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Lactation Blog


late preterm infant

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Babies that are born before 40 weeks gestation are more prone to feeding issues.  Late Preterm infants born between 35 and 39 weeks often need extra help meet growth and nutrition needs. They may not be effective feeders and not take enough at the breast.  Moms may need to spend additional time pumping and feeding baby by other methods than at the breast to ensure intake.  Early follow up with lactation can help parents through this challenging time.  The extra pumping protects the milk supply for when the baby becomes more mature and ready to exclusively breastfeed. 



World Breastfeeding Week

Monday, August 01, 2011

World Breastfeeding Week is August 1-7, 2011.  The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action's theme is:  Talk to Me: breastfeeding a 3D experience.  The Texas Department of Health Services dedicates the entire month of August to breastfeeding activities and their theme is Every Ounce Counts:  Helping Moms Achieve Their Breastfeeding Goals. 
The San Antonio Breastfeeding Coalition (SABC) and North Central Baptist are celebrating with cake and punch on Aug. 8 at 1PM in the Atrium.  As part of the activities, the coalition is sponsoring a new clothing drive to benefit the Children's Shelter of San Antonio.  New childrens clothing of all sizes may be dropped off at the Lactation Center during business hours or at the Registration Desk in the Atrium after hours.  
Texas Department of Health Services:

www.dshs.state.tx.us/wichd/bf/pdf/2011-WBM-Activity-Ideas.pdf



slow weight gain

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Early follow up with  a health care professional after delivery is essential to catching slow weight gain in breastfed infants.  Babies should be seen for a weight check 2-4 days after discharge to assess feeding and milk supply.  Mom's milk should typically be in 3-5 days after delivery and baby should be regaining any weight loss.  A normal weight loss of 5-7% is typical but some infants have weight loss up to 10%.  Generally when babies continue to have a weight loss or poor intake by 7-10 days, they may not have the ability to regain without additional calories.  An effective lactation consult includes pre and post feeding weights, assessment of latch and feeding at the breast, output assessment of greater than 6 wet and 3-4 yellow, loose/seedy stools per day.  If baby is having difficulty latching or transferring milk, interventions to protect milk supply with pumping and feeding the baby pumped milk or formula may be indicated to help baby regain weght loss and improve feedings.  Continuing follow up weight checks and milk supply until normal breastfed infant growth is necessary. Growth charts for exclusively breastfed infants can be found at: 

http://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts.


kellymom.com



Reflux and breastfeeding

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Reflux is common in babies--an estimated 40-65% of all babies have some degree of reflux in  the early months.  Many times these babies are "colicy" or "fussy".  Reflux is usually due to immaturity of the esophagus muscle to the stomach and often resolves in 1st year of life.  

Signs of infant acid reflux:
  • poor weight gain or rapid weight gain
  • frequent spitting up or gulping with a painful look on face
  • projectile vomitting
  • sour breath
  • persistent hiccups/cough
  • persistent hoarseness, congestion
  • excessive fussiness, crying or colic
  • sudden bursts of painful crying
  • poor day/night sleep patterns/habits
  • constantly feeding or refusing to feed
  • poor feeding:  arching, stiffening, screaming, pulling up legs
  • prefers upright/inclined positions
  • needs to be held to be comfortable all the time

Many times reflux can be managed with simple feeding changes but if not, contact you baby's doctor for an evaluation. 

More information for parents on reflux can be found in "A Parent's Guide to Living with Infant Acid Reflux "at:

www.PollywogBaby.com



Increasing Milk Supply and Pumping

Wednesday, May 04, 2011

Many moms find a drop in supply when having to rely on their pump more frequently such as when they return to work.  They now have to us a pump to remove the milk several times a day and may struggle to keep up with the baby's demands.   Using the best quality pump with properly fitting breast shields is the first step.  When seperated from the baby, a double hospital grade pumping system is the most efficient and effective.  The double pumping personal use pumps are good choices when baby is nursing well and helping mom increase or maintain the supply when together.  If moms' note that they are not getting as much milk as previously, replacing the valves or membranes may be helpful as rips or tears can occur and decrease the suction and milk production.  Evaluating a pumping session may provide clues on decreased production as well as tips on improved pumping techniques.  By using a hands free pumping bra, mom can work while pumping to increase imilk volume.  Pumping once or twice a day when home with the baby can result in improved milk production when seperated as well as adding a night time pumping session if baby is sleeping more than 6 hours. 


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