Westside Doula

Breast Is Best

We strongly advocate for and support breast feeding.

QUICK TIPS:

• More chin than nose:   try swallowing with your head down, now try with your chin up.  Same goes for the baby, it's easier when more of the chin is in the boob.
• Everytime your baby looks at you funny, drink a glass of water:   Making milk takes a TON of effort, and staying hydrated is the easiest way to support your body's efforts to make milk.
• A nipple should look like a nipple: If it doesn't, take it out and try again.  After nursing, it should not look like a tube of lipstick, or a computer plug.  It should look like a nipple.  "Bad Latches" hurt, so really, it's worth the effort to get a good latch.
• Grunting=good, Slurping=bad: Grunting is usually a happy sound (and really, really, cute).  But slurping means that there is air getting in and the latch isn't secure. 
• Fully drain the boob: Letting your baby drink 'till the end alows him/her to get the heavy fat milk called "hind milk."  The stuff that comes out first is "fore milk" and is sweeter and more like skim milk.  The hind milk is like cream.
• You can't over breast feed your baby: Your baby will get everything he/she needs from you.  With a bottle, you can force feed more than your baby needs.  Not so with nursing.  Mother nature's perfect meal!

FACTS

• Breast milk changes to meet the needs of your growing baby;
• Breast milk contains the perfect diet, including antibodies, for your baby;
• Breast fed babies tend to have less ear infections and allergies;
• Breast feeding is good for mom:  lower risks of breast and ovarian cancer;
• Breast feeding helps mom return to pre-baby weight;
• Breast feeding helps baby feel secure.  That security is the foundation on which adult security is built;
• Breast milk contains white blood cells which help fight infections;
• Breast fed infants have a lower rate of SIDS;
• Breast feeding reduces the risk for obesity and high blood pressure;
• BREAST MILK IS FREE.

FICTION

• Breast feeding is always easy.

Fact Sheet: Breastfeeding is Priceless

This fact sheet (from Motherfriendly.org) lists the short- and long-term benefits of breastfeeding for babies, premature infants, children, and mothers. The fact sheet also covers the costs of not breastfeeding. Includes references.

Kelly Mom has an excellent fact sheet about tandem nursing.

Resources

La Leche League: http://www.llli.org/resources.html

International Lactation Consultant Association: http://www.ilca.org

• Alchohol and nursing
• After a Cesarean
• Tantem Nursing
• Finding a good latch
• Won't Nurse
• Over supply

Breastfeeding.com

www.drjacknewman.com   Author Jack Newman's website.  Wonderful resource, includes videos and more!

http://www.askdrsears.com   Ask Doctor Sears

CONSULTANTS:

The Pump Station: http://www.pumpstation.com (Classes, consulting, supplies)

Yana Katzap-Nackman, CD(DONA), PCD(DONA), IBCLC,CLE (Local consultant)
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant 323.240.6002

Elena Vogel , IBCLC (Local Consultant) 310.889.8444

Skype consultations: http://www.virtualbreastfeedinghelp.com/Virtual-Help-via-SKYPE.html

 

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Are you a Lactation Consultant?  We are always looking to expand our network of lactation consultants that service the westside.