When you hold your baby for the first time in the delivery room, you should put
his lips to your breast. Although your mature milk hasn't developed yet, your
breasts are still producing a substance known as colostrums that helps to protect
your baby from infections. If your baby has trouble finding or staying on your
nipple, you shouldn't panic. Breast feeding is an art that will require a lot of
patience and a lot of practice. No one expects you to be an expert when you first
start, so you shouldn't hesitate to ask for advice or have a nurse show you what
you need to do. Once you start, keep in mind that nursing shouldn’t be painful.

When your baby latches on, pay attention to how your breasts feel. If the
latching on hurts, break the suction then try again. You should nurse quite
frequently, as the more you nurse the more quickly your mature milk will come
in and the more milk you'll produce. Breast feeding for 10 - 15 minutes per breast
8 - 10 times every 24 hours is an ideal target. Crying is a sign of hunger, which
means you should actually feed your baby before he starts crying. During the first
few days, you may have to wake your baby to begin breast feeding, and he may
end up falling asleep during feeding. To ensure that your baby is eating often
enough, you should wake him up if it has been four hours since the last time he
has been fed. Getting comfortable Feedings can take 40 minutes or longer,
therefore you'll want a cozy spot. You don't want to be sitting somewhere where
you will be bothered, as it can make the process very hard.


For many years, scientists have been playing out the ingredients that make breast
milk the perfect food for babies. They've discovered to day over 200 close
compounds to fight infection, help the immune system mature, aid in digestion,
and support brain growth - nature made properties that science simply cannot
copy. The important long term benefits of breast feeding include reduced risk of
asthma, allergies, obesity, and some forms of childhood cancer. The more that
scientists continue to learn, the better breast milk looks. In addition to making
your baby healthier, breast feeding may also make him smarter. Many studies
have proved that breast fed babies tend to be more smarter than babies who were
fed with formula or other methods. Breast feeding does help with nutrients and
the support of brain growth, which is something every mother should think
about. The benefits for the nursing mom are just as good as they are for the baby.

The hormones that are released during breast feeding will curb blood loss post
delivery and help to shrink the uterus back to it's normal size. Long term, the
breast feeding mom will have a lower risk for premenopausal breast cancer,
which is the kind that strikes before the age of 50. The benefits will begin to
show with three to six months of breast feeding and increase the longer that
breast feeding continues. By now, you should realize that breast milk is one
power packed liquid. It offers more for your baby than formula, or any other
scientific creation for that matter. As you begin to plan for the future of your
baby, make a commitment to breast feeding him for as long as you possibly can -
as it will do both your bodies well.


If you've every been pregnant or if you are pregnant now, you've probably noticed
a metamorphosis in your bra cups. The physical changes (tender, swollen
breasts) may be one of the earliest clues that you have conceived. Many experts
believe that the color change in the areola may also be helpful when it comes to
breast feeding. What's going on perhaps what's even more remarkable than
visible changes are the extensive changes that are taking place inside of your
breasts? The developing placenta stimulates the release of estrogen and
progesterone, which will in turn stimulate the complex biological system that
helps to make lactation possible. Before you get pregnant, a combination of
supportive tissue, milk glands, and fat make up the larger portions of your breast.

The fact is, your newly swollen breasts have been preparing for your pregnancy
since you were in your mother's womb! When you were born, your main milk
ducts had already formed. Your mammary glands stayed quiet until you reached
puberty, when a flood of the female hormone estrogen caused them to grow and
also to swell. During pregnancy, those glands will kick into high gear. Before
your baby arrives, glandular tissue has replaced a majority of the fat cells and
accounts for you’re bigger than before breasts. Each breast may actually get as
much as 1 1/2 pounds heavier than before! Nestled among the fatty cells and
glandular tissue is an intricate network of channels or canals known as the milk
ducts.

The pregnancy hormones will cause these ducts to increase in both
number and size, with the ducts branching off into smaller canals near the chest
wall known as ductules. At the end of each duct is a cluster of smaller sacs
known as alveoli. The cluster of alveoli is known as a lobule, while a cluster of
lobule is known as a lobe. Each breast will contain around 15 - 20 lobes, with one
milk duct for every lobe. The milk is produced inside of the alveoli, which is
surrounded by tiny muscles that squeeze the glands and help to push the milk
out into the ductules. Those ductules will lead to a bigger duct that widens into a
milk pool directly below the areola. The milk pools will act as reservoirs that hold
the milk until your baby sucks it through the tiny openings in your nipples.

Mother Nature is so smart that your milk duct system will become fully
developed around the time of your second trimester, so you can properly breast
feed your baby even if he or she arrives earlier than you are anticipating.


Once you've given birth, breast feeding is the single most important thing you
can do to protect your baby and help to promote good health. Best of all, breast
feeding is free. Along with saving you money on HMR (Human Milk
Replacement), breast feeding can also help you to keep your medical bills down.

Babies that are fed with formula get sicker more often and more seriously than
babies that are breast fed they also have more ear infections, respiratory
infections, and other problems. This can be even truer if your family has had a
history of allergies. When a baby is breast fed, the antibodies pass on from the
mother to the baby, helping to protect against illness and allergies. As the baby's
system matures, his body will begin to make its own antibodies, and he'll be more
equipped to handle sensitivities of food. Sucking on the breast will also help with
the development or jaw alignment and the development of the cheekbone. For
this very reason, there is less of the need for costly orthodontic work when the
child gets older. Unlike formula, breast milk is always ready, always available,
convenient, and always the right temperature for feeding. Plus, it contains all of
the vitamins and minerals your growing baby needs, saving you a lot of money.

Breast feeding also offers many benefits for the mom as well. The baby sucking
at the breast will cause contractions right after birth, leading to less bleeding for
the mom, and helping her uterus to its shape before pregnancy much faster.
Breast feeding will also burn calories, so a mom can lose weight much faster than
if she fed her baby with a bottle. Breast feeding will also create a special bond
with the mother and the baby - which is one thing formula, simply cannot do.


Once you've reached the third trimester, you'll probably start stocking up on
nursing bras, breast pads, and loose button down shirts for the coming months
ahead. While getting ready to breast feed, you can also create your personal area,
a custom designed breast feeding area for yourself. Your nursing area should
reflect your personality. If you like a loud, yet friendly surrounding, you should
consider setting in a corner of the living room or family room. Keep an extra
chair or two near you so family members or even friends can keep you company.

If you prefer peace and quiet, a cozy study or empty guest room would be ideal.
You can close the door, dim the lights down, and then take a few deep, calming
breaths while you breast feed. Your own chair No matter if it's a glider,
overstuffed recliner, or desk chair with wheels, you should make sure your
nursing chair is very comfortable. You'll be sitting in the chair for hours each
day, so you'll want it to be very comfortable. You should always look for one that
offers back and shoulder support, along with arm rests. Support underfoot You
can use a footstool, low coffee table or a stack of pillows to elevate your feet as
you breast feed. If you raise your legs and feet to bring your baby to your breast,
you'll avoid possible backache. Pillows and more pillows your neck, arms, feet,
and back will need as much support as you can give, so don't hesitate to
surround your body with pillows.

 If you lay a pillow across your lap for your baby to lay on
he'll be very comfortable and that much closer to your nipple. For extra comfort,
you can even purchase a specially made nursing pillow that will encircle your
waist. Table for one you should always keep a small table or stand within arm's
length of your breast feeding chair. What you use should be big enough to hold a
coaster and glass of liquid. Some women prefer to drink through a straw, while
others prefer to drink from the glass. You'll also want to keep healthy snacks on
hand as well, such as fresh fruit, nuts, or crackers and peanut butter to help you
replace the energy you use while you breast feed. Distractions If your baby is a
slow eater or has a really big appetite, you may want to keep yourself busy while
he feeds. You can fill the shelves of a nearby cupboard or bookcase with your
favorite books or crossword puzzles to occupy yourself until your baby is full.
You should also keep a phone nearby as well so that you can talk to family or
friends to pass the time.


Many women find that they can eat whatever they may like during breast feeding.
Even though it's true that some strongly favored foods can change the taste of our
milk, many babies seem to enjoy the varieties of breast milk flavors. Occasionally,
Your baby may get cranky at the breast after you eat certain foods. If you notice
this happening, simply avoid that particular food. The most common offenders
during breast feeding include chocolate, spices, citrus fruits, garlic, chili, lime,
gassy vegetables, and fruits with axative type effects, such as prunes and cherries.
You can have a cup or two of coffee a day, although too much caffeine can
interfere with your baby's sleep and even make him or her cranky. Keep in mind,
caffeine is found in many sodas, tea, and even over the counter type medicine as
well.

 It's okay to have an alcoholic beverage every now and the, although having
more than one drink can increase your blood alcohol level, putting the alcohol
into your breast milk. If you are planning to have more than one drink at a time,
it's best to wait two hours or more per drink before you resume any type of
nursing or breast feeding. There is no need to pump and dump unless your
breasts are full and its time to feed your baby. While breast feeding, any type of
heavy drinking should be avoided. Before you actually omit any foods from your
diet, you should talk to your doctor. If you avoid certain foods and it causes a
nutritional imbalance, you may need to see a nutritionist for advice on taking
other foods or getting nutritional supplements.


The milk production in the breasts, much like so many other things, work on the
hear principal of supply and demand. The more breast milk your baby
consumes,the more your body will need to make. Breast pumps are generally used to insure continued production of breast milk when you cannot feed your baby - whether
you are back to work, traveling, taking medication, or just out of town

 Basic types of pumps Breast pumps can either be battery operated, hand operated,
semi automatic electric, or even self cycling electric. Hand pumps Manual hand
pumps are designed to use the strength of your hand or arm muscles for
pumping one breast at a time. You can also get pumps that will use the leg and
foot muscles for pumping both breasts at one time. Mothers that with carpal
tunnel syndrome may want to consider using a pump designed for the arm or leg
muscles or even an automatic model. Battery operated pumps with battery
operation are the best for women who have an established supply of milk and
want to pump once or even twice a day. These pumps use batteries to create
suction, minimizing any type of muscle fatigue. Most battery type pumps are
designed for pumping one breast at a time and are recommended for occasional
usage

 Electric pumps Even though electric pumps are more efficient than hand
or even battery operated pumps; they also tend to be more expensive. You can
however, rent them if you need to. Electric pumps can normally plug directly
into an outlet and are designed for pumping both breasts at a time and even
frequent use. Hospital grade pumps are the most efficient for initiating and
maintaining milk supply, and are available for rent or purchase.


Just like breast feeding, pumping is a skill that you learn. When first trying a
breast pump, most mothers are only able to express a few drops of milk. With
the proper practice and knowledge, the mother will be more efficient at pumping.

Preparing the breast pump

1. Read all the instructions in the kit very carefully.

2. Every part of the breast pump will need to be sterilized before you begin using
it.

3. After use, all the parts of the pump will need to be washed in warm, soapy
water, then rinsed with hot water and drained on a clean towel. The plastic
tubing doesn't need to be cleaned unless you get milk into it. If you do wash it, it
should be hung to allow time to dry and drain thoroughly.

4. If your doctor feels the need, the entire kit can be sterilized every day.

5. When you first start with an electric pump, the suction level should be on the
lowest possible setting.

Getting started

- Warm compresses, gentle massages of the breast and gentle nipple stimulation
will help to stimulate a quick let down

- You should always relax while doing breast massages during pumping. Some
mothers prefer to close their eyes then think about nursing the baby, imagining
the baby in their arms. The more relaxed a mother is, the better let down she'll
have and the more milk will be dispensed.

- Your first attempts at pumping should be considered practice sessions with
learning to use the breast pump as the goal, not how much milk is actually
dispensed.

- When you use a hand pump, quick, short pumps at the start is stimulating and
will imitate more closely the way a baby breast feeds. Once the let down occurs
and milk starts to flow freely, long, steadier strokes are more effective and less
tiring.

- When you learn to pump, you should practice for 5 minutes on a side at least
once or twice a day. Always pick the least stressful part of your day for pumping.
Relaxing and realizing that the pump is your friend is the single most important
thing that a mother can do. There are several things that a mother can do to help
herself relax, such as putting a picture of the baby on the pump, playing cards or
a game with friends, watching television, read books, or talk on the phone.
Simply watching the collection bottle is not helpful and will probably put more
stress on you than you actually need.


Breast milk is the best food you can give to your baby. Breast milk is a complete
food source, containing all the nutrients your baby need - at least 400 of them to
be exact, including hormones and disease fighting compounds that aren't
founding formula. The nutritional makeup in breast milk will adjust to your
baby's needs as he or she grows and develops. Aside from the brain building,
infection fighting benefits of breast milk, which no formula can match, nursing
will also help to build a special bond between you and your baby. When nursing,
your child thrives on the contact, cuddling, and holding - which you will as well.

Since breast feedings can take up to 40 minutes or more, you should pick a cozy
spot for nursing. The atmosphere is very important, even more so in the early
days of breast feeding when you're still trying to get the hang of it. If you get
easily distracted by noise, go somewhere quiet. You should always hold your
baby in a position that won't leave your arms or back sore. It works the best to
support the back of your baby's head with your hand, although which position
you choose depends on what's more comfortable to you. When supporting your
baby, a nursing pillow can sometimes be a big help. You should never feed until
both you and your baby are comfortable. Pay attention to how your breasts feel
when your baby latches on, as his mouth should cover most of the areola below
the nipple, and the nipple should be are back into your baby's mouth.

Some women adjust to breast feeding easily, other moms find it hard to learn. If
you feel discouraged, always know that you aren't the only one. Everyone feels
different when starting; it all depends on the mother and the situation. Breast
feeding will take practice. Therefore, you should give yourself as much time as
you need to get it down to second nature. Always take it one feeding at a time. If
you are having a bad day, tell yourself that it'll get better. Keep in mind that any
problems are temporary, as you'll be nursing like a pro by your six week
postpartum checkup. The first six weeks will be both an adventure and training.

You can't expect to know everything when you begin, which is where training and
practice will really help you excel. The more you breast feed, the more you'll
learn. You'll also build a bond with your baby - which is something you'll always
have for the rest of your lives.


The sole purpose of breast compression is to continue the flow of milk to the
baby once the baby no longer drinks on his own. Compressions will also
stimulate a let down reflex and often causes a natural letdown reflex to occur.

This technique may also be useful for the following:

1. Poor weight gain in the baby.

2. Colic in the breast fed baby.

3. Frequent feedings or long feedings.

4. Sore nipples for the mother.

5. Recurrent blocked ducts

6. Feeding the baby who falls asleep quick.

If everything is going well, breast compression may not be necessary. When all is
well, the mother should allow the baby to finish feeding on the first side and then
if the baby wants more - offer the other side.


1. Hold the baby with one arm.

2. Hold the breast with the other arm, thumb on one side of your breast,
your finger on the other far back from the nipple

3. Keep an eye out for the baby's drinking, although there is no need to be
Obsessive about catching every suck. The baby will get more milk when
drinking with an open pause type of suck.

4. When the baby is nibbling or no longer drinking, compress the breast,
not so hard that it hurts though. With the breast compression, the
Baby should begin drinking again.

5. Keep up the pressure until the baby no longer drinks with the
compression, then release the pressure. If the baby doesn't stop sucking
with the release of compression, wait a bit before compressing again.

6. The reason for releasing pressure is to allow your hand to rest, and
allow the milk to begin flowing to the baby again. If the baby stops sucking
when you release the pressure, he'll start again once he tastes milk.

7. When the baby starts to suck again, he may drink. If not, simply
compress again.

8. Continue feeding on the first side until the baby no longer drinks
with drinking again, on his own.

9. If the baby is no longer drinking, allow to come off the breast or take
him off.

10. If the baby still wants more, offer the other side and repeat the process
as above.

11. Unless you have sore nipples, you may want to switch sides like this
several times.

12. Always work to improve the baby's latch.


Not only is breast feeding an adopted baby easy, the chances are that you will
produce a large amount of milk. It isn't complicated to do, although it is different
than breast feeding a baby you have been pregnant with for 9 months. Breast
feeding and milk there are two objectives that are involved in breast feeding an
adopted baby.

The first is getting your baby to breast feed, and the other is
producing enough breast milk. There is more to breast feeding than just milk,
which is why many mothers are happy to feed without expecting to produce milk
in the way the baby needs. It's the closeness and the bond breast feeding
provides that many mothers look for. Taking the breast Even though many feel
the early introduction of bottles may interfere with breast feeding, the early
introduction of artificial nipples can interfere a great deal. The sooner you can
get the baby to the breast after birth, the better things will be. Babies will
however, require the flow from the breast in order to stay attached and continue
to suck, especially if they are used to getting flow from a bottle or other method of
feeding. Producing breast milk As soon as you have an adopted baby in sight,
contact a lactation clinic and start getting your milk supply ready. Keep in mind;
you may never produce a full milk supply for your baby, although it may happen
.
You should never feel discouraged by what you may be pumping before the baby,
as a pump is never quite as good at extracting milk as a baby who is well latched
and sucking.


Jaundice is a result of buildup in the blood of the bilirubin that comes from the
breakdown of older red blood cells. It's normal for the red blood cells to break
down, although the bilirubin formed doesn't normally cause jaundice because
the liver will metabolize it and then get rid of it in the gut. However, the newborn
baby will often become jaundiced during the first few days due to the liver
enzyme that metabolizes the bilirubin becoming relatively immature. Therefore,
newborn babies will have more red blood cells than adults, and thus more will
break down at any given time. Breast milk jaundice there is a condition that's
commonly referred to as breast milk jaundice, although no one knows what
actually causes it. In order to diagnose it, the baby should be at least a week old.

The baby should also be gaining well with breast feeding alone, having lots of
bowel movements with the passing of clean urine. In this type of setting, the baby
has what is referred to as breast milk jaundice. On occasion, infections of the
urine or an under functioning of the baby's thyroid gland, as well as other rare
illnesses that may cause the same types of problems breast milk jaundice will
peak at 10 - 21 days, although it can last for 2 - 3 months. Contrary to what you
may think, breast milk jaundice is normal. Rarely, if at all ever, does
breastfeeding need to be stopped for even a brief period of time. If the baby is
doing well on breast milk, there is no reason at all to stop or supplement withal
lactation aid.


For some people, the process of breast feeding seems to come natural, although
there's a level of skill required for successful feeding and a correct technique to
use. Incorrect positioning is one of the biggest reasons for unsuccessful feeding
and it can even injure the nipple or breast quite easily. By stroking the baby's
cheek with the nipple, the baby will open its mouth towards the nipple, which
should then be pushed in so that the baby will get a mouthful of nipple and
areola. This position is known as latching on. A lot of women prefer to wear a
nursing bra to allow easier access to the breast than other normal bras. The
length of feeding time will vary. Regardless of the duration of feeding time, it's
important for mothers to be comfortable.

 The following are positions you can use:

1. Upright - The sitting position where the back is straight.

2. Mobile - Mobile is where the mother carries her baby in a sling or
carrier while breastfeeding. Doing this allows the mother to breastfeed in
the work of everyday life.

3. Lying down - This is good for night feeds or for those who have had a
caesarean section.

4. On her back - The mother is sitting slightly upright, also a useful
position for tandem breast feeding.

5. On her side - The mother and baby both lie on their sides.

6. Hands and knees - In this feeding position the mother is on all fours
with the baby underneath her. Keep in mind, this position isn't normally
recommended. Anytime you don't feel comfortable with a feeding position,
always stop and switch to a different position. Each position is different,
while some mothers prefer one position; others may like a totally different
position. All you need to do is experiment and see which position is best
for you.


Sore nipples

A lot of mothers complain about tender nipples that make breast feeding painful
and frustrating. There is good news though, as most mothers don't suffer that
long. The nipples will toughen up quickly and render breast feeding virtually
painless. Improperly positioned babies or babies that suck really hard can make
the breasts extremely sore.

 Below, are some ways to ease your discomfort:

1. Make sure your baby is in the correct position, since a baby that isn't
positioned correctly is the number one cause of sore nipples.

2. Once you have finished feeding, expose your breasts to the air and try
to protect them from clothing and other irritations.

3. After breast feeding, apply some ultra purified, medical grade lanolin,
making sure to avoid petroleum jelly and other products with oil.

4. Make sure to wash your nipples with water and not with soap.

5. Many women find teabags ran under coldwater to provide some relief
when placed on the nipples.

6. Make sure you vary your position each time with feeding to ensure that
a different area of the nipple is being compressed each time.

Clogged milk ducts

Clogged milk ducts can be identified as small, red tender lumps on the tissue of
the breast. Clogged ducts can cause the milk to back up and lead to infection.
The best way to unclog these ducts is to ensure that you’ve emptied as completely
as possible. You should offer the clogged breast first at feeding time, then let
your baby empty it as much as possible. If milk remains after the feeding, the
remaining amount should be removed by hand or with a pump. You should also
keep pressure off the duct by making sure your bra is not too tight. Breast
infection Also known as mastitis’s, breast infection is normally due to empty
breasts completely out of milk, germs gaining entrance to the milk ducts through
cracks or fissures in the nipple, and decreased immunity in the mother due to
stress or inadequate nutrition.

The symptoms of breast infection include severe pain or soreness, hardness of
the breast, redness of the breast, heat coming from the area, swelling, or even
chill. The treatment of breast infection includes bed rest, antibiotics, pain
relievers, increased fluid intake, and applying heat. Many women will stop breast
feeding during an infection, although it's actually the wrong thing to do. By
emptying the breasts, you'll actually help to prevent clogged milk ducts. If the
pain is so bad you can't feed, try using a pump while lying in a tub of warm water
with your breasts floating comfortably in the water. You should also make sure
that the pump isn't electric if you plan to use it in the bath tub. You should
always make sure that breast infections are treated promptly and completely or
you may risk the chance of abscess. An abscess is very painful, involving
throbbing and swelling. You’ll also experience swelling, tenderness, and heat in
the area of the abscess. If the infection progresses this far, your doctor may
prescribe medicine and even surgery.


Babies that are breast fed are very portable and easy to comfort no matter where
your schedule has you going. Many women however, worry about breast feeding
in public. The worry of nursing in a public place is normally worse than the
actual experience and often times the only people who notice you feeding are the
other mothers who are doing the same thing.

Many women find ways to breast feed discreetly. You can ask your partner or
even a friend to stand in front of you while you lift your shirt from the waist.
When you breast feed, the baby's body will cover most of your upper body and
you can pull your shirt down to her face to cover the tops of your breast. Some
mothers prefer to put a light blanket over their shoulders as a type of cover.
When you are visiting someone else's home, you may feel more comfortable
either leaving the room or turning away from people when you first put the baby
to your breast. If you would like more privacy, breast feed in an empty room, car,
or public restroom.

A lot of restrooms are becoming more baby friendly and they even have a
seperate are with a changing table and a chair. Several shopping malls now offer
special mother's rooms where the mom can breast feed her baby in privacy,
which will help sensitive babies who are too distracted by feeding to nurse well in
public. It won't take long at all though, before your baby will learn to breast feed
without any fuss at all.

An alternative way is expressing or pumping your milk at home and then offer it
in a bottle while in public. Keep in mind, offering bottles with artificial nipples in
the first few weeks can and probably will interfere with breast feeding.
When breast feeding in public, you should always use what works best for you.

During the first few weeks, it will take some getting used to, as it will be as new
for you as it is for the baby. With some time, you'll have no problems at all.
If you don't feel comfortable breast feeding in a certain location, then you
shouldn't. You should feel a certain level of comfort when you feed, as the baby
can tell when you aren't comfortable doing something. If you show your baby
that you aren't nervous - you and your baby will be just fine.


Because more and more women are choosing to breast feed their babies, more
and more are also finding that they enjoy it enough to continue longer than the
first few months they planned on. Breast feeding to 3 - 4 years of age is common
in much of the world recently, and is still common in many societies for toddlers
to be breast fed.

Because mothers and babies often enjoy to breast feed, you shouldn't stop it.
After six months, many think that breast milk loses it's value - which isn't true.
Even after six months, it still contains protein, fat, and other important nutrients
which babies and children need.

The fact is, immune factors in breast milk will protect the baby against infections.
Breast milk also contains factors that will help the immune system mature, and
other organs to develop and mature as well.

It's been shown and proven in the past that children in daycare who are still
breast feeding have far less severe infections than the children that aren't breast
feeding. The mother will lose less work time if she chooses to continue nursing
her baby once she is back to work.

If you have thought about breast feeding your baby once he gets passed 6 months
of age, you have made a wise decision. Although many feel that it isn't necessary,
breast milk will always help babies and toddlers. Breast milk is the best milk you
can give to your baby.

No matter what others may tell you, breast feeding only needs to be stopped
when you and the baby agree on it. You don't have to stop when someone else
wants you to - you should only stop when you feel that it's the right time.

Engorged Breasts

Within the first two to three days after you have given birth, you may discover
that your breasts feel swollen, tender, throbbing, lumpy, and overly full.
Sometimes, the swelling will extend all the way to your armpit, and you may run
a low fever as well.

The causes

Within 72 hours of giving birth, an abundance of milk will come in or become
available to your baby. As this happens, more blood will flow to your breasts and
some of the surrounding tissue will swell. The result is full, swollen, engorged
breasts.
Not every postpartum mom experienced true engorgement. Some women's
breasts become only slightly full, while others find their breasts have become
amazingly hard. Some women will hardly notice the pain, as they are involved in
other things during the first few days.

Treating it

Keep in mind; engorgement is a positive sign that you are producing milk to feed
to your baby. Until you produce the right amount:

1. Wear a supportive nursing bra, even at night - making sure it isn't too
tight.

2. Breast feed often, every 2 - 3 hours if you can. Try to get the first side of
your breasts as soft as possible. If your baby seems satisfied with just one
breast, you can offer the other at the next feeding.

3. Avoid letting your baby latch on and suck when the areola is very firm.
To reduce the possibility of nipple damage, you can use a pump until your
areola softens up.

4. Avoid pumping milk except when you need to soften the areola or when
your baby is unable to latch on. Excessive pumping can lead to the over
production of milk and prolonged engorgement.

5. To help soothe the pain and relieve swelling, apply cold packs to your
breasts for a short amount of time after you nurse. Crushed ice in a plastic
bag will also work.

6. Look ahead. You'll get past this engorgement in no time and soon be
able to enjoy your breast feeding relationship with your new baby.

Engorgement will pass very quickly. You can expect it to diminish within 24 - 48
hours, as nursing your baby will only help the problem. If you aren't breast
feeding, it will normally get worse before it gets better. Once the engorgement
has passed, your breasts will be softer and still full of milk.

During this time, you can and should continue to nurse. Unrelieved
engorgement can cause a drop in your production of milk, so it's important to
breast feed right from the start. Keep an eye for signs of hunger and feed him
when he needs to be fed.


The nutritional requirements for the baby will rely solely on the breast milk, and
therefore the mother will need to maintain a healthy diet. If the baby is large and
grows fast, the fat stores gained by the mother during pregnancy can be depleted
quickly, meaning that she may have trouble eating good enough to maintain and
develop sufficient amounts of milk.

This type of diet normally involves a high calorie, high nutrition diet which
follows on from that in pregnancy. Even though mothers in famine conditions
can produce milk with nutritional content, a mother that is malnourished may
produce milk with lacking levels of vitamins A, D, B6, and B12.

If they smoke, breast feeding mothers must use extreme caution. More than 20
cigarettes a day has been shown to reduce the milk supply and cause vomiting,
diarrhoea, rapid heart rate, and restlessness in the infants. SIDS (Sudden Infant
Death Syndrome) is more common in babies that are exposed to smoke.
Heavy drinking is also known to harm the infant, as well as yourself. If you are
breast feeding, you should avoid alcohol or consume very small amounts at a
time.

The excessive consumption of alcohol by the mother can result in irritability,
sleeplessness, and increased feeding in the infant. Moderate use, normally 1 - 2
cups a day normally produce no effect. Therefore, mothers that are breast
feeding are advised to avoid caffeine or restrict intake of it.

By following a healthy diet and limiting your intake of the above, you'll ensure
that your baby gets the right nutrients during your time of breast feeding. This
stage of life is very important - as you don't want anything to happen to your
baby.

Almost all mothers who breast feed go through a period of questioning whether
or not their supply of milk is adequate. Some mothers simply aren’t able to
produce enough milk to meet the needs of her baby. According to many experts,
true insufficiencies of milk are very rare. A lot of women think their milk supply
is low when it actually isn't. Thinking this can happen if you lose the feeling of
fullness in your breasts or if the milk stops leaking from your nipples. Babies that
go through growth spurts may want more milk than usual, and these more
frequent feedings may leave your breasts less than full. Causes of it a mother's
milk supply may diminish for a brief period of time if she isn't feeding her baby
often enough due to nipple pain, or a poor latch on technique. Illnesses or
estrogens containing birth control pills may also affect the production of milk.

What you should do the best way to handle a low supply of breast milk is through
a doctor's care. You should make sure that your baby gets frequent feedings and
that nothing is wrong with your nipples or your milk ducts. Doctors are the best
ones to ask, as they can run tests to see if everything is fine within your body.
 
A low supply of breast milk can affect your baby, although it's more of a mental
condition than anything else. If your baby isn't gaining any weight or if he is
losing weight, you should call a doctor immediately. Improved techniques for
breast feeding will normally help, although in some cases weight gain or weight
loss will indicate a serious concern. In most cases, you can still nurse with a
temporary decrease in milk supply, although frequent breast feeding is the key to
boosting your production of milk.


Breast milk is actually the only food your baby will need until 4 months of age,
although most babies do well on breast milk alone for 6 months or better. There
is really no advantage to adding other foods or milks before 4 - 6 months, except
under unusual circumstances.

Water

Breast milk is over 90% water. Even in the hottest days of summer, a baby won't
require any extra water. If a baby isn't feeding well, they still don't require any
extra water - although they will need the breast feeding problems to be fixed.

Vitamin D

Although breast milk doesn't contain much vitamin D, it does have a little. The
baby will store up vitamin D during pregnancy, and remain healthy without any
vitamin D supplementation, unless you yourself had a problem with vitamin D
deficiency when pregnant. Exposure to the outside will give your baby vitamin D,
even in winter and when the sky discovered. An hour or more exposure during
the week will give your baby more than enough vitamin D.

Iron

Breast milk contains less iron than formulas do, especially those that are iron
enriched. Iron will give the baby added protection against infections, as many
bacteria need iron in order to multiply. The iron found in breast milk is utilized
well by the baby, while not being available to bacteria. The introduction of iron
should never be delayed beyond the age of 6 months. Breast milk is the best that
your can feed your baby, as it provides everything he will need for probably the
first 6 months. After the first 6 months, you can introduce solid foods to your
baby if he is taking an interest to them.


Almost all women don't have a problem with producing enough milk to breast
feed. The ideal way to make sure that your baby is getting enough milk is to be
sure that he's well positioned, attached to the breast, and feed him as often as he
gets hungry. Some mom's that are breast feeding will stop before they want to,
simply because they don't think they have enough breast milk. There are signs
that might make you believe your baby isn’t getting enough milk. If your baby
seems hungry or unsettled after feeding, or if he wants to feed often with short
pauses between feedings, you may think he isn't getting enough milk - which are
oftentimes not the case.

There are however, two reliable signs that let you know

your baby isn't getting enough milk. If your baby has poor or really slow weight
gain, or is passing small amounts of concentrated urine, he’s not getting enough
milk. All babies will lose weight within the first few days after birth. Babies are
born with supplies off at and fluids, which will help them, keep going for the first
several days. Once your baby regains birth weight, he should begin so. To get
back to their birth weight, it normally takes a few weeks. If the weight gain for
your baby seems to be slow, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or nurse to observe
you breast feeding. This way, they can make sure that your technique is right
and if they think your baby is breast feeding often enough. To help you with your
breast feeding, here are some ways that you can increase your supply of milk:

1. Be sure that your baby is positioned correctly and attached to your
breast.

2. Let your baby feed for as long and often as he wants.

3. If you feel that your baby isn't breastfeeding enough, offer him more
breast feeds.

4. During each breast feed, make sure you feed from both breasts.

5. If your baby has been using a dummy, make sure you stop him.

6. Some babies may be sleepy and reluctant to feed, which may be the
cause of problems with milk supply.

By following the above tips, you'll do your part in making sure you have enough
milk when it comes time to breast feed. If you are uncertain or have other
questions, be sure to ask your doctor, as he can answer any type of question you
may have.


Sometimes, a baby that is breast fed may suddenly decide to refuse breast
feeding. The baby will pull away from the breast, and then toss his head from
side to side. This can happen at anytime, so there really is no way to predict it
happening. Reasons why Refusal to feed from the breast could occur when the
baby is in pain. Normally, this can be due to a near infection, sore head from
vacuum delivery, thrush in the baby's mouth, or teething. The use of dummies,
teats or nipple shields may also contribute to refusal. Some babies actually find it
difficult to feed from the breast and bottle as the sucking action is very different.
Some become confused, therefore it's always best to avoid using any type of teats
or dummies. Sometimes, the milk just takes bitter. This can be due to
antibiotics, if you starting or in the middle of your period, or nipple creams. If
the milk tastes bitter, your baby will normally not want to feed.

Solving the problems first, you should always try to identify what may have
caused the breast refusal then begin to treat the cause. Always remain patient
and gentle with your baby. Be sure to hold your baby next to you, skin to skin, so
that he can take the breast when he wants to, so that he begins to realize that
breast feeding is both enjoyable and comfortable. Older babies may suddenly
take shorter and fewer breast feeds, although this can be normal with some
babies. Therefore, it's always best not to try and make the baby feed longer, but
instead let the baby decide how often and also how long each individual feeding
will last.


Once you return to work, you can continue to breastfeed. If you live close to work
or have an on site daycare, you may be able to breast feed during your breaks. If
that isn't possible, you have 2choices:

1. Keep your milk supply by using a high quality automatic electric breast
pump to express milk during the day. Save your milk that you collect for
your baby sitter.

2. If you don't want to or can't pump at work, you can gradually replace
daytime feedings with formula while you’re at home but still continue to
nurse at night and in the morning. The milk your body produces may not
be enough to keep your baby satisfied, even if you only need enough for2
feedings.


Pumping at work will help stimulate your production of milk, so you'll have
plenty available when it comes time to feed. You can also collect the milk you
pump, so your baby will have the health and nutritional benefits of breast milk
even when you aren't there. To make things better, pumping can be an ideal way
to feel a connection to your baby during the work day. Although it can seem like a
hassle, many mothers find that the benefits of breast pumping far out weight the
inconvenience.

To manage pumping at work, you'll need to have the following:

1. Breast pump, preferably a fully automatic electric pump with a double
collection kit so you can pump both breasts simultaneously.

2. Bottles or bags for collecting and storing the milk.

3. Access to a refrigerator or cooler to keep the milk cold until you return
home.

4. Breast pads to help protect your clothes if you start to leak.

Make sure that you get used to pumping before you return to work, so you'll
know what to expect and how it feels. You'll be much more confident with
pumping at work if you already know that you can produce enough milk.
At work, you'll want to have somewhere that’s away from everyone else when you
pump, such as an empty office or empty room. This way, you’ll be away from
everyone else and you can have the quiet tranquility you need to pump. In most
offices, this shouldn't be a problem.

For the time frame, you'll want to pump every2 - 3 hours if possible. If you can't,
every 4 hours or so will have to suffice. After you have finished pumping, store
the milk in the bags or bottles, clean yourself up, then go back to work. When
you return home, you can feed the milk to your growing baby.


Breast milk is all your baby will need until at least 4 months of age. There does
come a time, when breast milk will no longer supply all of your baby’s nutrition
needs. Full term babies will start to require iron from other sources by 6 -
9months of age.

Some babies that aren't started on solid foods by the age of 9 - 12 months may
have a great level of difficulty accepting solid foods. It's actually a developmental
milestone when your child starts solid foods - as he is now growing up.

When to start the ideal time to begin solid foods is when the baby shows interest
in starting. Some babies will show interest in solid food when it's on their
parents' plates, as early as 4 months of age. By 5 - 6 months, most babies will
reach out and try to grab the food. When the baby starts to reach for food, it's
normally the time to go ahead and give him some.

Sometimes, it may be a better idea to start food earlier. When a baby seems to get
hungry or once weight gain isn't continuing at the desired rate, it may be good to
start solid foods as early as3 months. It may be possible however, to continue
breast feeding alone and have the baby less hungry or growing more rapidly.
Breast fed babies will digest solid foods better and earlier than artificially fed
babies because the breast milk will contain enzymes which help to digest fats,
proteins, and starch. Breastfed babies will also have had a variety of different
tastes in their life, since the flavours of many foods the mother eats will pass into
her milk.


When the baby begins to take solid foods at the age of 5 - 6 months, there is very
little difference what he starts will or what order it is introduced. You should
however, avoid spicy foods or highly allergenic foods at first, although if your
baby reaches for the potato on your plate, you should let him have it if it isn't too
hot.

Offer your baby the foods that he seems to be interested in. Allow your baby to
enjoy the food and don't worry too much about how much he takes at first, as
much of it may end up on the floor or in his hair anyhow.
The easiest way to get iron for your baby at 5 - 6 months of age is by giving him
meat. Cereal for infants has iron, although it is poorly absorbed and may cause
your baby to get constipated.


When your baby has stopped breast feeding and gets all of his nutrition from the
sources than the breast, he's actually considered weaned. Even though babies
are also weaned from the bottle as well, the term weaning often refers to when a
baby is stopped from breast feeding.

When weaning is a mother's idea, it normally requires a lot of patience and can
take time, depending on the age of your baby or toddler, and also how well your
child adjusts. The overall experience is different for everyone.
Weaning is a long goodbye, sometimes emotional and sometimes painful. It
doesn’t however; signal the end to the intimacy you and your child have
developed during the nursing stage. What it means, is that you have to replace
breast feeding with other types of nourishment.

Starting weaning

Your the best judge as to when it's the right time to wean, and you don't really
have a deadline unless you and your child are actually ready to wean. The
recommended time for weaning is one year. No matter what relatives, friends, or
even complete strangers tell you, there is no right or wrong time for weaning.

How to wean

You should proceed slowly, regardless of what the age of your child may be.
Experts say that you shouldn't abruptly withhold your breast, as they results can
be traumatic. You should however, try these methods instead:

1. Skip a feeding - Skip a feeding and see what happens, offering a cup of
milk to your baby instead. As a substitute, you can use a bottle of your
own pumped milk, formula, or a cow's milk. If you reduce feedings one at
a time, your child will eventually adjust to the changes.

2. Shorten feeding time - You can start by cutting the length of time your
child is actually at the breast. If the normal feeding time is 5 minutes, try

3. Depending on the age, follow the feeding with a healthy snack.
Bedtime feedings are usually the hardest to wean, as they are normally the