Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Toddler Breastfeeding - Breastfeeding | Baby Center

Toddler Breastfeeding - Breastfeeding | Baby Center

Because more and more women are choosing to breast
feed their babies, more and more are also finding
that they enjoy it enough to continue longer than
the first few months they planned on. Breast
feeding to 3 - 4 years of age is common in much
of the world recently, and is still common in
many societies for toddlers to be breast fed.

Because mothers and babies often enjoy to breast
feed, you shouldn't stop it. After six months,
many think that breast milk loses it's value -
which isn't true. Even after six months, it
still contains protein, fat, and other important
nutrients which babies and children need.

The fact is, immune factors in breast milk will
protect the baby against infections. Breast
milk also contains factors that will help the
immune system mature, and other organs to develop
and mature as well.

It's been shown and proven in the past that
children in daycare who are still breast feeding
have far less severe infections than the
children that aren't breast feeding. The mother
will lose less work time if she chooses to
continue nursing her baby once she is back to
work.

If you have thought about breast feeding your
baby once he gets passed 6 months of age, you
have made a wise decision. Although many feel
that it isn't necessary, breast milk will always
help babies and toddlers. Breast milk is the
best milk you can give to your baby.

No matter what others may tell you, breast feeding
only needs to be stopped when you and the baby
agree on it. You don't have to stop when someone
else wants you to - you should only stop when
you feel that it's the right time.

Breastfeeding Complications or Potential Complications

Breastfeeding Complications or Potential Complications (Infants)

Sore nipples
A lot of mothers complain about tender nipples that
make breast feeding painful and frustrating. There
is good news though, as most mothers don't suffer
that long. The nipples will toughen up quickly
and render breast feeding virtually painless.

Improperly positioned babies or babies that suck
really hard can make the breasts extremely sore.
Below, are some ways to ease your discomfort:
1. Make sure your baby is in the correct
position, since a baby that isn't positioned correctly
is the number one cause of sore nipples.
2. Once you have finished feeding, expose
your breasts to the air and try to protect them from
clothing and other irritations.
3. After breast feeding, apply some ultra
purified, medical grade lanolin, making sure to avoid
petroleum jelly and other products with oil.
4. Make sure to wash your nipples with water
and not with soap.
5. Many women find teabags ran under cold
water to provide some relief when placed on the
nipples.
6. Make sure you vary your position each time
with feeding to ensure that a different area of the
nipple is being compressed each time.

Clogged milk ducts
Clogged milk ducts can be identified as small, red tender
lumps on the tissue of the breast. Clogged ducts can
cause the milk to back up and lead to infection. The
best way to unclog these ducts is to ensure that you've
emptied as completely as possible. You should offer
the clogged breast first at feeding time, then let
your baby empty it as much as possible.

If milk remains after the feeding, the remaining amount
should be removed by hand or with a pump. You should
also keep pressure off the duct by making sure your
bra is not too tight.

Breast infection
Also known as mastititis, breast infection is normally
due to empty breasts completely out of milk, germs
gaining entrance to the milk ducts through cracks or
fissures in the nipple, and decreased immunity in the
mother due to stress or inadequate nutrition.

The symptoms of breast infection include severe pain
or soreness, hardness of the breast, redness of the
breast, heat coming from the area, swelling, or even
chills.

The treatment of breast infection includes bed rest,
antibiotics, pain relievers, increased fluid intake,
and applying heat. Many women will stop breast feeding
during an infection, although it's actually the wrong
thing to do. By emptying the breasts, you'll
actually help to prevent clogged milk ducts.

If the pain is so bad you can't feed, try using a
pump while laying in a tub of warm water with your
breasts floating comfortably in the water. You should
also make sure that the pump isn't electric if you
plan to use it in the bath tub.

You should always make sure that breast infections
are treated promptly and completely or you may
risk the chance of abscess. An abscess is very
painful, involving throbbing and swelling. You'll
also experience swelling, tenderness, and heat in
the area of the abscess. If the infection progresses
this far, your doctor may prescribe medicine and
even surgery.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Breastfeeding Links & Tips

Breastfeeding Links and Tips
Medela Medela is the manufacturer of the breastpumps and most of the other breastfeeding accessories sold on this site.
Ask Medela's Lactation consultant
Submit a question to Medela's board-certified lactation consultant. Visit this link and then click on the lactation consultant's name underneath her photo to submit your question by e-mail.
Medela's breastfeeding FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Click on this link to view answers to frequently asked questions, such as: "When will my milk come in?", "How can I tell if my baby is getting enough milk?", "What if I don't have enough milk or my baby is gaining weight poorly?" and many more.
Breastfeeding.com
The #1 site for breastfeeding information, support, and attitude. This site has one of the most extensive list of breastfeeding links I have seen on the web. It also offers a very active breastfeeding message board.
Dr. Jack Newman's breastfeeding handouts - provided by First Feast, Breastfeeding and Maternity Center
Dr. Jack Newman is a pediatrician who operates four breastfeeding clinics in Toronto, Ontario and speaks worldwide on breastfeeding issues. This website offers information on all common breastfeeding questions, and offers a wealth of information. Most common questions are covered, including: sore, flat or inverted nipples; how to tell if your baby is getting enough breast milk; colic; when to introduce solids; breastfeeding while working outside the home; common breastfeeding myths; thrush; plugged ducts/mastitis; and many more topics.
American Academy of Pediatrics revised statement on Breastfeeding
(issued December, 1997) The revised statement on breastfeeding recommends that breastfeeding be continued for at least 12 months, and thereafter for as long as mutually desired.
Cost of Formula Feeding
Visit this website to calculate the cost of formula feeding your infant for the first 12 months of life. You will quickly see that the cost of artificial baby milk far outweighs the cost of renting a Medela Lactina breastpump for a year or purchasing a Medela Pump In Style.
La Leche League International
A nonprofit organization supporting breastfeeding mothers.
101 Reasons to Breastfeed Your ChildSponsored By ProMom, Inc. Offers breastfeeding advocay information and a number of breastfeeding links.
Dr. Hale's Breastfeeding Pharmacology Page
Dr. Hale is the author of the book "Medications and Mother's Milk", and his site offers a great deal of information on transmission of medications into breastmilk. This site has recently added a new feature - "ask the lactation consultant", which provides answers to almost every breastfeeding question you could imagine. If the answer to your question is not already available, you can submit your question via e-mail!
Pumping List Website
The pumping list is a support group for women who use a breastpump to supply breastmilk for their infants. Pump usage varies from full time to part time. Discussion topics center around lactation and pump use as well as supply problems, etc.
Supply Boosters
Useful tips on how to boost your milk supply compiled by the moms at the pumping list website. Includes recommended dosages for natural supplements such as Brewer's Yeast and Fenugreek, plus the recipe for "Tiger's Milk", a natural supply booster.
American Academy of Pediatrics Home Page.
From this site, you can conduct an online search for specific children's health related topics.
How to choose a correctly fitted breastshield.
A link to Medela's site which explains how to tell if you need to order Large or Extra Large PersonalFit breastshields. Includes a video that shows proper fit of the breastshield during pumping.
Sore Nipples - Prevention and Treatment .This is the full text of the Medela handout on Prevention and Treatment of Sore Nipples.
When One Child is Breastfed....
An essay on all of the health, social, economical, community, and family benefits attained when one child is breastfed.
Nutritional Information for the Breastfeeding Mom
For breastfeeding mothers who want to know how to care for themselves nutritionally while insuring the highest quality breastmilk for their babies.
Medications in the Breastfeeding Mother
Published by the American Academy of Family Physicians. Physicians receive little education about breast-feeding and even less training on the effects of maternal medications on the nursing infant. Yet, concern about potential harm to the nursing infant from maternal medications is often cited as a reason to advise discontinuation of breast-feeding. Overwhelming evidence demonstrates the benefits of breast-feeding and the deleterious effects that can result from premature weaning. This article provides information to facilitate medication use in breast-feeding mothers. This article lists medications which are considered safe in treatment of a variety of conditions in breastfeeding mothers, as well as a list of medications which are not recommended during breastfeeding.
Should I buy or borrow a pre-owned breastpump?
A link to Medela's site which explains that personal use breastpumps such as the Pump in Style, and all others besides the Lactina, should not be shared between mothers due to potential health risks.
Engorgement - Prevention and Treatment.This is the full text of the Medela handout on Prevention and Treatment of Engorgement.

Breastmilk collection and storage guidelines
This is the full text of the Medela handout on breastmilk collection and storage, which includes guidelines for length of time breastmilk is useable after refrigerator or freezer storage, and after thawing.
Adoptive Breastfeeding Resource on the Web
Offers support and information on breastfeeding an adoptive infant. Also has a very active message/support board.
Breastfeeding Multiples
An excellent resource for moms who are breastfeeding twins or triplets. Also has a vast array of breastfeeding links which would be of interest to all breastfeeding moms!
Pumping for Premature Infants
Advice for mothers who are providing breastmilk for preemies.
General Instructions for the Pump In Style
If you have lost your Pump In Style instruction booklet, click here to visit the link on Medela's website which contains general instructions for the Pump In Style.
PostPartum International (Postpartum Depression Resource)
Visit this link for information and assistance with PostPartum Depression.
Lactina Vs Pump In Style?
This is a link to the "iVillage.com" Parent's Place message board, for one parent who had mistakenly bought a Gerber breastpump which led to early weaning of her first child (similar to my own experience with the Evenflo breast pump). She posted a message asking whether she should buy a Pump In Style or Rent a Lactina. The overwhelming response was that she should purchase a Pump In Style.
Congresswoman Maloney Supports a Woman's Decision to Breastfeed
Visit this link to view the recent bills introduced to Congress by Representative Maloney, including H.R. 285, the Breastfeeding Promotion Act.
Breastfeeding and Returning to Work
Sponsored by ProMom.org, this page offers advice to moms who must return to part or full time emp loyment outside the home while continuing to breastfeed their infants. The site includes a sample letter, written to the human resources manager at a large work site, which worked: the employee's need for a private and clean place to pump was accommodated.

Learn about Getting Pregnant While Breastfeeding

Learn about Getting Pregnant While Breastfeeding
Video Description: Some new mothers wonder if they can get pregnant while breastfeeding. Most women who breastfeed full time don't get their periods. Under LAM guidelines, you are less than 2% likely to get pregnant.
Related Article Subjects: getting pregnant while breastfeeding, get pregnant while breastfeeding, melanie raposo, pregnancy and breastfeeding, pregnancy tips, the pregnancy show, www.thepregnancyshow.comgetting pregnant while breastfeeding

Breastfeeding While Pregnant
Being pregnant doesn't mean you have to stop breastfeeding your child. Long ago doctors believed it actually took nutrients away from the baby inside you, however that is not the case. Even today we have people that believe this and they will argue with you the entire time. Only you can decide if you should stop breastfeeding your toddler or not. Don't let someone else make that decision for you.
Breastfeeding While Pregnant
Long ago doctors believed it actually took nutrients away from the baby inside you, however that is not the case. Even today we have people that believe this and they will argue with you the entire time. Only you can decide if you should stop breastfeeding your toddler or not. Don't let someone else make that decision for you.
Breastfeeding Mums Need To Talk!
Breastfeeding can be an isolating experience. A new mum, breastfeeding for the first time, can feel cut off from family and friends if they are unsupportive or simply do not understand her motives...
Breastfeeding Tips - Is Your Baby Getting Enough Breastmilk?
Breastfeeding is natural but does not come naturally to everyone. If breastfeeding did not have the opportunity to get off to a good start you might not be producing enough breast milk. Breastfeeding tips for building up your breastmilk supply include breastfeeding frequently and getting enough rest.
Breastfeeding Helps Women Loss Weight
Did you know that breastfeeding enhances the contraction of the uterus and helps it return to its normal prepregnancy state more rapidly? This is another benefit mothers will enjoy from this healthy habit.