Breastmilk contains over 200 components, and that’s just what scientists have discovered so far! It is no surprise that breastmilk is the optimal food for babies, but what exactly is in it anyway? With macronutrients, micronutrients, trace minerals, bioactive components and more, breastmilk truly is a living food!
Macronutrients
Macronutrients are nutrients that our bodies require in large amounts, typically measured in grams. Here’s a look at the average concentrations of macronutrients in 1 ounce of mature human milk.
Carbohydrates
2.1 grams/oz
Protein
0.39 grams/oz
Fat
1.2 grams/oz
Calories (kcal)
22/ oz
Micronutrients, Vitamins, and Minerals
Micronutrients and minerals are essential for human growth and development. It is important to note that some of these components of breastmilk can be influenced by mom’s dietary intake. Below is a list of just some of the micronutrients and minerals present, on average, in mature human milk.
Iron
23 mcg/ oz
Sodium
4.5 mg/oz
Phosphorus
4.5 mg/oz
Vitamin C
1.2 mg/oz
Vitamin A
18.2 mcg/ oz
Calcium
10.6 mg/ oz
*Note the above table is certainly not a comprehensive list of all micronutrients and minerals contained in breastmilk.
Additional Components
Breastmilk not only contains amazing nutritional components, but also digestive enzymes, hormones, growth and development factors, antimicrobial components, and immune modulating components. These non-nutritional agents make breast milk ideal for babies and toddlers! Here’s a brief look into some of these breastmilk super components:
Macrophages
Protect against infection by seeking and engulfing potential immune threats
Stem Cells
Essential for regeneration and repair
Secretory IgA
Most prevalent immunoglobulin in breastmilk. Anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory
Cytokines
Help modulate immune response and play a huge role in gut health. Help protect against NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis)
Lactoferrin
2nd most abundant protein in breast milk, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, aids in iron homeostasis, helps reduce instance of sepsis and NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis) in pre-term infants
Wow! It’s obvious that breastmilk is truly amazing and can’t be duplicated! How incredible is it that women’s bodies can create this incredible living food for their babies! So, nurse or pump on mamas……you’re providing the best food on the planet, and every drop counts!
Sources
American Academy of Pediatrics, Policy Statement. Breastfeeding and the use of human milk. Pediatrics 2005; 115:496-506.
ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition; Agostoni C, Braegger C, Decsi T, et al. Breast-feeding: A Commentary by the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 2009; 49:112-125.
Ochoa, T. J., & Sizonenko, S. V. Lactoferrin and prematurity: a promising milk protein?. Biochemistry and cell biology = Biochimie et biologie cellulaire 2017, 95(1), 22–30. doi:10.1139/bcb-2016-0066
Walker A. Breast milk as the gold standard for protective nutrients. Journal of Pediatrics 2010; 156(2):Suppl. 1.
Recently, we had the opportunity to chat with Kristina, a loving mother and wife, nurse, and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Kristina opens up about her longing to be a mother, her desire to breastfeed and the adversity she has faced with adopting. Join us on this intimate journey as she candidly shares her heart including her personal commitment to provide breast milk for her adopted baby by inducing lactation.
Kristina grew up with both an adopted sister and brother, so adoption was never off her radar. She always wanted to have a family and embraced the idea of adopting but she planned on having biological children first. In 2006, she got married and began nursing school where she quickly became fascinated with lactation and pursued the gold standard of lactation care, IBCLC. She worked alongside mothers and babies in labor and delivery for several years. Her desire to have a baby of her own to breastfeed became more intense. When she was unable to get pregnant after several years, Kristina and her husband felt it was God’s plan to adopt a baby. In 2013, that thought became a reality when she connected with the biological mother of her son who was 9 weeks pregnant at the time. Kristina felt extremely fortunate and blessed to be able to meet her baby’s biological mother so early in her pregnancy. This woman was incredibly open and welcoming in allowing Kristina be part of her life.
Immediately, Kristina knew that she wanted to induce lactation and thought that she would simply start pumping several months before the baby arrived. However, after speaking to an endocrinologist 4 months before the baby’s due date, she decided to follow a protocol that includes taking birth control pills and domperidone, a medicinal drug that is proven to increase the “milk making hormone” prolactin. She was told that she should have taken both medications for about 6 months, but at that point did not have that much time. She started both medications and after 6 weeks stopped taking the birth control pills and the next day started pumping. For 8 weeks (until the birth of her son) Kristina pumped around the clock – 8 times a day every 24 hours. At first, she only saw droplets but at the end of her first week, she had collected a daily total of 2 ½ ounces! She was committed to her pumping schedule and her milk volume steadily increased. By week 3, she was pumping 3 ½ ounces per day and the day before delivery she was pumping 15 ounces per day!
Kristina and her baby’s biological mother had a tight-knit relationship the entire pregnancy. Together they attended prenatal visits and she was even asked to be at the birth. This came completely unexpected but Kristina and her husband were thrilled and immediately said yes. Kristina had always felt the time in the hospital was reserved for the baby and the birth mother. Kristina felt her baby’s birth mom needed to “say Hello to say Goodbye.” Shewanted to give them privacy and space during their short hospital-stay.
The most anticipated day had finally arrived and Kristina got to witness the birth of her firstborn son. Little did she know, the birth mom would ask her if she wanted to do skin to skin! Kristina quickly said yes without any hesitation. And what do you know? While doing skin to skin, her baby latched to her breast! Kristina said it was simply magical. Her heart leaped for joy and her dreams came true at that very moment. Kristina was finally a mother and was breastfeeding her baby!
Kristina says at first the driver for her to breastfeed was to provide the superior form of infant nutrition, but eventually, the driver would become the unbreakable bond she had formed with her baby. Her breastfeeding journey continued for 2 years, even after returning to work. She exclusively breastfed her baby, never needing to supplement with formula. How amazing right?!
In 2015, she embarked on her second adoption journey and induced lactation once again. This time, the story ended with heartbreak when the biological mother wanted her baby back days after the birth (before signing the final relinquishment). This was devastating for Kristina and her family, including her son. But with immeasurable love and grace, she gave back the baby to the mother that had birthed him. She walked away from this journey once again incredibly empowered by the ability to induce and sustain lactation.
Kristina voiced several struggles she encountered as she (and the birth mother) wanted to provide her breast milk to the newborn in the hospital. With her first-born son the hospital was incredibly supportive, offering to let her use one of their in-house pumps, storing the milk in the hospital refrigerator, and rejoicing in the birth mother’s choice to have them both breastfeed the baby in the hospital. However, the second experience was quite the opposite. The hospital and staff were not supportive and did not allow Kristina to breastfeed or offer pumped milk to the baby despite the request of the birth mother (who did not herself want to breastfeed but wanted the baby to get Kristina’s breastmilk.) The hospital stated that if the birth mother did not want to breastfeed the only other option was formula, even after Kristina offered to show proof of testing and screening. She says that she would like to see more awareness brought to the topics of inducing lactation and adoptive breastfeeding. Unfortunately, the medical community is not well enough informed to develop hospital policies and practices that safeguard adopted babies’ right to breastmilk. We need to do better, we owe it to our babies!
Today, Kristina is a passionate breastfeeding advocate in Guatemala where she provides no-cost lactation care and support to breastfeeding mothers in impoverished areas throughout the region. Kristina’s dedication to the lactation community began even before the birth of her baby but her own personal journey has fueled her passion to help mothers achieve their breastfeeding goals.
Kristina’s advice for a new mom inducing lactation and adopting a baby: “Don’t focus on how much milk you are making, but go for it and see what happens. Get ready to experience an amazing connection with your little one!”
By Danielle Lasher, Spectra Baby USA Pumping Mom and Blogger
Just breastfeed! It’s that simple, right? Nurse your baby and you’ll have no concerns about accidentally finding yourself expecting another one? That’s the idea, and it actually works quite well for most.
Traditionally, women who breastfeed on demand can keep their menstrual cycle suppressed and thus, are said to be protected from pregnancy at a rate of 98% through the first six months of their baby’s life. This is known as the Lactational Amenorrhea Method. Should mothers be able to trust that their bodies are capable and biology has accounted for keeping fertility at bay and milk flowing when they have a new baby? Of course, but breastfeeding isn’t just reliable birth control because it’s idyllic; it is strongly supported by repeated peer-reviewed studies.
What Is The Lactational Amenorrhea Method?
The Lactational Amenorrhea Method utilizes a few ground rules to keep it in check. First, a woman whose period has returned cannot use this method reliably.
Second, the baby must be exclusively breastfed. What does that mean exactly? It means you are only breastfeeding. No bottles, cups or spoon-feeding. No SNS. No supplementing with formula, donor milk or even your own pumped breastmilk in any form. Why not? Because it would mean baby is being fed via means that don’t fully stimulate your breasts to produce milk. That’s the root system of LAM. That constant stimulation is needed to keep those hormones in check and fertility at bay.
Last but not least, the baby must be six months old or younger. So, if your period is still MIA, you aren’t supplementing or giving solids, and baby is younger than six months, LAM is a fantastic birth control option for you with a 98 percent efficacy rate.
Does It Really Work?
Truth be told, a lot of women have doubts. It seems too good to be true, right? Many choose to use backup barrier methods because they’re heard those “I breastfed and ended up pregnant” stories. The science is pretty firm on LAM though. Yes, it works, but it has to be implemented correctly. Some women worry about that first cycle returning and possibly getting pregnant when they ovulate the first time, not knowing their first period is on the way. Still, there are fairly simple measures that can be taken to nearly foolproof your LAM plan, and they don’t need to include birth control that can hinder your supply.
So Just Breastfeed And That’s It?
Mostly. We also have to consider how women are approaching their bodies. Most of us learned about the birds and the bees and becoming a woman under similar circumstances. A lot of women aren’t aware that the way they’ve been taught to track their cycle by charting their period isn’t actually accurate.
Yes, there is a right way, and many of those “breastfeeding for birth control failed us” babies happen because moms haven’t been shown how to correctly monitor their cycle. The crux of many natural birth control options, such as Fertility Awareness Methods, starts with being aware of ovulation, not tracking the period as most women are taught.
What Is Fertility Awareness?
Fertility Awareness is an umbrella term for different methods of natural birth control practices that rely on tracking the cycle in some manner and using back-up methods of protection or abstinence during the fertile period.
While popular, period apps are only as good as the information you’re putting into them. It’s not magic. Predicted fertility estimates given by such apps are based on averages of your cycle and other users’. If you want solid predictions for fertile days and when to expect Aunt Flo, you’ll need to input data for the app to make those estimations, such as the consistency of your cervical mucus, the position of your cervix, and your basal body temperature each day.
Being an active participant in the health of your body and womb is pretty empowering, and once you learn how to do it, it all becomes second nature. There are modern-day tools to help make things easier on you, too. Products like the Caya diaphragm and many tech-friendly temping devices have taken breastfeeding and birth control to a whole new level. Gone are the days of having to wake up at the same time every day to temp, or worrying your temp is inaccurate because you’re nursing all night.
Can Breastfeeding Be Used As Birth Control?
So, can you use breastfeeding as a form of birth control? Absolutely! It really is that easy!
If you find yourself wanting the extra reassurance that you’ll catch that return in fertility, tracking ovulation and following the Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding—a core tenet of Natural Family Planning—takes the Lactational Amenorrhea Method one step further. These steps include:
Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months with no solids, formula or water
No pacifiers, instead giving baby unlimited access to the breast
Not introducing any bottles
Co-sleeping in the room with your little one for both daytime naps and through the night
Nursing often and on-demand—not on a schedule
Avoiding leaving baby or engaging in anything that limits the ability to nurse
These steps make the guidelines a woman must follow to stay in line with LAM a little clearer. Remember, the more baby nurses, the more prolactin mom produces. When this hormone is high, it keeps estrogen and progesterone (the hormones primarily responsible for inducing ovulation and menses) low. Thus, lots of nursing means a lesser chance of fertility returning.
Ultimately, some women will see their cycle return within six to eight weeks after birth (even while following all the “rules”) while others won’t until they’ve weaned from nursing completely—often, well into the toddler years.
Trying to pack for a trip is always stressful. One of the hardest parts of traveling away from your little one, especially when exclusively pumping, is planning ahead to ensure you have everything you need. We are here to help you be prepared for your travels and melt away some stress for traveling away from home while pumping exclusively.
A checklist can help you make sure that you have everything you need when you leave the house. But even with a system, there’s a good chance that one day you’re going to be in a hurry and forget something crucial, like breast shields or collection bottles to pump into.
Here are five quick tips to make pumping on your trip easier.
Bring extra sets of pump parts with you on your journey.
Ensuring that you have everything you need and more can help you when traveling. Pack extra breastshields (flanges), collection bottles, duckbill valves and backflow protectors. Just in case you misplaced some pump parts, you will be prepared by having extra sets of everything you need to pump.
Tricks of the trade when on your journey.
One trick of the trade can be to pack two storage bags and breast pads in zip lock bags for each pumping session you will do while on your trip. Keeping breastmilk storage bags and breast pads in ziplock bags help you plan ahead for every pumping session. You will be able to have everything together and stress less about not having enough. For example, you pump 8 times per 24 hours and will be gone for 5 days. Plan ahead by packing 45-50 ziplock bags. Extra sets of these items help you not only plan for what you need; but, will also help you keep them together in one safe place.
Get a hands-free pumping bra so that you can do other things while you pump.
With pumping so many times while away, getting a hands-free bra can be a game changer. This way, while you pump, you can work on a laptop, take notes while you’re on a conference call, or take a break and read a book or magazine. Instead of holding your breast shields during the time you spend pumping can be very liberating!
Ensure to prepare to wash your breast pump parts daily.
CDC recently issued guidelines stating that pump parts should be washed as soon as possible after each use. (More about the new guidelines here.). To avoid spending a lot of time washing pump parts – and deal with getting access to a sink, bring enough sets of pump parts to get you through a day. Then you can wash them all in one batch at the end of the day.
Make friends with the other pumping moms.
Having a relationship in place can be really helpful when your planning a trip away from your normal comfy pumping environment. However, it can be very helpful by having the support of other moms who have been in your shoes. Look for moms who have also pumped away from baby. Look for a support group online for moms who exclusively pump.Spectra Baby USA has an amazing of group exclusively pumping moms.
Going back to work and breastfeeding is very much a normal part of a woman’s life, but careful planning still needs to be done. Although pregnancy is a time to plan for birth and think about how your new family is going to work, it is also the time to start planning on how you will transition back to work.
Ideally, you have a supportive work environment and start envisioning your plan before you even take leave. Find out what your employers policy is on breastfeeding or pumping and use this to start your plan. For instance, do they have a private lactation room or does one need to be identified? How does the flow of your day fit in to the need to spend 2-3 breaks pumping, each break being 20-30 minutes long. How and where will you store your milk? How will you clean your hands before pumping and how will you clean your pump parts after pumping?
If none of this is obvious before you take leave consider writing down exactly what you think you will need and start speaking to your supervisor or human resource office. Thankfully there are legal protections in place should you need them, but if you are a valued employee you should be able to explore solutions with conversation and maybe a little education.
Also, the Affordable Care Act says you should have a private space, not a bathroom, where you can pump milk for your baby. A chair, an outlet, a door for privacy and a sink nearby provides for the bare minimum. A fridge for storage would be great, or take your own cooler with cooler packs if needed. Milk ejection or “let-down” happens best when mom is comfortable and not distracted! Carry a picture or video of your baby and watch the video during pumping. Don’t rush, take this time to think about how much working women can accomplish and how amazing you are for taking on this effort!
It may also be helpful to have a letter of support from your pediatrician, obstetrician, midwife or lactation consultant. What would it say? Here are some bullet points for some of the wording:
Part of the mother’s care plan is to continue to provide only breastmilk for her baby until at least 6 months of age.
In order to provide her infant with the correct amount of milk for the infant’s growth and brain development, she must feed the baby when together, and use breast pump when separated, mimicking the eating pattern of the infant. This means that mother must pump no less than every 2-3 hours while separated from her baby.
Please allow the mother to stay on the recommended pumping schedule for her breast health and the nutrition of her baby.
So what will it look like when you return? You may have some options depending on your workplace and your baby! When returning to work mothers may:
Have infant brought to worksite, these are very lucky babies and mothers!
Pump exclusively during the week and breastfeed on days off
Pump at work and feed baby bottles while away
Reverse cycle ( some babies prefer no bottles, and will only breastfeed and wait all day for mom to return and make up for their milk needs all evening and night!) Mom should still express milk when separated from baby to keep comfortable and to keep up supply
Mothers should try to simulate their schedule at home before returning to work, 2 weeks before returning to work is a good time to start.
The leading cause of mothers discontinuing breastfeeding is their fear that they don’t have enough milk for baby. There may or may not be a cause for concern of low milk supply. It’s really important to look at critically if you truly have a low milk supply.
Look at the diapers
What goes in, must come out. Little ones need to have the proper output of diapers depending on their age. Let’s look at this: at one day old, baby should have one wet diaper. Starting at four days old, there should be 6+ wet diapers per day. Poop diapers are important too! By day five, the stools should be yellow in color. The size of poop in the diaper should be about a quarter or larger.
Dirty diapers should be three to four (or more) by day five. Think of it this way, it’s not rocket science. Look at how many days old baby is and think of needing that many poop diapers or more by day five.
Baby’s growth
Think of it this way, the baby has 50% of your genetics and 50% of Daddy’s genetics. So, you can’t expect the baby to be super long or tall if you as well as Daddy if you are shorter in stature. However, it’s important to see that baby is having consistent growth (along the growth chart) as well as weight gain.
By day five, you want baby to gain five to seven ounces per week. This equates to 0.5 to one ounce per day.
Baby’s weight
Evaluating the baby’s weight can really be a tall-tale of whether baby is gaining enough weight. It’s completely normal for babies to lose 5-7% of their birth weight. Why? Well, it’s often “normal birth practice” for moms to get IV fluids before and after birth. This can really inflate the birth weight. Oftentimes, it may be a better measure to look at the baby’s weight 24 hours after birth.
If baby has lost more than 5-7% of their birth weight, it’s best to get a second look. If you are concerned, talk with your Pediatrician. You can even get a pre-post weight of baby (before and after nursing) to make sure baby is transferring enough milk at breast. International Board Certified Lactation Consultants can take a critical look at how you are feeding baby at breast and whether your milk supply is adequate for baby.
After the initial weight loss, you want to see that baby is back to birth weight by ten to fourteen days of life.
What about after week one?
After the initial weight gain, you can really tell if you need to increase your milk supply by how much baby is gaining. Every mother might think they aren’t making enough; but, this isn’t really reality.
It is truly a low percentage of moms who don’t make enough (24-27 ounces per 24 hours) to sustain baby’s needed growth.
Nitty-gritty of milk supply
Ok, so what’s the bottom line? Do I really need to power pump? It’s an hour out of your day with baby. Let’s really think about this…do you have time to carve out an hour per day? Between feeding baby, changing diapers and running around…who really has an hour to sit and pump?
If you really have a lower milk supply and you need to power pump, it’s best to do so once per day for three days. You can add a pumping session after nursing in the morning or evening.
Here’s the low-down for single breast power pumping:
Pump left breast for 10 minutes
Pump right breast for 10 minutes
Pump left breast for 10 minutes
Pump right breast for 10 minutes
Pump left breast for 10 minutes
Pump right breast for 10 minutes
Power Pumping For Double Breast Pumping:
Pump 20 minutes
Rest 10 minutes
Pump 10 minutes
Rest 10 minutes
Pump 10 minutes
*This process will equate to one hour of pumping.
You want to ensure you are using a hospital strength pump. Spectra breast pumps are all hospital strength. S1 Plus and S2 Plus (blue or pink models) are both hospital strength. So, you’re good to go!
Do you have more questions about power pumping?
Spectra Baby USA is happy to help! Schedule a virtual consultationwith one of our IBCLCs today and get the support you need to successfully meet your breastfeeding goals. You’ve done a remarkable job breastfeeding your little one! We’re here for you and we support you!
You’re on top of your breast pumping game. You have part of the fridge and a freezer full of milk. You are rich with liquid goal for your baby, hooray! As your freezer gets fuller, you may be starting to wonder where it all will go. Before you take up more space in your home with a new deep freezer or feel like you’re losing your mind due to disorganization, try these genius storage tricks for your breast milk.
General storage tips.
You can store milk in bottles or storage bags. Storage bags are ideal for space saving. Some can be directly attached to your breast shields on your pump and self-stand for easy filling and storing.
Once expressed milk is in the container you plan to store it in, always label it so you can keep track of where it needs to go (see options below).
Use your breast shield as a funnel when transferring in milk to decrease risk of spillage.
Organization for the fridge.
If milk is in the fridge and you plan to use it within the 4 day limit, you can opt for convenience and keep it in a bottle if you have the space.
Keep your breast milk organized in one area of the fridge. Try using a designated tub or box always keeping what will be used next at the front for convenience. First in, first out.
Use a labeling system to keep track of when bottles were put in the fridge. This can be as simple as post it notes or can become fancy with charms labels with days of the week (or dates) on them.
Organization for the freezer.
When trying to freeze large amounts of milk, space saving techniques are key to maximize your storage capacity. This means using storage bags and freezing them lying flat (at least until frozen) so that they aren’t bulky and can be easily stacked. Sandwiching the freezer bags between two cookie sheets can help freeze them even thinner saving more space!
Try using boxes made into “dispensers” by cutting a storage bag sized hole in the bottom. Google DIY breast milk dispensers and prepare to be amazed! You can easily recycle things like gift bags and shipping boxes for this purpose (boxes may be easier to stack for optimal space saving).
Keep track of how old your milk is in batches so it’s easier to organize and find via color-coding or labeling. This is where using gift bags can be fun!
**Writer’s Favorite** To minimize time rummaging through the back of the freezer, try a left to right system. Always put the newest milk on the left and then shifting your storage containers to the right as you add. So simple it’s genius!
Storage while traveling or at work.
Use a cooler with ice to keep milk fresh for up to 24 hours.
When flying, ask for ice at a coffee shop at the terminal or while on the plane. For more travel tips check here.
At work, keep ice packs in the company freezer (don’t forget those labels to avoid confusion!) to use for the commute home.
For more guidelines on how long milk can be stored at different temperature check out this great resource here. For other general tips on milk storage look here.
Making your fridge or freezer pretty and organized can give you peace of mind. Then you can focus on all the fun parts of raising your baby!
You’ve waited nine loooooooong months to have a drink and now that baby is finally here you’re asking yourself is it really OK to pop that bottle of champagne and celebrate? I mean, you did just go through labor and delivery, some of the most painful and beautiful moments of your life! You should be able to sit back, make a toast and enjoy yourself right?
Before you kick back and relax read on to get all the facts you need to know about consuming alcohol while breastfeeding. Keep your baby safe and keep yourself sane. Bottoms up!
What Do The Experts Say?
The research is pretty clear on booze and pregnancy – it can be dangerous for babies – but the message is not always as crystal about alcohol and breastfeeding. Alcohol does transfer into breastmilk but it’s not stored, meaning alcohol enters and exits your breast milk according to your blood alcohol level.
According to Dr. Hale, the leading expert in perinatal pharmacology, alcohol can be safely consumed by breastfeeding mothers without adverse effects to her infant. The AAP says that while alcohol intake should be limited, an occasional drink is acceptable. Research studies suggest, though alcohol is quickly absorbed and cleared from breast milk, it can temporarily inhibit milk production.
When Is The Best Time To Pop That Bubbly?
Mothers of infants less than 3 months old should be extra careful. Newborn babies have a very immature liver while older babies can metabolize alcohol much quicker. Research tells us daily consumption of alcohol has been shown to slow weight gain and gross motor development in infants and young children.
It’s best to nurse baby first and then have that drink. Allowing for at least 2 hours between consuming alcohol and breastfeeding. Food helps to decrease adsorption. It’s best to accompany that glass of wine with a delicious dinner.
Do I Need To Pump and Dump?
Alcohol metabolizes in the blood and leaves breast milk as it clears from your blood. Pumping and dumping does NOT speed up the elimination of alcohol from your breast milk. It is important to pump though, to avoid clogged ducts that can lead to mastitis. Pump as often as baby is eating (not because it will eliminate the alcohol faster) to keep up with your milk supply.
The only time you really ever need to pump and dump is if you totally overdid it with the drinking, still feeling more than a buzz, and you are engorged. At this point mama, so sorry but it wouldn’t be the best for baby to pump and store your milk. Ugh!
Let’s Wrap It Up!
Moderation and proper planning is important. An occasional drink is acceptable and compatible with breastfeeding. The primary concern is not that the alcohol will pass through the milk and harm the baby but rather mom being intoxicated and not being able to care for her baby. If an epic party you’ve been anticipating is going down soon, plan for a sober person to care for your baby. Remember the more alcohol consumed the longer it will take to clear your body. Generally, if you are OK to drive, you’re OK to breastfeed.
Avoid drinking excessive alcohol and seek help from a professional if you are concerned about your alcohol use. It’s OK to ask for help mama! You’re an amazing mama and your baby needs you. Keep in mind some medications can interact with alcohol. Talk to your doctor if you are currently taking medications and planning to consume alcohol. Have more questions about alcohol and breastfeeding? Spectra Baby USA has got you covered! Schedule a LIVE virtual consultation with one of our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants today and walk away confidently, ready to make the best decision for you and your baby. We’re here for you and we support you!
Pregnancy is one of those things that is hard to describe until you’ve been through it yourself, especially since the experience is unique for every mama. Pregnancy is a miraculous and monumental occasion. (Is there really a human growing in there!?) Over the span of nine months so much changes as your baby grows and motherly instincts take full force as you wait to meet your precious little one. Here are ten things to help you mentally prepare for baby’s arrival:
1. Don’t let the baby market get to you. The baby industry is a massive alluring force with millions of items they insist you need. However, the truth is that every baby comes with their own preferences. Some local stores or friends may even let you trial some items to see if your baby likes them (i.e. carriers and swings).
2. Get ready for opinions galore. Take all pregnancy advice with a grain of salt. Everyone is entitled to their opinions but there are SO many theories nowadays about having a healthy pregnancy (especially with internet always at our fingertips) so remember to go with what feels right for you.
3. Avoid self-diagnosis. Chances are no good will come from getting stuck on health forums where you start to worry about everything that could go wrong. Sometimes it’s better to just consult your doctor (or a trusted online source) to avoid information overload and anxiety.
4. Educate yourself. By finding useful books and online resources, knowing what to expect when you start your pregnancy journey can give you the upper hand and help you feel confident.
5. Embrace your new preggo bod. You’re growing a human! You’re body is amazing! Embrace your new curves and belly! Enjoy carrying your growing baby. Soon he or she will be earthside!
6. Learn to be flexible. Everyone experiences pregnancy differently so don’t let any horror stories scare you or happy stories make you feel inadequate.
7. Stay active while you are pregnant. You will be able to manage pregnancy better if you are making healthy choices (food, hydration, exercise, sleep). Taking care of you is critical before and throughout pregnancy.
8. Value the importance of “me” time. Comfort and relaxation will soon be in short supply. Do what you enjoy and don’t feel guilty about that candle lit bubble bath!
9. Get used to asking for help. When it comes to pregnancy and child-rearing, it truly does take a tribe. (Need support? Look here!). Learn to ask for help now and it will be that much easier when baby comes.
10. Remember to enjoy it! Pregnancy will be over before you know it and you’ll be onto the next chapter. Enjoy all the preparation and surprise.
Life is never be the same once you are pregnant and a baby is on the way. You’ll find that it’s relatively easy to adapt as your life is turned upside down and you transition to the rewarding life of being a mom.
You’ve gotten past sore nipples, cluster feedings, and have even actually started to enjoy breastfeeding. And now you have a ton of questions again because it’s time to introduce solids! On this blog post, we will cover common concerns that come up when introducing food for the first time. Read on to get the whole messy but fun stage of starting solids covered, so you can feel confident again and enjoy this next milestone with your baby.
Is my baby ready for solids?
According to the experts, solids should be introduced when the baby is 6 months of age as this is when their digestive system is more mature to handle food. Signs of readiness include: sitting up unassisted, has good head control and opens up their mouth or leans forward when food is offered. Usually, these milestones start happening at around 6 months but it’s also normal for baby to experience these milestones later on too! So if your baby is not meeting these guidelines quite yet no worries! You can always talk to your pediatrician for peace of mind. And always remember the primary form of nutrition should still be coming from breast milk for a baby less than one year old.
What are the best first foods for my baby?
Skip the cereal! In the past, cereal might have been known as a good first food but the newer school of thought says otherwise. Rice cereals have been documented to have high levels of arsenic and the early introduction of simple carbohydrates can actually increase baby’s chance of obesity. Beginning foods that are naturally nutrient rich like mashed up beans, ripe pieces of avocados, pears or apples. And yes, even meat like chicken or ground beef (that are fully cooked and soft to eat) makes a good first food for baby. Just make sure the pieces are small and tender. Baby should always be given breast milk first before food. Some moms like to start giving a little water in a sippy cup after meals at this stage too!
How often should I be pumping?
Are you pumping and nursing? Are you exclusively pumping? These factors can influence how often you should be pumping at this stage. You never ever want to stop pumping cold turkey. This can cause engorgement, clogged ducts, and even Mastitis. If your baby is sleeping through the night you can start weaning from the night time pumping session if you haven’t already. Remember baby’s primary nutrition should still be breast milk so it’s important to continue to pump when baby receives a bottle whether you’re exclusively pumping or pumping when you are away from your baby. At this stage, baby’s will still intake about 25-30 ounces per day and that amount will gradually decrease as solids become more of a nutrition source. At baby’s first birthday, he or she will be in-taking more between 20-25 ounces. Continue to incorporate pumping sessions to keep providing enough breast milk to your baby’s nutritional needs. Our bodies are pretty amazing and will adjust easily to any new routine! Pumping at this stage can look different for every breastfeeding mom. Some moms will be able to pump enough with only 4 pumping sessions per day while others will need to continue to pump 6-8 times per day. It all depends on your breastfeeding routine and how much milk you would like to have on reserve.
These guidelines are simply estimates to use as a gauge for healthy growing infants. Consult with your baby’s pediatrician to ensure baby is receiving the required nutritional content needed to grow and thrive developmentally. In the end, food before ONE is just for fun! It’s a time for baby to explore the color, taste, and textures of different foods. Eat with your baby and enjoy a meal together. This will help establish healthy eating patterns that will last a lifetime. Congratulations on this new milestone! At Spectra Baby USA, we are always here to answer your questions and provide support. Schedule a consultation with one of lactation consultants here. You got this!
Do you have a breast augmentation? Have you heard that you won’t be able to breastfeed because of them? Well, that is just simply is not true. Rest assured mamas! You can still absolutely breastfeed your baby with breast implants. Most moms who have had breast implants will produce milk; but it is important to know that breast implants may have some impact on your breastfeeding journey. Know the facts. Be prepared. And let us help you bust through the myths so you can get off to the best start with breastfeeding!
Here’s everything you need to know about breastfeeding with implants.
Is Breastfeeding With Implants Safe For My Baby?
The main concern with breastfeeding and implants is the risk they will burst, leak, and contaminate your milk. Implants can be filled with either saline or silicone, both of which have low levels of toxicity. According to the CDC, there is no contraindication with implants and breastfeeding. The risk of breast milk contamination from implants is extremely low. It’s actually riskier not to feed your baby breast milk than to nurse with breast implants. There is currently no documented reports of infant contamination by breastfeeding with implants. Start the conversation with your doctor if you continue to be concerned about breastfeeding with breast implants.
Type of Surgery Is Important
Research tells us, breast implants that have been placed under the chest muscle are less likely to damage nerves and negatively impact breastfeeding. Was your nipple removed during surgery? Incisions made around the areola can affect the nerves. Yet incisions made under the breasts or belly button are less likely to have any influence on nerve damage. Unfortunately, no matter the type of breast surgery, it can still have effects on the nerves, ducts, and glandular tissue of the breast. Injured nerves can reduce the feeling in your nipples which can impact your milk let down response creating issues with low milk supply. Scar tissue can prevent milk from flowing freely putting moms with breast implants at a higher risk for engorgement. In the early weeks, focus on skin to skin, frequent nursing or pumping, and have a support system. Proper breastfeeding management right from the start will help you be successful and meet your breastfeeding goals.
Will I Make Enough Milk?
We won’t know until after the baby’s born and you start making milk whether you will have low milk supply. Most moms with implants make plenty of milk and never need to supplement yet there are reports of breastfeeding moms who struggle with low milk supply. In the event you are not producing enough milk, you will want to start pumping right away with a Spectra Baby hospital strength pump. Work with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant prenatally to review your history, address your concerns, and customize a plan to help you meet your breastfeeding goals.
Remember Mama, breastfeeding is so much more than just nutrition. Every drop of breastmilk is pure love! Breastfeeding with implants is totally possible. Whether or not you will have a full or partial milk supply really depends on the type of surgery you underwent. At Spectra baby USA, we support you and we’re here for you! Join our Facebook support groups, chat with a IBCLC, and find a local Spectra Baby Certified IBCLC to get support when you need it most.
By: Nikki Braverman, Brand Manager Spectra Baby USA
Motherhood. It starts long before the baby is born. From the moment those two little faded lines pop up, the floodgates open happiness, excitement, anxiety, fear; sometimes an overwhelming combination. The advice is coming from all directions whether it’s asked for or not. Hey, don’t get it wrong – support is a beautiful thing, and everyone can benefit from it. But never forget the power of pure instinct and faith; sometimes it pushes through life’s most difficult challenges. Lauren Bender, 33, is a perfect example.
When Lauren’s water broke at 16 weeks, she was devastated. Her long-time trusted OB-GYN called her as she was getting examined in the emergency room with her husband, and immediately started offering her condolences. After all, Lauren’s history was concerning. While her first pregnancy nearly three years ago was successful and resulted in a healthy birth, she had recently suffered from two back-to-back miscarriages. She was told if there was a third, the chances of her continuing with a healthy pregnancy would drop drastically. Although Lauren was advised it would be in her best interest to accept that this pregnancy was not going to progress, and the safest option would be to terminate the pregnancy in the safe confines of the hospital; Lauren held onto one thing, Madelyn’s heartbeat.
Here’s a summary of Lauren and Madelyn’s journey:
Spectra: Walk us through the day your water broke.
Lauren: It was on a Sunday morning in March. My family and I just arrived at church. I leaned over to grab something and felt a sudden large gush. Having suffered from two miscarriages, I immediately thought it was blood and ran to the bathroom. When I realized that it was fluid and not blood, I knew that my water broke and that was much worse.
Spectra: No one really prepares you for having your water break so early on. What happened when you were admitted to the hospital?
Lauren: I immediately had an ultrasound, and it was confirmed that my water had broken, and there was very little fluid. The terminology is called (PPROM), preterm premature rupture of membranes. PPROM only occurs in 8 to 10% of all pregnancies, and typically labor starts within 24 hours. My OB-GYN gave Madelyn a 0% chance of survival and recommended staying at the hospital until I naturally went into labor, inducing labor or terminating the pregnancy. She explained the risk of rupture and infection, should I continue with labor outside of the hospital. I was adamant that as long as there was a heartbeat, I would not intervene with the pregnancy. I also requested that I be discharged. Once again, my doctor reiterated the risks and advised against my wishes. It was then that I asked for a second opinion, and was referred to Dr. Paul, who specialized in multiples and high-risk pregnancies.
Spectra: How was his approach different?
Lauren: From the moment I met him, I immediately felt more at ease. His delivery was much gentler. Because of the gestation, he estimated a 1% chance of survival for Madelyn. But he also stated that he’s seen many miracles while in practice and will never say never. I then expressed my desire to be discharged. I had a two-year-old at home and wanted to grieve in privacy with my family. Because at that point, I still thought I would more than likely lose this baby. Dr. Paul agreed. He said I could go home and that I would come in for weekly visits.
Spectra: What was your thought process to keep you going? What precautions did you take during your day-to-day?
Lauren: At that point, I really turned to my faith, time would tell. I’m lucky to have a job that allows me to work from home and a supportive husband that took great care of our 2 year old and handled all our day to day responsibilities. Once I settled in, I started going online and doing tons of research. I came across countless stories of similar scenarios with babies surviving. Again, 16 weeks was a very early scenario, but I went on to learn that babies were pulling through in such cases. I joined an online group called “pprom premature rupture of membranes waters break,little heartbeats support,” Their slogan is where there’s a heartbeat, there’s hope. This group offered a lot of support and literature that helped me get through the coming weeks. I rested, drank lots of water, and continued to turn to my faith. It’s also important to note that I couldn’t start seeing Dr. Paul, my high-risk OB-GYN until I entered the “viable stage,” around 23 weeks. My weekly visits with my current OB before the 23-week mark were challenging. She continued to tell me “not to expect a miracle” and that the odds were against me. I would always leave crushed. But once I finally had the opportunity to transfer over to Dr. Paul, I started to feel much more positive, and each weekly visit felt better than the next. He would say things like “I can’t believe you’re still pregnant. This little baby is a fighter!” He was very encouraging.
Spectra: What did you do to stay positive?
Lauren: It was hard, I honestly wavered. I just had to know that I did everything in my power to give Madelyn every opportunity for survival. That attitude really helped me push forward. I also had a lot of support from my husband, friends, and family. They would call, come over, pray, bring me cooked meals, and always offer a shoulder to cry on. Work was also a helpful distraction; I would rest and work from my laptop in bed. This was my day-to-day until I finally got admitted into the hospital.
Spectra: Tell us about the birth.
Lauren: I was admitted at 26 weeks and was immediately put on steroids. Within 24 hours of my second dose of steroids, I had an adverse effect and went into labor. I was given magnesium sulfate to slow it down and it worked. Another 10 days of hospital bedrest went by and on Labor Day evening I started to bleed heavily. I was monitored closely overnight and the next morning it was advised to have a c-section at 28 weeks while the baby and I were both healthy and well. Later we learned the bleeding started as a result of acute placental eruption, which was enough reason to justify moving forward with the C-section. Madelyn was born on May 29th, 2018. Following her birth, she was admitted to the NICU and initially was on full life support. She gradually weaned from an oscillator ventilator to a traditional ventilator and continued to be intubated for 4 weeks. She also had a nasogastric tube (NG tube) placed and received her milk through this tube for the next 14 weeks.
Spectra: Describe your experience in the NICU. When did Madelyn get to go home?
Lauren: The NICU was a rollercoaster of emotions each day. I would arrive at 7:30am and leave at 5:00pm each day. During that time, I would kangaroo (skin on skin time) with Madelyn for as long as I possibly could. The Neonatologist would do their rounds each day and allowed me to be a part of the decisions on her care. Luckily, Madelyn didn’t have any major setbacks during her NICU stay. At times, her progress was extremely slow, but ultimately, she just needed time to rest and grow stronger lungs. I left each day, trusting Jesus would watch over our sweet girl and sustain every bit of her health. I prayed that each nurse assigned to Madelyn would have great favor over her. That she would receive care from them as if it was myself caring for her. Evenings were hard, but that was the time I needed to focus on my 2 year old at home. During Madelyn’s 4 month stay at the NICU, I learned a lot. So much more than I had ever wanted to know, but it prepared me to have a child with special needs home. On her discharge day, September 28, 2018, I felt fully prepared and equipped to care for Madelyn. I knew her distress cues very well and how best to handle them. The nurses and Neonatologist taught me and gave me all the tools I needed to be the best mama for Madelyn and her special needs. I’m so grateful for all of them during her NICU journey. They will always have a special place in my heart.
Spectra: Can you tell us about your breastfeeding journey?
Lauren: Breastfeeding was always essential to me. I breastfed my first, Molly for 16 months, and only stopped once I became pregnant because my milk dried up. While I was pregnant with Madelyn, I had a dream that I was breastfeeding her. I took it as a sign and clung onto it. Once Madelyn was born, she was on high oxygen support, so she wasn’t allowed to nurse or take a bottle until she was 14 weeks old. In the meantime, I pumped religiously, which was also encouraged by the hospital. They fortified my breastmilk with human milk fortifier and later with formula, to give her the extra calories she needed (*this is standard protocol for micro-preemies).
Spectra: Did you work with a Lactation Consultant in the hospital? How was that experience?
Lauren: Yes, and I LOVED her. We hit it off right away. Luckily, having breastfed before, I already had a good understanding of breastfeeding and knew the different nursing positions. The LC was incredibly encouraging and supportive the whole time we were in the NICU. Finally, at 14 weeks we tried giving Madelyn a bottle, but she didn’t take to it at first. She immediately choked and gagged, so we stopped. The next day I tried breastfeeding, and she was a complete natural! She latched right away and nursed for nearly four minutes. She did take a while to learn to take a full feeding, particularly during my letdown. At that point, I was working from the hospital and would arrive daily at 7 a.m. My lactation consultant would assist me daily. It was a long process for Madelyn to build up her stamina to take all her feeds orally (breastfeeding and bottle), but I give my lactation consultant a lot of credit. She devoted so much time working closely with us and I don’t think we would have gotten discharged nearly as soon if it weren’t for her.
Spectra: Can you go more in depth about your pumping journey? We know at one point; you were exclusively pumping. How was that different?
Lauren: I started immediately pumping after Madelyn was born, even before we knew if she was going to make it or not. When your baby is in the NICU, you’re limited on what you can do because it’s so regulated. The hospital encouraged that Madelyn receive breastmilk, and I knew it was one of the best things I could give her during that time. My breastmilk came in within 48 hours after her birth. She was getting tiny doses at first, about two mls every couple of hours. Madelyn was only two pounds at this time. The hospital provided me with my own pump and supplies; this way I didn’t need to bring everything back and forth. I continued to pump every 2-3 hours until my milk was established at 4 weeks. After that point, I pumped every 4 hours. During the 3.5 months of exclusively pumping, I pumped 4000+ oz for Madelyn.
Spectra: How is Madelyn doing today?
Lauren: She is doing great! At 10 months, she’s off oxygen completely now. She has some catching up to do with gaining weight and gross motor skills, but I know without a doubt she’ll get there. She’s a determined girl!
Spectra: What advice do you have for moms in similar situations?
Lauren: Find people to lean on – support groups, friends, and family. I’m a Christian, so prayer is something I turned to daily. Make sure you choose a doctor you trust. I interviewed a few different specialists and needed a referral to leave my regular OB-GYN to transfer over to Dr. Paul. The process was a little awkward, but so worth it. I was much more at ease with Dr. Paul and trusted his direction.
Lastly, remember that you’re your baby’s advocate. No one is going to love and fight for your baby as much as you are. Yes, listen to professionals but don’t hold back from doing your research and trusting your mama instinct.
Notes from the LC
Melissa Portunato MPH, IBCLC, RLC
All babies benefit from the nutritive properties of breast milk but the benefits are even more important for premature babies. Premature or preterm babies (born 3 or more weeks before their due date) are at a greater risk of infection and health problems early in life. Breastmilk can never be duplicated and can enhance the health, growth and development for fragile babies.
Mothers of premature babies produce milk different in composition than full-term babies. Preterm milk is higher in fat and easier to absorb enhancing brain development and neurological tissue. Research suggests premature babies who receive breast milk have 10 times lowered risk in contracting life-threatening illnesses. As a matter of fact, breast milk is so important for premature babies that it is quite likely they will receive donor breast milk if mom cannot provide her own breast milk.
Breastfeeding a premature baby may come with challenges. They might have a harder time learning how to latch and staying latched to the breast which can make feedings take a little longer. You can still provide breast milk to your baby even if baby is not latching directly to the breast. Using a hospital strength pump is an effective way to express milk and establish a healthy milk supply. Pumping a minimum of 8-12 times per day will ensure healthy milk production. Combine breastfeeding with skin to skin – which has been proven to increase milk volume, increase weight gain, stabilize the baby’s heartbeat, and is even linked to premature babies going home sooner!
Working closely with a medical team including a lactation specialist like an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), Pediatrician, and Neonatologist will help in providing the support and education parents need to be successful. Are you pumping for a baby in the NICU? Share your story below! We’d love to hear more about your journey!
