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Breastfeeding Myths Busted When it comes to breastfeeding this is the number 1 hot topic that people can't stop talking, because there are still a number of myths that continue to circulate around the globe. Here are few of the myths that I have collected. TRUE FALSE Many women do not produce enough milk. According to Gina Yong, "The vast majority of women produce more than enough milk. Indeed, an overabundance of milk is common. Most babies that gain too slowly, or lose weight, do so not because the mother does not have enough milk, but because the baby does not get the milk that the mother has. The usual reason that the baby does not get the milk that is available is that he is poorly latched onto the breast. This is why it is so important that the mother be shown, on the first day, how to latch a baby on properly, by someone who knows what she is doing." It is normal for breastfeeding to hurt Breast are sensitive for about two weeks after y...

Pumping helps you in many ways. It helps you to ease the pain in breast engorgement. Helps you boost your milk supply and collect your golden milk. DO YOU PUMP? Make sure you write on the bag what time you pumped the milk out. Breast milk changes in composition hour by hour. Milk pumped during the morning will have higher energy components to start the day (like a cup of coffee or tea. While milk pumped at night will have high amounts of melatonin, the natural chemical that induces sleep. PUMPING TIPS Try a breast massage before and after pumping. It will empty the breasts and increase breast milk output Try putting a warm towel while pumping to help remove the clog milk and have a good flow of milk.

Why can't we give water to a breastfeeding baby before the 6 months, even when it is hot? Giving water to young babies puts them at risk of diarrhea and malnutrition. Water may bot be clean and cause the baby to have infections. Giving water may also cause the baby to drink less breastmilk or to stop breastfeeding early and therefore cause malnutrition. If mothers give water instead of breastfeeding it will also cause the mother to have less milk in the future. Breastmilk is 88% water and breastmilk has all the water your baby needs, even in very hot weather. But once baby starts solids, you might want to give him a few sips of expressed milk or water with his solids - some babies need this to prevent constipation. A child is considered exclusively breastfed when he or she receives only breastmilk, without any additional food or liquid, even water, with the exception of vitamins or medicines. When breastfeeding, the mother gives his baby all the water he needs, while providin...

The first feed helps to stabilize baby's blood sugars and protect baby's gut. As you feed, the hormone oxytocin will help your uterus regain its tone after birth. This process also protects against excessive bleeding as you recover from childbirth. You may feel mild menstrual-like cramps while your uterus shrinks. During your baby's first 24 hours, your baby might wet his nappy only once or twice. This is because the colostrum you produce is highly digestible and perfect nutrition for your baby, so there's not much left to eliminate. The colostrum also provide natural immunity from infection. Constipation is very rare in breastfed babies. So other breastfed babies may pass several per day.  If you have premature babies and exclusively breastfeeding for at least a month these will help your baby to lower the risk factors for heart disease in later life and will protect your baby against food allergy at 3 years of age, and also against respiratory allergy at 17 years...

Worried about staying late at night to spend with your baby? The good news is you can happily drink a cup of coffee at night. But only limit your caffeine intake to no more than 2 to 3 cups a day. According to Dr. Miko Palo, MD, FAAP, "Caffeine in breastmilk can make babies, especially younger ones, a little fussier, more wide-eyed and alert. Apart from coffee, other source of caffeine include tea, softdrinks, sports or energy drinks, chocolate and certain medications (some pain relievers, stimulants, and weight control aids). Caffeine levels usually reach their peaks in a mother's breast pretty quickly ( about one hour after ingestion) and can stay in baby's system for several hours ( in older babies, about six months old) or even several days (in newborns and preemies). Fortunately, caffeine rarely causes serious problems in babies and is considered safe for lactating moms if taken in moderation (less than 750 ml per day)." Caffeine passes into your bloodstream ...

Breast Engorgement is when the breast is overfull with milk, the entire breast becomes firm, swollen, tender, throbbing, lumpy and uncomfortable. Usually you can experience if after two to three days of giving birth. Sometimes the swelling extends all the way to your armpit. Engorgement is a short-lived condition that will diminish as your body adjusts to breastfeeding. COMMON PROBLEM CAUSING ENGORGEMENT Engorgement behind areola Engorgement from plugged ducts. TREATMENT FOR ENGORGEMENT Hot applications followed by massage of the engorged area before each feeding Support by an efficient nursing bra Use of an ice bag or hot-water bottle between treatments Increased frequency of nursing. If you are doing every 2 two hours you can change it to every 3 hours. Don't avoid feedings because of the pain. The more you nurse, the better your breasts will feel. Nursing with the baby's nose pointing toward the blocked segment, because the suction is strongest in the middl...

Bitting the nipple Fussing at the breast Pains during nursing, example cramps in your lower abdomen, as soon as the baby starts nursing Sore or cracked nipples Breast engorgement. When the breast is overfull with milk, the entire breast becomes firm and uncomfortable. Engorgement behind the areola. The most frequent cause of engorgement is the overfilling of the sinuses, the storage spaces located behind the areola. Engorgement from plugged ducts. Treatment is similar to all engorgement. Breast infection or abscess. The skin may become red over the sore spot, and fever and chills may develop. Headache, achiness, and other flu-like symptoms are often the first signs of breast infections.

Try to include as many types of fresh, healthy food as possible. Make sure your plate is always balanced with enough protein, carbohydrates and fats. It takes energy to produce milk and if you don’t eat enough calories, you might experience feelings of tiredness. Eggs, beans and lean meat are good sources of protein. You should also fill up on cold water fish like salmon, lake trout, shrimp, Pollack and scallops because they provide omega 3 fatty acids as well necessary for eye development. Carbohydrates should be as complex as possible and great sources are whole grains, vegetables and fruit. Fat should be the healthy kind, like that you get from olive oil, avocados and nuts. Try to include Turkey, chicken, sardines, potatoes, collard greens, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, soybeans and flax seeds because this contain high choline content. Choline is a chemical that is present in breast milk and assists in memory development. It is also known to help the liver work properl...

Nicotine -- many of the toxic substances in tobacco enter the bloodstream and eventually your milk Alcohol --  Alcohol does find its way into your breast milk, though the amount your baby gets is considerably less than the amount you drink.  Caffeine -- One or two cups of caffeinated coffee, tea, or cola a day won't affect your baby or you. Too many cups could make one or both of you jittery, irritable, and sleepless. After every cup of coffee, wait at least 2-3 hours for your body to eliminate them before breastfeeding. Herbs -- Herbs are natural that they aren't always safe. They can be just as powerful as some drugs Chemicals - many of the substances that are added to your food will be added, through you, to your baby's body. Foods with unhealthy Fats -  these are goods that are processed or store-baked which contain large amounts of saturated and trans fats. Examples are fast food, deep fried food, sausages, bologna, bacon, some cheeses, cake, doughnuts, co...

Here are some advantage and disadvantage of breastfeed and bottle-feeder Breastfeed Formula Wherever you are, all the nourishment your baby needs is always ready and waiting A nursing mother may worry that her newborn isn't getting enough to eat The nursing mother's wardrobe is not as limited as it was when she was pregnant A breastfeeding mother has to limit her choice of contraception to those methods that are safe during lactation. Mother can't have their diet, because of calories milk production requires. Nursing mother may receive curious glances when she choose to breastfeed in public For some breastfeeding women, a vagina left dry by the hormonal changes of lactation, teamed with sore nipples and leaky breasts, can make lovemaking a challenge. Breast milk is free No bottles to buy, formula or nipples Breastmilk contains all the nutrition an infant needs in the necessary amounts and in forms readily absorbed by the body. The composition of breastmi...

IT'S CUSTOM MADE breast milk contains at least 100 ingredients that are not found in cow's milk and that can't be synthesized in the laboratory. The composition of breast milk changes constantly to meet a baby's ever changing needs It's different in the morning than it is in the late afternoon. It's different at the beginning of a feeling than at the end It's different the first month than the seventh It's different for a premature baby than for a term baby. The nutrients in breast milk are matched to an infant's needs and his or her ability to handle them. For example, breast milk contain less sodium than cow's milk formula, making it easier for a baby's kidney to handle By giving only beeastmilk and no other liquid to the baby for the first six months. Breastmilk has ll the other and nutrients that the baby needs for the first six months after which the baby shouldbe given appropriate complementary foods while continuing breast...

Sit in a comfortable chair, with good support for your back and arms Make sure your baby is positioned so he squarely faces the breast and is sucking properly and not biting Do not smoke, consume alcohol or use illegal drugs, as all contain substances. That can interfere with let-down, affect the content of breast milk, and be harmful to the baby. Check with your obstetrician or pediatrician about any prescription or non-prescription drugs you may be taking. If your household is very busy, find a quiet corner or room where you won't be disturbed during feedings

Breastfeed gives your body a better start in life. It sets the good foundation for digestion and immunity. It lowers the incidence of allergies -- eczema, cradle cap, allergic rhinitis -- you won't have to deal with those. Breast milk is the most complete form of nutrients for infants. A mother's milk has just the right amount proteins, carbohydrates, fats. and vitamins needed for baby's healthy growth and development. Breast milk also contains important  immunological factors  that protect against infection. Breastfeeding can also help a mother to bond with her baby. Breast milk naturally contains a combination of whey protein, casein, vitamins, fats and lactose. These substances are vital for baby’s nerve, brain and eye development. Eating certain foods can change the composition of milk and have harmful effects on growth. Good foods to eat while breastfeeding should increase nutrients in milk and not diminish them. According to Dr. Spook's, "Breastmilk pr...

Follow these easy ways to increase breast milk supply, and reap the benefits of breast feeding > GET ENOUGH SLEEP.  Having a bay and breast feeding can keep you from getting e rest that you need. So take advantage of the time when your baby is taking a nap. Ask help from your partner to help out, pump some milk and have him feed the baby as you catch up on sleep. > DE-STRESS.  Managing time can be a challenge when you have to juggle breastfeeding and attending to household chores. Have someone do other household tasks such as laundry, dishwashing, or cleaning the house, so you can devote most of your time nursing your child. > BREASTFEED OR PUMP MORE OFTEN.  To simulate milk production, breastfeeding or pump milk from your breasts more frequently. Adding extra pumping sessions each day should also increase the amount of milk you get. Stay relaxed and try massaging your breasts while nursing to stimulate letting down the milk efficiently. > STA...