Like many other questions, there’s not a black or white answer to this one either. The use of a dummy can have a lot of benefits for your baby when used responsibly, following certain guidelines and the instructions for use. 
If you’re about to make up your mind about whether to use a dummy or not, keep on reading! We have collated some science-based information and myth busters regarding the use of dummies. Additionally, you can learn how and when a dummy can help your little one and on which occasions you may want to consider holding the offering of a dummy.

A dummy can offer comfort when your baby is crying and/or agitated – Truth
Dummies can be very helpful to offer comfort to your little one during times of distress, as the action of suckling helps babies soothe themselves.¹

Dummies can be given to a breastfed baby – Truth
Dummies can be given to a healthy baby from birth. Studies have shown that the use of a dummy in healthy breastfeeding babies, started from birth or after lactation is established, did not impact significantly the frequency or duration of exclusive and partial breastfeeding up to four months of age.² However, you may want to consider introducing the dummy when you and your baby are already comfortable with breastfeeding. It is important that a dummy shouldn’t be used to replace or delay feeding time. 

Dummies may help reduce SIDS risk during napping and sleeping time – Truth
Scientific research has shown that the use of a dummy during sleep may offer protection against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).³ However, if your little one loses the dummy during sleep, there’s no need to put it back in the mouth.⁴  

Dummy affects teeth – Myth
When used responsibly and within the recommended time limits, dummies should not cause problems with dentition or misaligned teeth. Expert literature recommends limiting the time of use of the dummies to a maximum of six hours per day.⁵ Every child’s mouth and teeth develop differently. The use of dummies for children older than 24 months should be a decision made by each parent, based on consultation with a medical or dental healthcare provider. The American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry recommends that weaning should start at the latest by three years of age.⁶ We recommend choosing a dummy shape that supports oral development, usually signalled by the word ‘orthodontic’.  

Dummies can aid your baby with pain relief – Truth
Scientific evidence has shown that dummies can help babies better cope with distress and discomfort during minor painful events.¹ When babies get a vaccine or blood taken, the act of suckling on a dummy can help them calm and soothe themselves. When teething, your little one might feel very uncomfortable and experience aches and soreness. The dummy can offer some relief to the discomfort. Just pay attention to the condition of the dummy and replace it if it begins to look worn out.

Dummies cause colic – Myth
The cause of colics is still unknown, but there are some theories such as an immature digestive system, lactose intolerance, allergies, or changes in the normal bacteria of the digestive system. Swallowing additional air during feeding can aggravate the situation.⁷ It is often difficult to calm babies during a colic episode, they cry intensely and long, often with clenched fists and curled-up legs. Symptoms usually start to improve around 10–12 weeks of life. One tip to help soothe your baby is to offer a dummy,⁸ as suckling can be soothing and help regulate your little one’s emotions.¹

Weaning can be difficult – Myth and Truth
Some babies have no problem giving up their dummy while others need more time to say goodbye. As a dummy provides comfort, babies can become attached to it. Weaning will be learning and compromising the experience for you and your little one. But with love and some patience, you will manage to help your baby reach this life milestone. Find helpful tips and ideas about weaning in our Dummy guide for parents.

You now have a lot of useful information about dummies. If you feel that a dummy is a good option for your little one, start considering what the best one may be for your baby. There is a wide range of dummies available nowadays. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, such as a special size for newborns, one-piece dummies, 100% made of silicone, and dummies for day or night time. Check out our Dummy Selector and find the perfect match for your baby.

The post Are dummies good for your baby? appeared first on Medela South Africa.

Colostrum looks thicker and more yellow than mature milk. Its composition is different too, because it’s tailored to your newborn’s specific needs.

Colostrum fights infection

Up to two-thirds of the cells in colostrum are white blood cells that guard against infections, as well as helping your baby start fighting infections for himself.¹ “White blood cells are important as far as immune responses are concerned. They provide protection and challenge pathogens,” explains Professor Peter Hartmann, a leading expert in the science of lactation, based at The University of Western Australia.

Having left the protection of your body, your baby needs to be ready for new challenges in the world around him. The white blood cells in colostrum produce antibodies that can neutralise bacteria or viruses. These antibodies are particularly effective against tummy upsets and diarrhoea – important for young babies who have immature guts.

It supports your baby’s immune system and gut function

Your colostrum is especially rich in a crucial antibody called sIgA. This protects your baby against disease, not by passing into his bloodstream, but by lining his gastrointestinal tract.² “Molecules that have provided an immune defence against infection in the mother are transported in her blood to the breast, join together to form sIgA, and are secreted into her colostrum,” explains Professor Hartmann. “This sIgA becomes concentrated in the mucus lining of the baby’s gut and respiratory system, protecting him against illnesses the mother has already experienced.”

Colostrum is also rich in other immunologic components and growth factors that stimulate growth of protective mucus membranes in your baby’s intestines. And while that’s happening, the prebiotics in colostrum feed and build up the ‘good’ bacteria in your baby’s gut.³

Colostrum helps prevent jaundice

As well as protecting against tummy upsets, colostrum acts like a laxative that makes your newborn poo frequently. This helps empty his bowels of everything he ingested while in the womb, in the form of meconium – dark, sticky stools.

Frequent pooing also reduces an infant’s risk of newborn jaundice. Your baby is born with high levels of red blood cells, which take oxygen around his body. When these cells break down, his liver helps to process them, creating a by-product called bilirubin. If your baby’s liver isn’t developed enough to process the bilirubin, it builds up in his system, causing jaundice.⁴ The laxative properties of colostrum help your baby flush out bilirubin in his poo.

Vitamins and minerals in colostrum

It’s the carotenoids and vitamin A in colostrum that give it the distinctive yellowy colour.⁵ Vitamin A is important for your baby’s vision (vitamin A deficiency is a major cause of blindness worldwide),⁶ as well as keeping his skin and immune system healthy.⁷ Babies are usually born with low reserves of vitamin A,⁸ so colostrum helps make up the deficit.

“Those first three days or so are a crucial time for establishing breastfeeding”

Colostrum is rich in minerals too, such as magnesium, which supports your baby’s heart and bones; and copper and zinc, which help develop his immune system.^9,10 Zinc also aids brain development, and there’s nearly four times more zinc in colostrum than in mature milk¹⁰ to support your newborn’s rapidly developing brain.

Colostrum helps your baby grow and develop

Your colostrum contains numerous other components that support your baby’s growth and development. Scientists are still working out the part some of them play.

“Colostrum maintains the same composition until about 30 hours after birth,” says Professor Hartmann. “It’s relatively high in protein because all the antibodies in it are proteins. It’s relatively low in lactose [the milk sugar], and the fat is a different composition to that in mature milk.” 

And because colostrum has a similar make-up to amniotic fluid (which your baby has been swallowing and excreting in your womb), it’s ideal easing for his transition to the outside world.¹¹

The transition from colostrum to mature milk

After two to four days, your breast milk should ‘come in’. You’ll notice your breasts feeling firmer and fuller, and instead of colostrum they’ll produce transitional milk, which is whiter in colour and creamier in texture.

“Those first three days or so are a crucial time for establishing breastfeeding,” says Professor Hartmann. “If you can get things right during this time, you’re likely to get good lactation and the baby growing well.”

It seems unimaginable now, but in just one year your baby could be walking and on the verge of talking. You only produce colostrum for a short time, but it makes an invaluable contribution to those first 12 months, and to the rest of his life.

Interested in finding out more? Read our free ebook The Amazing Science of Mother’s Milk and see our article What is transitional milk?

The post Why is colostrum so important? appeared first on Medela South Africa.

It’s a good idea to get as much support as possible in the first few days and weeks after the birth. Have your newborn’s latch checked, ideally by a healthcare professional trained in breastfeeding support, or by a qualified lactation consultant or breastfeeding specialist. Getting things right now will help avoid problems later.

As well as being frustrating and distressing for your baby, a poor breastfeeding latch can give you sore nipples. It may also mean your baby can’t drain your breast effectively, leading to poor weight gain, reducing your milk supply, and putting you at increased risk of blocked milk ducts and mastitis.

An expert will also check whether your baby has a tongue-tie or any other conditions that could make the latch-on process more difficult.

Sophie, mum of one, UK, says: “My top tip is to check your baby’s latch with a breastfeeding expert before leaving hospital. I didn’t know until five days in that my baby wasn’t latching properly. She was just sucking on the end of my nipples, which wasn’t giving her enough milk and made me sore.”

Camilla, mum of one, Australia, also found that asking for breastfeeding latching tips helped: “I asked every midwife I saw on my first two days in hospital to show me ways to help my baby latch,” she says. “Most of them had slightly different techniques or advice, and that way I could work out what was best for Frankie and me.”

If you’re not able to speak to a healthcare professional, lactation consultant or breastfeeding specialist straight away, or your baby won’t latch all of a sudden, we’ve broken the latch-on process into six simple steps that should help you get on track.

How to help your baby latch on the breast

1: Check your latching position

Before you start, and whichever breastfeeding position you choose, make sure your baby’s head, neck and spine are aligned, not twisted. His chin should be up, not dropped towards his chest. Make sure you feel comfortable too – you could use pillows or cushions to support your back, arms or baby.¹

2: Encourage your baby to open his mouth

Hold your baby close, your nipple level with his nose. Touch your nipple gently against his upper lip to encourage him to open his mouth wide. The wider his mouth is, the easier it will be to get a good latch on.¹

3: Bring your baby to your breast   

Once your baby has opened his mouth wide and has brought his tongue over his bottom gum, bring him on to your breast, aiming your nipple towards the top of his mouth. Your baby’s chin should be the first thing that touches your breast. He should take a large portion of your areola into his mouth, with his bottom lip and jaw covering more of the underneath of the areola.¹ It’s OK if you see part of your areola isn’t inside his mouth – we all have different-sized areolae and different-sized babies! Some mums find that gently shaping their breast at the same time as bringing their baby on to feed helps. Experiment and see what works.  

4: Keep your baby close during latch on

Remember mums all have different breast shapes and nipple positions, so you may not always have that ‘textbook’ latch. Whenever possible, keep your baby close to you, with his chin in contact with your breast. Newborn baby’s noses are turned up so they can breathe easily while attached to the breast, and can learn to coordinate sucking and breathing with ease.^1,2

5: Look and listen 

As your baby feeds, your nipple will be against the roof of his mouth, cupped gently by his tongue underneath. The latch should not feel uncomfortable – it should be more of a tugging sensation. Watch your baby – at first he’ll do short, rapid sucks to stimulate your milk flow (let-down reflex). Once milk starts flowing, he’ll suck more slowly and deeply with some pauses, which may indicate he’s taking in milk – a good sign! You should see his jaw moving, and may also hear sucking and swallowing as he feeds. These are all good signs, but it’s also important to check your baby is producing plenty of wet and dirty nappies and gaining weight as expected.^2,3

6: How to break your baby’s latch on the breast

If your baby’s latch is shallow or painful, or he starts chomping on your nipple or brushing the end of it with his tongue, remove him from your breast and try again. Ease your clean finger gently inside the corner of his mouth to break his suction if you need to.

Signs of a good latch

Every time you breastfeed your baby check that:

• his chin is touching your breast and he can breathe through his nose
• his mouth is open wide and he has a mouthful of your areola (not just your nipple)
• his latch doesn’t hurt
• he starts with short sucks before sucking more slowly and deeply^2,3

If you have flat or inverted nipples your baby may find latching more difficult – read our article on different types of nipples for advice.

Remember, if breastfeeding is painful, your baby seems hungry after feeding, or doesn’t put on weight, a poor breastfeeding latch may be the culprit. Get advice from a lactation consultant or breastfeeding specialist as quickly as possible.

The post 6 simple steps to a good breastfeeding latch appeared first on Medela South Africa.

Human milk provides significant benefits for the growth and development of premature babies. Mothers can help support their babies by providing their breast milk. However, the emotional strain and worry that can come with having a new born can sometimes reduce their ability to produce milk. Pasteurised donor human milk from a milk bank helps the baby to develop and also reassures parents that their baby is receiving the best substitute possible.

Since the early 1980s, milk banks have disappeared from numerous hospitals across the world because running a milk bank requires extensive knowledge and considerable administrative effort.

However, this trend is now beginning to change and leading maternity and Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) across the world are now embarking on a slow reintroduction of milk banks.

How does breast milk banking work?

Milk banks provide sterilised bottles and labels. Some also supply breast pumps. The milk from each mum who donates is processed separately at the bank. Once the milk has been checked and pasteurised to destroy any bacteria, it can nourish babies who need it.

Can any breastfeeding mum donate her milk?

Milk banks only recruit healthy mums with babies under six months old who are not yet weaned.

If you want to donate milk, the bank will ask you to undergo screening for infections that may pass into your milk.

Staff at the milk bank will also want to know if you have a health condition and if you regularly take medicines, including herbal medicines. They may also want to know if you drink more than 2 units of alcohol a day and how much caffeine you usually consume. Having a health condition, taking medicines or drinking small amounts of alcohol or coffee will not necessarily rule you out for donating breast milk. But milk bank staff will always want to establish that your donated milk is safe for the baby who receives it.

Enquire about the possibility of donating milk in your city!

The post Breast milk bank appeared first on Medela South Africa.

The top 9 tips to help you when you get home from hospital with your baby

Depending on how the birth goes, how your baby is, and where you live, you could be taking your baby home from the hospital or birth facility within a few hours, or it may be a few days. If you’ve had a complication-free home birth, you’ll be tucked up in bed right away. But no matter how many antenatal classes you’ve attended or parenting books you’ve read, the reality of having a newborn in your arms can leave new parents asking: “What do we do now?”. This is normal – there’s a lot to take in. Take things slowly, be kind to yourself, and don’t be afraid to seek help.

Will we get support at home?

Your baby’s latch should have been assessed by a healthcare professional, lactation consultant or breastfeeding specialist after the birth to help ensure a smooth start to breastfeeding. Even if you’ve been told there are no latch problems, it’s recommended to have things re-checked if you have concerns.

Make sure you have an appointment with your baby’s healthcare provider for a weight check within a couple of days after the birth. Depending where you live, you might still be in hospital, or a health visitor may come to your home. Newborns can lose up to 10% of their weight in the first few days but should start regaining it by day five or six, and be back up to birth weight by day 10 to 14. If your baby doesn’t follow this pattern, seek medical advice. 

“I discovered my firstborn had a tongue-tie after a few days. I’d been told in hospital that his latch was good, and breastfeeding wasn’t painful, so it was only diagnosed because he wasn’t putting on weight. We had it cut and he was fine after that,” remembers Emma, mum of one, Australia.

How can I prepare for breastfeeding at home?

Ideally you’ll have everything ready for your first day at home with your newborn – from nappies and muslins for your baby, to comfortable pillows, nipple cream, nursing pads, and healthy snacks and drinks for you. Find a comfy, convenient spot for breastfeeding at home. You’re probably going to spend a lot of time there!

“My sofa was too low to sit on after my c-section, so we ordered some emergency cushions online,” remembers Alex, mum of one, UK. “I also made two ‘feeding stations’ – one by the sofa and one by my bed – with essentials like healthy snacks, water, phone chargers, lip balm, muslins and the TV remote. No one was allowed to move anything!”

What care will my newborn need?

New babies are fairly simple creatures. Providing they’re well fed, comfortable and comforted, they should get plenty of that precious commodity – sleep!

In fact, your newborn may be very sleepy during her first 24 hours. It is usual for her to start waking up and feeding more frequently the following day and as your breast milk comes in (usually two to four days after the birth). Use this time to rest and adjust, keeping your baby close day and night for reassurance, whether that be in a Moses basket, bedside cot, or sling if you’re up and about.

It is very natural for your baby to want to be in your arms – all she’s known for the past nine months is you, and coming out into the world can be overwhelming. Being held and gently rocked by you, your partner, or another warm, safe person will help calm and soothe her. Try to go with the flow as much as possible – this stage is short, and will pass as she grows and learns to be on her own for longer periods.

This skin-to-skin contact also releases a powerful hormone called oxytocin in both of you. It’s also released when you’re near your baby, looking at her, hearing her cry or even just thinking about her. This amazing hormone helps you form a strong mother-child bond that will last a lifetime. It also helps your breast milk flow during feeding or expressing, so the closer you are to your baby, the easier it should be to initiate your milk supply and get breastfeeding off to a good start.

You can’t ‘spoil’ a newborn baby or create ‘bad habits’ at this early stage – so if well-meaning relatives suggest you might be, try to ignore them. Don’t attempt to get your baby on to a feeding schedule, either – she is too young, and in any case, many babies never conform to a set routine. Instead breastfeed on demand every time she shows hunger cues, such as mouthing movements, rooting or sucking, which will help establish your milk supply. And use an app like MyMedela if you want to track breastfeeds and nappies.

Look out for signs that your baby is getting enough milk: the amount she is pooing and weeing is key. On day one she should have one or more black and sticky meconium poo, plus one wet nappy. On day two you can expect two or more dark greenish-brown poos, which gradually become less sticky, and two wees. If your baby doesn’t do this, contact your healthcare professional.

What care will I need?

Your body needs rest and time to heal, even after a complication-free birth. Leave nappy changes, cooking and caring for any older children to your partner or relatives as much as possible – or get paid help if you can afford it. Save your energy for the busy weeks ahead and concentrate on bonding with your baby and building your milk supply. Everything else can wait.

“Shop online, allow others to make you drinks, and eat plenty and often to keep your strength up,” advises Gillian, mum of one, UK. “I found the first week blissful, but the intensity after that was unexpected. You need to be rested.”

Don’t feel obliged to have a house full of visitors either – only invite guests who will bring something useful or support you. “Save this special time for just you, your partner and baby, if you can,” suggests Kerry-Lynne, mum of two, UK. “I felt self-conscious feeding in front of visitors to start with, which wasn’t conducive to a successful latch.”

How can my partner help in the first days of breastfeeding?

While mums obviously have the most important role in breastfeeding, there are plenty of things your partner and other family members can do to support you and bond with the baby, such as helping to settle and calm her with skin-to-skin contact or by carrying her in a sling.

They can also be a ‘gatekeeper’, keeping visitors to a minimum so you get the chance to rest. Lots of new mums say they can’t sleep in the day, but with some practice and a little help from your partner, you can learn to take a short ‘power nap’. Make the bedroom dark and quiet and remove any digital screens or mobile phones. Even if you only lie down for 20 minutes of quiet time with no distractions while your partner takes care of your baby, this can rest your body. After a few practices you should relax and eventually sleep.

“I couldn’t have got through those early days without my husband,” says Kate, mum of two, UK. “With both of our children, he got up to pass me the baby for every feed, did nappy changes and often popped them back to bed after. If either of the girls was restless in the early hours, he would take her downstairs and sit cuddling her.”

This type of support has been shown to help with breastfeeding – a study found that first-time mums who identified as having breastfeeding support from their partners during the early post-partum period were more likely to initiate breastfeeding, and had longer breastfeeding durations.¹

Why am I feeling down?

It’s not unusual to feel alone and helpless once you’re home. Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone you know or to a healthcare professional. During the first week after childbirth, many mums feel emotional, tearful or irritable and experience the ‘baby blues’ due to the surge of hormones as their milk comes in.² These symptoms are normal and usually only last for a few days. However, if these feelings don’t pass within two weeks or if you feel increasingly low and hopeless, talk to a healthcare professional.

“It was a very emotional time and I was thankful for the heads-up from a friend, who told me I may find day three extra difficult,” says Mariah, mum of one, Canada. “It’s normal for this time to feel really hard.”

Why hasn’t breastfeeding come naturally?

You might imagine something as natural and vital as breastfeeding will come easily – but in reality it takes time to master. Just like learning to drive a car, or any new skill, breastfeeding takes practice, and it’s normal to have good days and bad days. This comes as a shock to many new mums:  “I thought it’d be as easy as sticking my baby on the breast, but I was so wrong,” says Joanne, mum of one, UK. “Talking to friends I realise a lot of people think the same, but no one mentions it.”

A survey of American mums found 92% experienced concerns with breastfeeding by day three,³ so if that’s the case, don’t worry – take a deep breath and seek advice. Have a list of numbers of lactation consultants or breastfeeding specialists, and useful support groups or websites, ready before your baby arrives in case you need them.

“If you can, attend a local La Leche League meeting for some great advice and camaraderie,” suggests Jane, mum of two, US.

Michelle, mum of one, Australia, advises: “Get as much assistance and advice from qualified people as you can, but try to avoid unqualified people who might confuse you in the first 48 hours.”

Finally, don’t be tempted to give your baby a bottle of formula because a ‘helpful’ relative suggests it might settle her or let you get some rest – or because you’re worried you don’t have enough milk. The best way to initiate breastfeeding is to give every feed yourself. It’s natural for babies to want to feed very frequently at this stage and she could be showing hunger signs as soon as 45 minutes after the last feed, but this helps to build your milk supply.

“The first 48 hours are tough – you’re both learning,” says Ruth, mum of one, UK. “Ask for all the help you can, eat biscuits, relax and be kind to yourself.”

The post What to expect when bringing your baby home appeared first on Medela South Africa.

Fortunately, there are a number of strategies that can help. But before you try any of these, ask yourself two key questions:

Do I really have too much breast milk?

Some symptoms of oversupply (outlined below) may have a number of other possible causes. It’s unwise to try to decrease your milk supply until you’re sure that oversupply is the underlying problem. Otherwise you could end up with less breast milk than your baby needs, particularly in the crucial first month when you’re trying to establish your supply.

Is oversupply a problem for me or my baby?

If you’re sure you have an oversupply of breast milk, but you and your baby are happy, there’s no need to do anything. Most cases settle down after the first few months. And as your baby grows, he’ll get better at dealing with a fast flow, and may come to enjoy it!

Leaking doesn’t always mean too much breast milk

During the first four to six weeks after your baby is born, your levels of the milk-making hormone prolactin will be increasing each time milk is removed from your breasts. In these early weeks, your breasts are learning how much breast milk your baby needs and how much to make every hour. As a result, excessive leaking and breasts that fill quickly – and even spray milk during let down – are common and normal.¹

At the same time, your newborn is also learning to coordinate the way he sucks and swallows, so some coughing and spluttering at the breast is also to be expected.

After around four to six weeks, surges in your prolactin will gradually decrease, and your milk production should start to follow a more straightforward ‘supply and demand’ process based on your baby’s needs.² But with so many hormonal changes happening in your body as a new mum, it’s not surprising that it can take time to adjust. Some mums find that their milk supply settles down quickly, while for others it may take a little longer.

Signs of breast milk oversupply in your baby

Overabundant milk supply seems to go hand-in-hand with a fast flow, especially during the first let down. Your baby may respond by coughing and spluttering near the start of a feed, clamping or biting down, or holding the breast very loosely in his mouth. He may come off the breast because the fast flow is a bit of a shock to him, and then cry because his feed has been interrupted. He’ll probably take in large volumes of milk, along with lots of air, and might spit up a lot and need frequent burping as a result. Be as gentle as possible if you’re burping him – jerky movements combined with a quickly filled belly can cause vomiting and upset some babies.

At the start of a breastfeed, the milk your baby is getting is relatively low in fat and consists mostly of lactose (sugar) and protein. As the feed progresses and your breast empties, the fat content of your milk steadily increases. In cases of oversupply, your baby may become full before he has completely drained your breast. This means that he is getting plenty of lactose-rich breast milk, but not as much of the high-fat milk that comes towards the end of a feed. Too much lactose, instead of a balanced meal, can be hard for babies to digest, resulting in explosive, frothy, green poos.

Paradoxically, in this situation your baby may want to feed constantly and be fussy in between feeds – although he’s taking in lots of calories, the low fat content of the milk means he never feels fully satisfied. This is because it’s the fat in food that makes us feel full. Think of the difference between eating dozens of rice crackers, and eating some cheese and biscuits – the cheese will make you feel more satisfied as it’s higher in fat.

However, all of the above symptoms can be caused by other things, such as reflux, allergies or even, conversely, a low milk supply. Only if they are combined with excessive weight gain is breast milk oversupply likely to be the cause. Babies are expected to gain around 900 g (2 lb) per month, but in cases of oversupply, they will put on much more – often around double that.¹ If your baby appears to have symptoms of oversupply but is gaining an average amount of weight, see a lactation consultant or breastfeeding specialist for advice.

Oversupply symptoms you may experience

Mums with too much breast milk often experience uncomfortable feelings of engorgement and tension and constantly feel overfull.³ As we have seen, leaking breast milk is normal in the first six weeks or so, and not usually a sign of oversupply. But if you’re still getting soaked every time your baby feeds after this period, it may be an issue.

Because a baby can’t always drain a very full breast, it’s also common to experience blocked ducts or repeated bouts of mastitis as a result of oversupply. However, these problems may also have other causes.

How to decrease milk supply

If you’ve established that you have too much breast milk and it’s a problem, here are a few simple measures that may help. For some mums these are sufficient:

• Try laid-back breastfeeding. Feeding in a reclined position, or lying down, can be helpful because it gives your baby more control. He can set the pace and lift his head for a break if your flow is too fast for him. Remember to place a towel underneath you to catch any excess milk!
• Relieve pressure. If your breasts are very uncomfortable you can hand express or pump a little milk to relieve them – but try to express the smallest amount possible. Each time you remove milk, you’re sending your breasts a message to produce more. So, while expressing can bring temporary relief, in the long run it could make the problem worse. If you need to express and store milk for times when you’re apart from your baby, it’s best to wait until you’ve addressed your oversupply.
• Try nursing pads. If you’re leaking milk, popping disposable nursing pads super or milk collection shells inside your bra could help you stay dry. If your leakage is only light to moderate or you have leaking breasts during pregnancy, Ultra thin disposable nursing pads will help you feel confident in a discreet way.    
• Avoid lactation teas and supplements. If you’ve been drinking mother’s milk teas, eating lactation cookies or taking herbal supplements to encourage breast milk production in the early days, make sure you stop – these could now be part of the problem.

Block feeding to reduce milk supply

If you’ve tried the above and you or your baby are still having problems, a technique called block feeding could get your supply to a more manageable level. But get advice from a lactation consultant or breastfeeding specialist before trying this method.

With block feeding, you breastfeed your baby whenever he wants for a period of four hours, but from one breast only. Your other breast will become very full of milk. As your breast milk contains something called ‘feedback inhibitor of lactation’ (FIL), the excessive fullness signals that breast to slow down milk production. It’s your body’s way of ensuring that your breasts don’t fill up endlessly.

Try this technique for 24 hours, alternating breasts every four hours. If there’s no improvement, you can increase the length of the blocks to six hours.

Full drainage and block feeding technique

If there’s still no improvement after another 24 hours, there’s another version of this technique that can be suitable for mums with more extreme oversupply, called ‘full drainage and block feeding’.³

With this method, you use an electric breast pump to fully drain your breasts at the start of the day, then feed your baby immediately afterwards. The flow will be slower, which means your baby should be able to cope better. He’ll also get more of the higher-fat milk that comes at the end of a feed, so will feel more satisfied.

You can then begin block feeding for four hours at a time, as above. If this isn’t effective, switch to blocks of six, eight or 12 hours the next day, depending on how severe the oversupply problem is. Talk to a healthcare professional before attempting this technique.

You may not need to fully drain your breasts again after the first instance, but some mums need to do it once or twice more. Some mums notice an improvement within one or two days, or a little longer, but block feeding should not be continued for more than five days.

The post Too much breast milk? How to reduce oversupply appeared first on Medela South Africa.

For both parents, the important thing is to get used to looking after your new arrival – being close to her, talking to her, holding and cuddling her. This increases your confidence as a parent and also gives your baby the best start, emotionally, physically, mentally – and helps breastfeeding too.

Holding your baby skin-to-skin

You’ve probably heard about the importance of skin-to-skin contact, where you hold your nappy-clad baby against your bare chest (with a light blanket or cardigan over you for warmth if needed). Early skin-to-skin, ideally within an hour of birth, helps release hormonal triggers that encourage your newborn to find your breast and begin sucking on your nipple.¹ One study found newborns who spent over 50 minutes in a skin-to-skin position were eight times more likely to breastfeed spontaneously.² Skin-to-skin contact isn’t just for that first hour, either. It’s wonderful for any time your baby needs calming or comforting, and to help boost your milk supply.

Skin-to-skin also has many other benefits for your baby, such as regulating her heartbeat and breathing, as well as keeping her at the perfect temperature and helping to maintain healthy blood-sugar levels.³ If you’re not able to be with your baby straight after birth for any reason, your partner will be encouraged to hold her skin-to-skin to give her these benefits and keep her feeling safe, loved and warm until you’re ready to do so yourself.

Oxytocin: Vital for breastfeeding and bonding

Adjusting to motherhood can be daunting, but did you know those precious skin-to-skin moments are soothing for you as well as for your baby?

During skin-to-skin, you’ll release a powerful cocktail of calming hormones, including oxytocin – often referred to as the ‘love hormone’ or ‘cuddle chemical’. Released whenever you’re close to your newborn, and even when you simply smell her or think about her, this clever hormone helps you adjust to motherhood in a number of ways. It enhances your ‘mothering behaviours’ – things like caressing, making eye contact and using affectionate language.⁴

It also has anti-anxiety and anti-depressive properties, and may help protect against postnatal depression.⁵ It’s also thought that early release of oxytocin primes your brain for breastfeeding your baby, as well as stimulating your breasts to make milk.⁶

You’ll also release beta-endorphin, a hormone that encourages you to respond to your baby’s needs. Don’t be surprised if the urge to soothe her when she cries is overwhelming at times – this is a normal maternal instinct. Beta-endorphin also creates feelings of pleasure and calmness.³  

How your newborn baby looks

Although you’ll probably think your baby is the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen, newborns can look squashed, wrinkly, and even be bruised or have a pointy head after birth – particularly if you’ve had interventions such as forceps or a ventouse (vacuum-assisted delivery).

Your baby might also have ‘stork marks’ (also known as ‘salmon patches’) – red markings that disappear within a few months – or her hands and feet may be blueish in colour. These are all perfectly normal.

Within the next few days, her skin should smooth out, her head will become rounder, and the vernix – the creamy white substance that protected her skin in the womb – will disappear. Don’t try to wash off vernix as it’s a natural moisturiser.

For the first few days, your baby only needs to have her head, bottom and genitals washed (unless she does a big poo that gets everywhere and needs washing off!), you don’t need to bath her.

Cleaning your baby can be a lovely way for your partner to bond with her and feel more involved if you’re exclusively breastfeeding. The end of your baby’s umbilical cord usually falls off in the first two weeks. It might not look very pretty, but as long as it is kept clean and dry, it will be fine.

Making eye contact with your baby

Your baby can see in black, white and grey from birth (by around three months old, she’ll be able to make out colours more clearly)⁷ and can focus on things less than 25 cm (9.8 in) away. That’s near enough for her to see your face when breastfeeding – she might even make eye contact with you for a few moments. In the early days your baby will be breastfeeding very frequently, so you’ll be experiencing this intimate connection multiple times a day.

Using your voice to bond

A full-term baby’s hearing is well developed. Foetuses respond to sounds from as early as 19 weeks of pregnancy,⁸ and newborns have been shown to prefer their mother’s voice⁹ to others, and even to recognise melodies they heard in utero.¹⁰

Speaking softly to your newborn helps develop a two-way relationship, which is important for her future social skills.¹¹ You could talk about anything, from who’s visiting to the view from your window – it really doesn’t matter, newborns are a captive audience!

“Whenever I took Iris for walks in the early days, I’d point out what I could see – trees, flowers, children playing,” says Anna, mum of one, UK. 

Singing is also a fun way to bond,¹² even if you don’t have the best voice: “When my daughter Leni was tiny, I’d sing while changing her nappy,” says Charlotte, mum of one, UK. “She’s now 18 months old and I still sing those same songs, usually before bed, which she loves because they’re familiar and calming.”

The power of touch

Touch is incredibly important for your baby. Cuddling, stroking, rocking and caressing her are all brilliant ways to soothe and make her feel safe,¹³ as well as getting that oxytocin flowing. And did you know she can already grasp? Try touching her palms or stroking the soles of her feet and see what happens.

“Vivienne and Marcus loved having their feet rubbed as newborns and they still get foot-rubs at bedtime now. Just holding them in my arms as often as possible was a lovely way to bond,” says Rachelle, mum of two, Australia.

Dee, mum of one, South Africa, found carrying her newborn in a wrap-style sling was another way to create a connection, and had other benefits too: “It really helped establish breastfeeding. She’s 17 months old now and she still enjoys the closeness of being in a wrap.”

Attracted by your scent

Your newborn’s sense of smell is also highly developed and plays a vital role in bonding. At birth she’ll be drawn to the scent of your breasts – scientists think this is because the Montgomery glands (the little bumps in your areola, the darker-coloured skin around your nipple) secrete an oil that has the familiar aroma of amniotic fluid.¹⁴

Your baby will also recognise your body’s smell and can even tell the difference between the scent of your breast milk and that of another mum.¹⁵ And when you cuddle and smell each other it leads to an oxytocin surge which, as we’ve already discovered, helps with bonding and breastfeeding.

Finally, remember every mum and baby are different, and getting to know each other can take time. If you have any questions or concerns, contact a healthcare professional for advice and support.

The post Breastfeeding and bonding with your newborn appeared first on Medela South Africa.

“With the delivery of the placenta, the mother’s level of the pregnancy hormone progesterone starts dropping rapidly,” explains Professor Peter Hartmann, a leading authority on breast milk composition from The University of Western Australia. “As progesterone falls, there’s an increase in milk synthesis and a more ‘normal’ composition of breast milk develops, although it takes a couple of weeks to become mature.”

Stages of breast milk: An interim phase

If colostrum is your baby’s ‘starter’ food and mature milk is his long-term nutrition, transitional milk is the bridge between the two.

Think of them as three different stages of breast milk, rather than three separate types. The basic ingredients remain the same for as long as you breastfeed, but their levels go up or down depending on circumstances. It’s during this transitional period that they change most, on a daily basis, just as your baby’s needs change. 

Your milk changes because it’s full of bioactive components including cells, hormones and helpful bacteria. It’s not a simple switch as your mature milk ‘takes over’. Instead, the changes are fine-tuned to fit the demands of your baby’s development.^3,4

“A major influence on the composition of the milk is the volume that the mother’s producing,” says Professor Hartmann. “When her supply is very low, her milk has a different composition to when her supply becomes higher.”

Transitional milk: Increasing in quantity

As your baby grows she quickly begins to need more food and a different balance of nutrients. The quantity of milk you produce over this period increases dramatically too: you may make a whopping 600 or 700 ml over 24 hours⁵ – compared to the tiny amount of colostrum you produced at first.

“The components of each species’ milk are specific to meet the needs of its young”

Your breasts are now in ‘build supply’ mode as they learn how much milk your baby needs. They’re becoming more mature too, as is your milk. Compared to colostrum, there are higher levels of fat in transitional milk, as well as increased lactose, a natural sugar that gives your baby energy.²

“Lactose levels go up abruptly two or three days after your baby is born,” explains Professor Hartmann. “You also get changes in the fat as the milk starts to contain more of the medium-chain fatty acids C10 and C12. As well as being a rapidly metabolised source of energy, these are thought to have anti-viral effects. Also, the sodium and chloride decrease to very low levels at this time, so that the milk has a very low salt content.”

Protein: Getting the balance right

The protein content of your breast milk alters too. There are two classes of protein in human milk: casein and whey. Casein turns into solids (curds) when it meets the acid in your baby’s stomach, and may help her feel fuller for longer. It also has antimicrobial properties. Whey is rich in antibodies and remains liquid, so it’s easier to digest – especially important for newborns. As your baby’s gut gets more resilient during the transitional stage, the proportions of whey and casein in your milk alter from around 90:10 in colostrum to 60:40 after a month (and 50:50 if you continue breastfeeding for a year).⁶

This balance of proteins is the ideal blend for humans, as our bodies grow relatively slowly while our brains become large and complex. It also delivers all the amino acids your baby needs for her brain, eyes and other organs to function healthily.

The amount of whey protein in breast milk is significantly higher than in other mammals’ milk. The proportions of whey and casein in cow’s milk are the opposite: 20:80 (that’s why it’s not suitable for babies under a year old).⁷

“Milk is purpose-specific,” explains Professor Hartmann. “Although there are certain components in all species’ milk – proteins and fats for example – when you start looking at what types of proteins are there, what types of fat, you can tell which animal it comes from. The components of each species’ milk are specific to meet the needs of its young.”

Changing protection levels of transitional milk

Although your baby is still tiny, over the first couple of weeks she’s already starting to develop her own immune system and needs less immediate protection from you.

Reflecting this, the concentration of protective enzymes and antibodies within your milk changes. Some, including lactoferrin (a protective enzyme) and sIgA (an antibody), decline, while others, such as the bacteria-killing enzyme lysozyme, increase.⁸

“The protein content of the milk actually comes down around this time too,” Professor Hartmann points out. “The protective proteins are synthesised at the same rate, but they’re diluted by the higher volumes of milk being produced.”

The concentrations of the minerals zinc, copper and manganese – all of which help to support your baby’s immune system – also drop as her immunity improves.⁹

When breast milk becomes fully mature

During the transitional period, the composition of your breast milk is adjusting remarkably. By the end of the first month, your milk becomes fully mature. This means it’s suitable for your baby as she grows older. Its make-up won’t change that much again, whether you continue breastfeeding for a few months, a year, or far beyond…

Interested in finding out more? Read our free ebook The Amazing Science of Mother’s Milkor read see our article about your mature milk.

The post What is transitional milk? appeared first on Medela South Africa.