There’s no way of predicting exactly when your periods will return after the birth. Though it’s been awhile since you’ve needed them, you may want to stock up on sanitary products now to avoid a last minute dash to the store when your periods do return. If your baby is formula fed, you may find your period returns as early as five to six weeks after the birth. Most women who feed their babies formula find they get their first period within 10 weeks of becoming a mama. This can also be the case if your baby has a mixture of breast and formula milk.

If your baby is exclusively breastfed, it may take a little longer for your period to return. If you breastfeed often, you may find that your period doesn’t return until your baby is down to just three feeds a day. There is no hard and fast rule, however, your periods may return when you are still feeding frequently throughout the day.

What will the first period be like?

You may find that your periods are heavier than usual after the birth. You may need to use both tampons and pads at first because of the increased flow. Your periods may also be irregular. Some women find that their periods are months apart when they first return. Some women find clots in their period after birth, this is usually nothing to worry about and is often a sign that your body is healing after the birth. If you’ve had clots in your period for a week, however, you should contact your healthcare provider for advice.

Birth control

You may ovulate before you get your first period, so it’s important that you use birth control if you don’t want to fall pregnant again. It’s impossible to predict when you will ovulate for the first time, so you should start using birth control soon after the birth. Speak to your healthcare provider for advice about which form of contraception is best for you.

Frequent breastfeeding can delay ovulation. Breastfeeding stimulates the release of prolactin which can delay ovulation. However, there is no way of knowing whether ovulation is about to occur so it’s best to use birth control to be on the safe side. Some women find they do not ovulate until they have finished their breastfeeding journey but for others their cycle kicks in whilst they are still breastfeeding.

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Feeding your baby, whether by breast or bottle, is supposed to be such an enjoyable time for bonding. And it is, as the days and weeks go by and you find yourself more comfortable with those feedings. But in the beginning, it can be a little scary, if only because you don’t fully know what to expect. And that unknowing produces a lot of questions:

• Is the baby latching correctly?
• Is your milk coming in as it should?
• And is your baby eating enough?

For those first 2 questions, visiting a lactation specialist can always help you to find the answers you need. But when it comes to knowing whether or not your baby is getting enough to eat, how can you tell?

The truth is, all babies are different, and some will simply need more to eat than others. The general guidelines suggest you should be nursing your baby every two to three hours in that first month, or 8 to 12 times in every 24-hour period. Formula fed babies can eat a little less frequently, maybe one less feeding a day. But as long as you are within those guidelines, all is likely well.

During those feedings, most babies should be getting about two and a half to three ounces, though you obviously wouldn’t be able to measure that if you are breastfeeding. So for you breastfeeding mamas, you would be looking at between 10 and 20 minutes for each feeding; keeping in mind that some babies take longer than others.

Given all of that, how else can you tell if your baby is eating enough?

1. How do your breasts feel? If you are breastfeeding, your breasts should feel softer after each feeding, because your baby should have just relieved some of the milk pressure.
2. How does your baby seem? A full baby is happy, relaxed, and alert baby. Follow your baby’s cues. He or she will let you know when they are done, and as long as they seem healthy and alert after, you’re probably doing just fine.
3. How many diapers? A baby who is getting enough to eat will have five to eight wet diapers a day.
4. Is your baby gaining weight? If you have concerns about how much your baby is eating, a visit to the pediatrician may be in order. As long as he or she is gaining 4 to 10 ounces a week in the first month, they are getting enough to eat.
5. What about the poop? After your milk comes in, your little one should be producing at least 3 poopy diapers a day. That poop should be soft and mustard yellow brown in color for the first month.

As always, if you have any concerns at all, book an appointment with your pediatrician. But don’t be afraid to trust your mommy gut as well. If all the signs above are positive, your baby is probably right on track!

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Maybe you are going out to dinner with your partner, or you’re returning to work soon. Maybe your baby has problems latching, or you need to supplement for health reasons. Whatever the reason, you find yourself unsure how to go about introducing a bottle to your breastfeeding baby.

What kind of bottle?

Anyone who has shopped for baby gear knows the crazy number of choices available for bottle feeding. Which bottle and nipple you use are up to you – and your baby. It sometimes takes trial and error before you find one your breastfed baby likes. On the other hand, some babies aren’t particular.

Try a slow-flow nipple – this will make your baby work a little harder to get the milk, making it more like breastfeeding. And try to match the nipple size and shape to your own anatomy, if possible.

How much milk?

Research shows that from one month to six months, breastfeeding babies’ intake is fairly stable at about 25 to 35 ounces (750-1050 ml) per day. In order to determine how much you need per bottle, take this average and divide it by the number of times your baby eats in 24 hours. If, for example, your baby nurses 10 times each day, that would be about 2.5 to 3.5 ounces (74-104 ml) per feeding. Your baby nurses 8 times per day? You’ll need more per bottle. Your baby nurses 12 times per day? He may take less but expect a bottle more often.

How do I do it?

Make bottle feeding as much like breastfeeding as you can. Follow your baby’s hunger cues rather than offering the bottle at a scheduled time. Cuddle baby, tickle his lips with the teat, and let him draw the nipple into his mouth. Hold the bottle more horizontal so that baby can control the flow a little better, and give him pauses just like he normally does at the breast. You might even consider switching sides halfway through the bottle feeding.

Your baby may be more likely to accept the bottle if someone other than mom provides it. Mom may need to leave the room or even the house!

What if my baby resists?

If your baby resists the bottle:

• Warm or cool the nipple under running water before offering it to baby.
• Try warmed, room temperature or even cold milk. Some babies enjoy milk slushies.
• Try a different nipple.
• Express some of the milk onto the bottle nipple.
• Feed on the go – stand, walk, or move.
• Stay away from his preferred nursing chair.
• Try holding baby facing away from you, or other positions to make bottle feeding less like breastfeeding.
• Hold a blanket or t-shirt that smells like mom when feeding baby.
• Consider using a cup or medicine spoon rather than a bottle – just keep in mind it will be messier and more time consuming.

Be patient. Continue to offer the bottle occasionally and your baby may gradually become accustomed to it. Even if you’re in more of a hurry (with that back-to-work deadline looming perhaps), try not to make it a battle. Eventually your baby will figure it out.

Are you giving your baby both breast and bottle? What tips do you have for other moms?

Written by Michelle, Lamaze instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

For whatever reason, you’ve decided to pump your breastmilk and provide this to your baby by bottle. But what can you do to ensure you’re on the right path to provide the most milk for your baby?

1. Choose your pump wisely: When you’re pumping to provide all of your baby’s nutrition, you need something efficient. The most expensive pump on the market may not be the best choice. And not all electric pumps are created equal. So, do your research before buying or renting a pump to be sure it’s the best one for your individual needs.

2. Get to know your pump: Learn not only how to operate all of the pump’s settings, but also how your body reacts to pumping. Do you need to change the settings to take full advantage of your let-downs? Do you need to turn the pump off and massage your breasts? Don’t be afraid to make adjustments to your routine or to reassess the pump’s settings as time goes by.

3. Learn to let down: The biggest problem for many moms is relaxing enough for milk ejection. If you’re multitasking while pumping or impatiently watching the bottles willing them to fill faster, you may negatively impact your let-down. Consider putting on a sweater, making sure the room you’re in is warm enough, or placing a warm compress on your breasts before pumping. Try hands-on techniques like breast massage to maximize the amount you’re able to pump. Think about each of your senses and how you might use them to facilitate pumping (for example, hearing your baby cry or coo may trigger your hormones and your let-down).

4. Know how to maintain your supply: The amount of milk you can get each pumping session (and how often you need to pump to maintain the same output) will vary from woman to woman. Some research suggests that a total of 120 to 140 minutes of pumping each day is typical for exclusively pumping moms to maintain their supplies. How long you can go between pumping sessions, and how long each session should be, is trial and error.

5. If your output decreases, change things up: Experts say adding a few short pumping sessions may be more effective than adding minutes to your current pumping sessions. Check all of your pump parts – they do wear out occasionally. If you’re using a double electric pump, try pumping only one side, switching to a hand pump, or even manually expressing milk. Or change the time of day you pump. Anything to get out of the rut will help.

6. Find support: Common concerns for pumping moms include milk supply issues, plugged ducts, mastitis and sore nipples, to name just a few. Find professionals who are supportive of your feeding choice. And find other exclusively pumping moms – they will be the best source of ideas and encouragement.

While people may wonder why in the world you have chosen this path, others will understand that each woman does the best she can to give her baby a great start in life. Congratulations on giving your baby the many benefits breastmilk has to offer.

Are you pumping milk for your baby? What tips do you have?

Written by Michelle, Lamaze instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Breastmilk production is designed to work in perfect concert with your baby’s needs. If you are feeding your baby ‘on cue,’ or whenever he shows signs of hunger rather than based on a predetermined schedule, your body will make just the right amount of milk to satisfy him.

One of the most common reasons for supplementation and weaning, however, is thinking that you don’t have enough milk. Whether you simply perceive your supply to be low or your body is truly not making enough milk, what can be done?

Galactagogues – substances that are thought to increase milk supply – are often recommended for moms with supply issues. There are different categories of galactagogues – and many choices in each category depending on your individual needs.

Milk-Making Foods

You’ve probably seen recipes for lactation cookies or smoothies that take advantage of the lactogenic properties of particular foods. Lactogenic foods are typically easy to add to your diet, and don’t have many side effects. So they are a good first try to help increase your supply. Consider adding oats, quinoa, hops, brewer’s yeast, almonds, garlic, and sesame seeds to your regular meals. Remember, though, there’s no ‘dose’ for these foods – what works for one mom may not work for another.

Herbs

Fenugreek is the most common herb used for increasing milk supply, and it’s sometimes paired with blessed thistle. But other herbs may be better for your particular situation. Other common herbal galactagogues include marshmallow root, goat’s rue, alfalfa, fennel, raspberry leaf, moringa / malunggay, and shatavari. Do you research and be sure you are taking the right amount to make a difference. Herbs, like medications, do have side effects and precautions, so work with an herbalist or naturopath to be sure you’re using the herbs safely.

Prescription medications

Metoclopramide (Reglan) and domperidone (Motilium) are the two medications most often prescribed for milk supply problems. You’ll need to work closely with your doctor, your baby’s doctor, and a lactation consultant if you are using one of these options. But for some moms, medications make a huge difference in milk production.

How to decide what’s right for you

No galactagogue will work if milk isn’t being removed from the breast often. Milk removal is the key to milk production. When milk isn’t removed often enough, your body sends out chemical signals to slow production. But when the breast is emptied and refilled regularly, production increases. Nursing your baby more often, or adding pumping to your daily routine, may be necessary along with the galactagogues. A visit with a lactation consultant may be warranted – he or she can help you decide if your supply is really low, if your baby is able to transfer milk, and how to go about improving your breastfeeding experience.

Have you purposely added any lactogenic foods to your breastfeeding diet?

Written by Michelle, Lamaze instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

“Ten fingers and ten toes!” You most likely heard those words yourself shortly after your little one was born. Next to announcing a baby as being a boy or girl, the finger and toe count is usually right up there on the list of things doctors and nurses gleefully exclaim at a healthy delivery. And if they don’t, Mom or Dad will as soon as they have that baby in their arms. Because it’s just what you do… you count the fingers and toes.

What might take a little longer to pick up on is if your baby has an extra bit of skin elsewhere. We’ve all heard the expression “tongue-tied,” referring to those times when nerves or anxiety may have you stumbling over your words. But what you probably don’t realize is that the expression itself comes from an actual condition.

It is estimated that 4 to 11 percent of newborns have a birth defect known as being “tongue-tied.” Basically, that means the skin under their tongue, known as the “lingual frenulum,” is thicker, tighter, and may extend further than it would in a baby without this defect. The result is a tongue that is “tied” more tightly to the bottom of the mouth, preventing as much freedom and movement as there might otherwise be.

If you work with a lactation specialist, he or she may be the first to notice your baby’s condition. That’s because being tongue tied can make it harder for a little one to latch properly, in some cases making breastfeeding very difficult and more painful for Mom than it should be.

The good news is, not all tongue-tie cases are so severe. In fact, some children may grow into adults with only an inability to whistle to show for being tongue-tied.

But for those whose feeding is severely restricted, or who grow to have speech issues because of their tongue-tie, a procedure known as a tongue-tie division may be necessary. In infancy, this procedure can be completed without anesthetics or anesthesia. In fact, some babies will sleep right through it as a doctor uses sterile scissors to make a quick snip through the extra skin. They are able to eat immediately afterwards and are fully healed within two days.

For older children and adults, the procedure may be more involved, requiring general anesthesia and stitches. This is most likely to take place if the tongue tie causes enduring issues with speech and eating.

If you have questions or concerns about your baby’s tongue tie, don’t hesitate to talk to your pediatrician. In most cases, this is an easy fix and your baby won’t even remember having had that extra bit of skin at birth!

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

If you’re currently reading this over a pair of ginormous boobs, you may be wondering how you can relieve breast engorgement. They might look pretty spectacular, but engorged breasts can be tender, sore and downright painful. When your milk comes in, your breasts can change overnight. All of a sudden, they’re huge and uncomfortable. If you’re not enjoying your surgery-free boob job, you can try the following tips to reduce engorgement:

1. Wear a comfortable bra

As a new mother, comfort is probably quite high on your agenda. A soft nursing bra could be the answer to your problems. Underwired and unsupportive bras could be making matters worse, so invest in a decent nursing bra. Many moms find that sleeping in a nursing bra helps them to get comfortable at night. Don’t worry, the engorgement won’t last forever. As your supply adjusts to the needs of your baby, it will get easier. Until then, a decent nursing bra is your uniform.

2. Breastfeed your baby

The best and most effective way to relieve breast engorgement is to feed your baby. Newborn babies feed regularly thanks to their tiny tummies. If your breasts feel uncomfortable, try offering your baby a feed. Massage your breast during feeds to help the flow of milk and encourage the breasts to empty effectively.

3. Avoid formula milk and pacifiers

According to UNICEF, the use of pacifiers and formula milk can reduce the amount of time spent at the breast. Reducing the frequency of breastfeeding can lead to engorgement. It is important to offer your baby the breast regularly during those first few months of life.

4. Express milk

If your baby isn’t hungry, expressing some milk may help to relieve your discomfort. You should be careful not to over pump because this could lead to an oversupply of milk. Instead, limit yourself to just 10 minutes of pumping or less. You can express milk by hand or with a breast pump. There are plenty of different pumps on the market, so you’ll need to play around with different ones until you find one you like. There are manual pumps and electric pumps, and you’ll need to see which type you prefer. You may be able to borrow a pump from a friend or hire one from your local breastfeeding support group. You don’t have to use an expensive pump, you can hand express to relieve some pressure. If you’re struggling to get the hang of hand expressing, try it in the shower, the warm water is thought to help.

5. Use a cold compress

Using a cold compress between feeds can help. You can buy specialist breast compresses that can be easily kept in the fridge, or you can create your own by wrapping an ice pack in a blanket. Hold the compress to your breast for up to 20 minutes. Some moms use cabbage leaves as a cold compress. Simply tear off some leaves that have been chilled in the fridge and place directly in your bra for up to 20 minutes.

If the above tips don’t help, contact your local lactation consultant for advice. If you have flu-like symptoms and a fever you could be suffering from mastitis, contact your healthcare provider immediately if this is the case.

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Colostrum is the first milk you make for your baby and it is incredibly beneficial for your baby. You may not have heard much about this ‘liquid gold’ during your pregnancy, but it’s pretty amazing stuff. Your baby will benefit from receiving colostrum, so if you’re struggling with breastfeeding or feel like giving up, learning more about this amazing substance may give you the boost you need to keep going. Here are five amazing things you need to know about colostrum:

1. You will produce it whether you breastfeed or not

Your body has been producing colostrum from as early as four months into the pregnancy. Whilst you’ve been busy growing your baby, your body has been busy preparing to nourish the baby after the birth. Some women leak colostrum from their nipples during pregnancy.

2. It’s packed full of antibodies

Colostrum is high in antibodies, allowing your baby to receive some extra immunity from you after the birth. It’s also high in protein, making it a great source of nutrition for your newborn baby. Colostrum is lower in fats and sugars than breast milk, making it easier to digest. Newborn babies don’t need as many fats or sugars in their diet during the first few days of life, so colostrum is perfectly tailored to your baby’s needs.

3. You might not know it’s there

Your breasts won’t feel full until your milk comes in, at this point you’ll feel more like Pamela Anderson than a new mom. Until then, however, your breasts are still producing and storing colostrum for your baby. You breasts may not feel engorged yet, but they are still full of colostrum to nourish your baby.

4. Your baby doesn’t need much

Your baby’s first feed may be as little as 2 ml of colostrum, but that’s plenty for his tiny tummy. By the end of day three, he may be having as much as 60 ml in one feed. Some mothers worry that they’re not producing enough milk for their babies, but don’t worry, you don’t need to produce much colostrum to be able to fill that little tummy. The more you feed during the early days, the better this will be for your milk supply when it does come in.

5. It won’t be there for long

Just a few days after the birth you will start producing breast milk. The suckling action of your baby at the breast during colostrum feeds will help to prepare your breasts for breast milk production. Most women find their milk comes in around day two or three, but around a quarter of women find it takes longer. You’ll probably know when your milk comes in, not least because the postman won’t know where to look when you answer the door. Your breasts may feel swollen, tender, engorged and tingly. You may leak milk between feeds as your body produces an excess of milk. You may also find that you feel particularly emotional around the time your milk comes in, many mothers report feeling ‘weepy’ (huge understatement).

Has your milk come in yet?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.