Breastfeeding
Breast Changes during Pregnancy
The healthy female body prepares to lactate as soon as a baby is conceived. One of the first signs and symptoms of "presumptive" pregnancy are changes in the breasts. Breast changes during pregnancy occur because of the influence of hormones. Estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin are hormones influencing breast changes in pregnancy. These changes include: Breast enlargement Sensitivity Tenderness Nipple sensitivity and tenderness Darkening and enlargement of the areola (darker area encircling the nipple). Inside the breast are many complete branches of milk-producing glands and their ducts. Each complete branch of milk producing glands have their own opening on the outside of the nipple. The existing milk gland systems mature during pregnancy. Preparing to Breastfeed Your body prepares to lactate as soon as your baby is conceived. There are several things you can do to prepare for breastfeeding while you are still pregnant: Learn all you can about normal lactation and breastfeeding. Specialize your research if you have any special concerns such as: previous breast surgery medications pregnant with multiples (twins or more) Pre-existing medical condition you think may affect breastfeeding your baby. Eat a well balanced diet of wholesome foods every day. Nursing Bra Purchase comfortable nursing-bras! Nursing bras are going to become your best friend! A well constructed nursing bra provides extra support during pregnancy. Avoid plastic lining of the bra cup; classically, during pregnancy, colostrom may leak from your breasts. Plastic lining may hold moisture against your body making your nipples "water logged" and possibly contributing to cracked nipples. Soft cotton handkerchiefs may be folded and placed in the bra cup to absorb moisture. Change anything used to absorb moisture often, as needed, to stay dry and clean. Wearing a nursing bra during pregnancy is an easy way to have needed support yet still have the benefits of going braless, one side at a time! Nursing-Bras are made with a clasp that unhinged the cup of the bra in order to breast feed your baby. Go Braless "Toughening up" your breasts during pregnancy is one thing you can do to prepare to breast feed. Not wearing a bra (even for a little while) helps to desensitize nipples. Use Terrycloth Washcloth and Towel Gently using a terrycloth washcloth and towel on your nipples also helps. Stock up on pillows Pillows are great to use when breastfeeding. Keep one pillow for baby on your lap (or snuggled up close to you). Use another pillow to support your arm (to support baby's head). Don't forget plenty of pillows for your back, as well as pillows for under your knees when breastfeeding in bed. Invest in a Rocking Chair Babies, moms, and dads love rocking chairs. One thing to remember: rocking a sleepy hungry baby may put baby to sleep when you really want baby to focus on feeding. Rocking chairs are great for soothing cranky babies, moms, and dads. Breastfeeding at Delivery Suckling is an inborn reflex, and with today’s sophisticated ultrasound technologies, preborn babies may be viewed, in real time in the womb, suckling a thumb, fingers, or fist. Babies are born to suckle. Born with a lot of practice, a normal newborn, alert and unmedicated, has a lot of different suckling behaviors at birth. |
Thank you for donatingPayPal is safe and secureFrom Affordable Care Act of 2012
"Breastfeeding support, supplies, and counselling: Pregnant and postpartum women will have access to comprehensive lactation support and counselling from trained providers, as well as breastfeeding equipment.
Breastfeeding is one of the most effective preventive measures mothers can take to protect their health and that of their children. One of the barriers for breastfeeding is the cost of purchasing or renting breast pumps and nursing related supplies. " http://healthcare.gov Correct Latch OnShowing milk producing glands and ducts with correct latch on.
|