While breastfeeding is surely natural and normal it isn't always easy. There are no bottles to judge whether or not your baby is eating the recommended amount ounces. It can be a struggle in knowing if you're feeding too often or too little, especially if you have a fast nurser. It can hurt and one can develop milk supply worries.
But rest assured, while it may not be easy for everyone many breastfeeding issues can be avoided or solved relatively quick.
Kellymom is a great resource.
Dr. Sears has great information on his page as well.
You can also find a local Le Leche League group or visit their website to get some great info on breastfeeding and breastfeeding legislation.
Dealing with some breastfeeding issues can be daunting, but have no fear there IS help if you need it!
Milk Supply Concerns:
First you need to decide if there is actually a supply issue. Why do you feel that way? If the baby is gaining weight (even if slowly) and wetting 6-8 diapers a day, and that means 24 hours, then you don't have an issue. The fussiness and constant nursing could be from other issues.
If you do have supply issues there are many things you can try such as galactagogue's to help increase milk supply. Those include fenugreek and blessed thistle.
You can increase your fluid intake and make sure you are eating enough.
You can also try block feeding. Nurse on one breast for 3 feedings and then switch breasts. That can ensure the baby is getting enough of the hind milk!
You can also make Lactation Aid Cookies:
Here are the ingrediants:
1 C butter
1 C sugar
1 C brown sugar
4 T water
2 T flaxseed meal (no subs)
2 Lg eggs
1 t vanilla
2 C flour
1 t baking soda
1 t salt
3 C Thick cut oats
1 C Chocolate chips
2 T Brewers Yeast (no substitutions)
and here's how to prepare them
Preheat oven at 375.
Mix 2 T of flaxseed meal and water, set aside 3-5 minutes.
Cream butter and sugar.
Add eggs.
Stir flaxseed mix into butter mix and add vanilla.
Beat until well blended.
Sift: dry ingredients, except oats and choc chips.
Add butter mix to dry ing.
Stir in the oats and then the choc chips.
Drop on parchmant paper on baking sheet.
Bake 8-12 minutes.
Why do they work?
Because the main ingredients promote healthy lactation and are just plain full of nutrients
Oatmeal is a frequently recommended food for increasing milk supply, possibly because it contains iron and nursing mothers are often iron deficient. It's also a good source of fiber, and I'm told that if you ask a dairy farmer what they do to increase milk yield, they say that they increase fiber intake.
Brewer's yeast has long been recommended to increase milk supply, though there are some doubts that it does the trick. It does contain lots of B vitamins - another area where nursing mothers may be deficient. At a minimum it might give you a bit more energy. When eaten in large amounts it also might give your baby a "yeasty" smelling diaper, and I'm not sure if it's recommended for mothers who are struggling with thrush. The recipe said 'no substitutions' for this ingredient, but I couldn't find brewer's yeast in time, so used nutritional yeast instead.
Flaxseed oil (this recipe calls for flaxseed meal) is considered by some to be a galactagogue, but I had a hard time finding much on its effects. It does contain Omega-3 fatty acids, and many nursing mothers are deficient in that area because our stores are used in breastmilk. Omega 3s from fish oil are considered a promising therapy for preventing and treating postpartum depression (see the podcast I did on this topic), but the Omega 3s in flaxseed oil are a different form and are not viewed as effective for this purpose.
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Monday, August 02, 2010
Why I love breastfeeding!
Ah Breastfeeding.
It's a natural and beautiful thing, but isn't always easy. I have been nursing since January 2007, that's when my oldest was born.
Nursing was hard. Between working around an IV in her hand, then her head, and the blood blisters and cracked nipples I really felt defeated. Like I just couldn't do this anymore.
When we bring her home nursing seemed to get better until that thing called engorgement happened. My boobs didn't really hurt but were huge and full and Becka couldn't latch. I got a cheap-o pump and she still couldn't latch. She went 10 hours without eating at all and then I fed her for 2 days with a bottle. I cried, my husband cried, and she cried. It was pretty miserable and daunting.
But we worked through it.
People aren't kidding when they say the first 2-3 weeks are the hardest and that it does hurt. Don't let anyone tell you that "it's not suppose to hurt" because unless your nipples have been washed with steel wool this entire time it will hurt, but it goes away!
I know this sounds intimidating, but it wasn't. It was such a short period of the 21 months I spent nursing her. Nursing is just beautiful and it was worth the pain to get to the point where we both enjoyed nursing and were comfortable. I am thankful I didn't give up, thankful for my husband who supported me and the lactation consultant who answered my teary calls at 6am.
Taegen was born in 2009 and she latched on like a pro. Like she was born to do this (haha, of course she was).
It's been an amazing experience and something I will cherish. She's 14 months old now and still nurses, happily, and at times nursing a toddler can be a challenge (like when she decides to get in the downward dog position while latched on or put her foot in my face!) but it's also really fun!
Ha, it seems I trailed off the main idea which is why I love nursing.
Besides the benefits there is nothing more amazing than that moment when your baby smiles while nursing, or you two look each other in the eyes or the hand that caresses your neck.
It truly is a gift that everyone should experience, there's nothing like it.
A newborn baby has only three demands. They are warmth in the arms of its mother, food from her breasts, and security in the knowledge of her presence. Breastfeeding satisfies all three. ~Grantly Dick-Read
It's a natural and beautiful thing, but isn't always easy. I have been nursing since January 2007, that's when my oldest was born.
Nursing was hard. Between working around an IV in her hand, then her head, and the blood blisters and cracked nipples I really felt defeated. Like I just couldn't do this anymore.
When we bring her home nursing seemed to get better until that thing called engorgement happened. My boobs didn't really hurt but were huge and full and Becka couldn't latch. I got a cheap-o pump and she still couldn't latch. She went 10 hours without eating at all and then I fed her for 2 days with a bottle. I cried, my husband cried, and she cried. It was pretty miserable and daunting.
But we worked through it.
People aren't kidding when they say the first 2-3 weeks are the hardest and that it does hurt. Don't let anyone tell you that "it's not suppose to hurt" because unless your nipples have been washed with steel wool this entire time it will hurt, but it goes away!
I know this sounds intimidating, but it wasn't. It was such a short period of the 21 months I spent nursing her. Nursing is just beautiful and it was worth the pain to get to the point where we both enjoyed nursing and were comfortable. I am thankful I didn't give up, thankful for my husband who supported me and the lactation consultant who answered my teary calls at 6am.
Taegen was born in 2009 and she latched on like a pro. Like she was born to do this (haha, of course she was).
It's been an amazing experience and something I will cherish. She's 14 months old now and still nurses, happily, and at times nursing a toddler can be a challenge (like when she decides to get in the downward dog position while latched on or put her foot in my face!) but it's also really fun!
Ha, it seems I trailed off the main idea which is why I love nursing.
Besides the benefits there is nothing more amazing than that moment when your baby smiles while nursing, or you two look each other in the eyes or the hand that caresses your neck.
It truly is a gift that everyone should experience, there's nothing like it.
A newborn baby has only three demands. They are warmth in the arms of its mother, food from her breasts, and security in the knowledge of her presence. Breastfeeding satisfies all three. ~Grantly Dick-Read
on a different topic, here's a great giveaway from UrthBags!
These bags look super cute!
The giveaway is for one of their modern hippie bags. Chic, modern, with a touch of that 1960's hippie we all love!
From the page it's self it says:
The giveaway is for one of their modern hippie bags. Chic, modern, with a touch of that 1960's hippie we all love!
From the page it's self it says:
UrthBags are hand-crafted from recycled materials by Fair Trade Women’s Organizations & Artisans – Purses Made with a Purpose!
"Bridgette" Magazine Bag
By owning an UrthBag, you are not only helping to protect our planet, but also to provide jobs to underprivileged women world-wide. UrthBags are durable, ultra-stylish & can be used for almost any occasion as they come in many different styles and are all handmade from recycled & salvaged materials so you can feel good about owning one while making a bold eco-fashion statement.
Monica Ralli, founded Urthbags to help inspire people to develop a stronger sense of eco-consciousness while making a stylish, green fashion statement. I had the pleasure of speaking with Monica recently to learn more about her vision and what’s in store for Urthbags.
Check it out!
Sunday, August 01, 2010
World Breastfeeding Week!
Here it is again. World Breastfeeding Week! This time it's 2010! I have been breastfeeding since 2006, with a short break from the time my oldest weaned and my youngest was born!
I am currently still nursing my 14 month old baby, and she has no interest in weaning any time soon!
Breastfeeding is amazing, beautiful, and natural. It can be challenging, painful, and frustrating but none of these three things make it less worth it.
So to kick off World Breastfeeding Week I will list the benefits of breastfeeding!
http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/benefits/
Breast milk has disease-fighting cells called antibodies that help protect infants from germs, illness, and even SIDS. Infant formula cannot match the exact chemical makeup of human milk, especially the cells, hormones, and antibodies that fight disease.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of ear infections, stomach virus', diabetes, breast and ovarian cancers, and obesity (among the many).
Breastfeeding boosts an infant's/child's immune system.
Breastfeeding produces oxytocin and can reduce the "baby blues" or PPD.
Breastfeeding also saves money in both cost of formula and medical bills :)
These are just some of the benefits!.
Lastly I leave you with a quote!
"Nursing
I am currently still nursing my 14 month old baby, and she has no interest in weaning any time soon!
Breastfeeding is amazing, beautiful, and natural. It can be challenging, painful, and frustrating but none of these three things make it less worth it.
So to kick off World Breastfeeding Week I will list the benefits of breastfeeding!
http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/benefits/
Breast milk has disease-fighting cells called antibodies that help protect infants from germs, illness, and even SIDS. Infant formula cannot match the exact chemical makeup of human milk, especially the cells, hormones, and antibodies that fight disease.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of ear infections, stomach virus', diabetes, breast and ovarian cancers, and obesity (among the many).
Breastfeeding boosts an infant's/child's immune system.
Breastfeeding produces oxytocin and can reduce the "baby blues" or PPD.
Breastfeeding also saves money in both cost of formula and medical bills :)
These are just some of the benefits!.
Lastly I leave you with a quote!
"Nursing
does not diminish the beauty of a woman's breasts; it enhances their
charm by making them look lived in and happy." ~Robert A. Heinlein
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