Breastfeeding Articles- American Pregnancy Association Promoting Pregnancy Wellness Tue, 06 Feb 2024 09:06:35 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://americanpregnancy.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/apa-favicon-heart-2019-50x50.png Breastfeeding Articles- American Pregnancy Association 32 32 Breastfeeding Diet Basics, According To A Registered Dietitian https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/breastfeeding-diet-basics-registered-dietitian/ Wed, 28 Dec 2022 16:52:13 +0000 https://americanpregnancy.org/?p=95990 You made it through those 9 months of pregnancy where you did without massive amounts of caffeine, booze, and raw sushi, indubitably with absolute success. But now that you are a new mama and you are entering a new phase of your journey — namely your lactation journey — it is important to know that […]

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You made it through those 9 months of pregnancy where you did without massive amounts of caffeine, booze, and raw sushi, indubitably with absolute success. But now that you are a new mama and you are entering a new phase of your journey — namely your lactation journey — it is important to know that there are some nutrition tips that you are still going to have to follow if you want your breastmilk to be as nutritious as it can be for your little one.

Sure, your diet becomes much more liberalized once you are no longer responsible for literally growing a tiny human in your belly (and thank goodness for that!), but you aren’t completely off the hook when it comes to focusing on your diet when you are breastfeeding. Not only does what you eat impact certain aspects of the nutrients provided in your breastmilk, but it can also play a role in your healing progress, your energy levels, and your mental health.

So, what are the breastfeeding tips you need to keep in mind when you are following a breastfeeding diet? Read on to learn the best foods to eat while breastfeeding, what not to eat while breastfeeding, how many calories should a breastfeeding woman eat, and more.

Without further ado, here are the best things to eat while breastfeeding.

How Much Do You Need To Eat When Breastfeeding?

Before we dig into the specifics of which foods to focus on, it is important to understand that your overall nutrition needs have changed once you start lactating. While people claim that you are “eating for two” when you are pregnant, the reality is that your caloric needs have increased significantly once you are producing nourishing milk for your baby — even more than during pregnancy.

According to the National Institute of Health, lactating people need an additional 450-500 calories per day to support their nutrition needs. Additionally, nursing moms need approximately 71 grams of protein per day according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Increasing your calorie and protein intake doesn’t mean that you should be downing a bag of fried potato chips and a dozen slices of fatty bacon every day. Leaning on nutrient-dense foods that contain high-quality protein, a slew of micronutrients, and healthy fats can help you feel your best while helping supply your baby with the critical nutrients it needs in order to grow and thrive.

What Should You Eat When Breastfeeding?

OK – you get that you need to eat more calories and protein when you are lactating, but what the heck should you actually eat while breastfeeding to increase baby weight and help ensure baby is getting what it needs from your breastmilk?

Here are some tips for your breastfeeding diet that can have a profound impact on everything you are trying to accomplish:

The best breastfeeding diet for you and your baby.

1. Include Low Mercury Fish In Your Diet Two Times A Week

Experts agree that including fish that contain lower levels of methylmercury in your breastfeeding diet is one of the most important things you can do to fuel your body with important DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids, nutrients that play important roles in baby’s health. Specifically, DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that is essential for the brain and vision development of your baby.

Adequate DHA omega-3 fatty acids may benefit a lactating mama as well, as some data suggests that taking in adequate amounts during the postpartum stage may have a protective effect against postpartum depression symptoms and promote overall wellness.

Fish also provides important micronutrients that are important to consume in adequate amounts during the lactation stage, including iodine, selenium, and vitamin B12.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breastfeeding mothers take in 200 to 300 mg of omega-3 fatty acids per day. They also recommend that this population. eat 1-2 servings of fish per week, with sustainably caught or raised fish and shellfish offering the best choices. Similarly, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans includes a suggestion that breastfeeding women consume between 9 and 12 ounces per week of a variety of seafood from choices that are lower in mercury.

When selecting your fish, picking options that are lower in methylmercury is an important step to consider. Methylercury is a naturally occurring element that can be found in our water sources, and therefore can accumulate in the fish we eat. This metal, when consumed in large amounts, is toxic to the nervous system and can result in negative effects on the brain and nervous system development of a baby.

Safe Catch is the only brand of seafood to test every Elite skipjack tuna and salmon to a mercury limit 10X and25x more strict than the FDA action limit, respectively. Plus, these fish options meets Consumer Report’s “low mercury criteria” set for vulnerable populations like pregnant women and young children and it is the official Seafood of the American Pregnancy Association. Safe Catch also uses Certified Sustainable fishing practices through the Marine Stewardship Council where Safe Catch tuna and salmon are internationally certified to the MSC fisheries standard of sustainability.

2. Focus On Important Micronutrients

Your breast milk naturally contains nutrients that your baby needs in order to grow and thrive. And while certain nutrients are found in your milk regardless of what you eat, other nutrient levels are dependent on your intake — meaning that if your diet is low in certain quantities of key nutrients, your breastmilk may not have the most ideal levels.

Choline, iodine, selenium, and vitamin A are key nutrients that lactating moms should ensure they are consuming enough of. Great foods to include in a breastfeeding diet that supply at least one of these nutrients include:

3. Consume Caffeine in Moderation

Unlike during pregnancy, when some experts say that sticking to a maximum of 200 mg of caffeine every day is recommended, you can include a good amount of this stimulant in your breastfeeding diet, as very low amounts of mom’s caffeine intake are transferred to the breast milk. As such, moderate amounts of caffeine do not appear to be as large of a concern as it was during pregnancy. So, feel free to enjoy your morning cup of Joe when you are lactating — you may still want to hold off on the triple espresso lattes though until you are finished with your lactation journey.

The Right Nutrients For A Healthy Breastfeeding Journey

When a mother is breastfeeding, her dietary choices become incredibly important in order to support not only her health and wellness but also her baby’s growth and development. Choosing the right foods to eat, like Safe Catch Elite Wild Tuna and other lower-mercury fish options, lots of produce, and eggs, can help ensure mom is getting what she needs and the breast milk being fed to baby is as nutrient-dense as possible. Prioritizing your diet when you are caring for a newborn may not be the easiest thing to do, but in the long run, doing so may be one of the best things you can do for both yourself and for your baby.

Lauren Manaker – MS, RDN, LD, CLEC, CPT
Registered Dietitian, Certified Lactation Educator-Counselor, Freelance Writer, Dietitian Spokesperson, Media Dietitian
@laurenlovesnutrition

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Benefits of Fish Oil Supplements & Fish Consumption in Pregnancy https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/benefits-of-fish-oil-supplements-fish-consumption/ Fri, 16 Dec 2022 16:50:48 +0000 https://americanpregnancy.org/?p=95986 If you are taking a fish oil supplement while pregnant or nursing, can you skip eating seafood? A dietitian explains. Some of us happily enjoy a homemade tuna sandwich, a piece of freshly grilled salmon at dinnertime, and other seafood dishes a few times a week. But, unfortunately, many pregnant and lactating women aren’t coming […]

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If you are taking a fish oil supplement while pregnant or nursing, can you skip eating seafood? A dietitian explains.

Some of us happily enjoy a homemade tuna sandwich, a piece of freshly grilled salmon at dinnertime, and other seafood dishes a few times a week. But, unfortunately, many pregnant and lactating women aren’t coming close to the recommended 8-10 ounce weekly intake of seafood.

As a solution, many people, especially women during pregnancy and who are breastfeeding, lean on fish oil supplements to help them get in important healthy fats, even when they are foregoing their fish and shellfish.

But is taking a fish oil supplement an appropriate substitute for eating seafood every week? Or do you still need to eat your fish and shellfish even if you are religiously popping a fish oil pill every day?

What Is Fish Oil?

The fish we eat, especially more oily options like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, are rich sources of unique omega-3 fatty acids that offer important health benefits. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA) are two specific omega-3 fatty acids found in these oily fish and they are incredibly important for supporting a healthy pregnancy, specifically by offering potential benefits like reducing the risk of pre-term labor and possibly reducing the risk of developing postpartum depression. And for lactating women, adequate intake of the healthy omegas found in fish is linked to outcomes like better infant psychomotor development and a reduced risk of infant allergies.

These fatty acids are considered to be healthy fats and these omegas cannot be produced by the human body in adequate amounts, making it incredibly important to take this fat in via your diet, especially when pregnant or lactating.

Omega 3 benefits certainly run the gamut. Some roles DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids may play in the human body include:

  • Vision support
  • Brain health support
  • Heart-health support
  • Help maintain a healthy pregnancy in pregnant women
  • Combat chronic inflammation
  • Support mental health

And when it comes to a developing baby, DHA omega 3 fatty acids play an important role in both eye and brain health.

How much fish oil should be taken daily depends on a few factors, including a person’s age and health status. Pregnant women are told to take in a minimum of 200 milligrams of DHA omega-3 fatty acids, with some data suggesting that a daily dose that is closer to 1,000 milligrams should be what we are aiming for during certain stages of pregnancy. Ultimately, the exact amount of DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids you should be shooting for should be discussed with your health care provider.

Benefits of fish oil supplements in pregnancy.

What Are Fish Oil Pills?

We already know how beneficial fish oil can be to supporting our overall health. Therefore, it is no surprise that fish oil is one of U.S. adults and children’s most commonly used nonvitamin/nonmineral dietary supplements.

When taking a fish oil supplement, you are essentially taking a pill made of the oils obtained from a fish. Typically, these fish oil supplements are fantastic sources of DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids, and they help people take in these important fats in a convenient way. In some cases, these supplements may also contain additional nutrients, like vitamin D.

There is no doubt that taking these pills is convenient, and they are a simple way to provide your body with these key nutrients. But only leaning on pills and not including fish in your diet can leave you missing out on other important nutrients that extend beyond DHA and EPA omega-3s.

 

A Fish Oil Pill Is Not A Substitute For Eating Fish

Taking a fish oil supplement loaded with DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids is one simple habit that many health experts recommend, especially when it comes to those who are pregnant or lactating.

But does popping a fish oil supplement mean you don’t have to eat the recommended 8-10 ounces of seafood every week?

While it is true that one of the reasons seafood is recommended to be a part of the pregnancy and lactation diet is because of the unique healthy omega-3 fatty acids they provide, the fat content is not the only reason why fish is suggested.

Sure, one serving of salmon or tuna can fuel your body with loads of DHA and EPA omega-3s, but seafood is also chock-full of handfuls of other important nutrients that are too important to ignore.

Let’s take a can of tuna, as an example. In each 3-ounce serving, you get 60 milligrams of EPA omega-3 fatty acids and over 1,000 milligrams of DHA omega-3 fatty acids. But along with a hefty dose of these healthy fats, you also get a dose of protein, selenium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, vitamin B12, and a slew of other nutrients that support a healthy pregnancy, heart health, brain health, and overall well-being.

And data shows that some benefits of eating fish include supporting bone health, reducing anxiety levels, and even reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. During pregnancy, eating fish is linked to some fascinating outcomes too.

According to the results of one study, pregnant women who ate fish 2-3 times every week had babies who reached milestones like climbing stairs, drinking from a cup, and drawing more quickly than babies born to moms who did not eat the same amount of fish every week. Another study showed that children whose mothers eat seafood during pregnancy may gain an average of 7.7 IQ points compared to those whose mothers do not eat seafood.

Mercury Concerns Surrounding Fish Consumption During Pregnancy

Eating fish during pregnancy can fuel your body with important nutrients in a delicious and sustainable way, the potential methylmercury content of your fish needs to be taken into consideration.

Methylmercury is a naturally occurring toxic element that settles from the air into our water sources. This compound can build up in fish, and can therefore be transferred to humans when we enjoy a seafood meal. When this metal is consumed in large amounts during pregnancy, the risk of experiencing negative effects on the baby’s brain and nervous system development can increase.

Considering how many beneficial compounds fish can provide a pregnant person, it is not recommended to avoid fish altogether. Instead, the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that those who are pregnant or breastfeeding consume between 8 and 12 ounces per week of a variety of seafood from choices that are lower in mercury.

When shopping for fish during pregnancy, it is helpful to know that Safe Catch Elite and Ahi tuna and salmon meet Consumer Report’s “low mercury criteria” set for vulnerable populations like pregnant women and young children. Plus, Safe Catch is the only brand of seafood to test every tuna (Elite and Ahi) and salmon to a mercury limit 10-25x stricter than the FDA action limit, making it a perfect addition to pregnancy and nursing-safe diet.

Fish Oil Pills + Seafood = Maximum Health Benefits

No matter whether you are trying to support your heart health, maintain a healthy pregnancy or support a healthy breastfeeding journey, taking a fish oil supplement and eating seafood can both help you achieve your goal. Therefore, the question of whether you should take a fish oil supplement vs eating fish is moot, as ideally, you are doing both! Sticking to fish options that are lower in mercury, like Safe Catch Elite Tuna, will help you meet your needs in a safe and nourishing way.

Bottom line? The benefits of omega 3s are too important to neglect especially during pregnancy. Combining your fish oil pill with your seafood intake will ensure you are giving your body exactly what you need, even on days when you are not including fish in your diet. So, keep taking your recommended fish oil per day, but don’t skip the seafood. Your body will thank you for it.

 

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Baby Formula Shortage https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/breastfeeding/baby-formula-shortage/ Fri, 20 May 2022 16:58:44 +0000 https://americanpregnancy.org/?p=94928 Parents across the country are struggling to find baby formula due to a nationwide shortage. Here is what parents need to know about the baby formula shortage and what they can do if their brand is out of stock Why is there a baby formula shortage? There have been baby formula shortages in U.S. stores […]

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Parents across the country are struggling to find baby formula due to a nationwide shortage. Here is what parents need to know about the baby formula shortage and what they can do if their brand is out of stock

Why is there a baby formula shortage?

There have been baby formula shortages in U.S. stores throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, said Steven Abrams, M.D., professor of pediatrics at the University of Texas Dell Medical School. The shortages, due in part to supply chain issues, have recently been exacerbated by recalls of several formula products.

“Inflation, supply chain shortages, and product recalls have brought an unprecedented amount of volatility for baby formula,” Ben Reich, founder and CEO of Datasembly, said in a report about the baby formula shortage on April 13. “We expect to continue to see the baby formula category being dramatically affected by these conditions.”

In February 2022, Abbott Nutrition, a large infant formula manufacturer, announced a major recall of some products. The company recalled Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powder formulas manufactured in the company’s Sturgis, Michigan, facility on Feb. 17, followed by another recall for one lot of its Similac PM 60/40 on Feb. 28.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says it is investigating consumer complaints of bacterial infections in four babies who consumed formula produced in the Michigan facility. All four babies were hospitalized, and the bacterial infections may have led to two deaths. 

The recalled products should no longer be for sale, according to the FDA. But parents who have these products in their homes should check the lot code on the bottom of the package to determine if they are included in the recall. The FDA has a full list of recalled brands on its website.

What should parents do if their baby formula brand is out of stock?

If your trusted formula brand is out of stock, you still have options. First, call your OB-GYN or pediatrician to see if they have any in-office baby formula samples or ask if they can suggest a formula that may be more readily available and is nutritionally similar to their baby’s typical formula, according to guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Generic formula brands from a grocery store or pharmacy as an alternative to your baby’s normal brand are “equally effective and safe to use,” pediatrician Ilan Shapiro, M.D., told VERIFY. Shapiro also suggested breast milk banks, where other parents are giving away their breast milk, as an option if the baby’s formula brand isn’t available.

The Human Milk Banking Association of America has a map and list of 31 member milk banks throughout the country online

Donated breast milk is very safe. Mothers are tested for any illness that could pass through their breast milk before they donate it and containers of milk are tested for harmful bacteria, 

Babies can also begin eating solid foods that can complement, or add to, breast milk or formula at about six months old, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says on its website. By the time your baby is about 7 or 8 months old, you can introduce them to a variety of different foods, including infant cereals, meat, fruits, vegetables, grains, yogurts and cheese, among others.

Is homemade baby formula safe? 

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), HHS and other medical experts warn against diluting formula with water or making baby formula at home, as some on social media have suggested. Homemade baby formula is not safe and does not meet babies’ nutritional needs. Infant deaths have been reported from the use of some homemade formulas, according to the AAP.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also advises parents to not give babies homemade infant formula because of serious health and safety concerns, including contamination, nutritional imbalances and foodborne illnesses. 

The FDA regulates all commercially available infant formulas but doesn’t regulate recipes for homemade formulas.

Can babies have cow’s milk instead of formula?

Parents shouldn’t feed cow’s milk to babies 6 to 12 months old, except in an emergency when every other option has been exhausted.

The CDC and the AAP recommend that babies be introduced to cow’s milk at 12 months old, but not before then and never as the child’s main source of nutrients. 

Cow’s milk has too many proteins and minerals for a baby’s kidneys to handle and does not have enough necessary nutrients, the CDC says. It could also put the baby at risk of intestinal bleeding.

“Cow’s milk does not provide enough iron for babies and it can cause them to become anemic. And it also has a lot of different solutes like protein and different things that the kidneys don’t process very well in infants. So we don’t recommend cow’s milk for kids under 1 year old,” Rachel Dawkins, M.D., a pediatrician at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.

Parents may be able to feed cow’s milk to some babies between 6 and 12 months old if other formula alternatives are unavailable during the ongoing shortage, but this shouldn’t be a long-term solution.

Abrams wrote on the AAP’s parenting website that cow’s milk may be an option for children older than 6 months who are usually on regular formula if other alternatives aren’t available. This does not apply to babies who need specialty formula products for allergies or have other special health needs. 

“In a pinch, you could feed them whole cow’s milk for a brief period of time until the shortage is better. This is not ideal and should not become routine. However, it is a better option than diluting formula or making homemade formula,” Abrams said.

What about goat’s milk and plant-based milks?

Goat’s milk is not approved as an alternative feeding option for babies in the U.S. However, there are some goat milk-based baby formulas in other countries that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may consider for accelerated import approval, Abrams said. 

Additionally, some plant-based milks like almond milk are not recommended as baby formula alternatives, as they don’t have enough protein or healthy fats that babies need for brain development.

Will Amazon ship formula from Canada to the U.S.?

Some social media users are advising people who can’t find their baby’s formula to switch their Amazon accounts from the U.S. to Canada. Amazon won’t ship baby formula from Canada to the U.S. Though some third-party sellers who sell their items independently on Amazon may do so, experts warn against buying formula products from other countries because the product may not match the higher U.S. regulations requirements. According to Amazon, U.S. customers can’t purchase baby formula products from Amazon Canada if they are sold and shipped by Amazon or sold by third-party sellers and shipped by Amazon.


SOURCES

 

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Care for Your Nursing Breasts https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/breastfeeding/care-for-your-nursing-breasts/ Mon, 31 Jan 2022 20:05:50 +0000 https://americanpregnancy.org/?p=93017 If breastfeeding is so natural, it must come easy, right? Yes and no. Unfortunately, almost half of all new mothers who start out nursing their babies give up within the first six weeks and miss out on all its important benefits. Let’s look at how to prepare your breasts for nursing and care for them […]

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If breastfeeding is so natural, it must come easy, right? Yes and no. Unfortunately, almost half of all new mothers who start out nursing their babies give up within the first six weeks and miss out on all its important benefits. Let’s look at how to prepare your breasts for nursing and care for them while breastfeeding.

Why Breasts Need Care During Pregnancy

Your breasts begin preparing to nourish your baby almost from day one of your pregnancy. In the early days you probably noticed they were extra swollen and sensitive. Their increasing size during your first trimester is caused by the development of the milk-making structures within them. Your blood flow increases and veins along with stretch marks may become visible.

Your nipples and areola (area around the nipple) may double in size and deepen in color. This darkening helps a newborn zero in on your nipple for feeding. The small glands located in the areola will become more pronounces. This is important because these tubercles secrete an antibacterial lubricant that keeps the nipple moist and protected during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Be extra careful not to use a soap or cream that could remove the breasts’ natural lubricant and antibacterial functions.

By your fifth or sixth month, your breasts are ready to produce milk. Some women may notice drops of fluid on their nipple. This fluid is colostrum and will be your baby’s first food in the first days after delivery.

Why Breastfeeding Moms Need a Nursing Bra

After delivery when your milk production kicks in, your breasts will fill up with milk making them heavy and in need of supportive care. A good bra supports the ligaments in and around your breasts as they work to hold up the extra weight of your fuller, heavier breasts. Good support now will hopefully minimize breast sag later.

A nursing bra is designed with flaps or panels to easily open and provide your baby access to your breasts without having to remove your entire bra.

Tips for Choosing a Nursing Bra

Your nursing bra should be supportive but not tight. It should not leave any indentations or marks on your skin. If your bra is too tight, it could cause plugged milk ducts, mastitis or a decrease in your milk supply. Take a new measurement or have a bra specialist at your favorite lingerie or maternity store do it for you. They can also help with a bra fitting and help you choose the right bra.

A soft cup bra is preferred over an underwire bra. The wire from an underwire bra can put pressure on the tissue at the base of your breast leading to the same problems that a tight bra can cause.

Choose a bra that is made from cotton or other natural materials. Natural materials are absorbent and allow air to flow to your breasts. Synthetic materials can irritate your breasts and trap moisture.

Pick a bra that has flaps you can operate with one hand so that you can easily open and close while holding your baby. Ensure there is room for a breast pad in case you experience leaks.

It may be helpful to have at least two nursing bras so that you can wear one while the other one is in the wash. Change your bra whenever it becomes dirty or wet since moisture laying on your breasts for an extended amount of time can result in skin irritation, sore nipples, mastitis or thrush. Nursing pads or breast shells worn inside your bra can also help to keep your bra clean and dry.

Want to Know More?

Changes in Your Body

Labor and Birth

 

 

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How to Wean Your Baby https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/breastfeeding/how-to-wean-your-baby/ Fri, 28 Jan 2022 21:09:29 +0000 https://americanpregnancy.org/?p=92994 The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about six months, and then continuing to breastfeed while gradually weaning and introducing complementary foods until your child is 12 months or older. This provides your child with ideal nutrition to support their growth and development. Weaning a Baby Under 12 Months Substitute their least favorite […]

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The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about six months, and then continuing to breastfeed while gradually weaning and introducing complementary foods until your child is 12 months or older. This provides your child with ideal nutrition to support their growth and development.

Weaning a Baby Under 12 Months

Substitute their least favorite feeding first. If baby won’t accept the bottle from you, try having a support person offer the bottle. It may be helpful if you’re not around for baby to see or smell you. Otherwise they’ll hold out for your breast. Give baby have a day or two between substitute feedings with a bottle.

If you become engorged, pump or express a little milk from your breasts and store it. But don’t express a whole feeding’s worth of milk, just enough to take the pressure off and be comfortable. Your body will soon get the signal to make less milk over time.

Weaning an Older Child

If breastfeeding is going well, you and baby may not be in a hurry to start weaning. Just know that an older baby may resist being taught the new and challenging skill of chewing and swallowing solid foods. Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding is so much easier, plus they’re used to the taste of your breastmilk.

When baby is six-months or older, you can try offering purees of banana, carrots, or ripe avocados. Once those foods are well-received, try offering them in manageable sizes, e.g. pea-size for firmer items and marble-size for softer foods.

Introducing Solid Foods

When you add solid foods to your baby’s diet, continue breastfeeding until at least 12 months old. You can continue to breastfeed after 12 months if you and your baby desire. Check with your child’s doctor about vitamin D and iron supplements during the first year.

Parents with food allergies are advised to avoid foods that commonly cause allergic reactions (cow’s milk, dairy products, and foods made from peanuts or other nuts). But recent research found that the late introduction of certain foods may actually increase your baby’s risk for food allergies and inhaled allergies. You should discuss any concerns with your pediatrician.

If no allergies are present, simply watch your baby for indications that they are interested in trying new foods and then introduce them gradually, one by one. Signs that the older baby is ready for solids include sitting up with minimal support, showing good head control, trying to grab food off your plate, or turning their head to refuse food when they’re not hungry. Your baby may be ready for solids if they continue to act hungry after breastfeeding. The loss of the tongue thrusting reflex that causes food to be pushed out of their mouth is another indication they’re ready to expand their taste experience.

First foods

Here are good first foods to start with:

Iron-fortified infant cereal (such as rice or oatmeal) is a good solid food to complement breast milk. When first starting infant cereal, check the label to make sure it’s a single- ingredient product—just rice or oatmeal, and does not contain added fruit, milk or infant formula. This will reduce any potential allergic reaction with the initial cereal feedings. You can mix the cereal with your breast milk, water, or formula (if you’ve already introduced formula to your baby) until it is a thin consistency. As your baby gets used to the taste and texture, you can gradually make it thicker and increase the amount.

Vegetables. Start with milder yellow or orange options such as sweet potatoes and carrots before moving on to stronger flavors like peas and string beans.

Fruit. Easy-to-digest first fruits include finely mashed bananas, baby applesauce, peaches and pears. Mashed or pureed ripe avocado is yummy and loaded with healthy fats.

Since most breastfeeding babies’ iron stores begin to diminish around six months, good first choices for solids are those rich in iron. Current recommendations are minced meats, such as turkey, chicken, and beef. Meats are good sources of high-quality protein, iron, and zinc and provide greater nutritional value than cereals, fruits, or vegetables.

Feeding Tips

Introduce only one new food at a time and wait several days before you add another new food, to make sure baby does not have a negative reaction.

Try, try again. If baby rejects what you offer, try again tomorrow and the next day and the next. Some babies need to be introduced to a new food a dozen times before they’ll accept it. Be patient.

Be a good eater model. Babies who see adults eating good food and enjoying it are more likely to be interested in following their example.

It’s always in the timing. The “perfect” time of day to feed your baby is whatever time works for both of you. If you’re breastfeeding, you might try solids when your milk supply is at its lowest (late afternoon or early evening). You can experiment. Offer a first course of formula or breast milk to whet that appetite, then bring on the solids. Start with one meal per day, then move up to two (probably a morning and evening meal) for the next month or so.

In the mood. When baby is cheerful and alert, they’re more likely to open wide for an incoming spoon. If baby is fussy or getting sleepy, they may want only breast (or bottle). If your baby is fussy, be flexible — you might want to skip solids at that meal and try them next time.

Patience and more patience. It takes time and practice for both of you to master feeding solids. So give yourself and baby plenty of time for feedings.

Practice with the new tools. Before baby actually takes that first bite, let them practice sitting in the high chair or feeding seat for a couple of days, adjusting the height of the tray or seat so it fits just right. Babies are wiggly so always fasten the safety straps, including the one around the crotch. If baby can’t sit up at all in such a chair or seat, you should postpone solids until they can.

Bowls and cups. Silicone or plastic ones with a small, soft bowl are much easier on tender gums. Have several on hand during feedings – one for you, one for baby and a spare when one lands on the floor. A bib now means less resistance later.

Before even attempting to spoon feed, put a dab of the food on the high chair tray and give baby a chance to examine it, squish it, mash it, rub it and maybe even taste it. That way, when you do approach with the spoon, what you’re offering won’t be unfamiliar.

Easy does it. Solids are really different, with new tastes, textures and smells so go easy. Start by gently placing about a quarter teaspoon of food on the tip of baby’s tongue. If that’s swallowed, try another quarter teaspoon. At first, expect almost as much food to come in as goes out. Eventually your little one will get the hang of spoon-feeding and respond mouth-open.

Monkey see, monkey do. It’s an old parent trick but a goodie: Open up wide and take a pretend taste from the spoon and smack your lips and show how tasty and fun the food is.

Enough is enough. Knowing when it’s time to stop feeding is as important as knowing when to start. A turned head or a clenched mouth are sure signs that baby is finished with this meal. Forcing a baby to eat is always a lost cause and can actually set up future food fights.

Don’t be upset or mad if most of what you serve baby ends up on the floor or goes uneaten. Your baby’s first experiments with food are more about gaining experience than gaining sustenance. The bulk of your child’s nutritional needs for the first year are still going to be met by breast milk or formula.

Some pediatricians recommend an iron supplement. If this is the case, be careful to give the exact dose prescribed by your doctor. Always store iron and vitamin preparations out of the reach of young children in the household, since overdoses can be toxic.

When a Child Isn’t Ready to Wean

If weaning is going too quickly for your child, they’ll let you know by their behavior. Increased tantrums, new fear of separation and clinginess are possible signs that weaning is going too quickly. Illness and teething can also interfere with weaning and it might be necessary to take a break.

Weaning does not need to be all or nothing. You can do it gradually and blend breastfeeding and foods as long as you and your baby desire.

Want to Know More?


 

SOURCES
U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans
The American Academy of Pediatrics: New Mother’s Guide to Breastfeeding.
La Leche League International

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Increase Your Breast Milk Supply https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/breastfeeding/breast-milk-supply/ Thu, 27 Jan 2022 18:25:35 +0000 https://americanpregnancy.org/?p=92974 Low milk supply is one of the most common concerns of new moms. Rest assured insufficient breast milk production is rare. In fact, most women make one-third more breast milk than their babies typically drink. Your milk supply is based on “supply and demand.” The more milk your baby drinks, the more milk your body will […]

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Low milk supply is one of the most common concerns of new moms. Rest assured insufficient breast milk production is rare. In fact, most women make one-third more breast milk than their babies typically drink. Your milk supply is based on “supply and demand.” The more milk your baby drinks, the more milk your body will make. It’s important to your baby’s health to address a low milk supply. Let’s look the possible causes of low milk production and how to increase your breast milk supply.

What causes a low breast milk supply?

Various factors can cause a low milk supply during breastfeeding: waiting too long to start breastfeeding, not breastfeeding often enough, an improper latch and use of certain medications. Sometimes previous breast surgery can affect milk production.

Other factors that can affect milk production include:

  • Premature birth
  • Maternal obesity
  • Pregnancy-induced high blood pressure
  • Poorly controlled insulin-dependent diabetes

Milk production tips:

Breastfeed as soon as possible. This is the key to successful long-term breastfeeding. Waiting too long to start is the primary contributor to a low milk supply. Hold your baby skin to skin right after birth and your baby will likely breast-feed within the first hour after delivery. If not, hand express and feed the colostrum with a teaspoon.

Breastfeed often. Aim for at least eight to 12 feedings a day — about every two to three hours. Don’t wait for baby to cry or fuss to offer the breast. Feed when baby is active and alert. If baby is sleepy, try tickling feed and switching breasts or positions often.

Proper latch. Make sure your baby is latched on and positioned well. Tummy to tummy and nipple to nose are good positioning. Look for signs that your baby is swallowing. If baby is just sucking but not swallowing, you can make milk flow by gently squeezing your breasts.

Empty to make more. Emptying each breast more fully at every feeding makes more milk.

Be alert to feeding problems. Offer both breasts at each feeding. If baby nurses only one breast at a feeding, you need to pump or hand express the other breast to relieve pressure and protect your milk supply.

Don’t skip breastfeeding sessions. Pump or hand express your breasts if you miss a breastfeeding session. This helps protect your milk supply.

Hold the pacifier. If you choose to give your baby a pacifier, consider waiting until three or four weeks after birth. This will give you time to establish your milk supply.

Use medications with caution. Certain medications decrease milk supply, including medications containing pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Zyrtec D, others). Hormonal birth control (pills, rings, patches, etc.) should be avoided until breastfeeding is firmly established.

Avoid alcohol and nicotine. Drinking alcohol and smoking will decrease milk production.

Maintaining your milk supply during breastfeeding is important for your baby’s health and growth.

If you’re concerned about your milk supply or your baby’s feedings, talk to your doctor, pediatrician or a lactation consultant.

Learn More

Boosting Your Breast Milk Supply With Galactagogues

Breastfeeding Nutrition


Resources:

Mayo Clinic: Low Milk Supply: What Causes It?

La Leche League International: Increasing Milk Supply poster

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How to Hand Express Your Breast Milk https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/breastfeeding/how-to-hand-express-your-breast-milk/ Wed, 26 Jan 2022 16:19:17 +0000 https://americanpregnancy.org/?p=92952 Hand expressing your breast milk is especially useful in the early days of breastfeeding. New moms are encouraged to begin hand expressing their colostrum so baby can quickly gain all its nutritious and protective benefits. This is essential when mom and baby are separated. Other reasons to hand express: It helps stimulate your breast milk […]

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Hand expressing your breast milk is especially useful in the early days of breastfeeding. New moms are encouraged to begin hand expressing their colostrum so baby can quickly gain all its nutritious and protective benefits. This is essential when mom and baby are separated. Other reasons to hand express:

  • It helps stimulate your breast milk production which increases your supply
  • It’s an easy, immediate way to relieve engorged breasts
  • It’s convenient and free

Prepare for Hand Expression

  • Wash your hands.
  • Ready a clean container to collect your milk; colostrum can be expressed into a small (5ml) container or even onto a teaspoon if you want to feed it to your baby immediately.
  • Relax and get comfortable (privacy will help too). Take some deep breaths and drop your shoulders, relax and visualize flowing milk. It can be easier to get your milk flowing if your baby is nearby. – if he is not try thinking about him, or looking at a photo or recording of him.

How to Hand Press Breast Milk

  • Gently massage your breasts with your hands and fingertips to stimulate your milk ejection reflex – this is the key to effective hand expressing.
  • Hold your breast with your fingers and thumb cupped around your breast in a C shape, near but not touching your areola.
  • Press your fingers and thumb back towards your chest.
  • Compress your breast between your fingers and thumb, moving them slightly towards your nipple without lifting them from your breast.
  • Release without moving your hand from your breast.
  • Repeat, moving your hand to a different place around your breast after every few compressions or whenever milk flow stops, so that you compress all of your milk ducts. Releasing and repeating rhythmically helps to mimic the action of a baby breastfeeding.

Expressing Tips

  • Bend forward with your breasts suspended allows gravity to help your milk flow.
  • Give yourself plenty of time. Frequent short sessions are usually more effective than infrequent, longer expressing sessions. The whole process may take 20 or 30 minutes, but you can stop and start again later if you need to.

For most moms it’s a process of trial and error. When you get a spray of milk from at least one nipple pore (instead of drops or a dribble), you’ve found what works for you.

The signal to your breasts to make milk happens right after delivery. By hand expressing in these first hours, you’re ensuring a good supply of your future milk. A good supply is key to successful long-term breastfeeding and all the benefits you and your baby will enjoy.

Still unsure? Check out this how-to video from Dr. Jane Morton, pediatrician and director of the Breastfeeding Medicine Program at Stanford Medicine.

Want to Know More?

Breastfeeding Overview

Breastfeeding Challenges

Sources:

 

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When to Introduce the Bottle https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/breastfeeding/introduce-the-bottle/ Wed, 26 Jan 2022 14:36:51 +0000 https://americanpregnancy.org/?p=15373 Once breastfeeding is going well, your baby can begin drinking your breast milk from a bottle. You should avoid bottle feeding your baby if there are any problems with nursing at your breast because it can confuse your baby and increase the breastfeeding difficulties. Preparing to introduce the bottle to a breastfed baby After about […]

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Once breastfeeding is going well, your baby can begin drinking your breast milk from a bottle. You should avoid bottle feeding your baby if there are any problems with nursing at your breast because it can confuse your baby and increase the breastfeeding difficulties.

Preparing to introduce the bottle to a breastfed baby

After about four weeks of breastfeeding, begin pumping after one feeding a day where your breasts still feel a little full. The goal is to pump some breast milk “leftovers.” Freeze this first batch immediately and add other leftovers to it after they have cooled in the freezer.

Based on your baby’s weight, you can calculate the total number of ounces your baby takes in each day. If you’re uncertain, ask your pediatrician, doula or lactation consultant to help you calculate.

Once you know baby’s total feeding volume over a 24-hour period, divide that by the typical number of times your baby feeds for a target volume for the first bottle.

Example volume for baby’s first bottle:

    • If  baby takes about 24 ounces a day and feeds between eight and 12 times a day,
    • That means he could take anywhere from 2 to 3 ounces.
    • Pump until you have a 2-ounce bottle and then have several 1/2 ounce bottles ready in case baby is still hungry.

When you have stored enough to equal a typical feeding plus just a little more, you’re ready to introduce a bottle.

  • Thaw out the 2-ounce bottle in the refrigerator overnight.
  • When it’s close to feeding time, place the bottle from the refrigerator in a bowl of warm water (bath temperature) or a bottle warmer.
  • Often it helps to run the bottle nipple under warm water to make it more acceptable to the baby.

Selecting the bottle and nipples

Many babies prefer drinking from certain bottles and nipples; you may need to try a few brands before you discover your baby’s preference. There are many options for nipple size and shape. The flow rate is determined by the size of the hole at the tip of the nipple; the slower flow bottles have a smaller hole. It is best to start with the slow flow (smallest hole).

How to introduce the bottle

To introduce the bottle it’s best to hold baby in an upright, almost sitting position that is similar to your sitting position. Hold the warmed bottle at an angle tilted just enough to fill the nipple. This tilt allows baby to keep control of when and how fast the milk comes.

The first few times your baby drinks from a bottle, ask your partner or another caregiver to hold your baby to do the feeding. If you are holding your baby, it may trigger the habit to breastfeed and make introducing the bottle more difficult.

When baby is finished, you will pump to create a bottle equal to what the baby consumed. Remember that the baby is always better than a pump! If you do not pump as much as the baby took, it is more likely a pump issue than an issue of not enough milk. Just pump after another breastfeeding and add that amount to what you pumped to get the amount baby took.

Begin introducing the bottle 1-2 weeks before you return to work or school. Your baby will need time to learn this new skill, so do a trial run or rehearsal of the new routine. Plan to leave your baby for 1-2 hours before you go back. Head to the grocery store or gym and leave your baby with the chosen caregiver. You can return early if you need to, but this helps you and your baby prepare for the new routine.

Continue breastfeeding as often as you can, and pump only when needed. Nursing your baby stimulates your body to produce more milk, so putting your baby to the breast keeps your milk supply strong.

Want to Know More?

Compiled from the following References:
Newman, J. (1990). Breastfeeding Problems Associated with the Early Introduction of Bottles and Pacifiers. Journal of Human Lactation, Vol. 6.
Brown, R., (2007). Can Bottle-Feeding Really Mimic Breastfeeding? Journal of Human Lactation Vol 23
Lyford, E., (2011). Bottle-Feeding the Breastfed Baby. Kellymom.com.

La Leche League International.

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Breastfeeding Overview https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-overview/ Tue, 25 Jan 2022 15:54:17 +0000 https://americanpregnancy.org/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-overview-copy/ One of the most important decisions you make will be about breastfeeding your newborn.  Just like pregnancy, it’s very natural but not very intuitive at first. There’s a lot to know about breastfeeding so let’s look at the basics of breastfeeding. The Benefits of Breastfeeding Research shows breastfed babies have a decreased likelihood for allergies […]

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One of the most important decisions you make will be about breastfeeding your newborn.  Just like pregnancy, it’s very natural but not very intuitive at first. There’s a lot to know about breastfeeding so let’s look at the basics of breastfeeding.

The Benefits of Breastfeeding

Research shows breastfed babies have a decreased likelihood for allergies and dental caries. They also benefit from appropriate jaw, teeth and speech development as well as overall facial development. Breastfeeding has been shown to be protective against many illnesses and conditions, including:

  • Painful ear infections
  • Upper and lower respiratory ailments
  • Colds, viruses, staph, strep and e coli infections
  • Allergies
  • Intestinal disorders
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Certain childhood cancers

The Basics of Breastfeeding

Breast milk is produced naturally by women and provides basic nutrition for a baby during the first several months of life. Your breast milk is made to order for your baby and provides the specific nutrients your baby needs to grow, both in size and maturity.

Breast milk has three different and distinct stages: colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk.

Colostrum is the first stage of breast milk. It occurs during pregnancy and lasts for several days after the birth of the baby. It is either yellowish or creamy in color. It is also much thicker than the milk that is produced later in breastfeeding.

Colostrum is high in protein, fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, and immunoglobulins. Immunoglobulins are antibodies that pass from the mother to the baby and provide passive immunity for the baby. Passive immunity protects the baby from a wide variety of bacterial and viral illnesses. Two to four days after birth, colostrum will be replaced by transitional milk.

Transitional milk occurs after colostrum and lasts for approximately two weeks. The content of transitional milk includes high levels of fat, lactose, and water-soluble vitamins.  It contains more calories than colostrum.

Mature milk is the final milk that is produced. 90% of it is water, which is necessary to keep your infant hydrated. The other 10% is comprised of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats which are necessary for both growth and energy. There are two types of mature milk:

  • Fore-milk: This type of milk is found during the beginning of the feeding and contains water, vitamins, and protein.
  • Hind-milk: This type of milk occurs after the initial release of milk. It contains higher levels of fat and is necessary for weight gain.

How Do You Know When Baby is Ready to Breastfeed?

Breastfeeding will be easier if you answer baby’s requests instead of waiting for their demands. So be alert for their feeding cues. Once you and your baby are “in-tune” with one  another, baby will know how best to alert you when hungry.

  • A baby starts with subtle nursing cues— eyes moving beneath eyelids, eyelids fluttering before they even open, hands coming toward face, mouth movements.
  • Then she adds more obvious ones— rooting toward your chest, whimpering or squeaking.
  • If you offer to nurse now, she’ll probably take your breast gently and easily.
  • As her hunger builds, her body and mouth tense. She breathes fast or starts to cry.
  • Once she’s crying, she’ll have a harder time latching. Crying is a late sign of hunger. Calm her down before trying to feed her.
  • Don’t wait for your breasts to feel full. A full breast has already started to slow down production.
  • Offer even if she’s not asking, anytime you like

How Do You Know Your Baby is Getting Enough Milk?

It’s common for new moms to be concerned about their milk supply. Unlike bottle feeding, you can’t measure the volume of milk your baby drinks when you are exclusively breastfeeding. So how do you know what’s normal? Relax. When it comes to breastfeeding, there is no “normal.” All moms, with rare exceptions, can produce enough breast milk to exclusively breastfeed. Once the kinks are worked out and you and baby have an established feeding routine, breast milk production becomes simply a case of supply and demand. The amount of milk you produce is directly related to the amount of milk your baby drinks at each feeding. That’s because your baby’s nursing stimulates your prolactin – the hormone responsible for producing milk. The more baby nurses, the more prolactin you will produce, and the more milk you will make.

Here are a few clues to note to be sure your baby is eating enough:

Breastfeeding Frequency and Duration: Note the number of feedings per day and how long your baby nurses at each feeding to get an idea of how much your baby is eating. In the first few days after birth, baby will need to nurse frequently, as often as every ½ hour. Most newborns need 10-45 minutes to complete a feeding. Don’t be in a hurry. This is an important time for baby to be nourished and for the two of you to bond.

Diaper Volume: Note how often and how much your baby is urinating. During the first few days of life, baby will wet 1-2 diapers a day. Once your milk comes in around day 3 or 4, you can expect to change 5-6 disposable diapers per day.

Suck Swallow Pattern: Note the quick sucks at the beginning of a feeding, which will stimulate let-down, followed by long, slow sucks with regular swallowing and a breath after every one or two sucks. If you can identify this suck-swallow pattern, then you will know that baby is nursing successfully.

Crying after a Feeding: It is a common myth that crying after a feeding means baby is still hungry. Rule out all possibilities for the distress and rethink offering a bottle as a solution because it can cause nipple confusion and/or decreased milk production.

Sleeping through the night: It’s another common myth that babies will sleep through the night by the time they reach 3 months of age. Encouraging your baby to sleep through the night, because that is what is expected, can have detrimental effects on your milk supply. Plus, sleeping through the night may indicate baby is not getting enough to eat. A baby who sleeps longer than 4 hours more than once or twice in a 24 hour period may be sleeping to conserve calories because he isn’t getting enough to eat.  Babies may need to feed during the night to get in the calories missed during a busy day or due to a period of separation from mom, especially if mom has gone back to work.

Visit with a Lactation Consultant to learn more about breastfeeding and breast milk.

Want to Know More?


Compiled using information from the following sources:

  • How Do I Know My Baby is Getting Enough Milk?, by Kelli Bottolfson-Brown, Fairhaven Health
  • Olds, London, and Ladewig’s Maternal Newborn Nursing
    Melloni’s Illustrated Dictionary of Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Breastfeeding Latch https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-latch/ Tue, 25 Jan 2022 06:10:30 +0000 https://americanpregnancy.org/?p=418 Next to how early you start breastfeeding and how often you feed, baby’s latch is essential to breastfeeding success. A healthy full-term baby knows instinctively what to do at the breast. It’s important that baby be properly latched on to your breast. Otherwise baby isn’t getting enough nutrition and the feedings could be painful for […]

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Next to how early you start breastfeeding and how often you feed, baby’s latch is essential to breastfeeding success. A healthy full-term baby knows instinctively what to do at the breast. It’s important that baby be properly latched on to your breast. Otherwise baby isn’t getting enough nutrition and the feedings could be painful for you.  Let’s look at specific techniques that can be used when latching your baby to your breast.

Positioning and Latch

The position in which you hold your baby is crucial so experiment with several and see what works for you and your baby.  When a good position and latch are obtained, your baby feeds efficiently and your nipples stay healthy. Breastfeeding can be a wonderful experience between mother and baby.

Good positioning helps eliminate many cases of sore nipples. But, if you do have soreness, American Pregnancy Association recommends using an all natural, soothing balm.

Recognize Baby’s Hunger Cues

Learn to recognize your baby’s early hunger cues, signaling that he/she is ready to feed.  Early cues include opening his mouth, moving his head side to side, sucking on hands and fingers.  Fidgeting and fussing at this time are also indicators that your baby is hungry but don’t wait for baby to cry. Crying is a late hunger cue and may make it more difficult to begin breastfeeding.

How to Get a Baby to Latch

These techniques plus proper positioning can help ensure a good latch:

  • Get in a comfortable chair with great back support to feed your baby. Using a stool to rest your feet on will help with good posture and prevent you from straining your neck and shoulders.
  • Use your breastfeeding support pillow if you have one. (And if you don’t, use whatever kind of pillows you can find to help support you and the baby.) A good breastfeeding pillow can make a huge difference in getting the baby in a proper position to latch on well.
  • Make sure your baby is tummy-to-tummy with you at all times.
  • Make sure you bring your baby to you, do not try to lean into the baby. Not only will this cause severe strain on your neck and shoulders, but it can affect the baby’s position.
  • Remember to keep your baby’s ear, shoulder, and hip in alignment, which will make swallowing easier.
  • The baby’s nose should be opposite the nipple.
  • You might need to hold your breast to help guide the nipple to your baby’s mouth. Grasp the breast on the sides, using either a “C” hold or “U” hold. Make sure to keep fingers far from the nipple so you don’t affect how the baby latches on.
  • Aim the nipple toward the baby’s upper lip/nose, not the middle of the mouth. You might need to rub the nipple across the top lip to get your baby to open his/her mouth.
  • The baby’s head should be tilted slightly back. You do not want his chin to his chest.
  • When he opens his mouth wide with the chin dropped and tongue down, he should latch on to the nipple. If he does not open wide, do not try to shove the nipple in and wiggle the mouth open. It is best to move back, tickle the lip again with the nipple and wait for a wide open mouth.
  • Try to get as much of the lower portion of the areola (the area around the nipple) in the baby’s mouth.
  • The baby’s chin should indent the lower portion of your breast.
  • Look to see if the baby’s bottom and top lip are flanged out like fish lips. If they are not, you may use your finger to pull the bottom one down and open up the top one more.

Positioning your baby to feed

There are many different positions that can work while breastfeeding. It is important to find one that is comfortable for both you and your baby.

Cross-Cradle Hold:

This position is often the most helpful for moms right after birth and until they get more confident in getting their baby latched on correctly. It feels awkward for many moms at first, but once they see how it allows them to use both their hands more effectively, moms get more comfortable with it.

You will use the arm on the opposite side you will be feeding on to hold and support your baby, while you use the hand on the side you are feeding on to support your breast.

Lay your baby next to you, tummy-to-tummy, with your opposite hand supporting the back of his head. You want to make sure you are holding at the neck, so you are just guiding the head. You will use the other hand (on the same side the baby is feeding from) to hold and navigate your breast and nipple. Once the baby is securely latched on, you can move your arms to the cradle hold.

Cradle Hold:

This position is often used after your baby is a few weeks old and you are more confident in your breastfeeding hold. Your baby lays across your front at breast level with his/her tummy toward your chest.  Your baby’s head will be resting in the crook of your elbow, on the same side, you will be nursing from. You will use the opposite hand to help hold your breast if you need to help get your baby latched on properly.

Football Hold:

Your baby will lay along your side under your arm, with your hand supporting the back of the baby’s neck. The baby’s bottom should bump up against whatever you are sitting in (back of the chair, couch, etc.) Make sure to bend the baby’s legs at the hip, so that he does not push his feet against whatever you’re leaning against, as this will affect how he will be able to latch.

This hold is really great for a mom who had a cesarean birth and for women with large breasts.

Side-lying:

Lay your baby on his/her side with a pillow behind his back for support. You should also lay on your side facing your baby.  You might use a pillow behind your back or between your knees for support.  Your baby’s nose should be in line with your nipple.

There are other positions that can work for both you and your baby. Make sure that you and the baby are comfortable.  If not, try another position.

Signs that confirm a good latch:

  • The tongue is seen when the bottom lip is pulled down
  • Ears wiggle
  • There is a circular movement of the jaw rather than rapid chin movement
  • Cheeks are rounded
  • You do not hear a clicking or smacking noises
  • You can hear swallowing
  • Chin is touching your breast
  • When your baby comes off the breast, the nipple is not flattened or misshaped
  • Any discomfort ends quickly after getting the baby latched on
  • Your baby ends the feeding with signs of satiety/satisfaction. These signs include: the baby looks relaxed, “falls” off the breast, has open hands, and/or falls asleep.

Remember, breastfeeding should not be painful.  A good latch will help keep discomfort to a minimum.  When the baby has not latched on well, other problems can develop including cracked and sore nipples.  Once you get accustomed to positioning your baby and helping him/her get a good latch, breastfeeding can be a wonderful, pain-free bonding experience between you and your baby.

If you need further assistance, many hospitals have lactation consultants. Seek to work with a lactation consultant at the hospital or birthing center in which you deliver. If you are already home you can speak to your healthcare provider. You can also call the National Breastfeeding Helpline:  1-800-994-9662 or contact an independent lactation consultant.

Want to Know More?


Compiled using information from the following sources:

1. La Leche League International. Breastfeeding Info & Breastfeeding With Sore Nipples.

2. Breastfeeding: How to Breastfeed Your Baby. Renfrew, Mary et al, 2004.

3. The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. La Leche League International, Ch. 4. </p

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