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 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:

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 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

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. 

Our little store is getting a facelift!  We've added slatwalls for product display and to ease congestion when we are busy as we've been.  We look forward to providing improved service as it will allow browsing.  On another note, our popular Bravado line of bras has been recently acquired by Medela.  Also, the San Antonio Breastfeeding Coalitions' Eat for a Cause is April 7th.  See last week's blog for details, come and join us for food, fellowship and fun!

Join the San Antonio Breastfeeding Coalition (SABC)on Thursday, April 7, 2011 from 5-8PM at Pericos Mexican Grill for our annual Eat for a Cause.  15% of receipts with flyer of the event will be donated to SABC a 501C3 non profit dedicated to promoting, protecting and suporting breastfeeding.  There will be a Silent Auction and raffle for a diamond necklace!  Pericos Mexican Grill is family friendly and located at:

1439 E Sonterra blvd.
402-6006
www.pericosgrill.com


For more information on the San Antonio Breastfeeding Coalition:

www.sabctx.org

North Central Baptist is a donor milk depot for Mothers' Milk Bank  at Austin. The Milk Bank collects, processes and distributes milk to South Texas hospitals primarily for premature infants.  There is a huge need for donors.  To find out if you qualify to become a human milk donor:

info@mmbaustin.org

www.milkbank.org

512-494-0800
1-877-813-MILK

A new product from Medela is available to assist moms' storage and labeling of their expressed breastmilk in the fridge or freezer.  The convenient tray comes with (2) 5 oz. bottles and (2) special labeling lids and holds 6 of the Medela 5 oz. containers.  Extra labeling lids and containers are available seperately.  It is also compatible with the new Pump and Save breastmilk storage bags.  For product description please go to:

medela.com
click breastfeeding
click nursing moms
click products
select products

Slow weight gain can be a concern for some nursing couples, especially in the early weeks as milk supply is being established. Frequent and early assessment of milk supply as well as feeding observations can help offset or eliminate issues.

Nursing couples are welcome to free milk transfer evaluations and weight checks. A baby that is breastfeeding well should gain 4 to 7 ounces per week in the first 3 to 4 months. The Mother's Milk First Lactation Center at North Central Baptist Hospital is available for free walk-in weight checks Monday through Friday 9 am to 12 pm and from 1 pm to 4 pm. Consults for concerns or issues are by appointment only. Let us help your family achieve your breastfeeding goals.