Category: Breastfeeding

1. Breastfeeding and hot weather

   Posted on 12:00pm Friday 1st Jul 2022

   

    

   It's so lovely to enjoy a bit of sunshine and just like adults and older children babies need to stay hydrated!  Here are some top tips for you and your breastfed baby: 

   • During hot weather your baby may want to breastfeed more than usual, this is totally normal and part of your baby naturally upping their fluid intake for the hot weather.  Your mammary glands will actually start to produce milk with a higher water content in hot weather to keep your baby more hydrated. 

   • Sometimes the feeds may be more frequent and shorter as they need lots of little drinks in the heat. 

   • Keep yourself comfortable when feeding.  When everyone is feeling the heat the last thing you want to do is snuggle up together so make sure you stay cool by seeking the shade and staying well hydrated yourself.  Make sure you have water on hand when you sit down to feed and have a bottle with you if you head out. 

   • A towel, pillowcase, or cloth nappy placed between your baby and your arm and body can be helpful to feel less clammy and sweaty when feeding and experimenting with different positions like the rugby ball hold can help too. 

   • Exclusively breastfed babies don't need any additional water until they start eating solid foods at around six months.  From six months onwards you can start to offer them a little water but their main fluid intake will still come from breastmilk. 

   • Increased breastfeeds and hot weather can be intense and draining on you, make sure to be kind to yourself and get plenty of rest in the hot weather. 

   • If you're ever worried about your baby remember you can always seek professional advice from your health visitor or GP. 

    

   Sources (NHS online, Medela, Australian Breastfeeding Association 

2. Breastfeeding Positions

   Posted on 11:30am Tuesday 26th Apr 2022

   Who knew there were so many different positions for breastfeeding? Proper positioning is essential in helping your newborn latch on the right way, as well as preventing nipple soreness and other breastfeeding problems. With some trial-and-error, you'll find the breastfeeding position that works best for you, have you tried these?

    

   The cradle hold

    

   The classic breastfeeding position! You might find it useful to have baby propped on pillows especially when they're little. This helps you to sit more comfortably and prevents you from hunching over whole breastfeeding which can be tiring for the next and shoulders. Support the baby with the arm on the SAME side you are feeding on. Make sure baby's entire body turns toward you. His or her pelvis should be up against your abdomen, their chest against your chest, and their mouth lined up with your nipple. Bring your baby's mouth to the nipple (rather than the nipple to his mouth) without making him or her turn their head to the side. It is important for your baby's head to be aligned with the rest of his body instead of turned off to the side. 

    

    

   The cross-cradle hold

    

   A variation on the cradle hold, the cross-cradle or crossover hold involves the same positioning as above, the only major difference is that you support your baby on the arm OPPOSITE the breast being used. In this position, your hand supports your baby's neck and upper back, rather than his bottom, and his bottom rests either in the crook of your arm or on the pillow on your lap. Again, rotate your baby's body so it faces you and his mouth is lined up with your nipple. This is a good position for a baby who has difficulty latching on, because you can more easily guide his head into a better position by holding the back of his neck between your thumb and fingers. You may use your hand to support the breast while helping your baby to latch.

    

   The laid-back position

    

   Laid-back breastfeeding positioning takes advantage of the biologic responses that occur when the baby is skin-to-skin with the mother in a prone position. This position is said to be useful for mothers who have an overactive let-down reflex or an overabundant milk supply. Lie on your side and face your baby toward your breast, supporting him or her with one hand. With the other hand, grasp your breast and touch your nipple to your baby's lips. Once your baby latches on, use one arm to support your own head and the other to help support your baby and bring him or her close.

    

   The rugby ball hold AKA the side-sitting position, football hold, clutch hold

    

   Many breastfeeding women find that the side-sitting hold, also known as a clutch hold or football hold, is an easier position to maintain.  It's also great if you're recovering from a C-section as the baby is away from your tummy.  It may also be useful for mothers of twins since one baby can nurse on each side.   In this hold, your baby is held similarly to how you would hold a handbag clutched under your arm or a football clutched close to your body.

    

   To feed your baby in this position, place him or her beside you—on the side of the breast you will use—with baby's head near your breast. Tuck baby's body up against your side, under your arm. Your forearm should support baby's upper back, and your hand and fingers should support his or her shoulders, neck, and head. Your baby's legs will stretch out straight behind you or, if you are in a chair, you can rest their bottom against the back of the chair and angle their legs straight up. Finally, place a pillow under your elbow for support, keep your baby's head level with your breast.

    

   Reclining or lying down

    

   You may find that feeding your baby in a reclining position, rather than sitting, allows for some much needed relaxation. Nursing while lying down helps particularly if you have had a cesarean delivery or otherwise feel tired or unwell in the days post birth. Lie on your side with one or more pillows behind your back and under your head for support. (A pillow placed between your knees may make you more comfortable.) Keep your back and hips in as straight a line as possible. Hold your baby closely on his or her side, facing you with your arm around your baby. You may use your hand to support the breast while helping the baby to latch.

    

   An advantage of this position is you don't have to get up to reposition your baby on your other breast. Simply place a pillow under them to elevate until they are parallel with your upper breast and lean over to bring the upper breast to your baby. 

    
   

    

    

3. Tips for your first breastfeed in public

   Posted on 9:00am Friday 4th Mar 2022

   

   Your first breastfeed outside your own home can feel scary. What can you do to make it a little less daunting?
   
   Go somewhere you are familiar with

   There's so much more to think about now you have a little one like if there's space for a pram of if a baby carrier would be better or if there is a baby change is. All things you don't want to be stressing about with a hungry baby.

   
   Make sure you can sit down comfortably

   Perching precriously on the edge of a wall or having to stand is no good. You'll be uncomfortable and it will have you rushing for the feed to be over. Make sure you can relax so your little one can have time to fill that little tummy and make it a positive experience. Cafes are great at having comfortable chairs for breastfeeding.

   
   Get your clothing right!

   You don't want to feel flustered trying to get your boob out, dealing with excessive complicated layers. One of our specially designed breastfeeding tops or dresses will make feeding access a breaze even with just one hand.

   
   Allow enough time

   Again, you don't want to feel rushed and you want to make sure your baby is not overly hungry before you're actually positioned and ready to feed. 
   
   Take a friend

   Arrange to meet or go with a friend  one with another baby is a bonus.  It's always nice to have someone to talk to and if you're with someone you're comfortable with you'll feel more at ease feeding.
   
   Have a drink with you or get one Breastfeeding is thirsty work mama! 

   
   Wear breast pads, just incase you leak! 
   
   

   Last of all, don't worry! Remember that breastfeeding your baby is normal and once you start thinking about it you'll probably spot lots of breastfeeding mamas out and about feeding that you just wouldn't have spotted before. Relax, sit back and enjoy!

4. One breastfeeding vest, four looks

   Posted on 6:00am Monday 14th Feb 2022

    

   

    

   Vests are such a staple in any wardrobe, regardless of whether you're breastfeeding. We've taken a classic black breastfeeding vest and shown you four different ways you can wear it - day or night!

    

   #1 Casual 

   Perfect for baby and toddler groups out black vest and jeans combo makes for a failsafe casual style that's breastfeeding friendly. Thrown on some trainers and a silicone fiddle necklace for a splash of colour and you're good to go. Add a chunky knit for winter and it makes an all year round breastfeeding wardrobe staple.

    

   

    

   #2 Dressed Up

   Special occasion? KIT day at work? Date night? 

   A staple classic like a black vest is easy to dress up with smart trousers, heels and a statement bag but still makes last minute breastfeeds or pumping on the go possible. If you're baby free you can even ditch the nappy bag in favour of a swanky handbag and statement earrings. 

    

   

    

   #3 Workout

   Perfect for workouts like yoga pair your vest with jogging bottoms. Perfect even when you've finished feeding!

   

    

   #4 Pyjamas

   Who says your breastfeeding vest is just for daytime? Your vests make great pyjamas and give you a little extra warmth on the chest during night feeds (eyemask optional!)

    

   

5. Breastfeeding at Christmas

   Posted on 12:00am Monday 13th Dec 2021

   

    

   It’s Christmas – a time filled with family, food and fun. But just as often, and especially as a new breastfeeding parent, this time of year can be a STRESSFUL..  To help, we've compiled a  a few handy tips of how to survive the festive season....

   T H E    F O O D
   Yum, definitely one of the best parts of Christmas!
   Once your baby is born, it should be fine to eat all foods that you may have avoided during pregnancy. Most babies are not adversely affected by everyday foods, so although unlikely that your baby will react badly to anything you eat, you may consider temporarily excluding foods if you notice windy or colicky reactions in your baby up to six hours after eating a certain food. Some foods can change the taste of your breast milk, so again, assess from your baby’s reaction what they like or dislike.

   T H E   D R I N K S
   While women are often warned not to consume alcohol during pregnancy given the evidence that this could cause damage to an unborn child, the risks of consuming alcohol while breastfeeding are not as well defined.
   There are so many differing opinions about breastfeeding and alcohol depending on where in the world you live and social norms.
   With the festive season in full flow there are lots of parties and drinks on offer. But what about breastfeeding mums? The NHS guidelines state anything you eat or drink while you're breastfeeding can find its way into your breast milk, and that includes alcohol. But an occasional small drink is unlikely to harm your breastfed baby. However, never share a bed or sofa with your baby if you have drunk any alcohol. Doing this has a strong association with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
   (Source NHS)

   T R A V E L
   Breastfed babies are very portable and if you are able to travel to meet up with friends and family, then breastmilk makes the best travel food! You don’t have to worry about taking feeding equipment as your milk will always be available if your baby gets tired or hungry, or your journey is delayed. But make thinks easier on yourself and plan a journey ahead. Expect it to take longer than normal with Christmas traffic and plan shorter journeys or breaks if travelling by car so you can find somewhere to stop for a cuddle break and breastfeed. If using public transport, a baby sling can be useful for keeping your hands free as well as an easy way to feed on the go!

   F A M I L Y
   Christmas is often when your new baby will be introduced to your wider extended family and if you haven't already noticed, everyone seems to have an opinion on something when it comes to babies... which can be frustrating and stressful. Don't forget that while everyone is entitled to their opinion, you are not required to take on those opinions as your own. You know your baby best! 

   A S K   F O R   H E L P
   Christmas can certainly be A LOT even without a newborn. Don't be afraid to say yes when someone offers to help or to speak up and ask for it. You might ask visitors to bring food contributions instead of making all the meals yourself. It can be helpful to keep a list of things that need doing on your phone so if someone offers to help you can suggest something from it.
   
   

   R O U T I N E S   A N D   W H E N   T O   S A Y   N O
   If you’re a stickler for routine, you may find the festive period calls for a bit more flexibility than usual. Your baby will pick up when you are stressed, so avoid the vicious circle and try to embrace the change in routine temporarily. If this doesn't work for you then don't be afraid to say no. The festive season is busy enough and when you're a new mum running on limited sleep, night feeds and juggling the normal Christmas expectations. You just can't do everything. Sometimes you need to find your voice and say no. After all, happy mum, happy baby.

6. Lactation smoothie recipes

   Posted on 6:00am Monday 1st Jun 2020

   

   These recipes aren't too different to standard smoothies but they contain ingredients that are said to help boost milk supply (Woop Woop!)  According to Belly Belly, fenugreek, oats, brewer's yeast, and nuts can all increase lactation. Spinach and flax contain phytoestrogens which is thought to promote lactation, as well.  Having them in smoothie form can also make them easier and tastier to drink.  Some of these recipes also have added energy boosting  ingredients like bananas which also give sleep deprived mamas a little boost!

   Banana and oat lactation smoothie

   Ingredients
   1 Banana
   1 cup of Almond Milk
   1/4 cup of Oats
   1-2 TBS of Honey
   1 TBS of Flax Seed Oil
   1 TBS of Chia Seed
   1/2 cup of Ice
   Sprinkle of Cinnamon

   Method
   Place all ingredients into your blender.
   Blend on high for 1 minute, or until smooth.

   Strawberry and banana lactation smoothie

   Ingredients
   1/4 cup oats
   1 banana
   8 strawberries frozen
   1/2 cup milk
   1 tbsp honey
   1/2 tsp vanilla
   1 tsp brewer's yeast
   1 tsp ground flax seed

   Method
   Put oats into blender and process until the oats are well ground.
   Add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.

   Chocolate lactation smoothie

   Ingredients

   1/4 cup oats
   2 tbsp 100% cacao powder
   1 tbsp Flax seed
   3/4 cup Milk (or almond milk)
   2 cups Ice

   Optional
   1 Frozen Banana
   2 tbsp Peanut butter
   Honey (for a sweet flavor)

   Method
   Place the cacao powder and milk in the blender. Blend for about 30 seconds. Add other remaining ingredients and blend until smoothie consistency.