By now, every doctor and parent in America has heard the news: breastfeeding is best for babies. What’s not-so-old news is the growing body of evidence demonstrating that commercial infant formulas are simply not good enough. While commercial infant formulas are commonly perceived to be the medically recommended second-choice infant food after breastfeeding, the World Health Organization (WHO) actually states: “The second choice is the mother’s own milk expressed and given to the infant in some way. The third choice is the milk of another human mother. The fourth and last choice is artificial baby milk.”

Read the rest of this important article here. Then send me your comments! I have breastfed all of 7 of my babies, but I have also struggled with various breastfeeding issues and have made the difficult decision to supplement with formula. I have great compassion and empathy for moms in various situations and for moms who want to breastfeed but run into difficulties.

One of my very favorite things to do as a new mom is to relax into a comfy chair and breastfeed my newborn baby. Having a 7-week old baby gives me lots of time to indulge in another of my favorite pastimes – reading. I have breastfed my 7 babies for 18 mos, 2 yrs, 4 yrs, 2 yrs, 18 mos, 9 mos, and 7 weeks (so far). These moments are some of my most cherished memories! Breastfeeding hasn’t always been easy for me, however. I have struggled with an increasing pattern of low milk supply starting with my 4th baby, and had to give my 6th baby formula supplements starting at age 3 months. Through these experiences I have developed a strong compassion for and a desire to help other mothers who struggle.

So when I read this article about mothers who choose to exclusively pump their milk and feed it to their babies from a bottle rather than breastfeed, I have mixed feelings. Part of me questions why a mother would not want to breastfeed their baby, since the majority of my experiences have been so positive with my own children. But another thing I am slowly learning as I grow older (and hopefully wiser) is that people are different, and have the right to make different choices in their lives. I have to really admire moms who, for whatever reason can’t or don’t want to breastfeed, are making the time-consuming choice to pump their own milk in order to give their babies the best start possible.

For anyone considering this as an option, I would caution you that exclusive pumping may work for some women, but it is also very likely to be difficult to keep up a full supply over a long period of time. Supplementation may be necessary at some point, and that needs to be something the mother seriously considers at the outset. But for those who don’t see breastfeeding as an option no matter what, exclusive pumping and bottle feeding the breastmilk to your baby is obviously much better for the baby than giving formula.

What do you think about this? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Contact me here.

Breastfeeding—Starting Out Right

Breastfeeding is the natural, physiologic way of feeding infants and young children, and human milk is the milk made specifically for human infants. Formulas made from cow’s milk or soybeans (most formulas, even “designer formulas”) are only superficially similar, and advertising which states otherwise is misleading. Breastfeeding should be easy and trouble free for most mothers. A good start helps to assure breastfeeding is a happy experience for both mother and baby.

The vast majority of mothers are perfectly capable of breastfeeding their babies exclusively for about six months. In fact, most mothers produce more than enough milk. Unfortunately, outdated hospital routines based on bottle feeding sill predominate in too many health care institutions and make breastfeeding difficult, even impossible, for too many mothers and babies. For breastfeeding to be well and properly established, a good start in the early few days can be crucial. Admittedly, even with a terrible start, many mothers and babies manage.

The trick to breastfeeding is getting the baby to latch on well. A baby who latches on well, gets milk well. A baby who latches on poorly has more difficulty getting milk, especially if the supply is low. A poor latch is similar to giving a baby a bottle with a nipple hole that is too small—the bottle is full of milk, but the baby will not get much. When a baby is latching on poorly, he may also cause the mother nipple pain. And if he does not get milk well, he will usually stay on the breast for long periods, thus aggravating the pain. Unfortunately anyone can say that the baby is latched on well, even if he isn’t.

Too many people who should know better just don’t know what a good latch is. Here are a few ways breastfeeding can be made easy:

1. A proper latch is crucial to success. This is the key to successful breastfeeding. Unfortunately, too many mothers are being “helped” by people who don’t know what a proper latch is. If you are being told your two day old’s latch is good despite your having very sore nipples, be sceptical, and ask for help from someone else who knows. Before you leave the hospital, you should be shown that your baby is latched on properly, and that he is actually getting milk from the breast and that you know how to know he is getting milk from the breast (open mouth wide—pause—close mouth type of suck). See also the websites www.breastfeedingonline.com/newman.shtml for videos on how to latch a baby on (as well as other videos). If you and the baby are leaving hospital not knowing this, get experienced help quickly (see handout When Latching). Some staff in hospital will tell mothers that if the breastfeeding is painful, the latch is not good (usually true), so that the mother should take the baby off and latch him on again. This is not a good idea. The pain usually settles, and the latch should be fixed on the other side or at the next feeding. Taking the baby off the breast and latching him on again and again only multiplies the pain and the damage.

2. The baby should be at the breast immediately after birth. The vast majority of newborns can be at the breast within minutes of birth. Indeed, research has shown that, given the chance, many babies only minutes old will crawl up to the breast from the mother’s abdomen, latch on and start breastfeeding all by themselves. This process may take up to an hour or longer, but the mother and baby should be given this time together to start learning about each other. Babies who “self-attach” run into far fewer breastfeeding problems. This process does not take any effort on the mother’s part, and the excuse that it cannot be done because the mother is tired after labour is nonsense, pure and simple. Incidentally, studies have also shown that skin-to-skin contact between mothers and babies keeps the baby as warm as an incubator (see section on skin to skin contact).

3. The mother and baby should room in together. There is absolutely no medical reason for healthy mothers and babies to be separated from each other, even for short periods.
• Health facilities that have routine separations of mothers and babies after birth are years behind the times, and the reasons for the separation often have to do with letting parents know who is in control (the hospital) and who is not (the parents). Often, bogus reasons are given for separations. One example is that the baby passed meconium before birth. A baby who passes meconium and is fine a few minutes after birth will be fine and does not need to be in an incubator for several hours’ “observation”.
• There is no evidence that mothers who are separated from their babies are better rested. On the contrary, they are more rested and less stressed when they are with their babies. Mothers and babies learn how to sleep in the same rhythm. Thus, when the baby starts waking for a feed, the mother is also starting to wake up naturally. This is not as tiring for the mother as being awakened from deep sleep, as she often is if the baby is elsewhere when he wakes up. If the mother is shown how to feed the baby while both are lying down side by side are better rested.
• The baby shows long before he starts crying that he is ready to feed. His breathing may change, for example. Or he may start to stretch. The mother, being in light sleep, will awaken, her milk will start to flow and the calm baby will be content to nurse. A baby who has been crying for some time before being tried on the breast may refuse to take the breast even if he is ravenous. Mothers and babies should be encouraged to sleep side by side in hospital. This is a great way for mothers to rest while the baby nurses. Breastfeeding should be relaxing, not tiring.

4. Artificial nipples should not be given to the baby. There seems to be some controversy about whether “nipple confusion” exists. Babies will take whatever gives them a rapid flow of fluid and may refuse others that do not. Thus, in the first few days, when the mother is normally producing only a little milk (as nature intended), and the baby gets a bottle (as nature intended?) from which he gets rapid flow, the baby will tend to prefer the rapid flow method. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure that one out, though many health professionals, who are supposed to be helping you, don’t seem to be able to manage it. Note, it is not the baby who is confused. Nipple confusion includes a range of problems, including the baby not taking the breast as well as he could and thus not getting milk well and/or the mother getting sore nipples. Just because a baby will “take both” does not mean that the bottle is not having a negative effect. Since there are now alternatives available if the baby needs to be supplemented (see handout #5 Using a Lactation Aid, and handout #8 Finger Feeding) why use an artificial nipple?

5. No restriction on length or frequency of breastfeedings. A baby who drinks well will not be on the breast for hours at a time. Thus, if he is, it is usually because he is not latching on well and not getting the milk that is available. Get help to fix the baby’s latch, and use compression to get the baby more milk (handout #15 Breast Compression). Compression works very well in the first few days to get the colostrum flowing well. This, not a pacifier, not a bottle, not taking the baby to the nursery, will help.

6. Supplements of water, sugar water, or formula are rarely needed. Most supplements could be avoided by getting the baby to take the breast properly and thus get the milk that is available. If you are being told you need to supplement without someone having observed you breastfeeding, ask for someone to help who knows what they are doing. There are rare indications for supplementation, but often supplements are suggested for the convenience of the hospital staff. If supplements are required, they should be given by lactation aid at the breast (see handout #5), not cup, finger feeding, syringe or bottle. The best supplement is your own colostrum. It can be mixed with 5% sugar water if you are not able to express much at first. Formula is hardly ever necessary in the first few days.

7. Free formula samples and formula company literature are not gifts. There is only one purpose for these “gifts” and that is to get you to use formula. It is very effective, and it is unethical marketing. If you get any from any health professional, you should be wondering about his/her knowledge of breastfeeding and his/her commitment to breastfeeding. “But I need formula because the baby is not getting enough!”. Maybe, but, more likely, you weren’t given good help and the baby is simply not getting the milk that is available. Even if you need formula, nobody should be suggesting a particular brand and giving you free samples. Get good help. Formula samples are not help.
Under some circumstances, it may be impossible to start breastfeeding early. However, most “medical reasons” (maternal medication, for example) are not true reasons for stopping or delaying breastfeeding, and you are getting misinformation. Get good help. Premature babies can start breastfeeding much, much earlier than they do in many health facilities. In fact, studies are now quite definite that it is less stressful for a premature baby to breastfeed than to bottle feed. Unfortunately, too many health professionals dealing with premature babies do not seem to be aware of this.

Questions? (416) 813-5757 (option 3) or drjacknewman@sympatico.ca or my book Dr. Jack Newman’s Guide to Breastfeeding (called The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers in the USA)
Handout #1. Breastfeeding—Starting Out Right. Revised January 2005
Written by Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC. © 2005
This handout may be copied and distributed without further permission,
on the condition that it is not used in any context in which the WHO code on the markeing of breastmilk substitutes is violated.

http://www.breastfeedingonline.com Cindy Curtis, RN, IBCLC

Aren’t There Some Places You Just Can’t Go With A Nursing Baby?

There may be a few, but I’ve found you really can take your nursing baby just about anywhere! How many babies on formula can you say that about? Honestly, as a breastfeeding mom, you can pack lighter and you never have to be concerned about staying out longer than you had planned.

For one thing, a nursing baby is usually a quiet baby who doesn’t attract much attention. In fact, most times I can count on Ella to drift off to sleep following some nursing time. That’s why I like it when Ella wants to nurse as soon as we enter church. No “cry room” for us. Instead, I use my baby sling for some privacy while latching Ella on, then she’s content to nurse off to sleep for most of the service.

Once you learn to recognize your baby’s cues to nurse, you can latch her on before most people even know you brought baby along!

In fact, breastfeeding is so portable, you won’t believe it! I’ve nursed in more places than I could even count, from walking through Wal-Mart to sitting across from teachers at Parent-Teacher Conferences. It’s easily a part of my everyday life without me even thinking much about it. And, the more you do it, the more comfortable you’ll be wherever you are.

If you need some motivation to get started, here are a few of my own “nursing in public” stories:

Space Needle in Seattle, Washington. Yes! I nursed my older daughter, Alaina, at the top of the Space Needle. Hungry babies aren’t very patient and I could tell Alaina wasn’t going to be able to wait long enough for us to take the elevator back down. So, I discreetly unfastened my nursing shirt and bra, then latched her on and continued to enjoy the scenery at the top.

Water Skiing. Then, there was the time my husband and I went water skiing (with baby, of course) at a local lake. Alaina was bundled up in her orange life jacket and quite content snuggled up to me in the back of the speedboat while we pulled a skier around the lake. I’ll never forget our friend remarking how quiet and peaceful Alaina had been during our entire afternoon outing!

Children’s Museum. And, just recently, I took the kids to a local childrens’ museum that has three massage chairs looking out across a river. While the older kids explored nearby, Ella and I settled into one of those chairs. . .me for a massage and Ella for some Mommy’s milk.

Aaaahhhhh. It was so funny to look down at Ella during the part of the massage where this “thing” rhythmically moved down my back, causing Ella and me to slightly move forward & backward. I thought the movement would disturb her, but she wasn’t about to let anything get in the way of what she enjoys.

Remember, breastfeeding doesn’t stop being best for you and your baby just because you’re going to be around other people. You already decided to do what is best for your baby no matter what.

So, pick up your precious baby, hold your head high and head for the door!

Author: Linda Thom

Linda Thom is the mother of four children whom she discreetly nursed just about anywhere! If you want help on confidently breastfeeding in public, visit her at http://www.EasyBabySlings.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Thom

Breastfeeding Clothes Make Nursing In Public Easier, But They Are Not Always Needed

Hello nursing mom! I’m the mother of four breastfed children who I nursed pretty much everywhere: friends’ homes, church, shopping, movie theaters…even while on board a motor boat while pulling a water skier!

One reason I can easily nurse in public is that I am able to nurse discreetly, thanks to clothing that keeps me comfortably covered.

So, what type of clothing do you need?

Many nursing moms think they need to make some major investment in breastfeeding clothing. And, while I’ve known a few moms who want to do this, it is possible to nurse discreetly without spending a lot of money on breastfeeding clothes. Here’s how:

Make your own breastfeeding clothes, even if you don’t sew much. I’ve converted several layered dresses and 2-piece tops into nursing wear by simply cutting two vertical slits in the layer closest to my skin. The top layer keeps the slits, and you, covered when nursing your baby.

When wearing your own clothes, dress in layers. An unbuttoned blouse or sweater worn on top of another shirt works quite nicely.

Many moms find that wearing “official” breastfeeding clothes makes them feel more confident about nursing in public, but they don’t want to spend too much. So, look for nursing clothes at garage sales and consignment sales. Also, keep your eye on a few websites for clearance sales. I’ve even had friends either loan or give me their no-longer-needed breastfeeding clothes.

If you do decide to purchase some new breastfeeding clothes, look for styles that you’ll want to continue wearing when your baby is no longer nursing. Right now, two of the nursing shirts in my closet are ones I like so much that I will be wearing them for a long time!

Whether you wear breastfeeding clothes or not, you may want to consider something else for discreet nursing in public: a sling. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve nursed one of my babies in the privacy of a sling. Most people have no clue you are even nursing! Plus, many babies are lulled to sleep while nursing in a sling.

Oh, one other bonus to wearing a sling. . .you can take your baby many places you couldn’t easily go with a stroller (and continue nursing at the same time). Like walking through a crowded store, going for a hike on a rustic trail, or taking a sightseeing tour. When your baby wants to nurse, all you have to do is adjust baby’s position, latch him or her on and continue with whatever you were doing. It really is that easy!

Good luck nursing in public. You CAN do it!

Author: Linda Thom

Linda Thom is the mother of four children whom she discreetly nursed just about anywhere! If you want help on confidently breastfeeding in public, visit her at http://www.EasyBabySlings.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Thom

Breastfeeding is a great partnership between the mother and her baby and requires practice, perseverance, commitment and coordination. The mother when nursing her baby, must make sure she is comfortably in a chair or bed and is well supported by pillows.

There are 4 popular breastfeeding positions which can be adopted. Some are more favorable for the mother than others.

1) CRADLE HOLD – this is frequently used, and the baby lies on the mother’s lap and the baby’s head is held in the crook of the arm. It is a natural ‘cuddling position’. This position may be unsuitable initially for a mother who had a caesarian section, as the weight of the baby will be resting on the scar. It is important to remember that the baby should be facing the mother with its ear, shoulder, and hip lying in a straight line. It is often helpful to tuck the baby’s lower arm under the mothers. For a baby that has difficulty ‘latching on’, it may be harder at first in this position to guide the nipple in to the mouth.

2) TRANSITION / CROSS-CRADLE HOLD – This is a good position to use in the early days when the mother and baby are learning, as it means you can hold the baby’s head with more control and guide the nipple easier for latching on. It is a reverse cradle position as the baby is laying in the opposite direction. If the baby is feeding from the left breast, then the baby is placed on the lap and held with its head in the mothers right hand.

3) CLUTCH / FOOTBALL HOLD. This is a brilliant hold if nursing twins, the mother has large breasts or post caesarian section. The baby is tucked under the arm with its feet to the back and its nose facing the nipple. The baby’s head is held in the mothers hand with the neck, shoulders and back being supported by her forearm. Her arm is best rested on a pillow. The breast is held with the other hand to navigate the nipple in to the mouth. I have often recommended that mothers alternate from cradle position to this one as it helps to prevent sore nipples. If the baby sucks in different positions on the breast it can also help when nipples are sensitive, sore or cracked.

4) LAYING DOWN. This position is ideal if the mother has had a caesarian section, has difficulty sitting down after birth, or needs to rest in bed. The mother lays on her side (with pillows supporting her back) and the baby lays on its side with its nose level with the breast. This position can be restful for mother and baby and can be adopted for night feeds.

THE SUCCESS OF ANY OF THESE POSITIONS IS HAVING PATIENCE AND TIME TO MASTER THE TECHNIQUES IN A RELAXED AND COMFORTABLE PLACE

Author: Rosemary Buchan

I am a Qualified Midwife, and Paediatric Nurse – having trained at the world renowned Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond St., London, U.K. I have over 35 yrs experience of working with mothers and babies and have successfully breastfed and raised 3 children of my own.

I have witnessed first hand the struggle many mothers have in breastfeeding their babies through lack of confidence, information, and encouragement. They are very tired, vulnerable, and emotional, in the early days, and often become discouraged and discontinue breastfeeding through lack of support.

I created BestBreastfeeding.com after my daughter gave birth to her son. I was shocked and saddened to see how much she was left to cope on her own, with minimal professional time and assistance.

My goal is to give you access to excellent, comprehensive information and advice through these resources, to make breastfeeding a relaxed and pleasurable experience for you and your baby.

My aim is that every mother will have the confidence and enjoyment in breastfeeding their baby so I distribute these exceptional products that will enable you to achieve this at http://www.BestBreastfeeding.com

Warm wishes Rosemary Buchan RGN, RSCN, RM, B.Ed (Hons) http://www.BestBreastfeeding.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rosemary_Buchan

You may know the health benefits of breastfeeding, but did you know that breastfeeding can save you money as well?

Think about it for a minute. Take a look at the price of a single can of formula. It may not appear to be too much, but if you calculate how much it cost over the period of one year, the average family can save approximately $1,500. It sure adds up fast!

Even if you are a mom who needs to return to work, invest in a good quality breast pump. It will pay for itself in no time at all and of course, when it’s no longer required, you can store it away for when you have another baby.

But this is not the only cost savings to you. Statistics show that parents of formula fed babies spend an average of $1,400 more per year when compared to parents of breast fed babies on healthcare costs! A recent study also estimated that if an additional one million more babies were breastfeed for at least six months, the total savings within the USA would be close to one and a half billion dollars!

Infant illness also costs new families. If your baby is sick, one parent will need to stay home from work or take the child to the doctor causing even further expense in the form of lost income.

You have heard that breastfed babies are healthier and are at less risk to certain diseases… which is already a good enough reason for many moms to breastfeed. Once you add the cost savings, isn’t it at least worth it for new moms to try?

Author: Sheri Lynn

Sheri Lynn is an editor for Breastfeeding Magazine a great online source for breastfeeding support and encouragement. For more information on breastfeeding issues, visit http://www.breastfeeding-magazine.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheri_Lynn

Why should you breastfeed your baby? Here are just a few of the many reasons:

Breastmilk is designed to be the perfect food for your baby. Breastfeeding boosts your baby’s immune system, preventing and minimizing many sicknesses. It helps prevent allergies, especially if you breastfeed exclusively for at least 6 months. Breastfeeding also helps prevent ear infections, childhood obesity, diarrhea and constipation, promotes proper jaw, teeth and speech development, and reduces the risk of SIDS. Breastmilk is sterile and always ready the moment your baby needs it, which makes it perfectly convenient! Breastfeeding is calming, comforting and promotes bonding between you and your baby. Studies have shown that the longer a mother breastfeeds throughout her life, the lower her chances are of getting breast cancer.

Getting off to a good start with breastfeeding can be a challenge, but it is well worth it. Breastfeed your baby as soon as possible after the birth, preferably within one hour. Hold your baby skin-to-skin; this will encourage him to latch on, among many other benefits. Make sure your baby is latched on well from the start – don’t be afraid to ask for help from your nurse, doula, midwife, lactation consultant, or experienced friend. You should not be separated from your baby, “rooming in” is better for both mother and baby. Do not give artificial nipples to your baby or allow anyone else to do so. Nurse your baby as often as he is hungry, for as long as he wants to suck. Supplements are rarely needed, and most of the time when supplementation is recommended, there are alternative feeding methods that can be used to maintain exclusive breastfeeding. Contact a good lactation consultant if you have questions about what you are being told.

Here are some basics for good positioning and latch-on. Make sure you are comfortable, with lots of pillows for support, Baby should be on his side, tummy to tummy with you. Support your breast with the hand closest to the baby’s head, and the baby’s head and neck with your other hand. Start with baby’s chin touching the breast first, then let the baby touch the nipple and wait for his mouth to open wide. Bring the baby to the breast, not the breast to the baby, and aim the nipple for the roof of baby’s mouth, you want his mouth to be open wide and covering as much of the areola as possible. You can tell that the baby is drinking when you hear him swallowing and he is sucking deeply and pausing with each suck.

This information is intended to be merely supportive in nature. Please contact your physician or a lactation consultant for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Brenda Minica CD (CBI) is a birth doula living in San Antonio, TX. She has 6 children and has breastfed for a combined total of nearly 12 years so far. Check out her website at http://doulasanantonio.com for more articles and information.