Brewers Yeast Safety & Breastfeeding

Brewer's yeast, or saccharomyces cerevisiae, is a single-celled fungus used in beer. Traditionally, it is used to enhance a breastfeeding mothers' milk supply.

A Tradition

Brewer's yeast (and beer containing it) is an ancient remedy for low milk supply. Renowned lactation expert Dr. Jack Newman says that the tradition originated in Northern Europe.

Composition

Edible yeast products such as brewer's yeast contain respectable quantities of most B-vitamins, as well as trace minerals such as chromium and selenium.

Breastmilk Transfer

Only extremely small amounts of supplements and medications are actually passed into breastmilk and absorbed by the child. A mother's use of brewer's yeast is very unlikely to have any effect on the baby.

Side Effects

When side effects occur for a mother taking brewer's yeast, they are usually very mild and may include gas or bloating. A very sensitive breastfed baby may also experience gas.

Interactions

Brewer's yeast can interact with diabetes medications, MAOIs, and the pain reliever Demerol. Nursing mothers who are taking these medications should consult a physician before using brewer's yeast.

Leaking Breasts While Not Pregnant

Leaking from the breast when you are neither pregnant nor nursing, galactorrhea, is is a not uncommon phenomenon in women, and is particularly frequent in women going through puberty or menopause. The fluid leaking is almost always related to milk, but can vary greatly in color and consistency. Although it is quite rare, men can also suffer from galactorrhea.

Galactorrhea is not fully understood, and can be caused many different factors. It is most often related to over-production of the hormone prolactin, but there are several other possibilities as well. It is generally an innocuous condition that passes with time or lifestyle change, but certain types of galactorrhea can be signs of more serious medical problems.

Instructions

Potential Causes and Concerns of Leaking Breasts

1

Leaking breasts are generally caused by over-production of the female hormone prolactin, which is usually only highly stimulated during late-stage pregnancy and nursing, but there are many possible causes for prolactin over-production. The list below comes from the American Association of Family Physicians.

- Some medicines, like hormones, birth control pills, antidepressants, and blood pressure medicine
- Herbal medicines, such as nettle, fennel, blessed thistle, anise, and fenugreek seed
- Street drugs, like marijuana and opiates
- Hormone imbalances
- Clothes that irritate the breasts, like scratchy shirts or bras that don't fit well
- Too frequent breast self-exams (daily exams)
- Stimulating the breasts during sex
- Tumors of the pituitary (say: pih-too-ih-terry) gland in the brain. These tumors are rare. They usually are not serious.
- In newborn babies, hormones from the mother are passed on to the baby during birth.
- Thyroid disease
- Kidney failure

2

While the large majority of leakage is just milk-like substances, if your breasts start to leak a clear egg-white-like fluid or a bloody fluid, see your doctor as as soon as possible. You should also see your doctor if you consistently just have discharge from one breast or if you have spontaneous discharge (discharge without massage or squeezing).

3

After you have eliminated physical stimulation of the breasts as a cause, the next things to try are changing your medications, diet, and exercise patterns. Galactorrhea can be caused by some types of tumors. Most tumors that cause galactorrhea are not cancerous. They can usually can be treated with medicine, and surgery is rarely necessary.

How to Introduce a Bottle When Nursing

The United States Breastfeeding Committee suggests that a baby be breastfed exclusively until he is at least three to four weeks old before trying to introduce him to the bottle. It takes time for most babies to get used to feeding from a bottle, as there are different tongue and mouth movements required. A mother should introduce bottle-feeding at least two weeks prior to returning to work to be able to address any problems that might arise. You should properly sterilize all of your bottles before attempting the process.

Instructions

1

Offer the baby the bottle slightly before the normal breastfeeding time. This way the baby's appetite is good but she is not over-hungry. If the baby does not receive the bottle well, breastfeeding can be completed as normal.

2

Allow someone other than the mother to attempt to bottle-feed. A baby can smell his mother from up to 20 feet away. The mother might even consider leaving the house completely.

3

Maintain eye contact with the baby during the bottle-feeding process.

4

Hold the baby in the correct position. Some babies prefer to be held in the nursing position, while others do not prefer this position, as it directly reminds them of breastfeeding.

5

Experiment with different types of bottles and nipples to find the best results.

How to Use the Avent Manual Breast Pump

The Avent Manual Breast Pump is easy to assemble, discreet to use, dishwasher safe and travels well. This manual breast pump mimics a baby's suckling action, which helps stimulate the production of milk. Using a breast pump gives mothers the convenience of pumping and storing their breast milk for future use. This is perfect if you're a new mother returning to work or you need to get away for a few hours and still provide your baby breast milk.

Instructions

1

Sanitize your hands. Wash them thoroughly with soap and warm water.

2

Assemble the breast pump. To start, push the white valve into the body of the pump, making sure the flat side of the valve is downwards. Place the bottle adapter onto the neck of the body and put the lock ring over the bottle adapter and screw it securely onto the bottle. Insert the pump bottle into the bottle adapter and twist it gently clockwise until it clicks in place. Place the forked end of the handle under the diaphragm stem and push down gently on the handle until it clicks into place. Lastly, click the pump cover onto the pump body and place the silicone petal massager into the pump funnel.

3

Sit in a comfortable chair, leaning slightly forward. Make sure you have everything you need within your reach before you start pumping. That includes a washcloth or towel to wipe up any drippings and water to drink in case you get thirsty.

4

Press the pump funnel firmly up against your breast, making sure the seal between your breast and the funnel is close to perfect. This creates the all-important vacuum effect.

5

Gently push down on the pump handle and hold for two to three seconds. This will create the suction needed to pump milk from the breast. Milk may not flow until after the first couple of pumps.

6

Release the handle and let it return to its normal position after each stroke. This will allow the expressed milk to flow into the bottle.

7

Take apart your pump and clean it. Place all parts in the dishwasher or clean them in soapy warm water and rinse well.

How to Use a Medela Breast Pump

Some mothers find that using a breast pump is simple, straightforward and productive. Others struggle to produce any milk and find pumping quite frustrating. Often, pumping success depends on the quality of the breast pump being used. Fortunately, Medela brand pumps are consistently dependable and relatively comfortable.

Instructions

Using the Pump

1

Sanitize all parts of the pump before use by soaking all plastic parts in boiling water for ten minutes.

2

Attach the breastshield to the main body of the pump. In most Medela models, the breastshield simply twists into the pump. Use tubing to connect breastshield and pump.

3

Twist top of bottle into the bottom of the breastshield. This is where the milk will accumulate as you pump, so be sure it is securely attached.

4

Find a quiet place with no distractions. Massage the breasts or apply hot packs before beginning to pump.

5

Put the round part of the breastshield around the breast. Be sure that the nipple is in the center. Apply steady, light pressure.

6

Press the on/off button on the controller. During the first two minutes, you should adjust to the most comfortable setting. After milk let down, choose the "Maximum Comfort Vacuum" setting, which manually imitates the baby's sucking.

7

Stop pumping after about ten to fifteen minutes per breast. Turn off the power before removing the pump from the breast.

8

Store your milk in the refrigerator for 3 to 8 hours, or in the freezer for 6 to 12 months. Milk left at room temperature will spoil after two hours.

How to Make a Nursing Sash

Nursing mothers have long struggled with the desire to find privacy to breastfeed their babies. In order to be flexible, a nursing sash provides privacy while mom and baby bond, allowing mothers to be anywhere when baby gets hungry. Pick soft fabric such as fleece or jersey for your nursing sash; these feel nicer on the skin and are gentler on a baby's face.

Instructions

1

Measure the length from your shoulder to your opposite hip. Double the measurement to cover both the front and back of your body when making a complete sash.

2

Add at least 8 inches to the total. The more you add, the looser the sash will be. You need a few inches for the overlap and sewing section.

3

Cut two pieces of fabric to your total measurement in length and approximately 4 to 8inches wide. If a yard is not long enough, cut four pieces at half the length and sew the pieces together end to end to create the total length.

4

Use an iron to flatten in the long edges by 1/8 of an inch. This gives the material a finished edge. Do this on all four long sides of the fabric pieces.

5

Sew the folded portion down to hold it permanently in place. This keeps the fabric from fraying as well.

6

Place the two pieces on top of each other with the "good" side of the fabric facing up. Sew the ends of the two pieces together on both ends about 1/4 of an inch in from the end.

7

Fold the newly attached piece in half with the good sides facing each other. Sew the ends together approximately 1/2 inch in from the end.

8

Flip the sash right side out. The divided material in the middle allows the baby to nurse while covering both the top and bottom of your breast.

How to Sterilize Used Breast Pumps

A breast pump is a useful tool if you are breastfeeding your baby. It allows you to express your milk into a bottle so that a caregiver or relative can feed your child, or store your milk in a container, short-term, for future use. To keep harmful bacteria from transferring to your baby, it is important that you clean and sterilize your breast pump regularly. However, any part that does not come into contact with your breast milk does not require routine sterilization. This includes some tubes and cords that come with the pump.

Instructions

1

Disassemble all washable parts of the pump and set aside the pieces that come in contact with your breast milk.

2

Fill a large pot with water and place it on the stove. Set the burner temperature to high and heat the water until it boils.

3

Clean the washable parts of the pump with soap and water. Thoroughly rinse each part with hot water.

4

Place the clean pump parts into the boiling water and let them boil for 10 minutes.

5

Lay a clean towel on the kitchen counter. Take each pump part out of the pot with kitchen tongs and place them on the towel. Let them air dry.

6

Pour rubbing alcohol through any tubes that come in contact with breast milk. This process will deter mold and mildew growth in these hard-to-reach areas.

7

Reassemble the pump when all of the pieces are completely dry.

Diet for GERD in Infants

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is common condition caused by food or acid flowing back from the stomach to the esophagus, which results in vomiting, spitting up, coughing and irritation. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a muscle ring around the bottom of the esophagus that controls when food enters the stomach; in infants, it is very weak for at least 3 months after birth. If left untreated, GERD can cause respiratory problems, blood loss and poor growth, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). In order to alleviate pain, a change in diet and eating habits is necessary.

Trigger Foods

Some foods can relax the LES, according to Bryan Vartabedian, M.D., author of "Colic Solved." When the muscle is relaxed, the risk of having acid flow back is increased. Your infant could be experiencing GERD due to a milk protein allergy, Vartabedian says. Replace your baby's current formula with a hypoallergenic one to reduce spitting up. Keep a food journal, and write down everything you feed your infant, followed by her reaction to the food. The goal is to determine which foods are causing GERD symptoms. According to Vartabedian, most infants outgrow GERD within a year as the LES grows stronger. If you are breastfeeding, certain foods can trigger GERD, including deli meats, chocolate, high-protein flour, nuts, shellfish, wheat, broccoli, onions, tomato and corn.

Meal Frequency

Your baby may be receiving too much food at once, which can put pressure on his stomach and increase the likelihood of GERD. You can reduce this from occurring by feeding your infant four to five smaller meals throughout out the day rather than three large meals a day. According the NDDIC, overfeeding can cause reflux to occur, and your baby should not lie down shortly after eating as this can exacerbate GERD. Hold your baby upright for at least 30 minutes after feeding, and burp him after every 2 ounces of formula consumed.

Meal Adjustments

You can reduce reflux by thickening baby formula with cereal, according to the NDDIC. Add 1 tbsp. of rice cereal to every 2 oz. of formula, and change the nipple to accommodate the thicker formula. Eliminate milk and dairy products from your own diet while you are breastfeeding, as the milk protein can cause an allergic reaction. According to Vartabedian, it takes a few days to clear your milk of the allergen and two to three weeks for your baby's symptoms to subside.

How to Keep My Milk Supply Up If the Baby Isn't Eating Every 2 to 3 Hours

To establish a good milk supply, newborn babies should ideally breastfeed eight to 12 times in a 24-hour period, which works out to nursing every two to three hours. Unfortunately, not all babies can breastfeed this frequently. Work obligations, travel or a baby's hospitalization due to illness or prematurity can interfere with this feeding schedule. During a separation from your baby -- or during a time when he doesn't nurse at least every three hours -- you can build or maintain your supply by adopting methods to enhance your milk production.

Instructions

1

Breastfeed your baby as frequently as she wants to during the time she is with you. Nursing is the most effective way to drain your breasts and stimulate further milk production.

2

Pump your breasts when you're unable to breastfeed. Drain your breasts every two to three hours, so if your baby doesn't breastfeed on that schedule, pump during each breastfeeding session he misses. If your baby isn't breastfeeding at all, this means you should pump eight to 12 times a day. Use a double, electric pump, which will more efficiently remove milk and help to generate prolactin, one of the hormones critical for milk production. Shorter, more frequent pumping sessions will build your milk supply better than longer sessions spaced farther apart.

3

Use La Leche League Leader Chele Marmet's "Massage-Stroke-Shake" (M-S-S) technique to increase your pumping output. Pump both breasts for five to seven minutes. Massage your breasts in small, circular motions with your fingertips, starting at the top of your breasts and working your way around the breast the same way you'd do a breast exam. Stroke your breasts lightly in a straight line from the edge of the breast to the nipple, working all the way around the breast. Shake your breasts gently while bending forward and holding them in your hands. Pump for another five to seven minutes, repeat the M-S-S technique and end with a third five to seven minute pumping session.

4

Take herbal supplements that can increase your milk supply, such as blessed thistle, alfalfa or fenugreek. The breastfeeding website Kellymom (kellymom.com) recommends using up to four capsules of alfalfa three times a day or six tablets a day to increase milk supply. For blessed thistle, take up to four capsules three times a day or 20 drops of a tincture two to four times a day. With fenugreek, take seven to 14 500 mg capsules per day.

Can Vinegar & Water Get Rid of Thrush?

Thrush is a painful but common problem for breastfeeding mothers and babies. It's caused by an overgrowth of yeast that leads to an infection in the mother's nipples and the baby's tongue and mouth. This can make breastfeeding painful for both mother and baby. Signs of thrush include shooting pain during breastfeeding and white spots on the baby's mouth or tongue.

Vinegar and Water Treatment

Vinegar is effective at killing yeast, so you can treat thrush naturally with a vinegar and water solution. Mix 1 tbs. of vinegar into one cup water and apply this to your nipples after every feeding, using a cotton swab. Make a fresh mix of the solution before every application, and use a fresh cotton swab as well. You can also apply this mixture to the inside of your baby's mouth, using a clean cotton swab. However, if the infection is severe, this may sting, and your baby may protest.

Thrush is a systemic problem, which means it affects other areas in the body besides where you see the infection. Therefore, you should treat it in all areas that are affected by it. Use the same solution of water and vinegar to treat your baby's bottom after diaper changes because thrush frequently spreads to that area and causes diaper rash.

You must also keep diapers and clothes free of thrush. Add one cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle for clothes and cloth diapers. This will help balance the pH of the laundry and destroy any thrush that might spread via clothing.

It may take several weeks of treatment before thrush is completely gone. It's important to continue the treatment for at least two weeks after your symptoms have entirely disappeared.

Other Treatment Steps

When using a natural treatment such as vinegar and water, you will also need to take additional steps to balance your system. Probiotics are one effective way to do this. Probiotic pills help colonize your digestive system with helpful bacteria, which will balance out yeast growth. You should also reduce sugar in your diet because yeast thrives on sugar. Keep your nipples dry, and expose both your nipples and your baby's bottom to fresh air and sunlight as much as possible. Wash your hands well and regularly, especially before and after diaper changes.

How to Cure Thrush Using Gentian Violet

Thrush can be a painful infection for nursing mothers. If you feel shooting pains and soreness in your nipples while nursing and after but your breasts appear normal in every other way, you may have thrush. Your baby may have white patches in his mouth that are hard to scrape off. Gentian violet gives fast relief to the painful symptoms of thrush.

Instructions

1

Find gentian violet at drugstores like CVS or online, including at Amazon. Two teaspoons will be enough for the usual three or four treatments required. You will probably have some solution left over.

2

Start treatment with gentian violet just before bedtime. Undress your baby down to the diaper. Gentian violet is very messy and can dye clothing but will usually wash out after several washes. The mother should be undressed down to pajama pants. Use linens on your bed that you do not mind getting stained with purple.

3

Soak one end of a cotton swab in the gentian violet solution. Let the baby suck on the swab for just a few seconds. This should coat the inside of baby's mouth. If the inside of baby's mouth is all purple, then you know that that is enough. If not, use the cotton swab to paint the inside of the baby's cheeks and gums.

4

Allow the baby to nurse on both breasts. This way, the baby will transfer the gentian violet to you.

5

Check to see that both of your nipples are purple. If needed, use the same cotton swab to paint your nipples.

6

Sleep with the gentian violet on, while leaving your breasts exposed.

7

Repeat this treatment at bedtime for three days. If you are still slightly sore, then continue the treatment for two additional days. Gentian violet should begin to bring relief after the first two treatments.

How to Measure Breast Milk to Bottles

Introducing your baby to a bottle of pumped breast milk can be challenging, especially if she is only used to nursing directly from mom. Start offering your baby a bottle only after she is 4 weeks old to prevent nipple confusion, recommends pediatrician Bill Sears on the Ask Dr. Sears website. Ask a caregiver or partner to offer the bottle to your baby since breast-fed babies may refuse a bottle from their mother. Aim for at least two bottle-feedings a week before you go back to work. Experiment with different feeding positions and artificial nipples, and your baby should eventually take the bottle. Once you go back to work, measure the amount of pumped breast milk to the bottles for your baby by your baby's weight.

Instructions

1

Weigh your baby the pediatrician's office to determine her weight and calculate approximately how much bottled breast-milk she should receive in a 24-hour period. A baby younger than 6 months typically drinks 2 to 2.5 oz. of formula per pound per day. A 10-pound baby would drink 20 to 25 ounces of formula a day. Use this as a rule of thumb for planning.

2

Calculate how many feedings your baby needs away from you at a day care or with a caregiver. Typically, babies 3 months and younger need about eight feedings a day. Nurse her at home before work and then figure she'll need three or four feedings during a full workday. As a general rule, babies have about 4 to 6 oz. of formula per feeding from 2 to 6 months of age.

3

Pump breast milk at work every two to three hours for at least 15 minutes, if you pump both breasts at the same time. Store the milk in bottles or freezer breast-milk storage bags in the refrigerator or a cooler. These containers have measurements on the side so you know how much milk is being pumped.

4

Combine the milk from each pumping session into one bottle. If you are at work for eight hours, you should have three or four bottles of breast milk for your baby the next day. This milk should suffice feeding your baby while at work. Do not worry if it is slightly less than the recommended amount of formula for your baby's weight. Breast milk and formula are different and pumping milk is not the same as when your baby is nursing. Your baby will make up any difference when you are at home.

5

Breastfeed your baby when you return home and during the night if needed. As long as you continue breastfeeding while you are with your baby, she should have enough nutrition. As long as she is growing and having four to six wet diapers a day, she is getting enough milk.

6

Adjust the amount of milk you provide for each feeding session based on feedback from your caregiver. If you are concerned that you cannot pump enough milk to satisfy your baby while you are away, consider providing the caregiver with formula to use as a supplement once the day's breast milk has been consumed.

The Effects of Estrogen in Breastmilk

The hormone estrogen is approved for use by nursing mothers as a contraceptive or other conditions. However, there are potential side effects of using estrogen while nursing. Estrogen consumption tends to diminish breast milk quantity and quality. Side effects of estrogen on the nursing baby are not well known but may include problems with liver functioning in very young babies and fussiness during feeding.

Quantity of Breast Milk

The vast majority of mothers who consume estrogen during breast feeding experience lower milk supply than usual. For some mothers the decline is minimal, but for others the reduction can be drastic.

Quality of Breast Milk

Consumption of estrogen is also associated with breast milk of lesser quality. In particular, estrogen consumption is associated with a decrease in the protein content, nitrogen content, and lactose content of breast milk. The diminished quality of the milk may result in the baby being more fussy during feeding, and anecdotal evidence suggests that babies become less fussy once hormonal therapy is discontinued.

Effects on Baby

There is little solid evidence that consumption of estrogen by mother has significant side effects on the nursing baby. However there are certain side effects that are under continuing review but do not yet have conclusive support. Among babies under 6 weeks old, it is possible that estrogen in the breast milk may result in liver problems, as the hepatic system may not be well-developed enough to effectively process hormones in the milk. There is also some evidence that consumption of estrogens by infants may result in diminished intestinal cell proliferation; however, this reduction does not appear to affect intestinal enzyme activity, and the consumption of estrogen compounds may actually reduce the prevalence of intestinal rotavirus infections.

Anecdotal evidence from mothers suggests that estrogen consumption may result in babies being more fussy while nursing, although clinical trials have not been conducted to test this claim.

How to Eat While Breastfeeding

While you don't have to be as careful about what you eat when you were pregnant, you do have to watch what you eat when you are breastfeeding. Your body will protect your breastmilk over you, so eating poorly and forgetting about good nutrition will make you tired and will leach vitamins and minerals from your body. But with some careful planning, you can still enjoy your favorite foods while breastfeeding.

Instructions

1

Drink plenty of fluids. Most experts recommend simply drinking when you're thirsty. If you do this, you will naturally consume about eight to ten glasses of fluid a day. Good fluids include water and fruit juices. In moderation, you can drink caffeine and alcohol, though these won't count toward your fluid count.

2

Do not diet while breastfeeding. You actually need to ingest more calories while breastfeeding than you did when you were pregnant. If you breastfeed and eat healthily you will loose your pregnancy weight. Remember, you gained your pregnancy weight over the course of a year; it will take you a good year to lose your pregnancy weight. If you truly want to diet while breastfeeding, speak to your doctor about the best way to do it.

3

Eat lots of foods high in Vitamin A for good nutrition while breastfeeding. Examples include sweet potatoes, carrots, dried apricots, mozzarella cheese and spinach.

4

Get about three servings of dairy a day to get enough calcium. However, if your baby is especially cranky, they may have an allergy to lactose and you may be asked to cut it out of your diet and find another source of calcium. Talk to your doctor before cutting dairy out of your diet so you can discuss other sources of calcium.

5

Ingest lots of iron-rich foods such as beans, dried fruits, leafy greens, nuts and meat and poultry.

6

Feel free to eat your favorite foods, though if your baby seems cranky after you eat them, your doctor may ask you to cut them out of your diet.

7

Watch your junk food intake. Junk food on occasion will be fine, but if you're eating junk food and fast food because you're too busy with your new baby to eat healthy, you should consider freezing healthy meals or getting some extra help around the house.

How to Care for a New Born

Caring for a newborn baby brings a number of challenges and a jumble of emotions. Infants rely on you to feed, change, shelter and comfort them. Since their internal clocks are not set yet, they need you to be available at all times of the day and night. Most newborns sleep 16 to 20 hours a day, and they need to be fed every 3 to 4 hours. They cry to communicate and it is up to you to meet their needs. While newborns can thrive with the same general care, each baby is different, requiring adults to adjust to accommodate their needs.

Instructions

1

Breastfeed your newborn, if possible. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, human milk is superior for infants and should be used for at least 6 months and preferably up to 12 months. Breast milk has the necessary vitamins and minerals to improve a baby's health and development, as well as antibodies that lower the risk for many chronic diseases. If breastfeeding is impossible and breast milk is not available, you can use many formulas on the market. Ask your doctor to recommend the best formula for your newborn and watch for adverse effects, so you can switch to a more suitable formula.

2

Place your child in the back seat of your car in a rear-facing safety-approved infant carseat that supports the infant's neck, back and spine. Placing the seat in the front of a car with a passenger side airbag is dangerous for babies, as it puts their heads too close to the airbag. Never leave your newborn or any child in a car alone, even for a few minutes. Hyperthermia on warm days can endanger children in a very short time, another car could crash into yours or someone could take your baby.

3

Put newborns on their backs to sleep in a crib or bassinette. Babies who sleep on their backs are less likely to die of sudden infant death syndrome. Wake infants up every 3 to 4 hours for feeding, if they do not wake up on their own.

4

Clean the stump left by the umbilical cord with alcohol when you change your newborn's diaper, taking care not to cover it with the diaper. It should dry up and fall off in 3 weeks. Give your baby sponge baths until the cord falls off.

5

Hold, rock, sing and talk to your newborn when it seems all needs are met but crying continues. While babies need a little crying time for exercise and to communicate, they also need nurturing and closeness to other human beings.

How to Clean the Tubes on a Medela Pump

Medela offers excellent electric breast pumps that are easier to use than manual pumps, and work easier than manually expressing breast milk by hand. Though electric pumps make pumping easier, from time to time milk can get backed up into the tubing, causing a mess. Knowing how to clean the Medela pump tubing when this happens can help to keep your machine in good working order and the milk you offer your baby sanitary and fresh.

Instructions

1

Detach all tubing from your breast pump and run it under cool running water to get most of the milk off of the tubing.

2

Fill your stock pot with water and place it on your stove. Set the heat to high and wait for the water to come to a boil.

3

Carefully lower your breast pump tubing into the boiling water and set a timer for 10 minutes.

4

Remove your stock pot of water from the stove when your timer goes off. Carefully drain the hot water from the pot and rinse the tubing under cool water until it is comfortable to handle.

5

Hang the tubing to dry so that all of the water can run out of it. Make sure that the area is well-ventilated and do not resume use of your tubing until it has fully dried.

How to Nurse After Menopause

Women who give birth or adopt children later in life should not worry about negative breastfeeding effects. Menopause does not disable lactation, since milk production is controlled by the pituitary gland in your brain, rather than your reproductive organs. Nevertheless, older nursing mothers may experience increased fatigue or low milk supply. Consider taking concrete steps to avoid complications and increase your energy level.

Instructions

Nursing Tips

1

Get plenty of rest. According to La Leche League, older mothers' most common struggle is fatigue. Rest is especially important if you are already experiencing fatigue due to the onset of menopause.

2

Sleep with your baby. Instead of doing housework while your baby is napping, take the opportunity to get some much-needed rest for yourself. Taking a nap with your baby will also encourage bonding and support your milk supply.

3

Add a supplement to your diet. Fenugreek, for example, can help older nursing mothers boost milk supply. Crush a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds and soak them in boiled water for three hours. Strain, mix with honey and lemon to taste and drink. You can also take fenugreek in capsule form.

4

Drink plenty of water. Six to eight daily glasses of water are recommended for breastfeeding mothers.

5

Consider joining a support group, such as La Leche League, for encouragement and information.

6

Use a breast pump. If you are experiencing low milk supply, invest in a double breast pump and use it regularly to increase your milk production.

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