Several styles of nipple shields are available. The thinner, flexible silicone, which is used almost exclusively, comes in both a circular nipple shield and the contact nipple shield. Both have a firmer tip that protrudes like a nipple, but the contact shield has a cut-out area which is meant to be…

As educators of breastfeeding, we constantly remind mothers to make sure baby is opening the mouth wide, “like a yawn,” before latching. Repetition of correct latch-on is vital for processing the brain connectors necessary for developing proper suck. Opening wide allows baby’s gums to bypass the nipple completely and take…

Hormonal levels - being either too high or too low - can influence milk production: overproduction, inadequate milk supply, or even inhibited let-down. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine-metabolic disorder in which the presence of multiple cysts interferes with ovarian functions. The prevalence of PCOS is anywhere between…

All breast milk contains two forms of lipase, enzymes that are needed to form a catalyst, or a reaction. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is the main one for breaking down milk fat. The bile-salt stimulating lipase (BSSL) appears to enhance the infant’s digestion of the milk and does so in as…

Nipple tenderness at the beginning of a feeding may be normal in the first two to four days of breastfeeding. Soreness that is more intense or continues for a longer time indicates that some adjustment needs to be made. Usually latch-on and positioning problems are the cause. Asking what area…

If a mom has difficulty with expressing only, assisting in stimulating the flow of milk often helps. 1. Massage: (a) Start at the top of the breast – press finger pads firmly towards the chest, moving fingers in a circular motion on one spot on the skin. (b) After several…

When determining adequate newborn intake, the amount, color, and consistency of the stools can be a valuable assessment tool. By day four, the previously tar-like meconium stool should be mostly gone, replaced by four or more yellow stools, which contain small curds. These “milk stools” reflect the infant’s increased milk…

With all of the various breast pumps available, it's easy to forget that hand or manual expression is the least expensive and most portable method to use. Let-down occurs best when a mom becomes emotionally and physically comfortable in expressing or pumping. With practice, mom's can be very successful. After…

The issue of using an occasional bottle of formula for a breast-fed baby should be carefully considered. Of course, many factors play into the determination that formula is necessary for that particular mom or baby - not only physical reasons, but sometimes psychological reasons as well. Nonetheless, research has shown…

Occasionally a nursing mom will be vegetarian. Most vegetarian diets include animal protein and present no special problems in relation to breastfeeding. However, it is important to understand what foods she does eat, in order to assure proper nutrition.  Semi-vegetarians avoid red meat but eat poultry, fish, milk products and…