So it’s getting to be that time: returning to work after your maternity leave – but you’re breastfeeding. You’re not...
It came out of nowhere, 11 months into my nursing journey. I picked my son up from his morning nap,...
Beautiful images of mothers nursing their newborns seem to be all over social media lately. When you make the choice...
It seems like yesterday I was sitting in a college classroom dreaming about the day I would be able to...
If you’re thinking about having a baby, or are a pregnant working mom, there’s an excellent chance you’ve thought about...
Breastfeeding is normal and natural. We are meant to feed our babies in this way. However, this does not mean...
Breastfeeding starts off as an intimate dance between you and your baby, but pretty soon most moms are feeling ready...
If you’re pregnant or have a baby or toddler, you’ve most likely thought about wearing your child – even if...
In Preventing and Treating Engorgement Part One, we learned what happens when the milk “comes in”, common concerns about fullness or over-fullness, and how to manage mild to severe engorgement. Here’s an easy to follow plan.
Not all breast fullness, or mild engorgement, is painful or problematic. If your baby can latch and nurse, and your nipples are reasonably comfortable, you’ll get some relief each time you nurse, or may notice your breasts feel firmer before, and softer after nursing. Between feeding sessions, your breasts may simply feel warm or tingly, and heavier than usual.
Some initial nipple pain or tenderness can be normal, but should improve within a few days. Severe nipple pain that makes you dread the next feeding, or nipple damage like cracks, scabs and blisters can be improved! Ask your provider for help or for a referral to an experienced lactation consultant. Here are some suggestions and useful products to help your nipples heal up and feel better quickly.
Sore nipples are among the most common breastfeeding challenges a new mom may encounter during the early days of breastfeeding. When the nipple is properly positioned far back in the baby’s mouth during breastfeeding, there should not be any friction, pinching or clamping down directly on the nipple. However, breastfeeding, latch, and positioning all take practice (for both you and for baby), and tender nipples sometimes occur during the learning phase.
Whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, use the baby’s natural pauses to time a burp break. Don’t pull away the nipple from a baby who is busy eating – she may protest, cry, and take in air, likely defeating your goal! Instead, when she begins to fall asleep, flutter-sucks with long pauses, or releases the nipple from her mouth, that’s a good time to try.
Is getting back into your pre-pregnancy exercise routine as elusive a dream as a good night’s sleep? If you were working out regularly before, you should be able to safely start exercising again as you heal from birthing your baby. Enclosed are breastfeeding and exercise tips for breastfeeding moms.
By nursing in the park, at church, or in the coffee shop, you’re doing the important work of reestablishing breastfeeding as the cultural norm. Nursing in public isn’t easy, especially during the earliest weeks. Here are some tips for breastfeeding your baby when you’re out and about.
