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GENERAL BREASTFEEDING / NURSING INFORMATION
Contrary to what you read and hear from the advertisers and baby formula companies.... there is no substitute to that replaces breastmilk for your newborn baby.
Breastfeeding is the natural way a mother uses her milk to feed her newborn baby. Breast milk is the perfect first food for babies. It is easy to digest, prevents constipation, lowers the risk of food allergies and provides antibodies that protect the child from a number of infectious diseases. Nursing also promotes healthy oral development, satisfies suckling needs, enhances mother/baby bonding, offers an ideal opportunity for skin-to-skin contact and can lead to more intelligent children. Mothers who choose to breastfeed also benefit because nursing reduces the risk of bleeding from the placental site, offers regular opportunities for rest and speeds uterine contraction. Many breastfeeding mothers also experience faster post-baby weight loss than mothers who bottlefeed.
Making the decision whether to breastfeed or bottlefeed can be difficult. The new mother and her baby's pediatrician should work together to decide which feeding method is best for her baby. Some mothers are unable to breastfeed due to insufficient milk production, improperly formed nipples, baby's allergies, multiple birth and more. If a mother cannot or chooses not to breastfeed, there are a number of excellent formulas to choose from.
BREASTFEEDING ARTICLES
MoonDragon's Articles: A to Z Breast-Feeding Advantages
HOLISTIC & HERBAL RECOMMENDATIONS
These suggestions should be tried before a breast abscesses at the first sign of problems. Information obtained from Susun Weed's Wise Woman Herbal For The Childbearing Year:
Painful breasts have 3 main causes:1. A blocked milk duct which can cause swelling of the breast and acute pain. It usually feels like a bruised lump and a red streak or color may radiate from it.
2. Mastitis, an infection in the breast causing pain and generally accompanied by fever and acute tenderness and redness of the breast.
3. An oversupply of milk (engorgement) caused by not nursing enough or not at all. This causes swelling and soreness of the breasts that may extend up to and under the arm pits. The breasts become very hard and sensitive to touch.
SORE BREASTS & ENGORGEMENT
Engorgement is a painful, full feeling in the breasts that occurs two to five days after childbirth. Engorgement is caused by the rapid increase of blood supply to the breasts and the pressure of new milk in the ducts. The breasts feel full, tight, hard and tender. They also can feel hot to the touch and the skin often appears shiny. Engorgement can be relieved by giving the baby short, frequent feedings and expressing milk between feedings to decrease pressure. Massaging the breast during feedings and applying moist heat half-an-hour before each feeding can also help.
REMEDIES FOR ENGORGEMENT
Drink sage tea or infusion of sage. Sage is an anti-galactagogue and dries up the flow of milk.
Take 2 drops of Poke Root Tincture daily to decrease swelling. The same dose can be used to prevent engorgement.
POULTICES FOR SORE BREASTS
Poultices, compresses, and soaks are the best general first aid for painful breasts. Hot water alone (such as in a shower) has a beneficial effect as it stimulates circulation and eases the tension in taunt tissues. Herbs increase the effectiveness. Frequent (4-5 times a day), short (3-5 minutes), consistent applications work better than sporadic, lengthy treatments. If infection is present, throw away poultice materials after use. If there is no infection, brews and towels may be reused a number of times.
Run a sink full of warm water and bend over it with your breasts in the sink. Allow the milk to flow out, massaging down from the back of the breasts toward the nipple in long, firm, strokes. This relieves engorgement and eases pain. This can also be done in a hot shower while bathing.
Use a hot compress of Parsley to ease swollen and painful breasts. Place a handful of fresh or dried parsley leaves on a clean cotton diaper, tie with a rubber band, and steep in simmering water for 10 to 15 minutes. Compress the breast with the hot, wet towel.
Try a hot compress of Comfrey Leaves, fresh or dried, to soothe sore nipples, soften engorged tissues, reduce the pain of swollen breasts, and help unblock tubes and ducts. Prepare and use like parsley.
Prepare a cold poultice of grated raw potato to draw out the heat of inflammation, localize infection, and unblock clogged duct tubes. Grate raw potato and apply directly to the breasts, covering with a clean cloth. Remove or replace when dry.
Soak breasts in slippery and slimy Marshmallow Root. It pleasantly soothes tender breast tissues, opens clogged ducts and tubes, powerfully draws out infection, and diminishes the pain of engorged, inflamed breasts and sore nipples. Make an infusion of the dried root, steeping 2 ounces in a half gallon of boiling water overnight. Reheat the infusion to near boiling. Pour it into a sink or basin and soak the breasts until the infusion cools.
Gently warm a handful of dried Elder Blossoms in just enough olive oil to cover; keep warm for 20 minutes. Strain, cool, and rub the oil into the nipples and breasts to relieve pain and sensitivity.
REMEDIES FOR BLOCKED TUBE OR DUCT
If a milk duct is not completely emptied while feeding, the duct can become plugged, causing soreness and a lump in the breast. Tight bras can also result in plugged ducts. To prevent plugged ducts, be sure to remove tiny drops of dried milk from the nipples and massage the breasts firmly to stimulate milk flow. If a duct becomes plugged, offer that breast first when sucking is strongest.
Continue nursing on a breast with a blocked or plugged tube. Cessation of nursing can increase the discomfort and endanger the milk supply. But go carefully; nurse or pump every hour but just enough to empty the breast.
Right before nursing, use any of the above warm compresses for 5 or 10 minutes.
Be sure to get plenty of rest. The blockage will usually clear within a few hours or overnight.
REMEDIES FOR MASTITIS
Mastitis, also known as a breast infection, can occur if a plugged duct is left untreated. Mastitis can also occur if there are cracks in the nipple, allowing bacteria to enter. Symptoms of mastitis include sore breasts, fever, redness in the breast, yellow secretion from the nipple, flu-like symptoms and overall fatigue. A woman with mastitis should drink plenty of fluids, rest often, wash her hands before and after breastfeeding and allow breasts to air-dry after feedings to prevent cracking.
Treatment for mastitis with herbs should include: 1. Hot applications to the breast at least 4 times daily.
2. Plenty of bed rest.
3. Nursing as often and as long as possible on the infected breast.
Breast infections are almost always a sign of too little rest. Time to take a daily nap, and 10 minute breaks every 2 hours: Put you feet up, enjoy a cup of Violet Leaf infusion; relax deeply. It is important to nurse often, keeping the breasts empty to promote prompt healing. (The breast infection won't make your baby sick.)
Poke Root Tincture made of the fresh root stimulates lymph gland activity and clears mastitis quickly. Poke Root is potent and the effect is cumulative; use no more than 2 drops daily. Poke Root can be combined with Echinacea, but it may be as effective if used alone.
Propolis is a substance secreted by bees as a glue. It has a history of use against infection in Russia and a strong following among midwives in North America. It is said to accelerate healing time by increasing the body's metabolism and general resistance to disease. A dose of the tincture is 10-15 drops twice a day; it combines well with Echinacea Tincture.
Elder root, dug and grated fresh into boiling water makes an excellent poultice for mastitis.
Echinacea is an excellent remedy for even severe cases of mastitis. Use 1 ounce of the root in a quart of boiling water and drink one or two cups daily for another week. If you must use the tincture, use 1/2 drop per pound of body weight in a single dose. Repeat the dose up to 6 times a day until fever remits. Continue with 2-3 doses daily for another 7 days or until all symptoms are cleared.
REMEDIES FOR SORE, CAKED NIPPLES - PREVENTION
Expose the breasts to air. Do not wear a bra all day and all night. Wear your nursing bra with the flaps down whenever possible.
Expose the breasts to sunlight or brief periods of ultraviolet light (maximum of 3 minutes, but increase to this level very gradually.
Rub Olive Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Lanolin Oil, Lanolin Salve, or Comfrey Root Ointment into the nipples throughout the latter part of pregnancy and the beginning weeks of nursing.
Place the baby correctly, making certain that the entire areola (dark area) is in her/his mouth and that the nipple is centered.
Experiment with different nursing positions.
Nurse often so that the baby doesn't get hungry enough to tear at the breast.
Avoid washing the nipples with soap. Soap removes the natural oils and predisposes the nipple to chapping and cracking. Cologne, deodorant, and powder should also be kept away from the nipples.
REMEDIES FOR SORE NIPPLES
Apply crushed ice in a wet cloth or a wet and frozen gauze pad to the nipples immediately before nursing. Ice is a good local pain killer; it also helps to bring out soft or small nipples or the nipple of a very full breast so the baby can feed more easily.
Use Comfrey Root Ointment to soften and strengthen nipples at the same time. Comfrey root ointments are exceptionally soothing to sensitive nipples and rapidly heal any fissures or bruises. Be sure to rinse any ointment off the areola before nursing so the baby can grasp the breast properly.
Yarrow Leaf poultice or ointment totally relieves pain and heals cracked nipples rapidly.
Vitamin E Oil helps to heal and strengthen the nipples. Apply the oil after nursing. Be sure to use only pure vitamin E, not preparations or synthetics.
Any of the poultices described for painful breasts may be used. Comfrey and Marshmallow are especially effective. Several brief poultices work better than one or two lengthy sessions.
Apply the clear gel from a fresh Aloe vera leaf to soothe and heal sore and cracked nipples. Be sure to wash it off before nursing as the taste can be quite bitter.
Try Homemade Calendula Ointment or Commercial Calendula Ointment or Cream to heal and strengthen nipples.
CAUTION: Ointments containing antibiotics, steroids, and anesthetic (pain-killing) drugs are potentially harmful to you and your infant.
POSSIBLE LIFESTYLE CHANGES FOR BREASTFEEDING / NURSING
Eat a well-balanced, varied diet and take a multivitamin (such as your prenatal vitamin supplement) daily. Drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated. Limit caffeine intake and eliminate alcohol. Do not smoke. Try to relax while feeding to encourage the let-down reflex. See the following link for nutritional guidelines, dietary plans and food guide to make sure you are getting enough nutrition to support you and your breastfeeding infant.
BENEFICIAL DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
Free-form Amino Acid Complex supplies needed proteins for breastfeeding. These supplements contain a balanced or 20 essential and non-essential amino acids.
Amino 1500, Chewable Blend of 20 Amino Acids, Predigested, NOW Foods, 150 Tabs
Amino 1000 Complete, NOW Foods, 120 Caps
Calcium and Magnesium are needed for both mother and baby.
Calcium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 700 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.
Liquid Calcium W/ConcenTrace, Orange Vanilla, Trace Minerals, 1000 mg, 32 fl. oz.
Cal-Mag Pre-Chelated Calcium & Magnesium, Vital Earth, 240 Gelcaps
Magnesium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 350 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.
Just An Ounce Calcium & Magnesium Liquid, Almond Flavor, 16 fl. oz.
Calcium & Magnesium Mineral Complex, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 500 mg / 250 mg, 250 Caps
Multivitamin and Mineral Complex provide all nutrients necessary for mother and baby.
Prenatal Multi-Vitamin & Mineral, 100% Natural & Complete, Nature's Way, 180 Caps
Pregnancy Tonic Daily Tea, 100% Organic, 1/2 lb.
Alfalfa, Blessed Thistle, Dandelion, Fennel, Horsetail and Raspberry Leaf can be beneficial for the mother.
Nettle Leaf has a tonic effect and contains needed nutrients.
Aloe Vera Juice or Gel helps heal sore nipples when applied topically.
MOONDRAGON'S PREGNANCY TEA
(Useful for after baby arrives too!)
2 Parts Red Raspberry Leaf
1 Part Alfalfa Leaf
1 Part Nettle Leaf
1 Part Peppermint Leaf
Mix herbs together well. Use approximately 2 tablespoons herbal blend per cup of hot water. Steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain. Drink several cups throughout the day. This tea can be a good base tea for adding other herbs and tinctures.
BREASTFEEDING SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Information and supplements for help with breastfeeding and to help keep breasts healthy. Breastfeeding is the natural way a mother uses her milk to feed her newborn baby.
After Baby Mood Support Wellness Oil, For Post Partum Depression (Pregnancy & Nursing Safe), 2 fl. oz.
After Baby Mood Support Wellness Oil, for Post Partum Depression is an absolute must have for any new mother.Alfa Max, Alfalfa Extract, Nature's Way, 525 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way Alfa Max Alfalfa Extract capsules is a 10X extract of fresh green alfalfa leaves.Anise Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Anise herb combats infection, promotes milk production in nursing mothers, and is helpful with menopausal problems.Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus) Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
Modern uses of Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus) include increasing milk supply for nursing mothers, memory improvement, increasing appetite and generally preventing sickness. Four different ways of using Blessed Thistle have been recommended.Blessed Thistle Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Helps nursing mothers by stimulating the mammary glands and helps to increase breast milk supply.Green Gifting Baby Care Kit, Burt's Bees
Limited Edition Gift Kit. Your little one will be giggling with delight after using the luxurious buttermilk soaps, soaks and lotions in this cute kit. This is the perfect gift for the new mom in the family or even an experience mom that still loves to pamper her little ones!Healthy Mom Fish Oil Pregnancy Supplement, High Potency Omega-3, EPA / DHA, Nutrition During Pregnancy & Lactation, Lemon Flavored, 90 Softgels
Healthy Mom Fish Oil Pregnancy Supplement is a pure and pristine source of molecularly distilled, pharmaceutical grade fish oil formulated with the ideal dose and ratio of DHA and EPA to address the health and nutrition priorities of pregnant and lactating women.Lanolin Oil, NOW Foods, 100% Pure, Liquid, 4 fl. oz.
Pure Lanolin Oil (Liquid Lanolin) is a very high quality thick liquid and may be thinned with, Olive oil, Emu oil or cocoa butter. Pure lanolin oil can be used like petroleum jelly on chapped skin and as a moisturizer.Mammary Care, Balanceuticals, TCM Formula, 100% Natural, 60 Caps
This time-honored formula is used in Chinese medicine to promote blood circulation and remove stasis, inhibit inflammation, and maintain healthy internal secretion and consistency of the breasts.Neuromins DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), Nature's Way, 100 mg, 60 Softgels
DHA is an essential fatty acid is the primary structural fatty acid in the gray matter of the brain and retina of the eye and is important for signal transmissions in the brain, eye and nervous system. DHA is taken by expecting mothers to support fetal development, and by mothers while lactating to enhance breast milk.New Mother Natural Nursing Pads, Natracare, 25 Pads
New Mother Natural Nursing Pads have a cool and comfortable design to protect your clothes. Made from totally chlorine-free, natural and sustainable materials.Nursing Formula Tincture (Dry Up Milk), 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
The Nursing (dry up milk) Formula was created to help dry up breast milk.Nursing Milk (Increase) Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
For nursing mothers who wish to increase their volume of milk.Prenatal Multi-Vitamin & Mineral with Folic Acid, 100% Natural & Complete, Nature's Way, 180 Caps
Nature's Way Prenatal Multi-Vitamin & Mineral Supplement with Folic Acid is a complete, specially balanced prenatal supplement formulated to support the health of pregnant women or postnatal lactating women.Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus indica) Herb Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
Prickly Pear is particularly useful in providing nutrients to the pancreas and liver, which support digestion and maintain blood sugar balance.Squaw Vine Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Squaw Vine is often used for both menstruating and pregnant women and may be used as a salve and be applied to sore nipples while nursing.Wild Indigo Extract Tincture, 100% Organic, Herbal Remedies USA, 2 fl. oz.
Wild Indigo has been used as a dye and for medicinal purposes for over 4,000 years. The New England Mohegans used the root for treating cuts and wounds. During the 19th century the extracts from this plant were used to treat typhoid fever. Wild Indigo has antiseptic, anti-microbial, antibacterial, and immuno-stimulant qualities. A decoction of the root is used externally in healing sore or infected nipples and other infected skin conditions. Suggested Use: 5-20 drops in juice or water, 2-3 times daily or as needed.Wise Woman Herbal For The Childbearing Year By Susun S. Weed, Janice Novet
This is a complete herbal pharmacopoeia for dealing with every problem that might arise before, during and after pregnancy and childbirth. Simple, safe, remedies for pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, newborns. Includes herbs for fertility and birth control.
Herbal Remedies: Breastfeeding / Nursing Information
Herbal Remedies: Breastfeeding / Nursing Supplements, Information & Products
BREASTFEEDING INFORMATION -TABLE OF CONTENTS - PART I
This is a work in progress...
Pages will be added as they are completed.
The Nursing Couple
- Human vs Animal vs Formula
- Contaminants
- Allergies & Intolerances
- Immunities
- Long Term Benefits
TABLE OF CONTENTS - PART II
BREASTFEEDING LINKS
MOONDRAGON'S BREASTFEEDING LINKS
BREASTFEEDING ORGANIZATIONS
- Read it in it's entirety.
BREAST PUMPS & PRODUCTS
ADVANTAGES OF BREASTFEEDING LINKS
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NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You or a family member has symptoms of a breast abscess.
Any of the following occur during treatment:
- Fever.
- Pain becomes unbearable.
- Infection seems to be spreading, despite treatment.
- Symptoms do not improve in 72 hours.
- New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
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