Breast milk is considered the gold standard of nutrition for infants. Its composition is a marvel of nature, perfectly tailored to meet a baby's evolving nutritional needs. Within this liquid gold, there are two distinct components known as foremilk and hindmilk, each playing a crucial role in nourishing and supporting a growing baby. In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating world of foremilk and hindmilk to understand their differences and significance.
Read MoreBreast pumps are a valuable tool for breastfeeding mothers, allowing them to provide the important benefits of breast milk to their babies when they are separated, or when a support person wants to share in the feeding journey. To maximize the efficiency and comfort of pumping, it is crucial to use the correct-sized breast shield.
Read MoreSkin-to-skin contact, also known as kangaroo mother care, involves placing a newborn on the mother's or father's bare chest. This practice has numerous benefits for both the baby and the parent. Skin-to-skin contact can also take place any time a baby needs comforting or calming and can help boost a mother’s milk supply.
Inducing lactation is the process of stimulating milk production in order to produce breast milk for an infant. There are various reasons why a woman might want to induce lactation, such as adopting a baby, having a baby via surrogacy, or the desire to resume a breastfeeding journey that unexpectedly ended.
Read MoreBreastmilk is the original superfood. Breastmilk fed babies have higher IQs, lower rates of food sensitivities, allergies, ear infections, obesity, and overall illnesses. But for mamas who pump and store their breastmilk in the freezer, it can be a huge inconvenience having to work around storage times, refrigeration and babies who just won’t take a bottle anymore. This is where freeze drying your breastmilk can be a real lifesaver.
Read MoreBalancing the demands of motherhood and a career is a challenge faced by many women around the world in the workforce. For new mothers who choose to breastfeed their infants, the transition back to work can be particularly daunting. However, with the right support and accommodations, employers can empower working moms to continue breastfeeding successfully. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of breastfeeding support in the workplace and discuss practical strategies for creating breastfeeding-friendly and pumping-friendly environments.
Read MoreBreastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way to nourish your baby, but it can sometimes come with challenges. Sore nipples are a common issue that many breastfeeding mothers face. Fortunately, there are effective ways to alleviate discomfort and promote healing. In this blog post, we will explore seven tried-and-true methods to treat sore nipples, allowing you to continue your breastfeeding journey with greater comfort and ease.
Read MoreBreastfeeding is a beautiful and natural experience for many new mothers, but it can sometimes come with challenges. One such challenge is the development of milk blisters, also known as milk blebs or nipple blisters. These small, painful lesions on the nipple can make breastfeeding uncomfortable and even lead to complications like mastitis if not addressed properly. In this blog post, we will discuss what milk blisters are, their causes, and most importantly, effective strategies to treat and prevent them.
Read MoreBreast milk is often referred to as "liquid gold" due to its exceptional nutritional composition and numerous health benefits for infants. However, there are situations where a mother may be unable to breastfeed her child. In such cases, donor human milk offers a remarkable alternative that can provide vital nourishment and support optimal growth and development. The World Health Organization, Health Canada, and the Canadian Pediatric Society recommend exclusive breastfeeding for six months, with continued breastfeeding in addition to solid foods for at least 2 years. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of donor human milk and its significance in improving health outcomes.
Read MoreBreastfeeding is the natural way for mothers to nourish and bond with their babies. However, while breastfeeding can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, it can also be a challenging and stressful time. In some cases, breastfeeding struggles can place stress and strain on a relationship.
Breastfeeding is a beautiful, natural, and effective way to provide optimal nutrition to your baby. However, one of the most common concerns that new mothers have is whether their baby is getting enough milk during a feeding. Since breast milk is not measured like formula, it can be difficult to know if your baby had enough to eat. Fortunately, there are several signs that can help you determine if your baby had enough to eat after breastfeeding.
Read MoreLactose intolerance and protein sensitivity are two conditions that affect an infant's ability to digest certain components of breastmilk or formula. While the symptoms of these conditions can be similar, they have different underlying causes and require different approaches to treatment.
Read MoreA supplemental nursing system (SNS), is a device that can be used to provide supplemental nutrition to a breastfeeding baby. It consists of a container, usually made of plastic, that holds breast milk or formula, and a tube that attaches from the bottle down to the mother’s nipple.
Read MoreBreastfeeding provides vital nutrition. It promotes bonding between the feeding dyad and has been linked to long-term health benefits for both mother and child. However, breastfeeding can also be a source of stress for new mothers, and stress can have a significant impact on a mother's ability to breastfeed successfully.
Read MoreBreastfeeding is a natural and beneficial way to feed infants. Breast milk contains a unique combination of nutrients, immune system components, and growth factors that help support the growth and development of the infant. Breast milk is not a uniform substance, and its composition can change over time and within a single feeding. Foremilk and hindmilk are two terms that are often used to describe the composition of breast milk and the stages of a feeding.
Read MoreNutrition is essential for breastfeeding mothers, as it directly affects both the quality and quantity of breast milk. Eating a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet can help ensure that lactating mothers have the energy and nutrients needed to produce high-quality milk and support their own health.
Read MoreOxytocin is a hormone that is released by the brain in response to various stimuli, including touch, warmth, and breastfeeding. It is sometimes referred to as the "love hormone" or the "cuddle hormone" because of its role in promoting social bonding and attachment. When a mother breastfeeds her baby, oxytocin is released in both the mother and the baby, providing numerous benefits for both.
Read MoreIron is a crucial nutrient for lactating mothers because it is needed to produce red blood cells and transport oxygen to the body's tissues, including the mammary glands, where milk is produced. If a lactating mother is iron deficient, her body may not have the resources it needs to produce and maintain an adequate milk supply.
Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain, and it plays a crucial role in the process of lactation, or milk production, during breastfeeding. When a baby is born, the mother's body undergoes several changes to prepare for breastfeeding, and prolactin is one of the key hormones that drive these changes.
Read MoreMastitis is a common condition that affects breastfeeding mothers, characterized by inflammation and infection in the breast tissue. It can cause pain, swelling, redness, and fever, and if left untreated, can lead to breast abscess. Mothers may also notice a decrease in their milk production when experiencing symptoms along the mastitis spectrum which has been updated to include breast engorgement.
