Probiotics are some of the newest and most exciting types of supplements available. Actually made up of live bacteria, probiotics can help your baby while breastfeeding in a variety of ways. Using probiotics while breastfeeding can help to boost your baby’s immune system, aid in the functioning of his digestive system, and even prevent or delay a variety of conditions such as asthma and eczema. In addition, it is considered safe and beneficial to use probiotics directly on your baby.

Probiotics help to restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in your body, especially in your digestive or gastrointestinal tract. The bacteria in your digestive tract serve several important purposes. First of all, they help with the digestion of food. They can aid in the absorbing of minerals, as well as other nutrients. These bacteria also help with synthesizing vitamins. When a mother uses probiotics while breastfeeding, some of these bacteria are going to be naturally passed onto her baby through her breast milk, thereby having the same sorts of positive effects for her baby. In this way, probiotics can help your baby while breastfeeding by providing a number of gastrointestinal benefits.

There is another way that probiotics can help your baby while breastfeeding. The expansion and development that the gut flora (that is, the bacterial environment inside the digestive tract) go through naturally after a baby is born is an important contributor to the development and functioning of the baby’s immune system. Probiotics during this stage can help to make sure that process progresses the way that it should, and can help the baby’s immune system to be stronger and more robust.

By helping with the gut and the immune system, probiotics can help your baby to avoid skin problems, such as eczema. In addition, there is research that suggests that probiotic use in infants may also help to avoid the onset of asthma.

In some cases, such as when a mother’s or a baby’s immune system has been weakened or compromised, it may be that probiotics while breastfeeding are not recommended. If you are concerned that you fall into this category, you should speak with your health care provider.

When planning for a baby the question of the bottle or breast will eventually arise. What are the differences between formula and breast milk, and is one more beneficial for my baby?

Most formulas on the market today are manufactured from cow’s milk. Milk from the mother and milk from a cow both contain two components; curds and whey. Curds are white and rubbery clumps that are found in milk, and whey is essentially, the liquid. When a baby consumes a product made from cow’s milk, there is generally more curd present than in the mother’s breast milk. Because of this, breast milk is easier to digest than cow’s milk and helps to prevent spit ups and gassiness.

Breast milk changes as the baby grows. Formula stays the same. Although formula may seem to be rich in nutrients, it may not be better for your child. Breast milk is specially formulated to meet the needs of your child as they change.

Breast milk contains a number of ingredients that can’t be duplicated by formulas. As stated before, the components in breast milk are more easily digested by babies, but this is not the only difference. Breast milk contains higher carbohydrate and lactose counts than cow’s milk. Lactose has been directly associated with larger and faster brain development. The minerals found in breast milk may not be as high as those found in formulas, but the minerals produced by the mother are completely absorbed by the child. When the minerals, such as iron, are not absorbed by the baby they can change the balance of bacteria in the stomach which allows harmful bacteria to grow.

The formula industry is continuing to grow and evolve. It is certainly better today than it was twenty years ago, however, studies show that breast milk is still the most beneficial for babies, especially newborns and infants.

Mastitis refers to a condition in which the breast is swollen, inflamed, red, tender, and painful. Mastitis can be caused by an infections, and can lead to more serious problems if left untreated. Mastitis can be especially troubling for women who are breastfeeding. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to treat mastitis. These can include:



- The most important treatment for mastitis is rest. Rest will help you to relieve stress and to rejuvenate you immune syndrome.

- Using cold and warm compresses, and alternating between them, can help with mastitis. The cold compresses will help to relieve pain, while the warm compresses will help to increase circulation and help your body fight infection.

- Gentle massage can also help. This increases the circulation in the massaged area, and may help to loosen any plugged ducts. Gently massage the area that is in pain.

- If you are breastfeeding, nurse frequently on the side that has mastitis. It is important to keep the milk flowing, and to empty that breast. If fluid is trapped, it may become infected and make the problem worse.

- Use pain killers to help with the pain. Tylenol and Advil are both considered safe to take while breastfeeding. As always, check with your health care provider if you have any concerns about taking an over the counter medication.

- Keep enough fluids, so that you don’t get dehydrated.

- Sleep without a bra, and don’t wear a tight bra at all.

If you have a history of frequent mastitis, if you have a fever, if you are becoming more and more sick, or if your nipples are cracked, you may need to have an antibiotic. If symptoms continue, you should contact your health care provider.



If you have an abscess area in your breast due to mastitis, it will need to be drained. Your health care provider may drain the abscess with a needle, a syringe, or with a tiny incision. If the abscess is deeper, you may need surgery to drain the abscess.

Congratulations you have a new baby! Having a new baby is hard enough but when you choose to breastfeed you sometimes feel that you made this experience even harder. Breastfeeding is not as difficult as it looks or as you may have heard from others. It is actually pretty easy and a very fulfilling way to nourish your newborn once you get the hang of it. Remember as with most things practice makes perfect! Breastfeeding is new to you and to your little one but with a little practice you two will become pros in no time!

(more…)

Some people may think that breastfeeding is an innate ability of mother and child. This is partially true in that the first instinct a baby has is to suck. However, most of breastfeeding is an acquired skill that takes a little practice. It’s important to not become discouraged, especially in those first few weeks. Learning the proper technique will ensure you get the least amount of discomfort and the most amount of joy out of breastfeeding. The two key parts to proper breastfeeding are positioning and latch-on techniques.

(more…)