Adjustment to Parenthood
Imagine this scene: You are home with your new baby. You have just bathed, fed, and cuddled him, and he is now sleeping peacefully in a clean and tidy house. You are relaxing with...
Postpartum Depression
While many women experience a mild case of “the blues,” some women suffer a more debilitating condition known as postpartum depression. These women develop prolonged feelings of sadness, anxiety, insomnia, extreme fatigue, and possibly...
The Physical Changes During Postpartum
During your first 6 weeks postpartum, your body will return to its prepregnant state. You will eliminate the extra fluid that you retained during pregnancy by frequent urination and perspiration. Uterus State Your uterus...
Time for Weaning Your Infant
Many women find that their views on weaning change after they begin nursing. Often, an expectant mother will plan to purse for 3 months, 6 months, or some other set amount of time. However,...
Introducing Other Foods to the Infant
Breastmilk or formula is a complete food for your baby until around 6 months of age. At that time, the iron supply that he was born with may begin to diminish. Many babies also...
Bottle Feeding Guide — Things You Must Know
When you feed your baby, you will be providing him with more than nourishment. You will also be giving him love, warmth, intimate human contact, and a feeling of security. Close physical contact, especially...
Certified Lactation Consultants
Certified lactation consultants are paid professionals who have completed a prescribed course of study and passed an examination. They are qualified to do breastfeeding assessments on mothers and babies, and to assist with all...
La Leche League
La Leche League is an organization of women who have successfully breastfed their children and who enjoy helping others do the same. The organization had its beginnings at a family picnic in Franklin Park,...
Contraindications to Breastfeeding
A few situations exist in which breastfeeding is contraindicated. If you have had a double mastectomy or breast reduction surgery in which your nipples were surgically removed and reattached, you will not be able...
Breastfeeding in Special or Unusual Situations
Many mothers have successfully breastfed in special or unusual situations. If you have twins, triplets, or a preterm baby, you can receive valuable support from a certified lactation consultant or La Leche League International....