DO YOU REALLY NEED A FREEZER STASH?
Chicagoland breastfeeding expert Dr. Cindy Rubin takes on the topic of the freezer stash in this blog article. The Internet and Social Media have made breastfeeding people think they need to build a freezer stash and that having an overly plentiful milk supply is desirable. Pumping to create a freezer stash signals your body to produce more milk than your baby needs at that moment. While this may seem beneficial, it can lead to issues if you're making a larger breast milk supply than your baby requires. Overproduction can result in blocked ducts, mastitis, nipple blebs, nipple pain, and general breast discomfort.
What is the difference between a Board-Certified Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine Physician and a Lactation Consultant?
Breastfeeding is a deeply personal and sometimes challenging journey, and having the right support can make all the difference. Sometimes new mothers find themselves confused when seeking help to ensure they and their babies can enjoy a successful breastfeeding experience.
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.
NEW REcommenda-tions for treating plugged ducts
If you’ve ever had a plugged duct, you know how miserable they can make you. They are painful, sometimes provoke anxiety, and can lead to decreased milk production (temporarily). Contrary to what you might think, plugged ducts are not little clumps of milk but Instead they are areas of obstructed milk due to inflammation that has developed in or around a milk duct. This inflammation gradually narrows the duct, making it difficult for milk to flow freely. While there may be a bit of congealed milk involved, it's primarily inflammation that's causing the blockage.