Weaning a Baby

Weaning a baby is a complex time of sadness for some mothers, while others cannot wait to close the all-night buffet. Whatever your view, the following tips will guide you through the weaning process.

When to Wean

While the World Health Organization encourages mothers to breast feed for at least two years, society often frowns on mothers nursing past twelve months of age. Don’t let that influence your decision to nurse your child as long as is best for your baby and you. The longer you nurse, the more benefits the baby receives, and the more health benefits your body derives. In the end, however, the choice to wean is a personal decision based on what is best for you and your child.

How to Wean Infants

Infants not entirely accustomed to the breast are the easiest to wean. Begin by replacing one feeding with bottled breast milk or formula. Continue replacing feedings until eventually you have completely switched to bottle.

How to Wean Babies

Babies present a slightly greater challenge in the weaning department. They know that Mama means nursing and they really don’t want that silly plastic contraption. In order to avoid any fits of refusal, it is best to have another caregiver give the bottle. Be sure that a child old enough to have solids is receiving enough nutrition to compensate for the removal of breast milk. Up until twelve months of age, solids are only a supplemental food, with the breast milk or formula–not cow’s milk–making up the bulk of the child’s nutrition. If possible, try a gradual approach, just as with an infant.

Generally, the before bed nursing session is the most cherished and the most difficult to eliminate. Offering another source of security, letting a baby fall asleep by another caregiver for comfort, replacing Mommy with a pacifier, walking the baby to bed, or establishing a new bedtime routine of a sweet song, snuggle, and book are all techniques worth trying. Giving Daddy night-time duty will decrease the baby’s middle-of-the-night dependence on Mama’s breast as well.

How to Wean Toddlers

Weaning a toddler is similar to weaning an older baby, but with the advantage of being able to distract the child with nutritious finger foods, a sippy cup, or an activity that your child enjoys. Often the “don’t offer, don’t refuse” technique will lead to an effortless child-led weaning.

How to Wean Older Children

Older children that have nursed for two, three or even four years often don’t understand the societal expectation that only babies should nurse. Giving them a special place to nurse will cut down on nursing opportunities. If nursing is not convenient for the child, he will often be led to wean himself. Some parents will bribe the child or will use a special occasion or trip as a distraction from nursing.

Cold Turkey

While cutting the child off cold turkey is not the best method for babies and infants, it can be done. It will result in engorged breasts, so express enough milk for comfort, place cold compresses on the sore breasts, and give it a week. The milk will gradually subside.

Nursing is a special and brief moment in the mother-child relationship, triggering extra maternal instincts and instilling a bond most people can never understand. When you do decide to wean, be sure you are not influenced by misguided advice. Rather, stay focused on what is best for you and your baby.

Nursing Clothing Has Come A Long Way

There was a time when no self-respecting fashionista would be caught in public in a nursing shirt, once a slightly less unattractive variation of a hospital gown. With pregnancy and nursing becoming fashionable even among the Hollywood crowd, designers have jumped on the maternity bandwagon to give today’s breastfeeding mothers a number of chic options designed to offer convenience, discretion, and style.

Tops

Gone are the over-sized T-shirts that once made up the nursing mother’s entire upper body wardrobe. The selection of nursing tops in today’s market is the best it has ever been.

Tank tops or camisoles under a shirt have long been a staple for nursing mothers. Shirts with hidden slits have replaced the awkward nursing top of yesteryear. Some companies such as Glamourmom incorporate a nursing bra into a tanktop, shirt or dress. The modern fashions offer baby easy access to the breast while still providing maximum coverage and maintaining modesty during nursing. Many sport a stylish layered look, while others are suitable for office wear and allow for easy pumping.

Dresses
Once too inconvenient for a nursing mother, dresses are now available in an array of attractive mama-friendly fashions. Designers offer styles for holiday parties, business meetings, and every day comfort. Nursing access varies from dual-layered criss cross openings to slits to zippers. Some simply pull down to expose the breast, so you will want a matching shawl or cover-up to remain discreet when feeding your baby in one of those numbers. With such easy access, you will also need to be wary of the babies with a help-yourself independence.

Some of these styles will reveal a bit too much of the ratty old nursing bra your husband wishes you would burn, so you will need to consider one of the new fashions in nursing bras, some of which are, dare I say, sexy.

Sleepwear

Sleepwear for new mothers has graduated from the tent category into downright cute Most have simple pull down tops or two side slits, both styles enabling maximum ease of night-time nursing. Some manufacturers are including built-in bras, breast pad pockets to catch milk leaks, or other forms of comfortable support. Of course, there is always the old standby–your husband’s T-shirt and boxers.

Activewear

Nursing moms can even be stylish when on the go with a variety of active apparel. Carriwell even offers cute nursing swimwear for a day at the beach with baby.

Nursing attire has come a long way since your mother’s time. Now you can step out in style with a baby on your hip, a diaper in your purse, and a wardrobe that screams chic mama!

Washable Breast Pads

Washable or reusable breastfeeding pads are a great alternative to disposable pads. Here are some of the great options available.

The natural fibers cotton, bamboo, hemp are just some of the materials that can be used in washable breast pads.

By washing and reusing breastfeeding pads, nursing mothers can not only reduce the amount of landfill in the environment but also regulate what chemicals come into contact with not only their body but their baby. While it is hard to determine the chemicals involved in constructing a disposable breast pad, many washable breast pads are all-natural and can be washed with a natural detergent of choice.

Some of the larger pharmaceutical companies that produce disposable breastfeeding pads have also released ranges of reusable breast pads but there are also a number of smaller companies that have produced distinctive ranges. By researching reviews from nursing mothers at online consumer feedback sites we have produced a guide to the best washable breast pads on the market.

Babykicks Washable Breast Pads

These washable breast pads are made from 5 layers of organic hemp Jersey fabric and so are a natural alternative to disposable breastfeeding pads. Based on reviews nursing mothers have indicated they are better for home situations, where the possibility of a leakage is not potentially embarrassing and inconvenient. As they have no waterproof backing they would also be better for nursing mothers who have control over their milk let-down.

Babykicks Washable Breast Pads are approximately $11 for a pack of 6 and can be found at Amazon.

LilyPadz Reusable
A unique design in nursing pads these Lilypadz washable breast pads act like a semi-firm contact lens and remain attached to your nipple by applying a slight amount of pressure. By flipping the pad from a convex shape to a convex shape the middle dimple attaches itself to the nipple and slows/prevents leaks from happening. This means that a nursing mother can wear one of these at night instead of a bra with a traditional breastfeeding pad.

According to reviews these are great when they work well and do not show under fitting clothing. Some mothers have noted that air bubbles caught in the application process will enable the pad to leak. Like most pads they should be tried at night in a home situation before being used in public to make sure they fit well and are effective for your body shape.

Even though they can be washed and are reusable they are not biodegradable as they are made from silicone.

LilyPadz Reusable Nursing Pads are $22 for one pair.

La Leche League International Nursing Pads
Produced by the renowned La Leche League, international advocates of the benefits of breastfeeding these washable breast pads are one of the most well known pads on the market. They are small, fitted and thin so don’t show under clothing.
Some women had noted that they don’t keep their shape when washed and offer no waterproof component on the back side of the pad so large let downs are not covered and may result in leakages.

Recommended for nursing mothers who have an established milk supply and can control their let-down or have small milk releases.

La Leche League Nursing Pads are approximately $7 for 4 pads

Posh Pads
Posh Pads is a company started by two friends who have 11 children between them and after searching for a natural and stylish alternative to plain white disposable breastfeeding pads, decided to make their own. Posh Pads make washable breast pads in a variety of designs and fabrics and use organically grown bamboo as the main ingredient.

They are eye catching and comfortable and allow nursing mothers to break free from the stark white world of breast feeding accessories. Some feature flowers while others feature quirky patterns and swirls. There are also a pair with owl prints, affectionately called Hooters.

Like most breastfeeding pads you should try before you commit to buying a large quantity, to make sure the pads are right for your body shape and leakage levels.
Posh Pads retail for approximately $10 per pair and can be found for good prices at online sites such as Amazon.

 

Breastfeeding Pads

Find The Best Breastfeeding & Baby Subscriptions Plans From Amazon! The Best Deals On Washable & Disposable Breastfeeding Pads. As Voted by Mothers in 2010.

Women who breastfeed often find that let-down leaks occur before or after breastfeeding and sometimes just whenever you think about your child! Wearing breastfeeding pads that are discreet, comfortable and effective is reassuring when you are out and about in public.

Types of Breastfeeding Pad
There are a number of varieties of breastfeeding pads on the market. From fully disposable cotton/paper and polymer combinations to reusable, washable fabric pads that can be washed and worn again.

Obviously women vary in their size and the amount that they leak so one option is not best for all and while some women prefer the convenience and reliability of disposable pads others will choose the personable nature and sustainability of reusable breastfeeding pads.

Below is a rundown of the main differences between Disposable and Reusable breastfeeding pads. 

Disposable Breastfeeding Pads
Disposable breastfeeding pads are aimed at women on the go who wish to spend as little time as possible doing laundry and require a highly reliable pad for public environments. Generally working women who breastfeed their child need the reassurance that disposable pads give combined with the ability to replace them easily.

Disposable pads are generally made of thin synthetic polymer elements wrapped inside a soft cotton/poly/paper covering that absorbs liquid but does not secrete it. Like a disposable menstrual pad, the disposable breastfeeding pad absorbs the liquid and keeps the surface of the pad dry so there is no feeling of wetness on your skin. There is also a sticky area on one side to make sure the pads stick to the bra and not slip out of place.

For mothers who need to continue their public life and career disposable breastfeeding pads offer the pace of mind that often reusable pads cannot offer. They are generally indiscreet, highly effective and easy to replace.

The downside to disposable breastfeeding pads is of course their disposable nature. The nature of the polymer tends to make it difficult to break down in landfill.

Based on reviews from online customer feedback sites we have put together a guide to the best disposable breastfeeding pads which have received positive ratings from mothers.
You can see our list of the best disposable nursing pads here.

Washable Reusable Breastfeeding Pads
If you are after a more natural feel to a breastfeeding pad you may want to try reusable pads. There are a great variety of reusable and washable breastfeeding pads from plain white styles to brightly colored and organic designs.

Reusable breastfeeding pads have come a long way in the last decade and aim to offer a viable alternative to disposable pads for mothers who want to feel they are doing the best for their child and their environment.

Many washable pads are unique in design and offer breastfeeding mothers the chance to pamper themselves in a small but significant way.  Not only that but they actually work so mothers can feel confident that there is little change of leakage.

Based on reviews from online customer feedback sites we have put together a summary of the best reusable breastfeeding pads which have received positive ratings from mothers.

You can see our list of the best washable breast pads here.

Caffeine, Alcohol, And Breastfeeding, Oh My

After nine months of resisting your evening cocktail and holding that tempting cup of coffee at bay ‘lest they damage your still-growing baby, you’re dying for a sip of wine or a jolt of java. Your best friend shows up at the maternity ward with a steaming double mocha latte, and your grandmother swears by drinking a beer every night to get that baby to sleep better, but the nurse warns that breastfeeding mothers are not to touch the stuff. It is time to set the record straight.

Caffeine

Not to be the bearer of bad tidings, but the stimulants in coffee, cocoa, soda, and some tea will reach your breast milk and therefore will be consumed by the tiny fellow you are trying to encourage to sleep through the night. Caffeine and a new baby are not a good combination.

While a small amount of caffeine may not outwardly affect your child, the cumulation in the baby’s small body will have an influence. Drinking too much will show immediate results in the form of an irritable or gassy baby, and long term use may even result in a caffeine-addicted baby. No need to call Caffeine-Drinkers-Anonymous. Just use our savvy tips.

If you must sip, do so right after you have nursed. The longer the baby waits to nurse again, the more diluted the caffeine will be. Two or more hours is ideal, although holding off more than two hours to feed a newborn is not advised, even for the sake of a good cup of coffee. Pumping and dumping after a coffee is another option.

Alcohol

Just as alcohol enters into your blood, it enters into your milk, your baby, and your baby’s blood. Just as your liver will filter the alcohol from your blood, your little cutie’s liver will have to be called on to perform the same cleansing tasks. If your baby is under three months, that tiny liver is half as efficient as Mom’s, meaning any alcohol baby gets through your milk will stay in that little body twice as long.

Okay, that’s the science, but what does it mean? Can I have that White Russian or not?

It depends.

If your baby is under three months, try not to drink at all. If your baby is older, nurse immediately prior to indulging. Wait at least two hours–three is better–before feeding the baby. By that time, the alcohol should be out of your body. If you intend to overindulge, pump ahead of time for a sober caregiver to feed the baby until the alcohol has left your bloodstream and milk.

More than two drinks a day lands you in the heavy drinking category. While drinking heavily, you should neither nurse nor be exclusively responsible for the care of a baby, even at night, since your reaction and ability to be roused from sleep are impaired.

If you do choose to drink lightly and nurse your baby, be forewarned that–sorry Grandma–alcohol actually stimulates a baby and causes fussiness and poor sleep. Alcohol also slows the let-down of the milk. Infants exposed to alcohol are slower in achieving their developmental milestones than those breastfed babies of mothers who do not consume alcohol. Instead of giving up nursing, adjust your schedule to nurse when the baby will be least affected, or seek help to cut back to healthy limits.

Rest easy, Mom! There’s no need to call off beer and pizza night or chat time with the girls at the local coffee shop. Just be smart–your baby will thank you.

The Breastfeeding Diet To Feed Yourself And Baby

Your new baby is finally here and you’ve made the commitment to breastfeed. While you thought this was a personal decision, everyone from the checkout clerk at the supermarket to the lady sitting behind you at church has conflicting advice about how to eat when nursing. It’s enough to make an overwhelmed and underslept mother cry like a colicky baby. Relax, Mom! Eating the best diet for your baby is as easy as pie…which, by the way, you can eat while breastfeeding your baby.

The most important point about your breastfeeding diet is to be aware that everything from the garlic in last night’s Italian extravaganza to the chocolate on the hot fudge sundae you ate for lunch will affect your baby’s next meal. Generally this is fine, but it is advisable to consult a knowledgeable medical practitioner to determine if your medicinal herbs or drugs are safe.

The mother’s diet is often the cause of gas or symptoms of colic in a nursing baby. While there is no single universal trigger, some simple trial and error will tell you what is troubling your little tyke. Some of the more common contributors to your little bundle’s stomach aches are cruciferous foods (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower), caffeine-related products (coffee, soda, chocolate), or foods that pack a punch (garlic, hot peppers, spices). Pay attention to your baby to determine if such foods are bothering the little nipper.


Common edible allergens may also have an effect on your little one’s system if the baby is prone to a food sensitivity. The most common foods in this area are peanuts, dairy, soy, eggs, wheat, shellfish, and corn. If your baby indicates such a sensitivity through recurring fussiness after you have consumed such foods or if food allergies run in the family, simply eliminate the guilty party from your diet for a while.

The concerns for consuming fish during pregnancy still apply when nursing. While fish oils help build your baby’s brain, do not consume high mercury fish or eat and seafood more than twice a week. Let the current EPA recommendations guide your choices.

As a nursing mother, make common sense, healthy eating choices for your own benefit. While your body requires 500 more calories to feed a baby than it did before you were pregnant, the abundance of extra food should come from fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, legumes, and complex carbohydrates, not from cookies and ice cream. This will assist your body in replacing nutrients lost to the breast milk and in achieving your post-partum weight loss goals. Do not attempt any form of dieting for at least six weeks after your baby is born. If you do eventually pursue a weight loss diet, do not cut back on the healthy, common sense essentials. Your body needs nutritional support to recover from pregnancy and combat sleep deprivation.

Eating to feed that new bundle of joy should be a pleasure, not a stress. Trial and error will tell you what your baby can and cannot tolerate, and a healthy eating plan will give you the energy to lovingly tend your new blessing and the patience to smile politely at the checkout clerk with the parenting advice.

Finding Nursing Bras You Will Not Want To Burn

If the term “nursing bra” sends up red flags on your “frump” meter, it’s time to put that notion aside, Mama! Today’s nursing bras can be as fashionable and, yes, sexy as the cute little numbers you shoved to the back of the panty drawer during your pregnancy.

Just as with regular bras, nursing bras come in an array of styles, each with their own advantages.

Softcup bras are available in anything from the ugly burn-it-when-you’ve-weaned to the kind that will make your husband look twice. Focus on comfort and support, something you can best determine by trying it on. Some sport nursing flaps while others require Mom to pull down the cup to nurse. Determine what is most convenient for you. Try out the flap to be sure that you can rapidly and discreetly open it (remember, you’ll have a demanding, hungry baby in your arms) and close it (you’ll have a limp, sleeping baby in your arms) with one hand. Hook and eye flap closures offer adjustable cup sizes–great for a changing Mom–but are often tricky to close one-handed. The larger plastic hooks are easier to close, but generally do not have options for adjustment. Some even close in the center or only allow the nipple area to be accessed, something your baby may not appreciate.

The controversy continues regarding underwire bras. While women love them for their support, they are a common cause of clogged milk ducts and mastitis. If you choose underwire, make absolutely certain that you have the right fit, that nothing rubs or presses on your breast or underarm area, and that you never sleep in it. Forget about underwire entirely the first few weeks after baby’s birth, and swap it out for a softcup any time you are engorged. If you are accustomed to the separation and support of an underwire, consider opting for a ruched center such as Bella Materna sells.

Seamless bras spruce up the mother’s undergarment wardrobe. Padded or natural, they offer a sleek look under fitted tops.

Sleep bras are a stretchy material that offer mothers nighttime support and a place to hold breast pads to absorb the inevitable night squirts. The top easily stretches down so a groggy mom can feed a not-so-groggy baby.

Full chested moms have a remarkable array of choices as well. Plus Size nursing bras are available from companies such as Medela and Bravada, with Underworks even offering up to size 50L.

Moms can even find strapless, backless nursing bras that are essentially cups which attach to your shirt. Padded nursing bras that allow Mom to remove the pad are a great option for fluctuating breast size. Anita sells bras that allow you to easily mark which breast was last used for feeding.

The options don’t stop there. Glamourmom makes a nursing bra tanktop which they have since expanded into full tops, attractive sleepwear, and cute dresses. Carriwell sells chic nursing swimwear for moms on the go. Who says mothers have to be frumpy!

Whatever style you choose, look for a bra in a breathable, absorbant material that will help keep the breast dry and prevent thrush, such as cotton, cotton blends, and microfiber. If the bra has lace, be sure it isn’t irritating to your breasts once they are called into action.

Purchase two or three bras toward the end of your pregnancy when your breasts have grown significantly. These can double as maternity bras and will get you through the early months of breastfeeding. Later, however, your breasts will adjust to the feeding process and lose a bit of bulk. If your bras are not adjustable, you will need to purchase another few bras to get you through this time period. Manufacturers such as Bravado offer nursing bras specially designed for these various stages in the nursing process.

The right fit is crucial to the proper bra size. During pregnancy, the chest cavity expands (mostly a permanent change), so you will need to measure under your breasts and around the back to find your new band width. Measure across the fullest part of the breast. If the difference between the two measurements is less than 1/2 inch, buy AA, if 1/2 to 1 inch, buy A, if 2 inches, buy B, if 3 inches, buy C, and so on. Be certain that all breast tissue is within the cup so as to avoid discomfort and infection.

Buy the best bras you can find based on fit, function, and comfort. If the price tags online are scaring you off, consider Playtex, which offers a variety of nursing bras at prices you can expect to see at local department stores.

The most important consideration when selecting a nursing bra is how you feel–comfortable, supported, and ready to take on the world . . . or at least the needs of a hungry eight-pound bundle of love.