All About Your Child

Mummy must have enough rest. I understand that there are bound to be alot of visitors for happy occasions like these, especially if this is your first baby. However, it would be better to limit visitors to allow more nursing opportunities.

Mothers and babies should learn how to sleep in the same rhythm. Thus, when the baby starts waking for a feed, the mother will also start to wake up naturally. The baby would normally shows signs before he starts crying that he is ready to feed.

His breathing may change or he may start to stretch. The mother, being in light sleep, will wake up, her milk will start to flow and the calm baby will be content to nurse. The amount of rest you have do affect the supply of your milk.

I remember there were a few days when Keatkeat was sick and I had to take extra time to take care of him. Binbin did not feed as well as he usually does, he would want to feed more often then usual and my breast gets emptied faster. Yet this was just a matter of a few days of less rest.

A baby who has been crying for some time before being tried on the breast may refuse to take the breast even if he is super hungry. Mothers and babies should be encouraged to sleep side by side in hospital. This is a great way for mothers to rest while the baby nurses, especially when you are nursing using the ‘lying down’ position. Breastfeeding should be relaxing and enjoyable, not tiring and frustrating.

Please, leave the household chores to your husband, get him to play his part to show his support in your duty to breastfeed. At this moment, really want the world to know how blessed I am to have Allan as my husband.

So did you have enough rest?

Review : Breastfeed with confidence tip 1-Timing, tip 2-Comfort, tip 3-Latching, tip 4-Milk Supply 1, tip 4-Milk Supply 2, tip 4-Milk Supply 3

There are no specific foods to eat that will stimulate production of breast milk, but there are things that can help with milk production. More important than what you eat is how your baby eats. When a baby is properly positioned, well-attached and sucking effectively, the longer a baby nurses at your breast the more milk will be produced. This is the single most important way to increase your milk production.

There are two important factors critical to producing milk. The first is drinking enough fluid. It doesn’t have to be milk; water or juice is fine. But I did drink 2 cups of milk that are meant for breastfeeding mothers, once in the morning and another at night.

You may be producing from 20 to 40 ounces of fluid a day, and that’s quite a lot. So when do you know you need to drink? I normally drink a glass of water after every feed or whenever I feel thirsty. It is also a good habit to fill a glass of water for yourself to drink while your baby is nursing. Drinking sufficient fluids won’t make you produce more milk, but is important in replenishing lost fluids.

Nursing requires about an extra 500 calories per day. Women that go on restricted diets in an attempt to lose weight while they are nursing may be eating too few calories, which leaves them fatigued and without the energy necessary for optimal milk production. In fact by breastfeeding, mothers WILL lose weight gain during pregancy, my cousin and I are the best proof. *wink* So please do not cut down on the things you eat when you choose to breastfeed.

Beer has been touted for years as being a stimulus to milk production. However, research shows that babies don’t like alcoholic breastmilk, and actually drink less of it, resulting in less stimulation to the breast. Ultimately, this means a decrease in milk production.

Stress can negatively affect milk production. Find an alternative way to rest and de-stress. Have a sitter come in so you can nap. Always sleep in the same momentum of the baby, meaning, when baby sleeps, you sleep too. Get your spouse to do the household chores. The better you rest, the better the supply.

Caffeine stimulates milk production, but it also stimulates your baby. Caffeine finds its way into breast milk and large amounts can act on your baby as it does on you, that is keeping your baby awake longer than he should. Caffeine stays in baby’s system longer than in an adult’s, which will prolong its effect. Also, caffeine can make your baby irritable, as well as interfere with his sleep. One cup of coffee or a soda will not be a problem, but in large quantities (five or more cups of a caffeinated beverage a day), this level of caffeine in breast milk can reach amounts that affect your baby.

The best prescription for maximum milk production is effective and frequent breastfeeding, plenty of fluids, adequate calories and rest. If you feel your supply is low, ask yourself, have you been doing this?

Review : Breastfeed with confidence tip 1-Timing, tip 2-Comfort, tip 3-Latching, tip 4-Milk Supply 1, tip 4-Milk Supply 2