After birth, most women find it helpful to take a period of rest with their new baby – this can extend for as long as you wish or are able. When they feel ready, some mothers may choose to continue their previous forms of exercise, or start something new. You may wonder whether they are able to … [Read more...] about Exercise and Breastfeeding
Life with a baby
Breastfeeding at night
Breastfeeding at night is one of the most discussed topics at La Leche League meetings, both in person and online. This is often because breastfeeding at night, especially in the early days, can be so important to establishing a successful breastfeeding relationship. It is also because of its … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding at night
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
Holidays, Celebrations and Breastfeeding
For many families getting together with relatives and friends to celebrate special days plays an important part in their lives. If a new baby has joined the family it’s exciting to introduce the new addition to others or for them to see how your children are growing. However, while friends and … [Read more...] about Holidays, Celebrations and Breastfeeding
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
Dealing with criticism
Many new parents are surprised to find themselves feeling helpless when their baby first arrives. However well you prepare for your baby's arrival, it is common to lack confidence or to worry that you don't know what to do. There are thousands of books which will confidently tell you precisely … [Read more...] about Dealing with criticism
Supporting families with sleep
Many families feel uneasy about sharing aspects of their parenting style with their Healthcare Professional, including their sleep arrangements. Others end up bed-sharing in a situation where it was unplanned but is the only response they can think of to soothe an upset baby and an exhausted … [Read more...] about Supporting families with sleep
Letting Babies Cry – The Facts Behind the Studies
One of the biggest adjustments a new mother may have to make is to realise that babies can need their mothers twenty-four hours a day. From the moment a woman gives birth she can find herself bombarded with a vast array of ideas and suggestions, and this can lead to confusion on what she might … [Read more...] about Letting Babies Cry – The Facts Behind the Studies
Sleep and the breastfed baby
In 2014, NICE published their guidance on co-sleeping and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).1 NICE downgraded the relationship between co-sleeping and SIDS from a 'risk' to an 'association'. This significant change reflects the lack of clear evidence that co-sleeping causes SIDS. Although some of … [Read more...] about Sleep and the breastfed baby
Breastfeeding in Public Spaces
Breastmilk is instantly available for babies and is wonderfully convenient wherever a mother is. This is particularly important as babies have small stomachs and breastmilk is digested very quickly. However, many mothers worry about breastfeeding in public spaces and are unsure about their rights … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding in Public Spaces