Introduction Breastfeeding is the best possible way to feed your newborn and no powdered formula can possibly compare to a mother's milk. Milk produced by your body is an excellent source of nutrients that meet your baby's needs. In fact, breast milk changes daily, according to the needs of your child. Breast milk provides your baby with the enzymes, hormones, growth factors, immune-strengthening immunoglobulins, and other substances that reduce your child's risk of infection. Breast milk is easy to digest, prevents constipation, and feeding often results in fewer problems with respiratory and intestinal diseases, ear infections, food allergies, and certain chronic illnesses. Some studies also indiciate that breastfed children have higher intelligence levels and better social skills. For mom, breastfeeding helps your uterus return more quickly to its normal size and helps you return to your pre-pregnancy weight. Breastfeeding may also help reduce your risk of breast cancer. It is also very economical, convenient, and environmentally friendly! Your milk is always fresh and at the right temperature. And the emotional and spiritual bond shared between you and your child is immensely personal, special, and will be a long cherished memory. Many women choose to breastfeed their child from day one until 1 or 2 years of age.
Nutrients As you are eating for two, it is important to pay attention to what you eat and how much you need to satisfy two tummies. Not everything in breast milk is derived directly from your diet and not everything you eat or drink will affect your milk. Your milk typically has enough important minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. These minerals will be present in the milk even if your body has to obtain them from your own body stores. Vitamin content of breast milk, however, is dependent on your diet. A low intake of some vitamins will result in lower amounts in your breast milk. In general, you require higher levels of calcium, magnesium, zinc, folic acid, and vitamins B6 and D in your diet to meet both you and you child's needs. Nutritionally, most women take good care of themselves while pregnant and this makes for a good start into breastfeeding. However, many women may not meet their daily nutritional intake. A healthy diet is definitely key. It is generally agreed that vitamin/mineral supplementation is often not necessary. It is essential to ensure adequate calcium intake so that you do not deplete your internal calcium stores. This often results in decreased bone density and increased susceptibility to osteoporosis later in life. In addition to fortified, organic, dairy or non-dairy milks, soy products, kale, collard, mustard greens, spinach, and some nuts. To ensure an adequate supply of Vitamin D, drink fortified, organic, dairy or non-dairy milks or ensure adequate exposure to sunshine. Do not be concerned if you miss one or two nutritious meals. It is understandable that you are quite busy! However, try to get back on track at the next meal... Key nutrients are summarized below:
| Minerals | Vitamins | | Calcium | Folic Acid | | Magnesium | Vitamin A | | Zinc | Vitamin B6 | | | Vitamin D |
Consideration Factors
OTC / Prescription MedicationsIt is important to discuss with your midwife, pediatrician, naturopath, or other health practitioner any over-the-counter of prescription medicines or drugs you may be taking. He or she must be aware you are breastfeeding before new or additional medication is prescribed. Medications can enter the breast milk and, though it may be in small quantities, is present nonetheless. Though acceptable levels of infant exposure may be set, many find that any level over zero is too high. You should be advised by your pediatrician, naturopath, or other health practitioner to take medication just after feeding or just before your child has a long sleeping period. This will reduce your child's exposure. Smoking, Caffeine, & AlcoholCigarette smoking and high intakes of caffeine and alcohol should be avoided. There are absolutely no positive benefits to cigarette smoke exposure to both mother and child before, during, or after pregnancy. One or two cups of coffee per day should not affect your baby. High levels will act as a stimulant and should be avoided. Alcohol intake should be limited to the occasional drink.
Related Problems Breastfeeding problems can be avoided by understanding feeding methods and how to treat problems as they arise. Typical problems are outlined below.
Breast Engorgement This temporary problems usually occurs two to five days after childbirth. Engorgement results from increased blood supply to the breast and pressure from newly produced milk. This causes breast tissue to swell. The breasts feel full, hard, tender, and tight. Breast skin is hot, shiny, and distended. A fever may also be present.
Remedies Breast engorgement should not discourage you from nursing. Use the following as a guide:
Apply a damp, hot cloth thirty minutes before each feeding Do not use nipple shields Keep feedings frequent, every ninety minutes to two hours. Feed on demand and do not skip or delay feedings, either day or night Massage the breast during feeding to promote milk flow Allow for unrestricted suckling time and allow your baby to completely empty each breast during feeding, about seven minutes per side Express milk between feedings Homeopathy Certain remedies can be used in acute situations if your symptoms fit the symptom picture of the remedy. For dosages, see the dedicated section on Homeopathy. Consult your homeopath or naturopath to determine your constitutional remedy: the remedy that best fits you as a whole person. Your homeopath or naturopath will take a complete case history considering all of your mental and physical ailments and match these symptoms with the symptom picture of the remedy. The following remedies should be taken every 4 hours for up to 5 days: Conium: Swelling, tenderness, and itching of the breast. Graphites: Oreola is chapped and cracked. Yellow fluid oozing from the cracks dries and forms yellow crust. Lac Caninum: Swollen, engorged breasts. Breasts are very painful and sensitive to any movement or touch.
Fussiness All babies get fussy from time to time and this may be pure coincidence or from mother's dietary choices. Your breast milk can be "flavoured" by some foods that you eat and may not be preferred by junior. Onions, garlic, and foods from the cabbage family can add a strong taste to breast milk. Some women find that breast milk produced after intense exercise may have a sour taste due to higher levels of lactic acid in the body.
Remedies
Avoid onions, garlic, and foods from the cabbage family, as they affect the flavour of breast milk Put yourself through a food taste test and avoid suspect foods for five days, then re-introduce to see if they are the cause of your baby's fussing. Breast milk is affected four to six hours after eating. Breastfeed your child before exercise as milk produced after your work-out may be more sour due to higher levels of lactic acid in the body. Do not be discouraged to exercise.
Mastitis / Breast Infection If a plugged duct (see below) is not attended to, infection can occur. Mastitis is an inflammatory condition of the breast, usually caused by streptococcal or staphylococcal bacteria. Symptoms include breast soreness and redness, fever, and flu-like symptoms. In general, flu-like symptoms in nursing mothers should be considered an infection until proven otherwise. In some cases, a breast infection can result in a breast abscess, where the sore breast fills with pus. You must see your naturopath or other health practitioner if this occurs. In this situation, express milk from the infected breast and discard. Continue breastfeeding on the uninfected breast.
Remedies
Continue to nurse your baby. Ducts will remain full if you stop and may make the problem worse. Get plenty of rest and drink fluids Apply heat with a hot water bottle Discuss this situation with your pediatrician, naturopath, or other health practitioner. Homeopathy Certain remedies can be used in acute situations if your symptoms fit the symptom picture of the remedy. For dosages, see the dedicated section on Homeopathy. Consult your homeopath or naturopath to determine your constitutional remedy: the remedy that best fits you as a whole person. Your homeopath or naturopath will take a complete case history considering all of your mental and physical ailments and match these symptoms with the symptom picture of the remedy. The following remedies should be taken every 4 hours for up to 5 days: Belladonna: Fast formation of the abscess, mastitis. Breast is very tender, red, painful, and hot. Bryonia: Mastitis accompanied by hardness of the breast. Breast is painful and hot, but not red. Symptoms are made better with heat.
Plugged Duct A plugged duct can be caused by wearing a tight bra or incomplete emptying of the breast during feeding. Soreness or a lump in one area of the breast may be signs of this problem.
Remedies
Carefully check for small, dried dots of milk on the nipple and remove by gently cleansing. Follow by frequent nursing on the affected breast. This combination should allow the duct to clear within one day. Firmly massage the breasts from the chest wall toward the nipple to stimulate milk flow. Offer the affected breast first during feeding to coincide with your baby's strongest suckling. Alter your baby's suckling position during feeding so all ducts are drained.
Reduced Milk Flow In almost all cases, mothers have enough breast milk to meet their child's needs. If your baby is going through a growth spurt, it may seem like you do not have enough milk. Your body will catch up, however, in a day or two as breast milk is made according to demand. If your baby feeds eight or more times per day in the first few months and has six or more wet diapers per day, your milk supply is quite normal. Weight gain is another indicator of adequate milk supply. The following herbs can reduce milk supply: black walnut, sage, and yarrow. Peppermint may also reduce milk flow in nursing mothers.
Remedies The following herbs increase milk supply in nursing mothers: Blessed Thistle, Boneset, Borage, Celery, Dandelion, Fennel, Milk Thistle, Parsley, and Red Raspberry Leaf. See the dedicated section for each herb regarding dosages and preparations. It is advisable to consult with your herbalist, midwife, naturopath, or other health practitioner before employing the use of herbs.
Sore or Cracked Nipples Sore nipples are often caused by improper positioning, feeding schedules, or incorrect suckling by the baby. Soreness may also be due to a breast infection (see above), typically Candida.
Remedies
Relax before and during feeding. Try not to pull away when your baby is about to begin feeding. Feed frequently to avoid having a hungry baby bite down hard on the nipple. Nurse on the least sore side first. Hand-express if both breasts are sore. Ensure that your baby's jaws exert pressure on the least tender spots. Change positions often to avoid constant pressure on one area. Keep nipples dry between feedings. Expose to air and sunlight. Aloe vera gel can be applied to cracked, sore nipples to relieve pain and promote healing. Avoid washing nipples with soap, alcohol, or petroleum-based products, as your natural protection can be washed away.
(Compiled) Actions and Remedy Listings
For More Information ... Better Beginnings (now CAP-C)
Lida Silver, Clara Will
100 Ravel Road
North York, Ontario
M2H 1S9 Tel: 416.499.3377
Fax: 416.499.0233 Email: lsilver@web.net
La Leche League of Toronto
Box 29, 18C Industrial Drive
Chesterville, Ontario
K0C 1H0 Tel: 416.483.3368
Fax: 613.448.1845 Toll-free: 1.800.665.4324
La Leche League International
1400 North Meacham Road
Schaumburg, Illinois
60173 Tel: 708.455.7730 Websites: La Leche League -- Breastfeeding Information The Infant Feeding Action Coalition Bright Future Lactation Resource Centre
See also Pregnancy (& Related Issues)
TERMS OF USE All information contained on this website is for reference purposes only and all content should be treated as a resource.
It is highly recommended that you consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner when undertaking self-treatment.
For serious conditions, always seek the advice of your naturopath or other health practitioner. People taking medication should
consult with their naturopath or other health practitioner before undertaking additional regime for their ailment. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the information contained on this website.
However, errors in copy may occur. You are advised to consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner
when applying the information contained on this website. The MBR Team is not responsible or liable for any personal injury or related effects
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"MY BEST REMEDIES" -- TERMS OF USE
All information contained on this website is for reference purposes only and all content should be treated as a resource. It is highly recommended that you consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner when undertaking self-treatment. For serious conditions, always seek the advice of your naturopath or other health practitioner. People taking medication should
consult with their naturopath or other health practitioner before undertaking additional regime for their ailment.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the information contained on this website. However, errors in copy may occur. You are advised to consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner
when applying the information contained on this website.
The MBR Team is not responsible or liable for any personal injury or related effects from applying the information contained on this website.
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