Ways to Encourage Breast Milk Production

Many women find that breastfeeding is more difficult than they imagined. In the beginning, a mother might that the baby is having trouble latching onto her breast properly, or she may be worried that she is not producing enough milk. There are a number of simple ways to increase your production of breast milk.

Breast Feed or Pump Often

The best way to ensure adequate milk production is to breastfeed or pump as often as possible. Breast feed every two to three hours. To increase production, breast feed "on demand," or whenever your baby is hungry. If you work away from home and pump your milk, try to pump every few hours, and spend about 15 minutes pumping during each session, recommends Mayo Clinic. Pumping from both breasts at the same time may boost milk production, so try using a double breast pump. In the evenings, breastfeed on demand.

Empty Breast

Empty your breasts as much as possible during each breastfeeding session to increase milk production. When breastfeeding, completely empty one breast before moving your baby to the other. If you are pumping, continue to pump for a few moments after your breast has emptied. After breastfeeding, try pumping your breasts to make certain that your breast is completely empty.

Diet and Lifestyle

Drink plenty of fluids to maintain breast milk production and stave off dehydration. Enjoy water, milk and juice, but limit your consumption of beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee or soft drinks. Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of vegetables and fruits, whole grains and lean proteins, and engage in physical activity several times a week. Do not smoke or use tobacco products. Certain types of birth control or other medications may interfere with breastfeeding, so talk to your doctor about your options.

Relaxation

Feeling stressed may interfere with your milk production and your ability to breastfeed, notes Mayo Clinic. Find ways to relax before breastfeeding -- a warm bath, reading a book or talking with a friend may relieve anxiety. Massage your breasts to help you relax and to stimulate milk supply. Warm compresses may also help. Ease anxiety by finding a relaxed environment in which to pump your breast milk.

Supplements

Avoid using supplements, such as fennel or teas made specifically for breastfeeding mothers, before consulting with your doctor. The ingredients in these natural teas and supplements may harm your baby.

Breastfeeding Difficulties

Many women struggle with getting their baby to latch on to their breast properly during breastfeeding. Find ways to ease your anxiety and make breastfeeding easier for both you and your baby. Ensure that you are positioned correctly for breastfeeding, recommends the website Family Education. If problems persist, consult your doctor or a lactation specialist for help.

About Butalbital

Butalbital is a barbiturate that has an action of intermediate duration. Chemically called 5-allyl-5-isobutylbarbituric acid, butalbital is sold in a great many forms under many brand names. It is used most often for pain in general and more specifically for headache pain. It comes in a variety of formulations that combine with codeine to treat tension headaches.

Types

Axocet, Bucet, Bupap, Dedapap, Prenilin and Phrenelin Forte are trade-name drugs that contain butalbital mixed with acetaminophen. When mixed with caffeine and acetaminophen, it is called by the trade names of Firicet, Esgic and Esgic Plus. When combined with aspirin and caffeine, its trade names are Fiorinal, Fiormor, Fiortal, Fortabs and Laniroif. Fioricet 3 with codeine is a compound made of butalbital, acetaminophen, caffeine and codeine phosphate. Fiornial 3 with codeine has aspirin, caffeine and codeine phosphate combined with butalbital.

Function

Butalbital, used commonly for headaches and other types of pain, can provide better and faster pain relief than many other choices. Often, less medication is needed because of butalbital's efficacy. Codeine is an analgesic narcotic barbiturate that works specifically on the central nervous system to reduce pain.

Warning

Over time, the use of butalbital in any of its combined forms can cause a tolerance to develop so that more of the drug is required for the same degree of pain relief. As a narcotic, butalbital also has addictive properties so care must be used in taking this drug over time. Caffeine as a butalbital additive is also a substance that causes dependency. When stopped suddenly, persons with that dependency will often suffer from rebound or withdrawal headaches that can be more severe than the headaches being treated were in the first place. The aspirin, when used in the formula, causes no dependency but can cause harm to the body, especially the digestive tract, with pain, disruption and even bleeding. Butalbital can cause excitability in children and confusion, depression or excitement in geriatric patients, who are almost always more drug sensitive than are other age groups. Less commonly, older patients can experience breathing problems from the codeine. Definitive studies have not been done on the effects of butalbital on pregnant women, and the jury is still out on studies about infant risk when the mother is breastfeeding.

Benefits

Take butalbital with a full glass of water, only as directed by a doctor. Don't take it other than as directed or it could lead to dependency, stomach problems and rebound headaches upon stopping or between dosages. In order to be effective, butalbital should be taken at the onset of the headache when the pain is still easily managed. Waiting will make the headache harder to treat. For migraines, when taken early, the headache may be averted if the patient retreats to a dark, quiet place for a while to give the medicine its greatest advantage. If headaches are habitual, it's best to take a headache preventative as butalbital is not a good choice for long-term and or frequent use. For short-term and occasional relief, it's one of the best headache drugs out there for many people.

Effects

Butalbital's normal side effects, or those that generally pose no threat beyond discomfort to the patient, include drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, gas, indigestion, heartburn, nausea, vomiting or stomach pain and a false, heightened sense of well-being. Don't drive or operate machinery until you know how your body reacts to this medication. To ease side effects, rise slowly from a seated or lying position. If nausea and vomiting occur, especially after lying down or after the first few doses, see your doctor. Don't take this drug for at least five days before any surgery--including oral surgery as the aspirin in it can cause problems with bleeding. Caffeine should also be avoided before medical tests and procedures as it can skew certain test results.

Considerations

Side effects that should cause concern are flushing or bluish skin color, breathing or coughing problems, swallowing difficulty, hives or other rashes on face, mouth or eye area and nasal congestion.
Seek immediate help for lip bleeding or sores, tenderness and burning or peeling of the skin, chest pain, fever with chills present or not, painful mouth sores or ulcers, sore throat, and thick, reddened or scaliness on skin. Less rare but potentially dangerous side effects include bloody stool or urine, black tarry stool, swollen or painful glands, unusual bleeding or bruising. Seek immediate medical care for any of these also.

Prevention/Solution

Signs of an overdose of butalbital include seizures, loss of hearing, ear ringing or buzzing, restlessness, excitability, confusion, trouble and or slow breathing patterns, and severe drowsiness and dizziness. Cold clammy skin, slurred speech, low blood pressure, diarrhea, hallucinations, thirst, muscle twitching, flashing lights in eyes, eye twitching and unusual movement, severe stomach pain, hand flapping, and vision problems. Get help immediately if any of these symptoms (especially two or more of them) are present as unconsciousness and death can occur. Lactating (breastfeeding) moms should seek immediate help if they experience breathing problems, drowsiness, limp feelings in their limbs and sudden nursing difficulties. For more information see the RxList website listed int he URL below.

How to Breastfeed

Breastfeeding is an important element in the life of a newborn and his/her mother. Aside from satisfying the baby's hunger, it performs other critical functions such as enhancing the newborn's immunity, creating a bond between mother and her child, helping the new mother shed extra pounds gained during pregnancy and bringing her body back to the normal pre-pregnancy state. Correct techniques result in a long successful nursing phase. Read below to familiarize yourself with breastfeeding techniques and tips as well as to learn how to breastfeed:

Instructions

Being comfortable

1

Select a calming and happy location to feed your baby. Whether it is your bedroom, the baby's nursery, or a favorite spot in the house, try to feed in the same place so the baby gets used to the location and gets ready to nurse on seeing or reaching that spot.

2

Make yourself comfortable. Use pillows or cushions for support. Comfort is a key factor in defining the success of this phase.

3

Calm yourself and the baby. Singing or humming helps calm babies.

Holding the baby

4

Relax and choose a comfortable position either sitting or lying down.

5

Hold the baby comfortably. There are different positions in which to hold the baby.

6

Bring the baby to face you directly, with his/her chin touching your breast.

7

Make sure to sit straight while feeding the baby. This is necessary if you choose to nurse while sitting down. The baby should be positioned such that he/she can comfortably reach the breast.

8

Nursing the baby lying down is advisable, especially at night since it minimally disturbs the sleep.

Latching the baby

9

Cup the breast in your hand and tickle baby's lips with the nipple.

10

Bring the baby's mouth on to the breast when his/her mouth is wide open. Ensure that maximum part of the areola, dark part of the breast, and breast are in the baby's mouth. His/her lower lip should be curled out and the tongue rolled. Gentle sucking and swallowing sounds indicate a good latch.

11

Try again if the baby fails to latch correctly the first time. Correct latching prevents pain and soreness which ultimately leads to enjoyable nursing sessions.

12

Break the suction by inserting a finger from corner of the baby's mouth when he/she is done nursing on one breast, usually indicated by the empty breast feeling or the baby becoming sleepy. Typically it takes 10 to 15 minutes of nursing on each side.

13

Follow the same steps to nurse the baby on the other side.

Breast Augmentation & Pregnancy

Many women want to know information about their breasts during pregnancy because breast-feeding is important for babies' development. Breast augmentation surgery does not stop many women from trying to breast-feed their children. They might have a difficult experience, or they may have no problems whatsoever. Women who are upset over their breasts' appearance after childbirth can find that breast augmentation surgery is a reasonable alternative.

Breast-Feeding

The majority of women who have undergone breast augmentation surgery are able to breast-feed. According to DocShop.com article "Breast Implants and Pregnancy," implants are inserted under the muscle, which creates a protective layer between the milk ducts and the implants. The incisions made during surgery should not affect breast-feeding. Many women who do and do not have breast augmentation choose to supplement breast-feeding with formula. The choice to supplement often has nothing to do with whether a woman had breast augmentation surgery.

Pregnancy Risks

Breast augmentation surgery should not put you at an increased risk during pregnancy. The main thing that might be a concern is if the saline or silicone implants leaked, which would demand immediate attention. A breast implant that has ruptured or is leaking should be examined by a medical professional. A surgeon needs to put new implants in or remove them quickly. They could potentially be a danger to the fetus.

Effect on the Implants

Pregnancy typically makes women's breasts stretch out of shape and sag. Many women with breast augmentation find that their breasts are not round and perky after they wean their baby. According to Breast-Plastic-Surgery.org article "Breast Implants and Pregnancy," women with large breast implants have worse problems with them sagging. A simple remedy is to have a breast lift after weaning. Women who are considering breast augmentation might want to consider waiting to get the surgery until their child is weaned.

Potential Problems

BabyCenter article "Breasfeeding after Augmentation" lists potential problems that happen from breast augmentation. They include increased or decreased sensitivity and significant engorgement accompanied by a heightened fever, pain and chills. Some women with breast augmentation also have trouble producing milk. There are methods to increase milk supply. For instance, a mother can do what lactation consultants refer to as a power pump. A power pump means the mother pumps for 15 minutes, waits 15 minutes without pumping and then starts pumping again for 15 minutes. She continues this process over the course of an hour.

Natural Breasts After Pregnancy

Many women who have not had breast augmentation experience breasts that sag after pregnancy and weaning. According to Dr. Steven Teitelbaum, M.D., in "Get Your Body Back after Having Children," implants, breast augmentation or a lift (mastopexy) can remedy the aesthetic results of pregnancy. Women can make informed decisions about whether to get augmentations or lifts by discussing their options with a licensed surgeon. Some women do not want a lift because it results in scars, and they opt for an augmentation instead.

How to Get out of a House With Breastfed Twins

Getting out of the house with a new baby is tough for any mom. Getting out of the house with breastfed twins, though, may seem impossible. Luckily, it is possible to breastfeed multiples without being confined to the walls of your home. Going out is healthy for your babies and especially important for mothers to avoid feelings of isolation and postpartum depression.

Instructions

1

Pump extra milk first thing in the morning, when your milk supply is most abundant. Take this milk with you on outings so that you can go about your business without having to stop and nurse your babies in an uncomfortable spot. Just use your pumped milk to bottle-feed your babies.

2

Pack your diaper bag strategically. You'll need at least one diaper per child for each hour that you plan to be out. In addition to wipes and extra outfits for you and your babies, pack a few breastfeeding pads for those accidental leaks, and throw in a burp cloth or two. For older babies who might want to breastfeed because they are thirsty, pack juice or water in sippy cups to hold off feeding for a little while. If you plan to feed your baby expressed breast milk, pack the bottle in an insulated pouch or container to keep it cool and bring extra nursing pads to collect any leakage from your breasts.

3

Feed your babies just before leaving the house. That way, you'll start your trip with some free time rather than having to nurse your babies again right away when you arrive at your destination.

4

Look for mom-friendly destinations. Many retail stores now have comfortable nursing rooms for lactating moms. You may want to take your babies to playgroups or support groups such as La Leche League, where you may feel more comfortable nursing your twins in public. If you need to nurse your babies in a mall or retail store, just ask for a dressing room for both comfort and privacy.

How to Take Golden Seal

Golden seal is an herb that goes by many names, including moon daisy, ox-eye daisy, maudlinwort and wild Curcuma. The plant originates in cooler climates, ranging from southern Canada to the Northeast region of the United States. Golden seal is used as an alternative form of medicine for a wide range of illnesses and injuries, including mouth sores, diarrhea, vaginal infections and respiratory illnesses. Golden seal is not safe for everyone to take. Check with your doctor before beginning a regimen of this herbal supplement.

Instructions

1

Be frank with your doctor about any medical conditions you may have or medications you take before starting to take golden seal. The herb is not safe for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have high blood pressure, blood clotting problems or children under the age of 18.

2

Learn about the different forms of golden seal that exist and what the standard dosages are for each kind of herbal preparation. For example, if you take the powdered root form of the supplement, a daily suggested dosage is 4 to 6 g. This is not to be confused with liquid extracts, which may be dispensed differently. Read labels carefully.

3

Take each golden seal tablet with a full glass of water to avoid stomach upset and to be sure the herb dissolves completely.

4

Use golden seal cream as a topical treatment for cuts and sores two to three times daily. Gently rub the ointment on the injury with a soft cloth.

5

Know the side effects that are possible when taking golden seal and contact your doctor if symptoms occur. Side effects include nausea and vomiting, and may be an indication that you are allergic to the ingredients of the supplement.

Breastfeeding & Low Carb Diets

Once you've had your baby, you may be ready to try to lose the baby weight, but if you're breastfeeding, you have to be sure that you are eating enough food to sustain your baby as well. Low carbohydrate diets, such as Atkins or South Beach, offer quick weight loss to many people, but the same may not be true for breastfeeding women. While the diet is safe for breastfeeding women, Dr. Atkins said that weight loss would be "painfully slow" due to the hormones needed for breastfeeding.

Calories Needed for Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding requires extra calories to produce the milk for your baby--500 extra calories a day. An average breastfeeding woman should eat around 2,200 to 2,500 calories per day to support herself and her child. This is significantly more calories than the traditional dieter, who should eat around 1,200 to 1,500 calories.

If you do not eat enough calories for breastfeeding, you will not lose weight. Your body realizes the importance of feeding your baby and will hold onto its fat stores if it feels that you are not feeding it enough. While part of the appeal of a low carb diet is that you don't have to count calories, a breastfeeding woman should do so in the first part of the diet to be sure that she is eating enough. After having a good idea of how many calories you are eating on a low carb diet, and ensuring that it is high enough, you can stop counting calories.

Low Carb Diets

Atkins and South Beach are two popular low carb diets. Both consist of a highly restrictive first phase that lasts two weeks. During that phase, avoid foods that are high in carbohydrates, including the healthy carbohydrates you find in whole grains. After the initial two weeks, you can begin to introduce some healthy carbohydrates into your diet.

If you're going on a low carb diet while breastfeeding, you may want to consider skipping the first phase of the diet. For some people, this phase is too restrictive and doesn't provide enough nutrition for both you and your baby.

Milk Supply and Low Carb Diets

Some people experience low milk supply as a result of following a low carb diet. This is primarily caused by not eating enough calories. One of the advantages of a low carb diet is that you are not hungry due to the types of foods you are eating. This can cause you to eat less overall.

To monitor your milk supply, pay close attention to your baby's diapers. If she suddenly is not going as often, she may not be getting enough milk. You'll also find that she is not gaining enough weight. If you notice either of these signs, be sure that you are drinking enough water and eating enough calories.