Latest news with #lactation
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
20 game-changing breastfeeding tips every new parent needs to know
Breastfeeding is hard — full stop. Still, according to the CDC, about 83% of birthing moms start nursing right after delivery, brimming with optimism. But by the end of that first month, 70% run into hurdles like pain, exhaustion and that panicky "I'm not making enough milk" feeling. Fast-forward, and only 2 out of 5 moms make it to the recommended full year of breastfeeding. The plot twist? With smart prep and expert strategies, you can dodge some of the biggest pitfalls and make this whole thing way easier. We asked top lactation consultants, nurses, midwives and doulas for their smartest, real-world advice — and, boy, did they deliver. Here are the 20 best breastfeeding tips you need. 1. Book a prenatal lactation consult — yes, before birth "The single best thing you can do to build breastfeeding confidence is to schedule a prenatal consultation with a lactation professional before delivery," says Charnise Littles, a birth doula, board-certified lactation consultant and founder of Birth & Milk Co. "This allows you to understand how breastfeeding is initiated, set realistic expectations and prepare for common challenges." 2. Learn hand expression like it's a party trick Hand expression is the ultimate no-tech breastfeeding superpower — and most parents have no clue it exists. "Learning hand expression early builds confidence," says Leah Tribus, a registered nurse, board-certified lactation consultant and senior director of clinical and strategic partnership at The Lactation Network. Every squeeze tells your body to make more milk, stimulating flow. And just a drop or two of hand-expressed colostrum — the thick, nutrient-dense "first milk" — on your nipple can be enough to tempt a sleepy newborn to latch, says Tribus. After your baby's done eating, "express a few drops and let it dry on the nipple — nature's own nipple cream!" says Stephanie Nguyen, a registered nurse, board-certified lactation consultant and founder of Modern Milk. 3. Go skin-to-skin for at least an hour Embrace your newfound ability to toss all modesty out the window and place your newborn on your bare chest ASAP. Skin-to-skin contact, or kangaroo care, right after birth helps your milk come in. It also kick-starts the "love" hormone oxytocin, which fires up your baby's instinct to find your breast. "If you can, ask your care team ahead of time for a full, uninterrupted hour before any nonurgent newborn procedures," says Tribus. Those early minutes really matter: A 2022 report in the journal Nutrients found that newborns who had an hour of uninterrupted skin-to-skin right after birth had better sucking skills — and parents reported more nursing confidence than those who got only 20 minutes. Keep kangarooing going when you're home. Doing it during your little one's first few weeks makes it easier for you to know when to feed them, and "it helps stimulate your baby's appetite thanks to the milk smell you give off," says Mindy Cockeram, board-certified lactation consultant and author of Pump It Up! "It's like you sleeping next to a warm pizza — the smell would be enough to wake you up and eat." 4. Measure success by diapers, not ounces Stop obsessing over ounces you can't see. "So many new parents assume they have a low milk supply when, in reality, things are going just fine," says Nguyen. Why the worry? Parents assume cluster or short feeds, fussy evenings and soft breasts mean they're making less milk. But the reality is, "diapers and weight gain are better indicators of supply," says Nguyen. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), newborns should churn out two to three wet diapers daily and then after the first four or five days, that'll go up to at least five to six wet diapers a day. 5. Ditch the clock — follow your baby's lead Forget what the momfluencers say: Newborns don't do schedules. Simply nurse your baby "as often as they're willing," according to the AAP. "Many parents unknowingly follow schedules too early — or miss their baby's subtle feeding cues," says Tribus. Frequent, on-demand feeding in the first weeks should be your game plan. That's what helps establish a solid milk supply. 6. Get a pro to check your latch early "Most nipple pain comes from a shallow latch," says Nguyen. But as a new parent, "shallow latch" likely means a whole lot of nothing to you. That's why it's important to get a proper latch assessment by a board-certified lactation consultant in the first few days after birth to help "prevent nipple pain and poor milk transfer from snowballing into much bigger problems," adds Tribus. Your baby has a good latch if you're comfortable (no pinching or sharp pain) and your baby's Chest is pressed against you. Lips are flanged out like "fish lips." Chin is pressed into your breast. Swallowing is easy to see or hear. Ears wiggle a bit while sucking. 7. Pick the right pump for your life The breast pump your sister, colleague, neighbor or BFF used does not automatically mean it's right for you. "Exclusive pumpers — or those separated from their baby regularly — should use a hospital-grade or high-quality double electric pump," says Tribus. One quiet, compact option to consider is the Spectra S1 Plus — it offers multiple suction strengths and speeds for a customizable experience, and 84% of Amazon reviewers give it 5 stars. If you've got more of an on-the-go lifestyle, Tribus recommends a compact, cordless option. "They offer more freedom, but they may be less efficient." The Elvie — a double, wearable pump — is a quiet, discrete pick that parents love. One 5-star reviewer shares, "This pump also helps stimulate my breasts to produce more milk. You can literally wear these for an hour each day and get so much milk." And for a suction-only manual pump, Nguyen's tried-and-true favorite is the Haakaa Silicone Pump. "It's super helpful in the early weeks for collecting milk during letdown." It's particularly helpful for catching milk on the opposite breast while nursing or for increasing milk supply through stimulation. Just make sure to get a secure suction to avoid (literally) crying over spilled milk. 8. Check your flange fit — more than once "Proper flange size is everything," says Nguyen. If you're wondering, a flange is basically a funnel for your boob — a cone-shaped cup that fits over your nipple and areola, creating a seal so your breast pump can work. Get the size wrong, and you're in for trouble: Too-big flanges can pull in excess tissue, causing pain, swelling, longer sessions and less milk — which can eventually tank your supply. Many pumps ship with a standard 24 mm flange, but you might need a smaller or larger one depending on your nipple size — and that size can change over time. "Measure early and check regularly since flange size can change after frequent pumping," says Nguyen. In fact, a 2024 study in the Journal of Human Lactation found that over 70% of pumping parents started with a flange that was too big — and switching to the right size improved both comfort and milk output. Some signs your flange is off: Your nipple rubs against the side, causing pain. Your areola — or extra breast tissue — gets pulled into the tunnel. You notice post-pumping redness or discoloration. Your skin looks lighter where the flange touches, restricting circulation. You're working way too hard for every ounce. Once you land on the right fit, "lubricate the flange," says Nguyen. "A bit of coconut oil or nipple balm in the flange can reduce friction." 9. Eat protein like you're training for the Olympics "New breastfeeding moms need double the amount of protein they did before pregnancy," says Dr. Lauren Davis, a dual board-certified osteopathic physician and founder of Latched Nourished Thriving. While U.S. guidelines recommend about 0.48 grams of protein per pound of body weight daily for lactating parents, 2020 research suggests exclusively chestfeeding parents may need closer to 0.8 grams per pound to maintain muscle mass and keep milk production strong. That's about 120 grams a day for a 150-pound parent. Beyond eating plant-based and lean proteins, Davis recommends keeping high-protein, nutrient-dense snacks around the house, like unsalted nuts — and adding a scoop of collagen to your morning coffee. Try Orgain Collagen Peptides (18 grams of protein per serving) — Yahoo's 'best overall' pick. 10. Keep bottles from stealing the show "If you're combo-feeding — juggling both breast and bottle — use a paced bottle-feeding method and stick with slow-flow nipples, even for older infants," says Tribus. Making bottle feeding more like breastfeeding helps prevent your baby from preferring the faster flow of a bottle and turning down the breast. The technique: Hold your baby upright, keep the bottle horizontal and let them control the pace. This mimics breastfeeding's natural rhythm and helps prevent bottle preference. 11. Try pants-free feeding This will go against your new-parent gut, but "don't keep your baby warm when they're feeding — no matter what your mother, grandmother or insert-another-elder-here says," advises Cockeram. "Instead, feed your newborn in just a diaper until they regain any lost newborn weight. You want your baby to be alert so they feed well, not fall asleep halfway through due to being overly warm." 12. Change positions like a yoga flow Don't lock into one breastfeeding position. "Rotating through holds helps distribute pressure on different parts of the nipple and breast," says Nguyen. What works for one feed may not work for the next, so keep experimenting until you're comfortable. After all, "babies know when you're not comfortable, and the latching will be more difficult,' says Tania Lopez, a certified nurse-midwife at Pediatrix Medical Group in Fort Worth, Texas. Some holds to add to the mix: Football hold: Great for C-section recovery, large breasts, flat or inverted nipples or a strong let-down. Tuck your baby at your side, lying on their back with their head at nipple level. Support the base of their head with your palm. Side-lying: Another post-cesarean winner — lie on your side, baby facing you, so you can rest while nursing. Cross-cradle hold: Ideal for preemies or babies with a weak suck. If nursing from the left breast, use your right arm to support them along your forearm, tummy to tummy. Cup the base of their head just below the ears, letting your fingers gently cradle their neck. 13. Don't blame the broccoli That gassy, spitty baby? Your lunch probably isn't the villain. "It's actually rare that something you're eating is giving your baby GI distress," says Lucy Chapin, a certified nurse midwife and founder of Mad River Birth and Wellness. So, please, (unless your baby has a confirmed allergy or intolerance) skip the restrictive diet — it's usually just reflux from swallowed air, not your kale salad. Instead, feed before your baby gets overly hungry, burp during and after nursing sessions and keep them upright for at least 20 minutes afterward. If your baby is otherwise gaining weight and seems content, time — not a food ban — is the real cure. 14. Baby your nipples like they're precious gems "Nipple pain is very common in the first few days of breastfeeding — especially as you and baby are still learning how to latch," says Nguyen. "But common doesn't mean normal if the pain is persistent or intense. Don't tough it out!" Instead, seek help from a lactation consultant, change positions and use nature's nipple balm: breast milk. "I also recommend proactively applying a high-quality lanolin or plant-based nipple cream, like Earth Mama Nipple Butter or Motherlove Nipple Cream, after every feeding," she says. "They can soothe and protect the skin. And let your nipples air dry to prevent chapping." And if your nips are sore and cracked already, try a silver nursing cup to soothe and protect. Nguyen's pick: Silverette Cups — "they're amazing!" 15. Forget everything you know about treating clogs Ditch the deep massage playbook. "For years, we were taught to 'work out' a clog in the breast with deep massage, heat and vibration — but the latest evidence shows that this can increase inflammation and worsen symptoms," says Nguyen. Instead, rest, hydrate and apply a cool compress to help reduce swelling and soothe discomfort. "And talk to your provider about possibly taking an anti-inflammatory to reduce swelling and pain, a breastfeeding-specific probiotic like Therbiotics Target B2 and a sunflower lecithin like Legendairy Milk Sunflower Lecithin too," says Nguyen. (Though, keep in mind research on probiotics and sunflower lecithin for clogged ducts is limited.) 16. Don't worry about the weaker boob "Most people have one breast that's the 'producer,' making a ton of milk, and the other that just doesn't," says Chapin. "As long as your baby is gaining weight and seems satisfied after eating, it's nothing to worry about." If your bub completely refuses to nurse on one side, however, turn to your trusted lactation consultant to investigate. 17. Question 'doctor's orders' to quit breastfeeding That medical advice to stop nursing because of your antidepressants, blood pressure meds or even antibiotics might be wrong. A massive review in the International Breastfeeding Journal found that in 98% of cases, women could've safely continued breastfeeding after being told to stop because of their medication. Translation? Your health care provider might be playing it unnecessarily safe. Now, this doesn't mean you need — or should — make this determination on your own. Instead, ask for evidence-based guidance or ask for a referral to a lactation pharmacology expert. (They exist!) Your questions to ask: "What specific risk does this medication pose?" and "Can you refer me to someone who specializes in breastfeeding and medications?" Many doctors simply don't have the specialized training to make these calls confidently. 18. Master the hands-free 'feeding shelf' "People are surprised when I show them how to set up pillows so you can essentially nurse hands-free," says Laura Hunter, a pediatric nurse and co-founder of Moms on Call. "The idea is to prop your pillows so your shoulders can drop and your arms rest naturally — almost like your baby is nestled into a little feeding shelf." Use a structured nursing pillow like the My Brest Friend (Hunter's go-to for its adjustable height and stable surface), or layer smaller pillows and rolled blankets to create the perfect height where your baby lies tummy-to-tummy on their side while you sit upright and breathe deeply. "That simple change — removing the strain from your arms and neck — often transforms the whole experience," she says. 19. Have your comeback ready for the boob critics Whether it's a nosy relative, a stranger in the checkout line or cultural pressure to stop, you don't have to defend breastfeeding — ever. "Breastfeeding is a deeply personal choice that requires intentionality to maintain," says Littles. One of her go-to responses when someone questions it: "Will you be buying a year's supply of formula for us?" You can also flip it to the positive: Remind them breastfeeding benefits your baby and your health — lowering your risk of certain cancers, heart disease, diabetes and more, says Littles. Either way, you shut down the commentary and keep feeding your way. 20. Yes, you can comfort nurse! "It's totally OK to breastfeed just for comfort," says Nguyen. "Breastfeeding isn't just about nutrition. It's about bonding, calming, regulating your baby's nervous system — and yours. Nursing to soothe is biologically normal and OK. You're not spoiling your baby — you're meeting their needs." Meet the experts Charnise Littles, IBCLC, board-certified lactation consultant, birth doula and founder of Birth & Milk Co. Leah Tribus, RN, IBCLC, a registered nurse, board-certified lactation consultant and senior director of clinical and strategic partnership at The Lactation Network Stephanie Nguyen, RN, IBCLC, registered nurse, board-certified lactation consultant and founder of Modern Milk Mindy Cockeram, IBCLC, board-certified lactation consultant and author of Pump It Up! Lauren Davis, DO, dual board-certified osteopathic physician and functional medicine expert specializing in postpartum recovery and founder of Latched Nourished Thriving Tania Lopez, certified nurse-midwife at Pediatrix Medical Group in Fort Worth, Tex. Lucy Chapin, certified nurse-midwife and founder of Mad River Birth and Wellness Laura Hunter, LPN, a pediatric nurse and co-founder of Moms on Call
Daily Mail
26-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
I breastfeed my husband, here's how I do it now my children aren't babies
A mother who used to breastfeed her husband while she was also nursing her children has revealed how she produces breast milk now she's stopped having children. Rachel Bailey, 32, from Florida, US, told how she is desperate to continue breastfeeding her husband, Alexander, 32, and has turned to her own methods to keep their bond strong. However, now that she's done with having children, she's explained the new ways she's producing breast milk. The couple told how their typical feeding routine has been on hold for over a year so now she wants to bring back what her partner has been missing. Rachel said: 'I am finally taking steps to lactate so I could give my man what he's been missing for the past year that we have stopped. 'And don't worry to those who think this is a sexual thing. This isn't about sensationalism, it's about reclaiming softness.' Rachel first started breastfeeding her husband in 2016, and since then things have been going great with the pair as they told how it brought them closer. She continued to let him feed from her until 2023 when her child was then old enough that her natural flow had come to an end. But after over a year of not having their home comfort, the couple have decided they want to try new methods to bring it back. Rachel explained that she is now researching and exploring the possibility of lactation without having to fall pregnant. She revealed that she will be starting with breast stimulation, manual expression and tea as well as lots of relaxation and a supplemental nursing system. They hope that with consistent work they will be able to experience the bond they once shared. Rachel said: 'I miss that bond. It was sacred, hilarious, healing, intimate and yeah, a little weird to some. But it was ours. 'Now that my son's older, I started wondering if I could bring that bond back without having another baby? 'Research shows yes, so we're beginning a new chapter. Exploring whether it's possible to reintroduce lactation without being pregnant. 'I just feel the power, the bond, the energy, the conjoined with nature, and just how much power it brings to us. 'I saw that there are so many ways that you could get your milk flowing again. This is amazing if you're not pregnant, but you want to like it. 'I'm going to be massaging my area... herbal teas, in order to get the milk flowing and get our bond flowing even more than it already has.' Alexander said: 'I feel like it takes us to another level. 'Although we are the freakiest couple on social media or the most sexual couple or central couple on social media, this is not a sexual thing. 'It's actually more of a spiritual thing to me.' The mother previously explained that Alexander didn't get a cold in two years and he was getting plenty of compliments on his skin when she was breastfeeding him. 'It's a bit of a taboo subject, but we wanted to share it because we don't think it's bad and we aren't ashamed,' she said in 2023. Alexander initially began drinking Rachel's breastmilk to help her when she was over-lactating while nursing their children. 'When my middle child, Aria, now six, was breastfeeding, I went away on a cruise with Alexander,' she explained. 'However, I forgot my breast pump and was badly engorged for two days. 'I was in so much pain and I was scared about getting an infection, so we decided that my husband was going to try drinking the milk to relieve me. 'We were nervous about the idea of him breastfeeding from me but as soon as we did it, we realized it was perfectly fine.' Rachel said it was 'an instant relief when Alexander latched on'. 'On top of that, it has also created a more special bond between us which we never would have had if we didn't start this,' she added. When she was producing the most milk shortly after giving birth, he was drinking her milk 'three to four times a day'. Rachel says her diet also affects Alexander's as a result. 'It's funny because if I eat something spicy, it also gives Alexander gas too,' she said. The mother also stressed that her children are priority - and has always made sure that her babies are fed first before Alexander finishes the remaining milk. The couple talk about breastfeeding on their social media and have also appeared on TLC's My Strange Addiction. 'I love breastfeeding him as it allows us to spend quality time together. It's definitely brought us closer as a couple,' Rachel explained. 'We realised there was nothing wrong with me breastfeeding him, and it would actually be good for him as it is so nutritious. 'He didn't get a cold for two years after he started drinking my milk and so many people said his skin was so much better too. 'It's not a kink for us. It started as Alexander just helping me out when I was in pain, but it turned into more of an emotional bonding thing.' When she fell pregnant again for the third time with her youngest child, Matthew, two, she'd begin over-lactating again and Alexander was on hand to gladly help her out. She would breastfeed her husband at breakfast, lunch and dinner, but as she is now producing less milk, she is only breastfeeding him at night. 'I have just stepped away from nursing our youngest child as I am producing less milk, so he just feeds on my milk in the evenings now,' Rachel explained. 'I am sad that our breast feeding times have reduced now because I feel like it has taken away our routine of those blocks of quality time that we had together.' She says it's 'such a nice experience' and the couple are 'so glad' they started doing it. 'Nothing bad has come from it at all, so why should it be something that is hidden?,' she remarked. 'Alexander felt so much more energized when he was drinking my milk and he said that he even felt in a state of medication while he was latched on. 'It was really special and brought us closer than ever before.'
CTV News
31-05-2025
- Health
- CTV News
New lactation station open at University of Alberta
A new lactation pod was opened at the University of Alberta on May 30, 2025. (Cameron Wiebe/CTV News Edmonton) The University of Alberta has unveiled a new initiative aimed at helping parents on campus. A new lactation pod opened on Friday at the Students' Union Building. The Mamava pod, which is unlocked using a mobile app, is a private room where students and staff can breastfeed or pump comfortably in private. 'This really represents an opportunity for us to ensure that we are demonstrating that we have spaces available for all members of our community,' said Kevin Friese, assistant dean of student health and wellness. 'We recognize the diversity of our campus population, and that diversity includes students with dependents and students who parent.' Friese said the average student age has risen over the past 15 years, and many mature and many graduate students have families. University of Alberta lactation station Parents visit the new lactation pod at the University of Alberta on May 30, 2025. (Cameron Wiebe/CTV News Edmonton) Students and staff are able to breastfeed or pump anywhere on campus, he said, but the pod is available for those who want to do so in private. The pod was paid for by donations, and the university said it adds to other family-friendly campus features, such as the Rutherford Library Family Corner, where students can study while their children play, and other breastfeeding, lactation and changing table locations on campus. 'Small actions like this, we know are so important to making sure that our student parents feel welcome and that we can accommodate not just them, but also their kiddos,' Friese said.
Medscape
23-05-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Lactation Can Trigger Menopause-Like Symptoms
Many breastfeeding mothers experience menopause-like symptoms of the postpartum condition recently designated genitourinary syndrome of lactation (GSL) in a systematic review reported in Obstetrics & Gynecology . The term was proposed in 2024 after interdisciplinary discussions among obstetricians, gynecologists, and urologists and following recognition of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Though common, this lactation-associated syndrome is a blind spot in postpartum care — underrecognized and undertreated, according to the review's lead author, Sara Perelmuter, MPhil, an MD candidate at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City, and colleagues. They found a strong association between lactation and a spectrum of symptoms encompassing vaginal atrophy and dryness, urinary issues, dyspareunia, and sexual dysfunction. Sara Perelmuter, MPhil Pooled analysis revealed that vaginal atrophy was prevalent in almost two thirds of postpartum lactating individuals, with breastfeeding women being 2.34 times more likely to experience atrophy than their non-breastfeeding counterparts. The impetus for this review came from the increasing recognition of GSM. 'Yet silence still existed around postpartum lactating individuals who are essentially going through the same physiological experience of a lack of estrogens and androgens,' Perelmuter told Medscape Medical News . 'I was constantly frustrated by how many postpartum patients — especially lactating individuals — experienced debilitating vaginal and urinary symptoms, yet no one named it, asked about it, and very few providers treated it.' This is a physiologic, hormonal, and wholly real condition affecting millions, and it was time it had a name and clinical recognition, she added. Despite its high prevalence, consistent screening at postpartum visits and treatment guidelines are not available. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, for example, has issued no guidance on GSL. The authors urged clinicians to prioritize awareness, screening, and personalized care to address these underrecognized symptoms and improve quality of life of lactating mothers. Mechanisms During postpartum lactation, high levels of prolactin inhibit estrogen and androgen secretion. 'If you're not lactating, your hormones are able to rebalance faster, whereas if you're lactating, the hormonal shifts are more dramatic due to sustained suppression of estrogen and androgen,' Perelmuter said, noting that exclusively lactating individuals reported a higher burden of symptom severity in all domains. The Review US and international investigators examined 65 eligible studies, of which almost 80% were of high quality. Among the specific findings in postpartum lactating individuals: The prevalence of vaginal atrophy was 63.9% (95% CI, 55.3%-71.6%) and that of dryness was 53.6% (95% CI, 33.6%-72.5%). Meta-analyses for dyspareunia at 3, 6, and 12 months revealed pooled prevalence estimates of 60.0% (95% CI, 45.1%-73.3%), 39.7% (95% CI, 28.9%-51.5%), and 28.5% (95% CI, 26.3%-30.9%), respectively. Pooled odds ratios at these timepoints were 2.33 (95% CI, 1.92-2.83), 2.24 (95% CI, 1.62-3.10), and 1.45 (95% CI, 1.36-1.56), respectively. The pooled prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 73.5% (95% CI, 59.1%-84.2%). The mean Female Sexual Function Index score was 21.5 ± 1.83, indicating significant dysfunction. 'Honestly, we were shocked by how widespread and underrecognized these symptoms are,' Perelmuter said. 'GSL is a hormonal mirror of GSM, but it's happening during what we culturally frame as a joyful and healthy time — early motherhood — but which is also defined by a massive lifestyle shift.' The investigators were also struck by the finding that more than 70% never seek or receive care. 'These symptoms are not a niche problem. They're systemic, frequent, and deeply impactful. The data validated what many of us have seen in clinic but felt powerless to name.' If your postpartum patient is lactating and reporting dryness, pain, or sexual dysfunction, offer treatment, she advised. 'A simple question, a brief explanation, and an offer of vaginal estrogen or pelvic floor therapy can be life-changing. It's time we bring this into mainstream training for primary care, Ob/Gyns, midwives, lactation consultants, and even pediatricians. Our patients are already experiencing it — we just need to catch up.' Irwin Goldstein, MD Commenting on GSL but not involved in the review, Irwin Goldstein, MD, director of San Diego Sexual Medicine and a clinical professor of urology at University of California San Diego, also stressed the urgent need to raise awareness in the medical community and the public. While it's 'normal' to have low levels of reproductive hormones in both menopause and GSL, this normal state 'leads to unwanted and bothersome and distressing symptoms, which, if appreciated, can be treated,' he told Medscape Medical News . 'The safest hormonal treatment would be intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone. Its mechanism is intracrinologic [within cells], and it does not enter the bloodstream.' For Perelmuter, GSL is part of a larger pattern in which women's pain — especially postpartum — is being ignored and normalized. 'We need to reframe postpartum care as a time of active healing, not passive endurance,' she said. 'This study is just the beginning. Let's build a future where every lactating person has their symptoms taken seriously, their options explained clearly, and their bodies respected fully.'
