Tips For Breastfeeding In Public

by LisaC

Some moms might be a little shy at first about breastfeeding their newborn in public especially if this the first breastfed baby. However breastfeeding is perfectly acceptable, legal and can be discrete as well even for the most modest of moms.

The first step is to establish your comfort zone. Some women are very shy and breastfeeding in public just may not be seem like an option. However, there are nursing bras, tank tops, and other items such as shawls that can make breastfeeding in public very discrete for even the most modest mother.

Some of the top items that make discrete breastfeeding possible are the proper clothing. This could include things like carrying along a light shawl, wearing tops that unbutton in the front, choosing easy one handed opening nursing bras, or wearing specially made nursing tanks which include a nursing bra and a tank top. There are many variations in clothing and you can suit your personal sense of style as well as pocketbook or even modify your current clothing to suit your needs to permit discreet public breastfeeding.

At first you may want to carefully plan your trips out with your infant. If you are very modest then perhaps you might limit trips at first to places that have mother’s lounges, large lady’s rooms, or even private rooms until you are more comfortable. At times it might not be possible to locate a private room or area. If that is the case turning toward a wall or in a corner can provide some small amount of privacy and yet not force you to leave the area. chances are that you will find that your comfort zone as it applies to breastfeeding your infant actually widens. There is nothing more natural in the world than breastfeeding.

Though a mom might think she will be overwhelmed or too modest to breastfeed her infant in public, but with the proper clothing, a light shawl or maybe a jacket and a little bit of practice breastfeeding can be not only practical in public but very discrete.

However, if it is simply impossible to even entertain the idea of breastfeeding your infant in any public place then you don’t need to totally eliminate going out. Short trips of course are always possible, and trips to family or friends homes where they will let you use a bedroom for privacy can be easily arranged. If you have to be away from home with the baby longer than 2 or 3 hours then it is possible to use a breast pump to express milk before hand and bring along a bottle.

With most moms though, with the proper clothing, a light covering and even a semi private location a mom maintain her comfort zone as regards modesty, and still provide the very best in nutrition for her baby.

November 2, 2009   No Comments

How Does Stress Really Affect Breastfeeding?

by LisaC

It’s a good question since many women hear about it first from old wife’s tales. Not all old wife’s tales are true, but it is a fact that stress can adversely affect a breastfeeding mother’s milk supply and nursing. Extreme stress can inhibit milk letdown, cause frustration, and even cause the milk supply to diminish if the stress is prolonged. How we as individuals handle stress varies and some moms and their milk supply will be affected more by stress than others.

If this is a first child then the mother’s life has changed dramatically overnight and probably now revolves around that small noisy and beloved infant who’s every need must be a priority. This is a complete 180 in terms of lifestyle and causes stress because between night time feedings, new parent concerns, and the incessant demands of everyday life, stress can pile up. Even experienced mothers can find that every day stresses have compounded and might feel overwhelming at times.

Working moms have an added stresses in time limited pumping at work. A working mother who is breastfeeding will surely spend her lunch hour and breaks trying to grab a bite to eat and with a breast pump whirring in the background. If she is very concerned over maintaining milk supply this can lead to extra stress and even reduce supply.

Understanding that stress can affect the milk supply of the breastfeeding mother is the first step. The second step to handling stress it to attempt to reduce them as much as possible. This is not always possible as some things are out of our hands however with the help of family and friends and a quiet room much can be done to relieve temporary everyday stresses.

Moms who are stressed over maintaining an adequate milk supply while using a breast pump at work can actually be reducing their milk supply by worrying. It’s very easy to just say “relax” however it is harder to do. If a mom pumps at work, bringing a book to read or embroidery, or even watching TV can help relax her. Let nature take her course and things usually improve. If time concerns while breast pumping at work are an issue then a hospital grade breast pump can be worth it’s weight in gold. A hospital grade breast pump will empty both breasts at once and much faster than an ordinary pump.

Daily stress for the stay at home mother can be just as difficult. Dinner burns, the older children are fighting, and the clothes need taken from the dryer before they wrinkle, and of course right then the baby starts crying and is hungry.
Deal with one thing at a time. Turn off the oven, reassure yourself you can run the clothes in the dryer again for 15 minutes to remove wrinkles, separate the older children, and if possible find a quiet room to feed the baby. In fact it is possible you and your infant will finish that feeding both feeling more relaxed and you better able to face the multitude of demands on a mom who works at home.

Major life events are out of our hands and often can cause great stress. There are some things we can control and others that are out of our hands, it is important to keep the baby’s welfare in mind and try and maintain good sleep and eating habits. Consulting a physician may be necessary if stress becomes a problem in breastfeeding for any reason.

October 26, 2009   No Comments

Breastfeeding and Nursing Strikes

by LisaC

First off, we probably need to outline what a nursing strike is. A nursing strike normally occurs after a baby has been nursing well for some time. All of the sudden (usually) one the infant will refuse to nurse. Why? Well there are some well known and obvious causes for it, and sometimes no one is really sure.

The idea behind surviving a nursing strike is to outlast it, maintain the milk supply and of course ensure that baby is staying adequately hydrated. In cases where the cause of the nursing strike is guessed or known then proactive steps can be taken. In other cases, well mom just has to outlast the problem and eventually coax the baby back to nursing.

One of the reasons a baby might go on a nursing strike could be poor positioning. Yes, position, position, position is the litany of lactation consultants, doctors, and internet resources and it’s valid.

Think about this; If you were forced to eat your meals with your bottom sliding off the chair, chances that it would probably inhibit your appetite. You are an adult and of course might get up and get another chair or reposition the existing one, but a baby has no such recourse. The sensation of falling is not comfortable and does little for the appetite. So first off ensure the baby is held securely and that there is a good latchon. It’s important because how you hold the baby is their “chair” during meal times and can affect how secure they feel.

Let’s say that the positioning and latchon are perfect, baby is secure and comfy during nursing but is still on strike. This is very worrisome to the breastfeding mother. Mom might then check baby and see if he has tender or sore spots say from a fall or an immunization. Sometimes the feeding position can be irritating these..

Pacifiers have been cited as culprits in nursing strikes. If baby has been using his pacifier a lot then try backing off on it. Bottle feeding is a necessity with working moms and if this is a suspected culprit then try cuddling time prior to feeding. Working moms have little choice in using bottles as they are absent during feeding time for at least part of the day.

Sometimes no cause for the nursing strike can be found. Everything was going just fine and the next day, baby is on strike. There are a few tips that might get you through this trying period.

Coax the baby, don’t force and don’t turn feeding time into a battle of wills or a test of patience for you or your baby. The baby is on strike and this can be a real worry but if baby is still having the correct number of wet diapers per day you can easily outlast this. If baby becomes upset after being offered the breast then try something else for a little while, or get another family member to hold and play with him. If mom becomes upset, same thing, take a break then return to feeding attempts after mom calms down. Breastfeeding is a pleasure for both mom and baby it should not be stressful on either.

Take heart, nursing strikes generally only last a few days to a week. An idea that might work is the instant reward method  where a little expressed milk is drizzled over the nipple so baby gets a taste even before letdown occurs.

Take care of your milk supply. Ok, baby is on strike but your breasts are not, and you don’t want them to be. Instead use a breast pump the empty both breasts. Doing this will not only store up extra milk for your baby but will keep your breasts from becoming engorged and your breast milk supply from possibly decreasing. Freeze the pumped breast milk as it will most certainly be needed at some point and time.

If baby exhibits symptoms of dehydration, like insufficient urine output and few wet diapers, or dark yellow urine then it is time to consult a pediatrician.

Not every baby goes on a nursing strike but for those who do, it’s possible for mom to ride it out and maintain that precious milk supply.

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September 12, 2009   1 Comment

Breastfeeding - Diet How Does It Affect Baby?

by LisaC

The old saying “you are what you eat” is doubly true for the breastfeeding mother because what she eats so does her baby. Now, that being said, most foods are safe to eat for a breastfeeding mother and she should get around 2500 calories a day and eat a healthy and well balanced diet.
That’s actually relatively easily done as most moms have been eating a balanced healthy diet all the way through the pregnancy. Foods that mom enjoys are not out of the question in moderation and baby is likely to benefit as long as mother gets an adequate diet from each of the four food groups.

However, there are some foods that can be irritation to very young infants. Infants have poorly developed digestive systems at first, and things that mom can easily handle and love might irritate the infant.
For instance, highly spiced foods might cause some intestinal upsets in baby, such as salsa or pizza. Gassy foods such as onions, bell peppers or broccoli or beans might irritate the infant as well. This could cause fussiness that usually goes away after a day or so. Gas builds up in the baby’s intestines and this can be very uncomfortable. Generally as the infant matures the offending foods can be added back to the breastfeeding mother’s diet and they can usually begin to tolerate them when their digestive tract is more developed.
Caffeine and chocolate can be problematic to the infant breastfeeding and should be taken in moderation as caffeine is passed through the breast milk and can make some babies restless or irritable.

On the other side of the coin there are true allergies that some infants might have and these do not go away in a day or so and can even cause skin problems, rashes, irritability, vomiting and a host of other symptoms.
The very first thing to do if a mother suspects a baby has food allergies is to consult a pediatrician. Many times the allergy can be ruled out or pinpointed with a few simple tests and the offending food item removed from the mother’s diet, then all is well with the infant.

Other times though it requires more testing and a lot of determination on the part of the mother to track down the problem food.
With the help of a professional, an infant with food allergies can continue to be breastfed and mom will have a much happier healthier baby.
It’s rare in this day and age for a physician to recommend discontinuing breastfeeding due to an infant’s food allergy, even with infants allergic to milk. Instead, diet modification on the mother’s part is usually recommended and succeeds.

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August 29, 2009   No Comments

Breast Engorgement When Breastfeeding

by LisaC

Breast engorgement is something that about every breastfeeding mother will probably experience normally while nursing her new baby. It’s a common and most natural result of breastfeeding, but be of good cheer because the normal breast engorgement that occurs when the milk supply “comes in” lasts only 48 to 72 hours. Almost every breastfeeding mother encounters this and though mildly uncomfortable it promptly goes away as the milk supply is established.

Let’s deal with this type of breast engorgement first. It is very important of course to breastfeed during this periods while the milk is coming in, though the breasts may be mildly to moderately tender and swollen. In a few cases breast engorgement can make a proper latch on for baby difficult. In those cases massaging the areola can relieve this problem and soften the nipple to allow for a comfortable latch on for both mom and baby. When engorgement of the breast is severe, some mothers report relief from the use of a breast pump prior to feeding for a very short period. The gentle suction can help soften the nipple and allow an easy latch on for baby.

There are however, other times when the breast engorgement can occur for other reasons and these are sometimes much longer lasting and far more uncomfortable if not addressed.

For instance, when a mother is returning to work it is important to schedule regular breast pump sessions during the workday. Even so, some breast engorgement may occur unless the pumping sessions are frequent and of reasonable duration. The type of breast pump used affects the amount of engorgement and how much will willl be left in the mother’s breast and this can affect her milk supply. A hospital grade breast pump can often be the answer for a mother with shorter pumping periods at work who intends to continue breastfeeding. It will help relieve the engorgement in the shortest amount of time possible by pumping both breasts at the same time and ensure an adequate supply of stored milk for her infant.

If however a mother is attempting to wean her baby from the breast upon returning to work then some breast engorgement can definitely occur especially if this weaning is abrupt. It used to be advised to bind the breasts and suffer though it. That’s no longer recommended and can actually lead to mastitis many say. Instead, the breast pump can come in handy here even while attempting to reduce the milk supply. The pumped breast milk need not necessarily be stored and the breast should not be completely emptied but just enough milk expressed to assist in the mom’s comfort while weaning. By not emptying the breast completely the body gets the signal that less milk should be produced and weaning can take place at a comfortable rate for mother with a reduced possibility of mastitis as well.

Sometimes though breast engorgement can occur when the mother or infant become ill and feedings must be interrupted for a time. Again a breast pump can save the day. Mom can pump her breasts completely dry and safeguard the milk supply for infant and then store the milk. This will keep breast engorgement at bay and give a backup stock of breast milk as well.

If breast engorgement occurs when no feedings are missed or no schedules interrupted and there is tenderness or pain in the breast as well then a physician should be consulted as this could signal other issues such as mastitis.

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August 17, 2009   1 Comment

Dealing With Inverted Nipples While Breastfeeding

by LisaC

There are as many different nipple and breast types as there are mothers with breasts. Each is different and we are so well constructed that thee different types should pose no problem for mom or baby. However, a mother with severely inverted nipples may have some issues that others don’t have in breastfeeding.

It of course depends on the severity of the inversion and when it is discovered as to what steps to take to ensure a comfortable breastfeeding experience for mother and baby. It should be understood though that with only a slight degree of nipple inverstion, a normal baby should have no real problems getting a good latch and adequate milk. If the infant can get a decent amount of breast into his mouth then breast feeding should not be a problem. For moderately to severely inverted nipples then there are other steps to take.

If the nipple inversion is discovered during pregnancy there are some exercises that can be done. Most notable among which is called the Hoffman technique. This consists of placing thumbs along either side of the nipple and pushing inward while pulling the tissue away from the nipple. It can help to loosen the adhesive tissue that is holding the nipple inward. Breast shells can also help during pregnancy helping to position the nipple outward and allowing a gradual change in the connective tissue.

If inverted nipples cause problems with baby’s latch on then there are other means to help correct this

Correct positioning during latch on can help with inverted nipples. Pull back on the breast tissue as the baby is establishing a latch, the sucking action and the pull-back of that tissure can allow an inverted nipple to protrude sufficiently for comfortable breastfeeding for both mother and child.

A good breast pump can effectively pull out nipples by providing uniform suction of the breast. Some mothers use a breast pump for a short period directly before feeding the infant, just to bring out their inverted nipples and make a good latch on possible. a short period of prefeeding breast pumping should not affect milk production.

With persistence and the proper advice a mom with inverted nipples should have few difficulties. However, if the latch on problem is severe than a lactation consultant should be contacted. Proper positioning during latch on is critical.

Sore nipples can and do happen to almost every nursing mother and particularly to those with inverted nipples. Nipple soreness is normal until breasts toughen up a little. However if the nipple inverts again during feeding then milk can collect around the severely inverted nipple causing cracking and soreness.

In cases where the nipple is severely inverted or where skin adhesion is stubborn and the nipple refuses to pull out consistently then a hospital grade breast pump is often highly recommended. A breast pump can provide the even pressure that will encourage the nipple to protrude and eventually break down the tissue adhesions causing the nipple to invert.

Before any course of treatment is decided upon and implemented it is critical a mother consult a doctor or lactation specialist.

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August 13, 2009   No Comments

Breastfeeding after an Initial Delay Is Possible

by LisaC

For a number of reasons, often due to health issues with the baby or the mother, breast-feeding may not be initiated immediately after delivery. The question is often asked “Is it possible to initiate after a delay?” The simple answer is yesit is possible and relatively easy up to two weeks after delivery to transition the baby from a bottle and formula to the more natural and healthy breast-feeding method.

Mothers who have delayed breast-feeding might encounter a couple of common issues, most notably would be the difficulty of transferring an infant who has become accustomed to the bottle to the breast. The other issue might be that of establishing a milk supply after a period of delay.

To deal with the first issue, the infant who has become used to a bottle and might resist latching on to the breast, one of the best things to do is to spend a lot of time in skin to skin contact. Some infants experienced no problems whatsoever transitioning from bottle feeding to breast-feeding.

However, if the infant is resistant to breast-feeding, a mother might use a clear silicone nipple shield that may help an infant get used to the breast because it feels more like the bottle nipple that they are used to.

Medela makes such a shield and it is relatively inexpensive and yet can help overcome one of the more common issues experienced by mothers transitioning infants from the bottle to the breast.

The other issue often encountered if there has been a delay in initiating breastfeeding after delivery is without the milk supply will often need to be established. Frequent stimulation of the breast by attempts to feed the baby is one of the most natural and frequently recommended courses. However, it can also be helpful to obtain a hospital grade breast pump for a short period of time. It normally does not take too long to establish an adequate supply of milk so soon after delivery.
At first a mother may want to use a supplemental feeding device which supplies formula while the baby sucks at the breast. Doing this will provide the proper stimulation for the breast to establish milk supply and yet ensure that the infant is getting adequate nutrition during this period.

There are several methods of establishing an adequate milk supply as well as transitioning the baby from bottle to breast. Many mothers may find that consulting with a lactation specialist is a great benefit and will help guide them in their choices.

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July 27, 2009   No Comments

Highlight On Medela Hands Free Breast Pump

by LisaC

Most nursing mothers find it handy to have a breast pump around the house. Even if they are lucky enough to be stay at home mothers there will usually be occasions where those handy little devices are life savers. Of course, needs will vary from mom to mom but for an evening out it comes in handy and is imperative for the mother returning to work and who wants to continue the breastfeeding experience with her baby.

In the past in order to have a lightweight breast pump, the mother had to trade off the power of a traditional electric pump in favor of a light hand powered unit, chosen for it’s portability and use in situations where an electric outlet was not available. Advances in technology brought us the portable battery powered breast pumps and they met the needs of a working or busy breastfeeding mom better than the hand powered units.

Medela has taken this a step further with the hands free Medela Freestyle unit.

While the new Medela Freestyle breast pump is not as powerful as the hospital grade breast pump, Medela Symphony it offers distinct advantages and also has a two phase expression pumping technology to increase let down and mimic the babies breast-feeding pattern.

Breastfeeding moms returning to work and those who lead an active lifestyle may find particular challenges to continuing breastfeeding that the Medela Freestyle pump can address. These moms can find themselves in situations where no electrical outlet is handy and the battery powered Medela Freestyle can be a boon in these situations.

What sets the tiny Medela Freestyle apart from otherl battery powered breast pumps is it’s minute size, LED readout, and hands free operation. Both hands can be free to attend to other tasks than holding the pumping unit in place. This portable breast pump is also a double unit that can pump both breasts at the same time and even comes with a 12V adapter for use while traveling.

Even though the Medela Freestyle may not be the right breast pump for every mother and every situation it certainly meets a need for the mom on the go. The mother who requires a hospital grade breast pump may still be happier with her stationary Medela Symphony. However the mom who requires a portable solution to breast pumping will likely want to take a second look at the tiny Medela Freestyle.

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July 21, 2009   2 Comments

Choosing A Breast Pump For Back To Work

by LisaC

Let’s just say that you have finally made the decision, or economics has made it for you, to return to work after breastfeeding your baby. You wish to continue breastfeeding and all that’s left (mostly) is to decide how to feed your baby in your absence.

Now you can use prepared formula while you and your baby are separated, but the fact remains that you will probably still want to keep up your milk production and relieve the associated breast pressure that comes with separation from your baby. Many moms returning to work prefer to keep their babies on breast milk as it is a far healthier alternative.

You will at this point need to consider a means of expressing milk from your breasts while you and your child are separated. Expression can be done by hands or by using a breast pump (either manual or electric). Hand expression can be done, but the results are often less than optimal and it’s a slower method of evacuating the engorged breast of milk.

If you decide on using a more efficient breast pump (many breastfeeding working moms do) then you should look at the different types of breast pumps available as well as what type you will require for your unique work situation. Obviously different work environments will require different solutions.

The next question might be; Will you have adequate break times at work in which to pump? If your breaks are relatively short then you may want to look at purchasing a battery powered or electrically powered pump. They are faster and generally considered more efficient than the manual pump though also more expensive.

Do you have electrical outlets available in your pumping area? If the answer is no, then perhaps a manual pump or the battery powered type is going to be a more viable solution.

Finally, how portable will you need your breast pump to be? If you must move your breast pump often and over some distances, due to a lack of storage at work, or to get it out of the way to use the room for other activities, or even because your pumping room is some distance from your storage, then a hand or light battery powered pumping unit may be your answer.

One size does not fit all, and one solution will not fit all situations. Your choice of the breast pump right for you, should be based upon the availability of power, time considerations,and privacy for pumping at work. Take all these factors into consideration to find the breast pump perfect for you.

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July 10, 2009   No Comments

How to Achieve a Successful Breast Pumping Session

by admin

Most new mothers are clueless on breastfeeding and the different other things that comes with being a mother. New mothers need all the support that they can get from family members and friends so that they will have an easier time when it comes to facing the things that every mother will face.

For a more enjoyable breast pumping experience, you can use a lot of tips that will enable you to get the milk out and have a pleasurable experience with it. A breast pump is an ideal tool that you can use to help you out with breastfeeding. If it’s your first time using a breast pump, you need to learn how to use it first by reading the instructions or seeking help of a friend who knows how to do it.

Weeks before you start with breastfeeding, you can already practice for it by using a breast pump to pump milk out of your breasts. As they always say, practice makes perfect.

A successful breast pumping session relies a lot on having a relaxed atmosphere. You should be able to have an environment where there is not a lot of noise or stress so that you can concentrate on what you’re doing.

If you want to create a relaxing atmosphere, you can try to put on relaxing music to soothe your nerves.

Having a warm bath before the pumping session can also do wonders because it will enable you to relax your nerves and the warm water can actually condition your breasts for the pumping which will help in getting milk out of it.

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May 10, 2009   No Comments

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