Dealing with Hyperlactation during breastfeeding

Dealing with Hyperlactation during breastfeeding

What is Hyperlactation?
Hyperlactation is a term that refers to over-abundant production of milk from the mammary glands. The milk thus produced exceeds the daily dietary requirements of the baby. Hyperlactation may make it difficult for babies to feed as the milk flows through in a rapid and forcible manner – this may prevent a proper latch-on, and can also induce gag reflex in infants. Spontaneous leaking or spraying of milk even between nursing sessions is a prominent indicator of Hyperlactation.

How can you tell if your breasts are producing an over-abundant supply of milk?
Hyperlactation has a number of different indicators. The most prominent ones include spontaneous leaking of milk from the nipples, heavy or full breasts, painful letdown, soaked breast pads, engorged breasts, plugged ducts, and in some cases, mastitis.
The baby will also exhibit signs of discomfort such as pulling away from the breast during nursing sessions, clamping tightly on your nipples (perhaps in an attempt to stem the fast and forcible flow of milk), gagging, or acting fussy. Weight gain can either be higher or lower than normal.

Why does Hyperlactation occur?
There are a number of reasons behind the over-abundant production of milk seen in certain breastfeeding women. Pumping too frequently during the day may be one of the reasons because this may give a cue to the body to produce more and more milk. Pumping milk between nursing sessions has been helpful to many in enhancing and improving supply, but doing it too frequently can actually lead to over production.
According to human anatomy facts, the breast contains 100,000 to 300,000 alveoli (small glands that produce milk), and women that experience hyperlactation generally have the upper limit value.
Hormonal imbalances can also affect the overall milk production in the breasts by either enhancing it above, or reducing it below the normal levels.

How can the issue be overcome?
If you have experienced all or some of the signs that point towards Hyperlactation, then it is time you booked an appointment with a lactation expert. Lactation consultants specialize in issues and disorders related to breast milk production, and will be able to guide you in the right path.
Your doctor may advise you to hand express or pump prior to every nursing session in order to control and normalize the flow before your child begins feeding. This will effectively reduce the letdown pain, and allow your child to enjoy a discomfort and tantrum-free mealtime. You can prevent gag reflex in your baby by adjusting the breastfeeding position; simply make your little one sit up, directly facing the breast during nursing session – this has proven to be one of the most useful techniques in coping with hyperlactation.

Make sure you consult a professional lactation expert to understand your problem and its solutions in a better way. Always refrain from trying something different that you read somewhere, and that lacks scientific explanations.   Can find more information about breast-feeding here  http://thesavimom.com/breast-milk-whats-the-big-deal/ or http://thesavimom.com

Dealing with low milk supply issues during breastfeeding

Dealing with low milk supply issues during breastfeeding

Low milk supply issues during breastfeeding are quite common across the globe, without countless women experiencing the same issues as you do. The first step towards solving this problem is: understanding what it is, and why it happens.  

Low Milk Supply:
If you are experiencing low milk supply for breastfeeding, you are probably not feeding your little one as often as you ought to. This is one of the leading reasons for low milk supply. Perhaps you’ve been nursing your baby less frequently owing to nipple soreness, pain, irritation, bleeding or an improper latch-on. Supplementing is another top reason why your body may be producing less milk than usual. According to experts, women should breast feed their babies for at least one whole year without switching to formulae or supplements.
One of the most prominent markers of low milk supply will be your baby’s weight gain; during the first 3 months of his/her life, you little one will gain at least an ounce each day, and half an ounce daily 3 months onwards. If the baby isn’t gaining weight like he/she is supposed to, you may consult your doctor on how you can increase your milk supply.
Remember, if your baby isn’t gaining weight, this may also mean that you are indeed producing an adequate amount of milk, but are not being able to deliver it to the baby. In such cases, you must first work on your breastfeeding positions and latch-on techniques. Here are a few tips that you can follow if you are experiencing low milk supply issues during breastfeeding:

•         It takes only about 2 hours for your baby to digest milk, which is why he/she may demand it a lot more frequently than you initially expected. To maintain a good, healthy milk flow quality-wise and quantity-wise, breastfeed as often as possible during the day – you’ll feel the difference!

       Book an appointment with a lactation specialist – this will give you a thorough, comprehensive insight into why you’re experiencing the problem, and what you can do to overcome it.

• ·         Keep working on that latch-on till you perfect it! It has been said, and right so, that if at first you don’t succeed, try again. Video tutorials can offer you step-by-step tutorials on how you can improve your positions, and latch techniques during breastfeeding.

• ·         Avoid giving all kinds of supplements, formula mixtures and solid food to the little one till he/she reaches at least six months of age. Active breastfeeding for six to twelve months straight can enhance your milk production.

• ·         You may have heard that drinking plenty of milk, water and liquids will increase your milk supply – this is a myth. You must however, pay attention to your own diet to remain healthy for your baby.

• Try pumping between nursing sessions – according to experienced mommies, pumping is quite effective and helpful in terms of maintaining a good milk flow for breastfeeding. 
• Can find more information on breast-feeding here http://thesavimom.com/breast-milk-whats-the-big-deal/ or http://thesavimom.com

Taking care of the milk

Taking care of the milk-makers when you’re breastfeeding

All of us know that the breasts are extremely sensitive and must be cared for in a proper manner. Anything unusual, such as change in tone, texture, feel or shade must be reported to medical experts immediately. However, it is normal for the breasts to undergo certain changes during pregnancy and nursing – but that’s not something you should be panicking about. As long as you follow these useful tips on keeping your breasts clean and healthy, you’ll never have to worry about a thing!

Here is what experienced moms have to say about breasts and how you can prevent irritation, rashes, infections and other problems when you’re breastfeeding:

·         Make sure you pay close attention to your milk makers; it is natural for the breasts to feel sore after nursing, especially when the baby has started popping teeth – but continuous, dull pain that occurs at intervals throughout the day is not normal and must be reported to the doctors.

·         Moisture and wetness in the breast region when combined with body heat, provides a favorable environment to opportunistic microorganisms that spread infection. To avoid this, always make sure that you dry your breasts before putting your clothes back on following a nursing session.

·         Always purchase cotton bras at least till you are breastfeeding. They remain dry, absorbent and are super comfortable to wear. Avoid using plastic back breast packs because they don’t allow your breasts to ‘breathe’. You must also get into the habit of changing your breast pads after every nursing session.

·       

  Cracked nipples are common, and fortunately easy to treat. Ointments that contain purified lanolin or paraffin work effectively to treat sore, cracked areas on the nipples that make breastfeeding painful. They offer rapid results and are easily available over the counter at leading pharmacies.

·         Do not apply soap directly on to your breasts when you are bathing. Many women tend to wash their breasts using soap multiple times a day, or following every feeding session which is not recommended. Soap makes the skin unnaturally dry and coarse – you can gently wash yourself with water to prevent any unwanted dryness.

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 Watch videos online to see how you can help your little one establish the perfect latch-on during breastfeeding. An improper latch is one of the leading causes of nipple soreness and pain.

·         Regardless of the problem, do not discontinue breastfeeding – just like in case of anything new in your life, this too will take a bit of time for you to adjust, but pretty soon (mommies swear on this!) you’ll find yourself at peace, comfortably nursing your baby without any worries or issues. 

 More information, you can go to http://thesavimom.com/ or http://thesavimom.com/breast-milk-whats-the-big-deal/

9 Amazing Alternative Uses for Your Liquid Gold – Your Breastmilk

9 Amazing Alternative Uses for Your Liquid Gold – Your Breastmilk

Your pediatrician told you about it. The famous Dr. Sears and the nursing moms of the blogging world have talked about it, too. We, at SaviMom, know about breastmilk and its medicinal uses too. Breast is best and breastmilk is the best milk. Breastmilk is more than just a thirst-quenching liquid. It has the complete nutrition your baby needs. Breast milk’s component adjusts according to the nutritional needs of your child. What is more, breastmilk has also several other purposes apart from being a nutritious food.

This multi-purpose liquid gold can cure a pink eye, eczema, inflammation and bug bites. Yes, they’re that good. This all-natural treatment is free and you have an unlimited supply of it.  Let’s take a further look at what your potent milk can do.

1.       Stings and insect bites. Breastmilk’s antibacterial properties can reduce itching of insect bites and promote fast healing of stings.

2.       Pink eye, red eyes. Just squirt some onto the eye of your child and wait for minor conjuctivitis to heal. This all-natural treatment is guaranteed safe. If you notice insect bites on sensitive areas of your child’s body, breastmilk is a chemical-free treatment that you can easily and instantly apply.

3.       Sore and cracked nipples. The moisturizing property of breastmilk is perfect for treating sore and cracked nipples. Rub breastmilk on your areola and air dry.

4.       Eczema. Breastmilk can moisturize skin. Its antimicrobial and antiseptic properties can heal and relieve itchiness of rashes and contact dermatitis.

5.       Sunburn. Pat expressed breastmilk onto sunburn to ease pain and promote healing.

6.       Cuts and scrapes. You don’t have to subject your newborn baby’s skin to chemically-laden antiseptic products. In case your baby’s skin has been scratched by a toy, apply expressed breastmilk to the cut or scrape and let its natural antiseptic property soothe and heal. 

7.       Cradle Cap. Oh yes, it’s true. Massage breastilk onto your newborn’s scalp and see how easily and safely you can get rid of cradle cap.

8.       Beauty product for Mom. Once in the life of a busy nursing mom, she might forget her huge stash of expressed milk. So what to do with the expired ones? Don’t give it to your kid but don’t throw it away just yet. Feel free to use it on yourself as a beauty product. Use it to wash your face or remove make-up.  Use it as a body wash or a milk soak or scrub for your DIY hand or foot spa. Take advantage of the abundance of antibodies present in breastmilk. If you had a fun night with friends and you had several drinks, do not pump and dump. If you had too many drinks and you feel you can’t feed your pumped milk to your child, save it for yourself instead.

9.       Ear infection. Do you suspect your baby has an ear infection? Start nursing, wait for the let-down and shoot. Ear pain is a serious problem and breast milk is a natural, effective, safe, and chemical-free solution.

Your boob juice can nourish a life so there’s no doubt it can also do wonders even on the superficial aspects of living.  It’s a gift to moms and children and families so take full advantage of what it offers. Breastmilk’s disinfecting, healing, and moisturizing properties are unrivaled by any commercial and chemically-formulated medical drugs. So the next time there’s a health concern at home, don’t panic.

More informative articles about breast-feeding, please go to  http://thesavimom.com and become a more savvy mom.