Breast pumps can cost a fortune and with so many on the market it is easy to look past the simple truth that hand expression is just as efficient.

Why hand express?

Hand expressing milk helps with breast comfort, preventing your breasts from becoming overfull which increases the risks of engorgement and other breast issues.

Maintaining breast milk production during breastfeeding is vital and expressing is an important method to use in order to encourage the continuation of breastfeeding.

Hand versus Pump

So why should you choose to hand express over using a pump?

Looking at the simplicity factor, your hands are always with you and expressing with your hand is often a lot gentler than using a pump.

There is also less risk of cross infection as maintaining a hygiene standard with hand expression is simplified.

Having a baby is costly and saving money on a pump can go a long way.

How long will it take to express?

The length that it takes you to express milk will depend on the reason for expressing:

• If the goal is to get colostrum for a baby who cannot yet suckle, then it may take five to ten minutes to get just one teaspoon of colostrum.
• If there are problems with milk production then a mother should try and express her milk for 20 minutes, six times a day or more. This works out to 100 minutes in a 24 hour period.
• If the baby is having difficulty attaching to the breast then hand expression can be used to soften the breast by compressing a few times before feeding.
• Using the hand is also a great way to clear a blocked duct by compressing and massaging the duct until the lump is clear.
• If returning to work and expressing for feeds throughout the day, it is important to work out how much the baby has at each feed and express accordingly.

As with breastfeeding, hand expressing may take time before it becomes easy, but the benefits are well worth it.

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There are three main parts to look at in terms of positioning and how the baby is held for breastfeeding.

The baby’s body position

The baby should be close to the mother with the whole body facing her. Ensure that the face is close to the breast with the tip of the nose opposite the nipple and the chin touching the breast. The baby’s bottom must be supported by the mother and not resting on her lap.

The baby’s head

The head should be facing the breast and should not be twisting to one side as this is uncomfortable for the baby. It is important to ensure that the neck is also not extended or stretched and that the baby’s head and body are in a straight line.

Mothers position

As it is the baby that determines the length of the feed it is important that every mother is seated somewhere comfortable for a feed and that she remains relaxed. Using pillows to support the back is a good option for comfort.

Attachment is the way the baby takes the breast into his or her mouth. Feeding cannot occur effectively unless the baby is correctly positioned and attached to the breast. Incorrect attachment can lead to nipple tenderness, engorged breasts, apparent poor milk supply and reduced milk production.

Your baby is attached correctly when

• The mouth is wide open
• There is more areola visible above the breast rather than below
• The chin is touching the breast
• The lower lip is curved outward

Poor attachment can occur if bottle feeding is started before breastfeeding has been established as the difference between the nipple and the teat of the bottle can result in nipple confusion.

Successful breastfeeding can be extremely tough on first time mothers and seeking advice from a lactation consultant can prove to be beneficial in ensuring success and peace of mind for both mother and baby.

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Holding your baby for breastfeeding can sometimes be uncomfortable and awkward as you try and place them correctly for the long feed ahead.

Often, new moms do not realise that the way the baby suckles at the breast affects the amount of milk that they are receiving.

Suckling and hormones

There are two very important hormones involved in both the production and the secretion of breastnmilk and these hormones work in direct proportion to the frequency and duration of feeds.

Prolactin is the hormone responsible for producing the milk and is generally stimulated during a feed to ensure that more milk is produced for the next feed. The less the baby suckles at the breast the less prolactin is produced.

Oxytocin is the hormone responsible for milk flow and is produced during the feed. A poor oxytocin reflex means that the baby may have difficulty receiving milk.

The correct attachment of the baby to the breast for feeds is essential to ensure that the above mentioned hormones are stimulated to ensure successful breastfeeding. Correct attachment means effective suckling which means your baby is getting sufficient milk.

You will know your baby is suckling well when

• He/ she takes slow, deep sucks, sometimes pausing for a short time
• You can see or hear your baby swallowing
• The cheeks are full and not drawn inward during feeds
• Your baby finishes feeding and releases the breast by him/herself and looks content

Signs of incorrect suckling

• Rapid sucks
• Smacking and clicking sounds
• Drawn in cheeks
• Extremely frequent feeds (more than every hour or so on a daily basis)
• Not content at the end of the feed

The post The importance of the perfect latch when breastfeeding a newborn! appeared first on All4Baby.

Unfortunately, for many mothers, breastfeeding is definitely one of those cases of “easier said than done.”

Not enough milk?

It goes without saying that the main reason mothers stop breastfeeding is because they feel they don’t have enough milk to fulfill their babies ever increasing needs.

Other concerns are constant crying, sleepless nights, increasing demands for feeds and the baby sucking on everything in sight which must mean he or she is hungry.

After a few days of the above signs that voice in any mothers head saying “you don’t have enough milk” becomes more like a screaming siren and results in the abrupt cessation of breastfeeding and the introduction of formula.

Not everything points back to feeding

Unfortunately, what most mothers don’t realise is that although these are signs that the baby may not be getting enough milk, they are also really unreliable. A restless, crying baby is just that; a restless crying baby.

More reliable signs

Not everything points back to feeding. Look for the following more reliable signs to ensure that your baby is getting enough breast milk:

• A good urine and stool output. If milk is going in, then at some point it has to come out and this is the best indicator.
• After two days your baby should have 6 or more wet diapers in 24 hours and three to eight stools in 24 hours.
• Baby should be alert, have good muscle tone and a healthy skin.
• Growth should average around 150g per week.

If these signs are being achieved then you can rest assured that you are doing a great job and that you do indeed have enough milk.

Remain calm and confident

It has to be mentioned that it is vital you allow your baby to remain on the breast for as long as they need to. Pulling your baby away from the breast means that they have not had enough and this can also adversely affect your milk production.

Any kind of stress, anxiety, lack of confidence or feelings of concern can also result in low milk production so remaining confident and calm is vital to successful breastfeeding.

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New flavors, textures, smells and sensations can have different effects on different babies. You may find that although one day your baby loves pureed peas, the next day she will push it away with a tightly sealed mouth and scornful face.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that your baby is picky but could also mean that she is feeling sick, is full or may even be experiencing some discomfort.

If you feel that your baby is not eating enough remember to monitor weight which will either give you peace of mind or may require a trip to the pediatrician.

Try these tips to get your baby to eat well at meal times…

Don’t force feed

Continuing to put spoonfuls of food in front of your babies face after they have refused the previous four creates an uncomfortable environment around feeding times. Your baby may not eat much at one feed but at the next feed will eat more than enough. He will stop when full and eat when hungry. They are clever humans not to be underestimated.

Try new textures

You can give the same foods but with different textures to make things more exciting. One day try pureed carrots and the next day make it a little bit thicker. Also try different textures in the same meal.

Minimise distractions

Turn off the TV and remove all playful objects. Try to ensure that your baby is focused on the food and not on the activity going on around the room.

Monitor meal length

Babies do not like to sit in their feeding chairs for prolonged periods of time so try and get feeding done in 20 to 30 minutes. Allow more time on the tougher textures and less time on the mashed and pureed foods.

Let your baby enjoy mealtime

Your baby needs to associate mealtimes with pleasure and not stress. Allow your baby to touch the food and make a controlled mess. Taste some of it yourself so they can see you enjoy it to. Feeding your baby should be enjoyable for the both of you.

The post Feeding a fussy baby: The do’s and dont’s! appeared first on All4Baby.

Folic acid

Also known as folate or vitamin B9, this is essential during the conception phase of pregnancy and during the first trimester. When trying to conceive, a folic acid supplement of 400-600mg should be consumed as it helps prevent neural birth defects such as spina bifida.

It is also essential for blood and protein production and effective enzyme function.

To increase folic acid in the diet, consume foods such as beans and legumes, spinach, broccoli and oranges.

Vitamin D

Although we think we may get enough vitamin D from sun exposure, research is now showing that vitamin D is an essential vitamin for people worldwide.

In pregnancy terms it is essential for the regulation of calcium and phosphate in the body.

The vitamin D consumed during pregnancy is essential as it provides your baby with enough vitamin D for the first few months of life. A supplement containing 5-10 micrograms daily is sufficient to ensure your baby develops strong bones and teeth.

The following foods will also increase vitamin D intake: oily fish, eggs, fortified margarines and dairy products.

Iron

This is essential for red cell production and if not consumed in sufficient amounts can lead to low haemoglobin levels or even anaemia.

Symptoms of low iron include weakness, fatigue, lack of energy, dull and tired looking eyes, cold hands and feet, headaches and slow wound healing.

During the second and third trimesters, supplementation with 27 milligrams of iron is essential.

Also consume iron rich foods such as beef, broccoli, spinach, beans and grains. Although liver contains a high iron concentration, it is best to be avoided during pregnancy as it is also high in vitamin A which can be toxic to your baby if consumed in high amounts.

Vitamin C

This increases the absorption of iron as well as acts as an antioxidant protecting the mother against infections. A dose of 85 milligrams ensures healthy gum, teeth and bone formation.

Citrus fruits, broccoli and tomatoes are great sources of vitamin C

Calcium

This is important for the formation of healthy bones and teeth.

Dairy products and fish with edible bones such as sardines are great sources of calcium. An intake of 1000mg per day is recommended.

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