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.

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.

Best bottles and teats for breastfeeding

Best bottles and teats for breastfeeding baby.

I did this short video for you. It covers the main points to help you chose the best bottle and teat for your breastfeeding baby.

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]

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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 Tips for New Moms

Motherhood is one of the major milestones in a woman’s life. It marks a turn of events where your priority now becomes your children. As a mother, you must endow your child with an environment where he will be able to maximize his potential. Everything that your child will become in the future will depend on how you care for him. Let us start with the basic need of your child – food.

Breastfeeding is one among the finest things that you can provide to your child. Breast milk contains nutrients and antibodies. It is also economical and will help in the normal return of your uterus to its previous size. Breastfeeding protects your baby from infection and allergies.

With our lifestyle today, even though mothers want to breastfeed, some are just so busy that even if they want to breastfeed their child, they are just too tired. Some will just resort to buying formula or expressing their breast milk and storing them in containers. Breastfeeding is highly recommended because it has many advantages to both the mother and the baby. How does breastfeeding help both the mother and the child? Below are breastfeeding benefits:

Can breastfeeding help reduce heart diseases in women?

Yes, studies show that breastfeeding lessens the risk for heart diseases in women.

Can breastfeeding help lessen the risk for endometrial, ovarian, and breast cancer and osteoporosis?

Yes.

How can breastfeeding help in postpartum hemorrhage?

Breastfeeding help in uterine contraction which prevents bleeding.

Is it true that breastfeeding help strengthen the bond between mother and child?

Yes, breastfeeding helps in developing a very strong bond between mother and child.

Can breastfeeding help in contraception?

Although not perfect, breastfeeding can be a form of contraception.

How does breastfeeding help a child’s immune system?
A breastfed child is healthier and does not easily get sick. Can breastfeeding help save time?

There are no preparations necessary unlike in formula milk.

Breastfeeding is free!

If you are a new mom, decide whether you want to breastfeed or bottle-feed your child. Weigh both sides of the coin. After all, we are dealing with the health of your baby. That is the top priority.

If you have finally decided to breastfeed you child, here are some breastfeeding tips that will guide you and help make breastfeeding easier:

Your breast may feel swollen a few days after birth. The remedy to this is breastfeeding. If possible, nurse after giving birth. It is suggested that you room-in with your baby. Ensure that the latch on is properly done so that baby will be able to drink well and you will not feel so much soreness that is usually associated with breastfeeding. Breastfeeding tips involve the different ways to hold your baby. Ensure that you are both comfortable in the position that you choose. Babies need to be breastfed frequently so do not restrict feeding. This is the time where your baby needs all the nutrients that he/she can get. Another one of the breastfeeding tips is to avoid the use of artificial nipples to prevent nipple confusion to the baby. Take the opportunity to rest when your baby is asleep. Among the very important breastfeeding tips, one of them is to drink plenty of water. Your nipples might get sore. Avoid tight clothing or fitted bras to promote healing of sore nipples. One among the many breastfeeding tips that you must remember when you are nursing is to use pillows to support you and your baby to prevent strain on your back or shoulders. If you are feeling pain, try re-positioning your infant’s mouth to your breast. Be careful of the medicines that you take because they will go into your breast milk. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as well.

The breastfeeding tips mentioned will surely be a big help to new mothers. Mothering is a full-time job. Babies can only cry so you must attend to their every need and be sensitive to whatever it is that is bothering them.

By: Sandra Wilson  -   About the Author :
  You can visit AHA! baby to find more resources on breastfeeding help and breastfeeding tips.

Breastfeeding: Tips to Help You and Your Baby

Breastfeeding has always been recommended as the best nutrition for babies. It has everything that a baby needs and all mothers have the ability to produce it. But as good its benefits are, it isn’t as easy to do. Breastfeeding your baby may seem like a full time job and since it starts out as a huge adjustment for both you and your baby, it may become very difficult for you along the way. Breastfeeding tips that help you through this period is essential and beneficial for you and your baby.

Breastfeeding is the best nutrition for babies because it has all the nutrients that a baby needs, plus the mother’s antibodies to help fight off disease. Also, breastfeeding helps relieve pain from engorged breasts after birth and provides mother and child with quality bonding time.

These breastfeeding tips should give you the best breastfeeding help that you need:

Start Breastfeeding ASAP
One of the most emphasized breastfeeding tips is to start breastfeeding your baby ASAP, preferably within 24 hours after giving birth. If you’re concerned that you haven’t produced adequate milk yet or that your breasts feel swollen and tender, the only thing that would help is to start breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is the only major way to initiate milk production and relieve breast engorgement and pain. So generally, the best breastfeeding help you can get is from your own baby!

Be Patient and Continue Breastfeeding
Possess the most useful attitude all throughout the breastfeeding period–patience. The first weeks of breastfeeding will be difficult. Your baby, used to being fed 24 hours before birth, may need to be fed frequently for the first few weeks. The breastfeeding tip? Be patient and ready to feed your baby around the clock. Soon, you and your baby will adjust to a feeding schedule that works for both of you.

Don’t Stop Breastfeeding
The most difficult breastfeeding tip is probably this, because time will come when you feel like stopping and switching to bottle-feeding instead. You may want to return to work or your baby doesn’t like to breastfeed anymore. Continue to breastfeed even when you’re working by learning how to express your milk. Sometimes, your baby stops breastfeeding when it notices something different about you or your milk, i.e. a different smell. Pinpoint and revert these changes so your baby will go back to breastfeeding.

Avoid Changing Habits
Anything you eat or do may affect your breast milk. So, smoking or drinking can affect the contents of your breast milk and your baby will notice it. So, another breastfeeding tip to take seriously is to avoid eating or doing something that you don’t want to pass on to your baby because either your baby will get ill or will refuse to breastfeed.

Express and Store Your Milk When You Won’t Be Around to Breastfeed
The best breastfeeding tip when you won’t be around is to express your milk into a clean container and freeze it. Label it with the date and time you stored it. Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for 48 hours and up to 3 months in a freezer with a separate door. When de-frosting, put it in the refrigerator for several hours or under cool running water. Never leave breast milk to thaw in room temperature and never refreeze it again. Never use your microwave to warm breast milk and throw out any remaining milk that your baby doesn’t drink.

Never Use a Rubber Nipple to Feed Expressed Breast Milk
When feeding expressed breast milk to your baby, use a spoon or a cup and never a rubber nipple. There’s a huge difference between the nipple and a rubber nipple that your baby will get used to if you expose him/her to it. A spoon or a cup will not satisfy the baby’s need to suck, so your baby will eagerly go back to breastfeeding when you’re available. Do the same when your baby refuses to breastfeed (which happens when your baby is sick or has sensed some changes) so your baby will go back to normal breastfeeding when s/he is ready.

Seek Instructions from Health Professionals
Most mothers will benefit greatly from the breastfeeding help they can get from health professionals, such as a doctor, public health nurse, or breastfeeding counselor. They will teach you the correct way of breastfeeding, more breastfeeding tips and other important details that you need to know.

Your breast milk alone can give your baby 100% nourishment. With the breastfeeding help that we’ve given you through the above breastfeeding tips, plus a little patience and consistency, you can ensure 100% good nutrition for your baby.

By: Sandra Wilson  -   About the Author :
  Check out resources at the Aha! Baby website for more on
breastfeeding help and other
breastfeeding tips.