themother_hoodproject

THE MOTHERHOOD PROJECT BLACK FRIDAY SALE.

Offering big discounts on all my packages.

-45 min phone consultation down to $60

-2 hour home visits down to $150

-Postnatal package down to $500

-Pre/post natal package down to $800

Vouchers and custom packages also available with the discount.

DM me or email [email protected] to enquire.

Breastfeeding recommendations”

Are you in the know about the recommendations around breastfeeding?
WHO and UNICEF recommend:

Early initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth;
Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life; and
Introduction of nutritionally adequate and safe complementary (solid) foods at 6 months together with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond.
Lets learn why. Breastmilk is the ideal food for infants. It is safe, clean and contains antibodies which help protect against many common childhood illnesses.
Breastmilk provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one third during the second year of life.

But only 44% of infants 0–6 months old are exclusively breastfed. There are many factors that contribute to these low figures. Some of these factors within our control and some not.

There are global initiatives in place to help to boost these numbers. World breastfeeding week being one. In 2022 the focus is around stepping up for Breastfeeding Education and Support.

Because without education and without support the mammoth task that is breastfeeding become more and more unattainable.

So, breast feeders don’t go it alone; arm yourself with knowledge. Advocate for yourself and your baby to do what feels right for you. For those around the breast-feeding mother support her. Be her shoulder to cry on, be her cheer squad. Help make it that little bit easier for her to get out with that tiny awkward newborn or that distracted 6-month-old. Make it realistic for her to return to work. Don’t make her feel uncomfortable attending to her child’s needs anywhere and anytime they need to feed. But more than anything respect her choice to feed her baby. 1month, 6 months, 12 months 2 years+ however long that it feels right for them.

We are mammals after all.

https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding =tab_1

“Managing nappy rash”

Nappy rash occurs when the skin on a child’s bottom becomes irritated or damaged around the ge****ls, in the nappy region. A nappy creates a warm, moist environment, where urine and faeces (containing ammonia) irritate the skin.

Nappy rash looks like red, raw, inflamed, sore skin. Skin can also become broken and ulcered.

Prevention is better than cure when it comes to nappy rash:

· Change nappies frequently to avoid them becoming moist (5-10 times a day). Cloth nappies will need to be changed more frequently than disposables, as they are less breathable and less absorbent.

· Change soiled nappies immediately.

· Barrier creams containing zinc are fantastic. If bubs skin is easily irritated, use it every nappy change. If bub is teething, on medication or has runny poos for any other reason also use. Apply Liberally. So thick you can’t see the skin.

· Use nappy wipes that are simple and soap free. Some contain methylisothiazolinone and can cause irritation.

· Give bub nappy free time as often as possible, so their skin can breathe.

If bub does develop nappy rash:

· Change nappies more frequently.

· Use water wipes or lukewarm water and cotton wool to clean babies bottom after each nappy change. Pat dry.

· When you bathe your baby, use a gentle, soap-free wash.

· A nappy ointment such as Bepanthen may help to sooth irritated skin.

· Salt water does wonders. Add a few tablespoons of salt to a shallow lukewarm bath/tub. Soak bubs bottom in there.

· MORE barrier cream.

See your doctor if the rash does not improve within one week or is severe. Persistent nappy rash that does not respond to nappy creams might need a medicated cream.

As always, this information is of a general nature and if you have any concerns for your baby you shouldn’t hesitate to have them assessed by your healthcare provider.

“ Lets talk breast anatomy ”

The human breast contains fatty tissue, support tissue and milk-making glands. Within the lobes of these glands, milk is produced.

The glands store the milk, then feed into the ducts, they then lead to the ni***es, where the milk makes its way into your bubs mouth.

When baby sucks, nerves at the ni**le trigger your brain to release the hormones prolactin and oxytocin into the blood stream. These hormones prompt your body to release or eject the milk, this is called the letdown reflex.

The letdown reflex can also be triggered by thinking about feeding your baby, hearing a baby cry, a breast pump, stimulation at the breast (such as hand expressing) or habit (such as sitting in your breastfeeding chair etc). Some women can feel the let down as tingles, pins and needles or a feeling of fullness. Otherwise, it can be observed when baby begins to take slower sucks and swallows of milk.

Once your breast lets down, milk then flows out of the ni**le via the duct openings. These are the holes in your ni**le. Each ni**le has 5-15 holes. Like a shower head.

Each and every breast has a different milk making capacity. It even differs from your left to your right breast. Breast size is not an indicator, however, a smaller storage capacity may mean more frequent feeding and a larger storage capacity less so.

With subsequent pregnancies more glandular tissue is made and therefore milk making capacity should generally increase each time.

Aren’t b***s amazing?

‘Introducing a dummy to a breastfed newborn’

Some love them, some hate them and the messages around introducing them alongside breastfeeding are confusing.

But there is no doubt about it, dummies are a fantastic tool for settling a newborn baby.

There is a lot of research behind dummies being good. Sucking on them releases the same hormones as feeding and it can be very calming to an unsettled bub. They have even been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS.

The most common recommendation is that ‘If you are breastfeeding, it is best to introduce the dummy after breastfeeding is established– around 4-6 weeks’.
So lets look at why.

Firstly; babies latch the ni**le in a very different way than they latch a dummy.
So for some babies, whom are experiencing issue with latching this could be exacerbated.

Secondly; As mentioned in my previous posts, responding to babies early feeding cues is super important in ensuring they are getting enough milk, draining your breasts frequently and therefor establishing supply. The use of a dummy may reduce these cues being attended to IF the dummy is being used when baby is hungry. As sucking on a dummy may satisfy them initially and ‘push out feeds’.

So here is what I usually recommend:

* Get baby latching without issue before offering a dummy.

* Only offer the dummy after a feed or for sleep, NEVER in place of a feed.

*Ensure baby continues to feeding regularly, is putting on weight and is latching well.

* Use those parent instincts. If you suspect the dummy may be causing issues discontinue using it and seek support from your health care providers.

Did your baby take a dummy?

‘Supply and demand and establishing milk supply’

So clever is the breastfeeding dyad that is mother and child. Through feeding, our bodies adjust to create the perfect amount of milk. But it’s all about supply and demand.

A few days following birth, your transitional milk will come in and will usually feel plentiful. You may notice tightness in the breasts, engorgement and perhaps leaking.

From here every time you feed your baby, milk is drained from your breasts and your body is prompted to make more.

If things are going well, soon a pattern is created, your body learns how much milk is needed to meet your individual baby’s needs.

Once supply is regulated your breasts will stop becoming engorged and will feel softer and less full. They have stopped making too much and instead are making just the right amount for your baby. This is why soft breasts are NOT a sign of low milk supply.

If at any point you are concerned that you supply is not sufficient for you bub I want you to remember this:

Only a VERY small percentage of women will have true anatomical reasons for being unable to make enough milk for their babies. The MAJORITY of cases of ‘true low milk supply’ can be attributed to either issues with baby not attaching well (and therefore not draining the breast well) OR baby not feeding enough or being given enough opportunity to feed-so not prompting the body to make enough milk.

SO first review your attachment. Try tweaking your positioning, using baby vs maternal led attachment (baby dependent), or try shaping your breast.

If this doesn’t work, you have pain, or if you suspect there is anatomical issue that are affecting attachment (EG tongue ties) see an appropriate health care professional for review.

Secondly, baby to b**b… A LOT.. ‘Top them up’ with your own b**b if you can, by offering feeds more frequently. Keeping bub awake during feeds and really tune into those subtle hunger cues.

Feeding more often is one of the best ways to help boost your milk supply.

Lastly, seek help. Don’t go it alone. If your worried about you supply, baby or your feeding seek the support of a GOOD breastfeeding professional.

‘Supply and demand and establishing milk supply’

So clever is the breastfeeding dyad that is mother and child. Through feeding, our bodies adjust to create the perfect amount of milk. But it’s all about supply and demand.

A few days following birth, your transitional milk will come in and will usually feel plentiful. You may notice tightness in the breasts, engorgement and perhaps leaking.

From here every time you feed your baby, milk is drained from your breasts and your body is prompted to make more.

If things are going well, soon a pattern is created, your body learns how much milk is needed to meet your individual baby’s needs.

Once supply is regulated your breasts will stop becoming engorged and will feel softer and less full. They have stopped making too much and instead are making just the right amount for your baby. This is why soft breasts are NOT a sign of low milk supply.

If at any point you are concerned that you supply is not sufficient for you bub I want you to remember this:

Only a VERY small percentage of women will have true anatomical reasons for being unable to make enough milk for their babies. The MAJORITY of cases of ‘true low milk supply’ can be attributed to either issues with baby not attaching well (and therefore not draining the breast well) OR baby not feeding enough or being given enough opportunity to feed-so not prompting the body to make enough milk.

SO first review your attachment. Try tweaking your positioning, using baby vs maternal led attachment (baby dependent), or try shaping your breast.

If this doesn’t work, you have pain, or if you suspect there is anatomical issue that are affecting attachment (EG tongue ties) see an appropriate health care professional for review.

Secondly, baby to b**b… A LOT.. ‘Top them up’ with your own b**b if you can, by offering feeds more frequently. Keeping bub awake during feeds and really tune into those subtle hunger cues.

Feeding more often is one of the best ways to help boost your milk supply.

Lastly, seek help. Don’t go it alone. If your worried about you supply, baby or your feeding seek the support of a GOOD breastfeeding professional.

‘Burping your baby’

As our babies feed or cry they can swallow air. This trapped air is removed one of two way, by burping or farting.

Because our babies' tummies are quite immature we need to help burp them for the first few months of life.

Burping your newborn is very important. Incomplete burping can manifest two main issues.

Firstly; your bub may have a belly full of air, feel full and therefore not take in enough milk at that feed. Meaning, they will be hungry again much sooner, less satisfied and be feeding much more frequently.

Secondly; a bub whose stomach is full of trapped wind will digest that air down into their lower belly, resulting in pain and discomfort later in the day. Once its down there you just have to wait it out. Prevention is better than cure.

Signs of trapped wind include; being unsettled after a feed, crying as if in pain, arching their back and pulling their legs up in discomfort.

So what can we do to avoid these issues??

1. Half way through a feed take the opportunity to burp your baby. Then offer your second breast, or the other half of the bottle.

2. At the end or the feed repeat this step. Burp and give a final offer of milk. This way you know that tiny belly isn’t full of air and baby is truly satisfied

3. Get to know your baby. Which burping technique works for them. Babies who are very easy to burp will generally not need a lot of ‘winding’ and settle quickly and comfortably after a feed. Whereas babies that are very difficult to get a burp will require more time, attention and troubleshooting to learn what works for them.

Burping techniques:

I find the best techniques are those that utilise change of position (laying flat, then sitting upright and forward), elongation of the torso (a gentle stretch forward) and gentle pressure on the chest/ upper belly (over your shoulder, hand or against your knees). It's trial and error for what will work for you.

Finally, if you have a baby that is just impossible to burp. There are some over the counter medications marketed as ‘colic relief’ that may be helpful. Always speak to your health care provider prior to commencing medications in newborns.

“Breast refusal”

Oh how stressful a baby refusing the breast can be 😭😭😓.

Fussiness at the breast, or full breast refusal can happen at any stage of the feeding journey and can last for just one feed or for many.

Bub may refuse before, or during the feed and for a multitude of reasons.

Luckily most breast refusal is fleeting, especially with the right support.

There are MANY reasons that baby may refuse the beast and although you may never work it out, sometimes, if you can identify the reason it can make it easier to try work through the refusal.

Take deep breaths mumma and scroll through the following pics.

Did you experience breast refusal why and what helped??