Breast changes begin in the first trimester of pregnancy, and most mothers outgrow their pre-pregnancy bras right along with their non-maternity jeans. If you’re buying new bras during pregnancy, go ahead and buy nursing bras. These may not fit immediately after birth, when your breasts are swollen, but they’ll fit at some point in your […]
Nipple Creams & Ointments
Most sore nipples are the result of poor latch-on or inefficient sucking, and the only way to cure the sore nipples is to fix what the baby is doing at the breast. But while you are working on the breastfeeding problem, you might want to use something on your nipples to help them heal. You […]
Playtex Embrace Breast Pump
In my pediatric practice I am privileged to care for a very high percentage of breastfeeding mothers. For mothers who need to pump their milk, I try to keep up on the latest research and equipment to help them pump more comfortably and efficiently. I have found the new Playtex Embrace breast pump to be […]
Breastfeeding and Natural Childspacing
“I’ve heard that breastfeeding can keep me from getting pregnant. Is this true?” Yes, as long as you nurse according to the rules of natural child spacing. The same hormones that make milk suppress the release of reproductive hormones. While breastfeeding full-time most mothers do not ovulate and do not have menstrual periods. This means […]
Breastfeeding in Public for the First Time
Breastfeeding Wherever You Go There’s no need to stay at home just because you’re breastfeeding. Mothers nurse their babies anywhere and everywhere, and you can learn to do this, too. A mom should feel free to feed her baby whenever and wherever without restrictions, so I don’t mean the following suggestions to be misconstrued as […]
Babies with Jaundice
Babies with Jaundice Around 60% of newborns develop jaundice within a few days after birth. Jaundice tends to be more common in breastfed babies and to last a bit longer. In most cases, it’s harmless, but jaundice phobia on the part of parents and healthcare providers often creates obstacles to successful breastfeeding. Here’s some background […]
Babies with Hypoglycemia
If you’ve been told that your newborn baby has hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or is at risk of developing this condition, you should also know that there are ways that breastfeeding can help the situation. Low blood sugar occurs when the body’s demand for glucose (a simple sugar) is greater than its supply. Infants get […]
Weigh The Risks
When considering the risks of taking a particular medication while breastfeeding, it’s important to understand the nature of these risks, along with the risks of weaning. A physician will recommend weaning when uncertain about the effects of a drug in human milk. The when in doubt leave it out policy is common among healthcare providers, […]
Allergy Medicines While Breastfeeding
Can I Take Allergy Medicines While Breastfeeding? My allergies and asthma really get me down. What medicines can I safely take while I’m breastfeeding? When illnesses get you down, you’ll have a hard time maintaining a good milk supply and taking care of your baby. It’s good to do something about your symptoms, rather than […]
Herbs to Increase Milk Supply
Are herbal teas safe to drink while I’m breastfeeding? I’ve heard that some can even increase my milk supply. While the herbal teas that you find in your grocery store are not likely to have any medicinal effects, larger doses of other herbs should be used with caution. Remember that herbs are drugs. In fact, […]
6 Reasons Why To Continue To Breastfeed
It takes effort to keep up with breastfeeding when you must be away from your baby for part of the day, but there are good reasons for sticking with breastfeeding to begin with, your baby gets better nutrition and the two of you continue to enjoy a special closeness. There are also other practical benefits, […]
Working and Breastfeeding
Working and Breastfeeding is Nothing New Women have always worked and breastfed. The pioneer mother on the prairie had lots to do besides nurse her babies, and even modern mothers who are at home during the day struggle with the work of running busy households while responding to the needs of their infants. Combining working and […]