Different recipe for boys and girls

“Mothers are producing different biological recipes for sons and daughters,” said Katie Hinde, an evolutionary biologist at Harvard University.

Milk varies in quantity and quality

Studies in humans, monkeys and other mammals have found a variety of differences in both the content and the quantity of milk produced.

One common theme: baby boys often get milk that is richer in fat or protein — and thus energy — while baby girls often get more milk.

There are a lot of theories as to why this happens, Hinde said Friday at the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s annual meeting.

Rhesus monkeys, for instance, tend to produce more calcium in the milk they feed to daughters who inherit social status from their mothers.

“It could be adaptive in that it allows mothers to give more milk to daughters which is going to accelerate their develop and allow them to begin reproducing at early ages,” Hinde said.

Males don’t need to reach sexual maturity as quickly as females because the only limit on how often they reproduce is how many females they can win over.

The females also nurse for longer than male monkeys, who spend more time playing off on their own and thus need more energetically dense milk.

It’s not yet clear why human mothers produce such different milk for their babies, Hinde said.

Recipe created while baby is still in utero

There is evidence, however, that the stage is set while the baby is still in utero.

Hinde published a study last week that showed that the sex of the fetus influences the milk production of cows long after they are separated from their calves (typically within hours of the birth.)

The study of 1.49 million cows found that, over the course of two 305 day lactation periods, they produced an average of 445 kilos (908 pounds) more milk when they had female calves than when they had bulls.

They also found no difference in the protein or fat content of the milk produced for heifers than for bulls.

Much remains to be understood about how breast milk impacts infant development in humans, Hinde said.

Knowledge can improve milk formula

Knowing more could help improve the baby milk formulas sold to mothers who are unable or unwilling to nurse their infants, she said.

“While the food aspects of milk to some extent are replicated in formula, the immuno factors and medicine of milk are not and the hormonal signals are not,” she said.

Personalised milk may help nourish sick infants

Getting a better understanding of how milk is personalized for specific infants will also help hospitals find better matches for breast milk donated to help nourish sick and premature infants in neo natal units, she added.

(AFP Relaxnews)

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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.

The post Breastfeeding a newborn: The correct positioning and attachment appeared first on All4Baby.

High levels of folate

Avos have been around since the days of the ancient Mayan and Aztec civilisations – the latter which believed the fruit had aphrodisiac properties and enhanced fertility.While the jury’s still out on the conclusive impact of avoson fertility, what we do know is that their high levels of folate make them a dietary must-have for women who intend falling pregnant.

Folate is an important nutrient that helps prevent neural tube defects, promotes a healthy nervous system and is essential for the formation of red and white blood cells, normal cell division and growth in foetuses. It is recommended for all moms-to-be as well as pregnant moms until the end of the first trimester at least when this critical foetal development is taking place.

Energy booster

Of course avos make for a satisfying snack for pregnant moms who need to keep their energy up throughout their pregnancy. This is especially true during the second trimester when they’ve kicked the morning sickness and feel hungry more often, and the third trimester when big meals are off the menu.

Perfect first food

Avos are also a god-send once baby is born. Not only are they quick, easy and incredibly convenient meals for breastfeeding moms who don’t have a lot of time on their hands, but their soft, buttery texture means they’re also perfect first foods for babies from six months onwards.

Babies need carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals for optimal growth during those first two vital development years. Avos help meet these nutritional requirements by providing potassium, vitamin E, iron, lutein and beta-carotene. Avos are also a source of fibre and monounsaturated fats and are energy dense, all of which are great for growing babies.

Easy to prepare

It’s a good thing avos are so easy to prepare! Moms can add sliced avo to crackers or rice cakes or simply eat them out the skin for fuss-free snacks, or include diced avo in salads, pastas or with grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial meal. For babies, mash avo for first meals (from six months), and cube avo for older babies and toddlers who are self-feeding.

There’s no doubt, avos are a fantastic food from bump to birth and beyond!

For more avolicious recipes visit www.avocado.co.za, like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/iloveavocadoSA and follow us on Twitter @iloveavos

The post Add an Avo to your (and baby’s) diet! appeared first on All4Baby.

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.

If breastfeeding doesn’t come naturally to you, and you are starting to feel rather desperate, remember that it takes up to six weeks to establish a feeding routine and corresponding milk supply.

Have realistic expectations around breastfeeding and realise that you will have both good and bad days. Sometimes the bad days seem to be worse than the good days, but follow these simple tips and hopefully breast feeding will work for you.

1. Feed your baby in a quiet, calm environment
2. Take an extra minute or two to get yourself organised before feeding your baby
3. Find the most comfortable position in which to feed
4. Make sure that your baby is latched onto the breast correctly, with both top and bottom lip in a snug seal around your nipple
5. To release the suction on your beast so that you can take your nipple out of his mouth, insert your finger into the corner of his mouth and gently withdraw your nipple from his mouth
6. Allow a maximum of 40 minutes per feed
7. Breastfed babies often need a minute or two in between sucks to catch their breath
8. Breastfeeding works on a supply and demand basis – the quantity of breast milk produced is directly related to how much your baby sucks.

However, if your struggle with breastfeeding starts to affect your mood and bonding with your baby or relationship with your partner, stress you out or cause depression, it may be time to reconsider your options.

If you have made the decision to start feeding your baby formula, or have been forced to do so because of medication you are taking or a return to work, rest assured that with today’s wide choice of milk formulas… you can ensure that your baby will be well fed.

Infant formulas today are highly advanced and are available as hypo-allergenic, lactose-free, cow’s milk protein-free, anti-reflux, soya bean protein feeds and pre-acidified – among others! Ask your paediatrician or clinic sister to help you choose.

The post Breastfeeding tips to help you through the early days appeared first on All4Baby.

Sleep deprivation, cracked and bleeding nipples and a crying baby can all add up to a miserable and emotional mom, a stressed out dad and the idea of a pain free feed by bottle feeding is all too tempting.

Let’s take a look at the issues that might make breast feeding in the early days really difficult…

Engorged and swollen breasts

This typically happens around day four after delivery (slightly longer after a caesarian birth). Most new moms are usually at home by now and do not have the support and care of the nursing staff in the maternity units to help them through this difficult time.

Your breasts will become full and heavy, and excruciatingly tender to the touch. In some instances, they become rock hard, hot and sore.This is what is commonly known as “milk coming in”.

It usually settles after 72 hours. Feed your baby on demand, as normal, and don’t be tempted to express your breasts to make them emptier and softer – all you will do is encourage more milk to be produced!

Place cabbage leaves in your bra (they really do work), rub arnica cream or oil onto your sore and swollen breasts, and take an anti-inflammatory medication to help with the pain and swelling (ask your pharmacist, clinic sister or doctor to recommend one that is safe for breast feeding).

Applying ice packs also helps with the pain and inflammation. Persevere, it will get better – just give it some time, and don’t expect your breasts to settle down for at least a few days.

Blocked milk ducts or mastitis

Blocked milk ducts commonly occur, especially in the first few days after your milk has come in and your breasts are feeling swollen and sore. You can usually feel the actual spot where the blockage is, because it is sore, and if you look, you may see a red and inflamed area.

This is more prevalent before a feed when your breasts are full, and feeding usually gives you some relief. You may also feel a bit feverish and have a headache.

Gently massage the tender and red area with some arnica oil or cream, and apply heat to the area after you have finished feeding.

Taking Anti-inflammatory medication also helps.   In some instances your doctor may prescribe anti-biotics.

Keep a close watch on the affected area, as it may develop into a breast abscess if the blockage is not released. If the red and tender area does not lessen after a feed, and if the entire area does not settle down within a few days, and you are feeling feverish and unwell, it is best to seek medical advice in case you have a breast abscess, which will need to be surgically drained.

Cracked and bleeding nipples

This is a common reason for throwing in the towel with breast feeding due to excessive pain and discomfort with feeding.

The most frequent cause of cracked nipples is incorrect latching of the baby’s mouth onto the nipple.Make sure that your baby is latched onto the breast correctly, with both top and bottom lip in a snug seal around your nipple. Your pain level will indicate to you if your baby is latched correctly or not! To release the suction on your beast so that you can take your nipple out of his mouth, insert your finger into the corner of his mouth and gently withdraw your nipple from his mouth, and retry to latch him successfully.

Using a nipple shield (available from your pharmacy or baby shop) during feeding gives cracked and bleeding nipples time to heal.

Speak to your clinic sister or doctor to recommend a nipple cream to assist with healing. Exposing your nipples to some sunlight also helps to hasten healing(easier said than done!).

Expressing breast milk and offering it to your baby from a spoon or a bottle is also a way to let your nipples heal whilst continuing to breast feed.

Not enough milk:

Don’t listen to old wives tales about your milk being too strong or too weak. It is not the quality of the milk that makes the difference, it is the quantity.

Some moms just do not have enough milk to satisfy their baby. This is why it is important to weigh your baby frequently to ensure that she is growing adequately.

If your baby is gaining weight, having at least 6 wet nappies a day, and is relatively happy in between feeds which may be very frequent in the early days, lengthening to a few hours after a few weeks; then you can rest assured that you have enough milk.

However, your stress and anxiety, a poor diet and inadequate fluid intake all play a part in hampering breast milk production. Make sure you are eating enough protein (you need to increase your protein intake three fold whilst breast feeding), drinking at least a litre of fluid a day and that feeding times are relaxed and calm.

The main hormone that ensures adequate milk production (oxytocin) is controlled by emotions, so if you are anxious and upset at feed time, this important hormone will be affected, and you will produce less milk.

The post Breastfeeding issues: When breastfeeding doesn’t come naturally appeared first on All4Baby.