Breastfeeding Tips
INTRODUCING A BOTTLE TO A BREASTFED BABY
The information in this post is also contained in our Working & Breastfeeding article
Here is one approach to beginning expressing and introducing bottles that has worked well for many mothers as they prepared to return to work:
Once breastfeeding is well established – usually after about four weeks – begin expressing after one feeding a day where your breasts still feel a little full. Remember you are expressing “leftovers” and should only expect a small amount.
Freeze that first expression immediately. You can add other expressions to it after they have been cooled in the freezer.
Your pediatrician may have given you a total number of ounces your baby may feed in a day or a range from the smallest probable amount to the largest, based on your baby’s weight.
Remember that babies BREASTfeed, not NIPPLEfeed. As long as your baby can take a good portion of your breast into their mouth (baby’s mouth and gums should bypass the nipple entirely and latch on to the areola), most types of flat or inverted nipples will not cause problems with breastfeeding. Some types of nipples are more difficult for a baby to latch on to at first, but in most cases, careful attention to latch and positioning, along with a little patience, will ensure that you and your baby get off to a good start with breastfeeding.
HOW CAN I TELL IF MY NIPPLES ARE FLAT OR INVERTED?
Just looking at the breast often won’t tell you the answer. Instead, you can determine whether or not your nipples are flat or inverted by doing a “pinch” test. Gently compress your areola (the dark area around the nipple) about an inch behind your nipple. If the nipple does not become erect, then it is considered to be flat. If the nipple retracts, or becomes concave, it is considered to be inverted. It should be noted, too, that true inverted or flat nipples will not become erect when stimulated or exposed to cold. If the nipple becomes erect during the “pinch” test, it is not truly inverted and does not need any special treatment.
HOW LONG SHOULD I BREASTFEED?
You can breastfeed for as long as you and your baby want to.
One of the concepts La Leche League is founded on is that “Ideally the breastfeeding relationship will continue until the baby outgrows the need.”
The World Health Organization and UNICEF recommend that babies be breastfed for at least two years.
“Review of evidence has shown that, on a population basis, exclusive breastfeeding for six months is the optimal way of feeding infants. Thereafter infants should receive complementary foods with continued breastfeeding up two years of age or beyond.” 1
As solids are introduced, usually around the middle of the first year, your baby will begin to shift his primary source of nutrition from your milk to other foods.
Finding a lump in your breast is scary! Fortunately, most lumps in a lactating mother’s breasts are either milk-filled glands or an inflammation, such as a blocked duct or mastitis. If the lump is tender, it is probably mastitis. Check out this page for information on treating mastitis.
If the lump does not go away after a week of careful treatment for a blocked duct/ mastitis or if you are experiencing sudden flu-like symptoms or a high fever, or are at all concerned, contact your healthcare provider. If you notice red streaks on your breasts seek medical attention as they are a sign of infection that, left untreated, can develop into sepsis, a life threatening complication of an infection.
MY BREAST IS SORE. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
A part of your breast feels lumpy, tender or painful. You may also have noticed a colour change (looking more red or purple) on that area of the breast. You may be wondering if you have a blocked duct or mastitis.
Whatever the reason for your sore breast:
1. Breastfeed as often as your baby wishes.
2. Rest.
3. Apply cold packs to the lumpy or tender area.
4. In consultation with your healthcare provider, consider using Ibuprofen alternating with Paracetamol.
Breastfeeding experts used to think of mastitis, blocked ducts, abscesses and milk blisters/“blebs” as separate problems in the breasts. Newer research suggests these are all stages of inflammation – the body’s response to a threat. The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) has revised their protocol explaining this: ABM Protocol #36, pdf The Mastitis Spectrum. This article is based on Protocol # 36 and some tried and proven La Leche League information.
One of the most common questions that mothers ask their health care providers is- “Can I safely take medication while breastfeeding?” Sometimes mothers are told that they cannot continue breastfeeding while taking a certain medication. Some are told to wean, or to “pump and dump” for a certain number of days.
According to Dr. Thomas Hale, author of Medications and Mother’s Milk 2017, “most drugs do not enter milk in levels that are hazardous to a breastfed infant.” However, it is important to check reliable sources for up-to-date research-based information.
Many health care providers rely on the package insert of the medication that they are prescribing. The package insert almost always cautions against prescribing the medication to pregnant or lactating mothers. However, there are many reliable resources for finding more accurate answers.
MENSTRUATION AND BREASTFEEDING
Human beings have known for centuries that breastfeeding affects fertility, and this has been borne out in recent studies. The individual variations are, however, great. In general, the more often a baby is breastfed, the younger the baby is, and the less nutrition he gets from other sources, the later the mother’s periods will resume.
The range of “normal”, though, is enormous. Some women resume their menstrual cycles soon after giving birth, while others do not resume menstruating until the baby is weaned (which can be months or years later, depending on how long the baby is nursed). This depends on how sensitive the mother’s body is, and how frequently the baby nurses. Also, some women have a non-ovulatory period before 6 months postpartum, but do not menstruate again for many months.
Whether you are someone who produces more milk than your baby needs, or you’re someone who is unable to produce as much as you’d like for your baby or cannot nurse your baby for other reasons, you may have considered milk donation or milk sharing.
MILK ISSUES: SOAPY, METALLIC, SOUR, OR SPOILED MILK?
Being able to pump and store one’s own milk has been an enormous benefit for many who go back to work after their babies arrive. However, for a small group of people, this boon comes with an extra challenge: changes in the aroma and possibly the taste of their milk after it has been stored for a while.
Some people describe a “soapy” smell or taste in their milk after storage; others say it is a “metallic” or “fishy” or “rancid” odor. Some detect a “sour” or “spoiled” odor or taste. Accompanying these changes are concerns that the milk is no longer good for the baby. In addition, while sometimes the baby doesn’t seem to care and drinks a bottle of the expressed milk readily, other times the baby refuses to drink the milk. And sometimes, if it is actually spoiled, it isn’t good for the baby. Let’s figure out what’s happening.
IS IT OK TO MIX HUMAN MILK AND ARTIFICIAL BABY MILK (FORMULA)?
Mixing refers to giving your baby your own milk and artificial baby milk in the same container. This is actually a form of supplementation. Supplementation means giving your baby liquid nourishment in addition to breastfeeding. Giving your milk and any supplement separately is advantageous for these two reasons:
Your baby will receive the immunological benefits of human milk and
Less will have the chance to be wasted than if the milks were mixed.
Reasons supplementation of a breastfed baby may be necessary include if the nursing parent’s supply is low or if the baby is separated from the parent. However, there are many options in these cases, including the possibility of supplementing with breast milk, donor human milk or formula, so be sure to contact your La Leche League Leader to discuss your particular circumstances.
Many mothers have asked the question ‘if breastfeeding is so natural, why doesn’t it seem to come naturally?’ It’s a good question!
Before your baby arrives, it seems like all you need to do is put your baby to the breast, let him latch on, and away you go. Sometimes it’s not so easy – some babies do go straight to the breast and their mothers never experience any problems. But many of us need some help.
In times gone by, when every mother breastfed and generations of the same family lived close to each other, new parents would have plenty of support. Mothers would mostly likely have seen countless babies being breastfed before having their own, and could turn to their own mother, grandmother, aunt or other member of their community for breastfeeding help. Unfortunately, today many communities have lost that inbuilt support.
La Leche League may be able to fill the gap. Have a look around our website, pick up a copy of The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, find local support.
The term nipple confusion or nipple preference has been used to describe an infant’s fussiness at breast or frustration when they are having problems switching from a bottle nipple and breast, before breastfeeding is well established. A baby uses a totally different technique to remove milk from the breast than he uses to drink from a bottle. Some babies have difficulty alternating between a bottle and the breast and some do not. There is no way to predict who will have problems breastfeeding after drinking from a bottle. Babies that are born early or babies with a weaker or more uncoordinated suck may be more vulnerable to nipple confusion. Breastfeeding experts disagree to what extent baby’s have difficulty with nipple preference or confusion.
WAYS TO AVOID NIPPLE CONFUSION:
Wait until breastfeeding is well established and feels like part of your daily routine. Many mothers recommend postponing a bottle at least 4 weeks.
If baby needs to be supplemented then consider other alternatives like a feeding cup or a supplemental nursing system.
Inform hospital staff of your wish to not give a pacifier or supplement to baby unless medically indicated.
Nipple piercings have become increasingly popular in recent years and you may be wondering if it safe to breastfeed your baby if you already have pierced nipples. You might be thinking of getting your nipples pierced and wish to continue breastfeeding without interruption.
IS IT SAFE TO BREASTFEED WITH NIPPLE PIERCINGS?
That depends on whether you are breastfeeding with holes from previous piercings or breastfeeding with jewelry still in place. Nipple piercings can impact breastfeeding for both mother and baby. Common concerns for mom may include nerve damage that impacts the milk ejection reflex or scarring that obstructs the milk flow which can, over time, affect milk production. There have been reports of mastitis and abscesses from previous nipple piercings as well. Often the longer the time since the piercings were initially placed and the birth of the baby the better the outcome.
MY BABY IS SUDDENLY REFUSING TO NURSE. DOES THAT MEAN IT’S TIME TO WEAN?
A baby who is truly ready to wean will almost always do so gradually, over a period of weeks or months. If your baby or toddler has been breastfeeding well and suddenly refuses to nurse, it is probably what is called a “nursing strike,” rather than a signal that it’s time to wean. Nursing strikes can be frightening and upsetting to both you and your baby, but they are almost always temporary. Most nursing strikes are over, with the baby back to breastfeeding, within two to four days.
First thing to remember is to feed the baby. The other important thing is to protect your supply.
Nursing strikes happen for many reasons. They are almost always a temporary reaction to an external factor, although sometimes their cause is never determined.
Sometimes a mother may make more milk than her baby needs. Although this may sound like a good problem to have, too much of any good thing can cause challenges – for baby and mother.
WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS OF OVERSUPPLY?
Baby is restless during the feeding, may cry or pull off and on the breast.
Baby may cough, choke, splutter, or gulp quickly at the breast, especially with each let-down. See Positioning
Baby may clamp down at the nipple to try to stop or slow the rapid flow of milk. This may cause sore, creased nipples. See Biting
Baby may arch or stiffen, often with painful cries.
Each feeding feels like a struggle or battle.
Feedings may be short but frequent because baby fills up quickly on air and the lower fat milk from the early part of a feeding and not get to the higher fat that comes further into the feeding.
Baby may have green, loose, or explosive stools. Some may have signs of blood.(See section on digestion concerns, below)
Baby may be very gassy and have frequent, large spit ups. See Breastfeeding and Reflux and Breastfeeding and GERD .
Mother may notice a strong, forceful milk release, also know as Overactive Milk Ejection Reflex (OMER). This can cause coughing or choking. This may also result in excessive leaking from the side where baby is not feeding.
Mother’s breasts may never feel fully empty and seem to refill very quickly after a feeding.
Mother may have frequent bouts of plugged ducts or mastitis.
NOTE: Some mothers may benefit from having their thyroid levels checked as overactive thyroids can contribute to oversupply.
IT HURTS WHEN MY MILK “LETS DOWN.” WHAT COULD BE CAUSING THIS AND HOW CAN I REMEDY THIS SITUATION? WHAT IF MY PAIN IS DEEP IN MY BREAST?
A painful let-down reflex can occasionally happen while your body adjusts to feeding your baby. You may find that using relaxation techniques that were helpful during labor might help you cope with this early discomfort.
Make sure you are using good positioning techniques and are not straining or leaning over your baby as you are breastfeeding your baby. Your back, arms, feet and elbows should be well-supported, and your shoulders and neck muscles relaxed.
Some deep breast twinges during let-down can occur as the milk ducts constrict to force the milk toward the nipple. As your body becomes more used to breastfeeding, these disappear.
BREASTFEEDING WITH SORE NIPPLES
Breastfeeding is a gift only you can give to your baby. It should be a pleasant experience for both of you. A healthy, full-term baby is likely to know instinctively what to do at the breast.
In the first three to five days after birth, if you experience nipple soreness beyond a slight tenderness when your baby latches on, it may be a sign that something isn’t right with the baby’s latch, position, or suck. An adjustment to the latch or positioning can help you and your baby to be more comfortable. With proper positioning and latch-on techniques, you can expect little or no nipple soreness. Correcting poor positioning or latch-on can often alleviate sore, cracked nipples and allow healing to begin.
If nipple pain worsens after the early days of breastfeeding your nipple pain may be due to other causes like thrush, bacterial infection, or tongue-tie. Contact a La Leche League Leader for help if you need further assistance to improve your sore nipples.
THE FIRST WEEK: POSITIONING AND LATCH
Breastfeeding is a gift only you can give your baby. A healthy, full term baby is likely to know instinctively what to do at the breast.
During the early weeks skin-to-skin contact helps your baby be connected to his instinctive breastfeeding skills and helps you and baby enjoy breastfeeding. Each mother discovers what works for her, and what works for one mother may not work for another. Mary Renfrew wrote in Journal of Human Lactation that learning to breastfeed is like mother and baby learning a dance. Use what works in these suggestions and tailor them for you and your baby. Trust that you know what works for you and your baby. You will know when the positioning is ideal for you, when you and your baby are comfortable. When positioning is right for you, your nipples stay healthy and your baby can feed most efficiently. Concern about sore nipples or breastfeeding comfortably is a common reason that mothers contact La Leche League. Improving positioning helps eliminate many cases of sore nipples.
You may have noticed this description is long. Be assured that many mothers have successfully accomplished breastfeeding their babies for centuries and you too will learn how to best position your baby. These suggestions are not meant to tell the mother that if she follows all the steps the position will be “right”. The suggestions are meant to gives you ideas on how you and your baby can learn to breastfeed and enjoy the breastfeeding experience.
Many women experience a roller coaster of emotions after having a baby, from joy and elation to worry and sadness. Mix big feelings with limited sleep and meeting the needs of a new baby, and new parenthood can feel overwhelming at times.
Having a baby is a life-changing experience, and around 85% of women experience some kind of mood disturbance postpartum.[1] Despite being so common, postpartum (postnatal) mood disturbances are not always talked about, leaving some women to feel alone and wondering if they are good enough mothers. Talking openly about your postpartum experiences with others going through the same thing can combat feelings of isolation and shame. Going to a La Leche League meeting is a great place to find other new mothers to share experiences with.
You can breastfeed while pregnant; some mothers go on to nurse both their new baby and their older child after the birth. This is known as ‘tandem nursing’.
Family, friends and healthcare professionals may express concern if you are breastfeeding while pregnant. Their concerns might include perceived risk to the health of your unborn baby, and they may also worry about your well being. There is no evidence that breastfeeding during low risk pregnancy leads to increased chance of harm to mother or baby.
IMPORTANCE OF BREASTFEEDING FOR A PREMATURE BABY
The simple answer is YES! Babies that are born pre-term have a special need for human milk. If your baby was born earlier than expected, you may be awash in a storm of feelings. Feelings of protectiveness come over you when you see your baby’s tiny body. You may be feeling afraid, angry or guilty. The busy, bustling medical team may be making you feel out of place and question your role as a vital partner in your child’s care.
You are needed, and have a unique gift to provide: your milk. The milk from your breasts is something you alone can provide for your baby. It contains invaluable nutrients and immunities that can make a big difference in the health of your baby and in his development.
‘Kangeroo care’ is a practice which is used across the world and has been shown to be extremely beneficial to babies. When your baby is strong enough to come out of the incubator, hold him skin-to-skin on your chest. Skin-to-skin means that your baby will be nestled upright between your breasts. Apart from his diaper/ nappy he will be naked against your skin. You can drape a blanket over you both for warmth. Your warmth, smell, and familiar heartbeat will feel comforting to your baby. He will be soothed and calmed which will aid in his development. He may start to root for your breast and try to nurse for the first time. Fathers and other support people can also hold babies in this way.
Full Premies: Kangaroo Care and Skin-to-Skin Contact Article
POSITIONING A PRE-TERM BABY AT THE BREAST
Perhaps your baby is now strong and mature enough to begin feeding directly at your breast. It may take some time to encourage him to do it correctly.
Many mothers of premature babies find the cross cradle hold very useful for this stage. This technique allows you to get a better view of your baby, and to control your baby’s head.
PUMPING MILK FOR A PREMATURE BABY
If your baby is not strong enough to feed at the breast, you can still give him your milk.
Begin to pump as soon after birth as you are able. Frequent pumping, every two to three hours, will mimic the frequency of a newborn’s feeding pattern, and bring in a good milk supply.
It will help if you can use a full-size, hospital-grade pump, with a double-pump kit; many NICUs (Neonatal Intensive Care Units) have these pumps available for use. Ask at your hospital.
Pumping both breasts at once will save you time. Save your colostrum, the first milk. This is the perfect first feed for your baby to have.
There are times when mothers are separated from their child for work or for school. It is important to know that you can still provide milk for your child when you are away and you can maintain your breastfeeding relationship.
HOW OFTEN WILL I HAVE TO PUMP WHEN I GO BACK TO WORK OR SCHOOL (COLLEGE)?
How long you are apart from you baby influences this decision. Ideally, you would pump as often as your baby would nurse. This may not be possible with your work/ school schedule. Most mothers find that pumping every 2-3 hours maintains their milk supply and does not cause them to become uncomfortably full.
For example, if a mother worked an 8 hour work day, she would nurse her child before coming to work, then pump mid-morning, at lunchtime and then mid-afternoon. She would nurse her baby when she returned home.
BREAST MASSAGE
One type of breast massage involves using your fingertips to apply gentle pressure to your breast and move your fingers in a circular motion. After a few seconds, you can move your fingers to another spot. Start at the top of your breast and spiral the breast toward the areola using the circular motion. Then switch to the other breast.
CHECK FOR FLAT OR INVERTED NIPPLES
In order for the baby to suck effectively, he will need to draw your nipples far back in his mouth. If you have flat nipples, the baby may have a problem latching. On the other hand many mother have successfully breastfeed with flat or inverted nipples.
WHY IS MY BABY BRINGING UP MILK - AND IS THIS A PROBLEM?
It is natural to feel concerned when your baby brings up milk, especially when it is accompanied by burping and fussiness. It is comforting to remember these three truths:
1. reflux is very common in babies,
2. the amount/volume of what comes back up always looks more than it actually is and,
3. the vast majority of babies with reflux are growing well and gaining weight.
In this article we will discuss what reflux is, why it happens and what you can do to soothe your baby with confidence.
Can I resume breastfeeding after an interruption?
The good news is relactation is possible. It requires time, patience, determination and a cooperative baby! Whether you stopped breastfeeding due a medical procedure, separation from baby, or simply bad advice, many mothers find they can rebuild a milk supply very successfully. Providing human milk for a newly adopted baby is also a relactation opportunity.
Sometimes, relactation produces enough breastmilk to supply all of baby’s needs. Other times, supplementation may still be needed.
You may want to continue breastfeeding while working or going back to school for many reasons: it’s the best food for your baby, it protects baby against illness and it is a way to reconnect when you come home.
South Africa’s Code of Good Practice on the Protection of Employees during Pregnancy and After the Birth of a Child[1] provides you guaranteed breastfeeding breaks of 30 minutes twice per day, for nursing or milk expression each working day, for the first six months of the child’s life. Working breastfeeding mothers take less time off work to care for sick children.
Skin-to-skin is a biologically normal practice. It consists of placing an unclothed or diaper-only newborn baby chest-to-chest with mother immediately after delivery and keeping them together for at least the first hour after birth, whether the mother has had a vaginal or cesarean birth and regardless of feeding method planned. This practice is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). This is an important component of family-centered care.
Immediate Skin-to-skin care (SSC) for a minimum of one hour after birth is one of the most effective methods for promoting exclusive breastfeeding. Babies who have early SSC are more likely to be exclusively breastfed at discharge, exclusively breastfed after discharge, and breastfed for longer durations.
Reasons why SSC is important for baby and mother: • Keeps mother and baby together. • Promotes bonding between mother and baby.
Mothers and babies sleeping together is a normal, healthy, shared instinct as old as humankind. But certain situations can make this normal behavior unsafe. Let’s see what it takes to avoid those situations so you can enjoy being with your baby awake or asleep.
Sleeping with our babies is an instinct as old as motherhood itself. Yet today, some authorities say it’s risky. What are the facts?
Some parents choose not to discuss their sleeping arrangements with medical caregivers, even if asked. If you do choose to, here are some points you may find helpful.
Babies with special needs experience special benefits from breastfeeding beyond the many advantages to typical newborns. Right now, you are probably struggling with conflicting feelings. Like most parents, you are joyful and excited to meet your new baby. At the same time, you may have feelings of disappointment, anger, helplessness, even guilt. Allow yourself time to process these feelings of grief, remember that your baby is a baby first and a baby with special needs second.
Babies born with Down syndrome, cleft lip or palate, cardiac problems, cystic fibrosis, a neurological impairment or other special needs will benefit from human milk even more than other babies. Human milk will boost your baby’s immune system, and is more easily digestible. It offers the perfect nutrition to keep your baby as healthy as possible, and be strong for any surgeries or treatments they may need. The special bond and breastfeeding hormones produced will help to keep you calmer and more in touch with your baby as well.
According to recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the American Public Health Association (APHA), human milk is the only food that healthy, full-term babies need for about the first six months of life. The composition of human milk changes in response to a variety of cues, so that each mother provides milk that meets her own baby’s unique needs. Human milk provides immunity factors for as long as the baby nurses, and many of the health benefits of breastfeeding continue well into childhood and beyond.
Feeding complementary foods to your baby before he is ready is typically messy and inefficient as he will naturally push the food out with his tongue as long as the tongue-reflex is functioning. By waiting for him to be developmentally ready, he becomes an active participant in eating, rather than merely a passive recipient. This helps to put him in charge of how much he eats, teaching him important fullness cues. Starting solid foods before your baby is ready will not increase his sleep at night, is not necessary for larger babies, and does not initially increase calories.
It is essential to properly store your expressed (pumped) milk to maximise its nutritional, immunological and antioxidant qualities. Human milk has anti-bacterial properties that help it to stay fresh and when stored per recommendations, human milk can maintain many of its nutritional qualities making it safe for use. Over time nutrients may break down in expressed milk lowering the quality and as such, it is important to try to give your baby the freshest expressed milk to ensure its rich quality.
Prior to expressing and storing milk ALL mothers should:
Wash their hands before expressing;
Use containers that have been washed in hot, soapy water, rinsed and air dried
MILK STORAGE GUIDELINES
This information is based on current research and applies to mothers who have healthy, full-term babies. Babies who are preterm/ in NICU/or ill should use more conservative guidelines.
MY NEWBORN HAS NEVER REALLY GOTTEN THE HANG OF NURSING. HOW CAN I GET HIM BACK TO THE BREAST?
There are many reasons why a newborn may be reluctant to nurse. If your baby is past the newborn stage, please skip to the section on Getting an older baby back to the breast below, you may also find our resources on nursing strikes helpful.
If your newborn is not latching on to the breast, is too sleepy to take his first feed or needs medical attention, you can ask your health care team to show you how to hand express and give your colostrum by teaspoon or syringe. Your baby may sleep for a few hours after this first feed – feel free to cuddle him and wake him if you want to feed. He may feed four to five more times in the first 24 hours.
You can begin expressing colostrum within the first few hours after birth. You may be comfortable using hand-expression or you may prefer to use a pump.
BREASTFEEDING DURING PREGNANCY AND TANDEM NURSING
Finding out you are pregnant does not necessarily mean that you need to stop breastfeeding your toddler. Many mothers choose to continue breastfeeding throughout pregnancy, while some decide to wean. If you continue breastfeeding through your pregnancy, you may find yourself breastfeeding both an infant and an older sibling. Many mothers have found this arrangement, called “tandem nursing,” to be a good way of meeting the needs of both children. Your local LLL Leader can give you more information on breastfeeding while pregnant and/or tandem nursing. The resources below will help you to explore your feelings about breastfeeding both your new baby and your “older” baby, so you can decide what is best for you and your family.
Is it safe?
Changes during pregnancy
Nipple Sensitivity while Breastfeeding through Pregnancy
Milk supply and colostrum
The practicalities of tandem nursing
The emotional side of tandem nursing
TANNING BEDS
No evidence exists that the use of tanning beds has any effect on human milk or breastfed babies. However some mothers have reported getting burnt nipples and breasts when using tanning beds: this is extremely painful so be sure to cover your nipples and breasts and use caution. If you are offered any vitamins or medications to enhance the tanning process you can check them with your health care provider before taking them.
FAKE TAN
You do not need to avoid using tanning lotion, or having a spray tan, when you’re breastfeeding. You do however need to take care when applying fake tan (or indeed any cosmetics) when your baby is close, and you need to ensure the fake tan is dry or has been rinsed off before having skin-to-skin contact to avoid accidentally ‘tanning’ your baby.
The active ingredient in most fake tans is DHA, and some self tanners use erythrulose. Both are non toxic: neither substance can absorb beyond the outermost layer of your skin, and so cannot contaminate your breast milk or harm your baby.
As a young mother, you may be wondering how you will manage a baby, breastfeeding and returning to school. Breastfeeding is the easy, enjoyable way for you and your baby to get to know each other. Any breastfeeding is better than none at all.
Thrush (a fungal infection) was often assumed to be the cause of sudden or ongoing nipple pain and symptoms mistakenly associated with thrush included:
-Itchy or burning nipples that look pink or fiery red (on lighter skin tones), shiny or flaky
- Cracked or damaged nipples
- Shooting or stabbing pains in both breasts during, or especially after and between feedings
- Intense nipple or breast pain that is not improved with adjusted latch and positioning
NOTE: These symptoms are also related to many other conditions.
WHAT ARE TONGUE AND LIP TIES?
Tongue-tie or ankyloglossia is the condition where the lingual frenulum, the band of tissue that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth, restricts tongue movement. In tongue-tied infants, the “freedom” of the tongue to move is related to how tight or loose the frenulum is; or, how well the tongue is able to extend and elevate. Many tongue tied infants have difficulties initiating and maintaining a latch. Infants who are unable to latch properly have difficulty effectively transferring milk and therefore may struggle with weight gain. Mothers can experience nipple pain and, due to ineffective suckling, insufficient milk supply.
SUPPORT FOR TRANSGENDER & NON-BINARY PARENTS
La Leche League is an international, nonprofit, nonsectarian organisation. LLL supports everyone who wants to breastfeed or chestfeed in reaching their goals.
We at La Leche League International have all nursed our babies. If you want to do the same, whoever you are, whatever your story is, we’re here to help. LLLI is committed to serving everyone inclusive of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental ability, socio-economic status, political views, gender identity, sexual orientation, family structure, or other protected status.
Trans men, trans women, and non-binary individuals may choose to breastfeed or chestfeed their babies. You do not need to have given birth to breastfeed or chestfeed, as we can also see in the experiences of those nursing adopted babies.
Please note that some of the links in this post will take you to articles or websites where you may notice gendered language.
HOW DO I TRAVEL WITH MY BABY?
Traveling with a baby can be difficult! In many cases, babies travel well. Bringing your baby with you to a special event can be exciting… or nerve-racking!
There are a few things many families have found work when traveling with babies. As always, take what feels right for your family and leave the rest.
CAN I BREASTFEED MORE THAN ONE BABY?
Learning you are pregnant with twins, triplets or more changes your expectations and plans. But your decision to breastfeed doesn’t have to change. Breastmilk is especially important for multiples, who are often small at birth and need all the health benefits it provides. Breastfeeding also helps you create a special bond with each of your babies. Many mothers have nursed their multiples; you can enjoy nurturing your babies this way, too.
VACCINES
Many mothers have questions about the compatibility of vaccines and breastfeeding. We encourage families to consult with their healthcare provider for information to help them make an informed decision regarding vaccination. La Leche League does not have a stance on vaccinations, and LLL Leaders cannot offer information about the safety or suitability of choices regarding vaccinations.
This post provides information about vaccines a breastfeeding mother may need, and some ways to comfort a baby who has received a vaccination.
VITAMIN D, YOUR BABY, AND YOU
It is a known fact that human milk is the superior infant food. Human milk is the most complete nutritionally, immunologically, and is the only food designed specifically for your baby. Given that it is expected to be “perfect,” you may be confused about why your baby’s doctor is encouraging you to give your breastfed baby vitamin D supplements.
VITAMINS AND OTHER NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS FOR BABY
Advertisements, family members and even health professionals often urge mothers to add “something” to baby’s perfect diet of mother’s milk. According to the our comprehensive guidebook, THE WOMANLY ART OF BREASTFEEDING, if a breastfeeding mother is getting an adequate supply of vitamins in her diet, her milk will contain adequate nutrients in the perfect balance for her baby. If your baby is healthy and doing well, there is no need for vitamins, iron, or other supplements in the early months (apart from vitamin D). Furthermore, many mothers have found that vitamin or fluoride supplements may cause fussiness or colic in their infants. By treating each mother and baby as a unique pair, unnecessary supplementation can often be avoided.
DOES MY EXCLUSIVELY BREASTFED BABY NEED WATER?
Exclusively breastfed babies do not need water supplements – your body makes the perfect milk for your baby, actually changing the composition as he needs more or less water.
Giving water to newborn babies can contribute to jaundice and slow weight gain: water may fill a baby’s tummy and so reduce the amount of colostrum or breastmilk they get. Water supplements may also stop you establishing your milk supply as your baby will ask to breastfeed less.
Even in very hot weather your baby doesn’t need additional water, as long as you respond to his cues to feed he will get all the fluids he needs in your milk. This article from LLL Canada gives more information about breastfeeding and hot weather.
WEANING FOR MEDICAL REASONS
If your doctor decides you need to take a drug (medicine) for a medical condition, make sure that they know how important it is for you to continue breastfeeding and check to see if a breastfeeding compatible drug can be used. You may not need to wean permanently, or at all. Do your own research, or get a second opinion from another doctor/hospital, if necessary.
Depending on the age of your breastfeeding child, and the frequency with which they breastfeed, certain drugs may have little or no effect on him.
HOW DO I WEAN MY BABY?
Are you feeling ready to wean completely? Sometimes just cutting back on the amount of times you breastfeed will make you feel better, breastfeeding can sometimes be overwhelming. Breastfeeding is a two-way street. If you resent it when you sit down to breastfeed, your child will pick up on this. If your baby is under a year (or older, sometimes), you will have to substitute a bottle feeding for a missed breastfeeding. An older baby may accept a drink from a cup, a nutritious snack, or just a distraction in the form of a game, a toy, or change of scene. Remember, the first supplemental feed, from a bottle, or of solid food, is the beginning of weaning. Weaning does not need to be all or nothing.
If weaning is your decision, it’s best for you and your baby to do it gradually, and with love. If you wean “cold turkey,” your breasts will likely become painfully engorged, and you might develop a breast infection. Your baby will probably fight the switch from your warm, soft breast to a plastic substitute. He might mourn the loss of “his” breasts.
WOULD WEANING MAKE MY LIFE EASIER?
Are you thinking about weaning? Your child may be a few weeks or months old, or may be a breastfeeding toddler. Some mothers decide to continue breastfeeding until the baby outgrows the need. This is called natural weaning or child-led weaning. In modern Western society, this is rather unusual. At a typical LLL meeting, you may find many mothers practice extended or natural weaning. You can review the Toddler Nursing article if this seems right to you.
I WANT TO WEAN
Are you still in the early weeks, and experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding?
Maybe you’d like to breastfeed longer, but feel overwhelmed or are experiencing discomfort?
We are here to help, don’t hesitate to call your local La Leche League Leader if you are having problems! They can help you with any difficulties you may experience. Sometimes just talking to an experienced parent who has “been there,” who understands what you’re going through, can be so helpful. All LLL Leaders have breasted at least one baby, for at least one year.
UNEXPECTED WEANING
Were you planning on continuing breastfeeding, but your baby has other ideas? Do you worry baby is trying to wean?
First, make sure it isn’t just a nursing strike.
COMMON REASONS FOR AN EARLY WEANING
Bottles, pacifiers or increased solids. Try cutting down on any of these activities. If your baby is getting bottles at daycare while you are at work, and is over six months old (approximately), it’s probably time to go to the cup for the child’s feeds while away from you. With dummies, reduce use to your baby won’t be meeting his sucking needs, and will be more eager to nurse, when you are together. If you started solids early (before six months), you can always cut back on the size of these meals, gradually, of course. If baby is under 12 months of age, make sure you are offering breast before solids. Your milk supply will build back up, as the baby spends more time at the breast. Remember, your milk is by far the most nutritious food for your baby, for the first year, not to mention the immunological benefits.
HOW CAN I LOSE WEIGHT SAFELY WHILE BREASTFEEDING?
You are not alone in wondering about losing weight. Many women are anxious to return to their pre-pregnancy shape and weight after childbirth. Do try to remember that your pregnancy weight wasn’t gained overnight so it won’t disappear that quickly, either.
While breastfeeding burns about 500-700 calories extra per day to fuel milk making, this may not always contribute to weight loss postpartum – many factors like pre-pregnancy weight, diet, physical activity level, etc will impact weight loss after birth (Institute of Medicine, 2002; Dewey, 1994). On average, exclusively breastfeeding mothers may see a loss of 1-2 pounds a month and over time, breastfeeding moms tend to lose more weight than mothers who do not breastfeed.
WHEN CAN I START LOSING WEIGHT?
It is recommended that you wait at least 6-8 weeks postpartum to start to lose weight, as your body needs this time to recover from childbirth and establish a good milk supply. Many mothers lose weight in the early months by following a well-balanced diet and eating to hunger.
WORKING AND BREASTFEEDING
You may choose to continue breastfeeding while working outside the home for many reasons – the best food for your baby, antibodies to protect your baby, great way to reconnect when you return from work, and continuing the special relationship of breastfeeding during your days at home.
WORKING AND BREASTFEEDING: CHOOSING A CHILD CARE PROVIDER
Going back to work and leaving your baby in someone else’s care can be one of the most difficult parts of returning to work. Choosing the right person and right setting takes care. You want to find a setting that will provide the kind of care and attention you would give. You want a setting that respects breastfeeding and your expressed breastmilk. This may take some homework on your part. Visits to the locations you are considering will be important. Here are some things to consider:
IN HOME CARE WITH A FAMILY MEMBER, CLOSE FRIEND, OR NANNY
- This allows your baby to stay in your home, where all is familiar.
- It works best with someone the baby already knows or who is willing to come to your home several times before your return date.