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Laid-Back Nursing?

Here’s a question from Carmela in North York:

Q:  My son is now three weeks old and nurses well, but quite often spits up after.  I’ve heard there’s a position called “laid-back nursing” that may help – can you describe this position?

Laid Back NursingA:  Yes, Carmela, the laid-back position can be helpful with reflux, and it’s very comfortable to achieve with the help of a Cozy Cuddles Nursing Pillow!  This is a reclining position for breastfeeding, so lie comfortably on your back, with your nursing pillow supporting your head and shoulders.  This means that your head and shoulders will be propped up at an ideal angle.  Then lay your baby, tummy to tummy with you, with his cheek near your breast. When he latches on, his head will be higher than the rest of his body, so gravity will assist with the reflux tendency.  It’s also a very natural and relaxing position for you both – enjoy!

Originally posted 2015-03-27 10:57:01.

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Help! Soreness has returned!

Here’s a question from Jade in Sudbury:

Q: My baby’s a month old and has been nursing well. The nipple tenderness I felt at the beginning went away – until now! I feel a shooting pain when she nurses on one side that lasts throughout the feeding, and after as well. The baby often fusses during a feeding and pulls away. I noticed that the milk seems to be curdling in her mouth – it looks like cottage cheese on her tongue! Is this normal in the heat of the summer?

A: What you’re describing, Jade, sounds like a yeast infection, commonly known as “thrush”. It’s caused by the fungus candida albicans and fortunately can be treated by a topical anti-fungal medication you can get from your doctor. (More details: www.PharmaWatchDogs.com) You’ll both need to be treated, as the infection passes between you – that is likely what is causing the white coating on her tongue and your nipple pain. It can also pass through the digestive tract and cause diaper rash, which will also need to be treated.

Nancy Lahn RN

Developer of the Cozy Cuddles Nursing Pillow

Originally posted 2015-09-10 16:06:38.

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Will I Be Able To Breastfeed?

I teach prenatal classes regularly, and here’s a question we hear all the time from expectant moms…

Q: How do I know if I will be able to breastfeed my baby?

A: While pregnant women may doubt their ability to feed their babies, your body assumes that you will breastfeed and begins to prepare for it right from the day you conceive! The milk production tissues and ducts develop throughout your pregnancy, and it is estimated that 97% of women are physically capable of producing all the milk their baby will need. The key is ensuring that the baby latches well to the breast so that he/she can access the wonderful milk that you have!

Originally posted 2017-06-21 11:27:22.

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More Questions about Colostrum

Here’s a question we’ve had asked a couple times before, but it’s worth repeating…

Q: I’ve heard that you’re supposed to leak colostrum in late pregnancy, but I haven’t seen a drop. Does this mean I’ll have trouble breastfeeding?

A: Definitely not! In the last weeks of pregnancy, some women leak some colostrum (the yellowish, sticky "first milk"), but many do not. Whether you see it or you don’t, your colostrum is there and it will be there for your newborn as the very best first food. Colostrum is filled with energy and antibodies, and is so concentrated that your newborn only needs a small amount. It will give your baby the best possible start in the world!

Originally posted 2016-10-31 20:59:37.