How Does Breast Feeding Work?

Milk Production Begins Before Birth

A pregnant mother begins making milk in the form of colostrum even before her baby is born. This colostrum is what the baby receives when he or she first begins to nurse and it is rich in nutrients that are important for growth and the immune system.

Once the baby is born, a mother's hormones undergo yet another change that prompts the rapid production of milk, usually two to three days after the baby's birth. In the meantime, a baby gets all he needs from the colostrum.

Hormones at Work

When a baby suckles at the breast, the hormone oxytocin is released within the mother. This stimulates milk production or "let down." The milk literally comes down the milk ducts ready to be squeezed out by the babies suckling action. Oxytocin is also a "feel good" hormone, causing the mother to experience pleasure. This is one reason why breast feeding can be such a bonding experience for the mother.

The more a baby feeds, the more breast milk the mother's body makes up until the day the baby is weaned.

Prolactin is the other important hormone in milk production, which is responsible for turning nutrients from the mother's blood supply into nourishing breast milk for baby.

Feeding Your Baby is a Bonding Experience

Breast feeding is a unique bonding time. Babies have been known to instinctively find the breast without assistance if given the opportunity. Many breastfed babies' first experience outside of the womb is suckling at the breast. It comes naturally to them. A baby's physiology is such that they cannot see any further away than the distance between the breast and their mother's face, and this also contributes to bonding.
Breastfed infants tend to feed more often than bottle-fed babies because breast milk is easily digestible and therefore the baby needs to eat more frequently, often "on demand." This time spent in the arms of mother can contribute to a feeling of safety and a deep and lasting bond.

Higher IQs, Healthy Immune Function and More

Breast milk is the perfect food. It has the exact proportions of fats, sugars and proteins needed. Studies have shown that children who were breastfed have higher IQs and, because breast milk contains antibodies, healthier immune systems. Why do breast fed babies have higher IQs than their non-breast fed counterparts? Many say it is because of the fats in breast milk. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the Omega-3 fats, which are essential to brain development and proper function, increase a child's IQ.

Healthiest Foods for Breastfeeding

The experts at womenshealth.gov agree that breastfeeding provides many benefits to both baby and mother that formula feeding does not. Though many women may find breastfeeding to be an infinitely satisfying experience, it is a time-consuming endeavor that requires a new mother to remain as diligent in her diet and nutrition as she was when she was pregnant. Fortunately, there are many delicious, healthful foods that can help a new mom supply herself and her baby with the balanced nutrition they need.

Proteins

Eat adequate amounts of protein when you are nursing to supply the necessary nutrition to both your body and your child's body. Some women are concerned about consuming animal proteins when they are nursing due to growth hormones, additives and toxic levels of mercury and other heavy metals. If you are not a vegetarian, there is no need to eliminate animal proteins from your diet while nursing. Choose meat and poultry that has been organically fed and fish that is fresh-caught instead of farmed.

WebMd categorizes salmon as one of the best foods for breastfeeding mothers because it is packed with nutrition and an important type of fat called DHA. DHA assists in the development of your nursing baby's nervous system. In addition, studies suggest that the DHA in salmon may help prevent postpartum depression. Concerns about mercury consumption are causing some nursing mothers to avoid salmon and other nutritious seafoods; however, the FDA guidelines state that salmon is a low-mercury fish and is safe when consumed in amounts of no more than 12 oz. per week.

Lean beef is recommended for nursing mothers because it is iron-rich and a good source of vitamin B-12. Adequate amounts of iron and vitamin B-12 will keep you from becoming drained of energy while meeting the demands of caring for and nursing your infant.

Eggs are versatile and easy to cook. They are also one of the few foods that provide a natural source of vitamin D. Vitamin D will help keep your bones strong while you are breastfeeding and will help your baby develop strong bones and teeth.

Low-fat dairy foods such as yogurt, cheese and milk are also good sources of vitamin D and calcium. Eat three or more servings per day as part of your nutritional plan.

Legumes such as black beans, kidney beans, lentils and peanuts are a good source of protein and iron if you are a vegetarian breastfeeding mom, or if you simply want to add some variety to your diet. Legumes are also inexpensive, which can be advantageous when adjusting to the expenses of having a new baby.

Fruits and Vegetables

Blueberries are highly recommended for nursing mothers as a way to meet their two-serving daily requirement of fruit or juice. Blueberries not only provide you with important anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals, but they also provide an energy-raising dose of carbohydrates.

WebMd states that nursing mothers need even more vitamin C than they did while pregnant. Oranges are a quick, portable snack that will give you that extra boost of vitamin C. For a mid-day pick-me-up, sip some orange juice when you sit down to nurse your baby in the afternoon.

Leafy greens are the healthiest type of vegetable a breastfeeding mother can eat. Spinach, Swiss chard, mustard greens, kale and broccoli are all a good source of vitamin A and a non-dairy source of calcium. Eating leafy greens can also soften bowel movements, which is a concern for some postpartum women.

Grains

You may be tempted to cut out carbohydrates when trying to lose excess baby weight, but whole-grain cereals, breads, pastas and brown rice will help you maintain your energy levels and provide the calories you need for producing an adequate supply of breast milk. Whole grains are also rich in folic acids, which are crucial to your baby's development during gestation and infancy. They also supply fiber, which can help you maintain regular bowel movements.

Water

Drinking at least 8 cups of water daily will prevent dehydration, a common problem for nursing moms, and will boost your ability to produce milk. Avoid sodas, coffee and tea while nursing as the caffeine in these drinks will become concentrated in your baby's system. Opt for water instead.

Home Treatments for Sore Breasts After Breastfeeding

Breast milk is the preferred nutrition for babies by most medical professionals. However, for mom, especially in the beginning, breastfeeding may not come as naturally as she assumed that it would. Breastfeeding can cause sore breasts and nipples, but there are treatments that can help.

Continue Breastfeeding

When breasts are sore, continue to breastfeed or pump on a regular schedule. According to La Leche League International (LLLI), sore breasts after breastfeeding are most often due to plugged ducts or a breast infection. While a breast infection will likely require medical treatment, it is advisable for all mothers to continue breastfeeding to get relief. It is not dangerous to the baby to breastfeed even when an infection is present.

Change the way you hold your baby while breastfeeding. LLLI states that moms who use different style holds while breastfeeding will be able to drain the breast more effectively than those who stick with one particular hold. Moms should alternate between the cradle hold, football hold and breastfeeding while lying down.

Treatments

Apply heat in several different ways to the breast. This will provide relief as well as help to unclog a plugged duct. Heat can be applied with a low setting on a heating pad, by taking a hot bath or shower or by leaning over a bowl of warm water and placing the breasts directly into the water. Breastfeeding while the breasts are warm can help the milk to flow better. Massaging the affected breasts during these heat application sessions can also help with plugged ducts according to LLLI.

Rest well while breastfeeding. This is an enormous physical task on the body. It is important to rest well, eat well and hydrate continuously during the time you are breastfeeding. Being relaxed during breastfeeding sessions can also help to alleviate any pain or soreness that is associated with the task.

If the nipple or the surrounding area is sore or cracked, apply a thin layer of breast milk to the area after feeding. Allow the film to air dry for an all natural solution to these painful symptoms of breastfeeding.

Seek Help

Seek help from medical professionals if you believe you may have an infection. A breast infection, such as mastitis, is often treated with antibiotics that will need to be prescribed by a physician.

Schedule an appointment with a lactation consultant. This trained professional can check to ensure the baby is correctly latching onto the breast. If the latch is incorrect, this can cause pain to the nipple and surrounding area. Correction of the latch technique can make breastfeeding a more enjoyable and effective process for both mom and baby.

How to Relieve Engorged Breast From Weaning

While weaning your child off breast milk, even though you are feeding him from the breast less often, you body continues to produce as much milk as it did before you began weaning. This excess milk production causes engorgement of the breasts, which can be extremely painful. You can relieve engorged breasts from weaning in a number of different ways that will also provide you relief from pain and tenderness.

Instructions

1

Begin weaning gradually. When you first begin weaning, replace one or two breast feedings per week with a bottle. This allows your body to slowly reduce milk production and also helps to prevent your breasts from becoming too painfully engorged.

2

Continue to increase bottle feedings. Week by week replace an additional one or two breast feedings with a bottle. This causes your milk production to reduce even further, resulting in fewer instances of painful engorgement.

3

Apply cold compresses. The coolness of the compresses helps to reduce swelling of engorgement in the breast. Place them in the freezer for 10 minutes to cool them down, then place the compresses on the breasts for 10 to 15 minutes immediately after feeding.

4

Put on a sports bra. Sports bras offer more support than regular bras and nursing bras. This added support helps reduce pain and tenderness caused by engorgement.

5

Drink 8 ounces of sage tea two to three times a day. Sage contains phytoestrogen, a natural form of estrogen that helps to reduce your body's milk supply.

How to Nurse a Baby While Pregnant With Twins

Breast-feeding a baby has many advantages. It is an inexpensive way to provide optimum nutrition that is tailored to the individual infant's needs. A woman who breast-feeds her baby also receives several health advantages such an increased ability to burn calories and, according to a study in the July 20, 2002 issue of the Lancet, a decreased risk of breast cancer. Nursing a baby while carrying twins can be difficult but it can be done with the right support and preparation.

Instructions

1

Drink lots of water. Water can help you increases your milk supply if you are short of milk. Pregnancy can help you up your supply of milk as your body prepares to nurture two new babies.

2

Get enough sleep. Both pregnancy and lactation can release hormones that can make you sleepy as you nurse. The best way to cope with the sleepiness that is common in early pregnancy is to take naps if possible. You can easily cuddle up with a baby next to you in bed in a sidecar sleeper after she has finished nursing. Getting enough rest can help you cope with caring for your baby and gestating twins. Your body is undergoing a tremendous change in a short time frame. Let that happen without fighting it.

3

Protect your nipples. First-trimester hormones can make your nipples feel sore and achy. Reduce the hurt with soothing creams on the market designed to reduce nipple soreness as well as soft cotton nipple shields you can place in your bra when not nursing.

4

Stick to comfort nursing only. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that women nurse babies for at least a year. Older babies can also benefit from nursing. As your baby grows, you can feed him other sources of nutrition such as vegetables and whole grains. If your baby is older than a year, consider nursing her only for specific activities such as getting to sleep at night, comfort during vaccinations and after she's had a minor misstep or fallen down. Older babies may also not want to continue nursing after you've become pregnant because a pregnancy can affect the taste of the milk.

5

Hire outside help. If you find that the pregnancy is creating problems with your existing nursing relationship, hire professionals. Lactation consultants are trained medical professionals who can assist you with any problems with your existing breast-feeding relationship. A visit may even be covered under your medical plan. Contact an office of your nearby La Leche League. The La Leche League is devoted to helping women nurse their children. Members are trained volunteers, many of whom have nursed their own children. They can assist you with any problems you might have without additional costs.

How to Change Hair Color After a Baby Is Born

Many hair care experts believe that coloring the hair while pregnant is safe, although some caution women against it. The main concern is the hair color gets absorbed through the scalp and enters the bloodstream. After the baby is born, mothers who are breastfeeding are concerned about the dye entering the breast milk. Fortunately, there are a few ways to change the color of the hair safely after the baby is born.

Instructions

1

Highlight your hair. One advantage of highlighting is that you apply the color up to 2 inches away from the scalp. This means that the color doesn't touch the skin, or enter the bloodstream. Highlighting the hair changes the look of the hair without using permanent hair color. When highlighting, use rubber gloves that come with the kit and use it in a room that has plenty of ventilation.

2

Apply a semi-permanent color to the hair. Semi-permanent hair colors wash out in about six shampoos. Look for semi-permanent hair colors with no peroxide, or low or no ammonia. By containing less chemicals than permanent hair colors, these semi-permanent hair colors may be best for mothers worried about dyes and chemicals entering the breast milk.

3

Brush on hair mascara. These are temporary hair colors that come in a large tube resembling mascara. The hair color is easy to brush on the hair, and dries quickly. The mascara only coats the hair, so the scalp doesn't absorb the hair color. This is probably the fastest way to color the hair after giving birth.

What Allergy Medicine Can I Take While Breastfeeding?

Chronic allergy symptoms can be uncomfortable and troublesome, and may even interfere with daily activities or become life-threateningly severe. Many nursing mothers unnecessarily avoid taking medication--or, worse, avoid breastfeeding--because of a fear that antihistamine drugs may hurt the child. Fortunately, the vast majority of antihistamine drugs are considered safe during lactation, though some allergy medications options are safer than others.



Renowned breastfeeding expert Dr. Jack Newman writes that, on average, less than one percent of a medication taken by a nursing mother is actually passed into her breast milk, and even smaller amounts are actually absorbed by the child. He emphasizes that the extremely minimal risks associated with these small doses are negligible compared to the risks of unnecessary formula feeding. Moms with allergies can get relief from their symptoms with little-to-no risk to their children.

Over-the-Counter Allergy Medicine: Loratadine

Loratadine is one of the most common allergy medications, and also one of the safest for breastfeeding mothers. As the active ingredient found in Claritin and Alavert, loratadine offers prescription-strength relief despite being available without a prescription. This, combined with the medication's quick action, makes it a popular choice for nursing moms.

Unlike diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine is totally non-drowsy, and will not sedate the mother or child. It is also associated with very few side effects compared to the vast majority of other drugs, and it has been approved for use during lactation by the American Academy of Pediatrics. If possible, Claritin or Alavert should be the first line of defense against seasonal allergies for nursing mothers.

Over-the-Counter Allergy Medicine: Desloratadine

When loratadine breaks down in the bloodstream, it converts into a chemical called desloratadine. Some over-the-counter allergy medications, including the popular brand Clarinex, use desloratadine as a primary active ingredient. Since its precursor, loratadine, is considered safe for nursing moms, there is no reason to suspect that Clarinex may be hazardous.

One 1988 study demonstrated that only barely-detectable amounts of desloratadine are transferred into human breast milk-- just 0.019 percent of an adult dose. Since even smaller portions are absorbed in the child's gut, there is good reason to believe that Clarinex and other desloratadine products are safe allergy medicines for lactating mothers.

Non-Over-the-Counter Allergy Medicine: Triprolidine

Another allergy medicine that has been approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics is triprolidine, commonly sold under the trade name Actidil. Although this drug is not prescribed as frequently as some other allergy medicines, Actidil is considered to be one of the safest and most effective allergy treatments for nursing mothers.

Triprolidine is sometimes combined with pseudoephedrine, a powerful decongestant, to create products such as Actifed. These decongestants are available over-the-counter and are also considered to be safe for nursing mothers. To avoid the possible negative effects of pseudoephedrine, bresatfeeding moms should seek isolated Triprolidine unless they find it ineffective.

Over-the-Counter Allergy Medicine: Fexofenadine

Fexofenadine--also known as Allegra--is also considered to be a safe allergy medicine for breastfeeding mothers. Though it is available only by prescription, fexofenadine is associated with very few side effects and only passes into breast milk in small amounts.

While it has been approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics for use by breastfeeding moms, Allegra has not been studied thoroughly enough for its effect on lactation to make it a good first-choice. Still, it is a good choice for mothers who do not find relief from over-the-counter allergy medicine.

Other Medicines Used to Treat Allergies

Some other drugs are considered to be reasonably safe during lactation, although there are safer options. For example, cetirizine (trade name Zyrtec) has been used extensively by breastfeeding women, but its long-term effects on nursing have not been studied thoroughly. There may be better options.

Another popular allergy medicine is diphenhydramine, more commonly known as Benadryl. Though serious effects on breastfed infants are unlikely, it does appear to be present in breastmilk in detectable amounts, and it has more potential side effects for the child. Diphenhydramine may have a sedative effect on some children-- a reaction that may be dangerous for very young infants. Alternatively, Benadryl has been known to cause agitation or hyperactivity in older babies and toddlers--an effect that any sniffly-nosed mom would prefer to avoid.

Ways to Soothe a Fussy Baby

Having a new baby can bring joy and excitement to the family, but some babies are fussier than others and leave parents feeling frustrated and needing sleep. There are many solutions that can help parents to soothe an exceptionally fussy baby so that they are able to sleep and care for him easily. Some babies are soothed by one particular solution, while others may need multiple actions to be combined before they are able to calm down and stop crying.

Swaddling

Swaddling can soothe even the fussiest of babies. To swaddle a baby, parents should lay a soft swaddling blanket on a flat surface. The top corner should be folded down so that the top of the blanket is flat instead of pointed. The baby should then be placed on her back in the middle of the blanket with her head above the flat corner. The right point can be brought over he body and tightly tucked underneath her back. Then, the bottom point should be brought up and tucked above the right side, just at her chest. The left side should then be folded over her body and tucked around so that she is tightly wrapped in the blanket with only her head and neck out. This action helps the baby to feel secure and simulates the warmth and tightness of being in the womb.

Breastfeeding or Pacifier Use

Breastfed babies can be nursed when fussy to provide them with comfort. Nursing releases hormones in the mother and baby that help both to calm down, providing a quiet time to bond. Breastfed babies can be nursed even if they are not hungry, without fear of overfeeding. It is not possible to overfeed a nursing baby, and babies nursing for comfort will naturally receive less milk than babies nursing due to hunger, as they suckle lighter and tend to drift off to sleep. Bottle-fed babies can be offered a pacifier while cuddling with mom or dad to provide the baby with a similar experience to nursing for comfort. The suckling action will allow the baby to feel a sense of comfort and relief from uncomfortable problems such as gas or over-stimulation. Often, the act of suckling in the comfort of a parent's arms will help the infant to quickly fall asleep.

Infant Massage

Infant massage can provide babies with a soothing bonding experience with caregivers, and also helps to relieve any discomfort or gas that the baby is experiencing. Infant massage can be performed by stripping the baby to a diaper on a soft blanket, with baby lotion nearby. Starting with the chest, parents can gently massage a small amount of lotion upward and outward, circling both hands down to the stomach and rubbing them upward to the chest repeatedly. It is important to only rub gently and avoid any sort of deep tissue massage on infants. After the chest and stomach, parents can massage the infant's arms by using a milking motion, moving from the top of the arms to the bottom. The same action can be repeated on the legs and then the baby can be rolled onto his stomach and receive a massage on his back.

Gas Relief

Fussiness is often caused by a difficulty passing gas. Parents can provide their baby with gas relief by laying him on his back and gently moving his legs as though riding a bicycle. After bicycling the baby's legs for a few minutes, mom or dad can gently bend the baby's legs and press them upward against his chest. Both of these motions help to aid in digestion and typically result in helping the baby pass wind.

Soothing Sounds

Infants are used to many soothing sounds while in the womb. Parents can try to simulate these sounds by making quiet "sh" or "whoosh" sounds repeatedly to the baby. Some babies are also comforted by hearing the voice of their mother or listening to soft singing.

Soothing Motions

Babies also experience a great deal of gentle motion while in the womb and become uncomfortable after birth by laying still. Parents can pick up the crying baby and use gentle rocking or bouncing motions to calm him down. It helps to experiment with different motions to find what calms the baby down the quickest; some babies like rocking forward and backward, while some like rocking side to side. Some babies like slow bouncing and others prefer quicker movements.

Warm Bath

A warm bath can calm a crying baby by providing a similar feeling to being in the womb. Having a parent in the bath tub with the baby allows her to relax and feel secure. Either mom or dad can fill the bath tub with warm water and gentle baby bubble bath and then lay quietly in the tub with the infant on their chest. Mothers who are nursing can even breastfeed in the bath tub to provide added comfort to the fussy baby.

Closeness to Parents

Babies often cry due to discomfort from being out in the open, outside the warmth and closeness that they grew accustom to during pregnancy. Closeness with either parent can provide the baby with a sense of security and warmth. Parents can lay in bed with the baby, carry him around with them or even wear him so that he feels secure all throughout the day. A tight, secure baby wrap or sling provides the baby with a feeling that emulates the womb in many ways.

Infant Swing

Some parents come to rely on an infant swing if they have a very fussy baby. Rocking a baby all day and night can become tiring and painful, and swings provide an alternative that allows parents to get some rest and time to take care of their own needs. While swings don't provide the same closeness and bonding as rocking or wearing a baby, they are often necessary for actions that cannot be performed if the baby is in the parent's arms.

Car Ride or Walk

Some babies are extremely fussy and parents have a difficult time calming them, even after trying many of the recommended solutions. Some parents find that their only method of calming the baby is by putting her in her car seat and driving around, or putting her in her stroller and taking a long walk. While both solutions can be helpful in calming a baby, they should never be performed while the parent is sleep deprived. If necessary, the other parent should care for the baby while the first parent rests or another caregiver or family member should be called so that the parent can sleep and be ready to care properly for the baby later in the day.

How to Get Enough Sleep When You Have a Newborn

What new parents need more than almost anything else is sleep. It is definitely a challenge to get enough sleep while taking care of a newborn, but it can be done.

Instructions

1

Make a big sign for your door that says, "Mother and baby are sleeping! Please do not knock or ring unless we are expecting you!"

2

Leave the sign up for as long as you like ' it works.

3

Turn off the ringer on the telephone and let the machine answer all calls. Return calls when you feel like it. People will understand.

4

Nap when your baby naps. Try to resist the urge to do dishes and housework instead.

5

Share sleep with, or sleep near, your baby. With the right safety precautions, this can mean a good night's sleep for everyone.

6

Accept all offers of help from friends and family. Let them come over and do a load of laundry, or even cook a family meal, while you sleep.

7

Keep the room quiet and dark if you get up for night feedings. This will help your baby understand that nighttime is for sleeping, not playing.

8

Take a warm bath with your baby a couple of hours before bedtime. This will relax both of you and prepare you for a good night's sleep.

Elimination Diet for Breastfeeding

When a baby is still experiencing regular bouts of colic---unexplained crying, flushed cheeks and fussiness---after three months of life, the cause may be more than just the trials and tribulations of babyhood. Breastfeeding mothers may experience fussy infants for longer periods because of food allergies. As everything the mother eats is passed on to the baby through her milk, the only way to discover which foods trigger the colic response is to eliminate every known allergy-causing food from the diet and slowly reintroduce each food.

Preparation

Ensure that neither the infant nor mother is detrimentally affected by the elimination diet by taking vitamins. Most breastfeeding moms are still taking a prenatal vitamin and should continue doing so when testing which foods cause adverse reactions in the baby. Speak with a physician regarding the best types of calcium, iron and fiber supplements to use during the elimination period. Always drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day when practicing any sort of diet to ensure ample hydration.

Elimination

It is better to start by eliminating those foods that you suspect are causing the reaction. For example, if after eating peaches you notice a change in the baby's behavior or one or more occasions, peaches would be the first food to eliminate. Common food allergens are dairy, eggs, wheat, nuts, red meat, some fruits, certain vegetables (corn is common), shellfish and soy-based products. Stop eating the suspected allergen for at least two weeks to ensure any trace amount of it has been flushed from the baby's digestive system. Alternatively, you can stop eating a few foods at the same time (if nutritionally safe to do so) to save time when reintroducing foods.

Reintroduction

Attempt to eat the eliminated food after two weeks to gauge the child's reaction. If there is no strong reaction, either move on to the next food or, if you are quite certain a particular food caused the reaction, wait a few days and try reintroducing it again. If there is still no reaction, move onto the next suspected food on your list.

Results

Record the child's moods, reactions and symptoms while following the diet. Note the usual schedule as well as any major changes. Initially, change may be slow or inconsistent. When a pattern is established and the possible allergic reaction identified, it is a good idea to try eating the food at least one more time. On that day, be sure to avoid any other possible triggers. For instance, if you ate eggs and oranges on the same day and suspect an allergy, eat eggs one day and wait three more days before eating oranges. Once the allergy has been identified, find permanent nutritional substitutes and read food labels carefully to avoid accidentally reintroducing the allergen into the baby's diet.

How to Stop a Breast-Feeding Baby From Biting

One of the greatest fears that nursing mothers have is the fear of being bitten. While some breast-fed babies do occasionally bite, it is a fairly easy problem to deal with, and should not threaten the success of the breast-feeding relationship.

Instructions

1

Remove your baby from your breast gently, and say "Don't bite Mama!" or "Don't hurt Mommy!" Put him down gently or hand him to someone else, then wait a minute or so before you start to nurse again. This will teach your baby that when he bites, the milk goes away.

2

Repeat this procedure as often as necessary to get the message across. If necessary, calm your baby down by giving him a finger to suck on before you try relatching him.

3

Prevent biting that happens early in a feeding. Does your baby bite out of eagerness or frustration, while trying to get your milk to let down? If so, you may be able to stimulate letdown by massaging your breasts just before a feeding or laying a warm washcloth on them for a few minutes.

4

Prevent biting that happens late in a feeding. Does your baby bite near the end of a nursing session, when he gets sleepy and his latch starts to slip? If so, you may want to unlatch him slightly earlier than usual, after he has had a good meal but before he drops off altogether.

5

Work on your baby's latch. If he is very young, he may still be learning how to nurse properly. It is fairly easy to retrain a baby's latch just by positioning and repositioning him until he gets it right.

6

Check his breathing. If a baby has a cold or stuffy nose, this can affect his latch and even cause him to bite unintentionally.

7

Check for signs of teething. Many babies occasionally bite when they begin teething; if your baby's gums seem inflamed, or he has bright red cheeks, or he is drooling more than usual, he may be starting to get teeth.

8

Offer your baby something else to chew on before nursing, and in between feedings. Teething rings, frozen washcloths, and even your finger can be good substitutes.

How to Choose a Lactation Consultant

Infants can be fed with breast milk or formula. Breastfeeding a baby has many advantages. Breastfeeding is convenient and offers health benefits for both baby and mommy. Unfortunately, a significant percentage of women will have problems starting and maintaining the breastfeeding relationship. A baby may not latch properly. A woman may not have enough milk, causing the baby to lose weight. In this case help is available. A trained lactation consultant can help you overcome any problems and sustain a successful and highly satisfying breastfeeding relationship.

Instructions

1

Watch the baby carefully for a few days. Before you call a lactation consultant, you should be very specific about any and all problems that you have. A baby may refuse to nurse at all, making it very easy to spot the problem. A baby may latch on initially and then not suck for long enough to get enough milk. Your infant might prefer one position to another. Write a detailed report about exactly what steps you take to nurse and how the baby responds to the breast. If possible, set up a timer to notice how long the baby nurses. This will help you get the most out of any consultation appointment. The lactation consultant should have as much information as possible before you meet.

2

Contact the local branch of the La Leche League. The La Leche League was founded by volunteers to help promote breastfeeding. La Leche League members have received special training and can work with you to overcome basic problems. A La Leche League member may offer her time for free or charge you a small fee.

3

Contact the hospital where you gave birth. Many hospitals require labor and delivery nurses to be certified lactation consultants. A labor and delivery nurse can help you work on any initial nursing difficulties. If you find that you still have difficulties maintaining a nursing relationship after you have left the hospital, call the ward. Many staff nurses are available for private consultations after you have delivered your baby. A staff nurse can gain easy access to your medical records and medical history with your permission. This can help you pinpoint the source of the problems.

4

Contact the International Lactation Consultant Association. Association members are available worldwide. You can search the database to find someone who can help you. All members are required to undergo a formal certification process. This process includes classes in how to overcome nursing supply difficulties as well as how to work with both new and experienced mothers. A lactation consultant can talk to you over the phone and visit your home.

How to Wean Off of the Breasts

Breastfeeding not only provides your baby with many nutrients necessary for development, but also provides antibodies to help his immune system. Yet, there comes a time when you may decide to begin weaning your baby from your breasts. The Mayo Clinic website recommends waiting at least one year before weaning. It can help to wait for your baby to initiate the transition himself, which will avoid conflict. However, if you need to begin weaning due to work restraints or health reasons, weaning doesn't have to become a burden.

Instructions

1




Only feed baby foods.

Introduce baby foods after your baby is six months of age. Baby rice cereal and pureed vegetables are a good way to introduce solids. Offer baby foods at least twice a day, but don't become frustrated if your baby isn't interested.

2

Pump breast milk for your baby to provide milk if your baby is under one year of age. Having a family member offer milk through a bottle can help make weaning easier for you. Pumping milk will also help avoid engorgement of your breasts during the transition from breast to bottle.

3




Choose a time to cut out breastfeeding sessions.

Eliminate one breastfeeding a week, suggests KidsHealth. Depending on your child's temperament and your schedule, forgoing the morning feeding may make weaning easier. Nighttime feedings can make the transition more difficult for your child.

4




Provide your baby with a distraction.

Distract your baby with toys during the times you would have been feeding her. Offering your baby a drink from a baby cup and the opportunity to eat a snack can also distract your baby.

How to Manually Express Breastmilk

Mother and child learn how to nurse together and it is common for problems to occur during the learning process. Whether it's a slow let-down reflex or a bad latch onto the breast, manually expressing breastmilk helps alleviate problems by stimulating let-down and allowing the mother to express milk into a bottle. Learn the proper technique to manually express breastmilk.

Instructions

1

Wash your hands and find a quite place to relax and focus on expressing your breastmilk. Have a bottle or other proper breastmilk storage container nearby.

2

Stimulate the let-down reflex (when breastmilk flows down from the milk reservoirs) by massaging your breast from the top down to the nipple with a light patting motion. This stimulates the milk in the milk ducts and gets it moving down toward the nipple.

3

Prepare to manually express the breastmilk by using your thumb and first two fingers around the areola. Place the thumb at the 12 o'clock position and the fingers at 6 o'clock. Be careful not to cup the breast.

4

Push into the chest wall. If you are well endowed, lift the breast first and then push back into the chest wall.

5

Move the thumb and fingers forward, rolling them toward the nipple. This pushes the milk out of the nipple. Continue this motion until the milk drips out instead of squirts out with force.

6

Repeat the rolling motion technique with the thumb and fingers placed at 11 o'clock and 5 o'clock; 2 o'clock and 8 o'clock; 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock. The entire process, once mastered, takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

How to Tell if a Baby Has a Milk Allergy

Milk allergy is the most common food allergy for babies. Some babies that are allergic to cow's milk, which is found in most baby formulas, may also be allergic to soy formula as well. There are some obvious clues to an allergy, but some are more challenging to see. Breastfeeding seems to reduce milk allergies in babies. If you know you have a history of allergies, breastfeeding may be a good solution to keeping your baby allergy free, according to Babycenter.

Instructions

1

Look for obvious signs of an allergy. Rashes, hives, dry patches of skin (eczema) and nausea are all symptoms of a milk allergy. However, those may also be symptoms of other conditions, so smaller clues may help to define an actual allergy. A baby with an allergy to milk will have gas, problems with colic and fuss and cry more than normal.

Other signs are too loose or too hard stools and an excess of spit up after meals. Another clue that might be dismissed as diaper rash is a red ring around the anus.

2

Call your baby's pediatrician and make an appointment. Your doctor will ask questions about your family's history with allergy problems, and do an exam of your baby to check the symptoms. Several tests may be run to rule out other problems that can have the same type of symptoms. The best way to test for an allergy is an allergy skin test, which is putting a very small amount of the possible allergen under the baby's skin with a needle. If there is a physical reaction, there is an allergy present.

3

Treating a milk allergy begins with restricting the milk your baby is getting. Your doctor may recommend that you switch your baby to a soy based formula and see if that clears the symptoms. Watch for reactions because soy can be an allergen, too. If your baby is tolerating the soy formula, the symptoms of the milk allergy should disappear within two to four weeks.

How Does Breastfeeding Benefit an Infant?

Additional Protection From Illness

Breast milk provides the perfect nourishment for infants and offers some additional protection from illness. Infants who are breastfed have fewer hospital admissions and fewer illnesses including diarrhea, ear infections, and allergic reactions, than babies who are bottle-fed. Not only can breastfeeding save families money at the grocery when they do not buy formula, but it also saves money in healthcare costs. A mother's antibodies are transferred to the infant during breastfeeding, which offers protection from current illnesses going around their environment. Cells that can kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi called macrophages are found in breast milk. In third world countries, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, infant death rates are lower among babies who are breast-fed.

Specific Nutrient Needs Are Met

Each mammal species makes a slightly different formula of milk designed to meet the nutritional needs of their young. Therefore, no other mammal's milk, can meet the specific nutrient needs of the human infant during the first 12 months of life. FDA research indicates that human milk may contain over 100 ingredients that are not duplicated in infant formula. Optimal quantities of fatty acids, amino acids, lactose, and water are in human milk providing infants with the best combination for their digestion, growth, and brain development. The digestive tracts of breast-fed infants contain beneficial bacteria, Lactobacillus bifidus, which can prevent harmful organisms from growing there.

Ready On Demand

Breast milk is always the perfect temperature when coming straight from the breast and it is sterile. Therefore, you do not need to worry about dirty bottles, contaminated water, heating formula, mixing it correctly, or sterilizing nipples to avoid diarrhea or stomach upset. While breast fed babies may react to something mommy ate, they do not have allergies to their mother's milk, as with some infant formulas. Breastfeeding is more work for baby than bottle-feeding resulting in better jaw development. Nursing mothers must hold their babies close to breastfeed, which encourages bonding and comforts baby.

Precautions

Some drugs, whether prescribed by a medical doctor or not, can be passed through breast milk to the nursing infant. Drugs such as nicotine from smoking cigarettes, cocaine and heroin can cause a breastfed baby to vomit, have diarrhea, experience restlessness and suffer withdrawal symptoms. Some prescribed medications such as lithium and chemotherapy drugs pass through breast milk and may harm baby as well. If you take any drugs, discuss them with your doctor and your baby's doctor to determine if the benefits of breastfeeding your infant outweigh the possible side effects of the medication.

About Certified Lactation Educators

Breastfeeding has been shown to be the perfect food for babies, and has also been associated with a decreased number of gastrointestinal infections and a lowered risk of obesity later in life. Certified lactation educators (CLEs) can help women learn about breastfeeding before birth, and to put that knowledge into action after their baby is born, increasing the chances that they will choose to breastfeed and continue breastfeeding for a longer period of time.

Theories/Speculation

The one-on-one professional breastfeeding support provided by a CLE before a baby's birth helps women make an informed decision about breastfeeding in advance. Making this decision beforehand makes it more likely that a woman will actually follow through with breastfeeding after a baby's birth, a principle referred to by breastfeeding intervention researchers as the Theory of Planned Behavior. Research also shows that the type of hands-on support given by CLEs is much more effective in promoting and maintaining breastfeeding than merely presenting information or verbally telling a woman how to breastfeed.

Function

A Certified Lactation Educator (CLE) serves a variety of functions. During pregnancy, the CLE teaches women the benefits of breastfeeding and the skills involved, and assists them in making decisions about how they want to feed their baby. After a baby is born, a CLE helps mom and baby learn proper latch-on and positioning techniques, addresses breastfeeding concerns and assists the mother in solving breastfeeding issues and problems. CLEs also counsel moms on how to continue breastfeeding as they return to work or school.

Types

CLEs can be certified as lactation educators in addition to being certified in another healthcare area, such as a nurse or a doula. CLEs working in public health settings may support women individually or in class or group settings on a long-term basis throughout pregnancy and during the postpartum period, supplementing programs and services like the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) supplemental nutrition program. By contrast, CLEs working in labor and delivery units may only see women once as they learn how to breastfeed immediately after the birth of a baby.

Misconceptions

Many people think that only nurses can become Certified Lactation Educators, but most CLE training programs allow anyone to enroll. The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners sets forth educational prerequisites for non-healthcare professionals who want to become certified, and suggests that women obtain some type of prior experience as a breastfeeding peer counselor. While it may be difficult to find work in a medical setting such as a labor and delivery unit in a hospital, some health departments and walk-in breastfeeding clinics are willing to hire Certified Lactation Consultants who are not also registered nurses.

Potential

Certified Lactation Educators are currently not located in all hospitals, health departments and obstetric offices. Ideally, in the future, each labor and delivery unit and public health setting would have at least one CLE to support breastfeeding women and help them work through any breastfeeding problems or issues. Since promotion of breastfeeding is part of the movement to prevent childhood obesity, the job of a CLE will become increasingly important in the field of mother and infant care, and more jobs will become available, making lactation education a sound career choice.

How to Tell If My Baby Is Allergic to Breast Milk?

Breast milk is nature's perfect food for babies. True allergies to breast milk are virtually nonexistent. Most breast milk allergies are actually allergies to other food proteins that are present in the mother's milk. Identifying and eliminating common allergens in the mother's diet resolves almost all cases of breast milk allergy.

Instructions

1

Discuss your baby's newborn screening results with your doctor. This heel poke blood test is done on all babies within the first few days of life to test for rare metabolic disorders. One of these is galactosemia, a genetic absence of a liver enzyme that is essential for digesting lactose. According to La Leche League, galactosemia occurs once in 85,000 births and is one of the only true contraindications to breast-feeding.

2

Recognize allergy symptoms in your baby. These include colic, reflux, eczema, chronic congestion, vomiting, diarrhea and blood in the stool. Discuss these symptoms with your pediatrician before beginning treatment, as allergy is one of several possible causes. Tell your doctor about any family history of allergies. Babies whose parents have food allergies are at higher risk for allergy.

3

Remove common allergens from the mother's diet. Start with cow's milk, the most common allergen. The mother must stop consuming cow's milk in all forms, including butter, yogurt, ice cream and cow's milk derivatives such as casein and whey found in the ingredients of many products. It can take one to two weeks for all traces of cow's milk to be out of the mother's system and another one to two weeks before the baby is clear. While results may be seen quickly, it sometimes takes as long as six weeks for the baby's symptoms to improve. If eliminating dairy products does not work, other common allergens to try include soy, eggs, peanuts, corn and wheat. Like cow's milk, these can be eliminated one at a time for several weeks to see if they are affecting the baby.

4

Try an elimination diet. The baby's symptoms can be relieved fastest by the mother eliminating all common allergies at once. This is done by eating a highly restricted diet for several weeks and then reintroducing foods one at a time, stopping if the baby's allergy symptoms return. See the Resource section for information about the elimination diet recommended for this purpose by Dr. Sears.

How to Treat Diarrhea in an Infant

When your baby has diarrhea it can be a challenging experience for the both of you. You hate seeing your baby suffer and your baby may be very uncomfortable. Here are some tips for helping your child during this period.

Instructions

1

The first thing in treating diarrhea in infants is to know whether or not it is really diarrhea. Often an infants regular stool can look similar to diarrhea and some parents tend to become very nervous. The first thing to do is to notice if there is an increase of bowel movements baby is suddenly having. Most babies will develop a routine of how often they have bowel movement, some can have 5 a day while others can have more.

2

If you notice a change in her bowel movement pattern then she/he may have diarrhea. If her stool seems to look watery then it has in the past then she/he may also have diarrhea. If you are breastfeeding your baby then it may be a change in your diet that is affecting your baby's bowel movements. So think about what you have had to eat and see if that is perhaps that problem. Of course you do not want to stop breastfeeding baby, because breastfeeding can actually help to prevent and treat diarrhea. Just pay attention to your own diet and make sure you are eating the best you can for yourself and for your baby.

3

Now if your baby is formula feed you may want to switch their formula to a soy based formula at least until the diarrhea is over. In my personal experiences with formula sometimes the iron can be to heavy on your infants stomach and you may want to switch to a low iron formula and see if they can digest it better. My child's doctor advices me to do this and it worked like a charm. The low iron formula still has an adequate amount of iron that baby needs and it is easier on their little stomach.

4

If your baby has other signs of illness like a temperature, a runny nose, congestion, or any other illness it can be more likely that they do have diarrhea. Depending on your baby's age you may want to give them some infants Tylenol to ease the symptoms and make them more comfortable. You also may want to call your baby's doctor to take them in and ask them any questions that you have.

5

The safest thing to do if you are unsure of what to do, is simply call your baby's doctor. They will advice you on what you should do and if you should take them in or not.

How to Breastfeed Lying Down

Breastfeeding in bed allows you and the baby to sleep in the early weeks and months of motherhood. After a C-section, nursing while lying on your side is essential. The baby cries less as the mother meets early fussing and hunger cues quickly and without fully waking up. However, many mothers find nursing in bed uncomfortable or straining.

Instructions

Latching-On While Lying Down

1

Place a small towel or cloth diaper on the bed to catch any spit-up or leaking milk. Use another folded up towel or diaper next to the first towel to prop up your breast.

2

Hold the baby in cradle position while seated on the bed. Rest the baby's head in the crook of your elbow.

3

Lay down with the baby. Keep the baby's head on your elbow and tilt the baby's body slightly towards you.

4

Wedge the folded small towel under your breast for support. Use your hand to guide your breast to the baby's mouth.

Supporting Your Back

5

Place a large pillow between your knees and up towards your back. Prop a second large pillow next to your back while lying completely on your side.

6

Ask for help setting up the pillows the first few times. It helps for a spouse or friend to wedge the pillows behind your back for the best bolster and support.

7

Use an extra pillow or a specialty support pillow for your head if necessary to align your spine.

8

Lean slightly back towards the pillow to take strain off your lower back, hips and knees. Rest your body weight on the pillows at roughly a 45 degree angle.