World Breastfeeding Week 2011 (Day 4)

Today is the last day of World Breastfeeding Week 2011! I thought I would leave you with some great {general} breastfeeding techniques from WebMD!

Proper techniques are crucial for successful breastfeeding. Although some aspects of breastfeeding come naturally, learning new skills is important. Before your baby is born, take classes, read books, and watch videos that demonstrate breastfeeding techniques. If you have concerns about your ability to breastfeed, talk to a lactation consultant while you are pregnant. After your baby is born, it is helpful to have one-on-one instruction with a lactation specialist or other knowledgeable health professional.

Basic Techniques

• Get Comfortable. Find a position that is comfortable for both you and your baby. For all positions, make sure the baby's head and chest are lined up straight and facing your breast. Have 2 or 3 pillow and a glass of water or juice nearby.
• Decide which breast to start with. Although it is best to offer your baby both breasts at each feeding, alternate which breast you start with. If the baby takes only one breast at a feeding, which is common in the first day or two, start the next feeding with the other breast. Try to offer both breasts at each feeding.
• Get the baby latched on properly. An improper latch is painful and frustrating. A proper latch helps prevent problems such as sore nipples, blocked milk ducts, breast infections, and poor infant weight gain. Position your baby's chest against your chest with his or her head and body aligned straight. Skin-to-skin contact while breastfeeding, especially during the first few days, helps promote bonding with your baby.
• Start by lightly touching the middle of your baby's lower lip with your nipple until the baby opens his or her mouth. The baby's mouth needs to be wide open, like a yawn, before attempting to latch.
• With your fingers under your breast and your thumb resting on top of your breast {the "C hold"}, bring the baby quickly onto the nipple and the areola, so it goes deep into your baby's mouth. You may feel pain briefly, but the pain should go away in less than a minute. If the pain does not go away, remove the baby from the breast and re-latch the baby. If that fails, try a different position. 
• As you are getting started, if the baby does not immediately get the idea to such, squeeze a little milk into his or her mouth.
• Look for signs that your baby is getting enough milk. Listen for a regular sucking and swallowing pattern. If you cannot see or hear a swallowing pattern, watch the baby's ears, which will wiggle slightly when the baby swallows.
• If the baby's nose appears to be blocked by your breast, reposition him or her by raising the baby's hips or relaxing the baby's head back slightly, so just the edge of one nostril is clear for breathing. Do not press on your breast to clear baby's nose, because this pulls on your nipple and may cause nipple soreness. 
• Remove your baby from the breast. Anytime you need to remove your baby from the breast, put one finger into the corner of his or her mouth and push your finger between your baby's gums to gently break the seal. 
• Switch to the other breast. Offer the other breast when the first feels empty and the infant sucks more slowly, pulls off, or loses interest. Usually the baby will continue breastfeeding, though perhaps for less time than on the first breast. Let your baby feed until he or she is satisfied.
• Burp your baby. When your baby is satisfied, gently pat his or her back to help him or her let down any swallowed air. After the baby burps, offer the breast again. 

Keeping it Calm and Relaxed

Breastfeeding may go more smoothly in the first days and weeks if you and your baby are relaxed.

• Keep the room darkened. Bright light makes it difficult for newborns to open their eyes.
• Make sure the room is quiet and warm and that you are able to relax. Eliminate or ignore distractions, such as the phone.
• Keep something to drink nearby. Most women get thirsty as they breastfeed. Drink enough to satisfy your thirst.
• After your baby latches onto your breast and is feeding well, try using a pillow or receiving blanket to maintain a comfortable position for both of you. Many women get sleepy while breastfeeding: having your baby fully supported while you doze allows you to get some needed rest.

Other Important Tips

• In the first few days, you may need to wake the baby to breastfeed every 2 to 3 hours.
• If your baby falls asleep before finishing breastfeeding, you may need to stimulate him or her to finish the feeding. {Newborns and babies with jaundice may be hard to keep awake.} After a while, you will learn your baby's patterns and will know whether he or she needs rousing or has fed long enough.
• Avoid using artificial nipples such as bottles or pacifiers, at least until breastfeeding is well established {usually about 4 to 6 weeks}. This also means other caregivers should wait to give a bottle to the baby. Feedings should be given only by the mother at the breast. The caregivers can bond by holding, cuddling, changing clothes and diapers, and generally spending time with the baby.

Breastfeeding in Public

To feed your baby on demand, it is inevitable that you will need to breastfeed in public on occasion. It may help to think ahead about strategies that would help make these feedings comfortable for you.

• In many states and on federal property, your right to breastfeed in public is protected by law.
• Look for a private or semiprivate area, such as a fitting room or a quiet corner in a lobby.
• Ware a loose-fitting blouse or a shirt that can be raised easily {a loose t-shirt or sweater works fine}. If you are wearing a top with buttons, unbutton it from the bottom up and leave the top buttons closed. You can wear a top that is specially designed for breastfeeding, but it is not necessary.
• For added privacy, lay a lightweight blanket over your shoulder and chest to cover your breasts and the baby.

World Breastfeeding Week 2011 (Day 3)

Wondering how to get all of the nutrients you need while breastfeeding? WebMD has some tips for you!

12 Foods for New Moms

As a new mom, one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby is to eat a healthy diet.
Even though you may be in a hurry to lose those pregnancy pounds, regularly eating foods that boost energy for new moms will give you the stamina you need to be the best mom you can be. That's because eating nutrient-rich foods at regular intervals throughout the day can maximize the little energy you probably have as a new mom.
For nursing moms, it's important to know that the quality of your breast milk stays pretty much the same no matter what you choose to eat. If you aren't getting the needed nutrients from your diet, your body will provide them from your own stores. But for your own well-being, it's best to make sure you're obtaining the nutrients your baby needs by incorporating a variety of healthy breastfeeding foods in your nursing mom food plan.
If you make sure the following 12 foods for new moms are a regular part of your diet, your body - and your baby - will thank you.

1. Salmon
There's no such thing as a perfect food, but salmon is pretty close when it comes to a nutritional powerhouse for new moms. The DHA in salmon is crucial to the development of your baby's nervous system, and studies suggest it may play a role in preventing postpartum depression. One caution: FDA guidelines say breastfeeding women should limit consumption of fish lower in mercury to 12 oz per week.

2. Low-Fat Dairy Products
Whether you prefer yogurt, milk, or cheese, dairy products are an important part of breastfeeding. In addition to providing protein, B vitamins, and vitamin D, dairy products are one of the best sources of calcium. Include at least three cups of dairy each day as part of your diet.

3. Lean Beef
When you're looking for foods to boost your energy as a new mom, seek out iron-rich foods, like lean beef. A deficiency of iron can drain your energy levels. Also, you need to eat extra protein and vitamin B-12 when you're nursing.

4. Legumes
Beans, especially dark-colored ones, are a great breastfeeding food, especially for vegetarians. Not only are they rich in iron, they're a budget-friendly source of high quality, non-animal protein.

5. Blueberries
Breastfeeding moms should be sure to get two or more servings of fruit or juice each day. These satisfying berries are filled with good-for-you vitamins and minerals and will give you a healthy dose of carbohydrates to keep your energy levels high.

6. Brown Rice
If you're attempting to lose the baby weight, you might be tempted to drastically cut back on your carbohydrate consumption. But losing weight too quickly may cause you to produce less milk for the baby and leave you feeling lethargic and sluggish. Foods like brown rice provide your body the calories it needs to produce the best quality milk for your baby.

7. Oranges
Portable and nutritious, oranges are a great food to boost energy for new moms. Because nursing moms need even more vitamin C than pregnant women, oranges and other citrus fruits are an excellent breastfeeding food.

8. Eggs
Egg yolk is one of the few natural sources of vitamin D - an essential nutrient to keep your bones strong and help your baby's bones grow. Beyond that, eggs are a versatile way to meet your daily protein needs.

9. Whole-Wheat Bread
Folic acid is crucial to your baby's development in the early stages of pregnancy. But its importance doesn't end there. Folic acid is an important nutrient in your breast milk that your baby needs for good health. Whole-grain breads and pastas also give you a healthy dose of fiber and iron.

10. Leafy Greens
The list of benefits you get from eating leafy green vegetables such as spinach, Swiss chard, and broccoli goes on and on. They're filled with vitamin A; they're a non-dairy source of dietary calcium; they've got vitamin C and iron; and on top of that, green veggies are filled with heart-healthy antioxidants, they're low calorie, and they're tasty to boot.

11. Whole-Grain Cereal
After yet another sleepless night, one of the best foods to boost energy for new moms in the morning is a healthy breakfast of whole-grain cereal. Many cold cereals are available that are fortified with essential vitamins and nutrients to help you meet your daily needs. Or, whip up a healthy hot breakfast by stirring blueberries and skim milk into a delicious serving of oatmeal.

12. Water
Dehydration is one of the biggest energy drains there is. And new moms who are breastfeeding are especially at risk. To keep your energy levels and milk production up, make sure you stay well hydrated. You can vary your options and meet some of your fluid requirements by drinking juice and milk, but be careful when it comes to caffeinated drinks like coffee or tea. Keep your intake to no more tahn 2-3 cups a day or switch to decaffeinated varieties, because caffeine enters your breast milk and can cause your baby to become irritable and sleep poorly.

World Breastfeeding Week 2011 (Day 2)

Some interesting information from the World Health Organization

Promoting Proper Feeding for Infants and Young Children

Malnutrition is responsible, directly or indirectly for about 1/3 of deaths among children under five. Well above 2/3 of these deaths, often associated with inappropriate feeding practices, occur during the first year of life.
Nutrition and nurturing during the first years of life are both crucial for life-long health and well-being. In infancy, no gift is more precious than breastfeeding; yet barely 1 in 3 infants is exclusively breastfed during the first six months of life.

The World Health Organization recommends that infants start breastfeeding within one hour of life, are exclusively breastfed for six months, with timely introduction of adequate, safe and properly fed complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding for up to two years of age or beyond.

Exclusive Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is an unequaled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants; it is also and integral part of the reproductive process with important implications of the health of mothers. Review of evidence has shown that, on a population basis, exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months is the optimal way of feeding infants. Thereafter infants should receive complementary foods with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond.
Breast milk is the natural first food for babies, it provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child's nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to 1/3 during the second year of life.
Breast milk promotes sensory and cognitive development, and protects the infant against infectious and chronic diseases. Exclusive breastfeeding reduces infant mortality due to common childhood illnesses such as diarrhea or pneumonia, and helps for a quicker recovery during illness. These effects can be measured in resource-poor and affluent societies. Breastfeeding contributes to the health and well-being of mothers; it helps to space children, reduces the risk of ovarian cancer and breast cancer, increases family and national resources, is a secure way of feeding, and is safe for the environment.

To enable mothers to establish and sustain exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, WHO and UNICEF recommend:

• Initiation to breastfeeding within the first hour of life
• Exclusive breastfeeding - that is the infant only receives breast milk without any additional food or drink, not even water
• Breastfeeding on demand - that is as often as the child wants, day and night
• No use of bottles, teats, or pacifiers

World Breastfeeding Week 2011 (Day 1)

This week is World Breastfeeding Week 2011, and in honor of that, this week is going to be all about breastfeeding!
Today, I will be sharing a question and answer session from Shari Criso - Earth Mama Angel Baby's parenting, breastfeeding, and baby expert.
First things first: For new breastfeeding mothers, you should watch Shari Criso's Breastfeeding DVD {preferably before you deliver}. You can purchase the DVD on Amazon or watch it on Shari's Website.

Let's get started with the Q&A! 

Q: I've watched your Simply Breastfeeding DVD, and you state that pacifiers are fine. Do you have one type that you would suggest over another?"
A: Yes, I do think that pacifiers are fine as long as the baby is breastfeeding well and latching without problems. As far as which ones I prefer, I find the Soothie or Gumdrops to be the easiest for a breastfed baby to use. The straight nipple is more like the nipple on the breast. All babies need to suck. There are three things they can suck on...your breast, your finger, or a pacifier. Two out of the three are attached to your body. It is, of course, ideal to always use your breast, but it is not desirable or necessary for most moms. Babies can absolutely breastfeed and use a pacifier. Just don't substitute or put off a feeding with it :-)

Q: I know I should let Eadie wean herself, but I'm ready to stop mentally and physically, and Eadie only nurses twice a day, but is very set on those two times. What's the most gentle way to get her to stop breastfeeding all together? She is 18 months.
A: I always tell moms that 18 months is a hard time to wean. It is just hard to reason with a baby that age and they really know what they want and they want it now! The best way would be to start by eliminating one of the two initially. Maybe at night before bed, have your husband start putting the baby down. Distraction, like in the morning, not getting into bed together but rather going to eat breakfast right away may help. It may not be easy. I find that it is easier at 12 months or again at about 2 1/2. Continuing is not a bad thing in that the baby still continues to get the benefits of the breast milk even with the two feedings a day. As we go into the fall it will help her not to get sick as much.

Q: My question is two-fold. I'm curious if it's possible for some women to just not be physically able to breastfeed. I had issues with milk supply and have a friend having similar issues. Reglan was prescribed to me to help boost my supply, but I quickly stopped taking it after my Lactation Consultant informed me of some of the horrible side effects. So, then comes the issue of supplementing. Formula, donor milk, goat's milk...what's the best to supplement baby?
A: It is possible but rare, about 1 in 1000. More often, it is a perceived milk supply issue. the baby seems hungry after the feeding because he is crying (not always hunger), the baby is not gaining as fast as the pediatrician thinks he should (the CDC growth charts are based on formula fed babies!), or there is a decrease due to supplementation. If you truly have a supply issue, any breast milk that you are producing is still important for the baby and needs to be preserved. Donor milk is definitely the number one choice for supplementation when needed. If this is not feasible or desired by mom, then make sure that the formula you choose is organic and does not contain synthetic DHA. Make sure you are working with a knowledgeable LC! This is important!

Q: I have such issues pumping, it's virtually impossible! No matter what pump I've tried it doesn't work. Is this a common thing with breastfeeding moms?
A: Some people do have a harder time pumping than others. If you can't get the milk out, there are a few things that could be the problem. First, make sure you are using a high quality pump. My favorite is the Ameda Purely Yours. Try only pumping one side at a time while compressing and massaging the breast at the same time. Make sure the flange is big enough and the nipple is not rubbing against the sides. Try using some Rescue Remedy Spray right before pumping, this can really help with your let down. Lastly, it is really important to try and relax. It is nearly impossible to express milk when you are tense.

And that's all for today! I hope you enjoyed!
Sam