Do you feel like your breasts aren’t able to produce enough milk to keep your baby full and growing? Are you starting to suspect you might have a low milk supply and that your breastfeeding and pumping techniques aren’t solely to blame for your low output? Are you losing sleep because you’re wondering what you can do to amp up your low supply and make sure you don’t have to reso … [Read more...] about How to Increase Milk Supply
Breastfeeding
Natural Discredited
There's a 2016 study from Pediatrics that is making its way around Facebook right now. It's authors conclude that we mustn't use the word "natural" to promote breastfeeding because this fosters a world view in which factory-made things like vaccines become suspect. They say that "We should think twice about referencing the word "natural" in breastfeeding promotion, even if it … [Read more...] about Natural Discredited
Breastmilk Medicine
Recently my toddler granddaughter fell and cut her lip and my daughter had the presence of mind to give her some frozen breastmilk to suck on for relief and to reduce the swelling. This got me thinking of other medicinal uses for breastmilk. We all know of the health benefits of breastfeeding, but in countries such as Mexico, Russia, Africa, South America, and India, breastmilk … [Read more...] about Breastmilk Medicine
Breastmilk as GDP
What if we counted breast milk production as part of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the same way that we count formula production? The $4 billion a year in US formula sales is part of the good news of our economy because of the distorted way that we count things: we don't count the health savings from breastfeeding or the actual value of breast milk production in our … [Read more...] about Breastmilk as GDP
What is Breastsleeping?
What did your health care practitioners recommend to you when your baby was born? Did they tell you is was acceptable to share a bed with your baby? Did that recommendation depend on any particular factors? THE OFFICIAL RECOMMENDATION In Western societies, unlike in many other cultures, the debate about where babies should sleep has been around for a very long time, and … [Read more...] about What is Breastsleeping?
Breastfeeding Slideshow
Watch this inspiring photo essay of breastfeeding images by Heather Crofts of Sweet Dreams Photography. Photographer Heather Crofts, M.S., is a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, full-time mother of two exclusively breastfed boys and owner of Sweet Dreams Photography. She promotes positive breastfeeding images, raises awareness about extended breastfeeding and s … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding Slideshow
Breastfeeding Soothers
Here are some natural soothers to support your body and spirit while you're breastfeeding. FENUGREEK TEA More than 30 herbs are considered to be powerful galactagogues—agents that promote the secretion and flow of breastmilk. The best known is fenugreek. Numerous anecdotal accounts testify to the restorative powers of this herb and is commonly used to increase milk s … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding Soothers
Breastfeeding Prep
Experts disagree about the need to condition your nipples for breastfeeding. Some suggest that you rub your nipples with a clean, dry washcloth from time to time during pregnancy to condition them. You can also gently pinch your nipples and extend them. Here is a breast massage oil that can be used during pregnancy to soothe your changing breasts and soften your … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding Prep
Breastfeeding Solutions
What do you do when you have a breastfeeding question or concern? If you're like most mothers, you probably consult “Dr. Google.” But sorting through websites and threads to find what you’re looking for can take hours. And how do you know you can trust the sources you find? What if you had a fast, reliable resource at your fingertips? Enter the Breastfeeding Solutions smart … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding Solutions
Formula Samples Decline
There's good news in the breastfeeding advocacy world. The distribution of formula samples is on the decline and limiting promotional materials from formula companies is fast becoming a best practice in US hospitals. According to a new report by Public Citizen, “Top Hospitals’ Formula for Success: No Marketing of Infant Formula”—co-released by the Ban the Bags campaign—the va … [Read more...] about Formula Samples Decline