Have You Heard of Nipple Confusion?!
Nipple confusion, hmm . . . this term can be somewhat misleading. It does not mean that your baby is perplexed as to what your nipple is for. It is a term to explain when babies are hesitant to feed from the breast and seems to prefer or find it easier to bottle feed milk which has been expressed.
Posted in Breastfeeding, Development, Feeding, Feeding Products, Food Allergies, Newborns, Nutrition | 
Leave a commentAdvice for Successful Breastfeeding
Once you have established breastfeeding there is no other easier or better way of feeding your baby. During breastfeeding an intense bonding and closeness is felt which enhances your baby’s feelings of security.
Posted in Breastfeeding, Moms, Nanny, Newborns, Nutrition, Preemies, Sleep, Sleep Care | Leave a commentBreastfeeding Basics: Answers to Five Common Questions
Most new mothers who choose to breastfeed discover almost immediately that little instruction is required. The act of nursing is instinctive for both mother and baby, and even without outside help the process usually goes relatively smoothly. But even when things go relatively smoothly, it is common for problems to arise. If you are encountering breastfeeding problems or are worried about issues you may face in the future, here are some of the most common questions that might arise.
From Milk to Formula to Solids: Helping Baby Transition
By Lisa Pecos
All major American pediatric and health organizations strongly recommend breastfeeding babies for at least the first six months of life. The American Academy of Pediatrics, one of the preeminent authorities on such issues, recommends that babies be exclusively breastfed for the first six months and regularly breastfed for the first year or as long as it is comfortable for both mother and baby. There is abundant research showing that breastfeeding is the healthiest way to nourish an infant. And though formula can be good, the mother’s body naturally produces the right milk for the baby throughout the stages of early development.
Posted in Bottle Feeding, Breastfeeding, Feeding, Feeding Products, Newborns, Preemies, Solids, Twins - Multiples | Leave a comment4 Common Nursing Problems, Plus Solutions
By Eirian Hallinan
Nursing a newborn is not as simple as it may seem. Veteran moms are usually able to make it look easy by the time they get to their third or fourth child, but for new mothers, the simple fact is that breastfeeding can be challenging in numerous ways. Remember, it is not just the mother who is learning this new feeding method; it is also new to the baby, who of course cannot read books or take instructions from lactation consultants. This makes learning doubly difficult. But it is important to remember that most new mothers experience difficulties initially, and most soon get the hang of it.
The Pros and Cons of Pacifiers
For many new parents, the pacifier is a lifesaver. Not only is it quick and simple, but it also seems to do a better job of stopping the baby’s crying than virtually anything else. After hours of rocking, cuddling, and singing with no reprieve in the baby’s crying, having that pacifier on hand can be a great relief. Yet even though pacifiers work quite well for many children, there are some potential drawbacks that parents should be aware of. In the end, pacifiers are great as a short-term solution to baby’s crying, but they should be used with caution.
Step-By-Step Weaning for a Healthy Baby
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers continue to breastfeed their babies throughout the first year of life. This is a great goal, and mothers who can achieve it should be proud. However, the fact is that a variety of factors tend to get in the way. Work and other responsibilities can be disruptive to the breastfeeding routine, and in many cases babies may voluntarily give up the breast before reaching that one-year point.
Posted in Bottle Feeding, Breastfeeding, Care, Feeding, General Health, Moms, Newborns, Weaning | Leave a commentSome Bottle Feeding Facts
At some point most mothers bottle feeding their babies will experience some kind of problem. Most are easy to resolve but any major concerns should be addressed to your doctor. A common problem is not enough air entering the bottle after the baby has sucked out some of the milk. It causes a problem because the air is needed to balance the pressure inside the bottle. Air enters through the holes in the end of the nipple or between the nipple ring and the bottle. There are some orthodontic nipples that have extra holes at the nipple base (near the nipple ring). If the nipple ring is screwed on too tightly to the bottle and your baby’s tongue is covering and making a seal over the nipple holes you will probably have difficulty bottle feeding. Try loosening and tightening the nipple ring to see if this helps. When there is a continuous and steady flow of bubbles entering the bottle when baby drinks then you have got it right.
Iron: Making Sure Your Baby Gets It
We’ve all heard that breast is best, but one of the drawbacks of exclusively breastfed babies is that they are at risk for iron deficiency. Although formula-fed babies get iron through fortified formula, breast milk does not contain adequate amounts. The LA Times reported that “Studies have shown that 4 percent of 6 month olds, and 12 percent of 12 month olds are iron deficient. Children between the ages of 1-3 years of age have rates of iron deficiency between 6-15 percent. Preterm infants, infants who are exclusively breastfed and infants who are at risk for developmental disabilities seem to be at higher risk to develop iron deficiency.”
So what’s the big deal? A lot, actually. Dr. Frank Greer, co-author of a Continue reading
What to Eat When Breastfeeding
By Lisa Pecos
During pregnancy, new moms have to worry about everything they put into their bodies. And while there are many ideas about what is best for a developing baby when it is in the womb, there is widespread agreement about the things that definitely should be avoided and what foods are healthy for the unborn child. But when it comes to post-birth health, the answers are not so clear-cut. The good news is that if you just eat healthy you should be fine, but there are additional concerns to keep in mind.