Breastfeeding can be challenging and amazingly rewarding, but it can also be downright amusing. Nursing can make us do things without a second thought, things we would never have imagined doing. Continue reading
Category: breastfeeding
Breastfeeding Support
Breastfeeding is our biological norm but there are still challenges that may occur. Whether things go smoothly from the start or there are bumps along the way, support is key in reaching your breastfeeding goals. Continue reading
“How Long Should I Breastfeed?”
The simple answer, as long as you want to. There are of course guidelines and recommended ages from different organizations. Knowing the recommendations can help in informed decision making, but ultimately it is up to you. Continue reading
Bottles, Herbs and Frustration: When Breastfeeding Does Not Go As Planned
Imagine spending months looking forward to breastfeeding, taking a class and reading every book only to find yourself struggling to feed your baby. Breastfeeding is our biological norm so it should come naturally and quickly to all mother baby pairs, right? Unfortunately, no, it does not always come easily. While the majority of mother baby pairs are able to exclusively breastfeed with proper support and education, some pairs have unfortunate hurdles (maybe even mountains) standing between them and exclusively breastfeeding. Certainly our birth culture impacts breastfeeding, some common delivery and postpartum practices can complicate things. For some pairs though, regardless of delivery and postpartum experiences, breastfeeding is unfairly challenging. Continue reading
Dads and Breastfeeding
While moms and babies quickly come to mind when discussing breastfeeding, dads have a role in the breastfeeding relationship too. In fact, studies show supportive dads can positively impact breastfeeding rates. When a dad actively supports mom’s decision to breastfeed we see higher initiation rates and a longer duration of breastfeeding. Dads, you are important! Here are a few ways to support a nursing mom: Continue reading
Breastfeeding and Allergies
Generally speaking there are no across the board dietary restrictions while breastfeeding. Some herbs in large amounts might impact supply, a specific food might upset baby but for the most part nursing moms can eat as they always have. That said, some of us are blessed with special little ones, little ones that are sensitive or very allergic to certain foods. Some might assume their baby is allergic to breast milk itself, but aside from a very rare condition galactosemia babies are not allergic to human milk. The reaction is not to moms milk in general but something she is consuming. Continue reading
They Eat HOW Often?!
As a nursing mom, doula, and childbirth educator I get MANY questions about supply concerns because baby is constantly eating. I am not sure my answer to this offers relief or fear but the reality is it is completely normal for baby to eat what feels like ALL the time. In fact, some newborns spend 16+ hours at the breast in the first few days. I know I have shared this before, but this is such a wonderful article and what I often share with moms who are concerned about baby wanting to be physically attached to them at all times. http://www.drjen4kids.com/soap%20box/normal_%20newborn.htm#.Ui45FdLijAk Continue reading
Five Tips to Help You Enjoy Breastfeeding
There will likely be times you feel like all you are doing is constantly feeding baby. It can be very trying to breastfeed, but sometimes little things can make it more enjoyable. Here are a few quick tips: Continue reading