Category: Ask Nurse Nancy

Here’s a question from Marian in Waterloo, ON:

Q:  My three-week-old breastfeeding baby spits up a bit of milk after just about every feeding.   Anything I can do about this?

A:  Spitting up, or reflux, is a very common problem in new babies – in fact, about half of babies have this problem to some degree.  What’s happening is that the muscular valve between the esophagus and the stomach is maturing and doesn’t always function properly, allowing the stomach contents to come back up.  Burping the baby when he finishes on each breast can help, as well as feeding in a more upright position.  If you’re using the cradle hold, position the part of your Cozy Cuddles Nursing Pillow that is supporting his head on top of the arm of your chair and tuck the other end under the arm under the chair arm, so his head is elevated.  You can also nurse in the laid back position, supporting your head and shoulders with your Cozy Cuddles pillow and positioning your baby on your chest elevates his head so that gravity will help him.  Also, don’t lay the baby down for 30 minutes after feeding – propping using your Cozy Cuddles Nursing Pillow can be helpful.

Originally posted 2017-03-14 17:02:10.

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 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.