Benefits of Breastfeeding For Mom and Baby

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Medela

There’s no doubt that breastfeeding can be a challenge, but understanding the benefits of breastfeeding can help motivate moms to provide the best nutrition for baby. So, read our list of health benefits and share it with your fellow moms and moms-to-be. We all can spread awareness about the incredible nutritional advantages of breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding Benefits for Baby:

Right after delivery, your colostrum helps gently clear your baby’s intestine, decreasing the chance of jaundice.
Breastmilk contains antibodies, enzymes and white blood cells that protect your baby from viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections and illnesses during breastfeeding. These benefits may even continue after your baby is weaned.
Breastmilk encourages the growth of probiotics in the baby’s digestive tract, reducing the risk of diarrheal diseases.
Breastfeeding supports brain development, improving IQ scores later in life.
The immune components in breastmilk provide protection against milk allergy, eczema, and wheezing early in life.
Breastfeeding may prevent obesity and encourage a healthy lifestyle as your child grows older.
Breastfed babies are less likely to suffer from ear infections, vomiting, diarrhea, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or certain types of spinal meningitis.
Breastfeeding lowers the risk of SIDS.
Breastfeeding facilitates a special bond between mom and baby.
The sucking motion of breastfeeding strengthens oral muscles, facial bones, and supports ideal dental development.
Breastfeeding increases the effectiveness of immunizations such as polio, tetanus, and diphtheria vaccines.
Breastfed infants are more protected against chronic conditions like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, and some childhood cancers.

Breastfeeding Benefits for Mom:

Breastfeeding may reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancers in mothers.
Oxytocin levels increase while breastfeeding, stimulating postpartum uterine contractions and minimizing blood loss.
Many breastfeeding moms report an increase in weight loss during the first 3 to 12 months postpartum.
Breastfeeding moms can experience psychological benefits such as increased self-confidence and a stronger bond with their little one.
Exclusive breastfeeding can delay the return of fertility, working as a natural contraceptive.
Breastfeeding releases hormones that promote bonding and maternal instincts. The release of oxytocin while breastfeeding encourages a more relaxed demeanor and may prevent the onset of postpartum depression.

What do you think is the most important benefit of breastfeeding? Share in the comments below.

Valentine’s Day Crafts: Art Projects with Baby

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Medela

Any mom of a newborn understands there’s a new, little Valentine in her life. So, why not celebrate Valentine’s Day with your little bundle and get artsy with some of these Valentine’s Day crafts. Not only are they a great gift, but also a nice way to remember the special moments with your little one.

Handprint Heart Cards

Creation developed by Amy Huntly of The Idea Room, photo by Jill Dubiens of Meet The Dubiens

What You’ll Need:

White paper
Pink and red finger paint
Fine point black marker
Paper towels

Directions:

Paint the palm of one of your little one’s hands pink and stamp the hand on your paper diagonally. (Feel like this could get messy? Wear old clothing and enjoy the little messes your create with your baby)
Paint your little one’s opposite palm red. Stamp the hand on your paper in the opposite direction, overlapping the fingers of the previous print.
Allow paint to dry completely
Using your black marker, write a sweet love note around the edge of the heart

Baby Fingerprint Heart Cards

Creation developed by Suzonne Sterling of Urban Comfort

What You’ll Need:

Card stock
Washable red inkpad or paint
Ribbon and decorative embellishments
Paper Towels

Directions:

Fold cardstock in half to make a greeting card
Press your little one’s finger on an inkpad or layer of paint and gently place the colored finger on the card.
Make another print, diagonally overlapping the first print, to create a heart.
Allow paint to dry, then embellish the card with ribbon and other decorative elements
Write a special note to relatives or friends (Remember, your little one now has a fun way to leave their “signature,” so sign the card with two more finger prints)

Do you have any Valentine’s Day crafts you love making with your baby? Share in the comments below.

Tips for Pumping On-The-Go

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Medela

Breastfeeding and pumping moms are dedicated to providing the best nutrition for their babies. In some cases, that means pumping on-the-go. Realistically, it’s not always possible to pump in that perfectly comfortable rocking chair at home or curled up on the couch. Busy moms like you squeeze pumping sessions in between meetings, cooking dinner, and picking up the older children from school. So, for all those supermoms out there, we’ve put together a list of on-the-go pumping tips perfect for your busy schedule.

On-The-Go Pumping Tips

Keep pictures of your little one in your purse. Even consider carrying a piece of your baby’s clothing or a recording of their murmurs (also known as “sweet vocaling”). It may help encourage let down, no matter where you’re pumping.
Invest in a pump that’s easily portable, convenient and effective. Consider a Freestyle or Pump In Style Advanced breastpump that hold everything you need in a discreet carrying bag.
Keep some pumping extras at your office or in your car, just in case you forget something when you walk out the door.
If you frequently pump at work, consider a nursing stool. It helps make pumping more comfortable by alleviating stress on your back, shoulders and neck.
For moms with a Pump In Style Advanced, the 8 Count Battery Pack can power your breastpump from anywhere, so you don’t have to worry about power supply.

Moms, do you have any tips for pumping on-the-go? Share them in the comments below.

Is My Baby Getting Enough Breastmilk?

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Medela

Many breastfeeding moms wonder if their baby is getting enough breastmilk. Of course it’s a common concern, because every mom wants to ensure their little one is getting the nourishment they need. Don’t worry. There are many ways to determine if your baby is getting enough breastmilk.

Is your baby breastfeeding frequently?

In general, a baby should nurse 8 to 12 times in a 24-hour period for the first few days to weeks. Doing so will ensure proper nourishment and also help to maintain your supply. If you pump, you can monitor feedings from the measurements on each breastmilk bottle. In general, babies between 1 – 6 months of age normally drink an average of 19 – 30 ounces per day. An average size meal for a baby is between 3 – 5 ounces of breastmilk. If you’re solely breastfeeding, this may be difficult to measure. Just ensure your little one is having frequent wet diapers and gaining weight appropriately.

Do you or your baby determine the length of feedings?

It’s best to let your baby determine when a feeding is over. That way you can avoid ending a feeding before your baby feels full. Your baby will either come off the breast or fall asleep when they are finished. Also, pay attention to your baby’s hunger cues. If your baby is fidgety, fussy, or just reaching for your chest, it may be time to feed again.

How much weight is your baby gaining?

By 10-14 days after birth, your baby should recover any lost birth weight. Then, you can follow these general baby growth guidelines for the first year.

Month 1: Gain 5 to 10 ounces per week
Months 2 – 3: Gain 5 to 8 ounces per week
Months 3 – 6: Gain 2.5 to 4.5 ounces per week
Months 6 – 12: Gain 1 to 3 ounces per week

How does your baby look and act?

In general, if your baby is receiving enough breastmilk they should look outwardly healthy. They should be active, alert and content. A happy baby is most likely not a hungry baby. After feedings, your baby should appear content and relaxed. If your baby is lethargic, sleepy and seems uninterested in feeding, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider.

How many wet and dirty diapers is your little one having each day?

Look for your little one to have 4 – 6 wet diapers and 3 – 4 yellow stools per day by the fifth day after birth. This pattern generally continues for the first 6 months. Then, as they get older they may switch to an infrequent stool pattern, having less than one soiled diaper per day. Stool patterns in older babies can vary considerably, so focus more on a healthy weight gain than the number of stools.

Are you hearing your little one swallow during feedings?

While feeding, you should be able to hear you little one swallowing as milk flows. Then, after feedings you may notice that your breasts feel less “full.”

Moms, how did you know your little one is getting enough breastmilk? Share your tips in the comments below.

Special Breastfeeding Needs: Cleft Lip or Palate

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Medela

Despite moms’ concerns, breastfeeding a baby with a cleft lip or palate is often possible. Moms working through such special feeding needs should always seek assistance from a lactation consultant, and we recommend referencing our locator to find a professional in your area.

There are some breastfeeding benefits that are particularly important to an infant with a cleft lip or palate. Breastmilk helps prevent ear and nasal infections that often occur in infants. Also, because breastmilk is a natural substance, it’s less irritating to the mucous membranes that are more exposed in babies with a cleft lip and palate. Finally, breastfeeding strengthens facial muscles that ultimately support speech development later in life.

When breastfeeding a baby with a cleft lip or palate, it may help if you first understand the challenges you may face:

Trouble maintaining a good seal and vacuum
Breastmilk entering the nasal cavity
Increased fatigue while feeding (may not be getting necessary volume or nutrients)
Swallowing too much air

Addressing Cleft Lip or Palate Breastfeeding Challenges

Don’t worry – these challenges can be addressed by consulting with a lactation professional to experiment with different feeding positions that give your baby more chin and jaw support, or to guide you in the use of a specialty feeding device.

Try different feeding positions:

Upright positions such as a modified football or clutch hold might help. Try using a pillow to tip your baby upright.
Your baby sitting on your lap with his or her legs straddling your abdomen.
The dancer position with additional jaw and chin support.

Once you find a comfortable position, use your fingertip to draw up some of your breast tissue to close the in the lip to help your baby create a seal. This technique is only effective in babies with a cleft lip. Remember to breastfeed in a calm setting with few distractions. You’ll want your little one to focus during feedings.

Specialty Feeding Devices

If your child still struggles to breastfeed after trying the suggestions above or if your baby has both a cleft lip and palate, or just a cleft palate, a special feeding device may be necessary. Medela offers several products to help moms provide breastmilk to their child with special feeding needs. Specialty feeding devices should always be used under the guidance of a lactation professional. The SpecialNeeds Feeder is a unique bottle that doesn’t require suction in order for breastmilk to flow. The baby stimulates flow by moving their tongue and jaw. Also, the Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) can be used to encourage the baby to keep trying at the breast. Consider using a Medela breastpump with these feeding devices. Remember, as your baby awaits surgery, their breastfeeding strength will improve. If you have specific questions or concerns about breastfeeding your child with a cleft lip or palate, reach out to a Lactation Consultant for support.

Do you have experience breastfeeding a child with a cleft lip or palate? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below.