Should I give my baby a dummy/pacifier?
When I chose to write this blog about dummies/pacifiers I was surprised to almostdisappear down a research rabbit hole! This article considers the pros and cons ofdummy use according to the available evidence, and I found there is a LOT ofresearch to consider. Dummies or pacifiers have been used in various forms to settleinfants for Read more
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Why am I preparing for an apocalypse?
At a Raising Mamas group meeting which I attended recently, the (now) common practice of expressing breastmilk in addition to breastfeeding to collect a “freezer stash” was discussed. Several of the mothers felt they “should” be pumping daily to store their breastmilk in case they became sick or were separated from their babies unexpectedly. Some Read more
Expressing Breastmilk
Excerpt from NewBaby101 pages 73-74 It has become commonplace for mothers to express their breastmilk to give to baby by bottle, or to freeze some extra breastmilk to store for later use. Pumping, and even “double pumping” has been popularised via social media and pump manufacturers’ advertisements, and embraced by mothers whose lifestyles or work Read more
Postpartum: Dreamtime or Nightmare?
The fourth trimester, the postpartum period, the babymoon - whatever you call it, new mothers discover it rarely resembles the curated images of motherhood portrayed in the media. The transition from pregnancy to mothering is a momentous life-changing experience. The relentless demands of a new little centre of the universe combined with sleep deprivation can Read more
Breastmilk naturally synchronises mothers’ and babies circadian rhythms
In the womb a fetus is exposed to the day-night chemistry rhythms of melatonin and cortisol in its mothers body, and this intimate synchronisation continues after birth, if the baby is breastfed. We know that breastfed babies’ gradually mirror their mothers’ circadian rhythms of night and day, over time, as they are influenced by her Read more
Why is bottle feeding a breastfed baby discouraged?
One reason bottle feeding a breastfed baby is not a good idea, particularly in the early weeks, is the effect on the mother’s breasts. If the breastmilk is not released regularly (for example, if a feed is missed) the breasts quickly become over-full and engorged, which can lead to problems such as inflammation and mastitis. Read more
Painful inflamed breasts and mastitis – All you need to know.
The pain and fatigue associated with inflamed breasts and mastitis can lead to mothers feeling they can’t continue breastfeeding. Knowing how to manage inflamed areas of the breast (previously called blocked or plugged ducts) promptly and effectively can avoid the problem progressing to mastitis. “Plugging” is a colloquial term for microscopic inflammation of the breast Read more
Are Swaddle Suits safe for baby?
(Excerpt from NewBaby101 p102-103) Most babies enjoy being swaddled which reminds them of the confined safe environment of the womb. Using a light cotton or muslin wrap to swaddle baby will provide the feeling of security without overheating baby, and additional wraps or blankets can be added if the room is very cool. Baby’s hips Read more
Both breasts at every feed, or one?
Each mother-baby combination is unique and responsive feeding ensures baby’s individual and frequently changing needs are met optimally. Breast milk storage capacity varies greatly from woman to woman, and most breastfeeding women find one breast is more productive than the other – this is normal. Breast fullness also varies depending on whether feeding during the Read more
What’s in a smile?
The chemistry of face to face interaction is an automatic and instinctive response for the baby and for the adult involved. When we smile at a baby our pupils dilate – a sign that the sympathetic nervous system is pleasurably aroused. When baby sees the smiling face and dilated pupils his sympathetic nervous system is Read more