Welcoming a new baby into the family is a special time, but it also brings changes that can affect the dynamics at home. It's not uncommon for older siblings to experience some negative emotions, including jealousy and competition towards the new family member. As a parent, finding ways to handle these feelings and create a harmonious environment is essential. In this article, we'll dive into 8 practical tips on how to gracefully manage breastfeeding with an older child, and address any feelings of jealousy or competition that may arise.
Openly communicate with your older child about breastfeeding and its significance for the baby's growth. Use age-appropriate language and explain that just like they had special moments with you, the baby also needs those moments to grow strong and healthy. Start talking about this before the baby is born to give your older child time to ask questions and feel comfortable about it.
It's natural for older siblings to feel a mix of emotions. Validate their feelings by acknowledging that it's okay to feel that way. Assure them that you love them just as much and that these feelings will gradually ease.
Set aside dedicated one-on-one time with your older child. Whether it's a short walk, a special outing, or a cozy evening chat, these moments will remind them of their special place in your heart.
Help your older child understand the baby's needs by explaining that babies can't do many things by themselves. Encourage empathy by looking through their baby pictures and asking questions like, "Remember when you were a baby?”
Keeping a consistent routine that includes quality time with your older child can help them feel secure and involved. Having predictable moments for play, reading, or outings can reassure them that they're still a priority in your life.
Designate specific moments for your children to bond. Let your older child choose an activity they enjoy or involve them in simple baby-related tasks like diaper changes or choosing baby's clothes. This involvement can foster a sense of responsibility and inclusion.
Emphasize the role of an older sibling as a guide and mentor. Let them know that the baby looks up to them and that they're an important part of their sibling's life. Praise their involvement and contributions to the family.
Have a basket filled with toys, activities and snacks that he/she enjoys that is only for while you are breastfeeding. You can even include books that you can read together. This may help your child look forward to feeding time!
Breastfeeding with an older sibling in the house can be a beautiful journey of growth and bonding for the entire family. By maintaining routines, involving them in baby-related activities, and addressing any feelings of jealousy or competition with patience and empathy, you can create an environment where both your baby and older child can thrive. Remember, your love and attention is limitless, and finding a balance that suits your family's dynamics will help everyone embrace this new chapter with open hearts.
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There are so many advantages to breastfeeding, including the fact that everything you need is always ready at the right time, at the right temperature! While this is the most natural way to feed and nourish your baby, we understand that many moms feel anxious about feeding in public.
In a survey reported by The Guardian, it was found that up to one third of moms feel embarrassed or uncomfortable feeding outside their homes.
Whether you are confident or nervous, here are some tips to help you embrace the joy of breastfeeding wherever you are!
One of the simplest ways to successfully breastfeed in public is to wear bras and clothing that are designed for breastfeeding. There are many options available for nursing mothers like our personal favorite, the local brand Momsy! Their stunning range is locally designed and manufactured and their clothing is inspired by a love for fashion and a heart for helping mamas.
If you prefer not to buy specific breastfeeding clothing, you can layer your regular clothing. Wear a stretchy top that you can pull down under your breast and wear a looser top over it which you can pull up. The looser top covers above your breast and the stretchy top covers below. You can also wear tops with front buttons/zips or cowl necks for easy access!
When packing your nappy bag, make sure you include everything you need for breastfeeding. This may include wet wipes (to clean the area before you feed), burp cloths, feeding scarves/blanket (for extra coverage or to help baby focus), water and your Mrs Milk Oat Bars!
If you prefer a little privacy, or your baby prefers a quieter environment, keep an eye out for perfect spots. If you are in a restaurant, ask for a table in a corner, and choose your seat. If you are out shopping, look for breastfeeding rooms, seating areas or even the change room of a clothing store. Finding a place where you feel comfortable will help you feel more relaxed and worry free!
Practicing at home will help you feel more confident and comfortable when feeding your baby when out and about. If you are used to breastfeeding with the feeding pillow or other accessories, practice without them. Try breastfeeding in front of a mirror to see how much of your breast is visible and practice adjusting your clothing to provide as much coverage as you feel comfortable with. You could also practice using a nursing cover or scarf if you would like to use them.
Breastfeeding is a natural and essential part of motherhood, and it is important to remember that you have the right to breastfeed your baby wherever you need to. Be confident in your decision, and don't be afraid to assert your rights if someone questions you. Remember that breastfeeding is protected by law in many countries, including South Africa, so you have the right to breastfeed wherever you need to.
Unfortunately, not everyone is supportive of breastfeeding in public, and you may encounter negative comments or stares from others. It's important to remember that these negative reactions are only someone’s opinion, nothing more. You are doing what’s best for your baby and that’s all that matters! Try to ignore it, or better still - look at them and smile :)
We hope these tips help you feel more comfortable to feed your baby in public. Your confidence also helps to promote the wonder of breastfeeding, and may even inspire other moms to have confidence to feed their babies too!
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Pumping is something that most new mothers think will be an “easy” part of breastfeeding. Buy the pump, attach it to the breast and viola! - milk will be flowing in seconds! But once you open the box and realise just how many parts there are to connect it can be a bit overwhelming and make you realise just how many elements play a role in a pain free, successful pumping journey - the most important being the flange size.
The flange breast and nipple, forming a vacuum seal with the areola. It’s shaped like a funnel.
It is a necessary part of the pump because it draws your nipple into the tunnel of the pump where milk is extracted from. The flange also helps to create necessary suction to extract milk by forming a seal. Flanges come in different sizes as well as different materials, (plastic, silicone and even glass) depending on which pump brand you buy. Most pumps come with a standard size flange, so it will be up to you to make sure you have the correct fit and if it is not you will need to buy the size that fits your breast comfortably. If you are lucky, the one that came with the pump will fit you from the start - but how do you know what is the “correct” fit of your flange?
You can use the FREE downloadable Nipple Measuring Tool on our Mrs Milk website to discern which flange size would be best for you --> Mrs Milk Nipple Measuring Tool
Even if you’ve measured everything perfectly, the final answer to knowing if you’ve found the right flange is going to come when you place it on your breast.
A flange fits correctly when:A pump that is suctioning your breast correctly will mimic how a baby would suck. Your nipple needs to be able to move in and out of the flange’s tunnel to do this.
If your nipple can’t complete this movement easily, it’s going to be injured by friction when the suction is turned on, and the pain is only going to get worse each time you pump.
In addition to breast and nipple pain, using the wrong sized pump flange can negatively impact the amount of milk you are able to get out of your breast.
You’re not alone if you discover that finding the perfect flange for your breasts isn’t easy. If you’re having trouble finding the right fit, a lactation consultant might be able to offer some further assistance. In the mean time, be patient and gentle with yourself. You are doing a GREAT job!
]]>Cleft lip and/or palate is an extremely common birth defect with a worldwide incidence of 1 in 700 births. Very early in pregnancy, a developing fetus has a split lip and palate, but around 7 weeks, the sides of the lip and the roof of the mouth should fuse. Failure of fusion results in cleft lip and/or cleft palate. There are different types and degrees of cleft lip and palate. A cleft lip/palate can occur on one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral).
Feeding a cleft-affected baby can be very challenging as the baby cannot form the correct suction to breastfeed or drink from standard bottles. Babies with a cleft lip, but no cleft palate, can usually breastfeed. In all other cleft cases, cleft-adopted bottles usually help cleft-affected babies drink from a bottle without the need to create any suction and allow breastmilk or formula to be delivered into the baby’s mouth by compression.
Some of the cleft bottles available in South Africa:
Hello new moms! As a fellow mom myself, I understand the excitement and anticipation that comes with bringing your new bundle of joy into the world. And one of the most rewarding experiences for both you and your baby can be the act of breastfeeding. However, it's important to remember that the first six weeks of lactation can come with its own set of challenges. But don't worry, we are here to help you navigate through them and make this experience as enjoyable as possible.
Here are some challenges new moms face:
One of the most common challenges new moms face is engorgement. This is when your breasts become swollen and hard due to an increase in milk production. It can be uncomfortable and even painful. To alleviate the discomfort, try to breastfeed or pump frequently. Also, using warm compresses or taking a warm shower before nursing can help your milk flow more easily.
This can be caused by an incorrect latch or positioning, which can lead to chafing and cracking. To prevent this, make sure your baby is latching on correctly and seek the advice of a lactation consultant if you need help. Using lanolin cream or breast milk on your nipples after nursing can also help soothe any soreness.
Mastitis is another potential challenge, which is an inflammation of the breast tissue that can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever and body aches. This can be caused by milk stasis, where milk isn't being drained from the breast effectively. To prevent mastitis, make sure you're nursing frequently and effectively, and if you do develop symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Finally, some new moms may struggle with low milk supply. This can be caused by a number of factors such as stress, dehydration, or certain medications. To increase your milk supply, try to nurse or pump frequently, stay hydrated, and get enough rest. There are also lactation supplements and foods that can help boost milk production.
Remember, breastfeeding can be a learning process for both you and your baby. Don't be afraid to ask for help or seek out resources such as lactation consultants, support groups, or online communities. With patience and perseverance, you can overcome any challenges and make the most out of this special bonding experience with your little one.
Congratulations on your new addition to the family, and happy breastfeeding!
]]>Infants between four and six months are developmentally and emotionally ready to acquire a skill called eating. They also learn more about flavours and textures that food brings. Their level of activity increases, as well as nutritional needs to contribute to optimise growth and brain development. This being said, introduction of solids stays COMPLIMENTARY to breastfeeding for the first year of life. You have roughly 6 months to ease into eating – hence why this is so important to go according to your little one’s pace, follow their cues and continue breastfeeding.
Your infant is ready to start exploring with food when -
The correct food, timing and approach when introducing solids helps prevent allergies, picky eaters, childhood obesity and micronutrient deficiencies that are crucial to brain and motor development.
Fact: My little one’s gut is mature enough for solid food between 4 and 6 months of age.
Physiologically the intestinal tract is still somewhat permeable before 4 months of age. This means the lining, made up of cells called enterocytes, still form protein complex connections called junctions. These enterocytes and junctions work together to ensure correct absorption of nutrients. Breastmilk helps to mature the gut through the oligosaccharides and immunoglobins. Oligosaccharides are natural prebiotics that encourage healthy growth of gut bacteria. Immunoglobulins, specifically IgA is a protective antibody that protect against microbial infection – preventing diarrhoea and respiratory tract infections. Before 4 to 6 months the gut cannot absorb these more complex nutrients from solids food yet, and is irritated. Early introduction of solids (before 4 months) can lead to gastro-intestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea and increase the possibility to develop allergies. Whereas, delayed introduction may lead to deficiencies and tactile difficulties to accept a different mode of feeding.
Myth: Solids will improve my babies sleep and replace breastfeeding from 6 months onwards.
Babies breastfeed more for various reasons, and their milk intake will only really start decreasing when they are on three solid meals per day. And this will still be influenced by teething, illness and growth spurts. Specific foods and nutrients do not improve sleep, however a well-balanced intake, together with following your little one’s cues and emotional connection are key to improving sleep.
Myth: I can start to skip breastfeeding times as soon as my little one start on solids
Breastmilk is still the foundation of your little ones intake for the first 12 months of life. It ensures your baby will get all the nutrients throughout each milestone and teething episode. Do not hurry to stop breastfeeding or skip a milk feed until your little one indicates he/she is ready to do so repeatedly (at least three consecutive days)
Remember, it is journey not a destination - it should be a fun experience for the parent and infant and he/she is still getting the bulk of their needs from their breastmilk feeds.
Blog post written by Nadia J van Rensburg, RD(SA);
Rooted Natural, Co-founder
Parenting in today’s modern world can be overwhelming, due to the increasing demands on one’s time and energy, leaving not much room for making or researching homemade, nutritious meals for the little one.
We think healthy children make happy children and what better way to achieve both than through providing specially-crafted delicious, nourishing meals.
We promote the growth of infants and young children by establishing a healthy complementary food intake through providing already-made, home-cooked and naturally-sourced meals for every stage of their development.
Building the trust of a parent is important to us, as is connecting with local farmers, produce and suppliers.
Rooted Natural is the brainchild of Kirby van Rooyen and Nadia Jansen van Rensburg - two South African women with a passion for food and nutrition, who have realised how important it is to establish a healthy relationship with food from the first introduction.
Through their knowledge and expertise as a professional chef and registered dietitian, they recognise the need for locally-produced, organic baby and toddler food. Food that is affordable and includes a wider variety of tastes and textures that is also earth-friendly.
Kirby has worked as both a professional chef in the fine dining world for the likes of Test Kitchen, as well as a private chef for notable personalities globally. Through her many years of experience, Kirby has become conscious about the planet, sustainability, and what we can do to make the world a better place. Her love of children and large family background have made Kirby passionate about creating tasty, healthy meals for all ages. Kirby wishes she had had an introduction to a variety of flavours at a young age just like what Rooted Natural provides.
Nadia has ten years of experience as a clinical dietitian under belt that included being a Chief Dietitian at Groote Schuur Hospital, a Masters in Human Nutrition and a special interest in paediatric nutrition. She is incredibly passionate about promoting a healthy relationship with food and taking care of the environment by making more conscious daily food choices. Nadia’s biggest achievement by far has been bringing two healthy and busy children into the world and the joy (as well as challenges) of motherhood. Nadia hopes that Rooted Natural can be the foundation for a balanced and healthy food experience for all infants and children as well as bring peace of mind to parents.
We love supporting local mamma's who are custodians for breastfeeding, so please follow and support the wonderful women behind Rooted Natural
I have had a lot of questions recently about the concern that one breast is producing more milk than the other, this is more noticeable when you are expressing, and you can directly measure and compare the ml's from your left and right breast.
At least 70% of the time, your right breast could produce more milk than the left breast. This is not related to which hand you write with; or which breast you typically offer first to your baby when you nurse directly from your breast.
I have always joked that my breasts are sisters and not twins (just like my eyebrows 🤩) - they are not perfectly symmetrical, one may be slightly bigger. The same applies to your milk supply - it is unlikely that you will get the same milk expressed from each breast.
There are several contributing factors to this cause.
Here are a few ways you can encourage your 'slacker' breast to express more milk:
If you do have a slacker boob, you as a mother are by no means slacking and your body is working incredibly hard to nourish and feed your child. Even if your one breast does make less, generally your other breast will compensate for this and then produce more. Remember to keep well hydrated and ensure you are getting sufficient calories to breastfeed. An additional 330 to 400 kilocalories (kcal) per day is recommended for well-nourished breastfeeding mothers, compared with the amount they were consuming before pregnancy.
You have got this mamma, keep going!
If you are experiencing immense pain or having an issue with breastfeeding, please reach out to a lactation consultant who will be able to assist you. We recommend Niyati - click here for her details.
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A silicone breast pump is classified alongside manual & non-electric breast pumps. They are designed with a full moulded silicone one-piece body. The design of these modern-day silicone breast pumps is quite similar to that of one of the first breast pumps invented and used! Here is an example from Wikipedia
The silicone pump is designed to apply suction & stimulate your breast to help remove milk with its suction power. It does not “suckle and pull” like regular breast pumps, rather it just suctions and stays attached to your boob. This pump is not a collection cup. Collection cups only collect your excess let-down (which would have been absorbed by a nursing pad), these pumps do have a suction caused by the squeezing of the silicone to help draw the milk out.
No – there is no ‘suckling motion” so it doesn’t stimulate your body to produce more through suckling stimulation. However, when you remove milk from your breasts repetitively over and above your babies feeds, your body will begin to replenish this removed milk. If you use a silicone pump everyday to remove excess milk, your body will eventually replace that removed milk the following day.
We chatted to the breastfeeding experts at MammaMoo Breastfeeding in Pretoria and they gave us some very helpful information about their Silicone breast pump
“We recommend that Moms use our silicone pumps in the first 6 weeks of their breastfeeding journey for the following reasons:
Other reasons why Moms love our silicone pumps:
What is the difference between the MamaMoo Feria and Mamamoo Maxima silicone pump?
Both of the pumps have the EXACT same functions.
Both pumps have a wide neck to prevent nipple restriction that can prevent milk flow and lead to painful pumping.
Please note: Mrs Milk does not sell pumps, by clicking on the below links you will be taken directly to MamaMoo's website
The Feria has a suction base that can attach to a surface to prevent it from toppling over and spilling milk you have collected. Some mothers have reported a stronger vacuum when using the Feria pump.
MamaMoo also provides a user guide for our silicone pumps and we pride ourselves in providing assistance and support to Moms after their purchase, to ensure that they get the most out of their products.
We work with an in-house certified Lactation Consultant to assist moms that might experience difficulties during breastfeeding and pumping.
Yes, once a lactating parent consumes alcohol, the highest level of alcohol can be found in their breast milk approximately within 30 minutes to 1 hour after it has been consumed (The time may vary depending on factors such as food intake during alcohol consumption, body weight and percentage of body fat).
Less than 2% of the alcohol a lactating parent consumes reaches their blood and breastmilk and research has shown that lactating women appear to metabolise alcohol quicker than non-lactating women. The more alcohol that is consumed, the longer the alcohol will be detected in the breastmilk. Alcohol does not accumulate in the breastmilk and once the lactating parents’ blood alcohol levels are reduced, so are the alcohol levels in the milk.
amount of alcohol consumed
how fast the alcohol is consumed
whether it is consumed on an empty stomach or with food
lactating parent’s weight and percentage of body fat
how fast the alcohol is metabolized or broken down in the lactating parent’s body
Alcohol consumption of more than 1 standard drink per day, results in high alcohol levels of the lactating parent. This can interfere with the milk ejection reflex (the let-down) which can lead to shortened breastfeeding sessions, decreased breastmilk production and earlier weaning. Infant’s sleep patterns and early development may be negatively affected from high alcohol levels.
It is important to also consider the age of your baby when deciding when to start consuming alcohol again. A newborn baby has a very immature liver, so will be affected easily with even small amounts of alcohol. Up until a baby is 3 months of age, infants will detoxify alcohol around half the rate of an adult (slower than an adult), whereas an older baby or toddler can metabolise the alcohol faster.
Various studies have shown that daily consumption of alcohol (more than 1 drink per day) have been associated with increased drowsiness in the baby, slower weight gain in infants and a decrease in gross motor development.
Expressing breastmilk after a parent has consumed alcohol does not reduce the alcohol in the lactating parent’s milk. If the alcohol is in the lactating parent’s blood stream, it is also in their breastmilk. As the lactating parent’s blood alcohol level decreases over time, so will the levels decrease in their breastmilk.
Pump if you are uncomfortable or engorged (for comfort- it will not make the alcohol decrease any faster)
Pump if you are away from your baby or if it is part of your pumping schedule to maintain your supply
There is no need to pump and dump milk after consuming alcohol- it does not speed the elimination of the alcohol from the milk. Drinking water, coffee and resting also does not speed up the elimination of alcohol from a lactating parent’s body.
Wait 2 hours per drink before a mother breastfeeds again, this will reduce the concentration of the alcohol in the ingested milk.
Use previously expressed milk to feed your baby in the mean-time
Direct feeding can be resumed as soon as the lactating parent feels neurologically normal
Minimise the amount of alcoholic beverages consumed, to no more than 0.5g alcohol per kg of lactating parent’s body weight
Experts recommend against drinking more than 1-2 alcoholic drinks per week
Do not bed-share with your baby if you have been drinking alcohol as your natural reflexes may be impaired and there is an increased association of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
If you become drunk (consumed alcohol to the point of vomiting and or disorientation), do not breast or chest feed until you feel sober. You can express milk (for your comfort and to protect your supply), but the milk expressed whilst you are intoxicated should not be fed to your child.
Plan ahead
Express and store breastmilk ahead of time
You can choose to wait for the alcohol to clear your system (2 hours) before resuming direct breastfeeding
If your breasts become full whilst waiting for the alcohol to clear- you can hand express or pump for comfort.
If in doubt, choose an alternatives - see if there is a non-alcoholic drink available, that you can have and enjoy instead
Be safe – choose where and with whom you are around- to ensure you are ok and safe. Arrange for a sober and responsible adult to take care of you and your infant
Eat before or whilst you consume alcohol
Generally, if you are sober enough to drive, you are sober enough to breastfeed. With some thought, planning and discussion with your support structures (co-parent, family, friends, health care professionals) you can enjoy alcohol safely and responsibly, by limiting the consumption and drinking occasionally. If you are worried about your alcohol consumption, seek help from a professional.
“Reasonable alcohol intake should not be discouraged at all. As is the case with most medicinal drugs, very little alcohol comes out in the milk. The mother can take some alcohol and continue breastfeeding as she normally does. Prohibiting alcohol is another way we make life unnecessarily restrictive for nursing mothers.” Dr Jack Newman – More Breastfeeding Myths.
Article by Lactation Consultant Niyati Naik
With the festive break around the corner, many families in South Africa will head out for bonding over this festive period to have some time out, or visit with family and friends.
If you’re looking forward to some rest and relaxation and you are breastfeeding, you may be feeling anxious about the travelling, but fear not! One of the advantages of breastfeeding is that it’s much easier to travel with a breastfed baby than a formula-fed one.
Whether you’re travelling by plane, train, or car - breastfeeding provides for a portable, nutritionally balanced food supply for your baby.
As part of your overall travel plan, give some thought to how and where you will breastfeed whilst in transit. Breastfeeding whilst out on the road is part art and part science.
The science part comes from trying to maintain a normal bedtime and planning schedule, way ahead of destinations where you will have the opportunity to breastfeed in peace. For example, you might locate roadside rest areas or another breastfeeding-friendly location on the map before setting off on your journey. I have not always been able to find somewhere suitable locally where this is possible, but even if you plan a pit stop to simply take some time out while your partner goes to get some tea and snacks, it will help somewhat.
The art of breastfeeding whilst out on the road, originates from our inherent ability as mammas, to react to inevitable challenges along the way. Babies respond to the various levels of energy associated with travel just like the rest of us. Make a concerted attempt to avoid stressing if your baby needs to feed at unusual times. Approach travelling with an infant using a new mindset – this is your holiday as well - remember that!
Many women experience travelling with a handy breast pump as a lifesaver. With the right pump, you can express and store milk ahead of time, ready for use when you need it. Should you have access to an electric pump, be sure to remember to pack in your adaptor when travelling. If you’re a frequent traveller, you may want to consider acquiring an additional, more portable pump, like the ‘Medela Harmony’.
Ensure that you have access to a cooler or insulated bag in order to store your breastmilk safely. Also, keep in mind that if you’re travelling by plane, you are allowed to bring breast milk onboard, whether or not your baby is travelling with you. I have never had any unpleasant experiences using local South African airports when travelling with breastmilk. Simply declare your breast milk during the security screening process.
International travel requires alerting the airline ahead of time – and checking their rules and regulations if you are planning to travel abroad. I was only permitted to fly with expressed breast milk if my child was flying with me.
Make sure you read my blog post carefully on how to transport and look after your ‘liquid gold’ here.
It’s so important to make breastfeeding feel as comfortable whilst on the road, as it is at home. One way to ensure this is to make yourself a breastfeeding survival kit for peace of mind whilst you’re away. The kit can include things like bottled water, nipple cream, additional pump parts, Medela quick clean micro-steam bags, soothing heat packs, as well as a few extra Mrs Milk bars - and anything else you need to ensure your comfort. Staying hydrated is always important when you’re breastfeeding, so drink lots of water
If you’re still settling into your comfort zone whilst breastfeeding away from home, purchase items that will make feeding easier. Easy access Tops or dresses and nursing bras! I have clothing that I loved from both Anneen Henze Mom as well as Nursing Momsy Here are a few examples of their items:
I also always ensure that I have my nursing bras clean and ready to wear! Here is a lovely local brand for you to look at Maternity Mommy
As a shy public ‘feeder’ myself, I find that wearing the appropriate clothing makes me feel a lot more confident and your bra is very important. Many mamma's skimp on the nursing bra, but a good bra for me was the most important.
Happy babies make for happy mammas, so be sure to take along plenty of distractions for your little one. For younger babies this could include music, rattles, soft fabric storybooks, toys, and a host of other comfort items. Older babies will be happy with a well-stocked activity box full of fun and exciting items. These could include magnets, stickers, pipe cleaners and items ideally suited to encourage fine motor skills development. We loved our Hops Collection books when John was a little older and have used them often.
Familiar items are a baby’s best friend, something like a blanket from home will help your baby stay calm. If you are taking a long flight, a pillow may become a lifesaver for your arm if baby is sharing your seat!
Breastfeeding is a natural necessity and can be an easy and fun part of your travelling experience. Many moms find that it’s empowering as well as invigorating to be able to take their baby on a holiday or other journey while breastfeeding.
One final piece of advice – don’t be afraid to ask for help! You don’t have to do everything yourself. Let the other members of your family get involved. You might even find that, as a breastfeeding mom, you receive considerably more pampering and attention than usual!
]]>Lactation is the wonderous process by which the body is able to produce breastmilk, to nurture and nourish an infant. The beginning of lactation usually occurs early during pregnancy (around 15-20 weeks gestation), where the mammary glands of the breasts begin to mature due to hormonal changes. The breastmilk sits tight in the mammary glands until the birthing process. The removal of the placenta at birth triggers another cascade of hormonal changes, releasing the stored breastmilk, in readiness for breastfeeding.
One would therefore assume that pregnancy is a prerequisite for lactation to occur. However, and perhaps surprisingly, this is not the case. This information guideline will shed light on an even more fascinating aspect of lactation- and that is relactation.
Relactation is when the production of breastmilk is re-activated in the absence of pregnancy and can occur after variable time gaps, which may be days, weeks, months and even years, after not producing breastmilk.
There are many anecdotal cases of relactation where valiant grandmothers started breastfeeding their grandchildren - infants who were either abandoned or orphaned. There are also cases of aunts, friends and strangers doing the same. Relactation is also applicable in cases of adoption. I have even had colleagues, who when helping certain families to breastfeed or studying for their lactation exams, found that they started producing breastmilk!
Ordinarily, there are some mothers who consider relactation as they did not or could not breastfed initially (for various reasons), yet they yearned for the breastfeeding experience. Whilst others who had initially breastfeed and weaned their infants, simply wanted to start again.
The process of relactation involves two main aspects:
Establishing a supply of breastmilk is achieved by breast stimulation and the removal of breastmilk from the breast (even when there isn’t any initially). Lactation works on the basis of demand and supply. So, by creating a demand, supply is stimulated and increased. This can be done by hand expressing, use of a breast pump, and allowing the baby to suckle at the breast. It is important to note that nipple stimulation and removal of breastmilk needs to be done consistently (every 2-3 hours) in order for relactation to be successful. This includes pumping throughout the night. Duration of pumping and milk removal is recommended to be a minimum of 10 minutes up to 20 minutes. The more frequently you stimulate the breast, the more quickly you will be able to build your supply.
The amount of breastmilk that each woman is able to produce will vary, depending on many factors such as: previous lactation experience, health conditions and lifestyle. Even though many mums are able to achieve satisfactory breastmilk volumes, some women may still require supplementation in order to meet the energy needs of their baby.
Here are recommendations of how you can initiate and build your supply of breastmilk when relactating:
In order for direct suckling to be successful, the baby must be offered many gentle opportunities to gain comfort at the relactating woman’s breast, even if there is no milk as yet. Breastfeeding is learned behaviour and it is therefore important not to force the baby to suckle or to create a negative association at the breast.
From what is understood about relactation, the younger the age of the infant, the better the chance of relactation. Also, the shorter the gap between weaning and relactation, the quicker or easier it is for a woman to reach partial or full relactation.
This does require patience as some babies are able to adapt back to feeding at the breast faster than others. These are recommendations of how you can get your infant to suckle at the breast. If these do not work, remember that even by expressing your breastmilk (regardless of the volume), your baby will still get the benefits of your breastmilk.
The time frame and the volume of breastmilk that can be produced, through relactation can vary amongst women. Relactation can sometimes be a long and intense experience that can bring about several physical and emotional changes. It is therefore recommended that you discuss your intention to relactate with your family, friends and health care providers. This is so that your personal and professional support systems can be established and maintained through the relactation process. It is also recommended that you are realistic about your expectations and what this process will involve. It is important to think about your reasons and motivations of relactation and what it means to you and your baby. Seek the help of a certified lactation consultant, who in collaboration with your doctor, will be able to guide you according to your family’s specific circumstances. Every drop of breastmilk counts! Relactation is not always easy, but it is possible!
References
Your pelvic floor is a phenomenal group of muscles that are located at the base of your pelvis. Often described as a hammock/sling or basket these muscles play an important role in the support, stability and function of our bowel, bladder and sexual/reproductive organs. Contracting and shortening the hammock will maintain continence and abdominal pelvic stability however relaxing and lengthening of these muscles is just as important so that normal bowel and bladder motions can occur, sexual intercourse and climax is possible and birthing a baby naturally is also possible.
During pregnancy, the pelvic floor works very hard to also support the growing baby and stabilise the increasing pressure being placed on the organs it houses. It also plays a big role in supporting the spine and the change in the centre of gravity placed on the body by baby growing at the front.
So, what are some of the signs we can look out for to be aware of our pelvic floors and recognise its cries for help?
This is a big red flag that the pelvic hammock is not functioning optimally. Often assumed to be a weakness due to looser muscles and also assumed to be a problem more from natural birth both of these are not the case. Stress and tension can tighten the muscles causing weakness and c section mums are in the same boat.
This occurs mainly during pregnancy in the form of pubic symphysis and SIJ (sacroiliac joint) pain and can be quite normal as a result of the pregnancy and stretching of the joints in preparation for birth but it’s good to check in with a pelvic physio for some advice and pain relief. Pain in the lower back, hips and pelvis post-partum can indicate the pelvic floor is not contributing to normal postural synergy.
This is very common and causes a lot of pressure and emotional stress on couples which is so hard along with the new baby. Once again stress and strain on the pelvic floor causes trigger points or spasms to occur which don’t feel very nice when the penis penetrates. Unfortunately, the brain begins to associate sex with pain which means your body goes into a state of tension each time you engage in intercourse which leads to more pain. Breastfeeding also naturally reduces libido and lubrication and if you had any tears or an episiotomy healing and scaring can reduce normal sensation to hypersensitivity or numbness. Changes in orgasm are also common due to hormones settling, pain from what has just been mentioned about pain. The pelvic floor rhythmically contracts during climax so if there is any spasm this movement will be inhibited.
The bulk of the pelvic floor surrounds the rectum and anus and once again spams and tension can affect the normal bowel motions. Diet, painkillers and stress can also affect this so often the pelvic floor is over looked. Keep in mind that this could be the cause.
100% of women will have this during pregnancy as the tummy expands out but post-partum any doming or gapping of the abdominals needs to be assessed and managed correctly. The pelvic floor is part of the body’s core muscle structure and weakness in the pelvic floor can have a role to play in a loss of synergy between the abdomen, lower back and pelvis.
It sounds bad but there is plenty to be done to help our pelvic floors out.
I am a pelvic floor physiotherapist practicing in Joburg. My special interest in Women’s Health stems from not only being firstly a woman and mother myself but also from a passion for empowering women about their amazing bodies and how it works in harmony with the surrounding environment. My work focuses specifically on the unique health issues that women face and aims to help women heal as a whole being mentally and physically.
It’s all about self-love ladies
Mummy guilt has been defined as:
‘The sense that you’re not living up to the expectations you had about the kind of mum you’d be. Or the kind of mum tat society suggested you should be.’
Although guilt about going to work may seem to be the most popular type of mummy-guilt there is, don’t be fooled; mothers are magnificent multi-taskers and the list of things we can feel guilty about can be endless.
I think for many of us we go into motherhood feeling relatively prepared but actually having no cooking-clue what to expect or what motherhood will be like. But like with all habits, once home we quickly establish a NEW NORMAL.
Whilst you feel like you’re doing motherhood on your terms, you’re most likely not. Especially in this day and age when there are a million voices and a million mums influencing our definition of who we are AND who we need to be for our kids. Gracious that sounds crazy just saying that out loud, but true non-the-less.
Mummy Guilt creeps in the wee hours of night 1 as mum, when you’re too filled with hormones, love and exhaustion to challenge it. It usually raises its head, as we question for the umpteenth time whether our little is still breathing, or getting enough milk, or going to be okay if we have a 1minute shower. It is 100% birthed from love so so deep BUT too from a fear that we will horribly fail at the one thing that has changed us to our deepest core.
We don’t yet have a solid idea of we, as a good mom will look like. We allow social media/friends/our own doubt to define that and then we compare against that. BUT that standard may not be in line with your make up.
In 2018, after being riddled with guilt for years, I asked myself the simple question. What is a good mum in my home..what does me as a good mum look like? The words that came were simple and life-giving. Stable and happy = THAT’S IT!! That was all that actually needed to be in place and if I were those two things, well then I could figure out how to burp, love and protect my little bunch. Your expectation of yourself should never be higher than what is truly attainable and functional for you and your family.
BUT in order to stop comparing (stop feeling guilty) and gain confidence as YOU we need to KNOW OURSELVES…WELL!!! You need to prioritize yourself and give ourself permission to be truly YOU – THAT, right there, the greatest gift you can give those kids. Because the truth is, that you’re the finest mum they could possibly get and you have it in you to figure it all out: their needs, your schedule and all of your happiness levels. But on YOUR TERMS, not some other mums.
We don’t get to hit pause on who we were created to be. Pre-mom, post-mom – you’re the same person and you supposed to be that!!! We can mesh pre-mom with post-mom and in turn live happier lives as moms, but it all starts with tuning in to YOU.
Mummy Guilt doesn’t disappear but by knowing ourselves well, and living on our own terms, we are more fulfilled and how much more at ease our kids are when we, as mums, are in a good space.
Written by the lovely Caitlyn de Beer
https://caitlyndebeer.com/mumscourse/
Caitlyn has a new Guilt-free Mums course starting now on April 13th - and she has given all Mrs Milk Moms R100 Discount Click here to sign up and use the code MRSMILK to get your discount! CLICK HERE
Caitlyn is a life coach, motivational speaker, podcast host and psychology lecturer and she is based in Hillcrest (Durban), KZN. With her honours degree in Clinical Psychology & being a sought-after Speaker, Caitlyn speaks at companies, conferences and womens’ events around South Africa.
As a Life Coach, Caitlyn has had the privilege of coaching more than 400 amazing individuals, from over 11 countries worldwide.
When she’s not inspiring individuals to live full & inspirational lives, you can find her on a long run, drinking wine with her husband, playing with her 2 young kids or at her beach house on the coast, where she finds her inspiration!
Follow her on her social platforms:
Facebook @CaitlyndebeerLifecoaching Instagram @thatmumcoach
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Most mammas are so concerned about having enough milk but very few think about the key to this issue – breastfeed your baby at every opportunity you can. Even in the midst of all this stress and fear about the repercussions on how we will operate as a society after this lockdown, take this time to really focus on your breastfeeding and allow yourself the time to be mindful of it. Most mammas really struggle with having enough milk and are not able to breastfeed on demand one of these reasons is that moms go back to work and are not able to express sufficient milk at will. So why not use the time at home to take a nursing vacation.
The word vacation means a holiday or leave of absence from a regular occupation. Although this sounds like you will have a break from breastfeeding, it is actually the opposite. You take a break from most other responsibilities and spend as much time bonding with your baby and breastfeeding as you possibly can.
While you are on a nursing vacation your job is to do nothing else but worry about taking care of yourself and your baby. You shouldn’t have to worry about meals, taking care of regular household chores or hosting visitors. That is why this lockdown time is the perfect time to have this one on one time.
The most important part of this nursing vacation is having as much uninterrupted skin-to-skin time with baby as possible. This skin-to-skin time causes you to create the hormone oxytocin, also known as the love hormone. This assist with stimulating your breasts to let down the milk, lowering your stress levels, and improving your blood pressure.
The bonding time you will share will help you to pick up on feeding cues and babies needs easily. This vacation is really to spend time relaxing, one of the worst things you can do for your milk supply is stressing. Stress is a killer and can have a big effect on your supply. If you are a brand new mamma, or if this is your fifth baby, we all need time to relax with them.
I understand that as mammas we are never truly able to leave all our other commitments, especially if we do have more than one child so preparation is key. Books, special video games, arts, and crafts can do the trick. Also, skin to skin with their new sibling can be a great benefit for them too! Don’t be afraid to enlist their help.
There is often so much going on in our day to day lives and we often forget to take time to “smell the roses”. Take the opportunity of our forced lockdown to really just focus on you and your baby. If you are struggling with your milk supply this could make all the difference. Relax, read, watch your favourite TV shows, and eat your favourite (breastfeeding friendly) foods. If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious snack that can help increase your breastmilk supply, browse our selection of delicious snacks today! Make sure everything you could need while nursing is close by – read my article on your breastfeeding station if you are not sure what to have close by.
Should you need more help with breastfeeding virtually during this time we have reached out to Lactation consultant Niyati and she is offering virtual consults via WhatsApp/Skype. Pop her a message if you need help and she can take you through the process
Being a new mom is stressful. You don’t want to become your own harshest critic while you’re in this vulnerable place in life. Be patient with yourself and your new baby and soon you will be breastfeeding like a pro.
Stay Safe #StayAtHome
All images were kindly shared with me from Mari-Louise Candiotes from Just a Mamma photographed by Madison and West Lifestyle
This seems to be the question I am faced with most often – is there any way I can prepare my body or myself to ensure I have a successful breastfeeding journey.
The first time you hear the words “latch” “engorgement” “let down” and “colostrum” should be in an environment where you can absorb information — not in a hospital room with a screaming hungry newborn.
Perhaps take the time to meet with a lactation consultant before you require the help. They will be able to assess your breasts and you will be able to prepare yourself if you have any issues that may make breastfeeding a challenge (ie flat or inverted nipples)
Most anti-natal classes do go into quite a bit of detail, but this information can be very generalised and often for a larger audience
Discuss your birth plan with your Midwife or OB\GYN ** This is a very important step.** Make sure whoever is part of your birthing plan is aware that you want to breastfeed. Studies have shown the best way to initiate your milk flow is to have your baby placed skin-to-skin as soon as they are delivered – this is for any kind of delivery. Take a listen to Doula Katrina Meeks short video we did with her about the first 12 hours
Cradle, cross-cradle, football, side-lying – Yes these are all ways you can hold your baby to breastfeed.
I will never forget the look on my doulas face when she told me to try to hold John like a football to breastfeed him. I think she could see the panic on my face. If you have an idea of what the different positions are you will feel more confident to try them when baby arrives. Keep in mind, if you are having a c-section birth – you will be sensitive along the wound and should look at the football and side options to avoid putting baby on top of your sensitive wound.
You don’t know it yet, but your milk supply will become a focal point of your day in a few weeks or months. Unfortunately, you have no way of knowing if your milk supply will be abundant, just right, or if you’ll have a low supply. Regardless of where your body will fall on the milk-supply spectrum, it’s important to know where your supply comes from and how you can influence production.
The greatest way to maintain a healthy milk supply is to feed or pump frequently. Your body will produce on a supply and demand basis, so the more demand, the more supply. Keep in mind, if you have topped baby up with formula – your body has no way of knowing that this milk was consumed by baby and thus will not replace (or reproduce) this consumed bottle milk. If you do need to top up in hospital please remove the milk from your breasts with a pump and ask the nurse to show you how to pace feed your baby. If you need to read about pace feeding click here
Mrs Milk Bars are a wholesome, convenient, energy-packed snack made specifically for breastfeeding moms. Eating one or two bars a day ensures you’re eating healthy ingredients and not snacking on cheap sugar products or failing to meet your calorie count. We recommend buying bars ahead of time and keeping several in your hospital bag for when baby arrives.
Drinking water to thirst is extremely important for breastfeeding women - you can not pour from an empty cup. Always keep a water bottle on hand so that your body is never straining for liquid to make milk. The best advice here is "Drink to thirst"
Time to be real mammas - Breastfeeding IS A JOB, and most likely the routine is going to kick your butt the first couple of weeks. It may take about 3 days for your milk to officially come in. However the colostrum that your body produces in these first days is all the milk your baby needs.
Newborn babies need to eat at every two-hour mark until they get back up to their birth weight. Every two hours, 24/7. That means a typical day could have feedings at 6 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m., 10 p.m. 12 a.m., 2 a.m., 4 a.m. The good news is that it is over quickly. The bad news is when you’re in that schedule, it feels like there is no way can you keep going. Trust us, you can!
Psych Yourself Up for the Routine - you can do this!
Go into that crazy feeding schedule knowing you will be challenged but you will make it through. Try to think of each feeding as a positive because it means your child is gaining weight quickly. Once you are given the go-ahead by your paediatrician you can relax into 3-4 hour stretches between feedings.
Understand that it’s natural for breastfeeding to feel painful at first, but your body toughens up and it gets easier. Many women fail when they begin breastfeeding because it’s uncomfortable. When a baby latches in the first few weeks there is about a 10 second “ow ow ow” where you hold your breath and tense up while your nipples have a weird sensation.
Pretty soon you’ll stop having to hold your breath and before you know it, latching is no big deal. Breastfeeding can feel uncomfortable at first, but with all new things, it becomes the norm quickly as your body and mind adjust.
Make sure you have a good nipple cream and use it from the get-go! We recommend the Natralogic Nipple cream which is certified organic and locally made. A good nipple cream can help soothe and alleviate the soreness and also heal the pain.
If the pain is too severe, please don't try to be a hero - seek the assistance of a lactation consultant. Your baby may have tongue-tie and this will interfere with your breastfeeding journey because the baby needs to be able to move his tongue forward, over his bottom lip, to cup the breast and exert some pressure to extract the milk. When that motion is restricted, the baby's attempts to get milk often lead to nipple damage and pain
While breastfeeding is natural, it does not always come naturally. You can never fully prepare for every single thing that will happen when baby comes home, being as informed as possible will give you a strong start. Make sure to watch our whole series of short videos from Doula Katrina Meek on our YouTube channel to have a good overall understanding of what to expect.
Breastfeeding will be a journey for you and your baby, from the early days of figuring things out until it’s time to wean. The knowledge and preparation you put into the start of that journey will pay off for both of you!
Our advice to any new mom who hopes to breastfeed is to follow the tips above and give yourself and your baby time to practice and learn together to figure out what works best for you.
]]>A lot of energy, time, dedication, and money goes into the process of expressing precious breastmilk so that it can be given to your baby, whilst you are separated from him or her for any amount of time.
Here are a few practical guidelines on the storage of breastmilk and how to care for, and store your liquid gold, whilst if there is a power outage or when we experience load-shedding.
Power outages are not ideal, but they do happen. Whether your frozen breastmilk will be salvaged after the power outage will depend on the frequency and duration of the power outage, and the state and temperature that your milk is at, after this time. The conditions and storage of your breastmilk will also affect the rate at which the breastmilk will thaw. If you are in doubt, seek help, as sometimes the decision to use or discard your stored breastmilk may not be clear.
Breastmilk is a living fluid with live cells and immune factors that can be damaged during heating and freezing processes. The best way to feed your baby breastmilk is fresh. This is when the nutritional and immune content is at its highest. Use power outages to spend down-time with your little one and avoid using frozen milk, when proper heating is not available.
If you’re returning back to work but want to continue your breastfeeding journey it is possible, here’s how to prepare for pumping at work
Even if you have a supportive employer, it is rather scary to think about how to express your breastmilk at work. Will you be able to have privacy? The good news is, with good communication and planning, you can make expressing at work a success for you, your employer and your baby.
In South Africa you are legally entitled to express breast milk for your baby at work and your employer should allow time for 2 x 30 minute breast pumping breaks over and above your lunch break.
This can be found in the following places:
Make sure you have everything you need to pump, collect, store and transport your breast milk.
You will need the following:
As busy working moms we sometimes find ourselves so wrapped up in our workday so that we are able to leave work on time and get home to our little bundles of joy. Remember, it is impossible to pour from an empty cup. Keep a bottle of water on your desk to keep you hydrated as well as a Mrs Milk Lactation Oat bar on hand. Our convenient bars are individually wrapped and allow easy snacking.
Your employer should offer a private room (not a toilet) for you to pump in. This might be a medical or interview room, or anywhere you can express comfortably without being disturbed. We have made a sign you can download here to stick on the door to help you feel more comfortable that people will not interrupt you.
Have somewhere safe and cool for storing breast milk. Remember, we live at the bottom of Africa and we have hotter days than Europe – so make sure milk is not left out too long. If it’s a shared work fridge, clearly label your milk in breast milk storage bags or bottles.
Milk that you express one day can be given to your baby the next, so there’s normally no need to freeze it. When kept chilled in the fridge (and in a cooler bag when transported between work and home), breast milk remains safe for your baby to drink for three days – or up to five in very clean conditions. We will be sharing tips from our Lactation consultant Niyati for you to learn from.
Try pump your milk whenever your baby would usually breastfeed. This will help you collect enough for his/her feeds and maintain your breast milk supply.
Arrange a practice day to help put your mind at ease. Or try make your first day back towards the end of the week (Thursday or Friday), so you can get the hang of expressing and transporting your milk before tackling a whole working week.
Combining work with parenting and breastfeeding is tiring – especially while you’re getting used to it, or if your baby still wakes at night. Take it one day at a time, look after yourself, and rest assured things should become easier as your baby gets older and you both become accustomed to this big change.
The human body undergoes incredible transformations during the various phases of life. From preparing to become pregnant, maintaining pregnancy and even the return to fertility. Menstruation is a pivotal component of these processes. Most women usually welcome the 9-month break that pregnancy provides: of not having a menstrual period. However, many women may wonder about the return of their period and their menstrual cycle once their baby has been born.
The purpose of this information article is therefore, to shed some light on this topic, in helping you to understand a new mother’s return to fertility, and to describe the role that breastfeeding plays in this process.
The menstrual cycle is defined as the cycle of change that a female body undergoes in preparation for the possibility of pregnancy. Each cycle (which usually occurs every month, although this may vary in different women), involves the release of a mature egg from the ovaries, by a process called ovulation. If the released egg is met with a sperm, fertilisation occurs and the fused egg and sperm is then implanted into the thickened and blood-enriched uterine wall which has been ‘prepared’ by the same hormones that releases the mature egg. However, if fertilisation or implantation does not occur, the egg, along with the thickened lining is shed, resulting in vaginal bleeding due to menstruation. It is important to remember that ovulation usually occurs 2 weeks before menstruation (bleeding) and is usually the period when a women is considered most fertile. This is a relevant consideration when it comes to contraception, which will be discussed later in this article.
The type of nutrition that an infant receives (breastmilk, formula or both), can determine how soon that infant’s mother may get her period. Women who, for various reasons, do not breastfeed their babies, can expect to have their first period approximately six to eight weeks after they have given birth. This is considered a relatively quick return to fertility.
However, women who do breastfeed their babies, have a less clear idea of when their period will return. Some who exclusively breastfeed (feed their baby only breastmilk and no other supplementation), may not have a period for their entire breastfeeding journey (which may span over months and even years), whilst others will. Research has shown that in populations of breastfeeding mothers, other factors which can influence the rate of menstruation return are: the frequency of breastfeeding and the total amount of time at the breast per 24 hours.
Breastfeeding delays a mother’s return to fertility and this phenomenon may be explained by the physiological mechanism of your baby suckling. When a baby suckles his mother’s breast, signals are sent to the mother’s brain to: increase the hormone that produces and releases breastmilk (prolactin and oxytocin), and to simultaneously stop or suppress the hormones that trigger ovulation (oestrogen).
So, if there is a delay or a longer gap between feeding sessions (for whatever reason), there is less nipple stimulation, which means less signals for prolactin release are sent to the brain, which means that oestrogen levels increase- thus increasing the chance of ovulation and quicker return of the menstrual period. However, if a mother feeds her baby frequently, then signals for prolactin release continue and oestrogen levels are suppressed and are low-this means that ovulation and menstruation is delayed.
All women who have had a baby (by natural or caesarean section), will experience vaginal discharge in the weeks after giving birth. This discharge is made up of mucous, blood and uterine tissue. You may notice that the flow of the lochia is heavier at first and reduces with time, and there may even be clots that are present. Lochia can be present for about six weeks postpartum. If your lochia turns into a clear or creamy white colour and stops for a while, the red blood that you notice after this gap, is then likely to be your period.
It is not possible to predict how your returning period will be- whether it will be heavier (as there is an increased amount of uterine lining that has accumulated and which therefore will be shed), lighter (in the case of some women with endometriosis), longer, shorter, regular or irregular, as compared to how your period was before you became pregnant. Some women may experience increased pain, small blood clots and even irregular cycle lengths as the body adjusts after pregnancy.
There are a few ways to help you determine whether the discharge that you are experiencing is from your pregnancy (lochia) or whether it is the return of your period,
Lochia | Menstrual blood | |
When it's likely to be present | Usually immediately after birth until 6 weeks | Usually after 6 or more weeks from birth |
Appearance | lighter, watery, white, may be tinged with blood | Bright red bleeding |
Quantity | Increases with exertion Reduces with rest |
Occurs regardless of exertion or activity |
Odour | ‘sweet’ smell – due to mixing with leftover tissue from pregnancy | Smells of blood – metallic smell |
It is common for breastfeeding mothers to experience PMS type symptoms and even cyclical cramping which may suggest an oncoming period, without actually having a period. These symptoms may occur for weeks and even months before an actual period occurs. This ‘preparation’ for menstruation, has been thought to b delayed by active breastfeeding. Although it may be frustrating, it is beneficial for mothers to take measures such as exercise, rest, warm packs and pain relief, to be comfortable, especially when simultaneously having to care for a new-born infant.
Some women may not have no change in their breastmilk supply once their period starts, however others may experience a temporary dip in their supply when their period starts. In cases where there is a decrease, it may be an estimated 30-60ml decrease in the average daily milk production. However, the good news is that the initially decreased supply does rebound (although not always fully) once your period is over. If you are pumping, it may be useful for you to record:
During ovulation, which is the middle of a menstrual cycle, there is a drop in blood calcium levels, and this ,may be associated to the drop in your supply. In order to deal with this, supplementing your diet with a calcium/magnesium supplement may help. It is important to take the calcium WITH magnesium combined supplement (1500mg calcium + 750mg magnesium) as it is not safe to take that amount of
calcium on its own.
It is important to maintain good hydration and to eat healthy, balanced foods whilst breastfeeding. Foods such as oats have been anecdotally recommended for generations to increase milk production in many cultures. Fenugreek is another commonly used spice which is often used to increase milk production, however caution must be taken with regards to the use of this especially in mothers with metabolic disorders such as diabetes and thyroid disease, where avoidance is recommended.
This is likely to initiate an additional let-down and therefore additional milk- or at least the stimulation to the brain to make more milk. Use a warm compress, vibration and relaxation techniques to also trigger additional let-downs.
A consultation with a certified lactation consultant may be beneficial, in order to help you gain a holistic view about milk supply and what other interventions (specific to your needs and goals) may be available.
Some mothers do report changes in their baby’s behaviours when the mothers start their period. This may be due to several reasons such as: an altered taste of the breastmilk (due to hormonal changes related to menstruation), and a possible change (usually a decrease) in breastmilk supply, which may lead to frustration and irritation in the baby.
Skin to skin contact and kangaroo care may be very useful in order to comfort and nourish your baby through these changes. It will also help to calm you and baby as an increase of the stress hormone (cortisol), results in a decrease of the milk producing hormone (prolactin). Despite possible changes in breastmilk taste and volume, your breastmilk is still safe and recommended to be fed to your baby.
Factors that make your period return faster Factors that delay your period |
Factors that delay your period |
Abrupt changes to breastfeeding patterns (eg. Cutting down the number of nursing sessions in the day) | Gradually decreasing the nursing times per session |
When your child sleeps for more than 4 hours at a time, during the day | High levels of progesterone |
When your child sleeps for more than 6 hours at a time, through the night | Co-sleeping with your baby |
When your child starts solid foods (this must not be done earlier than 4 months old) |
Frequent demand breastfeeding sessions |
Having low levels of the hormone progesterone in your body | High levels of progesterone in mum |
Supplementing your baby's feeds with formula milk | Baby has not started solid foods |
The use of a dummy/pacifier | Skin to skin and kangaroo mother care |
Bottle feeding | |
Separation from your baby for more than 4 hours in the day |
Although the mechanism of how a breastpump works, may not be the same as when a baby suckles directly at a breast, the resulting effect is the removal of breastmilk from the mother’s breast. This therefore mimics the physiological and hormonal changes that occur as described in the introduction section of the article. That is- suckling (mimicked by the breastpump), stimulates the release of lactation hormones prolactin and oxytocin, which inhibits the release of oestrogen, which in turn reduces the chances of ovulation. Therefore, dropping a pumping session, due to reasons such as returning to work, may therefore initiate oestrogen release an stimulate ovulation- thus bring on your period faster, whilst reducing your milk supply (due to decreased prolactin).
At the 6 week post-partum appointment, most doctors will ask new mums about: their baby’s feeding methods, and what type of contraception the new mother maybe considering. Although it may seem like it is too early to think about contraception at this stage, it is important as some mothers may indeed become fertile quicker than others (depending on the many factors as discussed in this article). So, consideration of contraception is still important, especially if the new mother is not ready to become pregnant again.
Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) is a method of contraception that has been used since ancient times, yet is often misunderstood, as many people are not aware of the strict criteria that applies in order for this method to be effective. Even in instances of exclusive breastfeeding, there is still a chance that a new mother may ovulate and conceive again, without even realising that she is fertile again. This method is therefore recommended for women who are comfortable with the possibility of another pregnancy in the first year after giving birth.
Although breastfeeding can reduce the chance of fertility, there is not absolute guarantee that you will not become pregnant again. If you are breastfeeding and your period does return, it means that you are fertile and can become pregnant again. Remember also, that ovulation occurs 2 weeks before menstruation, so you can still fall pregnant, during the fertile period of ovulation (even before your period has returned).
From a breastfeeding and breastmilk supply perspective- non-hormonal methods such as condoms, the copper intra-uterine device, and diaphragms are less likely to reduce your milk supply. Some hormonal contraceptives (such as: progestin only pills, or low-dose combination pills) may be suitable and safe for breastfeeding mothers. However, if you do choose these methods, you are encouraged to keep a close eye on your milk supply and the growth of your baby, as there is a greater risk of reduced milk supply when hormones are involved.
On the same note, if you do want to fall pregnant sooner, let your doctor and lactation consultant know so that they may advise you accordingly. Every woman and family is unique and it is important to discuss this decision with your partner and your healthcare providers, in order to help you make an informed decision.
After having her baby, every woman has a unique time within which she will return to fertility. Factors such as: the baby’s nursing pattern, physical contact with baby, nipple stimulation and the mother’s sensitivity to hormones, can influence the rate of how soon or late a mother will become fertile again. Some women may get
their period back within weeks of having their baby, whilst others may only get their period after they wean their baby off breastfeeding, which may span over months or years. It is not possible to predict exactly when a woman’s period will return, as all women are different. The return of menstruation, is the body’s way of adjusting and ‘recovering’ from pregnancy. All parents must be aware of circumstances where bleeding is not normal and may be as a result of infection or other health problems. If this is suspected, mothers are strongly advised to seek urgent medical help. Although the return of your period may result in a decreased breastmilk supply, with information and support, you can be empowered to increase your supply and successfully continue with your breastfeeding journey.
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You’ll be spending a lot of time sitting while breastfeeding or pumping. Choosing the right nursery chair is so important. I have spent countless hours in my Comfy Mummy chair. Since this is where your feeding station will be most of the time make sure you have a good comfy space that brings you joy!
I always would keep a box of tissues close by, just incase I needed it for myself. Hair elastics and a clip - you are never sure how you will want your hair to be done,
With the usual spit ups and your leaking breasts, burp cloths will always come in handy. I bought a pack of these cloths from Woolworths to just keep on hand for any little spills or spits that I needed to wipe up.
Some mamas have to deal with sore nipples while breastfeeding, which can become very painful. Keep soothing nipple cream with you for the relief you deserve. Our Natralogic Nipple cream is ultrapure medical grade Lanolin that will help ease the discomfort of cracked and sore nipples associated with breastfeeding. It is the ideal treatment for Stages 1 and 2 of nipple damage and is also excellent for early protection of sensitive and dry nipples during pregnancy. It’s safe for both mama and baby, and glides on smoothly and gently without causing a mess! Of course, make sure to visit your doctor if this issue persists.
This one goes without saying – you’ll want to hydrate a lot while breastfeeding. Some moms get very thirsty as soon as the baby latches on. You can get a bottle that’s easy to hold with one hand and has a straw to make it easier to drink. You might even consider having two bottles by your side!
Breastfeeding can burn 500 calories a day! This means you’ll have to replenish often. Keep your favorite non-perishable, healthy snacks on your nursing station. Your Mrs Milk Lactation Oat bars are a perfect fit for this!
For dark rooms or middle of the night feedings, a soft nightlight or lamp will be crucial. You’ll want something with enough light for you to see what you’re doing without disturbing baby or others around you. Not all of us are ninja's who can do everything in complete darkness!
Keep chargers for all your devices nearby. If you can, consider investing in a little portable charger to keep your phone or tablet full of power. Make sure to keep a pair of earphones if you are watching anything on your phone to ensure your baby doesn’t wake up during a middle-of-the-night feeding session.
You’ll be spending a lot of time feeding your baby. Although it’s a magical time to spend with them, sometimes they drift off to sleep and you’re left wondering what else to do with yourself! Consider getting some nice-to-have items for your nursing station to help you enjoy your time even more – such as a book, magazine, tablet, or electronic reader. Don’t forget to keep your reading glasses close by if you use them!
Lastly, you might even want to consider investing in a basket to create a portable nursing station like I did that you can easily move from room to room in your house!
- by Caitlyn de Beer (Self Management Coach & Speaker/ Psychology Lecturer)I’m a positive person by nature – I’m a go-getter and naturally optimistic; gracious a mum at a kids’ party once came up to me and said “Aren’t you that happy person?”. In context she was referring more to my brand than me, but you get the gist.
With a background in Psychology, I entered motherhood feeling relatively prepared, more so on the psyche front than the actual mommying side of things. My first child was born in 2016 and whilst I sobbed much of the first week home from hospital with a somewhat difficult baby, the tears eventually past. Fast-forward 17 months and my son (2nd born) was born in 2017. All was going well at first, I had 4month old and 20month old, had had a killer year at work and entered the holidays as an excited, distracted and very tired mum of 2. It took 2 weeks of holidaying before the wheels fell off. Christmas Day is usually my favourite day of the year. I’m a sucker for tradition and so the fact that I now have kids who can wake up to full sacks had me giddy with excitement in the months leading up to Christmas. I had bought them sacks with their names on them. I had wrapped their gifts at home before our trip to CT. It was going to perfect.
I want to mention at this point that ‘baby blues’ are different to PPD; crying is normal, as is anxiety in motherhood, but when it lasts for longer than a few weeks and feels all consuming – its probably time to see a professional.
Despite efforts to stay as healthy as possible, the truth is that even mums get sick. Having a baby brings about a huge change to a family’s lifestyle, eating patterns, sleep (or lack thereof) and behaviours. Here are some tips to guide you, regarding what to do if you start feeling ill with a cold or flu.
Your baby has already been exposed to whatever bug it may be that is making you sick. It is therefore essential to continue breastfeeding, and even increase frequency if possible. This is so that the antibodies (made by you) against the bug, can pass through your breastmilk to protect your infant. Apart from this amazing anti-infective effect, your breastfeeding will also soothe and calm your baby, whilst releasing oxytocin to make you feel better.
If you have help and support at home, it may be useful to allow someone else to change your baby’s nappies, do the bathing and burping; whilst you rest and breastfeed when needed. If possible, get friends and family to bring you nutritious foods or help you with cleaning. If possible, it may be useful to hire the help.
You may have a reduced appetite if you are not feeling well, however, it is important to maintain or increase fluid intake when you feel ill, so that the toxins can be flushed out of your system. Having hot drinks may be soothing and therapeutic. Be careful if you are drinking jungle juice, as too much sugar intake can lead to increased weight gain and increased risk of thrush. Brews and teas can be made with honey, ginger, lemon, cinnamon and turmeric.
Your body will naturally increase in temperature to fight off any infection that may be brewing. You may find it useful to take paracetamol and ibuprofen (at staggered times) to control any pain and reduce fever. It is important for you to keep warm and wear socks. It is also useful for you to get fresh air at least once a day.
These medications may help to boost your immune system and are safe to take whilst breastfeeding:
It is also safe for breastfeeding mums to take vitamin C supplements to increase immunity.
Be careful about what ‘flu’ medication that you take, Avoid medications that contain anti-histamines as this may reduce your milk supply. Iliadin pediatric nasal spray, saline, expigen/cetralin, paracetamol, ibuprofen and ACC 200 may be used as they are safe for breastfeeding mothers. If you use rubs such as vicks etc, be sure to wash your hands after you apply it, and be careful where you apply it so that it does not come into contact with your baby whilst breastfeeding.
If you have a fever that is not settling, you may need to see your doctor for antibiotics.
In order to loosen phlegm, you may benefit from physiotherapy (percussion) and chiropractic. Steaming with eucalyptus salts or essential oils can be done at home and should not be done in 20 minutes after taking the homeopathic remedies.
If possible, get a family member or friend to help you to look after your baby whilst
you recover. They may help with the ‘contact’ activities, however it is important that you do not stop breastfeeding. If anything, you should increase your breastfeeding if possible to pass on the vital immune factors to your baby. If required, you may use a surgical mask whilst breastfeeding, to protect your baby from droplets of infection. Use saline solution frequently, for your baby to draw out any mucous, especially before a feed. Monitor your baby’s temperature, output, feeding and breathing. If you are concerned about any of the above, do not hesitate to contact your doctor for further advice.
Check that your baby is having at least 6-8 wet nappies and regular stool. Also monitor her weight to ensure that she is getting enough nutrition and hydration for her growing needs. Rather than looking at a feed in isolation, monitor what her intake is over a 24-hour period. Remember, if your baby is congested or cannot
breathe effectively through her nostrils, it is likely that she will fuss when you try to
breastfeed her, as we will all choose breathing over eating.
Saline, breastmilk and various suction tools can be used to relieve your baby’s congestion. Breastmilk has the perfect combination of hydration, nutrition and immune factors for your baby’s wellbeing.
Don’t forget to wash your hands regularly with soap and hot water and change your hand towels to prevent cross-contamination and the spread of germs.
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Hi! I’m Niyati, a wife and proud mum of two beautiful children. I also happen to be a lactation consultant with a background in paediatric and occupational health nursing. From personal experience, I understand that the transition to parenthood is not always easy, but with the right support, encouragement and love, the challenges encountered by new parents, can be overcome.
Breastfeeding can be a wonderful yet daunting experience, that may not always be as easy as it seems.
I am passionate about empowering parents through their breastfeeding journey and equipping them with practical, evidence-based knowledge; so that the intimate and sacred relationship between new parents and their baby may be nurtured and protected.
I run workshops and individual consultations, in the comfort of your own home, so that you may be comfortable and supported as you adjust into motherhood.
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Think about when you breastfeed your baby, it's not generally on a timed schedule and you feed when baby requests or needs you. It’s vital you know your baby’s hunger cues. Ones to watch out for are crying and fussiness, sucking on their fist or smacking their lips, and rooting with their head and mouth like they are trying to find a nipple to latch on to.
It’s important to feed your little one in a more upright or sitting position, rather than a reclined position.This is because the milk flow from a bottle can be increased when given in a reclined position, making it hard for the baby to control the flow.
The bottle should always be held in a more horizontal position. This makes it easier to control the flow than a bottle that is held up-side down. Keep enough milk in the nipple so that your baby does not become overwhelmed with rapid milk flow. Because the bottle is horizontal, you can tilt it up just enough to help flow and then down to stop it. This will give you the pacing you need. You may also consider not allowing the milk to reach the nipple of the bottle for a few minutes while baby sucks. This will mimic the letdown of breastfeeding and can help reduce the chances of nipple preference. We are learning that babies don’t struggle as much with “nipple confusion” as with “flow preference.” If you are consistently giving a breastfed baby fast-flowing bottles, they will probably prefer that easier, faster milk versus working for milk at the breast.
Encourage the bottle feeding experience to mimic breastfeeding by allowing your baby to root for the nipple of the bottle and latch onto it as they do when breastfeeding. One way to initiate this response is by lightly touching the nipple of the bottle to your baby’s nose. Once they have a good latch, allow them to set the pace of the feeding. Try to stick to around the same amount of time they normally spend feeding at the breast. Also, if you feed your baby on both breasts in one feed, it is a good idea to move baby from one side to the other halfway through the feeding.
Babies, while breastfeeding will pause and take breaks often throughout a feed. If you are bottle feeding your breastfed baby you should encourage pauses while bottle-feeding as well. If your baby gets a little tense or starts gulping, lean them forward to allow the milk to flow away from the nipple to give them a break. If they pause on their own - perfect!
Don’t force them to finish the bottle if they indicate they are full. A few cues to look out for if baby is full: slower sucking, eyes beginning to wonder, hands are open and relaxed, falling asleep. Don’t wake a baby to finish the bottle if baby dozes during a feeding (an exception being newborns who may need to be awakened in the first few days to feed). To prevent wasting breastmilk if baby is prone to falling asleep while feeding you could start out with a fewer mls vs a full bottle. Add more milk later to the feed if your baby is still hungry.
Breastfeeding is our bodies natural design of how we are to nourish our babies, thus it makes sense that we would want to replicate this dynamic as best we can when bottle feeding.
Avoid under / over feeding - If the caregiver is in charge of when and how much baby eats, baby is not likely to get the correct amount of milk. Paced bottle feeding helps baby be in charge, just like when they are on the breast.
Less stress - Babies can become very stressed when laid on their backs to eat from a bottle. When baby swallows milk from a bottle, the negative pressure forces more milk out of the bottle. Baby has to keep gulping quickly to avoid choking. Paced feeding gives your baby the time and space to eat at their own speed.
Easier Pumping for mamma - If your baby is being overfed, you need to continually pump extra milk to replace the milk that’s being fed. Sometimes this leads to mamma believing they may have a low milk supply. When baby is in charge, it’s much more likely that the amount mom pumps is exactly what baby needs.
Some lactation consultants like a narrower nipple found in traditional bottles versus the more breast-like nipples on some modern bottles. They prefer this style because baby can “latch” deeply on the narrower nipple, like with a breast. Other lactation consultants say it isn’t the bottle that matters as much as the pace of milk flow.
My two favourite options are the Medela Calma teat (which conveniently fits onto your Medela pumping bottles. As well as Natursutten Glass bottles which come with a slow flow teat. The bottle also has an anti-colic “double-valve” designed to ensure a more even milk-flow and prevent colic and gas—making feeding go more smoothly.
With the Easter long weekend around the corner, many families in South Africa will head out for bonding over this period. If you’re looking forward to some rest and relaxation and you are breastfeeding, you may be feeling anxious about the traveling, but fear not! One of the advantages of breastfeeding is that it’s much easier to travel with a breastfed baby than a formula-fed one.
Whether you’re traveling by plane, train, or car - breastfeeding provides for a portable, nutritionally balanced food supply for your baby.
Traveling and breastfeeding also go together for reasons that have nothing to do with nutrition or convenience. Traveling with an infant can be a source of stress for many parents and breastfeeding helps to provide a soothing and comforting environment for your baby. This is especially true if you plan on flying, as the sucking and swallowing actions help to release altitude-related pressure in your baby’s ears.
Despite the obvious benefits, traveling with a breastfed child can have unexpected highs and lows. So, here are a few tips to help you have a fabulous travelling experience with your breastfed baby.
As part of your overall travel plan, give some thought to how and where you will breastfeed whilst in transit. Breastfeeding whilst out on the road is part art and part science.
The science part comes from trying to maintain a normal bedtime and planning schedule, way ahead of destinations where you will have the opportunity to breastfeed in peace. For example, you might locate roadside rest areas or other breastfeeding- friendly locations on the map before setting off on your journey. I have not always been able to find somewhere suitable locally where this is possible, but even if you plan a pit stop to simply take some time out while your partner goes to get some tea and snacks, it will help somewhat.
The art of breastfeeding whilst out on the road, originates from our inherent ability as mammas, to react to inevitable challenges along the way. Babies respond to the various levels of energy associated with travel just like the rest of us. Make a concerted attempt to avoid stressing if your baby needs to feed at unusual times. Approach travelling with an infant using a new mindset – this is your holiday too remember!
Many women experience traveling with a handy breast-pump as a lifesaver. With the right pump, you can express and store milk ahead of time, ready for use when you need it. Should you have access to an electric pump, be sure to remember to pack in your adaptor when travelling. If you’re a frequent traveller, you may want to consider acquiring an additional, more portable pump, like the ‘Medela Harmony’.
Ensure that you have access to a cooler or insulated bag in order to store your breastmilk safely. Also, keep in mind that if you’re travelling by plane, you are allowed to bring breast milk on board, whether or not your baby is travelling with you. I have never had any unpleasant experiences using local South African airports when traveling with breastmilk.Simply declare your breast milk during the security screening process.
International travel requires alerting the airline ahead of time – and checking their rules and regulations.
Make sure you read my blog post carefully on how to transport and look after your ‘liquid gold’. (Click here)
It’s so important to make breastfeeding feel as comfortable whilst on the road, as it is at home. One way to ensure this is to make yourself a breastfeeding survival kit for peace of mind whilst you’re away. The kit can include things like bottled water, nipple cream, additional pump parts, Medela quick clean micro-steam bags, soothing heat packs, as well as a few extra Mrs Milk bars - and anything else you need to ensure your comfort. Staying hydrated is always important when you’re breastfeeding, so drink lots of water.
If you’re still settling into your comfort zone whilst breastfeeding away from home, purchase items that will make feeding easier. I recently received this beautiful hoodie from ‘Dressed 2 Expess’ and I really love it! There are many long sleeve tops available out there, but I have never really seen locally available sweatshirt for moms. Using it knowing cooler weather is well on it’s way, makes feeding a complete 'breeze'. I also always ensure that my Sophie & Jane nursing bras are ready and clean for my trips. As a shy public ‘feeder’ myself, I find that wearing the appropriate clothing makes me feel a lot more confident.
Happy babies make for happy mammas, so be sure to take along plenty of distractions for your little one. For younger babies this could include music, rattles, soft fabric storybooks, toys, and a host of other comfort items. Older babies will be happy with a well-stocked activity box full of fun and exciting items. These could include magnets, stickers, pipe cleaners and items ideally suited to encouraging fine motor skills development. Babies love this.
Familiar items are a baby’s best friend, something like a blanket from home will help your baby stay calm. If you are taking a long flight, a pillow may become a life saver for your arm if baby is sharing your seat!
Breastfeeding is a natural necessity and can be an easy and fun part of your travelling experience. Many moms find that it’s empowering as well as invigorating to be able to take their baby on a holiday or other journey while breastfeeding.
One final piece of advice – don’t be afraid to ask for help! You don’t have to do everything yourself. Let the other members of your family get involved. You might even find that, as a breastfeeding mom, you receive considerably more pampering and attention than usual!
Have a lovely long weekend break!
]]>We thank Katrina for her time & for giving us a great insite over our series!
If you would like to chat to Katrina about your birth call her at Cuddles& Co 083-790-0123
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Make sure you keep giving your body enough nutrition and don't forget to keep drinking water to keep your body producing liquid gold!
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