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.

Giselle Bundchen breastfeeding

[caption id="attachment_2338" align="alignleft" width="150"] Giselle Bundchen breastfeeding her one year old[/caption]

 

I came across this image of Giselle Bundchen breastfeeding her 1 yr old. The article (link below) goes on about the usual argument of reality. Of course she has the luxury of having lots of people to help her. And good on her.
I like that she is a celebrity breastfeeding. We all know that celebrities have influence on huge on trends and choices people make- rightly or wrongly, but it's a fact.
I am hopeful that there will be more of this in the public eye to normalise breastfeeding and make assistance and support more readily available and acceptable. Any breastfeeding is good. As we educate not only women, but men too, about breastfeeding and how it works, we will achieve more women feeling like they have successfully breastfed their child or children for as long as it works for them. With understanding and knowledge we can achieve better experiences with breastfeeding for more individuals.


 

http://startwithmom.com/article-gisele-bundchen-rebrands-breastfeeding

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]

Brisbane Newborn baby sleep

 

Brisbane newborn baby sleep

 

There are different ways to help your baby to sleep. The benefits of sleep are great and our goal is to help you achieve our greatness through adequate sleep.  As with most things there is not one right way for sleep. We will help you achieve which is the best way for you Call us  and we will work it out together.  ONline, skype, phone or in person consults available.

[caption id="attachment_2259" align="alignleft" width="150"] Baby sleep your way for awesome days and peaceful nights[/caption]

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The most important things you need to know for successful breastfeeding.

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How to breast feed a baby

How to breastfeed a baby

Support for new parents and breastfeeding

We receive many questions about how to breastfeed a baby easily, successfully or well.

Success is individual and we aim to support each woman in achieving her desired goal.

There are lots of factors that affect breastfeeding.  These include the pregnancy, birth, support people, among other things.

Women are born with milk making ability.  How much is individual.  Some women just don’t have much milk. We will work with you to make sure you learn how to breastfeed your baby meeting both your needs.  When we discuss how to breastfeed a baby we will explore all this with you.

Stress of any nature can also affect supply including rest and sleep.

We will look at how to position your baby, how to get a really good latch and attachment.  We will also teach you what to do when this doesn’t happen.

Sometimes you do everything right with the attaching and it still hurts.  Sometimes it is the baby’s mouth or tongue that can cause this. Sometimes your baby will prefer his head or body in a certain position which may be difficult for you.
If it doesn't work, that is okay. We will still be here to support you no matter what.

We will look at both your baby and you to work out how to get the best for both of you.

If you have questions about how to breastfeed a baby please contact us, we will be happy to discuss it with you



 

 

Blebs and Breastfeeding - What Are They?

Blebs and Breastfeeding - What Are They?

 

Blebs or white spots can appear on the tip of the nipple and are often  associated with breastfeeding. There are a few different types. The difference  can be unclear when looking at them. The causes include improper latch, clothing  rubbing on the nipple, not enough fluid in the mother's diet and possibly too  much saturated fat in her diet also.

There are blebs which are a tiny collection of fluid that occurs when a tiny  amount of milk has leaked into the nipple tissue at a duct outlet. They are  usually caused by an improper latch and are flat. Sometimes there is associated  pain. Sometimes it is completely painfree.

There are also plugged nipple pores. These resemble a bleb in appearance. The  plug is usually tiny and round, and is often an oily substance. If you squeeze  upward on the base of the nipple, the plug will pop up. If it is a plugged  nipple pore, there is almost always a hard, sore area in the breast where the  milk is unable to get out. Hence a plugged duct. The swollen area may press on  close by ducts and stop their drainage.

A milk blister is another type of white spot. This is when a single cell  layer of skin grows across a nipple pore and blocks it. The blister is usually  raised with fluid. There is epithelial growth factor in the milk which helps the  mucous membranes to mature. It is thought to aid the baby's gut lining to  mature. Epithelial growth factor can be the cause for a single cell layer to  grow over a milk pore on the nipple.

At times there can be associated lumps and pain in the breast where the bleb  is preventing an area of the breast from draining. Generally the "white" colour  is the build up of the fat in the milk. Sometimes the baby will pop the bleb  while feeding. Other times women will break it with a sterile needle or their  fingernail. In the case of a plugged nipple poor and a blister, once the  blockage is released it is common to see a long thick tenacious stringy looking  length of white come out of the pore that is now unblocked. Sometimes you won't  see it because the baby has ingested it while feeding which is of no concern.  This is the fat and solids part of the milk that has accumulated. Massage can  also assist in getting this blockage out.

Another remedy is lecithin. Lecithin is found as a powder additive that can  be added to foods. Lecithin is an emollient which means it helps dissolve fat.  So in the case of blebs, it keeps the fatty part of the milk suspended in the  milk more.

Lecithin can be ingested by the mother to aid in the treatment and prevention  of blebs. Some women may experience blebs in one breastfeeding experience and  not the next. The theory behind blebs forming is that the mother's milk is a  little thicker- perhaps due to the woman's hydration. Perhaps a diet a little  higher in saturated fats.

Generally when popping any of the white spots mentioned above, take care with  hygiene. Ensure you wash your hands beforehand, use sterile equipment and be  vigilant afterwards. Some women use an antibacterial cream on the area for a few  days after. Using warm compresses to pop the blebs is also used and can be very  effective when used together with massage.

Seek assistance from a professional if you are unsure or nervous about  this.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6328522

Why some moms give up on breastfeeding - common breastfeeding problems

Common breastfeeding problems

Moms think they can’t breastfeed. Many moms feel inadequate. So many moms out there think that they are not capable of breastfeeding; most of them assume that they have a low milk supply.

Moms are not educated about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is natural, but the process of breastfeeding doesn’t always come naturally. You need to educate yourself before you breastfeed…read and read some more! It will really be worth it.

Lack of support. You need to surround yourself with individuals who are like minded and that support breastfeeding. Also it is always nice to have someone around who can help with a few things around the house.

Moms supplement with formula. The first few weeks are crucial for developing a good milk supply. When you supplement with formula you taking away that stimulation on the breast that is needed for milk production since milk supply works on a supply demand basis.

Mom thinks she can pump her breast milk instead of breastfeed. Some moms might think they are producing too little and try pumping to see how much is coming out. A breast pump can never extract milk like your baby and should never be used to estimate how much milk you are producing. Also a breast pump can never stimulate your breast like baby and therefore your milk supply will decrease if you replace normal breastfeeding with pumping.

Moms feel uncomfortable. Breastfeeding is a learnt skill, as time goes by it becomes easier and easier so don’t expect it to be comfy the first few times. Try all the different breastfeeding positions like holding baby on your side (football hold breastfeeding position)  or keep baby in an upright position on your knee (Australian breastfeeding hold)Baby has some sucking breastfeeding problems that go undetected.

Your baby might not be latching on properly and this can cause allot of frustration. You should get your baby checked out for things like tongue tie, tongue thrust etc.

Mom has terrible nipple pain. In the beginning some nipple sensitivity is normal but if it continues it can sometimes cause mom to stop breastfeeding. Nipple pain is usually connected to a bad latch. Mom should try get her nipple and part of her areola into baby’s mouth so that your nipple is against his soft pallet. A shallow latch is when baby has your nipple on he’s hard pallet which will definitely cause pain during breastfeeding.

By: Tracy Ann Behr  -   About the Author :
  More information on latching on, nipple pain, oversupply and any other breastfeeding problems

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.

All too often it is assumed that a breastfeeding mum will scurry off to do the deed behind a locked door and well out of sight. And God forbid she utters the phrase, "I'm Breastfeeding!" Men avert their eyes and women smile as they shuffle their feet and move the conversation swiftly along! So much for breastfeeding support amongst peers!

Most mums choosing to breastfeed their babies do so because they have been made aware of the lifelong advantages of breastfeeding. But when it comes to the task itself, many feel they have no-one to turn to for information and advice when things are not going as planned. For that reason, a lot of breastfeeding mums give up breastfeeding prematurely.

The World Health Organisation recommends exclusively breastfeeding babies for the first six months of their lives. But many are only breastfed for a few days or weeks.

It is vital that breastfeeding mums have a supportive and informative network of people to ask for help.

And that is where Breastfeeding Support Groups come into their own.

A well- organised breastfeeding support group will cater for a variety of women from varied backgrounds. It will educate women thinking about breastfeeding whilst they are pregnant and it will also cater for novice and more experienced breastfeeders.

Breastfeeding support groups allow women and their babies to come together in a relaxed atmosphere, to enjoy congenial conversation. Women are encouraged to discuss breastfeeding issues and, as a result, breastfeeding mums help one another to bypass barriers placed along the path.

Breastfeeding mums need to talk about breastfeeding in order to bring their experiences into the wider community. It is only by chatting about breastfeeding in an open and honest way with one another that it will become more acceptable. If more women are given the opportunity to access breastfeeding support groups then breastfeeding statistics will surely rise.

And who knows, maybe today's breastfed babies will become confident breastfeeding mums of tomorrow, free of the hang-ups prevalent in today's society regarding breastfeeding!

By: Sinead Hoben  -   About the Author :
  Sinead Hoben is the proud mum of three beautiful children aged 6 years, 3 years and 9 months old, all of whom were breastfed. A qualified teacher, she now runs her own website, http://www.breastfeedingmums.com, offering breastfeeding information and advice to both breastfeeding and expectant mums. Visit her blog, http://breastfeedingmums.typepad.com to read her musings about setting up www.breastfeedingmums.com and daily life as a busy mum!