THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A LAZY BABY
I want to address a term that often surfaces in consultations and pediatric visits: "lazy baby." I believe this term is not only inaccurate but also unhelpful. It suggests a negative connotation and unjustly assigns blame to your infant for challenges in breastfeeding, which is unfair and unfounded.
WHAT IS DYSPHORIC MILK EJECTION REFLEX (D-MER)?
D-MER is an abrupt dysphoria that occurs when hormonal changes coincide with the letdown of milk, leading to feelings of sadness, nausea, or unease.
The Value of Prenatal Breastfeeding Consultations
Prenatal lactation consultations can be invaluable in setting the course for a successful breastfeeding journey. Find out the reasons one should see a Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine physician or lactation consultant before having a baby.
5 Things Everyone Should Know About Postpartum Depression: An Interview with Jake Frankel in Authority Magazine
I recently had an interview with Authority Magazine about Postpartum Depression. Check it out here and share widely.
Taking Time to Heal: A Crucial Aspect of Postpartum Recovery
Having a baby, whether through vaginal delivery or a cesarean section, is an intense physical and emotional experience, comparable to undergoing major surgery (and it is, in fact, major surgery if you have a c-section!). It's essential to recognize that healing is required, regardless of whether there was a tear, significant bleeding, or other complications. The absence of these issues doesn't negate the need for your body to heal.
Breastfeeding While You Are Sick
As a Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine physician, I often encounter questions from new mothers about the impact of their health on breastfeeding. One common concern is what to do when you're sick. It's a natural instinct to want to protect your baby from illness, which might lead you to consider stopping breastfeeding or even isolating from your child. However, the science suggests a different approach. Successful breastfeeding can and should continue despite maternal illness.
Pumping and Storing Breast milk: Essential Tips
Whether you're directly nursing, doing exclusive pumping, or a combination of both, a lactation consultation can help optimize your pumping experience and get you off to a great start! And remember always, you've got this!
Understanding the Challenges of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding, while a beautiful experience, isn't always easy. Many new mothers intend to breastfeed exclusively but soon realize it's not as simple as it seems. Challenges like low milk supply or pain during breastfeeding are common and make reaching breastfeeding goals difficult. Besides these specific issues, breastfeeding is, quite simply, exhausting. Being a new mom is hard enough, and breastfeeding adds another layer of complexity. Remember, it's a task only you can do, and that can be daunting.
TIPS for NURSING Sleepy Babies
Newborns, especially those born preterm or early term (around 35 to 37 weeks), often exhibit sleepiness while nursing at the breast. I like to call them "pokey" babies. Baby pokiness can lead to breastfeeding session that take a LONG time, or a feeding may end with a sleeping baby who did not eat much, so they wake up again to eat shortly after putting them down. After a while, this can lead to an especially tiring breastfeeding experience and may make you seek out the help of a lactation consultation. Find out some tips and tricks to keep a sleepy baby eating at the breast in this week’s blog post.
Navigating the Challenges of Motherhood: Understanding and Overcoming 'Mom Guilt'
Motherhood places an enormous responsibility on your shoulders. You're tasked with nurturing, caring for, and shaping a tiny human being into a well-rounded adult. This journey is fraught with decisions, and often, I am asked by my patients about the "right" way to handle certain situations. It's important to understand that parenting isn't about right or wrong methods; it's more about finding what works best for you and your family. Each family is unique, and so are the solutions to the challenges they face. Let's remember to be gentle with ourselves and understand that self-judgment is often our harshest critic.