bring him towards your breast with the nipple pointing to the roof of his mouth
•Mother's hand under the baby's face, palm up.
•Head supported but NOT pushed in against breast.
•Head tilted back slightly.
•Baby's body and legs wrapped in around mother.
•Use your whole arm to bring the baby onto the breast, when mouth wide.
•Chin and lower jaw touch breast first.
•WATCH LOWER LIP, aim it as far from base of nipple as possible, so tongue draws lots of breast into mouth.
•Move baby's body and head together - keep baby uncurled.
•Once latched, top lip will be close to nipple, areola shows above lip. Keep chin close against breast.
Teach baby to open wide/gape:
•move baby toward breast, touch top lip against nipple
•move mouth away SLIGHTLY
•touch top lip against nipple again, move away again
•repeat until baby opens wide and has tongue forward
•Or, better yet, run nipple along the baby's upper lip, from one corner to the other, lightly, until baby opens wide.
Latching Your Baby Correctly
Latch On
This superb video was made by Ameda, who make breast pumps. It's wonderful to see a commercial company make the effort to hire excellent and well qualified people to produce a high quality marketing video that is informative and exhibiting Best Practice. Well Done Ameda! We can't reccomend this video highly enough, but although Ameda make it available for file share on the site (presumably they are happy with viral replication - it is a marketing tool after all!) we can't get it to load properly. We urge you to go to the site and see all of it: http://www.ameda.com/breastfeeding/started/latch_on.aspx The site also contains excellent breastfeeding support advice. The pity of it being somewhat speeded up here, is you can't get a sense of the wonderful 'bobbing' motion that the baby is doing, as it signals to the mother that it would like to breastfeed, as it's getting hungry. This 'bobbing' is an excellent cue to get baby onto Mum's breast asap. Learning your baby's feeding cues will save a lot of anxiety. Baby escalates up to starting to cry and get distressed as hunger kicks in (it's never felt hungry in the womb, so hunger is a new and powerful feeling for it. Powerful feelings are quite scary for small babies - they haven't a clue what's going on.) A good resource on feeding cues can be found here: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/start/basics/hunger-cues.html The latch info in the animation is so good, it doesn't need any comment from us. There are a whole list of latch links that complement this video on "First Latch": http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Ox8ht-EVnQA If you have already got nipple problems because of a shallow latch, there are links to help on "Poor Latch Good Latch": http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=IQYThWMHgjI The sheer competency of this five day old baby, as it seeks to latch itself to the mother, is just so wonderful to watch! This is another baby that knows exactly what it is doing, and Mum is doing a great job in supporting and helping baby. However, as we explain in 'Breast Crawl', not all babies come out ready and willing to latch like this as modern birth practices can get in the way. If your baby is sleepy, disorganised or refusing the breast, the info and links on 'Breast Crawl' will help you: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=G3K87l9hNOE Before we go - we are only reccomending this video, and the excellent breastfeeding advice on the Ameda site - not their products. None of us have ever used them, so we cannot comment. Do go to the site, however, and watch this baby find that nipple and self latch! :-)
curated content from YouTube
Bottle Feeding Baby
Bottle Feeding Tips
Buying a breast pump is an excellent idea, unless your planning on staying attached to your baby for the next 6-12 months!You deserve nights out, don't feel bad, your entitled! If you're exclusively breastfeeding your baby it can be a challenge to start bottle feeding baby. Most doctors or lactation consultants say to wait 6 weeks before introducing a bottle to your baby, to ensure proper nursing habits. The choice is up to you, from my experience waiting too long makes taking a bottle harder on your baby. You will notice that your baby probably won't take a bottle from you(mom). Babies can smell your breast milk from a cross the room. For the first little while, until your baby gets accustom to taking a bottle, it would probably be easier to get someone else to give the bottle to your baby.
Choose a bottle that is right for you and your baby. This may take some experimenting!
Use a slow flow nipple (Stage 1) to ensure the flow of milk is right for your baby. As your baby gets older you can switch the flow of the bottle to a fast flow nipple.
Always check and re-check the temperature of the milk in the bottle.
Tricks of the trade!
Getting your breastfed baby to take a bottle can be very hard, especially in the beginning. A trick that I use to use is the switch-a-roo.
Place your baby in your arms as you would if you were going to breastfed. If your baby uses a pacifier put it in your babies mouth, letting your baby get use to sucking the pacifier. When you feel they are content, pull the pacifier out and quickly replace it with the bottle.
This may take a couple of tries to perfect but eventually they will get the idea and start sucking.
Breastfeeding Pumps
Just like learning to breastfed, it takes time and patience to get the hang of breastfeeding pumps. First you need either a manual or automatic pump. Get yourself in a relaxing environment before you start to pump. The first couple of times pumping may take longer than you expect, this is normal, your body has to adjust to a new situation. Watch the videos below for more information.
curated content from YouTube
Breast Pumps
Having a great pump is key! If you need one take a look at these babies!
Relaxation Tips
1. Make yourself comfortable by finding a quiet place to pump.2. Sit down with your shoulders relaxed and your back supported.
3. Have someone massage your neck and back to relax.
4. Drink a glass of water or juice while pumping.
5. Call the nursery to check on your baby before pumping.
6. Take a warm shower or apply warm cloths to your breasts before pumping.
7. Look at your baby's picture or chant your baby's name while pumping.
8. Close your eyes and think about your baby, imagining your baby in your arms.
9. Try breathing exercises or listening to relaxing music while pumping.
10. Massage each breast in small circular strokes using both hands. Move from the
chest wall toward the nipple. Massage all the way around the breast.
11. After Massaging for about two to three minutes, roll the nipple at each breast
between your thumb and forefinger.
Storing Breast Milk
How to Store Breast Milk
1. If breast milk will be used within 48 hours, it may be refrigerated. Fresh breastmilk, not frozen, is best for your baby.
2. If milk will not be used right away, store in the back of the freezer where the
temperature is more consistent.
3. Storage Lengths:
*refrigerator without a separate door for the freezer (48 hours)
*freezer compartment inside the refrigerator (2 weeks)
*freezer with a separate door from the refrigerator (6 months)
Thawing Breast Milk:
When your baby goes home, frozen breast milk may be used at home as you need it. The oldest breast milk should be used first. Once the milk is thawed, you may store it in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
1. Rapid thawing or warming may be done by holding the bottle of breast milk under
warm running tap water. Avoid wetting the top area.
OR
2. Place the breast milk bottle in a bowl of warm water filled 3/4 full. (Being careful
not to cover the top of the bottle with water)
OR
3. Place the breast milk bottle in the refrigeration area of refrigerator to thaw slowly.
4. Do not microwave breast milk! Microwaving may alter the breast milk and can
create "hot spots" in the milk that could burn the baby.
5. Do not boil breast milk!
6. Do not refreeze thawed breast milk!
Breast Milk Storage
You Can Never Have Enough Storage
Storing breast milk is always a good idea. You never know when you'll need it.
Breastfeeding In Public
Look At All Those Wondering Eyes....Yicks!
Breastfeeding your baby in public can be stressful. Some people find it very wrong to do such a "disgusting" thing in public. I wish I could slap those people! Breastfeeding a baby is natural, how do you think prehistoric people survived? They sure didn't have any formula to give their babies. I'm not saying giving formula to you child is wrong, to each their own. Breastfeeding is the healthiest choice you can make for your baby.So how do you do it in public?
Many people find it embarrassing when a women sits next to them and starts to breastfeed their baby. Because you are in a public place you should have the courtesy to cover up a little.
There are lots of products out there that will help "hide" your baby and your breast while your breastfeeding. This may help reduce the "stares" you get when your breastfeeding in public.
Another thing to do is check in the facility to see if they have a "breastfeeding room".
I recently at a renovated mall and was very surprised, yet happy, to see that they had a breastfeeding room in the bathroom. The breastfeeding room was a separate room inside the bathroom. Being curious I poked my head in and was very delighted to see that there were couches, a change table, toys for toddlers and women and there breastfeeding.
They all smiled when I opened the door and I commented on how having such a room was a wonderful idea.
They were all more than happy to chit chat with me about the room and its benefits.
Unfortunately this breastfeeding isn't looked upon as well everywhere. But it should be.
Breasts have been labeled a sex symbol and many people see them as just that, for sex. The thing that makes me so mad is that people will tolerate sexist music on the radio, and look at posters with sex symbols but to see a women feeding her baby.....that's taboo?
WHAT IS THIS WORLD COMING TO?
Breastfeeding a baby is no different than someone eating a burger. They are hungry so they eat, babies get hungry and many mother feel that they can't just sit and feed them. People stare and give demeaning looks, all you're doing is giving your baby food!
Please, please, please never feel like you cant feed your baby because you're in a public place. You have every right to fed your child, no matter where you are, and no matter what anyone says. Would the public rather you left your hungry child and let them scream until they were out of breath, that could be considered neglect.I hope you don't have any reservations about feeding your baby in public but if you do try to sneak away from staring eyes and cover up as much as possible. If you're really that uncomfortable go to your car and breastfeed, do what you have to do to feed your baby. Never be ashamed of breastfeeding, you're giving your baby one of the most precious gifts any mother can give.
Breastfeeding In Public
See How This Mother Conqured Her Fears and Is Now A Breastfeeding Jetti!
Should Breastfeeding In Public Be Allowed?
Breastfeeding in public seems to be getting a bad rap. People all over North America seem to think it shouldn't be allowed in public places. With formula on the market why do you even need to breastfeed your baby?
Go a crossed the ocean and most people don't even have an option in breastfeeding, breastfeeding is the only way they can feed their babies.
Do You Think That Women Should Be Able To Breastfeed In Public?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYES! Breastfeeding is the best choice a mother can make for her baby.
dustytoes says:
I did it all the time. It's definitely fine as long as Mom is covered.
Posted May 12, 2009
Mortira says:
Of course! It shouldn't even be a debate. I do, however, think it's a bit rude not to cover up. Some people don't like to see a lot of skin, it makes them uncomfortable, regardless of the reason for it. It's no different than asking people to wear shirts in public buildings - that's just good manners.
Posted September 09, 2008
NO! Breastfeeding should be kept at home. I don't want to see that in public!
Breastfeeding Bras
Having the right bra is so important, especially when breastfeeding in public.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Breastfeeding Tanks Tops!
Breastfeeding tops
lived in these when I was breastfeeding my daughter, they are the most comfortable shirts to wear and they give you easy access.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byNursing Pads
There is nothing worse then leaking through your top when you're out in public, well okay, childbirth tops the leaking!
But still it's a pain in the rear, having lots of breast pads on hand help eliminate this fro happening.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byBreastfeeding Shawls
These shawls are perfect for covering everything up! They are light weight and breath really well. If your embarrassed to breastfeed in public these shawls will help make it so that NO one will know that you're feeding your baby.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byMore Great Breastfeeding Resources
Let Me Know What You Think
Did I help you with any questions or problems you had?
Leave me a message and let me know how I'm doing. If you would like to more information or have something you would like to ask just let me know!
Thank-you
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- dustytoes dustytoes May 12, 2009 @ 8:20 am
- I love this lens. I wish all moms would at least give breast feeding a chance. Lensrolling and 5 stars.
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Reply
- doryme doryme May 2, 2009 @ 9:14 am
- Hi, What a great lens and so much useful information. I wish I'd had something to refer to like this when I was breast-feeding!
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Reply
- tandemonimom tandemonimom Jan 16, 2009 @ 8:43 pm
- I nursed my 4 babies for 12 years altogether. It wasn't always fun but I have no regrets! 5*
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- 00gt00 00gt00 Dec 23, 2008 @ 9:58 am
- I'm just glad I can help, I know how trying it can be at times, Merry Christmas
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- jollypanda jollypanda Dec 22, 2008 @ 7:15 pm
- Very informative! My wife is breastfeeding, and this was a lot of help - thanks!
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- spirituality spirituality Sep 12, 2008 @ 3:18 am
- great lens. *****
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by 00gt00
I am 22 years old and a stay at home mom of one. I had my daughter a little over two years ago in Mississauag Ont. I was only 19 when I had my daughte... (more)
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