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.
Breast milk adapts and changes over time. A mother’s breasts change in how they feel during the first weeks of making milk versus a few months later in their feeding or pumping journey. The breastfeeding relationship changes as your baby grows from baby to toddler and older and looks a little different for each mom and baby. One thing does not change, and that is the continued benefits of breastfeeding for you and your baby.
Your milk supply begins well before you have your baby. Making milk is a complex process, beginning with mammary development when you are a fetus. While in utero, the mammary line forms a basic ductal system.
Hormones during puberty influence the growth of the ductal system. As estrogen is released from the ovaries during puberty, breasts grow in size, and secretory glands form on milk ducts as the ductal system matures. The areola darkens, and the nipple may be more erect as the tissue stretches.
You begin to produce colostrum as early as 12-16 weeks pregnant. When your baby is born, they will survive on this highly concentrated, nutrient-rich food for the first few days of life. Colostrum has laxative properties that help your baby pass meconium. Meconium is thick and sticky. It is what is left in your baby’s intestines from them swallowing amniotic fluid in utero. The water parts of amniotic fluid are absorbed, and the rest is left lining the intestines.
Colostrum is low in lactose and high in protein, beta-carotene, and immune factors. Oligosaccharides in breast milk are not digested by the baby as food but protect them from pathogens. They are carbohydrates that are food for the bacteria in your baby’s gut that help develop their immune system.
Colostrum may leak during pregnancy, but not always, and doesn’t determine or predict your milk supply. Keeping the baby skin-to-skin as often as possible helps with the establishment of the milk supply and stimulates milk production. Skin-to-skin contact regulates your baby’s temperature, heart rate, and breathing, and your baby will cry less. (1) Being skin-to-skin frequently in the first week after birth helps you and your baby begin to communicate and bond. As they cue and you respond, a dialogue begins.
In the first three days postpartum, you will make between 1-2 oz of colostrum per day. On day one, your baby will take about ½ tsp. - 2 tsp of colostrum. (5) This amount increases on day 2 and day 3 to about ½ - 1 oz.
Milk volume increases as it changes from colostrum to transitional and mature milk. It is higher in lactose and carbohydrates than colostrum. (3) It is higher in fat to meet your baby’s needs as they grow so quickly. Milk volume begins to increase around days 2-5. The color of your milk will gradually change to a more white, creamy color compared to the rich yellow/orange color of colostrum.
You may feel your breasts become heavier and full-feeling. You may leak milk. If you feel over-full or engorged, you will want to encourage your baby to nurse more often to help give you relief. If needed, cool compresses between feeding can reduce the swelling, while warm compresses just before feeding can help dilate the milk ducts and encourage milk flow.
You may notice your baby’s feeding pattern begins to change with more milk volume.
Your baby will increase how much milk they take over the first five weeks, typically drinking 1.5-3 oz per feeding.
Your milk supply is being driven by your hormones and will be produced regardless of milk removal for the first few weeks postpartum, after which your baby’s demand for milk will dictate your milk supply. Skin-to-skin contact with your baby releases oxytocin, the love hormone, and signals the milk ejection reflex for milk to flow. The more often your baby nurses, the more times you are giving information to the body about how much milk is needed for your baby.
It is important to watch your baby’s feeding cues. Begin feeding before they become hungry. Just like us, if we wait too long, we get a bit hangry, grab anything we can get our hands on, and maybe not eat as slowly, chewing our food well.
When your baby is super hungry, it is harder for them to be calm, latch deeply, and feed well. The more often your baby nurses, the more often the breasts refill. Scheduling feeds have been shown to negatively affect milk supply by 3 -4 months postpartum and can be hard to recover. (6)
Your breasts may not feel the same as they used to. The always-full feeling decreases as prolactin levels decrease. Prolactin is released when milk is removed and signals to refill the tissue that holds and stores milk. So, the more often you feed your baby, the more often you signal to refill your storage areas with milk. When milk is not removed, a different hormone is released, signaling to slow down production, and less milk is made, lowering your supply. Breastfeeding supplements to increase milk supply can be a helpful tool but do not replace milk removal and the demand and supply production system.
Finding ways to get more nighttime sleep and go long stretches between having to nurse or pump can be tempting. Long periods between milk removals is not a great plan for most to maintain their milk supply. Prolactin has its own circadian rhythm. It is highest during the night. This remains true throughout the whole time you are lactating. (4) Removing milk when prolactin is naturally highest promotes milk regulation and adequate milk production.
Your baby drinks about 2 - 4 ounces each time they nurse. They will drink about 19-30 ounces per 24 hours, with the average being 24 ounces. (7)
From about one month old until 6 months old, your baby’s milk needs remain fairly constant.
Solid foods begin to be introduced around the middle of the first year of your baby’s life. The introduction of solids is an exploration of texture, taste, and smell. They still rely on your milk to meet their needs. You will always nurse first and then give food. The more food your baby begins to eat over this period of time, the less milk they may take, and milk supply will decrease slightly. Until at least one year old, food remains complimentary to breast milk; it does not replace it.
As your baby gets older and explores their world more, they may nurse less often during the day or for shorter periods of time. Babies often make up for that time during the night. Middle-of-the-night feeds remain important for milk production and your baby’s weight gain.
Babies take in about 30% of their calories from milk during the night.
Your baby is just beginning to realize they are independent from you, their own person. Breastfeeding offers emotional support and comfort. It gives them security as they learn so many new skills like crawling, standing, taking their first steps, and beginning to see the world in a new way.
Your milk benefits your child for as long as you breastfeed. Not all babies eat a lot of solid foods until closer to 18 months old. Continuing to give breast milk boosts their nutrition and immune system. If your baby catches a cold, sometimes the only thing they are willing to drink is your milk. It helps keep them fed and hydrated when they aren’t up for anything else.
Your milk supply will follow the demand of how often your child removes milk. Some children will begin to cut back on how often they nurse, while others nurse just as often as before. There is no one right way, and paying attention to your child’s unique needs is best.
Your older baby is more efficient at nursing than when they were only a few weeks or months old. Instead of taking 15-20 minutes to get the milk they need, now they come to you and may only need five minutes to get the amount of milk they need.
Breast milk past one year postpartum is higher in fat and protein but lower in carbohydrates. (9) High IgA antibodies continue to fight off illness.
Breastfeeding until at least two years old is the recommendation of the World Health Organization and should continue for as long as mutually desired.
Nursing during this stage looks completely different than when they were younger. They may nurse less often or for short snippets of time. They may not nurse at the same times each day, although nighttime and nap times still seem to be times they like the comfort and snuggles to relax and settle in.
Breastfeeding can make your growing child feel safe and meet their emotional needs. When they are learning yet more independence and interacting with other children, sometimes a nursing break gives them the reset they need to continue their play. A quick nurse in your lap stops crying and conflict as they learn to share toys and play with others. Dependence naturally forms independence. (8)
The immune system is formed around age 3-4 years old. Continuing to give breast milk supports the healthy development of the immune system and gut health. This can mean less illness and better protection as they get older.
Natural weaning happens when your child decides they no longer need to breastfeed. Anthropologists have looked at weaning through a lens of the child having gained four times their birth weight, tooth eruption, and the child’s age is at least six times the length of gestation. Natural weaning age spans a broad range, happening anytime between 2.5 to 7 years old. (10)
As they grow, mature, and have their needs met, the need for breastfeeding falls into the background. While breastfeeding can seem like a 24-hour-a-day tiring job at the beginning of the journey, once your child is done and no longer breastfeeding, many mothers then feel like it all happened in the blink of an eye and cherish the snuggles, struggles, and successes of the breastfeeding relationship they had.
In summary, breast milk changes and adapts over time, and the breastfeeding relationship between a mother and her baby also changes. However, the benefits of breastfeeding continue to persist for both the mother and baby.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2092340/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3586783/
https://www.who.int/childgrowth/standards/Growth_standard.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/breastfeeding/how-much-and-how-often.html
https://www.naturalchild.org/articles/guest/jack_newman3.html
https://www.naturalchild.org/articles/guest/priscilla_colletto.html
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10226183/
https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/19143389.pdf
https://kellymom.com/ages/older-infant/ebf-benefits/
https://abm.me.uk/breastfeeding-information/breastfeeding-beyond-infancy-a-gp-guide/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK235589/
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=85&contentid=P00151
Achieving an effective latch for your baby is a team effort. Your baby gives you cues for when they are ready to breastfeed, and you respond by holding them against your body in a way that allows them to do their part of nursing effectively and efficiently. There are many breastfeeding positions, and they can all be useful at different times. Still, each position must allow your baby the best opportunity to follow the natural latching steps. Breastfeeding should be pain-free and enjoyable for both you and your baby. It should never hurt. Breastfeeding has more benefits than just being food for your little one. It is a way to comfort your baby, bond together, offer health benefits to you, and influence every aspect of your baby’s growth and development.
Breastfeeding promotes broad jaw growth and a broad palate that is drawn down and away from the nasal cavity when breast tissue fills your baby’s mouth. Their tongue presses the breast against the roof of the mouth, widening the palate and creating more space for the sinuses. The face, jaw, and oral cavity, including the dental arches, palate, and teeth, develop differently for babies fed from a bottle versus directly at the breast. (1)
Breastfeeding involves a series of reflexive movements to help your baby move towards your breast, latch and drink your milk. (5) Being able to practice every time they breastfeed helps the brain remember which muscles worked together to get the job of latching and feeding done. Latching involves the whole body and not just the baby’s mouth. We can not separate how all body parts work together during latching and positioning. If one area cannot do its part, it can affect another area as well. You can not look at the latch alone when trying to improve latching, and you must assess the whole body.
Using the correct muscles helps your baby feed best. If there are speed bumps like tension in muscles or oral restrictions, your baby may alter how they latch. Those compensations have a ripple effect on other areas of the body and future developmental milestones.
Support your baby with your hand on their shoulder blades. You can use your fingers and thumb to add additional neck support if necessary but do not hold the back of their head. When the back of their head is touched or held during the latching process, their reaction is to press their head back into your hand. They may fuss or refuse to latch because of it. Holding their head can change their ability to tilt their head back, chin up and instead, their head is brought forward and chin down towards their chest. Their hyoid bone won’t be able to come forward in line with the other parts of their mouth and jaw for a deep latch. Holding the back of their head can stop the rooting, gape, and tongue extrusion reflexes. (2)
If you or your baby are having a hard time with any stage of latching or breastfeeding or your baby seems uncomfortable, get in touch with a skilled IBCLC to figure out why and determine the best solutions for you and your baby.
Achieving a deep latch during breastfeeding is a collaborative effort between you and your baby. It involves recognizing your baby's cues and holding them in a way that allows them to latch and nurse effectively. Breastfeeding gives your baby the calories they need and promotes oral development, bonding, and many other health benefits. By following the building blocks of successful latching and positioning, such as skin-to-skin contact, postural stability, and positioning for them to follow their innate reflexes, you can experience pain-free and enjoyable breastfeeding for both you and your baby.
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.
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.
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.
Original Post:
]]>
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.
During a pumping session, there is a wide range in the number of letdowns each woman will experience. However, according to a study conducted in 2008, most of our milk yield occurs within the FIRST TWO LETDOWNS. Here is what the researchers suggest to maximize your letdowns:
1️⃣ As soon as your first letdown occurs, you can take full advantage of the release of milk by switching from stimulation mode to expression mode on your breast pump.
2️⃣ You will want to adjust the suction to your maximum COMFORTABLE level —this will differ for each woman. Under these two conditions, the researchers found that for the women in their study, 76% of the milk expressed was removed during the first two letdowns.
3️⃣ Hit the letdown button (stimulation mode) again whenever the milk flow slows to trigger another milk release and repeat the process. And don't forget to incorporate breast compressions while pumping!
NOTE:
Legendairy Milk's Imani i2 Wearable Breast Pump and the Spectra pump will remember the level and cycle after the pump is turned off. Therefore, we recommend reducing the settings before turning off to prevent nipple shock!
Legendairy Milk's Duette™ Dual Electric Breast Pump has four different phases - stimulation (also called letdown or massage), expression, rapid phase, and auto loop (automatically alternates between stimulation and expression phases). In addition, the Duette will reset to level one each time you turn it off and back on - so there is no need to lower it before turning it off.
All listed pumps start in expression mode, so switch to letdown mode at the beginning of a pumping session.
Original Instagram post on this:
Proper cleaning of your pump parts is essential to maintain the effectiveness and safety of your pump.
Are you concerned your baby may have thrush? Our bodies are home to various types of bacteria and yeast, including Candida albicans, the most common fungus found on our skin, mucus membranes, and gut. Usually, C. albicans live in harmony with other microorganisms, but when the balance is disrupted, it can lead to an overgrowth and uncomfortable yeast infections. Several factors can increase the risk of getting thrush, such as a compromised immune system, stress, antibiotics, cracked nipples, hormonal birth control, diet, and a history of vaginal yeast infections. Recognizing the symptoms in babies and moms is crucial for early diagnosis and proper treatment. If you suspect thrush, there are natural remedies and lifestyle changes you can try to alleviate the symptoms and prevent future occurrences.
Our bodies are made up of many types of bacteria and yeast. Candida albicans is one of 80 different fungi living on the surface of our bodies. (1) Our skin, mucus membranes, and gut all have yeast, viruses, and bacteria. C. albicans is the most abundant fungi in our body, mainly living in warm, moist areas, including the mouth, genitals, and gut.
In balance with other bacteria and yeast, C. albicans causes no symptoms. A disruption to the balance of our good and bad bacteria can allow an overgrowth of C. albicans, resulting in an uncomfortable yeast infection.
Some conditions have similar symptoms as a yeast infection and are misdiagnosed as thrush.
Baby
Mom
Treatment of thrush with medications like Diflucan, nystatin, and fluconazole does not work for everyone. They can deplete nutrients in the body and cause side effects. Unless you address the root cause of yeast overgrowth, it is likely to return, and taking antifungal medications may not work effectively. (5)
Topical steroids or creams containing steroids like APNO (all-purpose nipple ointment) are common recommendations for treating yeast. Steroids deplete Vitamin C, calcium, vitamin D, chromium, magnesium, zinc, folate, potassium, and vitamin A. Steroids suppress and weaken the immune system rather than boost it. They can be addictive and challenging to discontinue. (4)
In the past, gentian violet was recommended to treat thrush. It is carcinogenic, derived from coal tar, and unsafe to use topically or in the mouth. (8) It can cause damage to mucous membranes and cause ulcers in the mouth and throat.
It is possible for only you or your baby to show signs of having candida. Although yeast can spread, it doesn't spread easily to other family members.
It is safe to feed your baby pumped milk while you have candida. It is best to feed that milk during the time you are treating a yeast infection. If you have already pumped and stored milk during a time you had thrush, you can consider heating it to kill the yeast. Yeast does not grow while it is in the freezer, but freezing does not kill yeast. (7)
If you suspect your baby may have thrush, it's important to remember that it can be effectively diagnosed and treated while still breastfeeding. Understanding the risk factors and symptoms can help you identify and address the issue early. You can alleviate symptoms and prevent future occurrences by implementing natural remedies and lifestyle changes. With the proper knowledge and proactive measures, you can keep a healthy balance of yeast and bacteria for both your baby and yourself and avoid uncomfortable symptoms of thrush.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33305975/
http://holisticibclc.blogspot.com/2011/06/gut-microbes-and-poop.html
https://www.homeopathyforwomen.org/borax.htm
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/candida-albicans
https://www.zumanutrition.com/blogs/health/how-to-heal-leaky-gut-candida-overgrowth
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC278756/pdf/jbacter00490-0074.pdf
https://directorsblog.nih.gov/2013/05/28/yes-its-true-theres-fungus-among-us/
https://www.motherandchildhealth.com/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-and-thrush/
At one month old, Mya began to have bloody stools. Doctors initially believe that this would a milk allergy, however Mya’s symptoms continued to expand into a rash on her abdomen, decreased movements in her left leg, a lump on the top of her head, and her gums appeared to be infected.
By two months old, Mya’s parents rushed her to the Pediatric ER where doctors ran a long list of tests. It was that night when a specialist sat down with her parents and explained that Mya had tumors throughout her body. At that time, the tumors were on her skull, spine, and left femur. She would go on to be diagnosed with Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH).
LCH is a rare cancer-like disease that affects 1 to 2 newborns per million children per year. Within a month of her diagnosis, it would be discovered that Mya has tumors in her lungs and liver. She would go on to have a port placed and start her first round of chemo. Due to the location of all of Mya’s tumors, she is a high-risk patient and will receive chemo for a t least one year.
Mya loves to watch Hey Bear and falling asleep to the relaxing sound of water running. She loves to be snuggled by her family and is working hard to meet milestones of gripping and sitting up. With chemo, Mya is underweight, weighing 8 pounds 12 ounces at 4 months old. Her family and medical teams are working to increase feeds to help her continue to grow.
During the month of January, a portion of our proceeds will be donated to Mya’s family to help with her ongoing medical expenses. If you would like to follow Mya’s story or donate directly to her family, you may do so on their GoFundMe.
]]>When using FluidFit® flanges for the first time, there may be a bit of an adjustment period for your body to get used to the new experience and sensations. Below are our top tips when using our FluidFit® breast shields:
Ensure all parts are clean, dry, and free of defects before assembly. Watch how to assemble your FluidFit® breast shields here.
Follow the step-by-step instructions guide on connecting your FluidFit® breast shields to a compatible pump here.
There can be a learning curve when using our FluidFit® breast shields. A well-fitted bra will ensure the silicone shields are held securely against your body.
Our FluidFit® breast shields with liquid silicone technology can feel different from traditional hard plastic flanges. Try leaning a bit forward to drop the breast into the flange to help center the nipple within the flange tunnel. *When using FluidFit® flanges for the first time, there may be a bit of an adjustment period for your body to get used to the new experience and sensations.
Have you used liquid silicone flanges before? Sizing is sometimes a bit different for silicone flanges than what we use for hard plastic. This is because silicone moves and flexes in ways hard plastic doesn't, so we tend to need a size closer to our nipple measurement to avoid air leaks leading to loss of suction and affecting output. For optimal use of our FluidFit® breast shields, it’s important to not deviate from your nipple size by more than 1mm.
*If you have access to a printer, you can use our Printable Nipple Ruler to measure your pre-pump nipple size. You're also welcome to book a flange fitting consultation with our resident lactation consultant/pumping expert. It costs $25 and is very comprehensive. You can learn more here: https://www.legendairymilk.com/pages/flange-fitting
Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding are times of major and rapid changes physically and emotionally. During the nine months of growing your baby, your body changes shape and size. After giving birth, your body changes as hormones shift again, and you begin to nurse your baby or pump milk to give to your growing little one. Some changes may be welcomed and exciting, while others are uncomfortable or emotionally difficult. Many mothers wonder when they will lose the weight they gained during pregnancy, if they can diet, and if that will affect their milk supply.
The amount of weight you gain during pregnancy depends on many factors. While there are guidelines for weight gain during pregnancy, an individual’s unique health history, diet, and lifestyle contribute to how much weight is gained while pregnant.
It is typical to lose weight after the birth of your baby. You no longer have your little one on the inside, the placenta is delivered, and there is no more amniotic fluid. As you establish breastfeeding, it is recommended not to focus on additional weight loss. The average amount of weight retained postpartum is 2.5-5 pounds, and ¼ of women will keep 11 pounds or more. (6) Weight seems to stabilize between 6-12 months postpartum.
Breastfeeding burns approximately 300-500 calories if you are exclusively breastfeeding.
The best approach to weight loss during breastfeeding is to focus on nutrition and exercise or movement. In one study, women who exclusively breastfed for 3 months lost significantly more weight than people who didn’t exclusively breastfeed during the first three months postpartum. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a baby’s life. (7)
Extreme diets or exercise regimens can negatively impact your nutrition and, therefore, affect your milk. Your nutritional status impacts your gut health, affecting the milk you make. Excessive exercise can temporarily increase lactic acid in breast milk, giving it a more bitter taste, but this seems to be short-lived. (8) Moderate exercise does not cause the same result and has shown no negative impacts on the baby or parent. When you restrict calories too much or are not eating nutritiously dense foods, your milk supply can decrease.
Legendairy Milk’s breastfeeding supplement ingredients are herbs that support milk production, add nutrition, and are Fenugreek-free. Some moms and babies experience stomach discomfort from fenugreek, and Fenugreek should not be used if you have a thyroid imbalance.
Your hormones go through significant shifts during pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. Suppose you find you have gained weight or just aren’t able to lose it after your baby arrives, despite trying. In that case, you may need to get in touch with your IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) to dig in deeper and uncover possible reasons why. Sometimes hormones are out of balance after having your baby. There are often indicators before your pregnancy, but they may not have been significant enough to be picked up on before now. Postpartum thyroiditis often surfaces during the first year postpartum. (9) Changing the foods you eat will help improve gut function, which helps balance hormones and can improve thyroid function. (10)
Improvements to overall health are longer lasting and become a new lifestyle that you, your baby, and the whole family can benefit from. Exercise can reduce stress and increase your energy levels, giving you more energy to play with your baby. It contributes to better sleep and a happier state of mind.
Weight gain during pregnancy is a combination of various factors. After childbirth, it is normal to lose weight gradually, and breastfeeding can aid in calorie burning. If your goal is to lose weight while breastfeeding, focusing on nutrition, exercising in moderation, and listening to your body's needs is helpful. Embracing a healthy lifestyle supports weight management and enhances overall health and well-being for both mother and baby.
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/swelling-in-pregnancy-when-to-worry#causes
https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/pregnancy-weight-gain/
https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/exercise-and-breastfeeding
https://breastfeedingusa.org/content/article/exercise-during-breastfeeding-years
https://www.nature.com/articles/ijo2013132
https://exclusivepumping.com/how-many-extra-calories-breastfeeding-weight-loss/
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/body-changes-infographic#3
https://parentingscience.com/calories-in-breast-milk/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279575/
Trying to figure out the best lactation products to help boost your milk supply can get confusing with so many choices out there. Identifying why you need the extra support of a lactation supplement can help you choose one that will be a good fit for you.
Legendairy Milk uses organic herbs and offers several blends, each designed to support your breastfeeding goals. Taking a lactation supplement, in addition to frequent milk removal, can help maintain and even increase the amount of milk you make for your baby.
Let’s dive deeper into 5 of Legendairy Milk’s lactation supplements for supporting and increasing milk supply. For each product, we will look at the following:
Herbs: Torbangun leaves
The herb used in Lactivist is Torbangun. Bangun means to “wake up”. This herb is a main ingredient in a traditional Indonesian soup specially prepared by other family members for new mothers to support recovery from delivering the baby and encourage in her milk supply.
Torbangum is a highly nutritious herb containing vitamins for milk production and minerals that nourish the body, boost the immune system, and boost energy. It is high in calcium and magnesium, which are important for milk production. Because it is also high in Vitamin C, it helps the body absorb more iron, also in Torbangun.
Taking Torbangun has been shown not only to help establish a robust milk supply but also to help maintain a sufficient milk supply to continue to meet the baby’s needs. (1)
This lactation supplement may be for you if:
Herbs: Goat’s Rue, Milk Thistle, Shatavari, Fennel, Alfalfa, Anise
Packed with a proprietary blend of six herbs, this lactation supplement is one of Legendairy Milk’s most popular picks. This supplement can be a good starting point for boosting milk supply when things get off to a rough start.
The herbs in Liquid Gold address a variety of reasons for decreased milk supply and can help recover your supply and increase how much milk you are able to produce.
Shatavari promotes the balance of women’s hormones and is used during all stages of a woman's reproductive life. It can help regulate estrogen, increase libido, and increase fertility. It is sometimes called the herb of “100 spouses” for that reason. (2) It increases blood flow to the vagina, so it can help with dryness sometimes experienced during postpartum and lactation. Shatavari increases prolactin, helping to increase the amount of milk made.
Anise and fennel are digestive herbs that calm the belly and improve gut health, while Milk Thistle is a powerful cleansing herb that can help detoxify the liver. It has been used to recover from jaundice and help with gallbladder disorders. (3) Liver health is vital since the liver acts as a filter, clearing out toxins and playing a role in hormone regulation.
Goat’s rue is a champion herb that can help you increase the amount of breast/mammary tissue able to hold milk. During pregnancy, breast size increases as the ductal system and alveoli grow and develop in preparation for making and storing milk for your baby. (4) People who have insufficient glandular tissue or have had breast augmentation may have a decrease in milk supply. Goat’s rue also helps boost prolactin, helping the milk storage glands to refill with more milk.
This lactation supplement may be for you if:
Herbs: Black Cumin seed, Fennel, Dill
This one is not just for pumpers! The herbal stars of the show in this blend are Black Cumin seed, fennel, and dill.
Black Cumin seed has a rich history of being used to treat many conditions. During breastfeeding, it can help balance hormones, especially the thyroid. It has been shown to raise T3 and T4 and lower TSH. (5) If you experienced excessive hair loss, are more than just normal tired out, and your supply is low, black seed is an herb that may benefit you.
Fennel can help increase milk supply and has been shown to increase milk fat content. (4) It is considered a nervine, which means it promotes relaxation. Fennel soothes the digestive system, and improved digestion impacts milk quality. (6) When we feel good and we are relaxed, it makes everything easier, including breastfeeding. Being relaxed is essential for the release of oxytocin, which is the “feel good” hormone. Oxytocin sends the message to release milk. When you are feeling stressed, this is inhibited.
Rounding out this blend is Dill seed, which is another digestive herb. Dill helps increase milk supply, and babies like the taste of milk when mothers have taken dill compared to those who have not. (7)
This lactation supplement may be for you if:
Herbs: Alfalfa, Moringa, Goat’s Rue, Nettle
Alfalfa, Moringa, and Nettle are highly nutritional herbs. This blend also contains Goat’s rue, and because Cash Cow can be taken in the last few weeks of pregnancy, it is a wise choice for people with a history of low supply.
Alfalfa is high in minerals and vitamins that can help give you a little more energy from its B vitamins and high iron. It has calcium and magnesium, so taking Cash Cow can help people who experience a dip due to the return of their period.
This lactation supplement may be for you if:
Herbs: Moringa, Nettle, Shatavari, Fennel
Moringa and Nettle are herbs that grow very easily and are super nutrient-dense. They both enhance the quality of human milk and boost the overall nutrition for moms and babies. Moringa is fast-acting, and people experience its benefits within the first few days of taking it.
Moringa helps increase milk flow; more milk can be removed while nursing and pumping, which helps make more milk and increase overall milk production. It is a great source of protein and iron, which means it can help fight fatigue in the postpartum period. (8)
Nettle is an excellent herb if you have a tendency towards high blood pressure. It helps detoxify the body by supporting the liver and kidneys, the body’s filters. If you have concerns with milk supply after a delivery that you were given fluids or medications, taking Milkapalooza can help nourish your body and increase your supply.
This lactation supplement may be for you if:
Each person is unique and has their own health history. It is helpful to determine the cause of a decreased milk supply and know how each herb works in the body to pick a blend that will work best for you. It may take some experimenting to find the right match for your body. The 5 lactation support products above are packed full of organic herbs with a long history of supporting the body during lactation and increasing milk supply.
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 meet Niko, a 6 month-old with a rare form of Polycystic Kidney Disease.
Niko was born with Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD). This is a rare genetic condition that affects one in every 20,000 children. In ARPKD, a baby has fluid filled cysts that cause the kidneys to become enlarged. The stress that this causes prevents the kidneys from working properly, even in the womb. To inherit the “autosomal recessive” nature of this condition, a baby must inherit the recessive gene from both parents.
Around a third of all babies diagnosed with ARPKD will pass away within the first week of life. When a baby is able to survive birth as well as the first several weeks of life will have an 80% chance of surviving into adulthood with frequent medical treatments. Although the name of this condition is related to the kidneys, ARPKS can also impact the liver, lung development, blood pressure, and GI health.
While still in the NICU, Niko had to have one of his kidneys removed because both of them were enlarged and causing too much pressure on his lungs. He also battled high blood pressure and had to try multiple different medications to get that under control. Celebrating every small victory was a big thing for his family, even celebrating that Niko had to stop a medication because it was causing too much urination. Mom worked hard and pumped to provide breast milk for Niko to help give him all the added nutrition that she could. She would leave each NICU visit with all the milk she could produce and work tirelessly to produce whenever she was not at the hospital.
After twelve weeks in the NICU, Niko was able to go home to his parents and 8 year-old brother. Niko does require a g-tube for feeding as well as weekly injections that help prevent the need for a blood transfusion. Niko still makes the long road trip to appointments multiple times every week. He meets with feeding and nutrition therapists, nephrology, general surgery, pediatrics, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Niko is a true warrior and has overcome countless odds to be finding a healthy routine at home. His family has dedicated so much to providing all the medical care that is demanded with a diagnosis of ARPKD. Mom now stays home to provide care around the clock, and Dad has had to reduce hours at work. Niko was introduced to the MamaRoo swing while in the NICU and fell in love with it.
During the month of December, a portion of our proceeds will be donated to Niko’s family to help with his ongoing medical expenses. If you would like to follow Niko’s story or donate directly to his family, you may do so on their GoFundMe.
]]>
The Imani i2 motor may come with a bit of charge out of the box, but to ensure battery performance please fully charge your Imani i2 before the first use.
We recommend sterilizing all plastic and silicone cup parts by boiling them in water for 3 minutes. Other sterilization methods, such as steam sterilizers, may cause the silicone parts to warp or wear out faster. You may see the plastic parts warp or become misshapen as well which can affect the way the parts fit together. After the initial sterilization, your parts can be washed in warm soapy water and then placed on a clean towel to air dry.
If your motor unit becomes dirty, you can wipe it down with a damp paper towel or wipe. Be careful not to get any liquid inside the motor compartment, and dry with a clean towel if needed.
Ensure all your parts are clean, dry, and free of defects before assembly. If you do notice any warping, cracks, or other wear, please replace your parts.
You can view the Imani i2 Assembly Video Here!
Have you used silicone flanges before? Sizing is sometimes a bit different for silicone flanges than what we use for hard plastic. This is because silicone moves and flexes in ways hard plastic doesn't, so we tend to need a size closer to our nipple measurement to avoid air leaks leading to loss of suction and affecting output. We have found that well-fitted silicone flanges tend to be 1-2 mm larger than the diameter of the nipple before pumping. Some parents may find that they need a smaller size for silicone flanges than their traditional hard flange measurement.
If you have access to a printer, you can use our Printable Nipple Ruler to measure your pre-pump nipple size. You're also welcome to book a flange fitting consultation with our resident lactation consultant/pumping expert. It costs $25 and is very comprehensive. You can learn more here: https://www.legendairymilk.com/pages/flange-fitting
If you haven't used Collection Cups before, it's also important to know that there can be a bit of a learning curve as the breasts need to get used to the different sensations and experiences as well. We recommend a well-fitted bra so that the cups are secure against your body and that you feed the breast into the cup by leaning forward and dropping the breast into the cup, leading with the nipple to center it, and bringing the cup against your body and secure your bra around it.
IMPORTANT - When you finish expressing milk, do not immediately pull the hands-free cup away from your breast. Instead, turn off the power and remove the Imani motor before attempting to remove the Collection Cup. Next lean forward slightly and slide your finger between your skin and the breast shield to break the seal from the suction, and then slowly remove the pump.
This will ensure the motor does not come in contact with any milk while removing the cups from the breast. Additionally, breaking the seal will help to remove the breast shield without the risk of suction separating the parts while leaning forward prevents any milk in the tunnel from spilling out.
When you are switching from one pump to another it can take some time to adjust. This is due to the differences in suction and vibration, which can be different for each pump. Letdown is a trained response and it may take a bit of trial and error to find the right settings for your body.
The Imani pump has two modes - massage and expression. It does not auto-switch, so toggling between the modes and adjusting the vacuum levels can take a bit of time to get used to. Typically individuals operate in Massage Mode for 3-5 minutes before switching to Expression Mode. It can vary from person to person, but it generally takes 10-15 minutes to completely empty the breast. Some find that they respond better to a traditional double electric pump better than a wearable pump, like the Imani i2. If so, the Imani i2 is great for pumping at work, in the car, or otherwise on the go.
]]>
Whether it’s a glass of Cab with Thanksgiving dinner, a spiked hot apple cider for Christmas, or a glass of Champagne on New Year’s Eve, chances are high you will be offered a spirited beverage at some point this holiday season.
The safest choice is to not drink but if you want to have a drink with your holiday meal, you won’t sabotage your breastfeeding journey if timed properly.
YES, in moderation. There are many myths out there when it comes to alcohol and breastfeeding but the truth is that drinking, in moderation, is compatible with breastfeeding.
NO! In fact, pumping and dumping will not clear the alcohol in your system and doesn’t remove the alcohol present at a faster rate. Milk is made from our blood, so as long as there is alcohol in our blood/system, it will also be in our milk. You also cannot speed the rate of alcohol elimination from the body by drinking water or coffee.
If you are away from your baby for an extended period of time, you may choose to pump to help protect your milk supply but that expressed milk can be saved and fed to your baby at a later time. Some are still unsure about feeding this milk so you can dump if that is what makes you most comfortable, but you can also mix this with “sober milk” to further dilute any traces of alcohol that may be present.
A general rule of thumb is 2 hours per drink to clear or leave the system. The CDC shares that one standard drink is defined as:
12 oz of beer, 5% alcohol content by volume (ABV)
8 oz of 7% ABV malt liquor
5 oz of 12% ABV wine
1.5oz of 40% ABV (80 proof) distilled spirits such as gin, rum, vodka, whiskey, etc. (1)
Studies have shown that the amount of alcohol in the system peaks about 30-90 minutes after ingestion (a bit longer at 60-90 minutes if having a drink with food) so actually feeding WHILE drinking would give you the longest stretch of time until your baby’s next feed. (2) Keep in mind that there is not a direct line from your mouth to your breast and the alcohol is filtered and metabolized by the body once consumed.
Various studies have shown that the amount of alcohol via breast milk the child is exposed to is minimal.
One such study found that maternal alcohol intake led to a milk concentration of alcohol that would expose the breastfeeding child to approximately 5-6% of the weight-adjusted maternal dose. What does this actually mean?!
Per the study, an example given is that if a mother of approximately 70 kg (154 lbs) were to drink four standard drinks of 12g pure alcohol at one time and then feed her child at the time of highest maternal alcohol concentration in the blood, the child would be exposed to 1.37 g/L (or 0.182931266 oz/gal) in the milk. If this child then drank 150 mL (5 oz) the blood alcohol level of the child would be 0.005% (2).
The Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) thresholds give standards for impairment with 0.00% meaning nothing at all, 0.02% altering mood with slight loss of judgement, 0.05% lower inhibitions and lowered alertness with impaired judgement and 0.08% being the limit where you are deemed unsafe to operate a motor vehicle due to reduced muscle coordination and impaired judgement and reasoning. A BAC of 0.40% is a potentially fatal blood alcohol level (3).
Comparing the results of the study above to the legally recognized limits we can see that the amount that passed from parent to baby is indeed very low.
As your own weight can play a part in how much alcohol you would have to consume to get to these unsafe levels, check out some charts to know what your safe and unsafe amounts are so you can make the best decisions for yourself and your child. (4-5)
Some studies have shown that drinking alcohol can impact the levels of oxytocin that are produced which can interfere with the release of milk. This can lead to your baby taking less milk per feed than typical and may cause them to nurse more frequently as a result. (6)
There are studies that have shown that minimal amounts of alcohol are detectable in milk and there are agencies that caution against any alcohol consumption at all.
Even Dr. Thomas Hale, associate dean of research at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and the executive director of the InfantRisk Center, and the go-to person for info on how things interact with breastfeeding shares “mothers who ingest alcohol in moderate amounts can generally return to breastfeeding as soon as they feel neurologically normal.” (7) In his book Medications & Mother’s Milk, it states “Alcohol transfers into human milk readily, with an average milk/plasma ratio of about 1. This does not necessarily mean that the dose of alcohol in milk is high, only that the levels in plasma correspond closely with those in milk. The absolute amount (dose) of alcohol transferred into milk is generally lower and is a function of the maternal level.” (8)
Dr Jack Newman, a Canadian pediatrician specializing in breastfeeding medicine and an IBCLC says “reasonable alcohol intake should not be discouraged at all. As with most drugs, very little alcohol comes out in the milk. Therefore, the mother can take some alcohol and continue breastfeeding as she normally does. Prohibiting alcohol is another way we make life unnecessarily restrictive for breastfeeding mothers.” (9)
Ultimately the decision will rest with you, the parent. Whichever route you go, be safe and Happy Holidays!
When your baby nurses, you may notice that they tend to place their hands on either side of the breast and will sometimes massage the breast tissue during nursing. This can look like them opening and closing their hands around whatever part of the breast tissue they can grip onto. As the milk flow starts to slow down, they may do this massage to help get that milk flow going again as this hands-on manipulation helps the milk sacs that are holding the milk to fully release what is available to baby so they can have a satisfactory feed.
When we are pumping instead of nursing, we must then take that massaging into our own hands (pun intended!).
Explore the provided video and combine the techniques mentioned to enhance milk release and quantity during pumping.