Posts Tagged: breastfeeding

pregnancy — Comments Off
29
May 11

Help Your Baby Breastfeed Before It抯 Even Born

揑t hurt.? 揗y baby was too sleepy to nurse.?揑 didn抰 have enough milk.? All are comments new moms make every day when talking about first nursing their babies. And all are challenges that can often be avoided.

A growing body of research reveals profound connections between a woman抯 birth experience and her ability to get breastfeeding off to a good start. Well-known lactation consultant Linda Smith asserts that common obstetrical practices, including medical, technological, and surgical interventions, can create all kinds of problems, involving a baby抯 ability to breath, suck and swallow properly; the mother抯 comfort level, and the ability of a mother and baby to remain together immediately after the birth.

Unfortunately, childbirth and breastfeeding are typically treated as separate and unrelated events. But if you think of putting your baby to your breast as the fourth stage of labor (following dilation, pushing out the baby, and birthing the placenta) it can help you visualize this connection.

The bottom line is, the less intervention you have at birth, the less likely you are to have problems breastfeeding. Of course, your birth may not go as planned. But why make the beginning of your parenting journey extra challenging? After all, you wouldn抰 set out on a vacation driving with a flat tire? And if nursing goes well in the first few days, you抣l be more likely to stick with it. Given that Americans spend an extra 3.6 billion dollars a year to care for babies fed formula, it makes sense to do a little homework ahead of time.

Here are eight things you can do to help your baby ?and you ?get off to the best start possible.

1. Take a childbirth education class and consider looking outside of the hospital to find one. Chose an instructor certified by a national organization (such as Lamaze, Bradley, or International Childbirth Education Association), with the freedom to present accurate and complete information. You want to be empowered to be an active participants throughout your labor, not simply prepared for what to expect in the hospital setting. The more empowered you are during birth, the more empowered you抣l be to nurse.
2. Find out what your practitioner抯 rates are for labor inductions, epidurals, c-sections, and v-bacs (vaginal birth after cesarean) and compare the statistics between hospitals. Then chose the provider and hospital with the lowest rates. Rates for all these procedures have dramatically increased in recent years without a corresponding increase or improvement in birth weight and birth outcomes.
Does this affect breastfeeding? You bet. Epidurals, for example, can make labor less productive, setting into place a cascade of interventions, often culminating in a c-section. As of 2005 the national c-section rate was at an unprecedented high with almost 1 in 3 women giving birth surgically. Studies suggest that women who give birth via c-section are less likely to room-in with their babies and are less likely to be breastfeeding several weeks later. And the less likely you are to be in pain after the birth, the more difficult it will be to focus on the needs of your baby.
3. Ask your provider how they can help you labor comfortably without using drugs. Find out if you can labor (and even birth) in a tub, if you can eat and drink for energy, and what kind of support you will have. Ask to have sporadic instead of continuous fetal monitoring. You will be more able to labor comfortably if you have the freedom to move around and it抯 impossible to do so when you are strapped to a machine. Remember that in most cases, the more gently you are treated, the more gently your baby is treated.

4. Locate a childbirth doula (pronounced DOO-la). Doulas offer emotional and physical support to women and provide various combinations of support before, during and after the birth. Studies show that having a doula at your birth shortens labor, cuts in half the odds of having an unnecessary c-section, and helps women feel more satisfied about their birth. Contact DONA, Doulas of North American at http://www.dona.org. Two other organizations that train doulas are: CAPPA – Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (www.cappa.net) and ALACE ?Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators (www.alace.org).

5. Find out what your hospital抯 post-partum policies are. Immediate skin-to-skin contact and being able to have your baby 搑oom-in?with you increases breastfeeding抯 success. Drying the baby, assigning Apgar scores, and doing the initial assessment typically should be done while your baby is with you. You can also delay having your baby cleaned, weighed, measured and bathed until after he or she has had a chance to nurse.
6. Request, in writing, that your baby be given no supplemental bottles of formula or glucose. Supplemental feedings of formula in the hospital have almost doubled in the past ten years, a practice known to derail nursing.
7. Attend a La Leche League meeting before giving birth, especially if you抳e never been around nursing mothers. Visit http://www.lalecheleague.org or call 847-519-7730.

8. Overall, know your rights as a patient. You have the right to participate in decision-making involving you and your baby and you have the right to know the benefits, risks and hazards of drugs and procedures. Remember: as the authors of 揂 Good Birth, A Safe Birth observe, 揑f you don抰 know your options, you don抰 have any.?/p>

In the end, remember that birth itself is not the end of your journey as a mother. It is a beginning. If you find yourself with an unplanned C-section, a difficult recovery, or nursing challenges of one type or another, help is available. Express your concerns to your doctors, midwife, nurse, or doula. A good lactation consultant can offer especially invaluable help, (look for the credential of IBCLC ?International board certified lactation consultant). In fact, you may want to find one ahead of time. Make that the ninth thing you can do before the birth!

Babies-Toddler — Comments Off
3
May 11

Sterilizing Your Baby’s Milk Bottles

Both traditional approaches such as steam sterilizing, cold water sterilizing, and boiling for your baby抯 bottles and newer, alternative ways such as microwavable bottles, which are sterilized in a matter of seconds. Every parent should know what the options are so that their baby抯 milk bottles are properly sterilized. Therefore, the most important thing to consider is that your baby, whose immune system is definitely not as strong as a child or adult抯, has properly sterilized, germ-free equipment such as bottles and pacifiers. Remember, leaving a sterilized bottle out in the open air for too long can result in the accumulation of more bacteria. Therefore, you can keep a safe (of sorts) for your sterile bottles ?this method is preferred if you clean many bottles at a time. Otherwise, you must always clean the bottle with which you will feed your baby very soon before you do so.

Whether you are using a manual breast pump, an electric breast pump, or if you are using baby formula, the condition of the bottles you use will be especially important. Do not invite infection. It is an unwelcome and sometimes dangerous visitor for the human body. Because of the lowered immune efficiency of your baby (as with any person with a compromised immune system) sterilization of anything such as plates, cups, spoons, bottles etc. is especially important. Whether you use formula, or store breast milk from a breast pump in a bottle, this article will go over the methods of proper bottle and pacifier sterilization for you. There is no one right way to do get it done, as long as the sterilization method (no matter which method) is performed properly. Here are four virtually always one hundred percent effective ways to sterilize a baby抯 toys, bottles pacifiers, and more:

If you find yourself in a situation where you have no electricity, or perhaps heating water is not possible, try the cold water sterilization approach. There are special tablets designed especially for you in such circumstances. There will be a specific amount of tablet or solution to use depending on the amount of water. The solution is incredibly effective for completely cleansing the bacteria from your baby抯 bottles, pacifiers and other items. Do not undermine the sterilization of your milk bottles, when it concerns milk from formulas, or whether it is breast milk.

Usually these kinds of tablets and / or solutions are dissolved into water and the baby bottles will be submerged in the solution. This means to check for any air bubbles in the bottles or the nipples to be sure that everything is properly soaked. It can take up to forty minutes to clean bottles this way. Nonetheless, this method really 搒aves the day?(to steal the expression) when you find yourself in a situation where microwaving, boiling, or steaming your bottles is not possible before bottle feeding.

There are also many convenient kinds of microwave safe baby bottles. Usually to sterilize them is a matter of a quick rinse and scrub, and about ninety seconds in the microwave. This is a great solution almost anywhere you go ?but, of course, sometimes other types of sterilization methods will be necessary.

Steam sterilizing equipment is a great way to clean and sterilize your baby抯 bottles and / or other items. There are all kinds of electrically operated equipment designed for cleaning germs and removing all bacteria with steam. When you use steam sterilizing there is no smell or taste. Be sure they dry completely before you fill or store them. As with all methods of bottle cleaning ?if you clean many bottles at once, you can keep them closed away and fresh for longer periods of time.

Boiling is another, and the forth method of baby bottle sterilization I will mention to you. If you submerge them for at least ten minutes, perhaps more, boiling your baby抯 bottles will eliminate any harmful germs and / or toxins. Boiling is a common method of purification, as a matter of fact, one of the oldest and most well-known. It is certainly more antiquated than microwavable, chemical, or electrical devices also used for cleaning bottles every day. Boiling is the oldest, but is nonetheless incredibly effective, method of cleaning bottles. And boiling is as efficient as any of the others combined.

Don抰 forget, you need to be sure you have the right bottles! There are both traditional and alternative ways every parent should know so that their baby抯 milk bottles are properly sterilized. Whether you are using a manual breast pump, an electric breast pump, or if you are using formula, the bottles you use will be especially important. But do not undermine the sterilization of your milk bottles, when it is the milk from baby formulas, or whether it is breast milk. There is much to remember when you have a new baby ?so try especially to keep the most important things in mind.

Babies-Toddler — Comments Off
18
Apr 11

Mothers, Please Remember that Your Baby Owns Your Breasts

Many mothers who breastfeed their baby often find themselves unable to cope and sadly, give up nursing their child. This can be for any number of reasons but it needn’t be so. The trick is to let your baby take the lead.

Humans are mammals. Mammals belong to a species of animals that suckle their young. The word ‘mammal’ is derived from the Latin word ‘mammalis’, from ‘mamma’ meaning breast. So, all mammals suckle their young, however not all mammals suckle their young in the same way. Humans belong to specific group of mammals that carry their young with them and feed them frequently, whereas other mammals leave their young alone in a nest, feeding them less often. Mammals that leave their young for long periods between feeds produce milk that is far more concentrated than human milk. Human milk is best for babies when given frequently. This is the first important point to remember if you’re breastfeeding.

We only have to look back at our ancient past – or hunter-gatherer societies of today – to gain an insight into what is a ‘natural’ way to nurture our own babies. In those societies, mothers carry their babies with them and feed them frequently. But how often should YOU feed your baby? How do YOU decide when your baby’s had enough? The answer to both of these questions is that you don’t; your baby does. Your baby is the one who’s best able to decide how frequently and how much milk you should give. Your baby is in charge of your breasts.

Hunger is one of life’s most urgent needs. When we’re hungry we think only of eating. You baby’s sense of urgent need for nourishment is even more finely tuned and she will let you know when she’s hungry. Some breastfeeding mothers fear that they may overfeed their baby. Don’t worry, you can’t overfeed or ’spoil’ a breastfed baby by letting her feed whenever she wants to.

Establishing a good feeding rhythm is best achieved by understanding how breast milk is digested and by following your baby’s lead. Breast milk is digested within about 2 hours – formula milk takes double this amount of time – so you can expect your baby to be feeling hungry shortly after she has digested her milk. You should not be too alarmed if the time between feeds fluctuates. Again, follow your baby’s lead. Signs of hunger are; increased activity, mouthing or rooting for your breast. It is also usual for many newborn babies to seek continuous nursing during evenings when they appear to be somewhat fussy or unsettled. This feeding pattern is not only providing food for you baby but also comfort. The milk you produce first thing in the morning – after a good night’s rest – is the richest and most satisfying for your baby. A don’t worry about when your baby’s had enough milk; your baby will let you know. When your baby has had enough she will let go of the nipple; most babies fall asleep straight afterwards.

But will I have enough milk? This question is asked many times by breastfeeding mothers. Indeed, it is understandable as it can be hard to imagine producing enough milk for all those frequent feeds. But frequently feeding your baby is the answer. Frequent feeding – by baby’s demand – stimulates your breasts to produce more milk. Interruption of milk supply is often attributable to when mothers attempt to introduce a feeding timetable. You don’t control your milk supply, your baby does. But, many mother’s still have that nagging doubt as to whether their giving their baby enough milk. Unlike bottle feeding, you can’t see the amount of milk that your baby consumes. However a good way of getting reassurance about the amount going in is to look at the amount going out. A new born should be urinating at least six times during the day. You can also expect to see bowel movements three to four times a day, or even shortly after each feed. You’ll also be pleasantly surprised to learn that urine and pooh of breastfed babies doesn’t have an unpleasant odor.

Successful breastfeeding is frequent feeding that is baby lead. If your baby wants milk then give it. Don’t wait until your baby starts crying but offer your breast as soon as you notice the signs that your baby is hungry. When you breastfeed, your baby really does own your breasts.

Babies-Toddler — Comments Off
13
Apr 11

Baby Formula – What to Use?

After all my hours spent on doing research about what I should feed my baby, I came to this conclusion: There is no one answer. There are lots of decisions to be made when trying to decide how to feed: Do I breastfeed? Do I use formula? If I use formula, should it be milk based or a specialty type? How often do I feed? Etc, Etc. So basically, the goal of this article is just to get all the different types of feeding option out on the table so readers can make an informed decision.

First, many swear by this, and many say it’s just a myth, but breastfeeding should probably be your first option. My wife and I were unable to devote the time necessary to breastfeeding, so we used formula. Breastfeeding is a very time intensive activity, and it will require a lot of patience by the mom, and by the rest of the family, the baby, the job, etc.

When it comes to formula, there are two types: Milk based and specialty based. We used milk based as our child did not have any adverse affects from the basic formula. The specialty brands include organic, soy, lactose-free, hypo-allergenic, low iron and preemie formulations. Luckily for us, and many other parents, baby formula has progressed a long way since it was first produced. Almost all new infant formulas contain DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) and ARA (Arachidonic Acid), which are nutrients that are found in breast milk. You need to make sure that the formula has these two nutrients as they are vital for mental and visual development in your child. It is important to follow the instructions provided with the formula. You want to make sure you are feeding your baby the correct amount and not diluting the formula too much. Also, storing of the formula is crucial so please read the directions provided by the manufacturer.

Babies-Toddler — Comments Off
24
Mar 11

Breastfeeding In Public Is Not A Problem With A Breastfeeding Cover

A breastfeeding cover offers numerous advantages to a nursing mother, offering her the freedom to feed her child in public, yet protecting her from prying eyes.

Breastfeeding is the recommended mode of feeding a newborn infant and can continue until the baby is 6 to 9 months old. Many nursing mothers are uncomfortable feeding their baby in public but may have to do so especially while traveling. As more mothers realize the importance of breastfeeding their child, the one worry that plagues them and inhibits breastfeeding is to breastfeed at public places.

It is recommended that mothers breastfeed their babies as it builds a stronger bond between the two of them as well as ensures that the baby’s as well as the mother’s health is not compromised. Nursing mothers may relax as breastfeeding covers are available and are relatively inexpensive. They are usually machine washable and are available in a variety of colors. Such garments offer complete protection covering the nursing mother as well as the feeding baby.

Many expectant mothers are surprised by getting a breastfeeding cover as a gift during a baby shower and are amazed by how simple and convenient it is to carry around as well as to use. A breastfeeding garment can thus be a perfect gift for those nursing mothers who have inhibitions about feeding their child in public places.

Using A Breastfeeding Cover

The garment consists of a breastfeeding cover and a shoulder clip that helps to keep the cover in place. It is usually triangular in shape and has an extendable pad in one corner to help in spreading it. The soft extendable pad is connected to the front portion of the shoulder clip. It is made of a comfortable, soft fabric that is opaque in the center covering the feeding baby from public view yet is see-through in other areas or may be a complete opaque, designed fabric. The wrap-around nature of the cover makes it extremely easy to use.

A breastfeeding cover with a window is available for the more cautious mother who would like to see her child while feeding it. The window allows the mother to watch her child and is designed in such a fashion that only the mother can see her feeding baby. The window is located just above the breast region and is reversible such that the mother can see her baby nursing on her other breast too after making the necessary adjustments to the cover.

Baby feeding especially breast feeding while traveling, commuting in public transport and enjoying a day out in a park etc. is much easier with a breast feeding cover. Nursing mothers who have to attend social gatherings such as the christening of the baby, weddings etc. do so without worrying about breastfeeding the baby in public.

While the health conscious mother does not hesitate to breastfeed her baby, breastfeeding covers have made it much easier for her to do so while in public view. Inexpensive, convenient to carry and use, a breastfeeding cover is a must have accessory for a nursing mother.

Parenting — Comments Off
25
Feb 11

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding – Tips For a Balanced Diet

The most critical thing about dietary requirements during pregnancy is that you should start to consider these BEFORE conception. Critical development of your baby starts at conception. Eating well before pregnancy will give your body a good store of nutrients for your baby to draw on during pregnancy.

The objective is to ensure that your body has all of the nutrients it needs for optimum health. It is important to eat from all of the main food groups as no single food can provide all of the essential nutrients that the body needs. This is why the need for a ‘balanced’ diet is often emphasised.

There are two areas to consider:

  1. Getting the appropriate amount of calories, a balance between the calories that you eat and the calories that you burn.
  2. Consuming a combination of various essential nutrients in the correct proportions, this will lead to good nutrition.

These essential nutrients are grouped as follows:

  • Carbohydrates
  • Fats
  • Fibre
  • Minerals
  • Protein
  • Vitamins
  • Water

Obtaining a balance of these nutrients means eating a variety of foods from all of the five basic food groups in the correct proportions, no single food can provide all of the essential nutrients that the body needs. The western diet today tends to have too much fat and too little fibre for some a small shift can mean a major health benefit.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) uses the commonly accepted food groups to describe a healthy diet:

  • Bread, potatoes and other cereals
  • Fruit and vegetables
  • Milk and dairy products
  • Meat, fish and alternatives
  • Foods containing fats; foods and drinks containing sugars

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) describes these dietary guidelines through its new food pyramid; MyPyramid. It’s food grouping is fairly similar, although broadly speaking the fruit and vegetables is spilt into two groups instead of one.
Whichever way these groups are split, eliminating one food group from your diet could risk developing a nutrient imbalance and deficiencies.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provide dietary guidelines that describe a healthy diet as one that:

  • Emphasises fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low fat milk and milk products
  • Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts
  • Is low in saturated fats, transfats, cholesterol, salt and added sugars

Recommendations are very similar from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in the UK.

During pregnancy your requirements for calories and nutrients change, the requirements for nutrients double but the calorific need only increases 15% so it is important to make sure that what you eat counts!

Key tips:

  • A good variety of food intake
  • Plenty of fruits, grains and vegetables
  • Ensure EFA levels are adequate
  • Drink at least 6 – 8 glasses of water a day
  • Reduce fat intake, especially saturated and trans fatty acids
  • Reduce sugar intake
  • Reduce salt intake
  • Eliminate alcohol, smoking and drugs

Vegans and vegetarians do not need to worry as long as their diets are well-balanced; careful planning may be required. If it is not then there may be a need for supplementation to boost necessary nutrients or vitamins. The requirements for Vitamin B12 (found in manufactured foods), Vitamin D (may just require extra doses of sunshine!), iron, zinc and calcium all increase during pregnancy and this can lead to deficiency if not corrected.

Another often forgotten nutrient is omega3 fatty acids, this plays an important role in brain function and development. Some women can enter pregnancy already deficient in this important nutrient; sources include fatty fish, flax seed and walnuts. But be careful of certain fish and their mercury content.

Babies-Toddler — Comments Off
9
Jan 11

Breastfeeding Supplies For Your Baby

Having a baby is without a doubt one of the most rewarding moments for parents, especially for the mother who is just about to form a strong bond with her child through a process which comes naturally, breastfeeding. For some people this practice may be inappropriate, others don’t like it and prefer to feed their baby with formulas, but for a good portion of mothers breastfeeding is just the right way to feed their babies and improve the child’s immune system. Lets take a look at some of the tools which makes this process easier for both the newborn and the mother.

Breastfeeding Pillow:

There are many types of breastfeeding pillows but not everyone can be used as a nursing pillow as well, this is why it is important to buy a pillow which will help you position your arm comfortably around your baby in order to make the breastfeeding process as easy as possible. Another important thing to keep in mind is that baby’s tend to be messy, especially while feeding so any accessory you buy should be machine washable or easily replaceable, in this case the breast feeding pillow should be washable and have several slip covers to allow you to quickly change from one to another in case of a “food-related” accident.

Breast Pumps:

It is well known that naturally produced milk is the best food for a baby since it helps him/her develop immunities necessary to protect the baby from getting sick, this being the case you should provide your baby breast milk whenever possible, however some people may consider inappropriate to breastfeed a child in public, the solution for this problem is quite easy, mothers can buy a breast pump which emulates the sucking action of a baby in order to extract milk from her breasts which can be bottled up and given to the baby while you are out shopping in the mall.

Breast pumps is one of the supplies mothers shouldn’t be without, when purchasing this items keep in mind that “more expensive” doesn’t necessarily means best, you can buy a manual breast pump which is just as effective as a battery operated one.

Breastfeeding Pads and Breastfeeding Bras:

Yet another necessary pair of items mothers shouldn’t be without are the breastfeeding pads and bras, the pads are designed to prevent your clothes from getting wet after you have breastfed your baby, some bras incorporate these pads and in addition provide adjustable bands which will be used after you loose your pregnancy weight.

No one is fully prepared for a baby, however you can take care of the most important aspects so that when the baby finally comes you would only have to buy minor accessories and supplies.

Babies-Toddler — Comments Off
9
Jan 11

Breastfeeding? How To Avoid Mastitis This Winter

Mastitis is a breast infection that sometimes affects nursing moms. Sometimes it starts out as a plugged duct that isn’t resolved, other times mom gets mastitis when other family members catch a cold.

While mastitis doesn’t require weaning nor is it a serious health condition, mastitis can be very uncomfortable and make a mom feel as if she has the flu. Mastitis is also very common around the busy holiday season, since moms are often extremely busy and may not be nursing their baby as frequently.

Here are some tips to help you avoid mastitis and treat it if you notice symptoms.

Nurse often

Nursing your baby frequently and not skipping feedings is very important to keep the breasts from getting overly full. This is sometimes a challenge for moms who are visiting relatives and feel uncomfortable nursing in public, or when baby is getting passed along from person to person and is distracted. Try using a sling or nursing cover if this is the case, or taking baby into another room where s/he can quiet down and focus on feeding.

Drink and eat well

Don’t forget good nutrition and keeping hydrated. Being inside a lot with forced air heating tends to dehydrate you, so be sure to drink enough water. Eating healthy whole foods and minimizing sweets will help you avoid colds and flus, which sometimes turn to mastitis in nursing women.

Get enough rest

Getting enough rest is very important during busy, stressful times. Sitting down to nurse is a great opportunity to get some rest! Nap with your baby if you can.

Mastitis often starts out as a plugged duct, so if you feel a hard, sore or hot spot on your breast, immediately start self care measures to clear it. Getting extra rest is important, as is breastfeeding frequently to drain the breast well. Taking hot showers and massaging the area is also helpful. Starting at the armpit, massage gently down towards the nipple. You may notice thickened milk or even “crystals” coming out of the breast, which means the clog is clearing.

If you develop mastitis, you may feel feverish and achy in addition to the above symptoms. Get to bed immediately with your baby and nurse as much as you can, especially on the affected side. This won’t harm your baby and weaning now is the worst thing you could do, since it will make the infection worse and deprive your baby of the benefits of the antibodies in your milk as well as the comfort of nursing. Try to vary your nursing positions to drain the breast evenly.

If you’re not feeling better after a day or two of rest, massage and frequent nursing, call your health care provider, La Leche League leader or Lactation Consultant for more advice.

Babies-Toddler — Comments Off
5
Jan 11

The Best Mastitis Remedy When Breastfeeding

Within my first month of nursing my newborn son I had occasion to be very relieved to find an effective, herbal mastitis treatment. Not only were we dealing with a severe case of thrush, but also now on top of that, I found myself with a very painful breast infection.

So, what did we do?

1) Well, we used poultices of comfrey leaves and calendula flowers as a mastitis treament. Hot applications to the breast at least four times daily are recommended and the comfrey and calendula will soothe the nipples, help draw out the infection and unblock the tubes and ducts.

To make a comfrey / calendula poultice, put the comfrey leaves and calendula flowers in the blender with a bit of water and some flour to make a gelatin like substance. This can then be put into cotton cloth and stored in the freezer for future use. They can be heated in the oven just before applying to the breast.

2) Raw cabbage leaves are a great mastitis treatment. They can be placed directly on the infected area of the breast, also to help draw out the heat and infection.

The cabbage leaves will become warm and wilted and should then be changed out. This cure is especially effective just after a duct is clogged and before the infection sets in.

If my breasts start to feel sore or I notice any redness I immediately slip a cabbage leaf in my bra, and change it out several times during the day.

This amazingly simple mastitis treatment unclogs the duct quickly and doesn’t allow the infection to set in. Once I learned this trick, I never again suffered from a more severe breast infection.

3) We also used Echinacea root tincture as part of our mastitis treatment. One dropper full six times a day until the fever passed, and then smaller doses (2 or 3 times a day) until all symptoms had cleared.

Susun Weed, in the Childbearing Year recommends using Echinacea as an infusion rather than in tincture form.

So, if you can get some dried Echinacea root, use once ounce of root in a pint of boiling water and steep it for at least eight hours. Drink two cups daily until the fever comes down then move to a lighter infusion of one-ounce root to a quart of boiling water and drink one or two cups until the symptoms clear.

4) It is also important to get plenty of rest when dealing with a breast infection as they often result from lack of rest. Take a daily nap and take frequent rest breaks throughout your day. Call on your friends or family to help with chores or older children so you can get the rest you need. I remember sitting in a big, comfey chair nursing Rowan while different friends came by every few hours to help around the house and offer moral support. I don’t know what I would have done without them.

***Another important part of any mastitis treatment is to be sure to continue nursing as often and as long as possible on the infected breast.***

I remember this being a very painful proposition, especially in the first seconds after Rowan would latch on to my breast.

Continued nursing is important, though, for long-term milk flow and emptying the breast regularly will help promote healing. Mastitis definitely offered one of my biggest challenges to continued breast-feeding. Remember that the pain will not last once the infection has cleared up, and you will enjoy many months (or years) of wonderful nursing with your baby once the mastitis has passed.

5) Susun Weed also recommends poke root as an effective mastitis treatment. “A tincture of fresh (only) root stimulates lymph gland activity and clears mastitis quickly.” She says to use no more than 2 drops daily and suggests that you may want to combine it with Echinacea.

6) Cold, grated raw potato can also be used as a poultice. Apply directly to the breasts and cover with a clean cloth. Replace when dry.

7) Soaking breasts in an infusion of marshmallow root can also be an extremely soothing and healing mastitis treatment. Steep two ounces of root in a half gallon of boiling water overnight. Reheat to near boiling and pour into a basin. Soak breasts until the infusion cools.

If you or your partner currently has mastitis and that’s why you’ve come here to our site, I send you lots of love and wishes for a quick recovery. Those days when the infection was strong in my body are definitely among the most painful in my memory.

Take heart, trust the plants, and know that with this simple mastitis treatment, this too shall pass.

Parenting — Comments Off
4
Jan 11

Breastfeeding Tip: Avoid Triple Nipple Syndrome

There are several reasons why you, as a breastfeeding Mom, will want to avoid or limit artificial nipples. Avoid Triple Nipple Syndrome if you want to nurse your baby for that important first year (or longer!).

Using artificial nipples, meaning supplemental bottles and pacifiers, reduces the time your baby spends at the breast. Time spent nursing at the breast tells your body how much milk to make, meaning that using artificial nipples can reduce supply.

Artifical nipples may lead to nipple confusion, which means a difficulty transitioning from bottles to the breast and back. Some babies get nipple confusion, and some don’t. Some babies will flat out reject the breast after having one bottle. Some babies can have a supplemental bottle and go back to Mom, and some will refuse the bottle altogether.

However, studies show that using artificial nipples increases the likelihood that baby will wean before one year. So, wait until breastfeeding is well established and your supply is adequate for baby’s needs before introducing artificial nipples, and even then, limit their use.

Using a supplemental bottle of formula when you think your milk supply is low can be a Catch 22 because giving baby a bottle can further lessen the milk supply. If you want to increase your milk supply, the best way to do so is to increase the number of times you offer your breast to the baby, or increase the time spent at the breast. When baby is going through a growth spurt you may want to reduce your activities as much as possible for a day or two and spend more time in skin to skin contact with baby. Your body will send more milk because of the increased demand.

As a side note, the American Academy of Pediatrics recently issued a statement saying that pacifiers can reduce SIDS risk. Interestingly, breastfeeding also reduces the risk of SIDS. Some breastfeeding experts have noted that it is the sucking, not the pacifier itself, that keeps baby stimulated at night which helps him “remember” to breathe.

While it’s not for every family, the practice of Co Sleeping or Sharing Sleep, helps Mom and Dad get more sleep, helps Mom have a hearty milk supply and makes night feedings easier.

Families all over the world (in fact, most of the world’s population) share sleep with babies quite safely, and happily too and have been doing so since the beginning of time!

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