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]]>Get Breastfeeding Off to a Good Start: Latch
Helping to Get Breastfeeding Off to a Good Start: Latch, By Rita Brhel, Hastings, Nebraska (La Leche League USA).
After years of supporting mothers at all stages of breastfeeding, I’ve learned that there are four key areas to focus on to get breastfeeding off to a good start: milk supply, latch, frequent access to the breast, and skin-to-skin contact. Let’s explore latch.
Frequent breast milk removal is key to building a good milk supply, and so is a good latch. Generally, the latch is how the baby’s mouth fits on the nipple. A good latch makes for good milk transfer. A poor latch makes for poor milk transfer. Also, a baby with a good latch will be more likely to be satisfied and to be able to build up or maintain a mother’s milk supply. A baby with a poor latch is less likely to do so.
It’s generally easy to figure out if the baby has a good or poor latch. A poor latch can be painful. While some initial tenderness is common in the first few days after birth, this tenderness goes away in the first seconds after a good latch, and then goes away for good after a few days to a week. Sometimes, a poor latch causes an ongoing discomfort beyond a week; sometimes, a poor latch causes bleeding and cracked nipples. Either way, pain while latching is a sign to seek help from a La Leche League Leader.
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Seeking out information and support before the baby’s arrival is an excellent way to learn about a good latch. Attend a series of La Leche League meetings to provide you with both information and support. If La Leche League isn’t available in your community, often hospitals or other health organizations offer classes. At some local hospitals, lactation consultants offer classes to all women who are in their third trimester. My first baby was an early preemie, so I didn’t get to take the class. I didn’t have a clue about getting my baby to latch and decided to exclusively pump. With my second baby, I was able to take the class, and it made a difference. It was all about latching, and then when I delivered, breastfeeding wasn’t such a mystery to me.
That’s not to say it’s always easy. I had more severe latch issues with my third baby, but because I recognized the importance of a good latch and of seeking help to attain it, I was finally able to overcome the sore nipples that might have otherwise convinced me to quit. My baby self-weaned at three and one-half years old. Of all the accomplishments in my life, full-term breastfeeding may be the highest on my list.
To find a La Leche League Group near you, go to www.lllusa.org/locator/.
Photo Credit: Suchalovelyhigh
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This article is by La Leche League USA
The mission of La Leche League USA is to help mothers to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support. Also, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding. As an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.
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]]>Essence Price – My Bump Story – Gorgeous New Mom
Gorgeous new mom to a baby girl, Essence Price, shares her bump story. Shares some precious moments from her pregnancy journey with us!
Enjoy!
What was your reaction when you first found out you were pregnant?
I had a strong urge that I was pregnant! We had been trying for a couple of months and I could just feel it in my heart so I told my husband and we went to take a blood test! They called back and said I was a few days pregnant! I almost dropped my phone and started crying but I kept it together and we both were so excited for the journey we were about to embark on
Your funniest memory over the 9 month period?
One of the funniest moments during pregnancy was when my husband got home from work and I ran up to him and tried to give him a bear hug and basically bounced off of him. LOL! Ny belly came out of no where and we both didn’t realize how big I was getting overnight!
What was the easiest trimester and which one proved most difficult?
For me the easiest trimester was my 2nd. I loved being pregnant and dressing my bump. I loved being able to feel baby girl move inside of me. No morning sickness, my energy was back and I just felt amazing and excited that I was half way through! My 3rd trimester was probably the most difficult. I felt so exhausted and overwhelmed trying to make sure everything was ready for when baby arrived. My daughter was a week overdue and in that last week I was in so much discomfort, and grew impatient I just wanted to meet her already.
Any fashion tips and tricks for maternity dressing?
Dressing up my bump was one of my favorite things to do during pregnancy. I loved carrying life inside of me and showing it off. Confidence and style was so important to me during this time. It’s hard for some woman to watch their bodies change and we start to feel unsexy or unfamiliar with ourselves. Finding an amazing maternity line , or some cute comfy clothes to express yourself in and keep you feeling like yourself is key to helping you enjoy every bit of this amazing journey!
Did you have any weird and wonderful cravings?
I craved a lot of spicy stuff during the first trimester! I would eat potato chips with hot sauce and also loved fried pickles and cereal! By the middle of the second trimester, I started getting my cravings back for all the foods I normally would want!
The craziest thing you googled during pregnancy?
The craziest thing I googled during pregnancy was whether the eclipse will affect my baby!
What did you struggle with most being pregnant?
I think what I struggled with most while being pregnant was the lack of energy I felt at times. There were days, lots of them where I didn’t even want to get out of bed. I work out all the time and there were days I just could not fathom walking into a gym and that was hard for me to feel unmotivated and just tired. But you soon realize that nothing is more important than listening to your body and doing what’s best for you and your little one.
Any tricks and tips that made your pregnancy journey easier
I loved going out to eat and enjoying time with my husband. That really helped make my pregnancy journey be enjoyable and go by so fast. I loved getting massages, and mani/pedis! Basically, treat yourselves and enjoy every bit of you-time!
How was your birth experience?
I was 41 weeks when I went into labor with my baby girl. I labored at home because I was only 1cm dilated and was scheduled for an induction at midnight that night. So they sent me home at 11:30 AM on Friday. I labored at home from then until about 10:30 PM when I began having unbearable contractions. So I checked in to the hospital at about 10:30 PM.
They started me on Pitocin at about 12:30 AM and I received an epidural at about 3:00 AM. I labored all through the night, all through the day and they finally checked my cervix at 5:30 PM Saturday and said I was 9 cm dilated. I immediately felt the urge to push, my epidural had worn off and I was just in so much pain.
They brought the doctor in and I began to push at 6:00 PM. Baby girl was born at 6:51 PM on Saturday. It was a long, hard, painful labor and I would do it all over again. Once I held that sweet little body I was overwhelmed with so many emotions. It’s amazing what our bodies can do. Women are so incredible and I wouldn’t change a thing about my birthing experience because it was mine and I loved it.
How do you intend to get your groove back?
I am now one week postpartum and sucking up all the cuddles with baby. I’m resting and nursing and loving taking care of this little human. But I can’t wait to add her to my routines and get back in the gym once I’m cleared to work out and go about my normal activities!
What were you most looking forward to sharing with your baby?
For 9 months I all I wanted to do was share kisses and hugs with my baby girl. When she was born I think I kissed her about 5000 times. Now we’re home and we love spending time rocking in her nursery and exchanging smiles to one another. She already has changed so much in this first week. I just can’t wait for what is ahead.
Top 5 Newborn must-haves
5 newborn must haves for me are a swing- Arslyn would live in hers if she could! A boppy pillow- a life saver for breastfeeding! Nose frida- sounds gross , but works magic to get little ones boogies out! Rocking chair- we love ours it’s so good for bonding time my little one loves to rock while I nurse her! And a baby camera- my husband can talk to me and baby girl from work and we love it!
Congratulations on such a beautiful baby girl and thank you for sharing your story! Find more of Essence on her Instagram page
ALSO SEE:- BUMP STORIES FROM OTHER MOMS
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“We Beat Infertility”: Woman Recounts Her Near-Death Experience.
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]]>12 Cute And Funny Onesies For Your Baby
We have rounded up 12 of the best cute and funny baby onesies that we spotted online. Your little one is certain to look absolutely adorable in one of these. Check it out!
Our editors review and recommend products to help you buy the stuff you need. If you make a purchase by clicking one of our links, we may earn a small share of the revenue that support our work, at no additional costs to you. (Learn more)
1- Party At My Crib
2 – Ladies I Have Arrived
3 – I Drink Until I Pass Out Just Like My Daddy
4 – All Mommy Wanted Was A Back Rub
6 – Hello I’m New Here
7 – Milkaholic
8 – Ain’t No Mama
9 – Home Brewed
10 – I’m The Reason We’re Late
11- Im Not Crying. I’m Ordering Dinner
12 – I Only Cry When Ugly People Hold Me
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SEE MORE: BROWSE MORE PRODUCTS, CAREFULLY SELECTED FOR YOU
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]]>Birth Vlog
Birth Vlog: Skylar Jae Robinson “Made Me Realize How Strong Of A Woman I am”
Date of Birth: September 2, 2017
Mother’s Name: Domonique Robinson
Baby’s Name: Skylar Jae Robinson
New mom to a beautiful baby girl, Domonique Robinson is grateful for her beautiful blessing. Despite that she had severe morning sickness incredibly early in her pregnancy, the fabulous new mom describes her pregnancy journey as absolutely amazing! “In the beginning, I dealt with morning sickness and so many mixed emotions about the new journey I was beginning, but in the end, it was all worth it,” she said, “I am very thankful to have a supportive husband that was there for me every step of the way, along with many family and friends.”
She goes on to say that the birth of her daughter, Sylar has made her appreciate life so much more “it made me realize how strong of a woman I am” she said.
The new mom and her husband are loving every moment of parenthood “My husband and I have been enjoying being first-time parents. This experience has been so much better than we could have ever imagined and we would not trade it for anything.”
Read on to watch the labor and delivery vlog and to see photos from Skylar’s newborn photo shoot.
From all of us here at pregnancybeyond.com, we would like to congratulate both of you on the safe arrival of your baby.
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]]>Get Breastfeeding Off To A Good Start:
Helping To Get Breastfeeding Off To A Good Start: Milk Supply, By Rita Brhel, Hastings, Nebraska (La Leche League USA)
After years of supporting mothers at all stages of breastfeeding, I’ve learned that there are four key areas to focus on when helping mothers get breastfeeding off to a good start: milk supply, latch, frequent access to the breast, and skin-to-skin contact. In this post, let’s begin by exploring milk supply.
A common concern among new mothers is whether or not they produce enough milk to satisfy their babies. A satisfied baby will come off the breast on his own without fussing and without giving you hunger cues. He may fall asleep at the breast, but won’t look for the breast almost right away when he wakes up.
Newborn babies do need to feed frequently, but if your baby is breastfeeding nearly constantly—for example, you only have a few minutes between the end of one feed and the beginning of another, and this lasts all day long—you may want to speak with a La Leche League Leader or other lactation support person.
It’s difficult to say how often your baby will need to breastfeed. At the hospital, you may hear that baby needs to feed every two or three hours. This guideline is more so a mother doesn’t go over three hours without feeding, for example, if she’s missing baby’s hunger cues or if baby is sleepy from having jaundice.
La Leche League encourages mothers to breastfeed on demand, meaning whenever baby is showing pre-cry hunger cues: sucking on fingers or fists, just having the hands in fists, wiggling, pursing lips, sticking the tongue out of the mouth, turning toward the breast, even moving the eyes under the eyelids in that last phase of light sleep.
READ: Nine Labor & Delivery Nurses Are Pregnant At The Same Time
Crying is baby’s last resort, and waiting until your baby cries is not recommended as your baby will be much harder to latch and settle because of being so frustrated. In this case, a baby often falls asleep early in the feeding because crying takes so much energy. If your baby is easily frustrated, watch for baby’s earliest hunger cues and latch at that point.
Let’s go back to how often a newborn will breastfeed. It could be every two or three hours. Or it could be every hour. There is no set standard among babies, because all babies are unique individuals. Trust that babies instinctively know when they are hungry. Don’t hesitate to breastfeed them at that point.
(A caveat here is if your baby has a reason for needing close medical monitoring, such as jaundice, born prematurely, or another reason identified by his health care provider or your lactation consultant. These babies may need to be awakened before they show hunger cues in order to stimulate their feeding instincts.)
Have you experienced low supply before? Barring any hormonal medical conditions or uncommon breast tissue complications, your potential for having a full milk supply resets with every pregnancy. So, if you want a sufficient milk supply over the course of your breastfeeding relationship, begin by establishing your milk supply in the early weeks.
After all that, how does this relate to having a good milk supply? The newborn weeks are when you will be establishing your milk supply, and the best way to do that is by breastfeeding frequently. How much milk you make depends on how much and how frequently milk is being removed. So, to make more milk, you need to breastfeed more often. This will help to ensure that you get breastfeeding off to a good start!
Photo Credit : Taratoriola
This article is by La Leche League USA
The mission of La Leche League USA is to help mothers to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.
Follow Pregnancy & Beyond on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter
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]]>Birth Story
Hayven and Rosealyn Starks Birth Story:
Babies Name: Hayven and Rosealyn Starks
Date of Birth: May 8th, 2017
Parents: Jonathan & Jade Starks
Here’s the cute babies Hayven and Rosealyn Starks Birth Story.
Jade Starks wanted one baby but got two! Despite the difficulty she had with breathing and being very nervous of delivery, Jade says her labor & delivery was the best experience possible. She welcomed her twins girls via a scheduled c-section and it was a total adrenaline rush; she cried when she heard their first cry and holding her girls for the first time was totally love at first sight. We could not be more happy with our two blessings, she says, they bring us so much joy everyday and we couldn’t imagine doing life any different.
Jade however noted that being a parent of twins isn’t as easy as it looks –– you get no days off from motherhood, but we are thankful for our twin girls and so exited to watch them grow and thrive together.
Watch the birth vlog!
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]]>Elisha Bakes Bump Story
Elisha Bakes Bump Story – Really Interesting 9 months pregnant Journey.
From dreaming about being pregnant before actually finding out she was pregnant, to keeping the sex of her baby a surprise until birth. New mama Elisha Bakes had a really interesting 9-month pregnancy journey! She shares some of those moments with us in her bump story. Enjoy!
…
What was your first reaction when you found out you were pregnant?
It was a crazy surprise. I had a dream that I was pregnant and then when I was late I decided to take a test straight away. Seeing the positive result I felt so many mixed feelings, I was in shock and super excited at the same time. I told my partner straight away and he was so thrilled which makes it so much more special. The next day I had a blood test to confirm and after that it felt so much more real hearing “you’re pregnant” from a doctor.
Your funniest memory over the 9 months?
Hormones can do the craziest things to us women! Luckily I don’t think that I had too many crazy moments but I would get ridiculously emotional over movies, TV shows, YouTube videos etc. My partner would come in the room and see I’ve been crying just to find out it’s over a movie I’ve seen a hundred times or a proposal video on YouTube!
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How would you describe the 9-month journey?
Second trimester was bliss for me! I felt that I had so much energy plus had a great appetite and enjoyed every moment. I struggled the most with the end of the third trimester after 35 weeks. I had really bad pains where my baby’s head was trying to push down tearing ligaments and I was just so uncomfortable carrying around this big bump. Sleeping, driving, putting on shoes, walking for long periods were all very difficult…the simple things in life you take for granted!
Did you have any maternity wear hacks?
I wanted to make sure that I still dressed like me and kept the same style. Being pregnant over summer made it easy too, as all I wore was dresses and skirts. It was more flattering for me to wear tight clothing and complimented my bump! At home I would always be in a crop top and track pants. Having a good pair of maternity leggings and some slides were my must haves!
Did you have any weird and wonderful cravings?
I craved fruit all the time from the very beginning to the end of my pregnancy. Nothing would make me happier than a big bowl of cut up watermelon and strawberries.
What did you struggle with most being pregnant?
Once I hit 37 weeks I became quite anxious just not knowing when I was going to pop! My baby came at 40 weeks + 6 days and everyday until then I would wake up wondering if today would be the day I get to meet my baby.
Any tricks and tips that made your pregnancy journey easier?
I drank a lot of water [2.5-3L a day]. I was very lucky as I didn’t get any stretch marks and I believe this helped with my skin elasticity. It also got me ready for breastfeeding as I was so used to already drinking so much water. I also would make sure that on weekends [usually Sunday] I would have a total chill out day where I would sleep and rest as much as I could. This would help me re-energise for the working week ahead.
How was your birth experience?
It was very long! I started having contractions midnight Saturday and stayed at home all day Sunday with them increasing every hour. It was such a long day and I couldn’t sleep because of the pain. When my contractions were 6 minutes apart my waters broke which was early Monday morning and we arrived at the hospital at 6:30am. 23 hours later I had my son via emergency c-section after trying everything and giving it as much time as possible. It was such a long, tiring couple of days. I had my partner by my side the whole time which made the experience a lot easier, he was able to take my mind off the pain and my mum was also there which was another blessing. I couldn’t have done it without them – having a solid support system is so important.
My partner and I didn’t know the sex of our baby. I had requested when I got into theater that they don’t tell me what it was as I really wanted my partner to be the one to tell me what we had. Hearing him say “we had a boy” and seeing my son for the first time was the most special moment of my life and I wish I could just keep reliving over.
What helped you get your groove back after being pregnant?
After having a c-section recovery is quite slow and you’re generally stuck indoors especially the first couple of weeks. I liked to make sure that I got dressed everyday and made myself look presentable…I had my days where I stayed in my pajamas all day too! I think you just need to do whatever makes you feel like “you”. I tend to have the longest showers possible…it’s the best escape!
What were you most looking forward to sharing with your baby?
All the cuddles I want and sharing our life with him. I can’t wait to travel with him and be there to experience all of his “firsts” from first steps, first words, first swim…it’s all going to be so special!
Top 5 Newborn must-haves
- Plenty of nappies – my partner is always doing nappy runs to the store!
- Good blankets – Having some nice warm blankets has made my son nice and warm when we are out and about.
- I love our baby bathtub – it has a built in thermometer and scales which is super handy.
- Plenty of rags – I go through 2-3 a day to wipe excess milk away and spit up.
- Mattress protector on the bassinet along with lots of spare sheets.
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]]>Get Breastfeeding Off To A Good Start:
Helping To Get Breastfeeding Off To A Good Start: Skin-to-Skin Contact, By Rita Brhel, Hastings, Nebraska (La Leche League USA)
After years of supporting mothers at all stages of breastfeeding, I’ve learned that there are four key areas to focus on to help mothers get breastfeeding off to a good start: milk supply, latch, frequent access to the breast, and skin-to-skin contact. In this post, let’s explore the value of skin-to-skin contact.
I alluded to skin-to-skin contact in a previous post about frequent access to the breast. That baby requires physical closeness to the mother for healthy development. Breastfeeding provides skin-to-skin contact between baby and mother. The more, the better!
All nurturing touch between humans produces a hormone in the bodies of those involved called oxytocin, or aptly, “the love hormone.” Among its many benefits, oxytocin helps us to feel relaxed. It also greatly helps mothers and babies with bonding.
Skin-to-skin is done by undressing the baby to the diaper and placed on the mother’s bare chest. A version of this happens with kangaroo care for premature or ill babies. As it helps babies better regulate body temperature, heart rate, breathing patterns. Also, other body functions that improve development. Not only does skin-to-skin contact help with bonding between healthy, full-term newborns and their mothers. But oxytocin also boosts milk-making hormones and encourages the baby to latch.
READ: – PELVIC FLOOR AFTER BIRTH: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Skin-to-skin contact is promoted quite often in hospitals. But it’s important to continue providing it at home too. Especially when a baby is having trouble with latch, or is too sleepy to wake for feedings. Also, when a mother needs to increase her supply.
Nurturing touch beyond skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding such as through babywearing, and being held in arms. Also, is incredibly important to healthy infant development. Even with a baby who has a good latch, whose mother has a good milk supply. Also, the whose newborn period doesn’t seem to have any challenges to breastfeeding. Babies benefit from being held, and breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact support the baby’s needs.
Read more about skin-to-skin contact and kangaroo care on the LLLI website at www.llli.org/faq/premkangaroo.html.
Photo Credit: Yasminetherealtor
This article is by La Leche League USA
The mission of La Leche League USA is to help mothers to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support. Encouragement, information, and education. Also, to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.
Also Read: The Safest Way To Sleep During Pregnancy
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]]>Frequent Access
Helping To Get Breastfeeding Off To A Good Start: Frequent Access, By Rita Brhel, Hastings, Nebraska (La Laeche League USA)
After years of supporting mothers at all stages of breastfeeding, I’ve learned that there are four key areas to focus on to help mothers get breastfeeding off to a good start: milk supply, latch, frequent access to the breast, and skin-to-skin contact. In this post, let’s explore access to the breast as it pertains to growth spurts and cluster feedings.
Cluster feeding usually occurs over the course of a few hours each day. It can happen every day during the early newborn weeks. Every time when baby wants to breastfeed—constantly. You may finish one nursing session, only to have the baby cue you that she wants to latch again. This is normal and is a way for a baby to build up your milk supply. It tended to happen with my babies in the evening when my—and many mothers’—milk supply was naturally lower. It also may happen overnight or at any other time of the day.
Growth spurts are like cluster feedings, except that they may be a bit more predictable. Babies go through growth spurts at about seven to 10 days. Also, about three weeks, six weeks, three months, six months, and nine months. From experience, those three and six-week growth spurts really sneak up on mothers! All of a sudden, baby starts nursing again like a newborn, wanting to latch very frequently and often being fussy. Even experienced breastfeeding mothers may be tricked into thinking their milk supply is insufficient.
But your milk supply is fine. What’s happening is normal. Cluster feedings during and outside of growth spurts signal to your breasts to make more milk—remember, how much milk you make depends on how much is removed—so when a baby breastfeeds more frequently, this tells your body to make more milk, which is then able to sustain baby as she grows. It’s a great system.
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You also may notice more frequent nursing when the baby is sick or overstimulated or otherwise not feeling centered. Breastfeeding isn’t just nutrition, it also is comfort. The act of sucking is comforting, and so is being physically close to the mother. Try not to worry about the idea of being used as a pacifier. Pacifiers were created to be a substitute for you: the mother. Babies need that closeness to you, that ability to suck, and to get breast milk at the same time, for healthy development.
The best way to make it through cluster feedings and growth spurts is to let the baby breastfeed as much as he wants. This will help your milk supply be where it needs to be for the baby and will ensure your baby is getting enough milk for his growth.
How do you know if the baby is getting enough milk? A satisfied baby at the end of feeding is a good indicator, but the gold standard—besides weight gain—is watching the baby’s diapers. After the fourth day until about six weeks, you want to see at least three to four mustard-yellow, loose, seedy stools each day that is at least the size of a quarter, as well as at least five to six wet diapers.
Some babies, such as those who were born premature or early term or small for gestational age, need to play catch-up with their weight and it may seem like they are constantly cluster feeding, every day and night. This is normal, and you may wish to contact a La Leche League Leader or lactation support professional for reassurance and perhaps some ideas for when it gets tiresome.
You can read more about growth spurts on the LLLI www.llli.org/faq/spurt.html.
The Tear-Sheet Toolkit, which is found in Chapter 20 of The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (8th edition) and is available to download, also provides information about the early days of breastfeeding. You can find it at www.llli.org/toolkit.
Photo Credit: HelpFoodisBae
This article is by La Leche League USA
The mission of La Leche League USA is to help mothers to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.
Also, Read Nadia’s Royal Baby Shower- Awe-Inspiring!
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