Mastitis – What you can do when you have a breast infection
If you have not already read a previous post on recognizing the signs and symptoms of mastitis, you may want to do so first, and then return here.
If you have not already read a previous post on recognizing the signs and symptoms of mastitis, you may want to do so first, and then return here.
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Breastfeeding clothes are helpful in that there are a lot of stylish nursing clothes that allow you to be more discreet when nursing in public. This clothing also makes it easier to access your breasts without having to worry about your shirt, for example, getting in the way and interfering with your ability to see what you’re doing. This is especially important when you’re learning how to breastfeed. Eventually, you and your baby will get so good that you’ll be able to latch on your baby in the dark!
In Part 1 of breastfeeding & bottle feeding, I discussed how many moms will breastfeed and provide their babies with bottles of pumped breast milk or formula regularly or from time to time. There can be varying reasons for this, from providing the father the opportunity to be involved in feeding the baby, or allowing the mom to get some extra shut-eye at night, or because mom needs to be away for a few hours to all day because of returning to work. In any case, there are ways to make breastfeeding and bottle feeding compatible, and I’ll give you some more ideas today. If you have not read Part 1, you may want to read that post first as it has some good ideas and recommendations there, and then you can return here. Read more »
In other posts, I have discussed mastitis, what it is, recognizing the signs and symptoms, and what you can do for mastitis.
If you are looking for a way to increase your milk supply, you have no doubt come across the term, “fenugreek breastfeeding.” So what exactly is this? Fenugreek is an herb that is used in maple flavorings, but it can also be used to increase milk supply. It has been known to increase breast milk supply within about two days, and sometimes in as few as twenty-four hours! It can be consumed in capsule form or as tea. It is stronger and acts more quickly when used in the capsule form. You’ll find it growing in places like France, Argentina, and the Mediterranean, to name a few. No one knows exactly how it works, but it has a long history of aiding breastfeeding mothers who need to increase their milk supply. Because of this, it is known as a “galactogogue,” a substance that is used to increase milk supply in moms.
When it comes to the use of prescription and non-prescription medications, you will find that there are not always clear answers on whether breastfeeding & medications are compatible. Read more »
Breastfeeding engorgement is something that most nursing mothers will experience. You’ll notice that as the colostrum changes to mature breastmilk, that your breasts will feel warmer, fuller, and firmer. Some of this full feeling is due to increased lymph and blood flow, but some of it is also the increased milk flow. You may recognize it by taut, hard breasts. It is important to deal with the engorgement to prevent it from causing plugged ducts and a possible breast infection (mastitis). As well, when you are engorged, it will be harder to latch your baby onto the breast. The following will give you some ideas on how to deal with the breastfeeding engorgement that you are experiencing. Read more »
As when you were pregnant, being a nursing mother requires that you eat for the benefit of yourself and for your baby. So if you’re like I was, you’re probably wondering what a breastfeeding diet entails. In this blog, you will come away with a better idea of what diet is best for you and your baby.
Breastfeeding weaning can cause all sorts of emotions from sadness to a feeling of regaining some of your freedom and having your body back to yourself. The thing to realize about weaning is that it starts when your baby begins eating solids, usually at six months of age. Unless you have been medically advised that you have to stop breastfeeding (for example, if you’re newly pregnant and at high risk of miscarriage or you’ve started a new medication that is not safe during breastfeeding), you should always wean more gradually. Doing so serves many purposes. First of all, it will lessen the engorgement and the possibility of developing a mastitis (breast infection). It will also lessen your chances for depression or sadness over ending this special relationship. Lastly, it will be less traumatic for your child, who has come to realize that nursing not only provides nutrition, but also love and security.
The cross-cradle position, in my opinion, is one of the best breastfeeding positions to start out with an infant in the early weeks. This is because you can see what you’re doing, and it allows you control over what you are doing. It is also a good position to use if you have had a cesarean section. I highly recommend you purchase yourself a breastfeeding pillow (My Brest Friend Deluxe Pillow Light Blue) as it makes it so much easier to support the baby’s weight and properly align the baby’s body and keep the baby’s head at the level of the nipple for proper latching. Read more »
As I have mentioned in the previous post (Part 1), there are a number of different breastpumps on the market. So many, in fact, that it can be very confusing. The type of breastpump you purchase depends on a few different factors such as how often you will be using it (ex. several times/day or just occasionally), whether you want to pump one or both breasts at the same time, whether you want it to be battery-operated, plug-in or manually-operated.
While you are nursing a baby or toddler, it is possible to become pregnant again. So if you find yourself in this situation, you are probably wondering if it is safe to continue to breastfeed while pregnant. In most cases, it is completely safe and fine to do! Well-meaning family and friends are likely to provide you with their opinions, so you will want to know more on this matter. I want this post to provide you with information that can help you in making a decision that works best for you and your children.
In my opinion, a breastfeeding pillow is an ESSENTIAL item to getting the very best start to breastfeeding. You may be wondering why you shouldn’t just save the money, and use pillows around your house. That’s what I thought! That was a big mistake I made during breastfeeding my first child, and within the first week of nursing her, I purchased one. When I went into labor with my second child, I walked into the hospital with my breastfeeding pillow in tow. I am going to give you some information on why you will want to get one, and why I recommend the My Brest Friend Deluxe Pillow Light Blue.
Whether we are talking about drugs that have been prescribed, can be purchasd over-the-counter, or are for recreational use (including drugs like marijuana, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, etc.), there are some things that need to be considered before using them: Read more »
I remember that when nursing a baby, it’s not always easy to recall which breast you last fed your baby on, or how long the baby nursed for. You already have enough things to remember, and you’re probably somewhat sleep deprived. That’s where a breastfeeding bracelet comes in handy.
There are many moms who breastfeed their babies and provide their babies with a bottle regularly or from time to time. The bottle can contain pumped breast milk or formula. Whatever you decide to fill the bottle with, here are some tips on how to do breastfeeding & bottle feeding: Read more »
You have come to the right place if you are having breastfeeding problems. Every lactation consultant in town knew me when I gave birth to my children, because I experienced many different types of problems over the course of nursing my children. Read more »
If you have not yet read Breastfeeding Engorgement – Part 1, you may want to do that first. Last time, I gave some information on what engorgement is and gave you a few ideas on how you can deal with this uncomfortable feeling of fullness in your breasts. Today, I want to give you a few more ideas on how you can deal with engorgement. Read more »