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]]>Breastfeeding Your Newborn:
Breastfeeding Your Newborn: What To Expect, By Miri Sais.
As a birth attendant, I’ve spent over 20 years helping women learn about breastfeeding. The truth of breastfeeding is vast. It’s impossible to brief in one, or even two, articles. It does not simply latch on, latch off. It is a science and an art. One that requires true dedication and patience. That said, never is it something you should fear. There is nothing of breastfeeding that lacks explanation, and once you have the fundamentals you’re already on the right path.
The base fundamentals of breastfeeding are universal, it is important to remember that every mother and child situation is different.
The Three Stages of Breast Milk
To understand breastfeeding you must first understand breastmilk; which “comes in” three stages. Which are colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk.
Colostrum:
This thick yellow (sometimes clear) substance comes in first. Commonly, the production of colostrum starts half or third into pregnancy. Like most good things colostrum comes in a small dosage. At most, babies only get 1-2 tablespoons of colostrum per feeding. Still, even a few drops of this miracle liquid is more than enough. This mighty mountain does everything, from supplying immune-building antibodies, to help a baby adjust to life outside of the womb by regulating bodily fluids.
Transitional milk:
Days after giving birth your milk will turn white. Easily explained, transitional milk is the combination, and this transition, of colostrum to mature milk. Its main purpose is gradually preparing your baby for mature milk.
Mature milk:
After several weeks you will arrive at your final stage. Mature milk is explained in two parts: foremilk and hindmilk. Over the course of every breastfeeding session, mature milk will change from thin and watery, foremilk, to thick and creamy, hindmilk. Foremilk comes first, low in fat but high in volume and nutrition. However, the more your baby eats the volume lessens, and fat gains, this change is called “hindmilk”.
It is important to note, foremilk and hindmilk are NOT two different types of breastmilk. Rather they are two combining qualities. Neither being more important than the other. Both are key to happy healthy babies. So please do not be confused by hindmilk being fattier. Foremilk is just as vital as it is packed with brain-building nutrients.
Now that you have an idea of how breastmilk works, it’s important to know what steps to take.
Engorgement & Breast Fullness
During the transitional stage you will notice your breast starting to enlarge, likely they will feel a bit tender, and perhaps a bit swollen. This is perfectly normal. Your body is filling your breast with milk.
Not to be confused with engorgement, which is what happens when your body produces too much milk. Instead of tender, when engorged your breast becomes painfully hard. Long term engorgement can lead to severe problems, you can even catch fevers and infection. Engorgement can lead to Mastitis. Please take preventative measures to avoid this.
Gratefully, there are ways to both prevent and treat engorgement:
To Prevent
Do not delay. Make sure you feed your baby when he/she is hungry. Or else your milk supply will just continue to grow.
No rushing. When feeding makes sure your baby has reached his/her fullness before unlatching.
Wear a bra. This is 100% vital, you must wear a supportive bra.
Make sure to rotate each session (keep in mind the hindmilk can be lost in too much rotation. this is where the art of breastfeeding comes in)
To Treat
Massage your breast: a gentle massage before and during breastfeeding will help decrease pain and better your milk flow.
Apply heat: A warm shower or applying a warm rag to your breast before feeding should better your milk flow.
Cold cabbage: To decrease pain and internal swelling, wrap your breast in cold cabbage leaves.
HOW TO STRENGTHEN YOUR PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLES AFTER PREGNANCY
Latching
A proper latch encompasses the entire nipple and some of the areola (the darker area of your breast around your nipple). The exact amount of your areola that the baby should have a latch on, differs for different size breasts and areola. One inch or more of your areola should be in your baby’s mouth to make a good latch.
Here are some ways to identify poor vs proper latch:
Poor Latch
The mouth is barely open
Tongue behind lower gums
Lips are curled in
Chin barely brushes breast
Proper latch
Chin touches breast
The tongue is over the lower gums
Lips are curled out, slightly like a fish
The mouth is opened wide like a yawn
Nutrition
The beauty of breastmilk is it takes all the nutrition from the mother’s food and delivers it to the baby. However, eating food lacking nutrition means breastmilk is lacking viable substance. When nutrition is lacking often babies won’t even want to breastfeed. Which can lead to the baby staying up at night. Breastfeeding is an investment of dedication and nutritional education. I assure you it is worth it and the effects are generational longevity.
You are building strong bones (which don’t stop growing until the age of 21) along with an intelligent brain. Not only for your child but for your grandchildren and their grandchildren. By breastfeeding your child you literally blaze a trail for strong generations to come.
There’s no cheat sheet or shortcut to breastfeeding. It is the first food and one of the first forms of love you’ll share with your child. So cherish each moment and know your bond is stronger with each session.
FEVER AFTER BREASTFEEDING, TREATMENT, AND PREVENTION
About the Author :
Miri Sais is a Traditional Birth Attendant, Prodigy Entrepreneur, and a Certified Market Garden Trainer. She is 2nd generation home birthing babies.
Miri has helped hundreds of families in her 20+ years as a birth attendant and doula and has personally ushered the births of hundreds of healthy babies into the world. She has also guided countless human beings to heal from emotional pain, grief, miscarriage, inner stress, and trauma, tap into their strength and power, live fully and live vibrantly, and reclaim their radiance, joyfulness, calm and overall sense of well-being. She teaches empowered birth which has the ability to heal the soul and awaken the most enlightened version of ourselves. Find more of her on www.Mirisais.com, on her Facebook page, and on her Instagram page.
Join us over at the PB Moms Exclusive Circle, where we invite healthcare experts to prepare us for life after childbirth and motherhood. Go to: pregnancybeyond.com/exclusive-circle.
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]]>Why Is My Tummy Bulging? Everything You Need To Know About Diastasis Recti!
Diastasis recti, also known as DRAM or abdominal separation, is a common occurrence during pregnancy and in the post-natal recovery period.
What is Diastasis Recti?
Diastasis recti happen when the midline of the abdominals starts to stretch, causing a separation where your abdominal muscles should meet. The increasing weight during pregnancy combined with hormonal changes and altered posture can increase the load on the abdominal wall and result in stretching of the linea alba.
The linea alba is the connective tissue that connects the rectus abdominus muscles (the 6 pack) into the midline of the tummy and once stretched can cause a bulging/doming appearance of the tummy.
Having diastasis recti can disrupt the transfer of pressure through the abdominal canister and result in issues such as low back pain, hernia, incontinence, or prolapse.
Abdominal separations wider than 2 fingers are considered abnormal.
However it is not just the width of the linea alba that we are concerned about, the depth of the separation is important as well as how the core muscles are functioning under load.
Some women are aware of this separation during their pregnancy, however, most don’t realize it until after birth.
How will I know if I have abdominal separation?
- Generally, belly bulge or doming appearance of the tummy
- Low back or pelvic pain
- Pelvic floor weakness ie. incontinence
- The feeling of “core” weakness
What can I do to fix it?
- Strengthen your pelvic floor and deep abdominals (transverses abdominus)
- Wear compression garments over the abdomen. Tubigrip bandages or maternity compression garments should be available at most physiotherapy practices
- Practice good posture. You should be upright and tall, with a small curve in your lower back. Your ribs should sit on top of your pelvis. Make sure you don’t have an excessive sway in the lower back and try not to push your hips forward.
What should I avoid?
- Sit up type motions ie. when getting out of bed. Try rolling to the side and then pushing up as a safer alternative.
- Constipation and straining on the toilet
- Heavy lifting
- Crunches or planks
If you think you might have abdominal separation, book in to see your local women’s health physiotherapist for a thorough assessment and management to ensure you prevent worsening during pregnancy and make a full recovery after birth.
xo Physio Laura
Author: My name is Laura Callea, aka Physio Laura. I am a women’s health physiotherapist who is passionate about working with pregnant and postpartum women to help them stay strong and healthy throughout the motherhood journey.
Facebook: facebook.com/physiolaura Instagram: @physiolaura Website: www.physiolaura.com
Join us over at the PB Moms Exclusive Circle, where we invite healthcare experts to prepare us for life after childbirth and motherhood. Go to: pregnancybeyond.com/exclusive-circle.
Follow PregnancyBeyond on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
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]]>Pregnancy And Postpartum Depression
Pregnancy And Postpartum Depression – Ways To Prevent By Sylvia Kay, Mummy’s Little Secrets
Depression during and after pregnancy can negatively impact you and your baby’s emotional and mental development. In addition to talking to your doctor about any symptoms you are experiencing, Sylvia Kay of Mummy’s Little Secrets provides invaluable tips that can help prevent and reduce pregnancy and postpartum depression; and boost your overall happiness and well-being.
Being pregnant or already having a baby and suffering from any type of maternal mental health can be the biggest bummer! It takes away from enjoying the journey of becoming or being a mum. Did you know, that worldwide 10% of pregnant women and 13% of women who have just given birth suffer from a mental disorder – most from depression.
Having gone through postpartum depression myself, I know how it feels like to be on the downside. However, I would like to take you through a few steps on how to prevent or better yet get out of any type of MMH (Maternal Mental Health) without any medication.
1 – TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR THOUGHTS
What is that you’re thinking? What springs to your mind when you least expect it? Speaking from experience going through my depression I didn’t make it any easier on myself, as I would sometimes go into deeper negative thoughts (basically, throwing myself a not so pretty pity party). TAKE CONTROL! The moment you feel yourself thinking negatively, that’s your cue to speak positivity into yourself. If you say something often enough, you start to believe it. “I AM AN EXCELLENT MUM, I AM DOING A GREAT JOB!” And that is what we need you believe because you are.
2 – BE SELFISH
I know what you’re thinking… Selfish? Yes. As mothers, we are second to God (well third because there’s Jesus), we become selfless, we are patient and all in all, we have the tendency of putting ourselves last. That is a big You are insert name here first before you are a mother and please don’t you ever forget it. Which means that you need a day off, just for you! Just you, nobody else or if needs be then your favourite girlfriend and just go have fun and be you. And at least five minutes in the day too it’s needed. As much as I adore my son I can’t wait till he goes to nursery sometimes – then for a few hours, I’ve hung up my lanyard as mummy and just be Sylvia. Honestly, I can’t stress enough how important it is to look after yourself.
3 – LOVE
LOVE. The universal language that we all understand. Learn to love yourself because when going through any type of mental disorder we fall out of love with ourselves due to the fact that we become somebody that we’re not, get sucked into that situation as well as losing the sight of how amazing it is to carry a child and then give birth. Something that I’ve always said is that once you’ve hit rock bottom there’s only one way you need to go. UP. The only is up from that point. The love of your child would motivate you to love yourself and once you start you won’t be able to stop. My favourite speaker; Lisa Nichols also went through depression and she too overcame it with similar steps that I’m giving you.
If there’ s anything that you need to do is bet on yourself. Don’t let the situation engulf to a point of no return because there is always a way to return. Do a 360, the only person that can get you out of your MMH is YOU! You are key and you are the door. You are your own success maker. Everything that I mentioned is what I did and if like me and you’re spiritual then dive into that too it definitely helps take some that burden off your shoulders.
And remember, you have an angel that is on their way or even already here that can’t wait to be loved and cherished by only you and your way!
You Are Imperfectly Perfect
Sylvia Kay, Mummy’s Little Secrets
ALSO READ: HEARTBREAKING: Gabrielle Union Reveals She’s Had Eight or Nine Miscarriages
Sylvia Kay, a young mother from London, United Kingdom; Blogger, writer, student, speaker, and host. After recovering from Post Natal Depression, Sylvia started her blog to write about her day to day life in a raw form as a young mother in hopes that it would inspire and motivate all women (and men) who come across her page. Find more of her on her blog and Instagram page.
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]]>Pelvic Floor
Pelvic floor? Kegels? I’m already confused… what exactly ARE THEY?
The pelvic floor muscles (also known as Kegels) are those that sit between the pubic bone and the tailbone. The muscles that sling around the passageways (urethra, vagina, and rectum) and help to keep us continent.
The pelvic floor is responsible for controlling the opening and closing of the passageways, so that we can control continence by deciding when we want to open our bladders and bowels.
They also help to support the pelvic organs and prevent prolapse.
To activate these muscles try the following cues:
- try to imagine stopping the flow of urine
- try to imagine holding in wind
- try to imagine squeezing and holding a tampon in
When you are trying to activate them make sure you aren’t:
- holding your breath
- squeezing your butt cheeks/legs/tummy muscles
- straining or bearing down
When you’re doing a pelvic floor contraction, it should be a secret! No-one should be able to see that you’re doing it. So no breath holding, butt squeezing or face grimacing!
RECOMMENDED : IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW WHEN YOU ARE PREGNANT
Where should I get started?
A good way to start is to squeeze and hold your pelvic floor for 5 seconds, relax for 5 seconds and then repeat for 5 sets.
You can also try “quick flicks” where you contract then relax your muscle 15 times as quickly as you can. Remember to relax completely in between each contraction!
Try these exercises 2-3 times per day in lying or sitting positions to start with.
How will I remember to do them?
Try to do them when you’re…
- stopped at the traffic lights
- finishing on the toilet
- in the shower
- talking on the phone
- lying in bed
The current statistics tell us that 1 in 3 women who have ever had a baby will wet themselves and 1 in 2 women who have ever had a baby will experience prolapse.
The evidence tells us that pelvic floor strengthening is a successful treatment to manage these conditions.
So let’s spread the word and get started today!
Tell your girlfriends, sisters, mothers all about it and start strengthening these muscles!
As an extra bonus, pelvic floor strength has been shown to reduce the time spent in second stage of labour, aid recovery in the post-natal period and improve sexual function.
If you ever needed an excuse to start your pelvic floor exercises then there it is!
xo Physio Laura
Author: My name is Laura Callea, aka Physio Laura. I am a women’s health physiotherapist who is passionate about working with pregnant and postpartum women to help them stay strong and healthy throughout the motherhood journey.
Facebook: facebook.com/physiolaura Instagram: @physiolaura Website: www.physiolaura.com
RECOMMENDED – Heartburn and Acid Reflux During Pregnancy
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]]>Just Leave Your Vagina Alone!
Just Leave Your Vagina Alone: Kelly Rowland Gets Real about Her Post-Birth Body.
The Destiny’s Child singer gave birth to her son Titan in 2014. Writes with brutal honesty about the changes her body has experienced in a book titled – Whoa, Baby!: A Guide for New Moms Who Feel Overwhelmed and Freaked Out (and Wonder What the #*$& Just Happened.
As a part of promoting the book, she spoke to USA Today about some crucial mom body truths. Namely, a truth about your vagina.
“Your vajayjay does not look the same for a very long time,” she said. “But, I care about it. We go to get it all done up and trimmed and waxed and this and that and it’s all swollen and crazy and you’re just wondering what just happened.”
According to Kelly, her nipples became so big, they looked like Frisbees: “And sometimes I could see these veins bulging out while I was nursing.” Kelly, who underwent breast augmentation surgery nearly 10 years ago, also writes about how motherhood and breastfeeding have “sucked” the air out of her boobs. “I can’t speak for everyone, but I know I’m going to see someone (wink wink) after I have my second kid. In the meantime, I just tried to enjoy my ability to feed my baby!”
The disappearance of her toned tummy was the physical change that most surprised her, she says, and admits the magazine covers boasting trim new moms made her less accepting of her body.
“I just saw a cover that I did for Shape and then I’m looking in the mirror going, ‘Oh, my god this is not the same body. How did this happen?’ And, I had to just keep reminding myself that, ‘You had a baby, Kel.’ But I was hard on myself. I really was.”
Where to Buy: Barnes & Noble(Check Price)
- Courtesy Da Capo Press
Recommended: Birth Control After Baby – Methods And Options
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]]>Post-Baby Body
Mom Posts Intimate Photo To Celebrate Her Post-Baby Body.
One mom has shared a picture of her in the bath in a bid to celebrate her post-baby ‘saggy belly” and shut down shamers. Emmy Waller, 26, posted the incredibly intimate snap to encourage other women to feel confident about the ‘power’ of female bodies. The image shows the mother of four, lying in a bath and cradling her 12-week-old baby Alice as she breastfeeds. Emmy makes no attempt to hide her “stretch marks or big belly”. 
Emmy, from Leeds, Yorks, (United Kingdom) said: “Of course the thing about the photo is that I thought I looked awful with stretch marks and a big belly, but people have been coming to me saying it’s the most beautiful thing they’ve ever seen”.
“Now I don’t care what my body looks like – it’s made my baby and the result of that is I have a saggy belly”.
“I only had my baby 12 weeks ago. Women’s bodies are strong and powerful, but I’m no superwoman. It’s just something natural and this is how I look and I’ve inspired other women to feel amazing too.
“Many others have posted their own breastfeeding pictures on social media as well. Nobody looks perfect at the end of the day but women have just got to embrace who they are.
“Our bodies are full of strength and beauty.”
She also shared it s a mark of triumph at being able to still feed her 12-week-old daughter Alice despite her battling difficulties and jaundice.
Photo: Mercury Press and Media Limited
Emmy claims that while her breastfeeding journey has been a dream, sharing the image wasn’t just to promote that but to show all women, moms or not, that they should love their bodies for how strong and beautiful they are. She also hopes women who are struggling to feed their babies naturally, or are just undecided, will seek help and advice to help them continue breastfeeding their children.
Emmy said: “The feeling and bond breastfeeding gives you is amazing. You’re feeding the baby from your body and nothing else.
Emmy said: “Alice and I are extremely close, we have an amazing bond, because she gets everything from me.
“When I walk into the room, she hears me and her eyes light up.
“In the photograph when Alice is looking up at me, she does a little smile and it’s just the best feeling in the world.
Photo: Mercury Press and Media Ltd
Also Read: Bertrand Mukendi’s Babymoon – Island of Sardinia
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]]>Breakfast Hash – Healthy Cooking
Breakfast Hash – This is a combination of sweet potatoes, white potatoes (king Edwards), beef sausages and apple topped with a fried egg.
Ingredient
1/2 of a large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 small white potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 apple, cubed
3 beef sausages, skin removed and cubed
Fresh parsley, chopped
Ghee or coconut oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Garlic powder
Method
Combine the 2 potatoes, apples, and sausages in a frying pan along with some ghee, keep stirring till softened or add a dash of water and cover to cook it. Taste and season with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Stir in the fresh parsley and serve immediately with a fried egg.
Enjoy!
Also Read: Baby Milk Formula – Global Recall Over Salmonella Fears
Author: Popularly known as Phi’s Bites. I am self-taught and passionate about food.
Instagram: @phisayoade_phisbites
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]]>Courgette Fritters
Courgette Fritters served with tomatoes, mushrooms, radishes, and a fried egg.
Ingredients
1 medium courgette, grated
1 egg
1/4 cup ground almonds
1 tbsp sesame seeds
1tsp chilli flakes.
1tsp salt
Method
Place the grated courgette in a sieve and add a pinch of salt mixing it though. Leave for 10mins before squeezing out any liquid. Place the courgette in a bowl and add the remaining ingredients. Heat some coconut oil in a non stick stick pan and scoop some courgette mixture into the pan and cook each sides for 5 minutes or until golden. Serve as you wish!
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Author: Popularly known as Phi’s Bites. I am self-taught and passionate about food.
Instagram: @phisayoade_phisbites
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