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Breastfeeding can be a wonderful and fulfilling experience for both mother and baby. However, it's not always easy, and many mothers encounter challenges along the way. This is where a lactation consultant can be incredibly helpful. A lactation consultant can provide support, education, and guidance to help you overcome any breastfeeding challenges you may encounter. But how do you know when you should see a lactation consultant? Here are some signs that it may be time to seek professional help:

1. Your baby is having difficulty latching on.

If your baby is having trouble latching on, or if they're not latching on at all, it's important to seek help as soon as possible. A lactation consultant can assess your baby's latch and provide guidance on how to improve it, which can make a big difference in your breastfeeding experience.

2. You're experiencing pain or discomfort during breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding shouldn't be painful. If you're experiencing pain or discomfort during breastfeeding, it's important to seek help. A lactation consultant can help you identify the cause of the pain and provide guidance on how to alleviate it.

3. Your baby is not gaining weight or is losing weight.

If your baby is not gaining weight or is losing weight, it's important to seek help right away. A lactation consultant can help you identify the cause of the weight loss and provide guidance on how to improve your baby's feeding.

4. You have a history of breast surgery (or any injury to your breasts).

If you've had breast surgery in the past, it's important to seek help from a lactation consultant. Breast surgery can affect milk production and breastfeeding, and a lactation consultant can help you navigate any challenges you may encounter.

5. You have a medical condition that affects breastfeeding.

If you have a medical condition that affects breastfeeding, such as PCOS, diabetes or thyroid disease, it's important to seek help from a lactation consultant. A lactation consultant can help you manage your condition while breastfeeding and provide guidance on how to maintain your milk supply.

In conclusion, if you're experiencing any difficulties with breastfeeding, it's important to seek help from a lactation consultant. They can provide the support, education, and guidance you need to overcome any challenges you may encounter and have a successful breastfeeding experience. Remember, breastfeeding is a journey, and seeking help when you need it can make all the difference.

As a lactation consultant, I've been asked countless questions about breastfeeding over the years. While every mother's journey is unique, there are a few questions that come up time and time again. In this blog post, we'll explore the three most common questions I get asked as a lactation consultant, and provide some helpful tips and advice.

1. How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?

This is by far the most common question I get asked. It's natural to worry about whether your baby is getting enough milk, especially if you're a first-time mother. The best way to know if your baby is getting enough milk is to monitor their weight gain, diaper output, and feeding behavior.

• Weight gain: In the first few days after birth, it's normal for babies to lose some weight (no more than 10%). However, they should start to regain weight by the end of the first week. Check with your healthcare provider or lactation consultant to make sure your baby is gaining weight at a healthy rate.

• Diaper output: In the first few days, your baby should have at least one wet diaper and one bowel movement per day of life. Day two should be two wets and two dirty diapers...etc. By day 5, your baby should be having at least 6 wet diapers and 3-4 bowel movements per day.

• Feeding behavior: Your baby should be feeding frequently, at least 10-12 times per day in the first few weeks. They should be latching on well, feeding for 10-15 minutes on each breast, and swallowing regularly. Longer feeds can mean issues too.

2. How do I increase my milk supply?

If you're struggling with low milk supply, there are a few things you can try to increase it:

• Nurse frequently: The more you nurse, the more milk your body will produce. Try to nurse your baby at least 10-12 times per day, and offer both breasts at each feeding. 

• Pump after feedings: After nursing, try pumping for an additional 10-15 minutes to help stimulate milk production.

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, ideally water, to help keep your body hydrated.

• Eat a healthy diet: Make sure you're eating a balanced diet with plenty of protein, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats.

3. How do I deal with nipple pain?

Nipple pain is a common issue for breastfeeding mothers, especially in the first few weeks. Here are some tips to help alleviate nipple pain:

• Check your baby's latch: Make sure your baby is latching on properly, with their mouth wide open and their lips flanged out. A good latch will help reduce nipple pain.

• Use nipple cream: Apply a small amount of nipple cream after each feeding to help soothe and moisturize your nipples.

• Take a break: If your nipples are sore or cracked, take a break from nursing and try pumping for a few feedings instead.

• Vary your nursing position: Changing your nursing position can help distribute pressure on your nipples, reducing the risk of pain and soreness.

By monitoring your baby's weight gain and diaper output, nursing frequently, staying hydrated, and eating a healthy diet, you can ensure that your baby is getting enough milk. If you're struggling with low milk supply, try pumping after feedings and speaking with me for further advice. And if you're experiencing nipple pain, make sure to check your baby's latch, use nipple cream, take a break if needed, and vary your nursing position. Remember, every mother's breastfeeding journey is unique, and it's important to seek support and advice when needed.

Hand expression is a simple technique that can be used to express breast milk. This technique can be particularly useful for mothers who are struggling to pump enough milk with a breast pump or who need to relieve engorgement quickly. Here are the steps for hand expression:

1. Start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.

2. Find a comfortable and quiet place to sit or stand. You may want to lean forward slightly to help with your aim into a large bowl.

3. Cup your breast with your fingers, placing your thumb above and your fingers well behind the nipple, often 2cm is a good starting place.

4. Pull back to your chest wall while gently compressing your breast using your fingers and thumb, starting from the outer edges and moving inward toward the nipple. Avoid squeezing or pinching the nipple directly. Fingers shouldn't slide on the breast but stay in the same place.

5. Repeat this motion, moving around the breast in a circular motion, until you've expressed all the milk you can from that breast.

6. Switch to the other breast and repeat the process.

If you're expressing milk into a container, make sure it's clean and sterile. You can use a clean glass or plastic container with a wide mouth or a breast milk storage bag if you're good at your aim.

Once you've finished expressing, store the milk in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as possible.

Clean your hands and any equipment you used with warm soapy water and allow them to air dry.

With a little practice, hand expression can become an easy and efficient way to express breast milk when a breast pump is not available or convenient. Remember to be gentle and patient, and to take breaks if you need to rest your hands or if your milk flow slows down. If you have any concerns or questions about hand expression or breastfeeding in general, don't hesitate to reach out to me if you need some guidance.

Breastmilk is a precious and nutritious source of food for your baby, and it's important to handle and store it properly to ensure its safety and quality. In this blog post, we'll explore some guidelines for storing breastmilk, including how long it can be stored, how to label it, and how to thaw it safely.

1. How long can breastmilk be stored?

Breastmilk can be stored in a variety of containers, including bottles, breast milk storage bags, or even ice cube trays. The length of time that breastmilk can be stored depends on the storage method and temperature. Here are some general guidelines:

• At room temperature (between 60°F and 77°F), breastmilk can be stored for up to 4 hours.

• In a refrigerator (at or below 39°F), breastmilk can be stored for up to 4 days.

• In a freezer compartment inside a refrigerator (at or below 5°F), breastmilk can be stored for up to 2 weeks.

• In a separate freezer (at or below 0°F), breastmilk can be stored for up to 6 months.

• In a deep freezer (at or below -4°F), breastmilk can be stored for up to 12 months.

2. How should breastmilk be labeled?

When storing breastmilk, it's important to label it with the date that it was expressed. This will help you keep track of how long it has been stored and ensure that you use the oldest milk first. You can also include the amount of milk and the time it was expressed if desired.

3. How should breastmilk be thawed?

When thawing breastmilk, it's important to do so safely to maintain its nutritional value and reduce the risk of contamination. Here are some tips:

• Thaw breastmilk in the refrigerator or by placing the container in a bowl of warm water. Avoid using a microwave, which can heat the milk unevenly and create hot spots that can burn your baby's mouth as well as kill the good stuff in the milk!

• Once breastmilk is thawed, use it within 24 hours. Do not refreeze thawed breastmilk.

• Gently swirl the container to mix any separated cream back into the milk before feeding.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your breastmilk is stored safely and is of the highest quality for your baby.

Building and maintaining a healthy milk supply is important for breastfeeding mothers. Here are some tips to help support and increase your milk supply:

1. Frequent Nursing or Pumping: Breastfeed or pump frequently, at least 8-12 times in 24 hours. The more you empty your breasts, the more milk your body produces.

2. Proper Latch and Positioning: Ensure that your baby has a good latch and is positioned correctly during breastfeeding. This helps in effective milk transfer and stimulates milk production

3. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration can impact milk supply, so make sure you are well-hydrated.

4. Balanced Diet: Consume a well-balanced and nutritious diet. Include foods that are rich in protein, calcium, and iron. Oatmeal and certain herbs like fenugreek are believed by some to support milk production, but evidence is limited.

5. Avoid Stress: Stress can negatively impact milk supply. Try to find ways to relax and manage stress, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle exercise.

6. Skin-to-Skin Contact: Spend time in skin-to-skin contact with your baby. This can help stimulate milk production and strengthen the bond between you and your baby.

7. Cluster Feeding: Be responsive to your baby's feeding cues, especially during cluster feeding periods. This is when a baby feeds more frequently in a short period, typically in the evening.

8. Limit Pacifier Use: While pacifiers can be helpful for soothing a baby, try to limit their use during the early weeks of breastfeeding to ensure your baby is breastfeeding effectively.

9. Get Enough Rest: Lack of sleep can contribute to stress and impact milk supply. Try to rest when your baby is sleeping and ask for support from family and friends.

10. Galactagogues: Some herbs and foods are considered galactagogues, substances that may help increase milk supply. These include fenugreek, blessed thistle, and fennel. Consult with a healthcare professional before using any supplements to ensure they are safe for you and your baby.

Remember, every mother and baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another. If you have concerns about your milk supply or breastfeeding, it's essential to consult with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider for personalized advice and support.

Breastfeeding can be a wonderful bonding experience between a mother and her baby, but it can also come with some challenges, especially when it comes to nipple care. Many mothers experience soreness, cracking, or bleeding of the nipples during breastfeeding, which can be painful and frustrating. In this blog post, we'll explore some tips for caring for your nipples while breastfeeding to help prevent and treat these common issues.

1. Practice Good Latch: One of the most important things you can do to prevent nipple pain is to make sure your baby is latching onto the breast correctly. A good latch means that the baby's mouth is wide open, and their lips are flanged out. This will help to ensure that the nipple is properly positioned in the baby's mouth, reducing the risk of soreness or cracking.

2. Air Dry Your Nipples: After each feeding, allow your nipples to air dry for a few minutes. This will help to prevent moisture from building up, which can lead to cracking or fungal infections.

3. Use a Lanolin Cream: Lanolin cream is a popular nipple cream that can help to soothe sore or cracked nipples. Apply a small amount to your nipples after each feeding to help moisturize and protect them.

4. Try a Nipple Shield or breast shells: A nipple shield is a small silicone device that can be placed over the nipple during breastfeeding to help protect and soothe sore or cracked nipples. However, it's important to note that nipple shields should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider or lactation consultant!

5. Change Breastfeeding Positions: Changing breastfeeding positions can help to distribute pressure on the nipples, reducing the risk of soreness or cracking. Try different positions, such as the football hold or lying down, to find what works best for you and your baby.

6. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids can help to keep your skin and nipples hydrated, reducing the risk of cracking or dryness.

Caring for your nipples during breastfeeding is essential for a comfortable and successful breastfeeding experience. By practicing good latch, air drying your nipples, using a nipple cream, trying a nipple shield, changing breastfeeding positions, and staying hydrated, you can help prevent and treat nipple soreness and cracking. Remember, if you're experiencing persistent pain or bleeding, don't hesitate to reach out.

Breast engorgement is a common issue that occurs when the breasts become overly full and swollen. This can happen for various reasons, including an increase in milk supply, delayed or missed feedings, or other issues affecting milk removal. Here are some strategies to help alleviate breast engorgement:

1. Frequent breastfeeding or pumping:  Ensure that you breastfeed or pump frequently to help empty the breasts. This helps prevent milk from accumulating and causing engorgement.  Aim for at least 8 to 12 feedings in a 24-hour period. If your baby is having difficulty latching due to the engorgement, you may need to express milk before attempting to breastfeed.

2. Proper latching: Make sure your baby is latching on correctly. A proper latch helps ensure effective milk removal during breastfeeding.

3. Warm compresses: Apply a warm compress to your breasts before feeding or pumping to help stimulate milk flow and ease discomfort.

4. Cold compresses: Use cold compresses or ice packs between feedings to reduce swelling and alleviate pain.

5. Hand expression: Gentle hand expression can help soften the breast tissue and make it easier for your baby to latch on.

6. Massage: Gently massage your breasts while breastfeeding or pumping to help move milk and relieve engorgement.

7. Cabbage leaves: Some women find relief by placing cold cabbage leaves on their breasts. While there is limited scientific evidence to support this, some women report that it can help reduce engorgement. However, use caution, as there is a risk of reduced milk supply if used excessively.

8. Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may help reduce pain and inflammation. Always check with your healthcare provider before taking any medication, especially if you are breastfeeding.

9. Avoid tight bras: Wear a supportive but not overly tight bra to prevent further discomfort.

10. Hydration and nutrition: Stay well-hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support your overall health and breastfeeding.

If you find that your breast engorgement persists or becomes severe, or if you experience symptoms of mastitis (such as fever or redness), it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.

Thrush, also known as candidiasis, is a fungal infection caused by the Candida yeast. It can affect various parts of the body, including the breasts. When a breastfeeding mother and/or her baby develops thrush, it's important to address the issue promptly to prevent its spread and ensure both mom and baby are comfortable.

Here are some key points to consider regarding breastfeeding and thrush:

1. Symptoms: In the mother: Symptoms may include nipple pain or burning sensation, itching, and sometimes shiny or flaky skin on the areola or nipples. In the baby: Symptoms may include white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, or roof of the mouth. The baby may be fussy during feeds, and diaper rash may occur.

2. Causes: Thrush is caused by the Candida yeast, which can thrive in warm, moist environments. Breastfeeding mothers and infants can pass the infection back and forth.

3. Treatment: Both the mother and baby should be treated simultaneously to prevent reinfection. Antifungal medications are often prescribed. Nystatin is a common antifungal medication for infants, while mothers may be prescribed an oral antifungal or a topical cream.

4. Hygiene and Prevention: Good hygiene practices are crucial. This includes keeping the nipple area clean and dry. Changing breast pads frequently and using disposable pads can help prevent the spread of the infection.

5. Dietary Considerations: Some mothers find that reducing their sugar intake can be beneficial, as yeast thrives on sugar. Probiotics may also be recommended to help restore the balance of healthy bacteria in the body.

6. Consultation with Healthcare Providers: It's essential to consult with healthcare providers, such as a lactation consultant, pediatrician, or obstetrician, for proper diagnosis and treatment.

7. Continue Breastfeeding: In most cases, it is safe to continue breastfeeding while both mother and baby are being treated for thrush.

Remember that each case is unique, and the guidance of healthcare professionals is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. If you suspect thrush, consult with a healthcare provider promptly to address the issue and avoid complications.

1. Pay attention to your baby's hunger cues: It's important to feed your baby when they're hungry, not on a set schedule. Watch for signs that your baby is hungry, such as rooting or sucking on their hands, and offer the bottle when they show these signs.

2. Choose the right bottle and nipple: There are many different types of bottles and nipples available, so it's important to choose one that works well for your baby. Some babies prefer a certain shape or size of nipple, and some bottles are designed to reduce gas and colic.

3. Hold your baby in an upright position: When feeding your baby, hold them in an upright position to help reduce the risk of choking and to make it easier for them to swallow. Keep the bottle at a slight angle, with the nipple filled with milk to prevent air from getting into your baby's tummy.

Paced bottle feeding is a method of bottle feeding that mimics the slower flow and rhythm of breastfeeding. It helps to reduce the risk of overfeeding and allows the baby to control the flow of milk. Here are some steps for paced bottle feeding:

1. Hold your baby in an upright position: Hold your baby in an upright position, with their head supported and slightly elevated.

2. Tilt the bottle: Tilt the bottle so that the nipple is partially filled with milk. This helps to control the flow of milk.

3. Allow the baby to take breaks: Take frequent breaks during the feeding to allow the baby to rest and take a break from sucking.

4. Burp the baby: Burp your baby after every 2-3 ounces of milk to release any trapped air.

5. Watch for signs of fullness: Pay attention to your baby's cues and stop the feeding when they show signs of fullness, such as turning their head away from the bottle or falling asleep.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your baby is getting the right amount of milk at the right pace. Paced bottle feeding can help to reduce overfeeding, prevent gas and colic, and make bottle feeding a more comfortable experience for both you and your baby.

There are many breast pumps on the market, and the best one for you will depend on your needs and preferences. Here are five breast pumps that are highly rated by users:

1. Medela Pump in Style Advanced: This pump is designed for daily use and has a two-phase expression technology that mimics a baby's natural nursing pattern. It comes with a tote bag, cooler, and four bottles.

2. Spectra S1 Plus: This pump is a hospital-grade pump with a rechargeable battery, making it convenient for moms on the go. It has a closed system to prevent contamination and a massage mode to stimulate milk production.

3. Lansinoh Smartpump Double Electric Breast Pump: This pump has three pumping styles and eight suction levels to mimic your baby's natural feeding pattern. It also connects to an app that helps you track your pumping sessions.

4. Philips Avent Comfort Double Electric Breast Pump: This pump has a unique design that allows for comfortable pumping in a reclined position. It has three pumping settings and a soft massage cushion to help stimulate milk flow.

5. Haakaa Manual Breast Pump: This pump is a silicone pump that is manually operated and does not require any cords or batteries. It's easy to use and gentle on the breasts, making it a great option for occasional use or when you need to relieve engorgement.

These are just a few examples of top-rated breast pumps, and there are many other options available. When choosing a breast pump, consider factors such as your budget, how often you will be using the pump, and your comfort level with the pump's design and features.

Use the link below to navigate to the correct chart that youre looking for. Please note different charts are for boys/girls, age, weight/length/head circumference.

https://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts/who_charts.htm#The%20WHO%20Growth%20Charts