Motherhood: Did you know?

Did you know this about breast cancer?

2009-05-20T17:43:00.000-07:00

Did you know that breastfeeding reduces not only the mother's risk of developing breast cancer, but the baby's as well?

Did you know this about teeth?

2009-05-19T17:45:00.000-07:00

Did you know that when a normal, healthy, human tooth is placed in a container of reconstituted infant formula it will rot away? But, when a normal, healthy, human tooth is placed in a container of breast milk it will become stronger.

Did you know this about breast milk?

2009-05-19T17:42:00.000-07:00

Did you know that pumped human milk will have less bacteria in it after sitting for a length of time than when it was first pumped?

Did you know this about iron?

2009-05-18T15:07:00.001-07:00

Did you know that, although the iron levels in breast milk are very low, the iron that is present is used incredibly efficiently. If your health care provider recommends routine iron supplementation, it may be helpful to request having your child's iron levels checked first to see if the supplementation is actually warranted.

Did you know this about breast milk?

2009-05-18T15:04:00.001-07:00

Did you know that, as a child ages and consumes a smaller volume of milk when solid foods are introduced, the nutrition contained in his mother's breast milk becomes more concentrated?

Did you know this about infant formula?

2009-05-18T15:00:00.000-07:00

Did you know that, in the US, it costs about $1000 to feed a infant, from birth to his first birthday, over-the-counter infant formula?

Did you know about D-MER?

2009-05-18T14:53:00.001-07:00

Did you know about the newly recognized breastfeeding condition, dysphoric milk ejection reflex?

This condition causes the milk ejection reflex to be associated with negative emotions that can last for up to a few minutes following milk release. It is a treatable condition, and you can learn more here: http://www.d-mer.org/

Did you know this about breast milk production?

2009-05-13T18:30:00.000-07:00

Did you know that it is common for women to experience a higher level of milk production in one breast over the other side?

Did you know this about biting?

2009-05-12T18:03:00.000-07:00

Did you know that it is not possible for an actively nursing baby to bite?

Because baby's tongue is placed forward in the mouth, over the lower gum ridge, while latched on, it is not possible to bite when actively nursing.

Biting at the breast generally occurs at the end of a nursing session when the nipple moves forward in the baby's mouth. One of the best ways to counteract the biting is to pull the baby into the breast, causing him to release his jaws.

Did you know about the SNS?

2009-05-11T15:12:00.000-07:00

Did you know that there is something called a supplemental nursing system (SNS)? An SNS is a bag, filled with pumped breast milk or infant formula, that is attached to a long thin tube. This tube is slipped into baby's mouth while he is nursing, allowing him to swallow milk provided by the mother's body and the supplemental nutrition.

If a mother is experiencing low milk supply, an SNS may help to safeguard the baby's need for increased nutrition, while simultaneously allowing the mother's body to experience the stimulation and milk removal that are so vital to increasing her milk supply.

Did you know this about breastfeeding?

2009-05-11T14:10:00.000-07:00

Did you know that it is possible for a mother to nurse her baby from only one breast?

Some mothers who have a milk supply on only one breast are able to make enough milk to exclusively breastfeed their babies. These circumstances could arise from varies issues, but some include past breast surgeries, or anatomical anomalies.

Did you know about oversupply?

2009-05-11T14:02:00.000-07:00

Did you know that many women experience an oversupply of milk during the first days of breastfeeding?

Many women worry a great deal about whether or not they are producing enough milk for their babies, but a large percentage of mothers actually experience an oversupply of milk. This can lead to certain breastfeeding issues, especially in the early days, just after their babies are born. These issues can include difficulty latching, and the baby being overwhelmed by the fast flow of the milk. There are certain techniques to help equilibrate milk supply such as block feeding (feeding on one breast for more than one nursing session), and positions that can help the baby deal with the milk flow.

Did you know this about water during pregnancy?

2009-05-08T19:43:00.000-07:00

Did you know that some health care providers recommend that women with normal, healthy pregnancies should consume a gallon of water per day?

Did you know about the 24-hour US breastfeeding help line?

2009-05-07T18:18:00.000-07:00

Did you know that La Leche League, the mother-to-mother breastfeeding support organization, has a 24-hour US hot line?

Mothers are able to call 877-4-LALECHE, at any time, to discuss breastfeeding questions or concerns with an accredited La Leche League Leader.

Did you know this about jaw development?

2009-05-06T18:41:00.000-07:00

Did you know that feeding method can influence a baby's jaw development?

People who were fed via bottles in infancy tend to have narrower, more arched palates when compared to people who were breastfed. This narrowing of the palate and jaw can lead to overcrowded teeth and an increased need for orthodontia.

Did you know this about organ transplants?

2009-05-05T14:09:00.000-07:00

Did you know that people who were breastfed tend to fare better after an organ transplant than people who were fed formula? Transplant patients also fare better if the harvested organ was taken from a donor who was breastfed.

Did you know this about fingernails?

2009-05-04T17:38:00.001-07:00

Did you know that when babies are born, their fingernails are attached to the end of their fingers? That's why it's a good idea to use a nail file to shorten their nails rather than clippers. With clippers you run the risk of cutting their little fingers at the same time as the nail.

Did you know this about mastitis?

2009-05-03T19:00:00.000-07:00

Did you know that when a nursing mother develops a mastitis infection the best course of action would be for her to encourage her baby to nurse very frequently on the affected breast?

Decades ago mothers were told to wean their babies if they developed mastitis. But it is now known that frequent nursing on the infected breast actually helps to clear out the milk stasis that is providing the environment for bacterial growth.

Did you know about reverse cycling?

2009-05-02T19:01:00.000-07:00

Did you know that if a mother and her nursing baby are separated during the day, the baby may compensate by increasing nighttime nursing sessions?

This is known as reverse cycling and can help to alleviate worries about whether or not baby is ingesting enough milk during a given 24 hour period. Since baby would be able to consume a large percentage of milk during the nighttime hours, much less expressed milk would be needed during the time of separation from his or her mother.

Did you know this about bed wetting?

2009-05-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

Did you know that babies who are breastfed have a lower incidence of childhood bed wetting than children who are not breastfed?

Did you know this about Cytotec?

2009-04-30T15:15:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Cytotec is actually a drug that was developed to prevent ulcers? Although some health care providers use Cytotec, inserted vaginally, as a cervical ripening agent, it's only FDA approved use is as an oral ulcer prevention drug. When Cytotec is used as a cervical ripening agent this is considered an "off-label" use.

Did you know this about baby's weight?

2009-04-29T14:59:00.001-07:00

Did you know that for the first three months of life, normal, healthy, babies should gain approximately 6 ounces per week?

Did you know about induced lactation?

2009-04-28T13:23:00.000-07:00

Did you know that it is possible for adoptive mothers to breastfeed their babies? It may sound surprising, but it's true! Some women, who have never given birth, are able to use certain methods (there are several protocols from which to choose) to stimulate their bodies to produce milk. The amount of milk that mothers can produce varies a great deal, but many women have found that they are able to produce enough milk to exclusively nurture their children at the breast.

Did you know this about hypnosis?

2009-04-27T10:05:00.000-07:00

Did you know that hypnosis has been used as a method to reduce the discomfort normally associated with childbirth?

It may sound like an unusual idea, but lots of mothers have successfully used hypnosis to diminish unpleasant birth sensations. There are many different ways to learn the hypnotic techniques that are most helpful during childbirth, however all methods seem to agree that practice makes perfect. The longer a mother has to practice the techniques, usually several months, the more success she will have in achieving her desired birthing.

Did you know this about vaccines?

2009-04-26T08:02:00.000-07:00

Currently, there is a great deal of controvery surrounding childhood vaccinations. Choosing to vaccinate your child, or not, is between you and your health care provider.

But, did you know that vaccines are more effective in babies who are breastfed? Studies have shown that, upon vaccination, breastfed babies produce higher levels of antibodies than children who are formula fed.

Did you know this about starting solid foods?

2009-04-25T13:56:00.000-07:00

Did you know that baby cereals are actually a poor choice for baby's first solid food? Grains tend to be allergenic, so it may be a good idea to start with a different food, especially if there is any familial history of allergies.

Nutritious, less allergenic, whole food alternatives include bananas, avocados, and sweet potatoes.

Did you know about Lotus Birth?

2009-04-24T08:13:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the practice of leaving the umbilical cord and placenta intact, and attached to the newborn baby, until they separate naturally, is known as a Lotus Birth or Umbilical Nonseverance?

After the baby has been born, and the placenta has separated from the uterine wall, Wharton's jelly will form within the umbilical cord causing the blood vessels to clamp shut, stopping blood flow between the baby and the placenta. For the remainder of the time that baby and placenta are attached, the placenta is dried and usually treated with salt or some other herb to aid in dessication. The separation process usually takes several days.

The specific reasons behind this practice are as varied as the families who choose it for their child. One such reason is that some people feel there to be a spiritual connection between baby and placenta, and that the separation should take place when the baby's body is ready. Another is that some people feel the actual cutting of the umbilical cord, and creating an open wound on the baby, to be a violent act, and should be avoided.

Did you know that breast milk is considered a "clear liquid"?

2009-04-23T08:57:00.000-07:00

If someone has an illness that includes stomach upset as one of the symptoms, very often a health care provider will advise against eating or drinking anything other than clear liquids for a certain length of time. For adults and older children this usually means things like chicken broth, apple juice, or water.

When considering what to give a very young child who is ill, most people are led to believe that an electrolyte solution is the only option. Parents may assume that breast milk is excluded from consideration since dairy products are advised against. However, because human milk is so quickly and easily digested, it will not irritate baby's gut in the same manner as dairy products, including infant formula. And, unlike electrolyte solutions, breast milk contains nutrients and antibodies to help your baby heal more quickly.

So, the next time your child is ill with an upset tummy, and you are discussing treatment options with your health care provider, please keep in mind that frequent breastfeeding is one of the best ways to hydrate, nourish, and comfort your little one.

Did you know this about IVs during labor?

2009-04-22T08:42:00.001-07:00

Did you know that prolonged use of IV fluids during labor could artificially inflate a baby's birth weight?

It is normal for babies to lose weight in the first days of life outside the womb. This weight loss is considered normal if the baby does not lose more than 7% of it's birth weight, and if the weight is regained by 2 weeks of age.

However, the use of IV fluids during labor can greatly influence birth weight. Many mothers are in birthing situations where several days worth of continuous IV fluids may be administered before the birth of the baby actually occurs. This huge influx of fluid can gather in the mother's tissues leading to severe swelling. And, since everything that is administered to the mother is transferred to the baby, he or she will have some fluid retention as well. It can take several days for this excess fluid to be flushed out of the baby's body, many hours after the birth weight would have been recorded and become the basis for all future weight comparisons.

Did you know this about postpartum depression?

2009-04-21T06:16:00.000-07:00

Did you know that some health care providers advocate consuming the placenta as a way for mothers to help combat postpartum depression? This may seem like a strange concept in a society where the placenta is normally discarded as medical waste, but many mothers swear by it's efficacy.

The reasoning behind this practice is that the nutrient depletion of the mother's body, which occurs during pregnancy, especially through construction and maintenance of the placenta, may be one of the causes of postpartum depression. It is believed that consumption of the nutrient-dense placental tissue can help to replenish maternal nutrients, thereby helping to prevent postpartum depression.

There are many ways to consume placental tissue, but one of the easiest is to have the placenta dried and encapsulated in pill form.

Did you know about Goldsmith's sign?

2009-04-20T06:53:00.000-07:00

Did you know that if a child persistently refuses to nurse on one breast it could be Goldsmith's sign, a sign of breast cancer? There are many possible explanations as to why a baby may refuse one breast and nurse exclusively from the other side, but cancer is one of them. A persistent, otherwise unexplained, refusal to nurse on one breast warrants a trip to a health care provider for evaluation. Please keep in mind that it is possible to see Goldsmith's sign before conventional diagnostic techniques can detect cancer.

Did you know this about sleep?

2009-04-19T07:43:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the clinical definition of "Sleeping Through The Night" is 5 hours? That's right, just 5 hours. So, the next time the pediatrician, your mother-in-law, or the stranger at the grocery store asks whether or not your child is sleeping through the night yet, be sure to keep this in mind.

Did you know this about breast milk?

2009-04-18T15:31:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the flavor of human milk changes based on what foods the mother is consuming? It's thought that this variety of flavors can help to minimize finicky palates once children start eating solid foods.