Category Archives: Breastfeeding + Nutrition

Medela Supports National Prematurity Awareness Month

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Breastfeeding

More than half a million babies are born prematurely each year in the US. For these babies, breastmilk feeding can play a critical role in their growth, recovery and survival. More specifically, breastmilk feeding can reduce the length of hospital stays, incidents of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), ear infections, serious respiratory tract infections and gastroenteritis.

To honor the March of Dimes National Prematurity Awareness Month, we reintroduced our Virtual Human Milk Collection Campaign to support NICUs, where we will donate $30,000 in neonatal breastfeeding support products – $5000 to each of six winning hospitals. Our goal is to support preemie care and help your local NICU continue to provide superb care for babies in need. We’ve already seen an incredible response, but there’s still time for you to nominate and vote for an NICU near you.

Did you have a great experience at your local NICU? Or do you work at a hospital that’s committed to excellent care for premature babies? Then, nominate an NICU today!

If you feel inspired by our mission, please share this program with others. Everyone can truly make a difference in these precious little ones’ lives.

Healthy Recipes for Breastfeeding Moms

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As a breastfeeding mom, you should be proud to know you can provide all the nutrition your little one needs. It’s also great to know that many of the foods you consume daily are helping to support your breastfeeding goals and ensure ideal nutrition for your baby. So, check out these healthy recipes for breastfeeding moms and give them a try at home.

Peach Parfait
Breastmilk is packed with calcium, so it’s critical that you make sure you’re consuming enough low-fat dairy products to meet your and your little one’s needs. Low-fat dairy items are easy to incorporate into your daily breakfast. Have a whole grain cereal with milk, a breakfast smoothie or a delicious peach parfait.

Spinach Swiss Quiche
Eggs and leafy greens pack a major nutritional punch for breastfeeding moms. Eggs are one of the few natural sources of vitamin D and their protein provides long lasting energy for those busy days. Leafy greens like spinach are filled with vitamin A, calcium, vitamin C and iron. That’s an incredible amount of nutrients in a little green leaf. So, try combining these ingredients to make a tasty Spinach Swiss Quiche.

Salmon & Rice Salad
Salmon is packed with DHA, a nutrient that’s critical for your baby’s nervous system development. Although DHA is present in all breastmilk, DHA levels are higher in the breastmilk of moms who consume DHA rich foods regularly. So, how about this tasty Salmon & Rice Salad tonight for dinner?

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Lactation Cookies
Every mom deserves a little sweet treat, especially one that may help increase breastmilk supply. These Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Lactation Cookies are made with oatmeal, which many moms say helps to increase their breastmilk supply. Who has a taste for warm chocolate chip cookies? We thought so.

Do you have any great recipes for breastfeeding moms? Share them in the comments below.

Benefits of Breastfeeding For Mom and Baby

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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.

Is My Baby Getting Enough Breastmilk?

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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.

A Healthy Diet for Mom and Baby

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Healthy Diet While Breastfeeding

Many moms wonder how they should adjust their diet while breastfeeding. In most cases, a mom with healthy eating habits won’t have to make dramatic changes, but here are some helpful tips to ensure mom and baby are getting the nutrition they need.

Don’t Count Calories

First and foremost, don’t count calories. Typically, a breastfeeding mother needs an additional 300 – 500 calories per day, so you may notice an increase in your appetite. Just listen to your body. Your hunger reflex is the best way to determine how much food you and your baby need. Don’t worry, those extra calories while breastfeeding are meant to plump up your baby’s belly, not yours.

Stay Hydrated & Avoid Caffeine

Make sure you stay hydrated and avoid caffeine while breastfeeding. Your body needs approximately 16 cups of water per day, so drink up! There’s no need to force yourself to drink fluids, but make sure your drinking enough to quench your thirst.  If you’re in desperate need of a little caffeine, just make sure you limit it to 300 mg per day (about a 12 oz cup of coffee).

Enjoy All the Food Groups

Eating a variety of foods while breastfeeding is a great way to ensure you are getting the mix of nutrients you and your little one need. The variety of foods you eat now may even broaden your child’s food preferences in the future. Also, a balanced diet with carbohydrates, protein, and fat will keep you feeling full and energized all day. Try incorporating more complex carbs like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These foods will provide more long-lasting energy. Besides, we all know moms need all the energy they can get.

Eat Cold-Water Fish

A great way to mix up your diet is to include a variety of cold-water fish. These fish are high in DHA and omega-3 fatty acids, which yield great health benefits for mom and baby. These vitamins are a key component of an infant’s brain and eye development. Also, DHA can help reduce postpartum depression among breastfeeding mothers.

Be Aware of Food Allergies

In rare cases, breastfed babies develop a food allergy or sensitivity. You may notice your child is particularly gassy or uncomfortable after eating certain foods. If so, you should eliminate those foods from your diet. If your baby has a food allergy, you may notice a rash or hives, wheezing, or green stools with mucus.

Supplements Aren’t Necessary

In general, if a mother maintains a healthy diet, vitamin supplements are not considered necessary. However, there’s no harm in continuing to take your prenatal vitamins for a few months after birth. Then you can consider switching to a regular multivitamin. You can speak with your doctor about additional supplements if you have a restricted diet or are concerned about a deficiency.

How do you maintain a healthy diet while breastfeeding? Please share in the comments below.