Category: Ask Nurse Nancy

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 RN

Developer of the Cozy Cuddles Nursing Pillow

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

Here’s a question from Hillary D. in Hamilton, ON:

Q: My son is now just over 3 months old. He’s been nursing well every 4 hours, but this week he’s been fussy and only settles when I feed him, and that has been every 2 hours instead of every 4. My neighbour said the same thing happened to her, and that it means I’m losing my milk supply! Is this true? Help!

A: No worries, Hillary – it sounds like your son is experiencing a very normal growth spurt! All you need to do is feed him on demand. Your body will respond by making more milk – it’s a perfect “supply-and-demand” system! After a few days, your supply will increase to meet his demand, and you will settle back into a longer spacing between feedings. For now, feed on demand and get lots of nutritious food and fluids yourself!

Originally posted 2014-07-30 13:33:53.

Here’s a question from Kelly in North York, Ontario:

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 2013-02-08 13:29:58.

Since we get this question, and hear these comments, a lot, I thought it would make sense to re-publish this question from nearly a year ago…

Here’s a question from Debbie in Niagara Falls, ON:

Q: My baby is due soon. I’ve heard that most mothers don’t have enough milk for their babies in the first 3 days after birth. Is this true?

A: No, Debbie, that’s not true – right now, you have colostrum that will be there for your baby right after birth. Colostrum, or “first milk”, is perfect for your newborn – it is thick, yellowish in colour, and packed full of nutrition and antibodies. It is so concentrated and full of energy that your baby only needs a small amount to meet all of his or her needs. As your baby latches on frequently and receives your colostrum, your body will be stimulated to produce your mature milk, which begins to come in on the second or third day after birth.

Originally posted 2015-02-23 10:58:22.