Breastfeeding / Nursing Information

• Buy Breastfeeding / Nursing Supplements and Products
• General Breastfeeding / Nursing Information
• Possible Breastfeeding / Nursing Problems and Solutions
• Possible Lifestyle Changes for Breastfeeding / Nursing
• Beneficial Dietary Supplements

General Breastfeeding / Nursing Information
Breastfeeding is the natural way a mother uses her milk to feed her newborn baby. Breast milk is the perfect first food for babies. It is easy to digest, prevents constipation, lowers the risk of food allergies and provides antibodies that protect the child from a number of infectious diseases. Nursing also promotes healthy oral development, satisfies suckling needs, enhances mother/baby bonding, offers an ideal opportunity for skin-to-skin contact and can lead to more intelligent children. Mothers who choose to breastfeed also benefit because nursing reduces the risk of bleeding from the placental site, offers regular opportunities for rest and speeds uterine contraction. Many breastfeeding mothers also experience faster post-baby weight loss than mothers who bottlefeed.

Making the decision whether to breastfeed or bottlefeed can be difficult. The new mother and her baby’s pediatrician should work together to decide which feeding method is best for her baby. Some mothers are unable to breastfeed due to insufficient milk production, improperly formed nipples, baby’s allergies, multiple birth and more. If a mother cannot or chooses not to breastfeed, there are a number of excellent formulas to choose from.

Possible Breastfeeding / Nursing Problems and Solutions
Engorgement
Engorgement is a painful, full feeling in the breasts that occurs two to five days after childbirth. Engorgement is caused by the rapid increase of blood supply to the breasts and the pressure of new milk in the ducts. The breasts feel full, tight, hard and tender. They also can feel hot to the touch and the skin often appears shiny. Engorgement can be relieved by giving the baby short, frequent feedings and expressing milk between feedings to decrease pressure. Massaging the breast during feedings and applying moist heat half-an-hour before each feeding can also help.

Plugged Duct
If a milk duct is not completely emptied while feeding, the duct can become plugged, causing soreness and a lump in the breast. Tight bras can also result in plugged ducts. To prevent plugged ducts, be sure to remove tiny drops of dried milk from the nipples and massage the breasts firmly to stimulate milk flow. If a duct becomes plugged, offer that breast first when sucking is strongest.

Mastitis
Mastitis, also known as a breast infection, can occur if a plugged duct is left untreated. Mastitis can also occur if there are cracks in the nipple, allowing bacteria to enter. Symptoms of mastitis include sore breasts, fever, redness in the breast, yellow secretion from the nipple, flu-like symptoms and overall fatigue. A woman with mastitis should drink plenty of fluids, rest often, wash her hands before and after breastfeeding and allow breasts to air-dry after feedings to prevent cracking.

Sore Nipples
Sore nipples are the result of incorrect nursing positions, nursing schedules and/or sucking by the baby. Nipples can also become sore if they are infected. If nipples become sore, nurse on the least sore side first, massage the breasts to prevent engorgement, align the baby so his jaws do not apply pressure to sore spots and apply oils or ointments to help prevent soreness.

Possible Lifestyle Changes for Breastfeeding / Nursing
Eat a well-balanced, varied diet and take a multivitamin daily. Drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated. Limit caffeine intake and eliminate alcohol. Do not smoke. Try to relax while feeding to encourage the let-down reflex.

In accordance with FDA regulation, we do not make any therapeutic claims for any Dietary Supplements in accordance with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act.

Beneficial Dietary Supplements
Free-form Amino Acid Complex supplies needed proteins for breastfeeding.

Calcium and Magnesium are needed for both mother and baby.

Multivitamin and Mineral Complex provide all nutrients necessary for mother and baby.

Alfalfa, Blessed Thistle, Dandelion, Fennel, Horsetail and Raspberry can be beneficial for the mother.

Nettle Leaf has a tonic effect and contains needed nutrients.

Aloe Vera Juice helps heal sore nipples when applied topically.

REFERENCES: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition, Phyllis Balch, CNC; James F. Balch, M.D.