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
Common Concerns
What happens at four months?
After the first three months, many mothers start to settle into a bit of a rhythm with their baby and begin to feel like life has become a bit more predictable. Then around four months (or anywhere between three and six months), babies seem to change all over again, sometimes becoming more fussy, … [Read more...] about What happens at four months?
Bottles and other tools
Feeding breastmilk other than at the breast When the nursing mother and baby are separated or the baby cannot feed at the breast, they may need another way of taking breastmilk. These tips assume that your baby is being fed expressed breastmilk. If this is not available, please check with your … [Read more...] about Bottles and other tools
A week of nursing strike
Just after my son turned one, I returned to work and he started going to nursery. He picked up hand, foot and mouth disease during his first few weeks there, and so began his first nursing strike. He became dehydrated, as he was barely having any fluids, and after six days the doctor sent us to the … [Read more...] about A week of nursing strike
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
What’s in a nappy?
As new parents, we suddenly find ourselves examining our babies' poo more closely than we could ever have imagined. We pay attention to the colour, quantity, texture and smell, and notice the slightest changes. We then go to the internet looking for answers and fear the worst. There are many … [Read more...] about What’s in a nappy?
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
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