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Find out about Conwy Breastfeeders Peer Supporters 7th March 2012

February 22nd, 2012

Conwy Breastfeeding Friends Peer Supporters have been nominated for the Pride Of Conwy Award and have decided to open their doors to those wanting further information about training to become a Peer Supporter.

Have you ever thought you’d like to help other mothers?  Have you breastfed your children for a 6 months or longer?  If so then come along to Princes Drive Baptist Church, Colwyn Bay, LL29 8LA on the Wednesday 7th March, from 10am-12pm.

You can ask questions about the training and what’s involved.  You can also find out about becoming a Breastfeeding Councillor too.  If you would like some Peer Support yourself, then you are welcome too.

There will be some filming for our awards clip but that won’t take up much time.  Tea and coffee will be available and some friendly faces and children are always welcome.

 

Posted in Breastfeeding | Comments

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Ask Aunty Lactivist – Tooth Decay and Breastfeeding

By Lisa Lactivist, on January 23rd, 2012

Aunty Lactivist is all of us so please fee free to add any helpful comments or links

Dear Aunty Lactivist,
Where do you all stand on the night nursing v tooth decay debate?
Dentist told me today without looking at lo’s teeth that I should night wean by age two to reduce the damage. I had planned on her night weening when she was ready, now I dunno what the right thing is to do…help!?
January 23rd, 2012 | Tags: , , , , , | Category: Aunty Lactivist | 7 comments

Ask Aunty Lactivist – How can I express more milk? I’m back to work soon

By Lisa Lactivist, on October 14th, 2011

Aunty Lactivist is all of us who have had experience or who have ideas that might help – please post a comment below if you can help this mum:

Dear Aunty Lactivist
Has anyone got any advice on how I can express more milk?
I’m going back to work in 3 weeks and want to try and get a store up and also need to express at work but at the minute I’m only getting an oz if that.
I’ve also tried expressing in the morning and only getting an oz.  I used to get at least 5 oz.
October 14th, 2011 | Tags: , , , | Category: Aunty Lactivist | 6 comments

Ask Aunty Lactivist – it’s difficult breastfeeding when his dad think’s it’s wrong

By Lisa Lactivist, on October 4th, 2011

Aunty Lactivist is all of us, mums with experience who support each other so if you have any ideas that can help this mum please leave a comment.

Dear Aunty Lactivist
 
I need a bit of advice, me and O.H  are having some disagreements on weaning and it’s becoming difficult feeding my son when I know his dad thinks its wrong at this age. He is 13 months old.
 
I’ve tried explaining about its actually recommended till age 2 and beyond but its going in and out his ears, I’ve even said so its ok for a baby to have a bottle (artificial breast) but my babies not allowed the real thing??? , but its not making a difference.
 
Has anyone had a similar experience and what did you do? I’m gonna keep feeding regardless, I  know he’s pretty much slowly weaning anyway as his cut his feeds right down I just dont want any arguments :(
October 4th, 2011 | Tags: , , , | Category: Aunty Lactivist | 3 comments

Ask Aunty Lactivist – 7 month old biting when breastfeeding

By Lisa Lactivist, on September 25th, 2011

Aunty Lactivist is all of us with experience or ides that might help this mum – please leave a comment if you can help.

There are more common and rare breastfeeding problems and solutions on the Ask Aunty Lactivist page.

Dear Aunty Lactivist

 
Hi I’m still after advice please.
My little one has started to bite me . She has bit me at least 5 time today I’m luck she hasn’t broke the skin as yet.
She’s got her bottom 2 teeth
I really don’t want to stop breastfeeding as she is only 7mths but I might have to if she doesn’t stop biting.
Any advice would be grateful
H
September 25th, 2011 | Tags: , , , , , , | Category: Aunty Lactivist | 6 comments

Ask Aunty Lactivist – How to boost breastmilk’s calorific value?

By Lisa Lactivist, on September 20th, 2011

Aunty Lactivist is all of us so please add a comment if you can help with any ideas or links to websites that might help this mum.

Aunty Lactivist has solved problems for loads of mums over the last couple of years – you can see the list here : www.lactivist.net/?page_id=3379

Dear Aunty Lactivist,
Does anyone know a way to boost your breast milks calorific value. I’ve been breast feeding for nearly 11 weeks and my baby is not putting on much weight, he’s gone from the 75th centile at birth to under the 0.4th in his red book.
I’ve been expressing and putting him on the hind milk then topping him up with EBM after, been doing that for 4 weeks and yesterday was weighed and he hasn’t put on any weight in a week.
I still want to breast feed but I’m now having to top up with formula after a feed. Any ideas anyone on a way to boost my milk?
 
 
September 20th, 2011 | Tags: , , , , | Category: Aunty Lactivist | 6 comments

Ask Aunty Lactivist – “I can’t remember the last time I slept for more than 3 hours at a time”

By Lisa Lactivist, on September 8th, 2011

If you can help this mum with any ideas, personal experience or links to useful websites then you are Aunty Lactivist! The idea is that mums can support each other so please leave a comment if you can help at all.

Dear Aunty Lactivist
I need some advice…
My 7 month old wakes about every 2 and a half – 3 hours at night, at first I put it down to needing more than milk but now she’s having 3 lots of mush a day – and she can polish a couple of icecubes at a time off – and her usual milk from me and she’s still unsettled at night.
As soon as she’s fed she goes straight back to sleep but I need to get more sleep!!!
I can’t remember the last time I slept for more than 3 hours at a time… anyone got any advice or tips? xx
September 8th, 2011 | Tags: , , , , , | Category: Aunty Lactivist | 3 comments

Ask Aunty Lactivist – How to prepare nipples for breastfeeding?

By Lisa Lactivist, on September 7th, 2011

Aunty Lactivist is all of us, so if you have any advice for this mum, any experience you can share or ideas that might help please leave a comment below.

Dear Aunty Lactivist
Nipple advise ladies!
I breastfed S exclusively for 6 weeks then introduced a bottle and continued with the boob too till she was 10 months.  I hated every minute of it :-( I have never felt pain like it, worse than labour and birth.  I got thrush in my nipple but even when that cleared up it was just awful.  I continued cause I thought I should.
Anyway, I know like pregnancy that it could be completely different this time so I am going to give it a go so I’m after advise on how best to prepare my nipples.  I don’t think my milk production was the best as never at to wear a breast pad and never had that engorged feeling others talk about, even when I stopped feeding.  Really want to enjoy it this time so please help xx

any advice would be fantastic :)

September 7th, 2011 | Tags: , , , | Category: Aunty Lactivist | 2 comments

Ask Aunty Lactivist – When should I have a breast reduction? Can you breastfeed after?

By Lisa Lactivist, on August 25th, 2011

Aunty Lactivist is all of us so please leave a comment if you can help with any ideas, links to websites or personal experiences.

Dear Aunty Lactivist
I have very big breasts and want a reduction once I’m finished having children. the problem is I get back pain from the size of my breasts, and have just started getting pressure sores from my bra because my breasts are so heavy.

I can’t wear a non-wired bra because my breasts then rub on the skin they rest on because they’re not fully supported and it starts a whole different problem.

I’ve seen the doctor and have been offered a breast reduction on the NHS (waiting list 2 years).  My dillema is do I go for the reduction knowing I will never be able to fully (if at all as I will be going from a KK to hopefully D/DD cup) breastfeed a child again, or wait until I’m finished having children and then pay for it myself.

My partner says I should have the reduction because it will benefit all of our children by having a mother who can run around with them, rather than worrying about giving any future babies we have formula.

I’m still on the wall about what to do. I feel selfish for wanting it, I know I need it, it’s just a question of when.

L

August 25th, 2011 | Tags: , , , | Category: Aunty Lactivist | One comment

Ask Aunty Lactivist – baby with small mouth and mum with large nipple

By Lisa Lactivist, on August 17th, 2011

Aunty Lactivist is all of us – a team effort so if you have any ideas or links to other sites or suggestions that might help please leave a comment.

Dear Aunty Lactivist
I was wondering if anyone here has had experience (and success) with breastfeeding a baby with a small mouth and nipple/areola that are large?
I was unsuccessful with bub #1 and ended up exclusively pumping .. The midwife for this second pregnancy said it could’ve been because of the size of bub’s mouth.. Was a shock because I hadn’t heard of that speed bump before and want to be more prepared this time around ..
Would love any stories, links, advice, etc.. (hoping not to try shields).. Thank you :) )
August 17th, 2011 | Tags: , , , , , | Category: Aunty Lactivist | 3 comments

Ask Aunty Lactivist – I can only pump 2oz of breastmilk

By Lisa Lactivist, on August 17th, 2011

 

 

I Love Mummy Milk Organic Long Sleeved Baby T-shirtAunty Lactivist is all of us, people with experience or ideas that might help, or even words of support can mean a lot to someone having breastfeeding problems – please add any helpful ideas to the comments.

Dear Aunty Lactivist
 
I need some advice. I’ve been breastfeeding for 3 weeks now and  I can only make 2oz.
How can I bring up my milk supply?
I’ve been taking a herbal pill called fenugreek to bring it up..hasn’t made a difference.
 
G
 

These are some responses from the Lactivist Facebook page:

  • Expressing isn’t a true indication of how much milk you make and you can never, really tell how much your child makes. The best way to increase supply is to feed feed feed.

  • Just follow baby’s lead. Allow unrestricted access to the breast 24/7 & forget expressing. Just keep putting the baby to the breast.

  • Oats! Work wonders. Also if you are expressing then that isn’t a true indication of the volume your baby is getting as bfing is much more efficient than expressing. Don’t worry, your supply is still building itself up.

  • Baby only has a tiny tummy so doesn’t need a lot of milk yet. But its all about supply and demand. The more you feed or express the more you will make.

  • don’t drink peppermint tea. could reduce milk supply

  • If you are pumping and using that as in indication of supply, that is a very bad idea. A pump and a baby are not the same thing at all. You child could very well be getting much more milk than that. You should never assume your supply is how much you pump. Some women respond better to the pump than others and no pump is as good as a baby at extracting milk. At 3 weeks, 2 ounces a session is a actually a lot. In fact, it’s right inside the normal range for pumping overall. A child’s stomach is only as large as her fist. Some children do not eat more than 2 ounces per feeding their entire first year. I would encourage you to just relax and nurse your child. The best way to up supply is by letting your baby stimulate your breast and just plain nurse as often as they want! If you are pumping to build a supply, that is fine but there really isn’t any other reason to be doing it this early. You should offer one breast and wait for the baby to unlatch and the offer the other, she may or may not take it. Watch the baby, not the clock. If you are pumping to build a supply for an early return to work, oatmeal, lactation cookies, staying hydrated, and mother’s milk tea can all help. Usually fenugreek is a really good way to up supply, make sure you are taking the recommended amount. But as I said before, the amount you pump is not necessarily the amount your child is getting and if you want to make more milk, you should nurse your child as often as you can.

  • Plenty of wet nappies is a good indication that baby is getting enough.

  • you always express less than when baby is suckling so as long as bub is putting on weight and is healthy then just keep feeding

  • that amount is completely normal! The breast pump can only take a certain amount out of the breast. baby, in reality, is way more efficent at retrieving milk. That’s the amount i pumped at that exact time and i have a healthy breastfed nine month old

  • Is your supply really low? U must determine that before trying to increase it
    http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/low-supply.html#supply

  • 2oz is brilliant! Domperidone, available over the counter for nausea is said to increase milk supply and is recomended by some lactation consultants.

  • i was only ever getting 1 oz

  • expressing is a poor indicator of supply. I’m wondering why you are expressing? Sounds like it could just be causing more stress than it’s worth. Check your baby’s latch – poor latch can mean inefficient feeding which can reduce supply. And then it’s just frequent feeding. The more often yo feed efficiently, the faster your breasts make milk. Are you having any long (3-4h +) gaps between feeds? And check if supply really is an issue. I your baby thriving? Pooing and weeing a lot? Putting on weight? Developing? If so, it’s likely your supply is enough. I’d suggest calling a bf helpline – supply issues are usually too complicated to help with like this. Good luck! :)

  • I have to say, I was getting up to 4 times that much but I had a double pump and a strict pumping regime. I had to pump in the early weeks for my son. I used a hospital grade pump and pumped every 2 hours day and night, didn’t really supplement my diet with anything either, just pumped and had unlimited skin and breast contact. It’s not something I’d personally advise if your baby can feed from you though as over supply can be hard to deal with which is what I had when he finally started feeding.

  • Lots of skin to skin cuddles with ur baby n get lots night time bf in too-hormone levels higher at night time,just feed on demand

  • ‎2oz is great! Remember also that if you are going by the amount of formula the tins say babies “should” have its probably more than 2oz, but its completely different to bf. If you do want to express more though for whatever reason, you could try pumping at the same time baby is feeding (though i only did this when mine was older, in case he wanted the other side afterwards!)

  • 2oz is loads! I’ve been bf for 13 months and after 30 minutes yesterday I managed 1.5oz! I used to be able to express loads when I was pumping every day but I had oversupply. If your LO is only a few weeks old I wouldnt worry about pumping at all just yet and concentrate on establishing your supply at a level to match what LO is taking. Believe me, oversupply is no fun at all so you dont want to start pumping loads.

  • Put down the pump and feed your baby.

  • Pumping is NOT an indication of supply IF breastfeeding also. 2oz is lots at this early stage. It can take a week to build up enough for a few feeds what is key is to pump the missed bf otherwise supply at that point will drop if it’s a regular feed. Check out pumping mummies on babycentre

    about an hour agoI think (and could be wrong) the poster is nursing and pumping though – so you can’t really expect to get much between feed like that anyway – even with a double electric, etc. If you dont’ need to pump – then don’t.

  • Do not worry about supply count diapers
 
 
August 17th, 2011 | Tags: , , , | Category: Aunty Lactivist | Leave a comment

5 Tips For Breastfeeding After A C-Section (from Babble)

By Lisa Lactivist, on August 16th, 2011

This brilliant post is by ceridwen and was originally posted here http://blogs.babble.com/being-pregnant/2011/07/28/5-tips-for-breastfeeding-after-a-c-section/

Giving birth by cesarean—planned or unplanned—doesn’t directly interfere with your ability to breastfeed, but recovery and hospital issues can make it harder in the beginning. Here’s what you can do to make breastfeeding easier if you have a c-section:

1. Make it clear that you want to breastfeed.

Communicating your priorities beforehand is extra important when recovering from a C-section—both because hospital policies may not be ideal for breastfeeding, and because you may be more out of it during your recovery. Let your doctor and nurses know to bring the baby to you for feedings, and that no bottles or pacifiers should be given in the nursery. Though this can be written on your baby’s chart it can also help to remind nurses, as they come on duty, that this is a priority for you.

2. Be confident about your ability to breastfeed.

Unexpected C-sections can be demoralizing for mothers who were emotionally invested in the idea of a vaginal birth. But breastfeeding can work just fine regardless of birth experiences. It can be helpful to know that the hormones of breastfeeding and the baby’s innate ability and desire to nurse are strong and persistent. Paying attention to those cues can be very reassuring.

3. Get close to your baby as soon as possible.

Getting to know the feel and smell of your skin will encourage your baby to breastfeed. This is something a birth partner can help with—he or she can remind hospital staff that the mother would like to hold her baby as soon as possible, if it’s not happening soon after the birth.

4. Don’t be afraid to nurse under local anesthesia or pain medication.

You can nurse your baby whenever you’re both ready, ideally right away— before your local anesthetic has worn off. This can help you both get a taste of breastfeeding before the pain of recovery kicks in. Speak to your doctor about choosing a good pain reliever that won’t cause problems for your baby. But in general, pain is more likely to be an issue for your breastfeeding relationship than pain medication.

5. Get support.

On the basic level, get help with positioning right away from a lactation consultant on staff at the hospital or birth center. Side-lying and clutch hold positions tend to be more comfortable for c-section moms. At first, you can even nurse flat on your back if you need to.  Try to get assistance from the nursing staff about the best ways to hold a baby after a c-section. Have a partner or another helper watch the positioning and latch suggestions so you can get help at home, too.

Some recent studies indicate that support in general (from family members, friends, community and the culture at large) can help women surmount very normal but almost always surmountable early challenges. Surround yourself with positive reassurance when you can.

In general taking a breastfeeding class before giving birth can be enormously helpful to women and their partners, no matter how they eventually give birth. Educating yourself about how it all works can prevent problems from happening in the first place and put you in touch with resources should they come up.

August 16th, 2011 | Tags: , , , | Category: Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding Help | Leave a comment

Ask Aunty Lactivist – Growth Spurt and Thrush!

By Lisa Lactivist, on August 10th, 2011

Aunty Lactivist is all of us so please leave a comment if you can help with any personal experiences, ideas or links to helpful websites.

Dear Aunty Lactivist
We are going through a growth spurt and thrush at the same time, I feel like I would be in less pain if my nipple got cut off, any advice?
August 10th, 2011 | Tags: , , , , , | Category: Aunty Lactivist | One comment

Ask Aunty Lactivist – co sleeping

By Lisa Lactivist, on August 6th, 2011

Aunty Lactivist is all of us so if you can help at all with any ideas or share personal experiences please leave a comment.

Dear Aunty Lactivist
I co-sleep with my 17 week old for the fact that he won’t settle in his crib on his own and also because I breast feed.
The only concern I have is that my son doesn’t want to be appart from me, not even for a second.  I love the fact that i am literally the centre of his world, but I do want him to feel complete on his own too.
Do you have any tips or advice?
August 6th, 2011 | Tags: , , | Category: Aunty Lactivist | 4 comments

Ask Aunty Lactivist – constipation in 16 week old

By Lisa Lactivist, on July 27th, 2011

Aunty Lactivist is all of us so please leave a comment if you can help with any ideas. Sharing your experiences will help other people.

Dear Aunty Lactivist

Is this a 16 weeks growth spurt?

My daughter is suddenly feeding lots and is quite clingy – all of which I am attributing to a growth spurt but might this also be affecting her bowel movements?

She used to ‘go’ every day, first thing in the morning but last week she went 4 days with no poo so I gave her a drink of cooled boiled water which seemed to help.
It’s now been another 2 days – might it be linked?
V
July 27th, 2011 | Tags: , , , , , | Category: Aunty Lactivist | One comment

How to make knitted breasts

By Lisa Lactivist, on July 16th, 2011

These knitted breasts allow nurses and other health professionals to easily show women important massage techniques that let them stimulate their milk production and express their valuable first drops of milk. They are particularly helpful when there are language barriers.

Woollen breasts are also an excellent free alternative to expensive teaching aids that are used by health professionals to teach new mothers to express by hand before going on to use an electric pump.

Knitted Breast #1 is from www.knitty.com and the pattern was  invented by a woman who lost a breast due to cancer. You can read the whole story on the link above (it is a good story!) but here is my favorite bit:

“I finished my first knitted titty an hour before the party and wore it with one of my favorite lacy underwires. When a friend, who had been following the whole titty saga, saw me she remarked, “You really did a great job! Your left breast looks almost as good as the right one — a bit lumpy but very realistic.”

“You know,” I replied, “It was my right breast that was removed.” ”

Knitted breast pattern #2 is by the same person but looks slightly easier to knit.

 

 

 

Knitted breast pattern #3 is a link to a PDF and it is from the Lactation Consultants of Great Britain website.

Link to the PDF is here: http://www.lcgb.org/knittedbreastpattern.pdf

Knitted breast pattern #4 is another link to a PDF on the Bliss website.

 

 

 

July 16th, 2011 | Tags: , | Category: Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding Help | 2 comments

Ask Aunty Lactivist – Breast pumps in Brighton?

By Lisa Lactivist, on July 15th, 2011

Aunty Lactivist is all of us so if you can help at all please leave a comment.

Dear Aunty Lactivist,
I live in Brighton, Sussex, where I understand that Lactivists are quite active. Are you aware of anywhere that I can either buy (cheaply) or hire (ditto) an electric breast pump in that area? I don’t find the manual ones so good.
Any information would be really helpful. My little one, is exclusively breast fed and is 3 months old and I want to continue but just need a bit of help expressing in the short term.
Thanks!

 

July 15th, 2011 | Tags: , , , , | Category: Aunty Lactivist | One comment

Thinking of training to be a breastfeeding peer counsellor?

By Lisa Lactivist, on July 13th, 2011

Breastfeeding Care Instructions at LactivistPeer counselors are mothers in the community with personal breastfeeding experience who are trained to support, encourage, answer questions and address common breastfeeding worries.

Lactivist is really proud to have Juno’s diary from when she was training to be a breastfeeding peer counsellor. Juno is a busy mum with 5 children and years of breastfeeding experience. Her diary is not just a record of the subjects covered in the course but a personal account of how the subjects made her feel and what she learnt from being a part of the group.

week 1 – Juno becomes part of part of this team – a network of volunteers supported by the Primary Care Trust.

week 2 -  Communication and building up a trusting relationship.

week 3 – All about the benefits of breastfeeding.

week 4 – Anatomy of the Breast and Hormones of Lactation

week 5 – The Composition of Human Milk

week 6 – Barriers to Breastfeeding

week 7 – Basic Breastfeeding Management

week 8 – Getting Ready for Baby and Ideas to Make Breastfeeding Work in Day-to-Day Living

week 9 – Understanding Baby Needs from Infancy to Toddlerhood

week 10 – Breastfeeding in Different Situations

week 11 – Examining Our Attitudes Towards Other People

If you are interested in training to be a Breastfeeding Supporter yourself, then it is worth asking your local midwife or health visitor if there are any courses in your area. Some areas have local schemes eg Real Baby Milk in the southwest of England, not affiliated to BfN LLL ABM NCT

Here are some main contact details

La Leche League on 0845 4561844.

www.breastfeedingne​twork.org.uk/training.html

NCT Breastfeeding Peer Support training

 

Please feel free to add any contact details for breastfeeding peer support training programmes by commenting below.

 

July 13th, 2011 | Tags: , , , , , | Category: Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding Help | 7 comments

Ask Aunty Lactivist – Storing Breastmilk in a Hotel?

By Lisa Lactivist, on July 6th, 2011
Aunty Lactivist is all of us so please leave a comment if you can help with your experience, ideas or links to other sites.
Dear Aunty Lactivist

I’m off for a girly weekend, booked a long time ago. Just emailed a hotel I’m staying in Friday and awaiting my reply.   It’ll be the very first time I have stayed away from my 8 month old little one overnight, (although I am back at work part time so she has my pumped milk in a bottle the few days I’m at work), so I will be pumping while away from her for two days / one night.
Have kindly asked the hotel if I could have access to/use of fridge to store pumped milk, a microwave to sterilise my pump and freezer to pop some freezer packs in, to keep milk cool on the long journey home.
Anyone have any experiences of this? I’m in the uk, but any advice will be greatly appreciated! Anything I can say if they refuse etc??
L
July 6th, 2011 | Tags: , , , , , | Category: Aunty Lactivist | One comment

Ask Aunty Lactivist – Twin Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Toddler

By Lisa Lactivist, on July 5th, 2011

Aunty Lactivist is all of us so if you can help with any ideas, experiences or links to other websites please leave a comment below.

Dear Aunty Lactivist
I’m pregnant with twins & really don’t want have to wean my two year old.
Any positive experiences of continuing breastfeeding a toddler through a twin pregnancy?
Thank you x E
July 5th, 2011 | Tags: , , , , | Category: Aunty Lactivist | 3 comments

Ask Aunty Lactivist – Breast Implants and Breastfeeding?

By Lisa Lactivist, on June 10th, 2011

Dear Aunty Lactivist

A dear friend of mine just had her third baby ( after 14 years another one) via c section on thursday this week…..
so far breastfeeding is not going well….. she had breast implants under the muscle several years ago. and she is saying NO MILK what so ever….she is nursing the little one plus pumping, the lactation consultant at the hosptial is worthless as always in the US…. I told her to drink fenugreek tea and mothersmilk tea, and nurse and nurse….I cant drive over to offer anymore support unitl monday since she is 2 hrs away….Any thoughts at all on your end???

Aunty Lactivist is all of us so if you can help with ideas or links to other sites please leave a comment.

June 10th, 2011 | Tags: , , , , | Category: Aunty Lactivist | Leave a comment
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