Top parenting stories this week
Weaning Your Baby
Here's how to make the weaning process go as smoothly as possible for both mom and baby.
by: Nancy Ripton
Weaning
- Remove one feeding every two or three days so your milk supply will diminish naturally. (If you become engorged, you can express a little milk–just don't overdo it or your body will only produce more.)
- Replace your baby's least favorite feeding first (usually a daytime feed when there are other more interesting things going on).
- If your baby is under one year and you aren't pumping breast milk, switch to formula. Once a baby has reached 12 months, she can go directly to whole milk.
- Try feeding your infant a little food before her bottle to take the edge off her hunger and increase your chances of success.
- If your baby is over six months, you can skip the bottle and try going directly to a sippy cup.
eaning can be an emotional time for both mom and baby and isn't always an easy process, no matter when you decide to do it. We went to our experts for tips on how to make weaning easier for you and your baby. To view the full story click here.
Sore Nipples while Breastfeeding
Nipple pain is the most common complaint among breastfeeding women. Here’s a look at what could be causing your discomfort and how to get relief.
by: Nancy Ripton
Nipple Pain
- It's important to seek help as soon as you begin experiencing sore nipples in order to prevent the situation from getting worse.
- Nipple pain caused by a poor latch is usually immediate and often subsides during feeding.
- If the pain is burning or stabbing and does not decrease as feeding progresses, you may have a yeast infection known as Candida or thrush.
- Vasospasm of the nipple occurs when the nipple turns white and there is a burning or throbbing pain immediately after feeding.
- Chronic nipple pain can be a sign of a new pregnancy.
espite your best intentions, the stabbing pain in your nipples may make you want to give up on breastfeeding. Nipple pain is the most common complaint among lactating women, but nursing should not be a painful process. "Prolonged stabbing or irritating nipple pain is not normal," says Dr. Christina Valentine, medical advisor for Neonatal Nutrition and Lactation at Columbus Children's Hospital. The earlier you catch a problem, the easier it is to fix. To view the full story click here.
How to get the Right Breastfeeding Latch
Most breastfeeding problems can be solved by perfecting your baby's latch. Here's how.
by: Nancy Ripton
Breastfeeding Latch
- Nipple soreness is almost always a sign of a bad latch.
- Skin-to-skin contact calms your baby and encourages her to take the breast on her own.
- When latching on, the baby's chin should touch the breast, but her nose should not.
- Your baby should cover more of the areola with her lower lip than with her upper lip.
- Watch your baby for hunger cues; if you wait until she cries, it will be harder to get a good latch.
f your nipples hurt, it's usually because of a poor breastfeeding latch, says Dr. Jack Newman, head of the Newman Breastfeeding Clinic in Toronto. Getting the right latch from the beginning is important for two reasons: it ensures your baby is getting sufficient milk and it prevents nipple pain. Here's how to get the right latch to increase your odds of breastfeeding success.
To view the full story click here.
