Why doesn’t anyone talk about the ‘ how’ of bottle feeding?

Why doesn’t anyone talk about the ‘ how’ of bottle feeding?

[caption id="attachment_2553" align="alignleft" width="150"] breastmilk Dad feeding[/caption]

 

Breastfeeding and the benefits of breast milk are becoming more and more accepted and promoted worldwide. There have been and still are a number of initiatives to increase the number of women breastfeeding.

 

But where are the campaigns to educate formula feeding mums on safe and healthy feeding? The feeling is that formula and bottle feeding is now taboo and any education around it is frowned upon. So how did this come about when only a few years ago formula feeding was the norm?

 

The World Health Organisation, Unicef, Ottowa charter, IBFAN and many more organisations, committees and groups are doing their best to increase breastfeeding rate worldwide. As a part of this push there have been many programs and initiatives developed to promote and support breastfeeding. These organisations are attempting to undo the myths and  inaccuracies ingrained in thinking about infant feeding that came into being with the industrial age. Before we got better with research and expanding our knowledge about breastmilk and breastfeeding the myth that formula was better for babies took hold.

 

As a part of this breastfeedings push the ‘Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative’ was developed. This was mainly to assist birthing units to encourage breastfeeding. One of the guidelines on this initiative is to have no promotion of bottle feeding or formula at all. As a consequence of this any teaching about how to bottle feed, including cleaning bottles, and choosing formula was also stopped as a routine part of postnatal teaching.

 

Breastfeeding rates have increased. Many more women are commencing breastfeeding with every intention to sustain it. However, these women are coming up against challenges that they find hard to overcome, so breastfeeding continuation rates drop rapidly when women and their babies go home from hospital. Because of short post-birth hospital stays, women are often home alone with little support or expert knowledge to draw on to help manage  and understand normal changes in  breastfeeding development (here is last week's article http://insyncwithinfants.com/when-your-milk-isnt-good-enough-myth-or-truth/ ).

 

They feel overwhelmed and have no idea how to manage these changes, are exhausted and just want to make sure their baby is getting what  he or she needs. Hence they  reach for  need for bottles and possibly formula (our previous  webinar re: quittingis still available for  small fee). These women feel added pressure of trying to make the best choices without any guidelines as to which formula or bottles and teats to choose for them.

 

Even if you choose to not breastfeed from the beginning, there is limited trusted education around because of the “taboo” choice of formula feeding.

 

The hospital system and related pre/post natal support services really do not support new mothers very well at all. Both expecting perfection of them and not providing the expert support and education to support them through decision making and learning in a complex,  highly politically correct and pressured world.

 

Insync with Infants believes that babies need to eat - whether from a breast, a bottle or a little of both. For support with breastfeeding, formula feeding, mixed feeding or introducing solids visit here to find out how we could help you too    -  http://insyncwithinfants.com/in-home-services/

When your milk isn’t good enough- Myth or truth??

[caption id="attachment_2549" align="alignleft" width="150"] Breastmilk is always good[/caption]

Many years ago, I went to followup and support one of my very first breastfeeding clients. The day before I had spent hours helping her with breastfeeding, educating her about how it works and basically aiming to grow her confidence in breastfeeding as she hadn’t breastfeed her first 3 children and wanted to give this a go.

 

The next morning she opened the door of her house with “binding” around her breasts.

Why?

Her mother had arrived the night before to help and told her her milk wasn’t good enough and she had to stop the milk and give her baby bottles of formula. This was on about day 5 or 6 of life.  I felt like crying and yelling at the same time- Of course I did neither- just kept my cool and accepted her decision and tried to inform both of them about breastmilk and breastfeeding, (she had a great supply too), which fell on deaf ears.

 

So many times I have heard this statement-” I had to stop because my milk wasn’t good enough”.  This is a myth. There is absolutely no truth to this statement. Any breastmilk is good. It would have to be the greatest health food on the planet.

 

Talk about super foods??? This is the number one super food of all.  Nothing in my mind can match it.

 

It has antioxidants, antibodies, growth hormones. It has every vitamin, mineral and trace element that a human being needs to not only survive but thrive.

 

Breastmilk is made with all the right ingredients in all the right proportions.  For someone to say it is not good enough is inaccurate- it is simply not true.

 

If a mothers body is low in some nutrition , her body may reduce the volume available, but what is available will always have what her baby needs in it. We can adjust the fat content, toxins and flavours by adjusting the woman’s diet, but breastmilk is always made at the right recipe for optimal nutrition for your baby.

 

It may appear blue, grey or like dirty dishwater at times- this is all ok. Breastmilk is never off  and always good enough.

Balancing breast & bottle feeding

[caption id="attachment_2544" align="alignleft" width="150"] balancing breast and bottle feeding[/caption]

When breastfeeding just doesn’t go to plan, it can be really frustrating for the mother and the family. So many times I hear women say I had to give up because I didn’t have enough milk.

 

 

There seems to be this belief that their baby either does breast or bottle feeding.  This is not the case- you can do both.  Just because you have a low supply doesn’t mean you have to choose one or the other. You can do both.

 

 

When this is the case, we do talk about thinking about breastfeeding differently. It does involve some mindset adjustments to change the way you think about giving your best for your baby.

 

Usually we talk about satisfying your baby with formula (or donor breastmilk if you have that luxury) and then breastfeeding is for topups, soothing, comforting, a drink, dessert,  or an entree, an in between or overnight snack. So instead of relying on breastfeeding to satisfy your baby, your baby still gets whatever you can give but also receives calories to sustain his or her growth and development as well.

 

This can take a little work and a little perseverance as with all things worthwhile.

 

 

This is of course your choice and for some women their home life demands make this difficult to sustain. However I have helped so many women do just this thing.

 

So instead of feeling like a failure as a mother because their supply was low( for any number of different reasons) these women felt fantastic because they were giving their baby as much breastmilk as they could  for as long as they could while ensuring they received enough calories for growth and development.

How to feel good about not breastfeeding

It’s World breastfeeding week.  I thought I’d do some articles relating to this theme for this month- just to change it up a bit.

 

Breastfeeding is one of those things that seems to either go well or not so well. Increasingly it seems that there are more stories of hardship with breastfeeding than not.

 

[caption id="attachment_2309" align="alignleft" width="150"] breastfeeding tips[/caption]

I have thoughts on this  but that is another topic for another day.

 

Did you start thinking that you would absolutely breastfeed?  Did you hold your baby in your arms and try and try to breastfeed? Did you persevere through sore, cracked, or bleeding nipples?  Did you persevere through a cranky baby who struggled to gain weight? who just didn’t settle?, maybe he or she developed jaundice from not enough milk? Did you pump and use herbs and medication?

 

Did you persevere for as long as you possibly could before your family imploded from the stress of trying so hard?

 

Did you give your baby as much breastmilk a possible for as long as possible?

 

Perhaps it wasn’t a supply issue. Perhaps it was related to previous trauma or life experience that made it impossible for you to breastfeed your baby. These are all real and valid reasons for breastfeeding not to work.  Any stress can impact breastfeeding to the point of supply disappearing overnight.

 

Did you fight the inevitable decision to stop breastfeeding for your own and your baby’s well being. Perhaps the well being of your family as well?

When you came to that decision all kicking and screaming knowing it was not what you wanted to do but felt there was no alternative, did you cry floods of tears when you ultimately made that decision ?

 

Did you do your best for the best outcome for your family?

 

Then I give you permission to not feel bad about not breastfeeding.

Fun times and your little one

Fun times and your little one

Holidays and festive times of the year can pose a challenge  to routine when you have a little one. Just because you have a baby doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy fun times with everyone too.  Most people want to enjoy these times but also give their baby what they need so they can enjoy too and still get the rest and other needs fulfilled.  I have put a few tips together to help you join in and not compromise your baby’s health and happiness with it.

 Newborn

Having a newborn means that you will be feeding regularly and your baby will sleeping between most feeds hopefully.  One way to help achieve this is to wear your baby for events where having your baby with you is welcomed. This often means your baby will sleep well and stops your baby from becoming the parcel in the pass the parcel game that often happens with new babies making him or her unsettled and not getting sleep at all. It also means feeding can be quite discreet if breastfeeding.  Your pram can also become  the bassinet/cot at functions or the car capsule if it lifts out of the car easily.

 Babies under about 6 weeks can seem to sleep in any amount of noise and activity . Older than this and reducing any visual stimulation is important in encouraging sleep. Some noise is comforting so it doesn’t have to be completely quiet.

 If bottle feeding it may be a babysitter- family or friends- is appropriate for you. Whatever your choice, as long as your baby is safe and not over whelmed with all that is going on you can both get what you need.

 Older babies

Your baby still needs regular sleep and feeds regardless of where you are and what is happening. Some babies become overwhelmed with lots of activity occurring around them, others will be quite ok with it. Remember individual differences and cater for these. IF your baby manages events well, just ensure his or her sleep times are kept in mind so that he or she gets the appropriate time and opportunity for sleep.  The pram or car seat can become the cot/ bassinet when you are out. If you are at a friends place, perhaps one of their rooms can be the place for your baby to sleep. Remember if your baby knows what to do for sleep, the idea is that he or she is more portable so you are not stuck at home all the time.

 If your baby is sensitive to noise and activity and doesn’t settle well perhaps manage the number of times this happens. It may be that your baby can manage only one of these events a week rather than a few a week.

 Babies often manage well at the event and the next day the overtiredness catches up with them. Ensure you allow a catch up day or two if this is you.

 I hope this helps a little to this festive season where we are often invited to many events.  As long as you are considerate with allowing  appropriate sleep opportunities for your little one, there is no reason you both can’t enjoy it.

On that note I’d like to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a fulfilling 2014.

Regards

Leisa

 

Little known Breastfeeding Facts for success

[caption id="attachment_2306" align="alignleft" width="150"] Breastfeeding secrets of lactation consultants[/caption]

 

Most babies will feed very soon after birth and it goes very well.
Probably the most confusing thing for parents particularly, is that after the first feed sometimes it can seem like your baby doesn’t know what to do and can’t find the nipple again. Your baby may cry, get on the nipple, come off, cry again, move his or head mouth over, on, around the nipple, come off , cry and repeat a number of times.
For us looking on, it can be a bit frustrating. We think “ just get on, you are on it, just close your mouth and suck”.

This is all normal behaviour and is just your baby imprinting on the nipple, finding his or her way to the nipple, co –ordinating the suck and generally just imprinting into his or her brain abut feeding. The important thing is to be patient and let your baby go through this. He or she will get it again. If you try to force it by pushing your baby’s head onto the nipple it won’t work. Your baby will push back against what ever is touching the back of his or her head. Support the head if you need to but never force them.
Most babies don’t like the back of their head being touched . In fact most people don’t like the back of their head being push so it is easy to understand .
Often during this time a lot of babies will move their head back and just look at their mother, at the world around them and generally take it in. This is another time when I see a lot of parents be impatient and think something is wrong. It is not wrong, just your baby getting a handle on thing around him or her. Let your baby look around, do their thing and within a few minutes they will usually look for a feed again.
Sometimes, your baby will try to feed, get frustrated, have a little sleep and then wake up after 30-120 seconds and look for the nipple again. All this is normal. Sometimes they may have a little sleep a couple of times and then wake up and have a try. In normal circumstances this is normal and will pass. Sometimes it may take up to 20 minutes of on and off , looking around to get on, this is all normal especially if your baby was crying and distressed for quite some time before the feed.
Allow baby to bob his head around on your nipple. It may take him a little while to get there, but if he can do it himself , he will achieve a much better latch usually. Everyone needs to be patient at this time and allow your baby time to do his or her thing. If we take the pressure off around feeding for your baby, it usually helps it go much smoother.

Patience is key for breaastfeeding success.

Tongue tie and newborn feeding care

Tongue tie

 

Tongue tie is a relatively common occurrence in babies and adults.  It is often a family thing with either mum or dad having a tongue tie also.

 

After a long time where health practitioners didn’t really give much thought or credence to tongue tie and some of the challenges it can provide, we are thankfully knowing more about it and also taking action to help those for whom it causes discomfort.

 

Very broadly there are 2 types of tongue tie-

Anterior tie-  can see tight frenulum ( bit of skin in the centre underneath the tongue ) under tongue – often has a heart shaped tip.

Posterior tie- not so easy to identify – back of tongue is bunched or elevated.  When baby cries  tongue tip is up. Usually baby can’t extend tongue over bottom lip.

What to do with a tongue tie??

Anterior tie- can get it snipped by someone skilled in this . It is a simple procedure that takes a few seconds. In some cases the frenulum is embedded in the tongue making it difficult to snip.  This makes it a much more complicated intervention than a simple snip.
Posterior tie- there is nothing to snip.

 
We don’t always automatically snip a tongue tie.  We generally only snip a tongue tie in the case of breastfeeding when it causes poor latch for the baby and pain and damage to the nipple for the mother.  When a baby is bottle fed, there is not usually a problem with feeding and certainly no discomfort, so usually it does not become an issue.  Sometimes even with breastfeeding, the tie may look significant however if there is no discomfort and the baby is satisfied, there is no indication for snipping the tie.

 
Typically what happens is that the mother will breastfeed reasonably comfortably for the first 3-7 days. After this time as the baby’s feeding requirements increase and the baby also gets more co-ordinated and strong with their feeding, we see mothers in extreme discomfort -pain, with very damaged nipples.  It is at this point that many women stop breastfeeding – understandably.  Some women  at this point find help from a lactation consultant to work out what to do and why this is happening.

[caption id="attachment_2270" align="alignleft" width="150"] tongue _tie_in Newborn_baby[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_2271" align="alignleft" width="150"] frenulum_under_tongue_in_newborn[/caption]

When things don’t go to plan

 
At times despite our best intentions and preparation, things just don’t always go to plan.  I regularly see  new mums really wanting to breastfeed their little one because they know it is right for them and their baby.



They have done their research, they are well informed of their role and what they need to do the set up good breastfeeding habits for success from the beginning. Then  the dream birth just  doesn’t go to plan and all the things they had planned to do are just not achievable.

 

In those first days when mums are recuperating they get by. It is later when they have time to think back that they often feel a failure or feel sad at the turn of events. It is often a grieving over what they feel they have lost.

 

In those first days when mums are recuperating they get by. It is later when they have time to think back that they often feel a failure or feel sad at the turn of events.  Mums often feel cheated or that they somehow failed.  All feelings are normal. There is not one right way to feel.

 

It is easy for me to say don’t worry about, you did your best, but that often sounds like platitudes and often feel that way for these mums.

 

Often the best thing to do as a friend or supportive person is to ask them about their feelings.  It is better to get it out of their heads than mull over it going round and round in their heads not making sense of it for themself. Often once they say it out loud it makes more sense and they can get clarity a little sooner.  If it is you who has had the experienced  talk about it. Tell people how you feel.  What would help you feel better about it?

 

The other concern in this instance is for the baby.

Babies are robust. Babies adapt fairly easily. Babies are hard wired for survival.

 

This is a good thing. It means that when things don’t go to plan, there are ways of giving babies what they need for survival in the immediate sense.  Most parents  ultimately  want a healthy baby.

In our Western culture we are very lucky that we have available health care for when things don’t go as planned. I do think we can make huge improvements in  postnatal and birthing care and options for women but in comparison to third world countries we are very lucky.

 

When birthing doesn’t go to plan breastfeeding is often delayed. Sometimes it is delayed for a few  days or weeks and in some cases, I have seen it come in in abundance at 6-8 weeks postnatally.  Breastfeeding is often  quite forgiving. If the mother is unwell after the birth, nature will take care of mum first. Then when mum is better, the milk often appears. It is not impossible for babies to learn how to breastfeed in this scenario. It does take perseverance, patience and balancing breast and bottle.  It does require extra support for the mother, but it can be done.

 

All is not lost if your plans do not go as expected.  Formula may not be your preferred method.  However until sharing human breastmilk becomes accepted and easily available, formula is our next  option.  There is a growing movement of sharing breastmilk and if you know  someone well and you trust them and  who  is willing to share- go for it I say.

 

I believe that sometime  in the future, this will become normal- at least for young babies. I think our health will depend on it.

 

We are happy to drink the milk of a cow, goat, alpaca and sheep - Why is it that human milk sharing grosses us out??