Babys First Year

Having multiple births can be a blessing but, at the same time, can pose several problems. One of which is breastfeeding. Before you hit the panic button, here are some helpful breastfeeding tips for moms of multiples.

Most experts, including other moms of multiples, suggest buying a really good nursing pump. It not only stimulates milk production, but allows you to collect as much milk as you need to feed the babies. There are electric double pumps which allow you to express milk from both breasts at the same time. Although this can be costly to purchase, you may want to think about renting this kind of pump from a medical supply company.

New lightly used portable electric breast pump

MEDELA PUMP IN STYLE BREAST PUMP* NEW**

MEDELA BREAST PUMP IN STYLE ADVANCED SHOULDER BAG! NEW

Brand New Medela Hands Free Freestyle Breastpump

MEDELA 57062 PUMP IN STYLE BREAST PUMP BRAND NEW

NEW AVENT ISIS BREAST PUMP STERILIZER STORAGE BOTTLES

In addition, seek and accept whatever assistance is offered by either family members or friends. This is a time when everyone needs to come together and address the concerns on a day to day basis. If you’ve had twins, try breastfeeding both at the same time. It is really whatever you feel comfortable with. There are no rules defining the right or wrong way to handle this situation.

While nursing one baby, use the pump on the other breast in order to increase milk production. Above all, when breastfeeding your baby, choose a quiet area in your home where you are most comfortable. Ensure there are no disturbances. Make certain you get plenty of rest in between feedings; reduce your stress level by engaging in a proper diet, and be sure to drink plenty of fluids.

According to experts, newborns breastfeed from eight to fourteen times a day within a 24 hours period. In addition, they suggest simulating a newborn’s feed routine in order to produce more milk. While each pumping session may take 10-20 minutes, the length of time will vary with each woman. Continue to pump as long as you have a good flow.

As long as you are surrounded by those willing to assist you with your multiples, there is nothing to worry about except you and the babies. Trying not to do everything yourself; will only complicate the process. Take it slow and easy, and everything will be fine.

Breastfeeding

We live in a bottle feeding society. Many mother’s not only find bottle feeding more convenient, they have also been led to believe that feeding formula is somehow better for them and their baby. This information is flat out wrong. The benefits of breastfeeding for you and your baby generally far outweigh any risks or problems you may face.

The most obvious and also most numerous benefits from breastfeeding are to the baby directly from breast milk. No only does breast milk contain the exact nutritional requirements for your baby, it has numerous other positives as well, including:

Boosts the immune system. Most of the immunities a baby has comes from the mother’s breast milk. Not only does the milk in general contain materials to help fight infection, it is actually tailored to what the mother is exposed to (i.e. what the baby is probably exposed to). This means your child gets custom protection from the diseases they face. Not only do breastfed babies get sick less, they are also less likely to develop immune disorders or allergy related diseases, including asthma.

Helps proper physical development. Breastfed babies gain more weight than formula fed babies at the beginning, but that tapers off. Studies have shown that breastfed babies are less likely to be obese.

Helps proper mental development. Breast milk helps to keep babies in a more alert state, which contributes to proper brain development.

While you may consider bottle feeding breast milk, you should be aware that the simple act of breast feeding also has benefits to your child, including:

Increased bonding. Being close and connected to your child makes them feel safer with you and bond to you more.

Promotes good oral health. Not only does breastfeeding prevent bottle tooth decay, it could also keep your child from having to wear braces in the future.

Improves hand eye coordination. This is especially true if you switch sides and positions regularly.

In addition to being beneficial to your baby, breastfeeding can provide benefits to you as well, including:

Less Hemorrhaging. Mothers who formula feed have to be given medicine after birth to shrink the uterus and prevent dangerous hemorrhaging. Nursing mother’s produce this chemical naturally.

Less stress. Breast feeding has been shown to decrease the incidence of illness in babies. Dealing with a healthy baby is much easier than having to deal with a sick baby.

Birth control. Consistent breast feeding has been shown to be effective in preventing ovulation. This effect may also help prevent breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers.

Weight loss. Producing breast milk burns up a lot of calories. Mothers who nurse have been shown to take off the pregnancy weight faster.

Increased bonding. In addition to helping your baby bond with you, breastfeeding produces hormones that help you bond better with your baby.

While best feeding is usually best, there are some instances where formula may be the better choice. The first of these is if you test positive for diseases that can be transmitted through breast milk. You should talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of breast feeding in these cases. The second reason for bottle feeding is if you take certain medications of illegal drugs. Again, you should speak to your doctor in this situation.

Overall, breastfeeding can be a rewarding and beneficial experience for you and your baby.

Breastfeeding

What is mastitis? Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast usually caused by infection. Occurring during the first six months of breast-feeding, this is a common ailment affecting new mothers. Let’s discuss how to overcome mastitis.

When the breast becomes too full of milk, because a feeding has been delayed or your breast has not been emptied, this will result in a clogged duct. This can cause the infection known as mastitis. Another cause of infection to the breast can be due to cracked nipples. You may feel a sharp pain in your nipple while your baby is nursing, which may mean there is a thin crack in your nipple. This can happen if you do not dry your nipples thoroughly after each feeding. Your doctor will prescribe cream to apply to your nipple and the crack should take a few days to heal. You can, meanwhile, continue to breastfeed your baby using the other breast.

Mastitis may be exhibited by pain, redness, swelling and fever. A baby cannot get milk from a swollen nipple, so you need to remove excess milk before you breastfeed. Using a breast pump is ideal. As stated earlier, mastitis is common and is treatable with antibiotics. You can continue to breastfeed, however, it is important that if you are diagnosed with mastitis to follow these simple rules: rest; drink plenty of liquids and before you breastfeed, either soak your breasts in warm water or place a warm towel over the affected breast.

Continue to breastfeed from the affected breast will not only help to clear up the mastitis, but is entirely safe for your baby. You can also switch to the other breast if the affected one is too painful for your child to breastfeed. Note that mastitis should be treated immediately to avoid any further complication.

Breastfeeding, Just for Mom