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Showing posts with label lactation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lactation. Show all posts
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Friday, August 22, 2014
Milk Mama Diaries present Guest Writer Lola Robin Lim: Human Rights: Infant Rights At Birth
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Tuesday, August 05, 2014
Hakab Na 2014: the Big Latch On
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entry. Enjoy!
Monday, July 28, 2014
Hakab Na 2014 for August 2 (Saturday)!!!
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Sunday, February 23, 2014
Breastfeeding: Block Feeding for Overactive Let-Down?
I've been reading in the BFP forums that there are some concerns about newborn or fairly new babies having trouble coping with her fast milk flow. During feedings, these babies would sputter, cough and then pull themselves off the breast crying. Mothers of these normally assume that she has an overactive let-down (OALD) and would, on my occasions, start using a “block feeding" strategy.
Before I get ahead of myself again...I better explain better and with proper research.
Before I get ahead of myself again...I better explain better and with proper research.
What is Block Feeding?
Block feeding
involves restricting baby to one breast for 3-hour or longer blocks of
time before giving the other breast. It is very effective at bringing down milk production when a mother is making way too much milk. Allowing
the breasts to stay full for a set period of time sends the signal to
slow milk production.
Occasionally if the baby is nursing in a very, very frequent pattern - meaning that the baby is nursing hourly or even closer than hourly and experiencing marked fussiness and perhaps has consistently green stools - a loose block pattern may be suggested as well. It is good to note that frequent nursing - meaning about every 2 hrs from start of one feeding to start of next feeding - is totally normal.
This is totally different in normal breastfeeding patterns wherein breastfeeding experts recommend "baby led" or "feed-on-demand" nursing patterns. Baby should be allowed to finish the first breast, before burping and offering second side. This may mean baby will nurse, for example, 20-ish minutes on first side, burps, then may or may not be interested in the second side.
**Note: Time of the breast, doesn't mean that the baby is effectively feeding. You have to still observe the baby on the breast, wherein the following conditions are met: (1) long gulping is done - "long pause", (2) proper weight gain is observed but compared via exclusively breastfeed babies chart, and (3) baby is happy and thriving.
Occasionally if the baby is nursing in a very, very frequent pattern - meaning that the baby is nursing hourly or even closer than hourly and experiencing marked fussiness and perhaps has consistently green stools - a loose block pattern may be suggested as well. It is good to note that frequent nursing - meaning about every 2 hrs from start of one feeding to start of next feeding - is totally normal.
This is totally different in normal breastfeeding patterns wherein breastfeeding experts recommend "baby led" or "feed-on-demand" nursing patterns. Baby should be allowed to finish the first breast, before burping and offering second side. This may mean baby will nurse, for example, 20-ish minutes on first side, burps, then may or may not be interested in the second side.
**Note: Time of the breast, doesn't mean that the baby is effectively feeding. You have to still observe the baby on the breast, wherein the following conditions are met: (1) long gulping is done - "long pause", (2) proper weight gain is observed but compared via exclusively breastfeed babies chart, and (3) baby is happy and thriving.
Block Feeding DO's and DON'Ts
DO Consult with a breastfeeding expert, such as a board-certified lactation consultant. An expert in breastfeeding management can assess the situation and help mom determine if she might benefit from using a block nursing pattern, and if so, what type of pattern to use. Most experts recommend starting out with smaller blocks of time and increasing them if needed after a couple weeks.
DO Use this strategy especially in some cases where oversupply (aka “hyperlactation” or “overabundant milk production”) can decrease the quality of life for both mother and baby. For a mother, the drawbacks include regularly full and uncomfortable breasts and recurring plugged ducts. For the baby, oversupply can cause a very fast milk flow that can be hard to manage. In this case, block feeding used for no longer than 1 week would be good for both mother and baby.
DO Use this strategy especially in some cases where oversupply (aka “hyperlactation” or “overabundant milk production”) can decrease the quality of life for both mother and baby. For a mother, the drawbacks include regularly full and uncomfortable breasts and recurring plugged ducts. For the baby, oversupply can cause a very fast milk flow that can be hard to manage. In this case, block feeding used for no longer than 1 week would be good for both mother and baby.
DON'T What seems to be
more and more common, though, is the assumption that any struggle with
milk flow is due to OALD or oversupply when there is usually another
cause. As a result, some mothers bring down their milk production with
block feeding when their supply is actually at a healthy level, leading
to other problems, such as slow weight gain.
Remember that it takes practice and
maturity for babies to learn to coordinate sucking, swallowing, and
breathing during breastfeeding. Some episodes of milk flow struggles and
pulling away are completely normal and are not necessarily signs of
OALD or oversupply.
How to Know if Block Feeding Will Help?
The most reliable gauge of whether block feeding may be helpful is baby’s weight gain. If
breastfeeding is going well, during the first 3 months, most babies
gain on average about 2 lb/mo. (0.90 kg/mo.). If baby’s weight gain is
double this or more, block feeding for no longer than 1 week makes
sense.
If baby’s weight gain isn’t this high, it is likely that block feeding will cause more problems than it solves.
If baby’s weight gain isn’t this high, it is likely that block feeding will cause more problems than it solves.
How Long Does It Take?
Block nursing is not an "instant fix" for oversupply, but it almost always helps if given enough time to help. In mild cases of oversupply, it may only take a few days to a couple weeks to see good results. In more severe cases, it may take several weeks to a couple months to see good results; although almost always mom will see improvements in the situation within just a few days of implementing the use of the block pattern.
Do I Need To Continue Using the Block Pattern, Once Supply Adjusts?
No, one doesn't need to continue using a block pattern once the situation is resolved. Mom can go back to using a "normal" nursing pattern of offering first breast until baby is finished, then burp and offer second side. If things continue to go well, there isn't a need to do any additional adjustments. If the symptoms of oversupply begin to return, she can resume a block nursing pattern once more for a while longer, and then later on can see if a "normal" nursing pattern will work.
As suggested above, it is recommended that mom locate a board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) to assess each individual situation, provide assistance, information and support.
Alternatives When Baby Struggles with Milk Flow
What
can you do if your baby’s weight gain is average but she is struggling
with milk flow during breastfeeding? The best strategy is to use feeding
positions that give the baby more control overflow. The most difficult
feeding positions for babies from a milk-flow standpoint are those in
which milk is flowing downhill into their throats, such as all those in
which mothers sit upright.
I find either the Australian Laid-back (infant to toddler) or the Japanese Sitting positions worked well for controlled milk flow.
Other positions can be found here.
I find either the Australian Laid-back (infant to toddler) or the Japanese Sitting positions worked well for controlled milk flow.
Australian Laid-back position
Japanese Sitting Position
Other positions can be found here.
If baby continues
to have consistent problems with milk flow, it's time to see a lactation
professional to check for anatomy, swallowing, and breathing issues.
References
Caroline, G.A. and van Veldhuizen-Staas, C. G. Overabundant milk supply: An alternative way to intervene by full drainage and block feeding. International Breastfeeding Journal 2007; 2:11.
Friday, September 20, 2013
7 Tried and True Breastfeeding Positions. What works for you?
BabyCenter Blog by Dennis Cortes
19 September 2013
Some of my fondest memories as a mother were breastfeeding my children. Touching their soft skin, listening to their contented little sighs, and staring into their eyes as they look up so adoringly at you–it was amazing. Breastfeeding is some pretty powerful stuff.
I can still vividly recall those first few nights at home after my babies were born. It felt like we were the only two people awake in the world sometimes. Sore and a little beat up, I tried my best to position the little squirming ball of humanity to my breast. Do women know how to do this instinctively? Am I doing this all wrong? Why is this so hard?
I had some struggles along the way, that’s for sure. Somehow I managed to maintain a breastfeeding relationship with most of my children. Once I gave birth to baby #6, I realized I became a seasoned veteran at breastfeeding along the way. How did I know this?
I had my favorite breastfeeding positions down pat. There was no need to experiment–I knew which ones were the most convenient and the most comfortable for both of us. Hands down, my favorite breastfeeding position was laying down. When you can both mother your child, feed her and doze in and out of sleep–that’s not laziness, it’s just pure genius. I gave up the notion of a crib a long time ago, which meant we were free to nurse and fall back asleep. I would usually lay my daughter across my hip (which was very soft and padded, by the way) to briefly burp her and then we’d switch sides.
On those occasions when I couldn’t lay down to nurse my baby girl, I would use the football hold. That is until she was big enough to play with her feet and yank my nipple because her attention was directed across the room. Ouch.
I asked a few of my breastfeeding mama friends, and they shared a few of their favorite breastfeeding positions.
19 September 2013
Some of my fondest memories as a mother were breastfeeding my children. Touching their soft skin, listening to their contented little sighs, and staring into their eyes as they look up so adoringly at you–it was amazing. Breastfeeding is some pretty powerful stuff.
I can still vividly recall those first few nights at home after my babies were born. It felt like we were the only two people awake in the world sometimes. Sore and a little beat up, I tried my best to position the little squirming ball of humanity to my breast. Do women know how to do this instinctively? Am I doing this all wrong? Why is this so hard?
I had some struggles along the way, that’s for sure. Somehow I managed to maintain a breastfeeding relationship with most of my children. Once I gave birth to baby #6, I realized I became a seasoned veteran at breastfeeding along the way. How did I know this?
I had my favorite breastfeeding positions down pat. There was no need to experiment–I knew which ones were the most convenient and the most comfortable for both of us. Hands down, my favorite breastfeeding position was laying down. When you can both mother your child, feed her and doze in and out of sleep–that’s not laziness, it’s just pure genius. I gave up the notion of a crib a long time ago, which meant we were free to nurse and fall back asleep. I would usually lay my daughter across my hip (which was very soft and padded, by the way) to briefly burp her and then we’d switch sides.
On those occasions when I couldn’t lay down to nurse my baby girl, I would use the football hold. That is until she was big enough to play with her feet and yank my nipple because her attention was directed across the room. Ouch.
I asked a few of my breastfeeding mama friends, and they shared a few of their favorite breastfeeding positions.
Lap Position: You will find yourself breastfeeding with your sweet babe spread out on your lap quite often.
Side Lying Nursing: This is probably my favorite breastfeeding position! Once
the oxytocin starts to flow and you begin to feel drowsy, it's the
perfect time to nap.
Cradle Hold: The most common breastfeeding position. It's easy and comfortable.
Babywearing - Sling: I never quite figured out how to nurse while wearing a sling, but lots of moms swear by it.
Foodball Hold: This is great for moms who are new to breastfeeding because it gives a great view of baby's latch-on.
Lying Flat Back Position: This is supposed to be a restful position for mom--until the baby gets the idea that he's hungry!
Tandem Hold: For the mothers with two young nursing babes, there is the tandem hold.
My second favorite breastfeeding position--comfortably on your lap, head
cradled in your arms, eyes looking up at you and their tiny hand
griping yours.
Friday, August 16, 2013
Breastfeeding Questions: Is my baby eating enough? Can I give water to my newborn?
I bumped into this information that I really believe this to be very important. I'm crediting the author and posting this a whole below. It's a reminder to all mothers that we are all what our babies need with regards to their sustenance, most especially from newborn up who "feed on demand".
Is my baby eating/getting enough milk?"I see many new families in the hospital, as a staff Lactation Consultant, and in their homes, with my private practice, and I hear many similar questions. One of the recurring themes comes across in statements like “my baby can’t be getting very much” or “my baby is feeding so frequently, I must not have milk. This cannot be normal!” There are many charts on the Internet that show an illustration of the size of a newborn’s stomach, I felt putting these illustrations into real world sizes we can see would be helpful.
Below is an illustration I have created showing the approximate size and volume of a newborn’s stomach on day one, day three, at one week, and at one month. Newborns’ tummies are tiny, and cannot/should not take in large volumes, so they need to feed frequently. In the first day or two, their little tummy fills with 5-15 ml during a breastfeed, and then, snuggled in close to your warm chest and familiar heartbeat, they fall asleep. Just as you may be drifting off to sleep or decide that you too should eat something, they start to wake up and show signs of hunger; their sweet little fists fly frantically to their mouth and their lips start smacking together. Their little tummies have started to digest that perfect amount of colostrum, and they are starting to get hungry again. A newborn baby feeds 8-12 times in 24 hours, which means they will be feeding about every 1-3 hours. They often cluster feeds together; this means your precious little one may breastfeed for 45 minutes then fall asleep, then wake 30 minutes later and feed for another 30 minutes, and fall asleep. The next feed may happen 2 hours later, then 3 hours after that, then an hour later… I’m sure you get the idea; there is no set schedule.
Many families feel the need to supplement their baby; maybe they are concerned with the frequent feedings, or feeling pressured from their doctor or family. I often hear my clients comment that they hear their well-meaning family members say “The baby is crying again, she must be hungry” or “The baby is fussing, are you sure you have milk?” or “the baby just ate an hour ago, you must not have enough if he is hungry already.” This can create, or further feed the insecurity a new mother may already be feeling, and often leads to unnecessary supplementation. Some families feel they need to supplement due to pressure from the Doctor, and other families are supplementing for legitimate medical reasons. When you are supplementing it is crucial that you keep in mind how small those little tummies are. If you supplement too much this will cause baby to sleep longer and feed less frequently and any time they are supplemented away from the breast you losing the stimulation and removal of milk needed to signal your body to make more milk; this will directly impact your milk supply. If you are supplementing always seek guidance from an expert in feeding- a board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) will help guide you through how to supplement and how to wean the supplements when the time is right.
Understanding the size of your Baby’s stomach, the average volume taken in during a breastfeed and typical newborn feeding frequency can help alleviate some anxiety a mother feels when she is trusting her body to nourish her child. Newborns are only this tiny for a short time, those stomachs grow quickly and they get more efficient at breastfeeding which means breastfeeding sessions become less frequent and shorter. For now enjoy those snuggles, and feel encouraged that your baby is feeding frequently and doing a fantastic job of “demanding” a healthy supply of breast milk. The great effort you and your baby put in during the first few days establishes a solid start for a happy and healthy breastfeeding relationship."
~ reference KellyMom
The post below is from Katie Wickham RN BScN IBCLC of Babiesfirstlactation.com. They have a facebook page here that you can follow. I encourage you read it to further help you build your confidence and take out any doubt that your baby is not getting enough milk.
Is my baby eating/getting enough milk?"I see many new families in the hospital, as a staff Lactation Consultant, and in their homes, with my private practice, and I hear many similar questions. One of the recurring themes comes across in statements like “my baby can’t be getting very much” or “my baby is feeding so frequently, I must not have milk. This cannot be normal!” There are many charts on the Internet that show an illustration of the size of a newborn’s stomach, I felt putting these illustrations into real world sizes we can see would be helpful.
Below is an illustration I have created showing the approximate size and volume of a newborn’s stomach on day one, day three, at one week, and at one month. Newborns’ tummies are tiny, and cannot/should not take in large volumes, so they need to feed frequently. In the first day or two, their little tummy fills with 5-15 ml during a breastfeed, and then, snuggled in close to your warm chest and familiar heartbeat, they fall asleep. Just as you may be drifting off to sleep or decide that you too should eat something, they start to wake up and show signs of hunger; their sweet little fists fly frantically to their mouth and their lips start smacking together. Their little tummies have started to digest that perfect amount of colostrum, and they are starting to get hungry again. A newborn baby feeds 8-12 times in 24 hours, which means they will be feeding about every 1-3 hours. They often cluster feeds together; this means your precious little one may breastfeed for 45 minutes then fall asleep, then wake 30 minutes later and feed for another 30 minutes, and fall asleep. The next feed may happen 2 hours later, then 3 hours after that, then an hour later… I’m sure you get the idea; there is no set schedule.
Many families feel the need to supplement their baby; maybe they are concerned with the frequent feedings, or feeling pressured from their doctor or family. I often hear my clients comment that they hear their well-meaning family members say “The baby is crying again, she must be hungry” or “The baby is fussing, are you sure you have milk?” or “the baby just ate an hour ago, you must not have enough if he is hungry already.” This can create, or further feed the insecurity a new mother may already be feeling, and often leads to unnecessary supplementation. Some families feel they need to supplement due to pressure from the Doctor, and other families are supplementing for legitimate medical reasons. When you are supplementing it is crucial that you keep in mind how small those little tummies are. If you supplement too much this will cause baby to sleep longer and feed less frequently and any time they are supplemented away from the breast you losing the stimulation and removal of milk needed to signal your body to make more milk; this will directly impact your milk supply. If you are supplementing always seek guidance from an expert in feeding- a board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) will help guide you through how to supplement and how to wean the supplements when the time is right.
Understanding the size of your Baby’s stomach, the average volume taken in during a breastfeed and typical newborn feeding frequency can help alleviate some anxiety a mother feels when she is trusting her body to nourish her child. Newborns are only this tiny for a short time, those stomachs grow quickly and they get more efficient at breastfeeding which means breastfeeding sessions become less frequent and shorter. For now enjoy those snuggles, and feel encouraged that your baby is feeding frequently and doing a fantastic job of “demanding” a healthy supply of breast milk. The great effort you and your baby put in during the first few days establishes a solid start for a happy and healthy breastfeeding relationship."
~ Katie Wickham RN BScN IBCLC
Can I give water to my newborn child?
No, newborns are not advised to give your newborn water. Even when a mother's milk supply is just coming in during the
first few days after delivery, the baby is getting colostrum, which is
enough to keep her well hydrated. Water
can interfere with a young baby's ability to absorb the nutrients in
breast milk and may
prevent her from feeding as much as she should. Most importantly, it can
also cause water intoxication, a serious condition that
happens when too much water dilutes the concentration of sodium in the
body, upsetting the electrolyte balance and causing tissues to swell.
It's uncommon but serious, potentially causing seizures and even a coma.~ reference KellyMom
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