UNDERSTANDING HOW MUCH BREAST MILK BABIES NEED OVER TIME
Worries about milk supply are common during the postpartum period, especially for new parents trying to anticipate their baby’s changing needs over their first year. A common belief is that as babies grow throughout their first year, they will need more and more milk. This can feel daunting if your feeding goals include exclusively feeding your baby human milk. Thankfully, this is not the reality. Let’s break down how breast milk needs evolve, what you can expect, and how your body is actually designed to adapt to these changes.
BREASTFEEDING HAIKU
A while back, I was inspired to get creative and made a Breastfeeding Haiku series. Today I am sharing some of my poetry with you here.
WHAT FOODS TO AVOID WHILE BREASTFEEDING
In my line of work as a Breastfeeding Medicine and 4th Trimester Specialist in Chicago, I often get asked what herbs or foods can help with lactation. In this article, I focus on what herbs and foods might have a negative effect on your breastfeeding journey.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT BRA AFTER BABY
Everyone loves shopping for baby clothes and adding fun things to their baby shower gift registry, but don't forget to take care of yourself and ensure your own comfort during the postpartum period!
WHEN BREASTFEEDING ISN’T GOING WELL
Breast milk is the optimal nutrition source for babies. We know this. Despite this being the case, breastfeeding can be difficult for a million different reasons, and many struggle with this alone because they don't know where to turn, or they are embarrassed that they are "failing." There is no failure in breastfeeding or motherhood! The postpartum period is exhausting even if breastfeeding is going well. Throw lactation problems into the mix for parents of a newborn baby and you've got a recipe for overwhelming exhaustion and even postpartum mood disorders. Read on to learn what you can do if you find yourself as a new parent struggling with meeting your feeding goals.
EXPECTATIONS AS A FIRST TIME MOM
Being prepared to be unprepared when you are going to have a baby is probably the best approach. Get used to the idea that things won’t go as planned, and that’s okay. Don’t feel alone. Seek support—there are so many ways to get it. Some you may not realize you will need, but some kinds of support are universal. Line up people to bring you meals or do your grocery shopping for you.
DEALING WITH A FAST FLOW OR FORCEFUL LETDOWN
A forceful letdown occurs when milk flows from the breast faster than the baby can handle. This can be overwhelming for your little one and may require seeking the professional help of a lactation consultant.
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.
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.