A New Breastfeeding Mother’s Dilemma.

January 19, 2013 By Leave a Comment

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I was texting with a good friend the other day and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about our conversation since then.  She had shared with me about a breastfeeding mom who had returned to work and was pumping full time to feed her child who was now in daycare.  Good for her!  Her supply is great, the baby is well fed and taking the bottle beautifully.  Then she takes her child to the well check up at her pediatrician’s office and what does he say?  That it’s wonderful that she’s doing this, but she has a lot on her plate, so don’t be a martyr about it.  He tells her that he is interested in everyone’s physical and mental health, soooooooo just in case…… here’s some free formula!!!  What???  I’m told that now the mother is concerned that maybe she is not making enough milk for her baby after all, when there is no indication that this is true.  The baby is perfectly healthy.  This mother’s breastfeeding relationship has been sabotaged and her confidence as a new mother has been shaken and that saddens me greatly!  I’m going to take a stab in the dark here and guess that this new mom’s mental health was not better off upon leaving the doctor’s office that day.  She walked in a confident young mother who was taking wonderful care of her child, and she left doubting her ability to adequately care for her baby.

The pediatrician in this situation claims to be concerned about the health and wellness of the child, and I’m sure that in a general sense he is, but do you care to know what the first two ingredients are in the formula that he so freely gave to the mother?  Corn Syrup and Sugar.  That’s right- Corn Syrup and Sugar, because obviously this must be better for babies than breastmilk.  Are you kidding me?  Please don’t take this the wrong way.  I know that there are mothers out there that choose not to breastfeed or who are not able to breastfeed, and I am fully supportive of their right to choose how they feed their babies, but to believe the lie that formula is equal to or superior to breastmilk in nutrition is just ridiculous.  Formula will never be equal to breastmilk in any way, shape, or form.  For a doctor to act like taking a bottle of formula is better for a baby than being fed breastmilk should raise serious red flags in a parent’s mind.  I would be seeking another doctor’s care immediately.

According to a study in Pediatrics (February 2011), formula fed babies who started solids earlier than 4 months are 6 times more likely to become obese by age three, compared to formula fed babies who started solids later.  This study followed 847 babies.  Well, you may say, babies aren’t supposed to start solids that early!  True, but although the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents not introduce solid foods into their baby’s diet until between 4 to 6 months of age, 26% start their babies on solids by four months old.

Interestingly enough, breastfed babies are at no higher risk of obesity, regardless of when solid foods are introduced into the diet, according to the same study.  In 2005 a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association estimated that the childhood obesity rate could be cut by 15-20%, simply by switching formula fed babies to breast milk.  That is amazing!  And yet medical doctors are constantly pushing formula on mothers and babies, all in the name of the health of the baby!

Pediatricians are wonderful people and we love the pediatricians who take care of our children, but I have the final say in my child’s health and well-being.  Whether you want to admit it or not, doctors are influenced by pharmaceutical companies and YES, formula companies too!  Why do you think they push the stuff on us from the moment babies are born in the hospital?

Your body was created to provide for and nourish your child.  Your breasts are not for show, they have a function and a purpose… they are amazing!  Lactating mothers were meant to be the sole source of nourishment for their children, so please do not doubt your ability to be this for your child.  

If you would like more information on breastfeeding your child, please read my Breastfeeding 101 Series.

Unbound Birth can now be purchased at the new power price of $2.99! You can find it at the Unbound Birth Store.

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Breastfeeding 101: Proper Latch

May 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment

One of the most important things that we can discuss in the Breastfeeding 101 series is proper latch.  Your baby latching on properly is the key to the start of a successful nursing relationship.  As we have discussed in previous posts, breastfeeding is a learning experience for both mother and child.  In this post we’ll talk about what the proper latch looks like and how to help your baby achieve it.

image source

When I was preparing for the birth of our first child I took at breastfeeding class, which was one of the best decisions I made.  Before going into the class, I just assumed that the proper latch involved the entire nipple and areola being taken into the baby’s mouth.  I soon learned that this was not necessarily so.

The proper latch will have the baby’s lower gum well below the nipple, on the areola (the dark area around the nipple).  You will be able to see the areola above the baby’s upper lip.  It looks a little bit like a crescent moon shape.  The baby’s lips will be flared out on both top and bottom.  They should not be tucked into the mouth.  The photo above demonstrates this beautifully.  To facilitate this:

  • Get into a comfortable and supported position for breastfeeding.
  • Start by lining the baby’s nose up with your nipple.
  • You may need to encourage your baby to open her mouth wide by brushing her upper lip with your nipple.  You want to see the baby’s mouth wide open (as if she was yawning) and the tongue covering the bottom gums (see image below).  This might take a few times of encouraging the baby to open her mouth.  If the tongue is not covering the bottom gums and the mouth is not wide open, it can result in the baby chomping down on your nipple.  A newborn can chomp down pretty hard!  Also, the baby will not be able to take the nipple in at the correct angle, which prevents let down and results in a very unhappy baby.
  • Bring the baby to the breast, chin first, then nose.
Below is an excellent rendering of what the proper latch looks like from an internal view.

image source

You’ll notice that the nipple is angled upwards and goes far back into the throat.  Did you know your breast could do that???  Don’t worry, the baby will not choke.  The baby nurses from the areola and the nipple.  The nipple should reach all the way to the baby’s soft palette.

Touch your tongue to the roof of your mouth and you will feel the hard palette of your mouth.  If you bring your baby to your breast and your nipple stops at the hard palette of baby’s mouth, when she starts to nurse it will hurt like heck!  The baby will effectively be clamping the nipple between their tongue and their hard palette, which really hurts.

Now touch your tongue farther back against the roof of your mouth until you feel the soft area in the back.  This is the soft palette and this is where your nipple needs to be for the baby to nurse efficiently.  When baby starts to nurse, they encourage the milk ducts to let down (release the milk) by massaging the areola and stimulating the release of the milk.  This cannot happen if the areola and nipple are not far enough back in the baby’s throat.

How can you tell if you have achieved proper latch?

The first 10-30 seconds of a breastfeeding session can be a little bit painful as the baby starts to massage and the milk lets down.  If you feel pain beyond that first 10-30 seconds then chances are the baby is not latched on properly.  Gently insert your pinky into the corner of the baby’s mouth to release the suction and remove the baby from the breast.  Take a look at your nipple.  You may find that it looks pinched, indicating that the nipple was being clamped between the tongue and the hard palette.  Try latching again, and keep trying until baby gets a good latch.  Many breastfeeding problems can be solved with paying careful attention to the latch.  If you are having trouble achieving the proper latch, if breastfeeding continues to be painful for you or the baby seems frustrated and hungry all of the time, seek the help of a lactation consultant.  

Tips for achieving the proper latch:

  • Make sure you are in a comfortable position.  Use pillow to support you.
  • Wait for it.  If the baby’s mouth is not wide open, with the tongue covering the bottom gums, just try again.
  • Avoid using scented body lotions.  They can be too much for the baby and cause the baby to refuse the breast.
  • If you have large breasts, support the breast with your hand, if possible.
  • Take a moment to burp the baby before nursing on each side.  If the baby has any trapped gas, they will likely refuse the breast or fuss at the breast, even though they are acting as though they are hungry.
  • Do not wait for the baby to cry to be fed before you feed him.  A frustrated baby will have a harder time latching on correctly.

What questions do you have about proper latch?

Unbound Birth can now be purchased at the new power price of $2.99! You can find it at the Unbound Birth Store.

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Breastfeeding 101: Breastfeeding Positions

May 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Our last Breasfeeding 101 post was mainly about demand feeding, which is a very important subject indeed, but one of the first things that must be done when breastfeeding is finding a comfortable position to nurse your baby in.  There are four main positions to consider.  You may favor one of them over another, or you may choose to use all four, depending on the time of day, or your circumstances.  Here are the four main breastfeeding positions:

The Cradle Hold

Breastfeeding: The Cradle Hold

The cradle hold is one of the most commonly known breastfeeding positions.  While using this position you are cradling your baby’s head in the crook of your arm, while holding the baby’s body snugly against yours with that same arm.  If you are feeding from the right breast you will cradle your baby’s head in the right arm.    The baby’s body is facing you with her chest, stomach and legs resting across or below your opposite breast, either horizontally or at a slight angle.  Your forearm and hand are supporting the baby’s spine and bottom.

In breastfeeding all three of my children, I have found this position best used when they are a bit older and have adequate neck and head control.  Although the baby’s head is well supported in the crook of the arm, this position does not allow for the mother to have much control of the baby’s head position, which is very important in those first days and weeks of the breastfeeding relationship.  Also, if you have had a c-section you may find that this position puts too much strain on your healing abdomen.

When using this position, as with all of the positions, make sure that you are using pillows to prop your arms up if needed.  Holding a baby while breastfeeding can cause great strain on the shoulder and neck muscles and pillows will help alleviate some of this strain.  If you can, have a stool to rest your feet on as well.

The Crossover Hold

The Crossover Cradle Hold

The crossover hold is also called the cross-cradle hold.  The crossover hold is a wonderful hold for your first days breastfeeding your newborn, especially if you have a preemie.  In this hold, you are cradling your baby to you, but instead of using the crook of your arm to support the baby’s head you are using the opposite hand and arm.  The baby is in the same position against your body as it is when using the cradle hold, but if you are feeding from the right side, then the left arm and hand are supporting the baby’s spine, neck, and head.  This position is great for newborns and smaller babies because you are able to easily guide the baby’s mouth to the breast (chin first… we’ll discuss this in a future post regarding latching on) and hold it there, as your baby will not have the strength to hold it in position itself.

This is the position that I have always used most frequently with my newborns.  It gives me the most control and keeps the baby right where it needs to be to keep a good latch.

 

The Football Hold

The Football Hold

 

The football hold is also sometimes called the clutch position.  In this position you will hold the baby under your arm and to your side, like a football player carries the ball.  The baby’s body is held snugly against whichever side you are feeding from, with it’s tummy against your side and its feet behind you, pointing toward your back.  Her face will be towards you with her nose lined up with your nipple.  It is very helpful to have pillows supporting the baby’s body.  A Boppy pillow works great!  Just position it around your side instead of your stomach.  Support the baby’s neck, shoulders and head with your hand and guide the baby’s mouth to the nipple with your hand, chin first.  You may find it helpful to support the breast with your opposite hand.

This position is great for mothers who have had a c-section because there is no pressure on the incision.  It’s also a wonderful position for mothers who are tandem nursing twins!  If your baby is having trouble latching on this position is very helpful as well.

 

Reclining Position

the reclined breastfeeding position

The reclining position is a wonderful position for mothers who are recovering from a c-section or for night time feedings.  In this position you can cradle the baby’s head with either the top or bottom arm, with his body close and facing you.  This position requires pillows to support the mother’s body.  Have your partner prop pillows behind you for support, and even place one in between your knees to keep your hips and back in proper alignment.  Use a pillow or folded blanket to elevate baby’s head if necessary.  You should avoid bending down towards the baby or causing the baby to reach for the nipple.

I found that I used this position more when my baby’s were a bit older, mostly because I am fairly small breasted and so it always seemed difficult for my babies to reach me to nurse when they were very small.  However, when they were older this was a great position, especially at night.

I would encourage you to try out all of these positions at some point so that you can decide which works best for you and your baby.  Here are some general tips for breastfeeding:

  • Alternating breasts that you nurse from first at each feeding helps increase milk production
  • It’s a good idea to alternate positions, as each position favors different milk ducts, and using a variety of holds will help reduce the chances of clogged milk ducts
  • Create a comfortable space for nursing times.  A comfy chair with plenty of pillows at hand, and a distraction-free environment will help you and your baby be able to relax.
  • Keep a record of the times that you breastfeed and which side you start on.  There are plenty of fun bracelets and even iPhone apps that will help you with this.

 

The next Breastfeeding 101 post will focus on the proper latch and what it looks like.

All images from e-medicinehealth.com.

Unbound Birth can now be purchased at the new power price of $2.99! You can find it at the Unbound Birth Store.

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Breastfeeding 101: Demand Feeding.

April 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Breastfeeding 101: Demand Feeding

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Feeding your baby can be one of the most rewarding things that you do.  We have covered a lot so far in the Breastfeeding 101 series, including the mother’s needs, the value of breast milk, how the baby benefits , and benefits to the mother.  Today we start to get into the nuts and bolts of feeding your baby, starting with demand feeding, and how often your baby should nurse.

A new baby may not be strong enough to take in an adequate amount of food in a single feeding, and as a result he or she will need to nurse more often.  Compared to a formula fed feeding, a breastfed baby will eat at more frequent intervals.  Why, you may ask?  Breast milk is more easily and quickly digested than formula is.  It is, after all, made by the mother specifically for this purpose!  While a formula fed baby may take a bottle every few hours in the first days of life, a breastfed baby may nurse every 1 1/2- 2 1/2 hours, and at least every 3 hours.  Even if a baby does not cry, you should still offer the breast at frequent intervals.

It’s very important not to limit the time that you nurse.  Sometimes women will experience sore nipples, and thinking that the pain is brought on by nursing for too long, they cut short the feedings.  The real reason for sore nipples is actually an improper latch, not the length of time that you nurse.  Proper latch will be explained in detail in a later post.  It is important to drain the breast at each feeding to avoid milk becoming stagnant in the ducts and to allow the baby to get the nutritious hind milk that comes later on during the feeding.  Demand feeding facilitates this.

Allowing your baby to nurse freely may result in:

  • A more content baby
  • Plentiful milk supply.  The more you nurse, the more milk you will make.
  • Increase of blood to the baby’s face and head, which may contribute to proper development of the brain.

Nursing your baby frequently will also reduce the chances of you developing mastitis, an infection of the milk ducts.  Mastitis is something that you want to avoid at all costs.  Symptoms are flu like (achiness and chills), with fever over 100.4 and hot red lumps or sore areas in the breast.  These symptoms will put you in bed and make it extremely painful to nurse.

If you do come down with mastitis you can massage the milk ducts, especially while the baby is at the breast, use warm compresses in between nursing for pain relief, increase your amount of rest as much as possible, take 1000 mg of vitamin C and an oderless garlic supplement daily.  Continue to nurse while you have mastitis.  Your baby cannot get sick from your milk.  If symptoms continue to worsen after 24 hours,even with the natural treatments, call your doctor.  Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics for the infection.  While on antibiotics make sure to take a probiotic as they can cause thrush in the baby’s mouth and on your nipples.  There are also children’s probiotics that you can administer to the newborn.  Make sure you have an infant probiotic though.  Put a little bit on your nipple before putting the baby to the breast and your baby will safely ingest it.

A sufficient milk supply is so important, and demand feeding will help your body produce the amount of milk that your baby needs.

Signs of sufficient milk supply are:

  • a happy baby
  • 6-8 wet diapers a day
  • frequent yellow, soft curd stools
  • your milk may leak or drip, especially during the let-down reflex
  • baby will swallow frequently while nursing
  • sufficient weight gain, with the baby regaining it’s birth weight by 2 weeks, and doubling it’s birth weight by 6 months (generally)

Your baby will experience a growth spurt at about 3 weeks and 6 weeks.  At these times, he or she will want to nurse even more frequently.  Nurse as often as the baby desires and do not supplement with water or formula. Your body will adjust it’s milk production with the increased demands of your baby.  During this time you may feel a bit full or engorged while your milk supply is increasing, but your breasts will adjust in a couple of days!

Unbound Birth can now be purchased at the new power price of $2.99! You can find it at the Unbound Birth Store.

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