A cleft lip or palate happens when the structures that form the baby’s upper lip or palate (roof of the mouth) don’t join together when a baby is developing in the womb. Cleft affects around 1 in 700 babies. Many babies who have a cleft lip are able to breastfeed, with adaptations. Babies who have a … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding a Cleft-affected Baby
Challenges and Concerns
Breastfeeding and Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a key nutrient in the maintenance of bone health in children and adults. It helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, which are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency may contribute to a number of health issues such … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding and Vitamin D
Breastfeeding and a Mother’s Diet: Myths and Facts
Women hear a lot of conflicting information about what they can or cannot eat while breastfeeding and these recommendations may vary according to culture and tradition, along with individual personal preference and finances. In some cultures a food may be considered beneficial to a breastfeeding … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding and a Mother’s Diet: Myths and Facts
When You Don’t Enjoy Breastfeeding
After the work of getting things going, you may feel that breastfeeding should become easy and enjoyable. People talk about the amazing bond that comes with breastfeeding, or that wonderful oxytocin rush. There seems to be an increase in both classical art and stock photographs (no doubt very … [Read more...] about When You Don’t Enjoy Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding and teething
When it comes to teething, all babies are different: a very few are born with teeth already erupted through their gums, while others may reach their first birthday without any. In general, most babies will have that first little flash of white in their gums by six months old, and by two years old … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding and teething
Fat Content of Breastmilk – FAQs
“A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. This has never been so true as in the ongoing debate about foremilk and hindmilk and their impact on breastfeeding. The misunderstandings around these concepts have caused anxiety, upset, and even led to breastfeeding problems and premature … [Read more...] about Fat Content of Breastmilk – FAQs
Help! My baby bit me!
It’s not unusual for a baby to test out his new teeth on his mother. Some will breastfeed for months or years without even a tiny nip, some may do it once or twice, while some babies are more persistent biters. He isn’t trying to hurt you – he isn’t yet able to understand that he is causing you … [Read more...] about Help! My baby bit me!
Nursing strikes
What is a nursing strike? If a baby who has been quite happily breastfeeding suddenly starts to refuse the breast it could be a "nursing strike”. Sometimes this can be mistaken for the baby wanting to stop breastfeeding, but a baby who is ready to wean usually does so over a period of time. In … [Read more...] about Nursing strikes
I Think My Baby’s Got Reflux
In the early weeks, it is normal for a baby to “spit-up” and around half of all newborns do, at least once a day. As a baby’s digestive system matures, this usually decreases and for most mothers it is just a short-term inconvenience. 1 However, in some babies the valve between the stomach and … [Read more...] about I Think My Baby’s Got Reflux
Breastfeeding and Dental Health
From the early days with your newborn, breastfeeding often becomes a very important and comfortable part of your relationship with your child. As well as continuing to provide important nutrients and protection against ill health, it’s a wonderful way to continue to connect with and comfort your … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding and Dental Health