Dads and Breastfeeding!

We know Dads are very matter of fact and like to be logical, so here are the benefits for you of a breastfed baby...

Your baby is likely to suffer from fewer ailments, studies suggest that breastfeeding may positively affect your baby's brain development and IQ, and your baby will have a decreased risk of tooth decay.

Your partner will lower her risk of cancer, will be less likely to suffer from postnatal depression and is likely to regain her pre-pregnancy shape faster.

Direct benefits for you: if your baby is breastfed there is no need for nighttime sterilising of bottles, breastmilk is always at the right temperature and you don't have to cart around huge bags of equipment when you leave the house. Breastmilk is free, while the average formula-feeding mother will spend around £1700 a year on artifical milk and equipment. And, as we hope your responsibilities include changing your baby, breastfed babies have much less smelly nappies...need we say more?!

So, how can you help?

Nine out of ten women who give up breastfeeding during the first six weeks stop before they want to. Often the cause is lack of support and information, and the attitude of fathers plays a major role too. Breastfeeding is a new skill and your partner will need encouragement and reassurance. You could remind her that she does not need to commit to breastfeeding, but to take it one day at a time. Breastfeeding even for the first few days will provide your baby with colostrum (first milk), which contains antibodies, is low in fat, high in carbohydrates and protein and is extremely easy to digest.

Practical help is also extremely important. Some women may experience difficulties early on in breastfeeding (see our other articles). Make sure you understand what could happen, and what can be done to prevent the problem and alleviate the symptoms in the meantime - she will really appreciate your help! In the early days you may need to be on hand to fend off or organise well wishing visitors to help. Breastfeeding women feel thirstier, so ensure she has a glass of water near her when feeding, and encourage her to eat a balanced, nutritious diet. You can help do your fair share of the housework, so that she can take the time needed to feed your baby in a relaxed atmosphere. If your partner is worried about breastfeeding in public, you can help her out by making sure she is not in full view of others and reassuring her that she is doing well.

Some fathers worry that they will feel jealous and left out of the bonding process that is going on with mother and baby - but there is no need. There are lots of things you can, and should, do other than feeding: change, bath and rock your baby, place him on your bare chest for skin to skin contact, give him a massage, or buy a sling and take him to a friend's house, or for a walk, to give mum a rest.

Maintaining intimacy is very important following the birth of a baby. And it's not always easy even to manage some time alone together. A breastfeeding woman may very likely feel 'touched-out' by the end of a long day, which is hardly surprising if she has been feeding frequently. However, this does not mean that she does not want to be touched or cuddled at all. She may just need a bit of time to switch roles. Nurture the relationship you have with your baby's mother through good communication.

Your support is invaluable in boosting your baby's mother's confidence and studies have shown that a mother is more likely to breastfeed for longer if she has the support of the baby's father. Tell her she is doing well, and let friends know that in order for her to successfully breastfeed she will feed when the baby needs to be fed, possibly in front of them. As it is the most natural thing in the world they need to take it in their stride, and know that you will stand up for your partner's right to breastfeed.

Introductory Price for Lansinoh Products

Here at Friendly Baby we are very excited to be able to offer you our new range of Lansinoh products at special introductory prices.

Lansinoh Lanolin is widely recognised to be the best treatment for sore nipples (along with help with latching and positioning), as it is a superior product over other brands of lanolin. We are able to offer it at an introductory price of £8.95 for a 56g tube (RRP £9.95).

We are also offering the fantastic, comfortable, quiet, Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump at just £19.95 (RRP £24.95). The Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump is made from 100% polypropylene, the preferred plastic for breastmilk storage as it is 100% Bisphenol-A free. The unique ComfortSeal™ cushion creates a secure seal for more comfortable and efficient pumping. The ergonomic handle and lightweight, compact design allow for easy one-handed use, putting no strain on the wrist and providing efficient one hand pumping for ease in imitating a baby's nursing rhythm. Compact in size and very light, the pump can be assembled in under one minute making it very portable. The pump is silent, easy to assemble, easy to use and easy to clean (dishwasher safe).

Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags are pre-sterilised and made from food-safe polyethylene. The manufacturing process enables Lansinoh to produce these medical grade bags without using plasticisers, so preventing substances which could be harmful to your baby from getting into your breastmilk. Featuring a double zipper for a secure seal, and also a write-on tab outside the fill area to eliminate potential puncture and milk contamination, these storage bags are easy to write on even when full. The bags come in a tissue pack dispenser for easy access and storage, and, with a gusseted bottom to allow for expansion, are developed specifically for the freezer. Friendly Baby have them on special offer at £4.45 (RRP £4.95) for a pack of 25.

Mastitis

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast, often with infection, and is the result of not treating a plugged milk duct. If a plugged duct is treated by applying heat, feeding frequently and resting, it is less likely to progress to mastitis.

Early Signs of a Plugged Milk Duct

Prompt attention to early signs of a plugged duct can help avoid mastitis. Symptoms can be a red patch or a sore lump on the breast, which may be hot. Adequate rest, good nutrition and hygiene are very important at this time.

If you develop a sore, hard lump in your breast, feel unusual warmth in an area of your breast, notice redness and soreness in this area, experience general lumpiness after feeding and feel achey and rundown the following may help.

• Feed your baby often on both sides, every 2-3 hours (including during the night), draining the affected breast, and expressing after a feed. This will improve the flow of blood to the area and the milk flow will help to clear infection.


• Try to get more rest (sleep when your baby sleeps). A study has shown that stress and tiredness are two of the most frequent concerns preceding a bout of mastitis.


• Apply wet or dry heat to the affected area. This could be in the form of a hot water bottle, a warm compress, or a bath or shower. You could try soaking the sore breast in a bowl of warm water for ten minutes several times a day, as this will help you to feel more relaxed and also remove dried milk which may be causing a blockage. However, some mothers find relief by cooling the breast.


• Massage from the chest wall to the nipple over the sore area before and during feeding.


• Feed with your baby's nose or chin pointing towards the sore area.


• Avoid wearing constricting clothing - you may find it easier not to wear a bra at this time.

The measures above will often help the symptoms to subside. Changing feeding positions, and feeding on all fours during a bout of mastitis can also help clear a blockage, as this will allow your baby to drain all areas of the breast. Some healthcare providers also suggest taking a pain reliever such as ibuprofen.

However, if after 8-24 hours of these self-help measures, there is no improvement or if you develop a temperature above 38.4C, discover pus or blood in your breastmilk, notice red streaks on your breast, have flu-like symptoms, feel generally unwell, then it is a good idea to visit your doctor. Antibiotics compatible with breastfeeding may be suggested if your temperature is over 38.4C and you have a reddened, painful, swollen area of the breast, or if you have aches, chills or feelings of general malaise. You may also experience nausea or vomiting.

A course of 10-14 days of antibiotics has been shown to be the most effective, and the expression of milk from the affected side after feeding can shorten the duration of the symptoms. Occasionally, a course of antibiotics can result in the baby getting oral thrush, which is then often passed back to the nursing mother on her nipples and sometimes into the breast. It is uncomfortable for baby to feed with oral thrush and can be uncomfortable for the mother. There are many treatments available and your doctor will prescribe a treatment for both of you even if it seems that only one is affected.

If mastitis re-occurs, or there is no improvement after two days of antibiotics, some doctors take a culture of the mother's milk and of the baby's throat to identify the bacteria so an appropriate antibiotic can be given.

Mastitis is most likely to happen when the milk is not effectively removed from the breast, less than 3 weeks from birth have elapsed, the mothe is experiencing engorgement or sore nipples, the baby is not attached well at the breast, the mother has an over-abundant supply of milk, other members of the family have a cold or flu, or the mother has a clogged milk pore.

Effective milk removal is most important, and from birth early, frequent and unrestricted breastfeeding help to achieve this. Paying special attention to positioning and attachment is vital. Early bottles and dummies are discouraged as these create different sucking patterns in the baby.

Causes of Mastitis

Causes include abrupt weaning, over-use of dummies or giving top up bottles to supplement feeds, an irregular feeding baby, an older baby beginning to sleep through the night resulting in your breasts becoming full or engorged, consistent pressure on the breast - bras should be properly fitted so that no breast tissue is pinched or constricted, holding the breast too tightly while feeding can restrict the milk ducts, your resistance to infection will be lowered if you are anemic, run down or overly tired, sore nipples, returning to work and therefore feeding your baby less often.

Feeding Your Baby During a Bout of Mastitis

It is important to continue breastfeeding, so as to avoid the possibility of developing a breast abscess. Breastfeeding at this time will not be harmful to your baby, as your milk contains antibodies that protect him from infection.

A breast abscess - a very painful, localised collection of pus - is unusual, but does need to be treated immediately. Ultrasound is often effective to diagnose this, and aspiration can resolve small abscesses.

A breast lump that does not disappear after 7 days of treatment for a plugged duct would benefit from a visit to a doctor. Most persistent breast lumps are benign tumours or milk cysts, which do not need to interrupt breastfeeding. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer, which is rare in lactating women.

Mastitis usually only affects one breast. It is often recommended that mothers feed from the affected breast first. Your breastmilk may taste saltier and some babies are reluctant to nurse on the affected breast. Mothers often try different positions to encourage their baby to accept the breast. If the baby is still reluctant many mothers express milk, which maintains the supply until the salty taste is lost, usually within a week, when the baby should be happily nursing again.

Breastfeeding Problems

Sore nipples can be caused by many things when you are breastfeeding so here we provide some top tips to help sore nipples heal.

• Check positioning and attachment. Your baby should take a big mouthful of breast, with his tongue under your nipple. Varying positions can help, perhaps feeding lying down, or with your baby's feet out behind you.


• Feeding frequently can help. A new baby needs to feed 8-12 times in a 24-hour period. This means that your breasts will not get too full and it will be easier for your baby to latch on.


• Feed on the least sore side first, then when the milk is flowing, switch breasts.


• Make sure that your bra is not putting pressure on your breast. Some mothers find plastic tea strainers with the handles cut off worn inside their bra protect their sore nipples from pressure.


• Avoid breast pads with plastic backing which keeps the nipples wet. Expressing a little milk after a feed onto the nipples helps healing.


• Avoid using soaps on the nipple as these can be drying. Creams that need to be removed before nursing should also be avoided as extra rubbing may irritate already sore nipples.


• Moist wound healing is the preferred treatment for sore and cracked nipples, in conjunction with help to address the cause of the condition. Moist wound healing involves retaining the moisture already present in areolar skin, by applying a moisture barrier cream to the injured site. Internal moisture, retained within the skin, will return the skin to its normal healthy state, supple and soft rather than brittle and dry. When cracked tissue is rehydrated in this way from within, it will heal without the formation of a scab or crust.

As well as positioning which we looked at previously, there are other causes of sore nipples in the early days.

Engorgement
If your breasts are very full it may make it difficult for your baby to get a good attachment. Many mothers express a little milk before feeding to help relieve the fullness. Some women find it helps to wrap frozen peas in a cloth and hold it to their breasts, changing to a warm compress a few minutes before the next feed. Others find relief from cold Savoy cabbage leaves worn in their bra. Feeding at least every two hours with a longer gap at night helps avoid engorgement.

Flat or inverted nipples
This used to be considered a problem, but we now know that it is the amount of breast in the mouth that is important, not the shape of the nipple. By positioning your baby to enable him to take a large mouthful of breast, he can draw out your nipple in his mouth. Some mothers draw out the nipple in the early days by using a breast pump, or by wearing breast shells half an hour before a feed.

Nipple confusion
Some babies have difficulty distinguishing between the breast and artifical teats or dummies. These babies suck on the breast as if it is an artificial nipple, which is quite a different technique. This can give you sore nipples, as your breast will not be taken as deeply into your baby's mouth. Studies show that some babies cope better with this if they are not given artifical teats before four weeks of age.

Tongue-tie
The tongue is important as it is the motion of the tongue (and lower jaw) that milks the breast. Poor use of the tongue can allow suction to be broken with each suck, and cause inefficient milk removal, which can lead to slow weight gain. Tongue-ties can be treated, and it is advisable to consult a health professional.

Breaking suction
Removing your baby from your breast without breaking suction may make your nipples sore. Many mothers leave their babies on the breast until they are ready to come off, but if you need to take your baby off the breast, break the suction first by putting your finger between his gums.

Mastitis as a result of blocked milk ducts is a huge issue with various causes, symptoms and treatments and as such the next article will purely look at this issue.

Breastfeeding Positioning and Attachment

Breastfeeding is a learnt art. If you experience nipple soreness beyond a slight tenderness when your baby latches on you may need to make some adjustments so you can be comfortable and enjoy breastfeeding your baby.

Changing the way your baby is attached to the breast can help sore or cracked nipples and allow healing to begin. Breastfeeding should not hurt, although some mothers describe the initial sucks in the early days as tender, as the baby stretches the breast tissue. If pain persists throughout the feed it indicates some adjustments need to be made.

You and your baby need to be comfortable so he can attach himself to your breast well. He needs to open his mouth wide and take a big mouthful of breast.

Uncomfortable positioning and attachment is the most frequent cause of sore nipples. Often, any perceived problems with breastfeeding such as not enough milk, sore nipples, low weight gain, and baby suckling too long are an indication that the baby's attachment needs some adjustment. A good attachment is comfortable, with the baby's lips curled out. The tip of the baby's nose and chin may maintain contact with the breast throughout the feed.

Some nursing mothers find these tips useful:

• Calm your baby if he is crying; it is difficult to feed and cry at the same time. By calming your baby, his tongue will be in the right position to feed, ie over the lower gum line.


• Support your baby on his side on your lap, coming to the breast slightly from below, chin and lower lip first. To feed on the left breast, for example, with your baby facing you, support his back with your right forearm, your right hand on his shoulder blades, your fingers and thumb either side of the back of his neck. He should not have to turn his head to reach your breast.


• Allow your breast to rest naturally, ie not held up to your baby. If you wish to support your breast, do so with fingers underneath and thumb on top, keeping your fingers well back from the brown part.


• The baby's chin is held to the breast about 3cm from the nipple (nose to nipple).


• When you bring your baby onto the breast, he will tilt his head back a bit, open his mouth wide with his tongue down and take a big mouthful of breast tissue along the tongue.


• After the initial rapid sucks, your baby will settle into slow, rhythmical sucking and swallowing. When he is sucking strongly, the mother will often bring her arm around the baby so the baby's head is along this arm, and then the other arm can relax.


• Your baby should come off the breast when he has had enough.

Some mothers prefer the rugby or clutch position, with their baby's feet out behind them, or the cradle hold (across the lap), or lying down. In each position it is important to enable your baby to take a large mouthful of breast so that your nipple is protected at the back of the mouth. If it hurts after a few sucks, put your little finger in your baby's mouth and break the suction, then try again. If the pain persists beyond the first few 'stretching' sucks after a day or two whilst healing is happening, help from a breastfeeding specialist is advisable, as there can be other causes.

Many people who are breastfeeding fine still worry if there baby is getting enough milk. Several wet and dirty nappies each day, a steady increase in baby's weight and baby only asking for a feed every 3 hours or so (some more often, some slightly less often) are all good indicators of a well-fed baby. The length of time between feeds varies, but if baby is happy it is a good guide.

Subsequent articles will review common breastfeeding problems and how to recognise and resolve them, and where you can turn for practical help; Dads roll in breastfeeding (yes, you do have a part to play!), breastfeeding while out and about, and expressing and storing milk.

Breastfeeding Awareness Week: 10th - 16th May 2009

Breastfeeding awareness week begins today. Most people now know that breastfeeding is better for baby than formula feeding, though perhaps not aware of all of the benefits. We also know that lots of Mums want to breastfeed, but for one reason or another either can't or don't want to. We are not going to preach, and don't want to make anyone feel like a bad Mum for not breastfeeding, but we do want to make sure that you have all of the information and can use this to make informed choices and to get the help you need to help you achieve your baby feeding goals. Over the following week, we will write a series of articles to help you.

Today we are looking at the Benefits of breastfeeding.

Breastmilk gives babies all the nutrients they need for the first six months of life and helps protect them against ear infections, gastro-intestinal infections, chest infections, urine infections, childhood diabetes, eczema, obesity and asthma. It also reduces mothers' chances of getting ovarian cancer, breast cancer and weak bones later in life.

Breastfeeding also allows you and your baby to get closer - physically and emotionally. So while your child is feeding, the bond between you can grow stronger.

Formula feeding does not give your baby the same ingredients as breastmilk, which is designed to be easy for your baby to absorb and is perfect to help them grow and develop. Also, formula feeding doesn't provide protection against infection and diseases.

As an added bonus, women who breastfeed return to their pre-pregnancy figure faster.

In our next breastfeeding article we look at how you should breastfeed, the position of you and baby, signs that baby is feeding well and how to know if they are getting sufficient milk. Subsequent articles will review common breastfeeding problems and how to recognise and resolve them, and where you can turn for practical help.

Ethical Consumer's Guide to Buying Nappies

We are delighted to announce that Tots Bots and Mother-ease have come out tops in Ethical consumer's guide to buying nappies with an ethiscore of 16/20.

Mother-ease nappies are made in their green-powered energy-efficient, on-sight factory in Canada. While it may not seem great from a green perspective that the nappies are then sent from Canada to the UK, shipping across the sea produces less carbon emissions than transporting across Europe by road!

Tots Bots scored full marks in the environment, animals, people and politics categories so you can be assured of both the environmental and ethical benefits of Tots Bots nappies. All Tots Bots nappies are made in the UK.

Of the nappy companies assessed (both cloth and disposable) Pampers had the worst score 0.5/20 whilst Huggies were just ahead with 4.5. Like we say...not all nappies are rubbish!