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August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month — a yearly event when advocates work to empower women to try breastfeeding their newborn babies.
But while breastfeeding may be natural, it’s not always easy for every new mom. Pick up a few pointers — and words of support — from the breastfeeding tips and articles below, provided by the experts at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital.
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string(3459) "You may think breastfeeding comes naturally, but it often takes more training than many realize. In order to assist new mothers and make them feel more confident as they begin their journey, Magee-Womens Hospital at UPMC relies on the expertise of specialists at the Lactation Center. We sat down with Cindy Garrison, a lactation consultant at Magee, to discuss common questions and concerns of new mothers learning to breastfeed.
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid While Breastfeeding?
Mothers who breastfeed can eat a wide variety of foods. They should only avoid a food if there is a strong family history of sensitivity to that food. Some mothers may also find that their baby may be sensitive to caffeine. If this is the case, they may try nursing first then having their coffee or cola drink so that it has time to dissipate in their system before the next feeding.
How Do I Know If My Baby Is Getting Enough Milk?
In the early days, mothers watched the number of diapers the baby used. Generally, within a day a baby should produce one wet diaper per each day of age. For example, by the end of the first week, a baby should have 6-8 wets per day. A newborn should have at least one bowel movement per day and progress to several large bowel movements per day or many smaller ones.
How Can I Boost Milk Production?
The more a mother nurses, the more she stimulates her body to make milk. Some mothers will pump after feedings if they have a history of low supply or delayed increase in milk supply during the first week. Occasionally a mother will have concerns about meeting her baby's increasing appetite. In some cases, a mother can make dietary changes or talk to a lactation consultant about herbs or medications that could be helpful.
Should I Wake Up My Baby to Nurse?
Previously, it was often recommended that a mother wake her baby to feed if it has been three hours. This recommendation was so the baby can get plenty of practice and a mother can get plenty of stimulation to help increase her supply. Once breastfeeding is well established, the baby knows his/her hunger cues and parents can allow him/her to cue feedings.
Can My Baby Eat Too Much?
Breastfeeding helps babies learn to follow their body cues so they feed when they are hungry and stop when they are full. Sometimes, if a mother has a well-established milk supply and a strong hormonal response to her baby's cues, her milk may release forcefully, which can cause the baby to feed rapidly to keep up. This may result in swallowing enough air that he/she then spits up. It may seem the baby fed too much but it is more a case that the milk came so quickly and he/she swallowed fast to keep up with the flow.
Can I Still Nurse While on Medication?
Most medications are compatible with breastfeeding. To feel more confident about medications, a mother is encouraged to check with a lactation consultant who can reference the safe medications for her.
For more information, visit the Lactation Center website today.
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You may think breastfeeding comes naturally, but it often takes more training than many realize. Discover the answers to common questions from new moms.Read More
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string(4205) "Many mothers wonder how to keep a baby happy while out and about in the summer and especially while traveling for vacations. Vacations are supposed to be a time for a family to spend time together and relax. A cranky, hungry baby and an exhausted mom aren't exactly two components of an enjoyable vacation. Families with babies who are breastfeeding may need to do a little extra planning to be sure everyone has a great time on vacation. Here are some summer tips for the breastfeeding family:
Remember to Keep Well Hydrated!
Fluids are always important, especially as the weather gets hot and you lose more fluids as you sweat. Summer fruits – like watermelon, berries, and peaches - are high in fluid content. Freeze berries and add to yogurt in a blender for a nutritious and cooling smoothie. And remember, baby will be thirstier and may want to nurse more often, too.
Watch the Sun!
Use sunscreen sparingly with babies under six months and then only if sun exposure will be prolonged. Baby's skin is sensitive both the sun and the ingredients in sunscreen. Better to have a light cover-up when in direct sun like a broad brimmed hat, gauze blanket to throw over baby, etc. Remember if you are at the pool or the beach to be especially careful as water reflects the sun.
Traveling Is Easy with the Breastfed Baby!
His food is always available and at the perfect temperature. No need to add extra baggage with coolers.
If you travel by car, you will find that it is usually easier to pull off at a comfortable rest-stop instead of trying to nurse by sitting by baby in the back seat and leaning over the baby in the car seat. (That takes a pretty agile mommy!) The break in the trip can refresh everyone.
If you are traveling by plane, nursing during takeoff and landing will help stabilize pressures in the baby's ears which can cause pain and an unhappy baby. You may want to bring a light blanket to throw over you as baby nurses since you will be in close quarters. Try for a bulkhead seat if you can and sit by the window so that you can turn to the window as you latch for added privacy. If traveling with another adult, they can hold up an open newspaper, as if reading, to create a screen of privacy for you and baby.
Be Prepared with a Snack!
Traveling doesn't always go smoothly and it can be very helpful to have something easy to carry, like dried fruit or nuts, to stash in a purse or diaper bag for snacking on when the schedule changes at the last minute.
Dress Comfortably!
Dress comfortably to make nursing-on-the-go easier and discreet in any setting. Gauze tunics or beach cover ups over a nursing cami can make it cool and simple.
Protect Baby Against Bugs!
If baby is in a stroller, carrier, or play-yard, cover it with netting to allow air to move through while keeping bugs out.
----------------------------------
The Lactation Center at Magee was established in 1991, in the current location and store since 2009. The Lactation Center includes 5 full-time IBCLCs and one casual IBCLC and are available seven days a week during the day. Services include inpatient and outpatient consultation, phone help, pump rental, and the sale of pumps, books, nursing pillows, nursing bras, and other items often requested by nursing mothers.
To contact the Lactation Center call: 412-641-1121 and leave a message with your name, phone number and question so that we can get back to you.
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Traveling while breastfeeding can be stressful. Check out these tips to help keep your baby happy while traveling by car or plane this summer.Read More
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string(3966) "So, you’ve just become a father.
The pride, joy, and delight you feel is likely mixed with fear and nervousness. After all, your new role will last for decades to come.
You may not know it, but your job as dad is key to your baby’s breastfeeding success. Learn more about how you can help mom and baby with these simple breastfeeding support tips for dads.
What Can Dads Do to Help After Birth?
- Arrange for extra help: New mothers need lots of support.
- Learn about breastfeeding. It is easy to support your partner when you believe in what she is doing. She’ll love you for it.
- Know that breastfeeding saves big money. You can save about $2,000 in formula costs during the first year of your baby’s life.
- Limit visitors. What your partner needs most now is rest, help, and time with your baby.
- Know who to call with breastfeeding questions: Magee-Womens Hospital Lactation Center at 412-641-1121.
If I Can’t Bottle-Feed, What Can I Do with My Newborn?
- Spend time with your baby.
- Give your baby a bath.
- Bring your baby to your partner for feedings, even during the night.
- Cuddle and walk, because movement calms babies.
- Talk and sing to your baby: This is how they learn to talk.
- Change your baby’s diaper.
- Hold your baby. This gives your partner time to take a shower or eat.
- Play with your baby, and help them learn.
Some dads may want to bottle-feed their baby with mother’s milk, but if your baby is breastfeeding and gaining weight, you may want to put off bottle-feeding until breastfeeding is well-established. Remember, if a baby gets a bottle too early, they may not want to breastfeed.
How Can I Help My Partner with Breastfeeding?
- Help her get comfortable, and be sure she has what she needs. Help arrange pillows, and bring her something to drink.
- Help her get her sleep. Remind her to nap when the baby sleeps during the day.
- Offer to help with housework so she can rest.
- Run errands for her, so she can focus on the baby.
- Spend time with older children.
- Cook a meal and shop to make sure she has healthy snacks.
- Talk and listen to her feelings.
Will Breastfeeding Affect Our Sex Life?
- Breastfeeding is a time of intense closeness between mother and baby and includes lots of touching. So, at first your partner may have less interest in sex. Do not take this personally. Give her time and space.
- When she has had her six-week checkup and you’re both ready to resume having sex, keep in mind the hormones of breastfeeding may cause vaginal dryness. Plan ahead and have lubricant on hand.
- Do NOT rely on breastfeeding as your sole method of birth control, talk to your healthcare provider about birth control options.
Will Breastfeeding Make Me a Less-Involved Dad?
Years ago after a baby’s birth, mothers and fathers were expected to take on a set role. Breastfeeding was the mother’s job alone. Today, many dads are more active in baby care and parenting.
If your partner breastfeeds, you can still be an active parent by caring for the baby. When your baby has mastered breastfeeding, you can bottle-feed pumped mother’s milk.
Find the care you need at
Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC."
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Your job as dad is key to your baby’s breastfeeding success. Learn how you can be more supportive for mom and baby.Read More
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Sore Nipples
Breastfeeding should be comfortable once a good latch and positioning are established.
Helpful Tips for Sore Nipples
- Check for a proper latch (Head slightly tilted back, line infant’s nose across from nipple, wait for open mouth, and latch quickly and deeply)
- Try different positions. (Football and cross-cradle are preferred when learning)
- After breastfeeding, apply a few drops of expressed milk (or lanolin) onto your nipples
- Change nursing pads frequently and allow nipples to air-dry
- If soreness persists, contact a lactation consultant or your health care provider
Plugged Breast Ducts
A plugged duct is usually caused by an obstructed milk flow and/or poor milk removal from the breast. It can feel like a small, tender, firm area and is not accompanied by fever or other symptoms.
Helpful Tips for Plugged Breast Ducts
- Nurse frequently, especially on the affected side
- Apply a warm compress to the sore area
- Massage area prior to and during feedings
- Pump or hand express milk after feedings if soreness/firmness persists
- Take an anti-inflammatory if needed
- Wear a bra that is supportive but not tight
- Rest often
Call your physician if you develop a fever of higher than 101 degrees, chills, or flu-like symptoms
Tips for Getting a Good, Deep Latch
- Hold your baby close, tummy to tummy
- Tilt your infant’s head back slightly
- Align your baby’s nose across from the nipple
- Tickle the upper lip (lips should flare outward)
- Wait for a wide, open mouth
- Bring infant onto breast quickly and deeply
- Place a large amount of breast into the mouth
- You should feel a strong tug or pulling that is not painful (During the early days of breastfeeding, it can take time, patience and practice for your baby to latch on well)
- Keep trying and ask for help if needed!
Learn more about breastfeeding by visiting the Lactation Center at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital."
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Breastfeeding offers many benefits to your baby. Learn more about how to properly breastfeed with this guide from our experts.Read More
