Soothing a crying baby

I am not trying to be misleading with the title of soothing a crying baby, however I am going to talk about latch and breastfeeding. 

[caption id="attachment_2346" align="alignleft" width="150"] better latch helps to soothe a crying baby[/caption]

It does make a difference to a crying baby who is trying their best to do the feeding but getting no joy and ultimately staying hungry, hence crying. It can be confusing when you start and your baby is feeding for lengthy period of time regularly but you are getting nowhere.

I was helping another cousin with breastfeeding yesterday and it prompted me to write this so that you can pass it on. Just a little about basics.

I am noticing a trend where mothers are being told to hold their breast away from their baby's nose when feeding. In her case it has caused her baby to suck only the nipple leading to bleeding nipples which has then led to low supply and early mastitis.

Baby's noses are designed to be flat and flanged so that they can get up close to the breast so the nipple can get drawn to the back of their mouth. If your baby can’t breathe he or she will detach from the breast.

This is important in the beginning , not so much  later on.

 My cousin said that she had mentioned while she was still in hospital that it was hurting.  The response was that it looks ok, yes, keep going you are doing great.

  She was doing great from the outside but when it still hurts and it looks ok , there is something else going on. Often I see the baby doing funky things with his or her tongue that is not easy to see from the outside. Sometimes it is more indepth but often it is reasonably simple.

  Usually all you need to do  when it looks good but still hurts, is to make sure the baby is better attached to the breast. This means that the baby has a mouthful of breast tissue not just nipple.  From the side their mouth would like the special K symbol with their lips flanged back.

 This means their tongue can extend forward, the nipple can get right to the back of their mouth where it I protected from being squashed and is more efficient and comfortable for both mother and baby.

  Your baby’s chin should be right into the breast  so it can also massage the breast and help get the milk out more efficiently.

If something is preventing all  or any of the  above to occur, latch may well be painful and damaging.  Once early interruption to milk supply occurs, it is harder to re-establish it again.  It is not impossible by any means  it just takes a little longer and with more effort.

 If you can get any tenderness or discomfort sorted early, your outcomes will be much better and often only takes a little tweak with attachment, or latch and positioning.  Your baby will be much more settled when feeding is more satisfying for him or her and soothing your crying baby will be easier.

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

 

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

christmas is nearly here

There is still time to sort out any sleep issues before Christmas.
These online resources are a perfect gift for someone wanting to earn more about sleep with no harsh routines.
Leisa