Each month we donate a portion of our proceeds to a child with medical needs through the Legendairy Littles program. During March, we will be featuring Emily.
Throughout her pregnancy, Emily’s mom was followed closely to monitor the growth and size of Emily’s small right ventricle and heart valves due to Emily having Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome . This can cause a baby’s blood from having normal oxygen levels as well as cause stress to other organs. Emily was born in October 2022 at 39 weeks weighing 6 pounds 6 ounces. Once she was stabilized in the NICU, Emily was transported to the Cardiac ICU at a Children’s Hospital.
Emily had a PDA stent placed at only four-days old, then she surprised her doctors and family by eating and growing amazingly. Because of this, Emily was able to be discharged from the CICU after a month. Although she enjoyed being home, Emily was seen weekly by her medical team as well as daily weight checks and twice a day pulse ox checks at home. Prior to a Glenn procedure at 5-months old, a required pre-surgical cath was placed. While in the cath lab, Emily flat lined due to acute in-stent complete ductal thrombosis . Emily’s Glenn procedure went smoothly and she was hospitalized for two-weeks while her heart adjusted.
Since this procedure, Emily has been able to focus on growing and enjoying her family. She does face several bouts including RSV where she had several visits to her medical team. Her next open-heart procedure will be the Fontan and will take place around August 2025. She has a pink bear that her Grandparents gave her after birth before her first heart procedure. Emily has held this bear tight during every operation, procedure, and hospital stay. This “baby bear” brings a smile to her face whenever she sees it.
Emily’s dad is honored with the job of being her primary caretaker, while her mom is a Neuro nurse of 14 years. Emily is a playful, energetic young lady who brightens everyone’s day with her wide smiles and charismatic personality. She loves to play with her brothers and follow everyone around the house. Dancing and enjoying music are favorite activities with “Shake it Off” as her favorite song.
During the month of March, Legendairy Milk will be making a donation to Emily’s family to help with her ongoing medical expenses. If you would like to donate directly to Emily’s family, you can do so at their GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/c8ymv-emily-rose.
Each month we donate a portion of our proceeds to a child with medical needs through the Legendairy Littles program. During the month of February, we will be featuring Jamie.
A micro preemie, Jamie was born at only 26 weeks gestation, weighing only 1 pound 15 ounces. Due to his premature birth, Jamie was whisked away from his mama and sent directly to the NICU. He will be a resident of the NICU until near his original due date of January 13, 2024.
The odds may be stacked against Jamie, but he isn’t letting the statistics stand in his way. The survival rate of 26-week-old infants is approximately 40%, but Jamie takes every challenge with such admirable strength and refuses to give up. No matter how smooth Jamie is making his micro premie journey look, the challenges that he is fighting can be rough. He has had to have multiple tests and procedures to ensure his lungs are developing properly. Jamie has spent days strapped into bubble masks and CPAPs to aid in his breathing. Multiple PICC lines, mid-lines, and a G-tube have even been obstacles that Jamie is overcoming!
In December, Jamie was able to ditch his assistance breathing and be weaned down to room-air oxygen levels and then taken completely off of oxygen support. Jamie’s mama has been exclusively pumping during his early days in the NICU. Another milestone during December is that Jamie is able to learn to breast and bottle feed. Jamie’s nursery theme is forest animals and the family loves bears for him, especially teddy bears and Winnie the Pooh!
During the month of February, Legendairy Milk will be making a donation to Jamie’s family to help with his ongoing medical expenses. If you would like to donate directly to Jamie’s family, you can do so at their GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/82a01639
Anise is a tasty herb when added to culinary dishes and is used medicinally. It has also been shown to have numerous health benefits, from promoting milk production in new mothers to reducing hot flashes during menopause.
Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is native to Egypt and the Eastern Mediterranean region but is also cultivated in many other areas of the world. Anise is also known as Aniseed but unrelated to Star Anise. It is an annual flowering herb in the Apiaceae family. This family of plants also includes carrots, celery, and parsley.
The Anise plant grows up to three feet tall. The stems are branched and have feathery leaves. The yellow or white flowers grow at the end of short stalks, in a cluster, off the top of the stem. When you plant Anise, it should be in the place it is going to be allowed to stay because it has a main taproot that doesn’t like transplanting. If you do need to transplant it, do it when the plant is still small. It prefers soil that is light and drains well and can be planted in early spring as soon as the ground warms up a little. It is easy to grow and behaves as a natural insecticide in your garden.
Anise has been used as a remedy around the world. It dates back to the ancient Egyptians in food preparation, and the Romans made seed cakes to enjoy after meals to aid digestion. It has been used in India after meals as a breath freshener. Anise has a sweet licorice flavor.
Have you ever read The Hobbit? In this time treasured book by J. R. R. Tolkien, Bilbo Baggins served Anise seed cakes to the dwarfs who were unexpected lunch guests. In Germany, Anise is used in bread called Anisbrod. Other regions like Asia and the Mediterranean use anise in meat and vegetable dishes rather than in sweet breads and pastries.
Anise is used as a galactagogue to help support and increase milk production for new parents. It is a tradition in the Netherlands to give a new mother anise biscuits to celebrate the birth of her baby and encourage a bountiful milk supply.
Anise is a digestive herb that calms digestion and supports the hormones important for milk production, like prolactin and oxytocin.(1) Prolactin is the hormone responsible for making milk, and oxytocin is the “feel good” hormone that helps with milk flow and release.
One study looked at two properties of Anise and their effect on lactation in rats. One group of rats was given a placebo, while the other groups were given an Aniseed extract. They measured the pups' weight from days 3 - 15 to determine the estimated milk yield. The Anise group produced significantly more milk than the placebo group, and the weight gain of the pups in the Anise group was significantly better compared to the control group. (2)
Legendairy Milk’s Lechita combines Anise with fennel and caraway, two other digestive herbs, to help encourage milk flow.
Liquid Gold has Anise seed as one of its ingredients, along with other powerhouse herbs, to increase milk production and flow.
If you are allergic to other plants in the same family, there is a possibility of allergy. It is best to always talk to your doctor before adding supplements.
Anise has been used for centuries in culinary and medicinal ways in many cultures worldwide. There are all sorts of ways to include anise seed in culinary dishes to give a unique flavor and benefit from its health-promoting properties, including promoting lactation, aiding digestion, improving heart health, and reducing symptoms of depression and menopause. Anise contributes to hormonal and digestive health.
Each month we donate a portion of our proceeds to a child with medical needs through the Legendairy Littles program. During the month of January, we will be featuring George.
George was born at 36 weeks gestation. Through his newborn screenings while in the NICU, George was diagnosed with Pompe Disease. Pompe Disease is often referred to as glycogen storage disorder and is a rare genetic disorder that affects only 1 in every 40,000 infants. Pompe comes from a missing enzyme that breaks down glycogen, causing it to build up in muscles, forcing muscles, including the heart and lungs, to become weak.
George is such a strong little boy. He is monitored regularly, involving visits to a cardiologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech therapist, pulmonologist, endocrinologist, geneticist, neurologist, and lab work. The specialists that George needs to see are five hours from his home, resulting in a lot of time traveling and nights in hotels.
Pompe Disease in newborns is very new and, therefore, is still being researched. Duke University School of Medicine is the leader in Pompe Disease research in the United States. Although it is still new, it is clear to doctors that treatment must begin early because muscle damage can be permanent. Although there is no cure for Pompe, there is treatment. The current treatment protocol consists of an enzyme replacement therapy every two weeks for life. George has not begun his enzyme replacement therapy yet, but his medical team is monitoring him closely to begin it at the best time for George.
George loves to do tummy time while listening to CocoMelon, especially his “Purple Monkey” song. Watching toys that light up and sing to him are his favorite ways to spend his days. He is so well-behaved at long doctor appointments, always with a big smile that shows off his cute dimples. Spending time with family, cuddling his soft blankets and stuffies, and relaxing in a warm bath are the highlights of any day for George.
During the month of January, Legendairy Milk will be making a donation to George’s family to help with his ongoing medical expenses.
Each month we donate a portion of our proceeds to a child with medical needs through the Legendairy Littles program. During the month of December, we will be featuring Beaux.
In July 2023, after 28 hours of labor Beaux was born via an emergency c-section. Mom had to have an emergency hysterectomy due to complications during Beaux’s birth. This left her intubated and in the ICU for two weeks after birth, which meant that Beaux was not able to spend valuable skin-to-skin time with his Mom or hear her comforting voice. In the NICU, Beaux spent the first three days of his life receiving cooling therapy. It was discovered that Beaux has Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy, Trigger Thumb, Oropharyngeal Dysphagia, an abnormal Neurological Exam, and feeding difficulties.
Beaux has visits from Dad and Mom every day of his NICU stay. When breastfed, he was only allowed non-nutritional feeds. Mom would have to pump prior to feeding so that Beaux would not get flooded by milk. He receives the pumped milk via a feeding tube.
Now that they are home, Beaux is never a few feet away from his parents. He has several appointments every week including occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy. Beaux has been able to visit a hand surgeon to see how his trigger thumb can be helped. After many EEG exams, Beaux’s latest scan showed that he has no significant traceable abnormalities. This is a huge accomplishment that his family is not taking lightly. He has also graduated from the feeding tube and has transitioned to breastfeeding with supplemental formula as needed.
Beaux is the family’s “comeback kid” and continues to beat all of the odds that are facing him. He loves the Dr. Seuss book “Oh The Places You’ll Go” and his crinkle teether bear toy. He loves his big sister, Kat. Together, they love to watch Finding Nemo, sing Mr. Ray’s song, and sing nursery rhymes.
During the month of December, a financial donation will be provided to Beaux’s family to help with their ongoing medical costs. If you would like to donate directly to Beaux’s family or follow along through their journey, you can do so through their GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/8a184edb
Each month we donate a portion of our proceeds to a child with medical needs through the Legendairy Littles program. During the month of November we will be featuring Wade.
Wade was born in October 2020. Immediately when he was born, his parents knew that something was not right. Wade had an abnormally large bruise on the side of his head, he would bleed through his baby hat without any trauma, and bled for six straight hours following his circumcision. Wade was referred to a hematologist where he had many rounds of testing that took place while he had many visits to the ER for bruising and nosebleeds.
It wasn’t until Wade was 7-months old that he was diagnosed with Glanzmann Thrombasthenia. This is a rare platelet function disorder that causes him to not be able to properly form a clot. Something as simple as a nose bleed could cause Wade to visit the ER for IV treatments. With time, the bleeds have become more severe and have included vomiting blood and having his hemoglobin levels reach levels that require a red blood cell transfusion. Wade has even required emergency surgery to find a bleed and cauterize it in order to stabilize his body. With this instance, Wade was sedated and intubated in the PICU for eight days. After being home for only two weeks, he had to return to the Hematology/Oncology Floor of the hospital for a nosebleed. Wade does have home health options for the more mild bleeds that include a home health nurse placing an IV at his home.
The only option that Wade’s family was given to help with the progressively severe bleeds was to do platelet transfusions. Unfortunately, a body can become immune to these over time. With GT, there is not a clear road map. For Wade, his best chance of survival has come down to a bone marrow transplant. Wade’s team has narrowed his search down to four donors and is waiting on further testing to hopefully select the best match for Wade. The transplant team has planned to admit Wade in October or early November. During this admission, he will need surgery to place a Hickman line before he can begin the bone marrow transplant conditioning (chemo). This surgery is life threatening since it will naturally come with bleeding and platelets will be necessary to avoid excessive bleeding.
Wade loves all things Paw Patrol! He loves his Grandpa “Poppy” and his Grandma. They love to spend as much time as they can playing with Wade. Wade enjoys spending as much time outside as he can. Whether it's finding sticks, picking fruit from trees and veggies from the garden, feeding chickens, playing with dogs, and helping his Daddy mow the lawn, Wade is so happy outdoors. When indoors, Wade loves to build houses out of Linkin Logs and spend hours with his train set. Wade is the proud big brother to his 8-month old sibling. He has picked up on over half of the animals in his “My First 100 Animals” book and loves to be read “Goodnight Moon”.
The Legendairy Littles gift will help Wade’s family with the ongoing expenses of his Bone Marrow Transplant. Please consider visiting BeTheMatch to research becoming a bone marrow donor to save a life just like Wade’s.
If you would like to donate directly to Wade’s family, you can do so here:
Each month, we donate a portion of our proceeds to a child with medical needs through the Legendairy Littles program. During the month of October, we will be featuring Grey.
Grey was born in January 2023. Although the pregnancy was without complications, his traumatic birth story is one that will leave Grey with lasting complications. During delivery, doctors used forceps to aid in Grey’s birth. Forceps are used in approximately 0.5% of births in the US. A doctor may suggest the use of forceps if the baby has indicated signs of distress or labor has stalled.
Unfortunately, the use of forceps during Grey’s birth caused a facial palsy to his right side and pneumothorax on both sides of his lungs. These complications left Grey on c-pap for the first three days of life as well as the need for a feeding tube for the first six days. In addition to the complications caused by the forceps, Grey had to have his lip and tongue tie cut. Grey has been working hard at physical therapy for difficulty eating due to his facial palsy and torticollis. Additionally, Grey was just fitted for a helmet to help with flat spots on the sides of his head where the forceps were pushed too hard.
His family is so proud of how hard Grey continues to work at growing stronger everyday. Despite recurring ear infections and the hard work at Physical Therapy, Grey’s spirits have never dampened. He has appointments scheduled with multiple specialists in the coming months. First, a neurologist to address additional nerve damage caused by the use of forceps. Second, he will be visiting an ENT regarding recurring ear infections.
Everyone around Grey describes him as the happiest baby they know. He loves to spend time with his big sister, listen to KISS (especially the song “Rock n Roll All Night”), and anything to do with Scooby Doo and Elmo.
During the month of October, a portion of proceeds will be donated to Grey’s family to help with their ongoing medical bills.
Each month we donate a portion of our proceeds to a child with medical needs through the Legendairy Littles program. During the month of September, we will be featuring Logan.
At 32 weeks gestation, Logan’s mom saw a specialist. Although she measured at 40 weeks, Logan measured very small, and doctors could not see his stomach on ultrasounds. It was then that he was diagnosed with Esophageal Atresia. Because of this, Mom was at an increased risk of going into premature labor, so his medical team worked quickly to develop a plan of care.
Logan was born at 34 weeks on Valentine’s Day, measuring 3 pounds 12 ounces and 16.5 inches. He was quickly transported by ambulance to another hospital to meet his amazing team of surgeons. The next day, Logan had his important surgery to attach the esophagus to his stomach. Following a 10-day stay in that hospital’s NICU, Logan was transferred back to the original hospital, where he spent 69 days in their NICU. During this time, he underwent many procedures, tests, and studies to help him grow and learn how to eat.
Learning to eat and getting the right nutrition proved to be complicated for Logan and his medical team. Although he started with a NG feeding tube through his nose, the site of his first surgery was narrow, and it proved to be challenging to pass the tube into his stomach. When he was introduced to small volumes of milk in a bottle, he had difficulty with his narrow esophagus and reflux. He would continue to make baby steps in learning to eat the entire time he stayed in the NICU. Eventually, it was decided that a g-tube would be the best option to help Logan grow. Unfortunately, Logan experienced the g-tube balloon popping several times resulting in three ER visits and at least six different tubes. Logan continues to learn to eat; his favorite method is to nurse, and his tube is used to provide any nutrition Logan has not finished.
At five months old, Logan is 11 pounds and 23 inches. He loves to read books with his family and watch Encanto and Bluey. Logan adores his 10-year-old sister, his blankets, and toys. He enjoys munching on his hands, reaching his feet, and tummy time. Nursing and snuggles are where Logan prefers to spend most of his days.
Throughout Logan’s journey, he has kept a smile and is very rarely upset. His family shares that he is the strongest little guy and such a blessing to everyone around him. During the month of September, a portion of our sales will be donated to Logan’s family to help with ongoing medical expenses.
Each month we donate a portion of our proceeds to a child with medical needs through the Legendairy Littles program.
During the month of August, we will be featuring Haisley.
Born at 25 weeks 4 days, Haisley was immediately life flighted two hours from her small town hospital to one that would be better equipped to provide care for her. It was here that Haisley was diagnosed with chronic lung disease, a grade 3 brain bleed, and so much more. Due to the severity of her brain bleed, Haisley was life-flighted to another hospital that would now be three hours away and in another state from her home.
During her 120 day NICU stay, Haisley had two brain surgeries, and her mom committed to spending as much time as she could with Haisley, even though that meant losing her job.
When Haisley was discharged from the NICU, she had a VP Shunt in her head, oxygen, and an ng feeding tube. Mom had wanted to provide breast milk, but since Haisley couldn’t nurse, Mom committed to exclusively pumping. Her mom is a true hero and has been able to donate breast milk to other NICU babies. She is still medically fragile and must be life-flighted back to the hospital an average of once per month for around a week stay each time. When she is able to be home, Haisley spends a lot of time traveling three hours to see therapists and doctors. Her brain bleed has caused developmental delays that her medical team is working to overcome.
Haisley has an older sister who is 14-months older than she is. The two girls are best friends who enjoy playing peek-a-boo together. She loves to sit in her bouncer or spend time outside in the water. The Legendairy Littles donation will be used to help Haisley’s family with ongoing travel expenses.
If you would like to donate directly to Haisley’s family, you can do so here: https://gofund.me/4432b167
Each month we donate a portion of our proceeds to a child with medical needs through the Legendairy Littles program. In the month of July, we will be featuring Wynonna.
Born in November 2022 with Gastroschisis, Wynonna had to have her first surgery minutes after she was born. Gastroschisis is a birth defect where a baby has a hole in their belly that lets the intestines flow outside the baby’s body. When Gastroschisis is found during an ultrasound, doctors are unable to identify the severity of the case until the baby is born. Any combination of internal organs could develop outside of the baby’s tummy without a way to help until after birth.
The time frame for recovery depends on the baby. When Wynonna was 3 weeks old, she was able to be introduced to her mother's milk. At first, she was given one mL at a time, and the amounts increased as tolerated. However, when her demand for milk grew, formula was needed to supplement. The week Wynonna was expected to go home, she developed a severe case of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) from the formula. NEC is one of the most common and serious intestinal diseases in premature babies and occurs when intestine tissue is injured. Wynonna required emergency surgery. The surgery forced her to start from practically the beginning, requiring feeds to be paused and then slowly introduced againor. During this time, scans also detected a blood clot in the main vein of her liver.
Wynonna completed a two-month NICU stay. She was able to enjoy being home for 48 hours before being life-flighted back to the hospital related to bleeding. During this hospitalization, her blood clot and GI complications were monitored closely. It was determined her medication was too strong.
Throughout this NICU journey, Wynonna’s parents have done everything in their power to ensure they were able to visit her every single day. Being stationed 96 miles away from the hospital and thousands of miles from family frequently put their determination to the test.
In the past few months, Wynonna’s family executed military orders across the country, but they remain thankful to the hospital staff who saved her life more than once. Wynonna loves to go for stroller rides outside and enjoys the Legendairy Milk Teether Toy. Gastroschisis comes with its own unique ongoing challenges but she enjoys guzzling down a 5oz bottle of milk. The clot in her liver remains present. Medication is still not an option for treatment. For now, she receives regular in-depth ultrasounds and everyone holds on to hope that the clot will safely dissolve on its own.
Although her life has had its share of ups and downs, Wynonna is thriving and continuing to grow. During July, a portion of our proceeds will be donated to her family to help with her ongoing medical expenses.
Have you ever wondered exactly what is in breast milk, how it nourishes your baby, and whether you can increase the fat content of your milk? Breast milk is a complex mixture of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, along with a range of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, immune factors, and hormones. The fat content in breast milk is essential for your baby's brain development, nervous system, and overall growth. However, the types of fats in breast milk can vary from mother to mother, influenced by the foods you eat.
Breast milk is made up of protein, carbohydrates, fat (lipids), and many other components, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, immune factors, and hormones. Fats are super important for all areas of growth for your baby, including brain development, nervous system, and gaining weight.
Fat makes up about 3% - 5% of breast milk (Wambach and Spencer, 2021), but about half the calories of breast milk. (1)
Most of the breastmilk components stay relatively constant, but the lipid or fat profile can be quite different from mother to mother. (1) The amount of fat in each person’s milk is about the same, but the types of fats in your breast milk are influenced by the foods you eat, including the kinds of fat you eat. (4) Increasing the healthy fats in your diet will boost your breast milk's fat quality, not the quantity of overall fat in your breast milk. (4)
When babies are born preterm, the breast milk of the parent is higher in fat. (3) We are that perfect! Our milk knows just what our little one needs to thrive and grow in this special circumstance.
As a new mom, it can be hard to find time to cook meals with tons of ingredients, or that are time-consuming, but lucky for you, there are ways to add in lots of healthy fats without spending hours in the kitchen, which means more time for cuddling your baby.
Put down the sweets! Nibble on some protein instead. A diet high in healthy fats and proteins gives you more energy than high carbs, especially empty carbs like pasta and bread. Healthy carbs are on the “yes” list.
Fat in breast milk differs from morning to night and varies during each feeding. (2) Have you ever woken up and your breasts feel super full? What about when your breasts don’t feel as full later in the day?
Earlier in the day, breast milk has more water than fat flowing first. As your baby nurses or you pump, more fat is removed. (5) There is still fat in your milk throughout the whole feeding, but when your breasts are more full, there is more water as well.
The protein and fat molecules are big and sticky, while the carb and water molecules are smaller and can travel faster than the proteins and fats. When your baby nurses, they get more of the water and carbs first. Later in the day, your breasts tend to be a little less full, and your baby gets some of the fat in your milk sooner than the nursing sessions earlier in the day when your breasts were more full. The fat takes its time moving downstream through your ducts and can stick to the sides of the milk ducts as your baby is nursing.
Nursing your baby more often increases the amount of fat your baby gets. When you nurse more frequently, that fat is closer to the exit than when you space feeds out, and your breasts are more full again at the beginning of the next feeding. (6) One classic time we might think of is when your baby does some cluster feeding, often in the evening. They are loading up on the fattier milk. So, sit back, relax, and cluster feed away!
Middle-of-the-night nursing is critical for milk supply, but remember it also means you won’t go too long between emptying your breasts, and less full breasts mean your baby gets fat in your milk faster. (6) Snuggle up and dream feed.
Your hands can be great milk-moving tools. Using breast compressions during breastfeeding
helps move the fat in your milk down your milk ducts, which are like tunnels that carry your milk. Remember, those fat globules are sticky, so helping them along means more fat your baby can remove. Are you a pumping mom? Doing gentle massages before and during your pumping sessions can also get fat in your milk moving along.
Sunflower lecithin is often used for the treatment of stubborn plugged ducts. It is an emulsifier that helps the milk's water and fat separate less. It can help make the fat less sticky, therefore helping it slide on through the milk ducts and release a plugged duct, but also deliver more fat from your breast milk to your baby. (7) It should be used as a short-term plan. Long-term use of lecithin can cause damage to the intestinal lining. A positive long-term solution is to investigate ways to improve your diet and take additional nutrients to enhance your overall health.
Understanding the composition of breast milk and how it nourishes your baby is truly fascinating. The fat content in breast milk plays a crucial role in your baby's growth and development. While the types of fats in breast milk can vary among mothers, incorporating healthy fats into your diet can improve the fat quality in your milk. Remember, nursing more frequently, using breast compressions and gentle massage can increase fat transfer during breastfeeding and pumping. And for added support, short-term use of Legendairy Milk Sunflower Lecithin can be beneficial. Still, adopting long-term solutions by focusing on a healthy diet and overall well-being is important.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/392766/
http://thefunnyshapedwoman.blogspot.com/2011/05/foremilk-and-hindmilk-in-quest-of.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501772/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16582032/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31137596/
https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/pediatrics/117/3/e387.full.pdf
http://www.asklenore.info/breastfeeding/resources/mysteries.shtml
Wintertime months mean the sun sets sooner in many places. Unfortunately, this limits the hours we can spend outside and get sunshine. In addition, we are bundled up when it is cold, limiting skin exposure to the sun's rays.
Even if you live in sunny California, Texas, or Florida, you still might be deficient in this essential vitamin. Sunlight alone is not enough to supply our bodies with the amount of Vitamin D that it needs. Read more on why we need vitamin D, vitamin D through the seasons, recommended amounts to take, and more below.
Just because the weather is warm doesn't guarantee you are getting enough vitamin D.
Vitamin D is an important vitamin for everyone at every age. It is a fat-soluble vitamin responsible for absorbing the mineral calcium into your intestines and bloodstream. Without enough vitamin D3, you are at higher risk for bone fractures and poor oral health. (5) Sufficient vitamin D plays a role in healthy blood pressure and cardiovascular health.
Infants need vitamin D to support their growing bones and the formation of healthy teeth. Vitamin D works best when combined with vitamin K2 to mineralize your baby's bones and teeth. Then, before teeth erupt, vitamin D keeps the baby's gums healthy.
A systematic review of controlled clinical trials, which included a large number of children, showed that sufficient vitamin D levels can protect against dental cavities. Vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of developing dental cavities in about 47% of children. (6)
Vitamin D helps keep our immune system healthy and can reduce the risk of certain viruses. In addition, it keeps our brains and cognitive function sharp and decreases the risk of type 2 diabetes. It may also help improve symptoms of eczema.
Just because the weather is warm doesn't guarantee you are getting enough vitamin D. One cross-sectional study including men and women ages 10-70 showed that even in an area of high humidity, the seasonal variation of vitamin D in the subject's bloodstream was significantly lower in the winter months compared to the summer. (3) In the summer, people often avoid the midday sun and sit in the shade or cover more of their skin to avoid sunburn, which also means getting less vitamin D from sunshine.
The season in which someone was born can affect lifelong vitamin D status. A significant cross-sectional retrospective investigation showed that people born in the winter had significantly lower total vitamin D later on as adults compared to those born in the summer. It showed the risk of developing a vitamin D deficiency was 11% higher for those born in the winter. (7)
The UV index is a scale of ultraviolet radiation levels. The UV index is high in the summer, and our skin is exposed to more ultraviolet light. In the winter, UV exposure is much lower, so even though it may feel good to have the sun shining on our faces, we are not getting as much vitamin D because the angle of the sun's rays just doesn't hit the earth to deliver more UV light. Most of the United States gets little vitamin D from sun exposure from November through February. (9)
RDA - stands for Recommended Daily Allowance.
Vitamin D3 is more available to our body than vitamin D2. In addition, because of vitamin D3's longer half-life, it stays in the body longer and can raise levels better than D2.
In one study, infants were given either a supplement of vitamin D2 or D3 for three months. The group with vitamin D2 had an increase of 4ng compared to infants given vitamin D3, who had a rise of 9ng. This meant that 75% of infants in the D2 group had sufficient levels after supplementation compared to 96% of infants in the vitamin D3 group. (2)
A healthy diet with foods high in vitamin D contributes to our overall vitamin D levels. Still, it is not a sufficient way for most people to maintain their vitamin D status.
Each month we donate a portion of our proceeds to a child with medical needs through the Legendairy Littles program. During June, we will be featuring Liam.
At his 20-week anatomy scan, everything was going smoothly, and Liam’s parents joyed seeing how much their baby boy had grown. After scanning his heart more in-depth, Liam was diagnosed with a rare congenital heart defect, Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome, and Pulmonary Atresia. Liam’s parents were referred to a pediatric cardiologist who did a fetal echo and confirmed Liam's heart issues. Liam’s mom was followed closely throughout the pregnancy to monitor his growth and the size of the extremely small right ventricle and heart valves. Liam’s parents picked his name because it means “strong-willed warrior, Guardian, Protector,” all words that describe him.
During an induction at 39 weeks, Liam quickly communicated that his heart would not handle the birth. In January 2023, Liam was born via c-section, weighing 7 pounds 7 ounces. Liam was introduced to the NICU quickly after birth, being cared for by his mom’s coworkers. After being stabilized, he was transported to a Children’s Hospital Cardiac ICU. Since birth, Liam has spent every day in the Cardiac ICU and Cardiac Step-Down unit. He has required three trips to the Cath Lab to place stents in his PDA and Pulmonary Arteries. Doing this has helped get blood flow to his lungs.
Liam has lived in the hospital since birth, waiting for a new heart. Before a recent stent, Liam was unstable with serious EKG changes along with dangerously elevated blood work levels. When doctors found an unrepairable coronary artery problem, doctors placed Liam on 1A status, the highest priority to receive a new heart. Liam has been living up to his name's meaning and eating and growing amazingly. Doctors have now decided that he will have the first of two open heart surgeries of the single ventricle palliation to try to delay his heart transplant as long as they can. All of Liam’s care and surgeries are considered palliative. This means that they will continue to help Liam live until one day, they stop working. Liam’s health complications cannot be fully cured and will have lifelong complications.
Liam is a sweet and active growing boy. Although he has never been able to leave the hospital, he continues to meet all of his developmental milestones. He has impressed all of his medical team with his ability to eat like a champ, a skill that is uncommon for heart babies. He has the best eyelashes, the most infectious smile and loves to connect with all of the nurses.
During the month of June, a portion of our proceeds will be donated to Liam’s family to help with his ongoing medical expenses. Liam’s mom has been a NICU nurse for 13 years, and his dad is finishing his first year of Physician Assistant school. Their careers have had to take a back seat to Liam’s needs.
If you would like to donate directly to their family, you may do so on their GoFundMe page: https://gofund.me/a56b8349
At only one-month-old, Alyssa’s parents took her to the ER for a large lump that they thought was an inguinal hernia. Imaging showed a large lymph node, and bloodwork showed possible cancer. Unfortunately, due to lab complications, Alyssa’s leukemia was not diagnosed. For several months, Alyssa’s parents were in and out of the hospital for neutropenia, mysterious bruising, an eye bleed, a very swollen lumpy head, swollen eyes, and a stuffy nose that lasted for over a month.
After spiking a fever, Alyssa was admitted and medevacked to a Children’s Hospital in another state. When she arrived at the new hospital, she could not open her eyes, was not eating, and hardly moving her limbs. She was four months old when she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Doctors said the disease was heavily progressed, and there was no time to lose. During the first few days at the hospital, Alyssa underwent several procedures, including a biopsy, Hickman line placement, and an MRI. During this, Alyssa was too weak to handle sedation and was transferred to the PICU on a ventilator. Despite her fragile state, she started chemotherapy. It was a very long and challenging few months for Alyssa and her family. Between heavy medications and frequent imaging, complications, and side effects seemed unending. Alyssa developed micro clots in her liver (VOD) and a fistula in her GI tract as some of her complications from chemo.
After her first round of chemo, her FLOW test (biopsy) came back showing 30% leukemia remaining in the marrow, indicating that Alyssa’s cancer was stubbornly resistant to chemo. Alyssa was put on track for a bone marrow transplant. However, days later, the FISH test (second half of her biopsy) came back showing 0.0% cancer cells detected. Alyssa’s doctor had never seen such a difference in tests before! After a repeat biopsy, the FISH and FLOW tests showed no detectable cancer! Alyssa has completed three more rounds of chemotherapy and has one round remaining. She no longer needs to have a bone marrow transplant. With each round of chemo, she gets stronger and healthier. She is known among the staff at her hospital as the “miracle baby.”
Alyssa is the sunshine of her hospital's cancer and blood disorders floor. She loves to walk the hospital halls in a wagon or car and venture to the rooftop garden, where she enjoys her only chance at fresh air and touching all the plants. The nurse hospital badges are an accessory that Alyssa loves, so the oncology nurses made a special one for Alyssa. The music therapist enjoys visiting Alyssa’s room with their guitar and singing “Baby Beluga” songs. When Alyssa was diagnosed, the Lord promised in a dream that Alyssa would be healed. Her family believes the promise was delivered in Alyssa’s not needing a transplant.
During the month of May, a portion of our proceeds will be donated to Alyssa’s family to help with her ongoing medical expenses. If you would like to donate directly to their family, you may do so on their GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-natekin-family]]>Kalani was born at only 22 weeks and weighed one pound and two ounces at birth. Before being delivered via an emergency c-section, Kalani’s parents were told she would pass away during birth. In the event she did make it, they worried the smallest breathing tube they carried wouldn’t be small enough. After being born, she went into cardiac arrest, had to be resuscitated, and was admitted to the NICU. At only 14 days old, Kalani’s weight had dropped to 13 ounces, she went into septic shock, and her organs began shutting down. Even though the doctor switched her ventilator over seven times, this was the first time she opened one of her eyes. As a last effort, doctors let Kalani’s parents hold her for the first time. She made it through that night. Every day after led to uncertainty, but after 165 days in the NICU, she could finally go home. At a 16-month checkup, Kalani measured smaller than most 3-month-olds, weighing only 16 pounds.
After having Kalani, her parents were told that having another child would not be safe for the mom or baby. At three months post-partum, her parents discovered they were two months pregnant. After Kalani was discharged from the NICU, she had to go to 30 appointments a month, on top of the four per month her mom had for her high-risk pregnancy. Kalani was home for four months when her sister Penelope was born. When Penelope was able to come home from the hospital, Kalani was then admitted for two additional weeks. This was followed by Penelope being admitted for another six weeks until she could have a g-tube placed at eight weeks old. The family now attends up to 60 appointments every month as they search for answers about the sisters’ medical problems.
The girls enjoy spending time with their Mom, Dad, and each other. They spend most of the day smiling at each other, reading books, and listening to music. They love the book MaMa and DaDa by Jimmy Fallon. As Kalani currently can only say four words, they love that two of her words are the focus of this book. They love the song Godspeed by Frank Ocean and Best Part by Daniel Ceasar & H.E.R. Even with challenges and uncertainty, the family tries to remain positive and enjoy any time they can spend together. With all that is happening, Mom has been exclusively pumping for both girls since Kalani’s birth in August 2021.
During April, a portion of our proceeds will be donated to Kalani and Penelope’s family to help with their ongoing medical expenses. If you would like to donate directly to their family, you may do so on their GoFundMe page here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/babypbabyk.]]>Were you and your baby given a nipple shield in the first few days after birth? While babies are designed for breastfeeding and are born with reflexes to assist them in finding the breast and attaching to the areola and nipple to feed right after birth, it doesn’t always go as planned.
There are many circumstances leading to the introduction of a nipple shield. While a nipple shield won't solve latch or feeding difficulties, it can be a tool that preserves breastfeeding until the challenges are resolved.
Did you know there are a variety of shield options? There are also some tips & tricks that are helpful for properly attaching and using the shield effectively. Each mom and baby is unique, so experimenting with different shields will help you find the best match for you and your baby.
Conical - the nipple shape has straight sidewalls continuing right to the base. It does not indent down the shaft of the shield’s nipple. It is slightly wider at the base of the nipple than the tip. It is made of very thin, flexible silicone, and the mom’s nipple will extend into the shield’s nipple tip while the baby is latched and nursing.
Cherry - this style is similar to the conical shape except as the shield’s nipple meets the base, it indents a little. It can help the baby’s mouth “grab” the nipple or be able to hold on to the nipple better. Mom’s nipple will extend into most of the nipple on the shield while the baby nurses.
Bottle nipple style - the nipple on this shield style resembles a combination of a bottle nipple and nipple shield. The nipple may be more round (similar to the conical-shaped shield), cherry-shaped, or flatter on one side and round on the other side of the nipple tip. All these shapes flare out as they reach the base of the nipple shield. Some nipple shields in this style leave more space between the mom’s nipple and the baby’s mouth compared to the soft silicone shields mentioned above. This shield may be helpful when the baby is transitioning from bottle to breast or vice versa. If the baby is clamping down and causing pain for the mom during nursing, this shield may offer relief.
Round base - Sometimes, the silicone on a full round base shield is slightly thicker than versions with a cut-out section. They are a full-coverage base and can be easier to apply to the breast. Some versions are wider on one side than the other. If that describes your shield, the narrower side is placed where the baby’s nose will land on your breast.
Cut-out base - The cut-away part of this shield allows the baby’s nose to have skin-to-skin contact with the mom’s breast while using the nipple shield.
Butterfly base - This base has 2 parts that are cut out. When applied, the baby’s nose and chin will be where the cut-out sections are, allowing both the nose and chin to touch the breast directly.
Always wash your hands and nipple shield before applying it to your body.
Hold the nipple shield between your thumb and index finger with both hands. If your shield is butterfly-shaped, hold the wide part of the nipple shield base.
Stretch the nipple shield base with your fingers while inverting the shield so the nipple part presses inward.
Place the shield nipple directly over your nipple so your nipple is centered in the shield nipple.
Give the shield one more stretch as you flatten the base over your areola and see that your nipple and a small part of the areola are drawn into the shield.
If the shield is not staying on well, you can run it under warm water or rub a little breastmilk or nipple cream onto the inside of the nipple shield base.
Heat from your body or placing the shield between your hands to warm it up can help the material soften and stretch more easily, which helps it grab more breast tissue when applying it.
If your nipple is rubbing on the shield tunnel, remove it and ensure it is directly centered over your nipple.
If your shield is on correctly, it will stay on better and not slide around or come off while your baby is latched. It should be flush against your breast tissue and not roll or curl up when your baby latches on to nurse.
The nipple shield should pull in a small amount of areola as well as the nipple. When your baby nurses with a well-fitting shield, they should be able to latch deeply with the entire nipple of the shield in their mouth as well as a portion of the areola. We want your baby to “breast” feed, not just “nipple” feed.
After you attach your shield, give it a gentle flick or push on the side of the shield’s nipple shaft. It should be secure and not lose suction to your breast tissue. If it stays in place, you are ready to latch your baby.
You may feel a slight tugging as your baby nurses, but at no point should you feel pinching or pain. Your baby’s lips should be flanged while latched, and their mouth and jaw should be open wide, not just a little. Your baby’s lips should be touching your breast, their chin pressed into your breast, and not just latched on the shield’s nipple. Keep your baby tucked in close to your body with their ear, shoulder, and hip in a straight line.
Your breasts should feel less full and relieved after your baby nurses. Your baby should seem satisfied after being nursed and may unlatch themselves until they are ready to feed again.
Nipple shields can be used with supplemental nursing systems if your baby needs additional supplementation while feeding.
You can hand express a little milk into the nipple shield before your baby latches. This gives your baby milk with their first suck. When your baby gets milk right away from a suck, it triggers them to suck more and stay active during feeding.
It is normal for milk to pool inside the shield’s nipple tip at the end of a feeding. It is a good sign that your shield is the right fit and that it is not reducing the amount of milk your baby is able to remove during feeding.
Keep a nipple shield in every location you might need to use it, including your bedside table, in the car, in the diaper bag, and where you nurse during the day.
Between uses, wash the shield with warm, soapy water. Once per day, you should sanitize the nipple shield by boiling it for 5 minutes or following the sanitization instructions it came with.
Many times, a nipple shield is given in the first few days of your baby’s life and may not come with lots of information on how to use it properly and effectively or a plan for weaning off the shield. Having the proper fit for a shield and one with features that match your baby’s needs to feed well makes a big difference. A longer-term plan for nipple shield use should be discussed with your IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), but knowing how to use it in the meantime will help you and your baby use it correctly. It can be a helpful tool for preserving your breastfeeding relationship.
Footnotes:
References:
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2015.00236/full
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9025446/
Breastfeeding does not always look the way we planned for it to. While breastfeeding is natural, it is not always easy. When your baby is having difficulty latching, and you want to breastfeed, you may be given a nipple shield. In other situations, a nipple shield may be used to protect the breastfeeding relationship, and all should include a clear plan for its use and a timeline for weaning from it. You may have heard lots of different stories about nipple shields, from why to use them to why not to use them and everything in between
A nipple shield is made of thin, soft silicone. It is a tool or device that may be helpful for some breastfeeding issues. The nipple on the shield is placed over the mom’s own nipple to help with latching and feeding her baby. It is very flexible and comes in different shapes, styles and sizes.
The nipple shield has a base that lays on top of the areola and the nipple to fit over the mom’s nipple. Some styles of shields have a cut-away part on the base so that the baby’s nose is in direct contact with the breast. At the end of the nipple are holes for milk to transfer from the mom to the baby during feeding.
Most of the time, after a baby is born, they are placed on the mom’s body and given time to find the nipple, latch and begin feeding. There can be reasons that it doesn’t always go smoothly, and the mom and baby may be given a nipple shield to assist with latching and feeding.
Nipple shields are a tool or device and not a solution. They can offer assistance immediately so that a mother can protect her milk supply and the baby can breastfeed. Tools like nipple shields can buy some time to figure out the underlying feeding challenges and come up with a game plan to address them.
Using a nipple shield can make feeding your baby at the breast possible when they are not able to latch well on their own. While it is important to try other interventions first to help achieve comfortable and successful positioning and latching, it is better to have your baby at the breast with a shield than not at the breast at all. Using a tool like a nipple shield may help avoid stopping breastfeeding earlier than desired and contribute towards a longer breastfeeding relationship. (2)
Nipple shields can make latching and breastfeeding possible for some people. Shields are available in different shapes and sizes. They are a tool that comes with benefits and cautions. They are best used when under the care of a skilled IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) to ensure you look at other possible factors of feeding difficulties and have support and an individualized care plan for getting off the nipple shield. Nipple shields can offer temporary assistance, allowing you to protect your milk supply and nurture a breastfeeding bond with your baby.
Vitamins play an essential role in every function of our body and overall health. However, the dynamic duo of vitamin D3 and K2 steals the spotlight, working in perfect harmony to promote healthy bones, cardiovascular health, and a robust immune system. While it is important to include a wide range of foods in our diet to get the nutrients that we need, supplements can help fill in the gaps, making sure we get enough of each vitamin and mineral required to promote healthy bodies and boost our levels at times when we need extra support.
The way the body stores and processes vitamins can be broken down into two main groups.
Both vitamins D and K have their benefits, but if they are not taken together, you may not get the benefits you are striving for. Vitamin D3 and K2 work together for healthy bones, cardiovascular health, and strong immune system function. The fact is, they work better together than taken separately. (5) Without vitamin K2, vitamin D3 may not be able to be used in the body, which can lead to other health concerns. Using a supplement that has both vitamin D3 plus vitamin K2 eliminates the worry.
Vitamin D3 helps the body effectively absorb calcium and directs it from your intestines to your blood. This is where vitamin K2 jumps into action. Vitamin K2 directs that calcium into your bones. Without enough vitamin K2, calcium can build in the arteries and not reach your bones where you want it. (2)
A study of 107 healthy Caucasian women in a 9-month follow-up study found that their exclusively breastfed infants received <20% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin D during the first year of life. (3)
The body absorbs about 10%-15% of calcium through diet. With sufficient vitamin D status, this increases to 30%-40%. (4) If a woman doesn’t have sufficient vitamin D levels, this can also affect her baby’s vitamin D status.
In one study, as much as 50% of infants younger than 5 days old were shown to be deficient in vitamin K. (6)
Breastmilk does contain vitamin D, but it may not be enough to raise the baby's levels. Often, vitamin D levels in babies are low because of the mother's insufficient vitamin D status. If a mom chooses not to give her baby a vitamin D3 supplement, she can take 6400 IU/day, which has been shown to be sufficient to raise her baby’s levels. (7) Otherwise, it is recommended to supplement the baby directly with 400 IU/day of vitamin D3. (8)
Although infant formula is fortified with vitamin D, your baby still may not be getting the Recommended Daily Allowance, especially in the first few weeks of life. Once the baby takes 32 ounces of formula daily, they should be given a Vitamin D3 supplement. Babies fed both breastmilk and formula, known as combo feeding, are also best protected by taking a vitamin D3 with a K2 supplement.
D2 - Has a shorter half-life compared to vitamin D3. It also doesn’t raise the levels of the active form of vitamin D in our body. Plants make vitamin D2. In supplements, it is often sourced from yeast exposed to UV light. It is cheaper to produce than vitamin D3.
D3 - We absorb vitamin D3 directly from sun exposure through our skin and foods like fatty fish, egg yolks, beef liver, and microalgae. (9) In one study, infants were given either a supplement of vitamin D2 or D3 for 3 months. The group with vitamin D2 had an increase of 4ng compared to infants given vitamin D3, who had an increase of 9ng. This meant that 75% of infants in the D2 group had sufficient levels after supplementation compared to 96% of infants in the vitamin D3 group. (10)
K1 - shorter half-life, so levels fluctuate more in the body. Not the preferred form for supplementation.
K2 - To add to the complexity of choices, K2 may be in the form of MK-4 or MK-7. Vitamin K2 as MK-7, compared to K1, has a longer half-life and has been shown to raise Vitamin K serum levels in the body. (1)
Taking a vitamin D3 + K2 from MK-7 supplement regularly will keep your vitamin K levels stable for longer. MK-4 is less well absorbed or bioavailable to the body than MK-7. In studies, MK-4 seemed less predictable than MK-7. It didn’t raise everyone’s vitamin K levels at the same time, even when it was being taken regularly.
Only some vitamins work together, like vitamin D3 and K2, yet finding a high-quality vitamin supplement containing both is challenging. When taken together, you can be confident that your body can utilize calcium correctly, leading to strong bones, teeth, and a healthy cardiovascular system.
Legendairy Milk Baby Vitamin D3 & K2 Liquid Drops supplement are a synergistic blend of plant-sourced Vitamin D3 and K2 MK-7 that work better together than alone. The vitamin D3 is sourced from certified organic, non-GMO, vegan algae. The vitamin K2 is sourced naturally from fermented chickpeas. The product is certified USDA Organic, non-GMO, and free from preservatives, additives, artificial flavors, colors, and common allergens.
Babies grow quickly, and they must have enough vitamin D3 and K2 starting right after birth to support their rapidly developing body, skeletal system, healthy gums and teeth, and a strong immune system. It is always recommended to check with your doctor or care provider before beginning a new supplement.
Sometimes called “vitamin sunshine,” Vitamin D is a key nutrient for maintaining healthy bones and absorbing calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin used by many of the body’s organs and tissues, helping to control infections and reduce inflammation in the body. As a result, it can help you and your baby recover from colds quicker and be protective in maintaining overall health. It is particularly important for infants' bone development and teeth health. Breast milk, while a complete food for your baby, may not provide sufficient vitamin D, making it necessary to supplement your baby with high-quality vitamin D3 & K2.
Vitamin D3 is absorbed by the skin or from foods we eat. However, it isn't ready to be used by the body just yet; it remains inactive until it goes through a more complex process. It is stored in fat cells and stays dormant until it is needed.
Vitamin D has to be metabolized by the body into its hormonally active form called 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol. (8) It is first converted in the liver before entering the bloodstream. Then, it is taken up by the kidneys and converted to the hormonally active form of Vitamin D called calcitriol. This active form of Vitamin D helps the gut absorb calcium and prevents calcium loss from the kidneys.
If a mother’s vitamin D levels are low, it can impact her baby’s vitamin D levels at birth. One study showed that 81% of women of childbearing age do not have sufficient levels of vitamin D. (9) This leaves infants at risk for vitamin D deficiency.
Infants need Vitamin D for healthy bones and immune systems. In addition, because of its role in calcium absorption, it is necessary for helping your baby develop strong teeth and reduce the risk of tooth decay.
How much Vitamin D breast milk has depends on the mother's Vitamin D status. The amount of Vitamin D is higher in the fattier parts than in the more watery parts. (1)
Breastmilk is a complete food for your baby. It is recommended to exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of the baby's life and continue for the first year, beginning to add in foods after the first six months that are complementary to breastfeeding. After the first year, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breastfeeding continue until age two or as long as mutually desired. (2)
A study of 107 healthy Caucasian women in a nine-month follow-up study found that their exclusively breastfed infants received <20% of the daily recommended amount of Vitamin D during the first year of life. (5)
The best way to know that your baby is getting the right amount of Vitamin D is to give them a high-quality Vitamin D3 supplement. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all infants be supplemented with Vitamin D3, whether they are exclusively breastfed or partially breastfed. In addition, babies should be supplemented with Vitamin D3 for the first year after birth. (10) Premature infants are not more deficient in Vitamin D than babies born at term, and the recommendation for supplementation is the same.
RDA - stands for Recommended Daily Allowance.
Although Vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 have their respective benefits, they can work together to transport calcium best when taken together. (6) Vitamin D3 is a vehicle moving calcium where it needs to be.
Vitamin D3 helps absorb calcium from your intestines into the blood. Vitamin K2 picks it up from there and gets it to your bones.
Vitamin D2 doesn’t raise levels of the active form of Vitamin D in our bodies as well as vitamin D3. So, when choosing a vitamin D supplement, choose one that contains vitamin D3.
Legendairy Milk Baby Vitamin D3 & K2 Liquid Drops are a synergistic blend of plant-sourced Vitamin D3 and K2 MK-7 that work better together than alone. One drop delivers the recommended daily intake for your baby. The drops are unflavored, certified organic with no unwanted additives, and easy to use. Many Vitamin D3 drops for babies do not include Vitamin K2, which is essential for calcium absorption.
Ensuring your baby receives sufficient vitamin D is vital for healthy bone development, immune system function, and strong teeth. While breast milk is a complete food for your baby, it may not provide enough vitamin D, making it necessary to supplement with high-quality vitamin D3 & K2. After 6 months of age, offering your baby foods high in Vitamin D helps their overall status but is not considered enough. So, getting out in the sunshine, eating a diet of Vitamin D-rich foods, and taking a high-quality D3 + K2 vitamin supplement will ensure your baby is getting what they need.
At birth, Burton was born not breathing. This caused him to be immediately admitted to the NICU in another hospital. Once there, he was put on “cooling” to offset any brain swelling. It took 24 minutes before Burton was able to breathe on his own.
At ten days old, Burton had an MRI to see if there were any lasting effects from his traumatic birth. Thankfully, there were no signs of brain swelling or trauma to his brain. However, there also came additional news that his family was not prepared to receive. The doctors found an abnormality in Burton’s brain called the Vein of Galen Malformation.
The Vein of Galen Malformation is an abnormal connection between a vein and an artery that supplies the brain. With this, the brain receives too much blood while the blood leaving the brain can be restricted. This can, in turn, put a strain on the heart causing it to work too hard. Burton has the best prognosis because he does not have severe symptoms or brain symptoms. Thankfully his echocardiogram has shown that his heart has spared any negative impact so far.
Had it not been for his traumatic birth, this condition may not have been noticed and would have caused greater problems going forward. Burton has to travel out of state to see his medical team. He has been able to connect with a doctor who has experience operating on this condition. In December, Burton had his first major surgery where doctors were able to close one of the arteries feeding the malformation. Doctors anticipate that he will need four additional surgeries on his brain to close each artery.
In his free time, Burton loves to give kisses to his Mom, watch hockey with his Dad, and Facetime with cousins. He loves exploring the exciting sounds that his voice can make while playing in his activity center. Burton is also enjoying finding all of the different textures to chew on as more teeth grow in.
During the month of March, a portion of our proceeds will be donated to Burton’s family to help with their ongoing medical and travel expenses. ]]>
We have some incredible news to share with you! We are thrilled to announce that our best-selling lactation supplements are now available on Walmart.com and in select Walmart stores. That’s right - you can now find our Liquid Gold®, Pump Princess, Milkapalooza® and Pumping Spray products in Walmart, making it easier than ever for moms to get the lactation support they need.
We know that being a nursing mom can be tough, but finding the right lactation support should be easy. That’s why we’re excited to bring our trusted and effective products to Walmart. We want to make it as simple as possible for moms everywhere to access our high-quality supplements that are designed to help boost milk supply and help provide essential nutrients for both mom and baby.
And if you need any more convincing that our products are worth trying, just check out this amazing review from a nursing mom:
“I never leave reviews for products, but as a nursing mom I felt it was necessary to share that this product was amazing for me! My house came down with the FLU (LO as well) with the stress, less fluids and him not nursing as much my supply dwindled down to 1oz/20 min pumping session. I ran to Walmart and within 24hours of this supplement, drinking tons of water, nursing and pumping, my supply not only went back up but was much more than normal! This was a huge life saver considering my LO is dairy free and formula is hard to come by for him!”
We are so proud to have made a difference in this mom’s breastfeeding journey, and we want to help even more moms achieve their breastfeeding goals with our products. Now that we’re available at Walmart, we’re even more accessible to moms who need us most.
To find a Walmart near you that carries our products, be sure to check out our store locator.
We can’t wait to help more moms on their breastfeeding journey with our trusted supplements, now available at Walmart.
]]>Side-lying is a natural and nurturing position for your baby during feeding. This position provides complete support for your baby's entire body, allowing them to focus on their meal comfortably. With their body weight resting on your lap, a pillow, or the bed, they feel secure, stable, and relaxed throughout the feeding process.
Side-lying paced feeding gives your baby more control over their feed. It allows for pauses between sucks and swallows, facilitating breathing. If milk flow is excessive, it conveniently drips out of the baby's mouth instead of causing them to gulp it down rapidly, which can lead to discomfort.
By slowing down the feeding process, side-lying bottle-feeding encourages your baby to stop when they are full, reducing the likelihood of overfeeding. Unlike the traditional cradled bottle-feeding position, where continuous milk flow leaves the baby no choice but to keep swallowing, side-lying enables a more intuitive feeding experience.
In the traditional cradled bottle-feeding position, continuous milk flow often results in the ingestion of more air, leading to gassiness, spitting up, and discomfort. Side-lying bottle-feeding helps minimize these issues.
Supporting your baby in your lap while they lie on their side eliminates the strain on your arms that can occur with other feeding positions. This approach allows you to observe your baby's cues and follow their lead during the feeding process.
To further assist you, we have a demonstration of side-lying bottle-feeding on our Instagram page here:
As a breastfeeding mom, you might look closer at how you treat the sniffles, congestion, cough, colds, and flu and want to ensure you are not taking anything that could impact your breastfeeding relationship. The good news is that there are many options to help you get through the season. At the first sign of a cold or flu, the recipe below is a great first defense but also can work wonders if you don’t end up starting it until you are in the trenches mid-illness. Each ingredient has health-promoting cold and flu-fighting benefits, and it tastes great!
Winter months are the peak time for flu season in most areas. The air is colder, days are shorter, and most people spend much more time inside. Of course, the flu is not the only illness around, and dealing with any cold is never fun. If you're cold and flu-free, you can boost your immune system to stay healthy, but if you end up sick, there are ways to help relieve symptoms, support your milk supply, and get you feeling better faster.
It is not unusual for your milk supply to dip when you have a cold or flu. It will bounce back afterward, but added support during an illness goes a long way to help it recover quickly. Some ingredients in the Hot Lemonade Tea are considered galactagogues, meaning they are used to support and increase milk supply.
Ingredients:
10 oz of water or enough for your mug of choice
1 Throat Coat (Traditional Medicinals) tea bag (optional)
Half of a lemon
1-2 cloves of garlic
1 tsp local honey*
Pinch or two of cayenne pepper
Babies seem to like the taste of garlic in mom’s milk. One study showed that babies nursed longer and removed more milk if their mom had garlic compared to those who did not. (10)
One:
Make a large batch of the Throat Coat tea to complete part of the process.
Heat 8 1⁄4 cups of water to just under a boil to make a large batch. Pour the heated water into a half-gallon glass jar with a lid, like a Ball wide-mouth jar.
Add 6 Throat Coat Tea bags and cover the jar with a lid as it steeps. Use caution handling the glass jar because it immediately gets hot once you add your heated water. 6 tea bags make a half-gallon of tea and can be stored on the counter for 1-2 days at room temperature. You can use the tea at room temp or lightly reheat it for your next mug of Hot Lemonade.
Two:
Bigger mug = more ingredients. Sometimes, it is easiest to double the recipe and put it in an insulated mug to last longer and give you more time to rest while sipping your tea.
Three:
Add fresh ginger root or Turmeric root if you would like. Both are immune boosters and help fight colds & flu. Turmeric is high in vitamin C, can reduce mucus, and soothes a sore throat and cough. Ginger is warming in the body and fights inflammation in the throat while settling your belly.
Four:
Before bed, you can use a different tea, like chamomile, although the Throat Coat tea is also calming and may help settle a sore throat in the evening. If you need a little variety, this is one option. Ginger tea is another good choice. If you are making a large batch of tea in option one above, you can use 3 ginger tea bags and 3 Throat Coat tea bags to have it ready-made.
Lemon is high in Vitamin C to help fight your cold. (1) It provides magnesium, which can help ease sore or restless muscles, potassium and calcium, two other essential electrolyte boosters. (2) Replacing or increasing electrolytes helps keep you well hydrated. Even though lemons are acidic, when digested, it produces alkaline byproducts and helps balance your body’s pH. (3) This is a safer way to boost electrolytes than many drinks on the market that often contain other less desirable ingredients and colorings.
Cayenne pepper contains antioxidants like Vitamin C, beta carotene, and choline, which help rid the body of free radicals that keep you sick. Capsaicin in cayenne pepper shrinks the blood vessels in your nose and throat to help you sneeze less and reduce post-nasal drip, congestion, and stuffy nose. (4)
Honey adds a touch of sweetness to your Hot Lemonade, and it can help with upper respiratory tract infections. (5) It feels good on your throat and may help you cough less often.
Bonus Tip: Mix a minced clove of garlic with one teaspoon of honey for a super boost. Garlic is antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal.
Slippery Elm Bark, an ingredient in Throat Coat tea, helps with sore throat, cough, and the entire digestive system. It contains mucilage, which is gel-like, and coats the intestines, helping absorb and remove toxins, protecting the gut lining, and moving the bowels. (6) It is used for reflux as it protects the esophagus from the burning sensation. (7)
Licorice Root fights viral and bacterial infections and can get rid of congestion and expel phlegm. (8) It has a slightly sweet flavor and is pleasant to drink. It can help calm an upset tummy during colds & flu. (9)
Drinking Hot Lemonade and getting plenty of rest can make a big difference in getting you back on your feet again. Consider an in-bed staycation and cozy up with your baby for a day in bed, letting them nurse as often as they like to boost their immune system while the cold and flu are in your home. Your milk will give them antibodies that will help keep them well or reduce the severity of symptoms if they catch what is going around, too.
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm#:~:text=Preventing%20Seasonal%20Flu,-The%20first%20and&text=CDC%20also%20recommends%20everyday%20preventive,lungs)%20illnesses%2C%20like%20flu.
Born just seconds apart, Levi and Lane arrived into the world. Levi and Lane are part of a small, rare club of monoamniotic-monochorionic twins. This is the rarest form of twin pregnancy. They are identical twins who share the same amniotic sac and placenta. Not only is this the most rare type of twin pregnancy happening in less than 0.1% of pregnancies, but it is also the most dangerous. Cord entanglement, twin-to-twin transfusion, and other blood flow complications are most likely to occur and result in approximately 70% of these pregnancies being fatal to one or both twins.
At 23-weeks pregnant, Lane and Levi’s parents were told that Levi had blood flow reversal. This condition can easily take a turn where Levi would not survive in the womb in the coming weeks. If Levi were to pass, it would mean that Lane would most likely pass away soon after due to a stroke. Faced with an impossible decision, Lane and Levi’s parents decided to continue the twin pregnancy. By a miracle, Levi’s blood flow went back to normal, and Mom was able to carry the boys to 32 weeks 5 days.
Lane was born weighing 4 pounds 2.7 ounces and was 16.76 inches long. He spent a total of 27 days in the NICU to grow and learn how to bottle feed. After surfactant treatment at birth, he was considered a “feeder and grower”. Surfactant treatment is used to help with many things, most commonly Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
Levi was born weighing 3 pounds 7.7 ounces and was 16.93 inches long. Immediately after birth, Levi was emergently transferred to a Children’s hospital where he spent 102 days in the CICU and Step-Down Unit. Levi was born with a rare heart defect that occurs in 1 out of every 12,000 pregnancies, Dextrocardia. Additionally, he has Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA), a few VSDs, Pulmonary Stenosis, and was PDA Dependent at birth. In Dextrocardia is when the heart is positioned on the right side of the body instead of the left side. Levi had his first heart surgery at three months old where he got a BT shunt and pulmonary artery reconstruction. In the first three months of being home, Levi has had three ER visits and one re-admission. Levi’s parents were told that he also has straddling of the valves. This can make things more complex. He is scheduled for at least two additional procedures before his first birthday. After that, Levi will require open heart surgeries as he grows since part of his heart will not grow with him. At home, Levi receives 24/7 oxygen, has an ND feeding tube, requires suctioning frequently to aid in swallowing, is on 9 different medications, and is part of a home surveillance team where he is monitored to alert for any concerning trends. He has visits with his Cardiologist once a week and fights a hard battle every day.
Because of Levi’s heath, Mom had to leave her career to stay home with the boys. The boys love watching Bluey and staring at the ceiling fan. Toys that make sounds and lights are always a hit at the house. Currently, Mom is enjoying watching them talk and coo with each other and smile when they are happy. They are thankful to the Children’s hospital for introducing the boys to their MamaRoo swing, Lane and Levi also love their rockers and activity centers.
During the month of February, a portion of our proceeds will be donated to Lane and Levi’s family to help with their ongoing medical expenses. If you would like to contribute to their family’s team for the Cincinnati’s American Heart Association’s Mini Walk, you may do so at their team’s link. The walk is a fundraiser for the American Heart Association taking place in March 2023. https://www2.heart.org/site/TR/HeartWalk/MWA-MidWestAffiliate?team_id=758147&pg=team&fr_id=7935 ]]>Eczema is a broad term for inflammatory skin issues that cause itchy, dry patches on the skin that are irritating and can be painful. Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema and affects people of all ages. It is often recurring, and if you rub or scratch your skin where it is, it may develop into a more significant rash. There are ways to help calm and soothe eczema on your baby right at home. There are several contributing factors to eczema, and identifying potential causes can help determine how to address the issue best.
On light skin tones, the area of skin affected may look red. For people with darker skin tones, the areas may look more purple, gray, brown, or ashen. Both skin tones will have an inflamed appearance. (12) Sometimes eczema will ooze clear fluid; other times, it is more scaly and rough.
Our skin is our largest organ and is a protective barrier between us and the outside world. Through our skin, we interact with the world through the sense of touch, but our skin is also exposed to what we encounter in our environment.
Approximately 1 in 10 people experience eczema, and the peak prevalence is in childhood. (14)
That outer layer of the skin, called the epidermis, completely replaces itself about every month. (1) The epidermis has antigen-presenting cells that play an essential role in immune function. (2) The other two layers of our skin are the dermis and the hypodermis (subcutis), which is the deepest layer. Fascia is below the hypodermis and is a system of tissue that surrounds muscles and organs throughout the body.
On the skin's surface is a community of bacteria, fungi, and viruses making up the skin’s microbiome. Some parts of our skin are moister than others, like feet and armpits; some parts are more dry, like our hands, and others are more oily, like our face or torso. Different microbes live on different parts of the skin. Various skin conditions tend to happen in particular areas of our skin. Keeping the good bacteria thriving can help protect undesirable pathogens and strains from taking over and penetrating the deeper layer of skin, leading to issues like eczema. (3)
Our skin is a window into what is happening with the rest of the body. There is a connection between our skin and gut health. Babies inherit their gut health from their parents. The mother's flora is passed to her baby in utero, during birth, with skin-to-skin contact, and during breastfeeding. Compromised gut health of the mother, birth interventions, mom's diet, and feeding practices all impact the baby’s immune system and susceptibility to conditions like eczema.
Your baby’s skin microbiome is also affected by their environment and anything put on their skin. Vernix protects their skin immediately after birth. Read ingredient labels for anything else you apply to your baby’s skin, ensuring the ingredients are pure, gentle, and safe.
Fun Fact:
The white coating of vernix on your baby’s skin after birth offers a layer of protection as they adjust to the outside world. Leave their vernix on the skin rather than wash it away. As it absorbs into your baby’s skin, it keeps their skin hydrated and soft.
Unless the baby is exclusively breastfed and the mother takes 6400 IU/day, they should be supplemented to ensure they have sufficient vitamin D. Legendairy Milk Has Baby Vitamin D3 & K2 drops to meet your baby's needs. Vitamin K2 should be taken with D3. They work together to transport calcium where it needs to be in the body.
Steroid creams are often prescribed for eczema flare-ups. A stronger one will be prescribed if the mild steroid doesn’t help. Steroids can deplete vitamins and minerals, including calcium, chromium, potassium, and Vitamin B6. (9) They may seem to reduce the appearance of eczema initially, but unless the root cause is addressed, symptoms return and sometimes become worse. Steroids are addictive and can be hard to wean off, even when used topically. Long-time use of steroids can make your skin thinner and reduce the ability of the skin to repair itself.
While eczema can be a bothersome and recurring skin condition, there are many ways to relieve discomfort and manage its symptoms. Understanding how eczema affects the skin, identifying triggers, and addressing underlying factors such as gut health, vitamin deficiencies, and skin microbiome makes it possible to soothe and calm your baby’s eczema at home. Incorporating natural remedies like low histamine diets for the mom, vitamin supplementation, zinc, probiotics, and coconut oil can complement standard treatment options and promote healthier skin for mom and baby.
http://holisticibclc.blogspot.com/2011/06/gut-microbes-and-poop.html
Power pumping and Cluster pumping can be tools in your toolbox for increasing your milk supply. There may be times during your nursing and pumping experience when you need a little boost for your milk supply. Both of these methods can supercharge your milk production. The methods vary slightly. One may fit better into your day than the other. Give them each a try to see which way works best for you.
Power pumping is a one-hour block of time in which you’re alternating pumping and breaks or pauses for the entire hour. It is implemented during one of your usual pump times, and because it is a subscribed amount of time, some folks find it easier to schedule it into their day than cluster pumping.
Cluster pumping is meant to mimic a baby who is cluster feeding. The schedule is more varied than a power pumping schedule and is implemented over a longer period of time, typically closer to 3 hours. It is more organic than power pumping, so although it can occupy more time, some people find it fits more naturally into their day.
Milk is continually being produced, and your breast is never completely empty. After the milk supply is established, supply is based on demand. While milk is being removed, more milk is beginning to be made.
Stimulation of nursing or pumping releases the hormone oxytocin, which signals milk release. (1) The let down or milk ejection reflex triggers the milk stored in the breast flow. Oxytocin may begin working with the thought of breastfeeding or hearing your baby rouse. It increases when you are in skin-to-skin contact with your baby, looking at a photo or video of them, or by smelling your baby’s scent on a blanket. You may feel a tingling sensation in your breasts or begin to leak milk.
Prolactin is a hormone responsible for making milk. As milk is removed by your baby, hand, or pump, prolactin levels rise, signaling more milk to be produced and refilling the open spaces like refilling a cup after drinking some of the water it held. Prolactin levels are highest about 30 minutes after beginning to nurse or pump. (2) So, each time that any milk is removed, prolactin rises. Waiting extended periods of time between milk removals tells the body, “Hey, we don’t need that much milk, so slow down production.”
Although waiting longer stretches of time between pumping may yield more milk at first, the signals you send by doing this tell the body to slow it down, and the milk supply begins to reduce. On the other hand, frequent milk removals keep prolactin levels elevated, sending the message to continue making more milk.
Large quantities of milk do not need to be removed for this important refilling message to be sent. In fact, full breasts can mean slower milk production, but less full breasts mean faster and more constant milk production. (3) Research also shows that when the breasts are emptied more frequently and, therefore, less full, the fat content of the milk expressed is higher than when the breasts are more full. (4)
Power pumping and cluster pumping can be valuable tools for increasing your milk supply when you need a little boost. These methods can raise milk production by stimulating more let downs and keeping prolactin levels elevated. Remember, the correct flange size, proper maintenance of pump parts, and incorporating heat and breast massage can optimize your pumping output and experience. Relax and create a soothing environment to allow oxytocin release. Consider breastfeeding supplements from Legendairy Milk to support milk flow and production. While power pumping or cluster pumping can yield results in a matter of days for some, it may take up to two weeks for others, so be patient and consistent. Remember, the goal is not to overdo it but to find what works best for you. Trust your body's ability to respond to the signals you're sending. You've got this!
Your nipples can change during lactation, though the type of change can vary based on a few factors.
During nursing, the nipple elongates due to baby's latch, sometimes doubling in length! This is normal and is part of that good latch. However, after nursing and unlatching baby, if the nipple appears pinched or 'lipstick' shaped, this can be due to a less than optimal latch, so correcting positioning can help baby draw the nipple in deeper and eliminate any discomfort caused by the improper positioning.
Suction from your pump can cause slight swelling of your tissue, especially if you use a flange that is too large for your measurements. When we are using a size that is much too large, we are allowing space for the nipple to swell when the suction is applied during our pumping session. Swelling can cause discomfort and pain, so ensuring a correct flange fit can go a long way in reducing that discomfort and increasing your output.
The nipple touching the flange tunnel sides is not a bad thing in and of itself, as long as the nipple moves freely and doesn't catch on the flange material. One way to help that effortless movement is to use lubrication. If you experience pain, cracking, or dryness while pumping, our pumping spray can help. It is specially formulated to soothe and moisturize the delicate skin of the nipples, helping to prevent cracking and soreness. This can be a lifesaver for pumping mothers who are experiencing discomfort.
As our breast tissue changes during pregnancy and our nipples can experience some changes during lactation, we may find that their appearance doesn't go back to their pre-pregnancy looks. Still, any elongated or swollen nipples will settle over time.
Check out our Instagram Ask and Answer post on the topic below.
Newborn babies eat frequently, and sometimes, it can feel like they are just eating all the time. Patterns seem to change during breastfeeding right when you have gotten used to a rhythm. It is normal for your baby to breastfeed often.
Babies typically nurse every 1.5-3 hours day and night.
This article discusses the reasons behind cluster feeding, when it occurs, what it looks like, and how mothers can survive this challenging period. It also provides tips to help mothers soothe their babies and strengthen their bond while promoting healthy breastfeeding practices.
In the beginning, breastfeeding sessions may be more frequent, and after the first several weeks, they may begin to be longer stretches between some feeds or during the night.
In the first couple of days postpartum, your baby receives colostrum, which is highly concentrated and matches their needs perfectly. It is high in protein, beta-carotene, and antibodies. Frequent nursing helps your milk transition from colostrum to a more copious supply. As your milk increases in volume, the composition changes. Fat and lactose in your milk increase, and protein decreases.
Cluster feeding is when your baby breastfeeds on and off, very frequently, for a 2-3 hour block of time. Cluster feeding is normal and happens during certain time frames of your breastfeeding relationship.
It is important to remember that babies are all unique individuals and may have different feeding patterns. Looking at a whole day or a few days may give you a better measure of your baby’s nursing than each separate feeding. Some infants only ever nurse on one side. Others will tend to nurse from both breasts during a nursing session. Most of the time, you will see a combination of the above. (1)
Cluster feeding times tend to happen in the early evening, parallel to when your breasts may feel less full. Each time your baby nurses and removes milk, prolactin is released. Prolactin is a hormone responsible for making milk. Frequent feeds during cluster feeding keep prolactin levels elevated and can help increase milk supply. When your breasts are less full, there is a higher concentration of fat in the milk your baby is getting than when your breasts are more full.
Babies do not just cluster feed for more calories. Babies rely on you for regulation. Self-regulation does not begin until at least three months old. When a baby nurses, they are getting their emotional needs met as well as feeling safe and in their natural environment, which is in your arms. Responding to your baby’s cues strengthens the bond you share and leads to longer breastfeeding relationships.
Babies who are held more often cry less. Between 4 weeks through 4 months old, babies may cry more often. Your baby will be calmer and content more often. (2)
When you respond to your baby by holding them when they cry and carrying them more often throughout the whole day, crying is reduced by about 43% overall and about 51% of the early evening crying.
Cluster feeding is temporary. After a couple of days, your baby’s nursing patterns will return to a new normal. Being a mom can feel like a lesson in flexibility and going with the flow. Try to let go of the feeling of having to get all the dishes and housework or other tasks done; they will still be there tomorrow. Remember, you can not hold your baby or nurse them too much. You are meeting their needs, and this is not spoiling your baby in any way.
Somewhere around 4-6 weeks postpartum (potentially as late as 12 weeks), your milk supply will begin adjusting to meet your baby's needs. How much milk you will make at this point will be determined by the information your body gathered during the previous weeks of breastfeeding. If you nursed or pumped infrequently in those early weeks, your milk production may decrease at this point because there were not enough "milk-making factories" created to match your baby's needs. Essentially, your rate of milk production will go up or down based on how much and how often milk is removed from your breasts.
Some signs that your supply has regulated are: you lose that feeling of fullness in your breasts, and they may feel soft or even empty — your breasts are never truly empty, though! "Empty" breasts are working breasts.
You may stop leaking and feeling let-downs (or feel them but not with the same intensity as before), and if you pump, you may notice that you're not getting as much milk. This typically doesn't mean you're not making enough for your baby, but if you have any concerns, a visit with a lactation professional can ease any concerns.
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Right after your baby is born, they begin to experience the world and adapt to life outside the womb. Their most supportive and beneficial environment is skin-to-skin on mom’s body. Being skin-to-skin provides your baby with many benefits and can nurture a positive beginning for breastfeeding. As breastfeeding is getting established, skin-to-skin contact enables you and your baby to nurse more often. Connecting and communicating with your body allows them to follow their innate reflexes for latching and attaching to the breast.
Skin-to-skin contact means holding your baby unclothed or while they have only a diaper on and you are bare from your waist up. It is contact between your skin and your baby’s skin and is recommended for at least the first hour after birth. Although it was first recommended for premature babies, there is agreement that skin-to-skin benefits are important for full-term babies and should be encouraged and supported for all babies and parents.
Your baby relies on you to help them regulate. Your baby learns self-regulation through co-regulation with you. As your baby’s brain develops and forms neural connections, the body’s functions and reactions to their environment happen in response to your contacts and responses to that environment.
After birth, skin-to-skin helps your baby adjust and have greater stability with breathing, temperature, glucose, and less crying. (1)
Babies cry less when they are skin-to-skin with their parents.
Crying increases blood pressure, heartbeat, and breathing. Irregular breathing and heartbeat episodes can be reduced by 75% when the baby is placed skin-to-skin with their mother. (3)
Skin-to-skin contact is the best way to help keep your baby’s body temperature stabilized. When your baby is at your breast while doing skin-to-skin, your breast’s temperature will rise or cool down depending on your baby's needs. The baby won’t have to expend extra energy to heat their bodies because they are skin-to-skin and will tend to gain weight more quickly.
In a study with twins in skin-to-skin contact with their mother, each breast adapted and changed in response to the individual baby’s needs. (2)
We often see babies skin-to-skin in the first hour after birth. Beyond the first hour, it may not be suggested again, and it falls off our radar. However, the benefits of skin-to-skin contact do not disappear. In fact, continuing skin-to-skin contact with your baby often, especially while breastfeeding, helps improve the breastfeeding relationship.
Being skin-to-skin with your baby during feeding gives them the freedom to move their body more easily, unrestricted by clothing. Mittens on their hands can get in the way. Babies use their hands to feel their way and massage the breast before and during nursing. Without clothing, they receive more sensory input and can move along your body more easily to reach your chest.
Skin-to-skin contact releases oxytocin, known as the love hormone, increasing the bonding experience between you and your baby. As oxytocin increases, cortisol, the stress hormone, decreases. Oxytocin is the hormone responsible for milk release. Even past the newborn stage, when skin-to-skin with your baby, you and your baby can better relax and encourage milk let down.
Movement is crucial for babies. When they are skin-to-skin, it stimulates the specific part of their brain to move toward the chest and find your breast. Using their reflexes, they continue to wiggle and crawl until they reach the nipple, latch on, and begin to feed. During the latching process, they will gaze up towards your eyes and start the social interactions that teach them they are safe and emotionally supported. Skin-to-skin babies often gain weight more quickly and have more success with breastfeeding long-term.
Skin-to-skin contact between a mom and their baby nurtures early bonding and development. In addition to helping regulate a baby's breathing, temperature, and glucose and reduce crying, it promotes successful breastfeeding and encourages movement and neural connections. By continuing skin-to-skin contact with your baby, you can improve the breastfeeding relationship and further strengthen the connection between you and your little one. Remember to avoid interference with skin-to-skin contact and enjoy its many benefits for you and your baby.