Here’s a question from Asha in Brampton, ON:

Q: Someone told me that breastfeeding makes babies more intelligent – can that be true?

A: Yes, Asha, we’ve known for a long time that the fat in breastmilk is perfect for the development of the human brain (which, incidentally, is comprised of about 60% fat!). Research is now showing that children who were breastfed for at least 6 months grow into adults who score close to four points higher on IQ tests, attend school for a year longer and made 15% more money at age 30! These were the findings of a recent study of nearly 6,000 babies. Interestingly enough, the study’s lead researcher, Dr. Bernardo Lessa Horta from the Federal University of Pelotas in Brazil noted that “What is unique about this study is the fact that, in the population we studied, breastfeeding was not more common among highly educated, high-income women, but was evenly distributed by social class.”

One more great reason to breastfeed your baby!

Nancy Lahn BScN
Developer of the Cozy Cuddles Nursing Pillow

Originally posted 2015-04-14 15:58:57.

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 BScN
Developer of the Cozy Cuddles Nursing Pillow

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

Here’s a question from Maria in Scarborough,ON:

Q: My baby boy is 7 months old and eating a variety of solid foods now, and I’m both breastfeeding and formula feeding. He’s been having a lot of trouble lately with constipation – what can I do?

A: It’s fairly common for babies to experience constipation when they are eating lots of solid food, but are not crawling yet. The fact that he is also receiving some formula is also likely adding to the problem, since formula causes more solid stools, whereas breastmilk is very laxative, so ideally, you should exclusively breastfeed. Also, you can try adding some prune juice to his cereal, as this is also very laxative. When he begins crawling, the exercise will help a great deal to alleviate this problem. Suppositories are not recommended for babies unless in very unusual circumstances and ordered and supervised by a physician.

Nancy Lahn BScN

Developer of the Cozy Cuddles Nursing Pillow

Originally posted 2016-02-16 11:21:32.

Good for you for deciding to breastfeeding your baby!  What you’ve decided to do is one of the most important things you can be doing right now for your child.

To help you out, check out this link to see a list we’ve compiled of the Top 10 Tips for Breastfeeding Mothers.

Originally posted 2013-12-05 15:35:18.