Author: Nancy Lahn

Here’s a question from Kristine in Collingwood, ON:

Q: It’s been so hot this summer, and I’ve been wondering – does my two-month-old nursing baby need me to give her extra water?

A: No, Kristine, your breastmilk provides all the water your baby needs. Breastmilk actually changes in consistency as the feeding progresses – it is more watery at the beginning of the feed, and has more fat content as the feeding continues. The baby’s thirst is then satisfied by the greater water content at the outset, and then it is believed that the greater fat content at the end of the feed helps to signal fullness.

Nancy Lahn RN
Developer of the Cozy Cuddles Nursing Pillow

Originally posted 2015-08-01 22:56:21.

Here’s a question from Marian in Waterloo, ON:

Q:  My three-week-old breastfeeding baby spits up a bit of milk after just about every feeding.   Anything I can do about this?

A:  Spitting up, or reflux, is a very common problem in new babies – in fact, about half of babies have this problem to some degree.  What’s happening is that the muscular valve between the esophagus and the stomach is maturing and doesn’t always function properly, allowing the stomach contents to come back up.  Burping the baby when he finishes on each breast can help, as well as feeding in a more upright position.  If you’re using the cradle hold, position the part of your Cozy Cuddles Nursing Pillow that is supporting his head on top of the arm of your chair and tuck the other end under the arm under the chair arm, so his head is elevated.  You can also nurse in the laid back position, supporting your head and shoulders with your Cozy Cuddles pillow and positioning your baby on your chest elevates his head so that gravity will help him.  Also, don’t lay the baby down for 30 minutes after feeding – propping using your Cozy Cuddles Nursing Pillow can be helpful.

Originally posted 2017-03-14 17:02:10.

Here’s a question from Roxanne in Toronto, ON:

Q: My daughter is a month old now and I’m breastfeeding her – my problem is that I think I have TOO much milk! When she latches on and the milk lets down, she seems to pull away and fuss, as if it’s too much for her. I also notice that her stools are often greenish, and they irritate her skin. What can I do to help with this problem?

A: Yes, it sounds like you have an abundant milk supply, Roxanne, which is great but it can be a bit daunting for a newborn! The cause of the problem is usually a combination of an overactive letdown reflex, and an imbalance of foremilk (the more watery, sweet milk at the beginning of the feeding) to hindmilk (the milk more rich in fat at the end of the feeding). In the course of a feeding, the milk gradually changes from more watery to fat-rich. If a mother with an over-abundant milk supply feeds at both breasts, the baby may receive a higher than normal proportion of foremilk, which can result in the greenish, irritating stools. It may help to offer the baby only one breast at a feeding. One breast will supply all she needs at a feeding, and the ratio of hindmilk will be higher.

Also, you can try positioning the baby so that gravity helps to slow the milk flow rate. The fastest flow rate will be when Mom is sitting up, so try lying on your side, or on your back with your head supported with a pillow (your Cozy Cuddles Nursing Pillow is perfect for this!) and with baby resting on your chest. If the milk sprays with let-down, try catching it with a towel until it slows down, and then latch the baby on. Try to avoid pumping or hand expression – if you do this for comfort, limit it to a few seconds as this will encourage more milk production.

The good thing is that as your baby matures, she will regulate the flow and will become accustomed to your abundant milk supply!

Nancy Lahn RN

Developer of the Cozy Cuddles Nursing Pillow

Originally posted 2016-11-16 13:09:43.

Here’s a question from Kirsten in Barrie, ON:

Q:  I have a preemie born at 26 weeks, he’s now 33 weeks and I hope to start NNS (Non-Nutritive Sucking) in the next 2 weeks.  Do you recommend a position best for preemies?

A:  Thank you for your question, Kirsten!  For those reading this blog who are not familiar with the term ”Non-Nutritive Sucking” for premature infant the practice of allowing a premature infant who has not yet developed the ability to nurse at the breast to become familiar with the idea of nursing.  In the womb, around 32 weeks gestation, the fetus begins to display bursts of sucking, so when a preemie reaches this age they may be ready to begin spending time at the breast.  There will be no intake of milk, but often what happens is that babies “lick and sniff”, and may latch on briefly and then fall off.  All this is very beneficial for Mom and preemie, as NNS helps digestion of the feeding (still given by tube), promotes better sleep and calmness, as well as giving the baby a very pleasant feeling of being at the breast which makes the transition to full breastfeeding later much easier.  It also increases milk production for Mom.

The positions most use at this time are cross-cradle and football hold.  With cross-cradle on the left breast, you hold your left breast with your left hand (with thumb above the areola and fingers beneath) and you lay the baby across your lap tummy-to-tummy with you and support the baby’s head with your right hand.  This allows you to support his head more, and gives you more control to guide him to your nipple.  You just reverse this hold when you use the right breast.

With the football hold on the left, tuck the baby under your left arm and support his head with your left hand, while holding your breast with your right hand, reversing this when you feed on the right.

For both positions, the Cozy Cuddles Nursing Pillow will really help to support the baby’s body and prevent back and neck strain for you.  All the best to you and your little boy!  I’m sure that in the next few weeks he will graduate to being able to fully breastfeed and you’ll be a happy breastfeeding couple!

Originally posted 2016-09-10 08:30:10.