The Importance of Support for a Breastfeeding Mother

Breastfeeding a child can be a lot of difficult work. It’s extremely important that new mothers who are breastfeeding receive the support and help that they need. This support can come from many different sources such as spouses, family members, lactation consultants, friends, babysitters and support groups. First and foremost, a new mother’s significant other can provide a great deal of support by looking out for her physical needs, providing words of encouragement, and making sure that any visitors give the new mother and her child privacy and space if they Continue reading “The Importance of Support for a Breastfeeding Mother”

The Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mothers

Oftentimes the health of babies and children is the focus when the benefits of breastfeeding are discussed. However, breastfeeding holds many wonderful benefits for mothers as well. Breastfeeding provides several different short-term and long-term physical health benefits for mothers. In the short-term, breastfeeding burns 300 to 500 calories a day, which can help mothers to lose the weight they gained during pregnancy. Some possible long-term benefits from breastfeeding include a Continue reading “The Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mothers”

The Benefits of Breastfeeding for Babies

Breast milk is the ideal food for babies. Nutritionally, it contains all of the vitamins, minerals and nutrients that growing infants need. It is also more digestible than formula, which lowers the risk of babies having issues with diarrhea or other digestion-related illnesses. Additionally, breast milk adjusts itself to meet the specific needs of the baby for whom it is intended. Researchers have discovered that breast milk changes composition throughout a feeding, in addition to changing as a baby grows and Continue reading “The Benefits of Breastfeeding for Babies”

Returning to Work as a Breastfeeding Mother

Returning to work can be a very difficult thing for a breastfeeding mother. However, planning and preparing ahead of time for the situation can help make the transition easier and smoother for both mother and baby. If you are a breastfeeding mother and you are planning on returning to the workplace while continuing to breastfeed, know that it is possible and that you are more than Continue reading “Returning to Work as a Breastfeeding Mother”

Maternal Nutrition While Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding mothers should take care to eat well and drink plenty of water. The key to a good diet while breastfeeding is to strive for balance and variety. A diet high in protein and complex carbohydrates will ensure that a breastfeeding mother is getting all of the nutrients, vitamins and minerals that she needs for both her own health and the health of her baby. A good diet for breastfeeding will include lean meats, fresh vegetables and Continue reading “Maternal Nutrition While Breastfeeding”

How to Involve a New Father When Breastfeeding

When it comes to breastfeeding, new fathers may feel a bit left out. However, research has shown that when fathers encourage their breastfeeding significant others, their support can have a significant effect. A new father should be aware that by supporting and helping his baby’s mother, he is able to contribute a great deal when it comes to feeding his child.

New fathers can Continue reading “How to Involve a New Father When Breastfeeding”

How and When to Stop Breastfeeding

At a certain point, it is time for a mother to stop breastfeeding her child. This point in time varies for mothers and their children. Some children practically wean themselves, while others may need some encouragement and time to adjust. As babies become toddlers, many of them begin to lose interest in breastfeeding and rely on it more as a source of comfort when they are feeling sick or tired, instead of seeking breast milk when they are hungry. If a mother notices this, it is a good sign that the child is Continue reading “How and When to Stop Breastfeeding”

Engorged Breasts and Mastitis

Breast engorgement occurs when the breasts have too much milk and fluid in them. This can happen if a baby misses a feeding or if he or she is not completely draining all of the breast milk during a feeding. It can also occur if a mother is producing more milk than her baby needs. Symptoms of engorged breasts are painful swollen breasts that feel firm or hard to the touch. Engorgement can also cause latching problems for a baby because a mother’s nipples may Continue reading “Engorged Breasts and Mastitis”