How to stop Baby from biting while breastfeeding

Your baby might become fussier when he/she is teething. Your tot might also show some breast refusal, and pull off of the breast in conjunction with biting. You do not have to wean when your baby starts biting. There are ways to relieve teething discomfort and prevent biting while breastfeeding.



Relieve Teething Pain



·  You can deaden Baby’s gums with an iced face-cloth or my favorite, breast milk lollies. (Get free recipes and instructions here)





Avoid Biting



·  When baby has had enough to drink, he/she may bite out of boredom. Try to avoid this by noticing the way that baby drinks and swallows. If the swallowing becomes less, Baby is finished drinking and may decide to bite.



·   Give your little one a breast milk Lolly just before you want to breastfeed, this will prevent him/her from using your nipples as a teether.



·  If your baby is not latched on correctly, the chances of him/her biting is increased. Ensure a good latch by getting as much breast tissue inside baby’s mouth as possible.



·  Your Bambino might be looking for attention. Look at him/her while feeding.



·  Make sure that your Babes nose is not congested before breastfeeding.



How do I get Baby off of the breast when he bites?



Simple, just close his nose and he will have to unlatch for air. ;-)



Why is Baby biting? Some possible reasons…



·   Baby may have nipple confusion. This is when a Baby is accustomed to drinking from an artificial nipple. This results in Baby forgetting how to drink from the breast, or he/she may become frustrated with the flow of milk; resulting in a bite.



·   If you’re let down is too slow or you have low supply issues, it can cause your Tot to become frustrated.



·   A shallow latch can result in biting.



·   A few medical issues such as tongue-tie, tongue thrust and neurological damage can cause biting while breastfeeding.



·   If Baby falls asleep at the breast, Baby may bite you while dreaming ;-)



·   Distractions are dangerous while breastfeeding. Hee hee. Keep the area where you nurse quiet and calm.



http://www.breastfeeding-problems.com/baby-biting.html

Calm your baby with Amber beads

Calm your baby with Amber beads

The Amber teething bead has come a long way. It is famous throughout the centuries for its powerful healing properties.

Here are just some of the claims that people make about amber:

•    It is a cleanser.
•    It has healing ability.
•    Used as a pain reliever. Believed to relieve head, neck, throat pain, pain associated with arthritis as well as aching muscles and joints.
•    It has been used for Congestion.
•    Restores energy levels.
•    Strengthens the immune system.
•    General wellbeing is improved.

The teething necklaces that are made from amber beads are known for helping to reduce pain, swelling and discomfort during teething.

How does it work?

The beads stimulate the thyroid gland, which controls drooling and reduces inflammation in Baby’s ears, tummy and throat. This, in turn, means better sleep for Mom and Baby; sleep on its own will also help reduce some teething symptoms.

The beads release traces of succinic oil into the body, when they heat up, due to body heat. Succinic acid is known for all these wonderful benefits.

A less irritable baby and more sleep!

My personal experience with the amber teething necklace: My little girl started with teething symptoms at about 4 months and she started waking up more often at night, she had a temperature and was extremely fussy. As soon as I put those amber beads around her neck, the symptoms started to disappear. She wore that necklace until only a few months ago. She is now almost three years old. Learning about the benefits of amber teething necklaces, makes me want to go purchase another one. There is this one website, which I noticed recently online that sells them in sets, one for Mom and one for Baby. ;-)

Other benefits for baby

•    Reduce pain during fever.
•    It reduces teething pain.
•    Boost your child’s immune system.
•    It helps heal wounds faster, with amber beads, amazing tissue regenerative effects.

Are they safe?

Amber beads are very safe, between each bead is a knot. Therefore, if the strand breaks, the beads do not fall off and become a choking hazard. They are also very durable, like I said above, my daughter’s necklace lasted for almost three years before they broke. She wore them day and night, even while bathing.

http://www.breastfeeding-problems.com/amber-teething-necklace.html

Alternative Feeding Methods - Cup feeding

Alternative Feeding Methods.

There are times, when a mother cannot physically breastfeed her baby. It might be that Baby has neurological problems, a weak suck, Mom may have inverted nipples or Baby may be premature.

There are many other reasons why a mother may decide to revert to alternative feeding methods. These methods of feeding Baby can prevent nipple confusion that arises from giving Baby an artificial nipple.

Alternative feeding methods are only used when absolutely necessary; when all other possible methods of saving the breastfeeding relationship have been undertaken.

The Alternative Methods

* Cup Feeding.

* Syringe Feeding.

* Lactation Aid. Finger feeding can be used with an SNS.

* Haberman Feeder.

* Spoon feeding.  

                                                                                            

Cup Feeding

Cup feeding vs bottle feeding

* Babies have been found to spit-up less with cup feeding.

* Babies have less colic symptoms with cup feeding.

* Babies who are cup fed, put on weight faster.

* Cup feeding is easily learnt.

* There is no risk of nipple confusion with cup feeding.

* Cup feeding is messier than bottle feeding.

* Cup feeding does not cater to Baby’s need to suck.

* There is the danger of milk aspiration with cup feeding,
if not done correctly.

How to cup feed

* Baby can be swaddled to keep the cup from being knocked over.

* Baby should be in an upright position.

* Rest the half filled cup of milk on Baby’s lower lip.

* Tip the cup slightly so that the milk only touches Baby’s lips.

* Never pour the milk into Baby’s mouth, Baby should lap the milk up.

Syringe Feeding 

How to syringe feed Baby

* Fill the syringe with breast milk.

* Keep Baby upright.

* You can finger feed Baby, while syringe feeding. This is done by inserting the syringe on the side of Baby’s mouth, while Baby sucks on your finger. Older, practiced babies suck directly on the syringe.

A Supplemental Breastfeeding System

This is a bottle that is filled with milk, attached to a tube that is inserted into Baby’s mouth, while Mom breastfeeds Baby. This is a great little device, as it allows Mom to continue to have Baby at the breast,
to increase milk supply. It also allows Mom and Baby to continue to benefit from the bonding experience that is enhanced with breastfeeding.

Haberman Feeder.

This is a special bottle that is made to mimic a mother’s breast. It mimics the flow of milk as well as the shape of the nipple. There are bottles that are actually shaped like a breast. Search for “Adiri Nurser”,
in your internet browser to see it.  These bottles prevent nipple confusion.

Spoon feeding. 

* Make sure Baby is upright, give small spoonfuls of milk, placing the spoon on Baby’s lower lip. Allow Baby to take the milk, do not pour the milk into baby’s mouth.

If you need more help and advice on alternative feeding methods…

Visit

http://www.breastfeeding-problems.com/alternative-feeding-methods.html

Alcohol and Breastfeeding ~ Is it safe?

Alcohol Consumption Whilst Breastfeeding 

Should a mother completely refrain, from drinking alcohol while breastfeeding?

It depends. If Mom would like to have the occasional drink whilst breastfeeding, it is okay. Moderation is key. The exception is this: If Baby is younger than three months of age, alcohol consumption should be avoided all together.

A baby that is younger than three months, lacks the capability to handle even small amounts of alcohol.

How much is too much? 

On average about two drinks per week, is acceptable.

Consuming too much alcohol whilst breastfeeding, can cause low milk supply problems, and the flow of milk is slowed down (especially in Moms who have diabetes).

A Mom who drink more than the recommended amount, will notice that Baby sleeps less, but seem drowsy while awake. Motor skill development is especially compromised, as well as weight gain.

Pumping and dumping your milk, does nothing to remove alcohol from milk.

There are a few RULES to go by, for those Moms who have the occasional drink:

• Never breastfeed, if you are feeling tipsy.

• If you want a drink, drink after a breastfeeding session.

• After a drink, you need to wait three hours before you can breastfeed again.

• Never drink if your baby is younger than three months.

• Moms, that breastfeed, who are on any medications, should NEVER drink alcohol.

• If you know that you will be drinking, pump and store some extra milk for baby.

Overuse of alcohol can also cause:

• Acid reflux in Baby.

• Skin allergies in Baby.

• Colic symptoms in Baby.

• Moms who struggle with Raynaud’s syndrome, might notice worse symptoms when they consume alcohol.

• Moms who drink alcohol, are more prone to postpartum depression.

Beer and Breastfeeding; for Increasing Milk Supply. 

Beer has traditionally been used as a lactogenic substance (A substance that increases milk supply). Beer has been proven to increase supply, BUT drinking the amounts of beer you will need to increase supply, would not be safe while breastfeeding. There is good news though, non-alcoholic dark beers, have the same lactogenic effect!

Personally, I think there are better methods of increasing supply. Some of these include: lactogenic foods like coconut water, seaweed or oatmeal. A few supplements that can help include: Brewers yeast, Fenugreek and Spirulina.

So, bottom line, some moms who are breastfeeding, can enjoy the occasional alcoholic beverage without feeling guilty, as long as they stick to the guidelines mentioned here.

http://www.breastfeeding-problems.com/alcohol-and-breastfeeding.html

Author ~
Tracy Ann Behr: Breastfeeding Mom of two, Breastfeeding Helper, currently studying at Childbirth International for breastfeeding counselor and Birth doula certification.

The Advantages of Breastfeeding for Mother

Advantages of Breastfeeding, for Mom. 

http://www.breastfeeding-problems.com/advantages-of-breastfeeding-for-mother.html

So we know that breastfeeding has many benefits for baby, such as immunity towards illness, easy digestion, gut protection, reduced colic symptoms, and much more, but hardly anyone ever stops to think about the benefits that Mom may take advantage of.

Benefits for Mom

• Breastfeeding protects Mom from all types of cancers, especially breast cancer, uterine and ovarian cancer.
• Breastfeeding Moms, on average experience less postpartum depression symptoms. When a mother breastfeeds, a hormone called Oxytocin is released into her system. Oxytocin is known as the "love hormone" or "feel good hormone".
• An improved bonding experience. It is a known fact, that breastfeeding helps increase the strength of the bond between mother and child.
• A sense of accomplishment. There is nothing like the feeling, when you realize that your baby is totally dependant on you, and that only you can satisfy their needs.
• A mother who breastfeeds, usually spends more time relaxing.
• Breast milk is free! It does not cost you anything and it is Eco-friendly.
• It's easier to breastfeeding that to formula feed. Formula feeding entails the cleaning and warming of bottles, mixing of formula and so forth.
•  Moms who breastfeed, lose weight faster.
• A mother who breastfeeds, will have a healthier baby, making things much easier for her. This in turn will also reduce health care costs.
• A Mother who breastfeeds is said to have a faster recovery after giving birth, and uterus will return to its normal size quicker. Postpartum bleeding is also reduced.
• Night time feedings are a breeze, just pop out a booby and baby can co-sleep and lie down whilst breastfeeding. Formula feeding Moms will need to get out of bed, while their baby is crying, will need to go make a bottle of formula, at the correct temperature, and then sit upright while feeding baby (most will struggle to get baby to sleep after all of that).
• A Mom who breastfeeds, never needs to pack a bag full of bottles and formula. All you need, is already there!
• A family spacing method. If a mother's period has not yet returned, she may use this as a sign of infertility. Some Moms have fallen pregnant before the return of their first periods, though, so it's a chance you take.
• Breastfed babies are calmer and cry less. This is certainly a great advantage for the new mommy.

Overall, there is a unique relationship that is formed between a Mom and baby. Please share your experience below...

Author: Tracy Ann Behr is a breastfeeding Mother of two, breastfeeding helper, currently studying at Childbirth International for Breastfeeding counselor and Birth doula certification.

Breastfeeding an Adopted Baby.

Adoptive Breastfeeding

What a great decision you
have made, to breastfeed your adopted baby, and give a gift so precious.

Can a mother breastfeed her
adopted baby, If she has never breastfed before?

Yes, a woman who has never
breastfed, can induce lactation. Some Moms can induce lactation and produce a
full supply of breast milk for their adopted babies, while others may produce
only enough for combination feeding. Mothers who have had previous pregnancies,
will usually find the process of re-lactation much easier and quicker.

Moms that combination feed,
should try to find out about donor breast milk; especially so, if their adopted
baby is premature or has any type of illness.

A SNS “supplementary nursing
system” is usually used, while Mom is trying to increase her milk supply. This
device is great for inducing supply, while supplementing with breast milk or
formula. This prevents nipple confusion as well as gives Mom and baby some
bonding time together.

The physical closeness that a
Mom and child experience while breastfeeding, can actually help an abused
infant, heal quicker and faster.

Tips for Adoptive Moms who need to Induce Lactation

• Pumping in-between feedings can help increase
  milk supply. It is best to use a hospital grade, electric, double action
  breast pump.
• Try to start inducing supply, by pumping a few
  weeks or even months before baby is adopted.
• Herbs and lactogenic foods can be used to
  increase supply. There are safe medications that will help too.
• Remember that any amount of breast milk is
  beneficial to baby. If Mom is capable of just producing a few drops of
  milk, while using an SNS, baby will continue to benefit; jaw development
  as well as a beautiful bonding experience are just some of theses
  benefits.
• Hormones can also be used to induce lactation.

Please try to get as much
support and help as possible. Getting involved in a breastfeeding group or
online support group for adoptive breastfeeding mothers will help.

www.breastfeeding-problems.com/adoptive-breastfeeding.html

Acne and breastfeeding. Acne in mom, acne in baby postpartum.

Why do some Moms get acne after birth and while
breastfeeding?

The short answer is that hormones are responsible for this.
After birth, your hormones are trying to level themselves out again, this can
cause your body to react differently. Your hormones while breastfeeding are
also constantly changing in the first few days, in which Mom transitions from
producing colostrum to mature breast milk.

There are Moms that experience other symptoms too, such as
headaches, nausea and even hair loss after birth.

Breastfeeding cannot be given all the blame, the postpartum
hormones are more likely to cause this reaction. You need to give your body a
chance to adapt and normalize again.

Furthermore, stress and dehydration can also have an effect
on the condition of ones skin. Make sure that you get plenty of rest and drink
at least 8 glasses of water daily. Exercise is recommended, and is safe to do
while breastfeeding; this should help detox your body. 

The postpartum acne can be found anywhere on the body, including
the breasts. Pimples that are found on the nipple however, could be a sign of
something else, such as a blocked pore or nipple bleb.

What about acne in baby, after birth?

Many Moms notice a few pimples on baby’s body, usually on
the face and scalp (after birth). These pimples are normal, and due to the
hormones that where transferred from Mom’s body to baby’s, while Mom was still
pregnant. These pimples will usually disappear within the first few weeks of
baby’s life.

What can you do about acne in baby/Mom?

Mom and baby can use a gentle baby facial wash, this will
prevent harsh chemicals from entering Mom’s breast milk. You do not need to
treat the acne though, it will clear itself.

Personally, I like to use natural homemade cleansers and
moisturizers on my own skin. You can find great recipes at
remedies-for-skin.com. My favorite cleanser is a raw honey, lemon juice
combination with an jojoba oil moisturizer. I like jojoba oil, because it
balances the skin's own PH and does not make oily skin, oilier. Do not use any
of these natural remedies on your baby's skin, they may cause an allergic
reaction.

If you need more tips and advice on acne while
breastfeeding…

Visit
http://www.breastfeeding-problems.com/acne-and-breastfeeding.html

Author ~ Tracy Ann Behr: Breastfeeding Mom of two,
Breastfeeding Helper, currently studying at Childbirth International for
breastfeeding counselor and Birth doula.