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Nursing too often?

Here’s a question from Jayne in Kincardine, ON:

Q: Can my son be nursing too often? He is 5 days old today, and seems to want to nurse constantly. He nurses and seems to settle, but when I put him down he starts fussing again. He’s making lots of diapers but I’m wondering why he does this – I don’t remember my first son (now 2 ½ ) doing this. I feel so worn out from running after my toddler and nursing all the time!

A: Sounds like you’ve got a lot on your plate, Jayne! Looking after a newborn and a toddler is challenging, especially as you’re recovering from childbirth. Your newborn is engaging in what is known as “cluster feeding”, which means he feeds frequently to signal your breasts to bring in your mature milk. This is a gradual process, and it sounds like your milk is coming in, if he is making “lots of diapers” as you say. A rule of thumb for wet diapers is to expect one on day 1, two on day 2, three on day three and so on until day 6 and onwards when you’re looking for 6-8 soaking wet diapers and multiple stools.

It may be that your fatigue in parenting both children is contributing to the baby’s fussiness. For now, be sure to let all non-essentials like cleaning and phone calls go. A great time to order in food or call in favours from friends who have offered to cook or to spend time with your toddler. Lie down to feed the baby as much as possible to increase your rest time. Hang in there – this phase won’t last long!

Nancy Lahn RN

Developer of the Cozy Cuddles Nursing Pillow

Originally posted 2017-01-07 22:19:45.

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Am I still producing enough milk?

Here’s a question from Dianna in Leamington, ON:

Q: Help! My baby is two weeks old now, and has been nursing well, but I’m noticing a real change in my breasts. Last week, my breasts were so full and hard, and now they’re a lot softer even though he’s nursing every couple of hours. Is my milk decreasing?

A: What you describe, Dianna, is very normal. When your milk began to come in last week (usually day 2-3) it sounds like you experienced engorgement, which is a combination of your milk changing from colostrum to mature milk, and accompanying swelling from increased blood flow to the breasts. After a couple of days of frequent nursing, the swelling reduced and you continued to produce milk at the rate that your baby needs. This more efficient production means that your breasts become softer and more comfortable, and baby gets all the milk he needs. As long as he’s producing regular bowel movements and 6-8 wet diapers per day, all is well!

Originally posted 2015-11-27 11:31:43.

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How long can I keep expressed breastmilk in the refrigerator?

Here’s a question from Sandy in Ingersoll, Ontario:

Q: If I’m unable to breastfeed immediately, how long can I keep my expressed breastmilk in the refrigerator? And if I take it in a cooler, how many hours is it safe to use?

A: Good question, Sandy! Here’s a handy guide for the safety of expressed breastmilk:ColdThermometer

  • Room temperature (less than 25 degrees C) for 6-8 hours
  • Refrigerator (<4 degrees C) for 5 days
  • Freezer of a 2-door refrigerator (-18 degrees C) for 3-6 months
  • Freezer of a deep freezer – chest or upright (-20 degrees C) for 6-12 months
  • When travelling, carry expressed breastmilk in cooler bag with ice packs and use within 24 hours

 

Nancy Lahn RN
Developer of the Cozy Cuddles Nursing Pillow

Originally posted 2015-04-07 16:35:44.

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I’m Engorged, and It Hurts!

Here’s another question we get frequently…

Q: My baby was born on Friday, and this morning (Monday) I woke up with the feeling that Dolly Parton had taken over my body! My breasts are huge and so sore – is this normal? What can I do? I’m so full that my baby has a hard time latching on.

A: What you’re experiencing, Angie, is very normal. On the third or fourth day after birth, your milk production begins in earnest and the breasts become swollen with milk, and also from increased blood flow and lymph fluids. The best way to spell relief is B-A-B-Y! Be sure to nurse the baby at least every two hours, and gently massage your breast as the baby is feeding. The frequent feeding will help your body to establish the proper supply and demand ratio. Before each feeding, apply a warm moist compress for a couple of minutes to start the milk flowing. If the breast is so full that it is difficult for baby to latch, hand express some milk until the areola (the dark area around the nipple) will soften enough to allow the baby to latch on. If you use a pump to do this, be sure to pump only until the areola is softened – too much pumping will give your body the wrong message and will tell it to increase your milk supply! In between feedings, you can wet and wring out a cloth (a tea towel is a good size), fold it into thirds, and freeze in your freezer. Laying this frozen cloth across your swollen breasts provides wonderful relief! You can also try the midwife’s trick of using a cabbage leaf inside your bra on each breast. The tanic acid in the cabbage (not lettuce!) helps to relieve swelling without decreasing your milk supply. Using these techniques, most engorgement will subside in about 48 hours. Wearing a good supportive nursing bra day and night (no underwires!) will be helpful during engorgement, too.

Originally posted 2016-11-07 18:12:49.