Breastfeeding: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Large Nipples
What defines a large nipple? Will it affect breastfeeding?
What defines a large nipple? Will it affect breastfeeding?
Growth Spurts
Your baby will experience a growth spurt while you're breastfeeding. Learn what a breastfeeding mother can expect from her baby's behavior, and from her milk supply, during a baby's growth spurt.
Your baby will experience a growth spurt while you're breastfeeding. Learn what a breastfeeding mother can expect from her baby's behavior, and from her milk supply, during a baby's growth spurt.
Relactation
Breastfeeding mothers often reduce feeds or wean earlier than they would like -- sometimes by choice, sometimes not. Here are ways to reestablish milk supply after having taken a lengthy break from nursing.
Breastfeeding mothers often reduce feeds or wean earlier than they would like -- sometimes by choice, sometimes not. Here are ways to reestablish milk supply after having taken a lengthy break from nursing.
When, Why, How to Pump
Information on using breast pumps, storage suggestions, and bottle-feeding. You can also watch a video on pumping, storing and handling breast milk.
Information on using breast pumps, storage suggestions, and bottle-feeding. You can also watch a video on pumping, storing and handling breast milk.
Breast Development
How do breasts develop? How does the anatomy of the breast change during lactation?
How do breasts develop? How does the anatomy of the breast change during lactation?
Flat & Inverted Nipples
Explanation of how to make breastfeeding successful with flat, retracted, or inverted nipples.
Explanation of how to make breastfeeding successful with flat, retracted, or inverted nipples.
Positioning and Latch-On
What to expect from the baby's first breastfeeding and latch-on. Here are some techniques and tips to make latching-on easy and successful. Also, watch two videos: One will teach you what to expect once your baby is latched on; the other will show you 3 different breastfeeding positions.
What to expect from the baby's first breastfeeding and latch-on. Here are some techniques and tips to make latching-on easy and successful. Also, watch two videos: One will teach you what to expect once your baby is latched on; the other will show you 3 different breastfeeding positions.
Engorgement
The most common breastfeeding problem. Here is information to help manage the issue and make breastfeeding comfortable. You can also watch a video on engorgement.
The most common breastfeeding problem. Here is information to help manage the issue and make breastfeeding comfortable. You can also watch a video on engorgement.
Breastmilk Temperature
When it comes to handling breastmilk, it's important to keep in mind how long the expressed milk has been in storage. Also, watch a video that shows proper handling of breast milk.
When it comes to handling breastmilk, it's important to keep in mind how long the expressed milk has been in storage. Also, watch a video that shows proper handling of breast milk.
Breastfeeding and Solid Foods
Answers to all questions about the baby's feeding needs by age and stage.
Answers to all questions about the baby's feeding needs by age and stage.
Breast Pathology
There are many possible breast abnormalities that breastfeeding mothers may encounter. Identifying these issues are very important to continue a healthful breastfeeding relationship with your child.
There are many possible breast abnormalities that breastfeeding mothers may encounter. Identifying these issues are very important to continue a healthful breastfeeding relationship with your child.
Breastfeeding Basics
An explanation of the breast and how it works when breastfeeding; pros and cons of breastfeeding for both mother and baby; what to expect during the first few weeks after birth; the feeding process. Watch a video on general lactation and breastfeeding information.
An explanation of the breast and how it works when breastfeeding; pros and cons of breastfeeding for both mother and baby; what to expect during the first few weeks after birth; the feeding process. Watch a video on general lactation and breastfeeding information.
Thrush
Information on thrush, or yeast infections of the nipple and/or deep breast. Included is the protocol to cure thrush.
Information on thrush, or yeast infections of the nipple and/or deep breast. Included is the protocol to cure thrush.
Problems and Solutions
Explanation of the many problems women encounter while breastfeeding; solutions to some of the most common issues presented
Explanation of the many problems women encounter while breastfeeding; solutions to some of the most common issues presented
Storage of Breastmilk
When it comes to storing breast milk, the guidelines depend on how you pump your milk. Watch a video to find out more.
When it comes to storing breast milk, the guidelines depend on how you pump your milk. Watch a video to find out more.
Pros and Cons of Breastfeeding
Description of many of the benefits of breastfeeding to the mother and baby. Also included are some cons of breastfeeding.
Description of many of the benefits of breastfeeding to the mother and baby. Also included are some cons of breastfeeding.
Milk Ejection Reflex
What is the milk ejection reflex? How does it affect breastfeeding?
What is the milk ejection reflex? How does it affect breastfeeding?
Nipple Pain
Causes of sore nipples and remedies to heal and soothe
Causes of sore nipples and remedies to heal and soothe
Breast Milk Content
Exactly what makes up breast milk? What is in it that makes it so powerful? Here are the facts.
Exactly what makes up breast milk? What is in it that makes it so powerful? Here are the facts.
How much in a bottle?
If you decide to supplement breastfeeding with pumped breast milk in a bottle, how much should you give? Here is the calculation.
If you decide to supplement breastfeeding with pumped breast milk in a bottle, how much should you give? Here is the calculation.
Taking Care of Mom
Discussion on the mother's needs while breastfeeding
Discussion on the mother's needs while breastfeeding
Football Hold
Details on how to use the football hold position for breastfeeding
Details on how to use the football hold position for breastfeeding
Breast Changes in Pregnancy
For your body to ready itself to breastfeed, many different changes occur in your breasts during pregnancy. Major hormonal influences take place during this time. Here is everything you need to know about the process.
For your body to ready itself to breastfeed, many different changes occur in your breasts during pregnancy. Major hormonal influences take place during this time. Here is everything you need to know about the process.
Sucking & Swallowing Patterns
What is nutritive versus non-nutritive sucking? What is the difference between swallowing at the breast and swallowing on a bottle? Here are details on how the process works.
What is nutritive versus non-nutritive sucking? What is the difference between swallowing at the breast and swallowing on a bottle? Here are details on how the process works.
Breastfeeding and Teens
To a pregnant teen or a new teen mom, the concept of breastfeeding may be very foreign. What are some of the factors involved in a teen making a decision to breastfeed? What do they take into consideration? Why is deciding to breastfeed as a teen mom a different process than deciding as an adult mother?
To a pregnant teen or a new teen mom, the concept of breastfeeding may be very foreign. What are some of the factors involved in a teen making a decision to breastfeed? What do they take into consideration? Why is deciding to breastfeed as a teen mom a different process than deciding as an adult mother?
Allergies and Breastfeeding
The incidence of food allergies and allergic diseases is rising at a very steady pace. With so much conflicting advice aimed at breastfeeding mothers, how can you make sense of it all? Here's everything you need to know.
The incidence of food allergies and allergic diseases is rising at a very steady pace. With so much conflicting advice aimed at breastfeeding mothers, how can you make sense of it all? Here's everything you need to know.
Is Baby Getting Enough Milk?
Understanding what is "normal" when breastfeeding is a difficult task. Here are the answers to whether or not your baby is getting enough milk during breastfeeding and how to tell if he or she is feeding effectively.
Understanding what is "normal" when breastfeeding is a difficult task. Here are the answers to whether or not your baby is getting enough milk during breastfeeding and how to tell if he or she is feeding effectively.
The Diabetic Breastfeeder
Whether you have just learned that you have diabetes, or you have had it for some time now, do not feel that you can't breastfeed! It is still good for you and for your baby. Here are the facts.
Whether you have just learned that you have diabetes, or you have had it for some time now, do not feel that you can't breastfeed! It is still good for you and for your baby. Here are the facts.
Supplemental Nursing System
A supplemental nursing system is a feeding-tube device used at the breast to provide supplemental milk for the baby and to stimulate supply simultaneously.
A supplemental nursing system is a feeding-tube device used at the breast to provide supplemental milk for the baby and to stimulate supply simultaneously.
Plugged Ducts
Description of plugged ducts and how to resolve them. Also, watch a video to see how you can alleviate clogged ducts.
Description of plugged ducts and how to resolve them. Also, watch a video to see how you can alleviate clogged ducts.
Oral Anatomy Issues
What is the functional anatomy of the oral and pharyngeal region in an infant? What role does it play in breastfeeding? What are some associated breastfeeding problems?
What is the functional anatomy of the oral and pharyngeal region in an infant? What role does it play in breastfeeding? What are some associated breastfeeding problems?
Alerting the Baby for Feeding
Tips and techniques to help awaken a sleepy baby for a feeding
Tips and techniques to help awaken a sleepy baby for a feeding
Breastfeeding in Public
Breastfeeding in public makes many mothers very nervous to venture out. Here is a video on some discreet, subtle ways to breastfeed in public.
Breastfeeding in public makes many mothers very nervous to venture out. Here is a video on some discreet, subtle ways to breastfeed in public.
Weaning
Discussion of how and when to wean your child off breastfeeding
Discussion of how and when to wean your child off breastfeeding
Cross-Cradle Position
Detailed description of the cross-cradle position and latch-on.
Detailed description of the cross-cradle position and latch-on.
Mature Milk
What is mature milk? How does it differ from colostrum and transitional milk?
What is mature milk? How does it differ from colostrum and transitional milk?
Side-Lying Position
Details on how to breastfeed a baby in the side-lying position
Details on how to breastfeed a baby in the side-lying position
Infant Digestion
Why is breast milk so easy on a baby's gastrointestinal system? Most new mothers are concerned about what is happening externally--making sure latch-ons are correct and milk transfer being sufficient--but what is happening with your baby internally? Here you will learn all you need to know about infant digestion.
Why is breast milk so easy on a baby's gastrointestinal system? Most new mothers are concerned about what is happening externally--making sure latch-ons are correct and milk transfer being sufficient--but what is happening with your baby internally? Here you will learn all you need to know about infant digestion.
Hindmilk
Detailed definition of the term hindmilk in relation to breastfeeding
Detailed definition of the term hindmilk in relation to breastfeeding
The First 3 Days
The first 3 days are challenging for a breastfeeding mother. Here you will learn what to generally expect at this stage; common issues for mother and baby; waking up a sleepy baby; establishing a milk supply; and some tips on how to make the smooth transition from hospital to home
The first 3 days are challenging for a breastfeeding mother. Here you will learn what to generally expect at this stage; common issues for mother and baby; waking up a sleepy baby; establishing a milk supply; and some tips on how to make the smooth transition from hospital to home
Slow Weight Gain
A nervewracking diagnosis to say the least, slow weight gain makes new parents confused and frustrated. Here are the details on what the term means.
A nervewracking diagnosis to say the least, slow weight gain makes new parents confused and frustrated. Here are the details on what the term means.
Bulbous Areola
What is a bulbous areola? Can it affect your breast milk supply?
What is a bulbous areola? Can it affect your breast milk supply?
Accessory Nipple Tissue
What does it mean to have accessory nipple tissue? What is a supernumerary nipple?
What does it mean to have accessory nipple tissue? What is a supernumerary nipple?
Teething
Information on how to manage breastfeeding a teething baby.
Information on how to manage breastfeeding a teething baby.
WBW2008
The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Advocacy is holding World Breastfeeding Week from August 1 to 7. It is an annual international event alerting the world to the benefits of breastfeeding and breast milk.
The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Advocacy is holding World Breastfeeding Week from August 1 to 7. It is an annual international event alerting the world to the benefits of breastfeeding and breast milk.
Failure to Thrive
Failure to thrive, or FTT, is a very frightening diagnosis to receive for your baby. What is it? What is the treatment plan? What are the implications? Here are the details.
Failure to thrive, or FTT, is a very frightening diagnosis to receive for your baby. What is it? What is the treatment plan? What are the implications? Here are the details.
Assessment of the Breast
In order to start your breastfeeding plan off to a good start, it is important to have your breasts evaluated. Use these guidelines to do a self-assessment, and if you have any concerns, speak with a lactation consultant prior to giving birth.
In order to start your breastfeeding plan off to a good start, it is important to have your breasts evaluated. Use these guidelines to do a self-assessment, and if you have any concerns, speak with a lactation consultant prior to giving birth.
The First 24 Hours
The first 24 hours of a baby's life are crucial to a positive breastfeeding experience. Here is what to expect and how to deal with common issues.
The first 24 hours of a baby's life are crucial to a positive breastfeeding experience. Here is what to expect and how to deal with common issues.
Production & Care-Breast Milk
The production and care of breast milk are common concerns of breastfeeding mothers 3 weeks postpartum. Here are details on the top 5 most popular concerns moms have about producing and caring for breast milk. Covered issues include: storage of breast milk; handling; how to know the baby's getting enough milk; relactation; and when to consider a lactation consultant (and what to expect during the visit).
The production and care of breast milk are common concerns of breastfeeding mothers 3 weeks postpartum. Here are details on the top 5 most popular concerns moms have about producing and caring for breast milk. Covered issues include: storage of breast milk; handling; how to know the baby's getting enough milk; relactation; and when to consider a lactation consultant (and what to expect during the visit).
Partial Weaning
Definition of partial weaning
Definition of partial weaning
Pumping at Work
Many Moms are reentering the workforce after having babies, yet still want to maintain their breastfeeding relationship and their milk supply. With the advent of breast pumps, pumping at work is your best option, but it does require preparation. What should you bring? Where should you do it? How should you prepare before your return to work?
Many Moms are reentering the workforce after having babies, yet still want to maintain their breastfeeding relationship and their milk supply. With the advent of breast pumps, pumping at work is your best option, but it does require preparation. What should you bring? Where should you do it? How should you prepare before your return to work?
vitamins
What are the essential vitamins present in breast milk?
What are the essential vitamins present in breast milk?
Prolactin
Details on the hormone prolactin and the role that it plays in establishing milk supply
Details on the hormone prolactin and the role that it plays in establishing milk supply
Trauma from Breast Pump
How can you tell if your pump flange is on correctly? Do you have an obvious circle around your areola when you are finished pumping? Here's some information about how to avoid that.
How can you tell if your pump flange is on correctly? Do you have an obvious circle around your areola when you are finished pumping? Here's some information about how to avoid that.
Cooper's Ligaments
Breasts are often called "Cooper's Droopers." Here is the definition and an explanation of what the Cooper's Ligament is.
Breasts are often called "Cooper's Droopers." Here is the definition and an explanation of what the Cooper's Ligament is.
The First Two Weeks
In the first two weeks of a baby's life, feeding and sleeping patterns are just beginning to find a rhythm, only to culminate in a growth spurt. Breast milk supply should be established, and a mother might encounter issues such as engorgement. Here is how to manage those first few weeks of breastfeeding.
In the first two weeks of a baby's life, feeding and sleeping patterns are just beginning to find a rhythm, only to culminate in a growth spurt. Breast milk supply should be established, and a mother might encounter issues such as engorgement. Here is how to manage those first few weeks of breastfeeding.
Rusty Pipe Syndrome
What is Rusty Pipe Syndrome? Is it safe to feed to the baby?
What is Rusty Pipe Syndrome? Is it safe to feed to the baby?
Hormones
What are the essential hormones present in breast milk?
What are the essential hormones present in breast milk?
Colostrum
What is colostrum? How does it differ from mature milk?
What is colostrum? How does it differ from mature milk?
Sagging Breasts
Answer to the age-old question, "Will my breasts sag if I breastfeed?"
Answer to the age-old question, "Will my breasts sag if I breastfeed?"
Abrupt Weaning
Definition of abrupt weaning
Definition of abrupt weaning
Foremilk
Details definition of the term foremilk in relation to breastfeeding
Details definition of the term foremilk in relation to breastfeeding
Depression and Weaning
Is it normal to feel depressed after weaning?
Is it normal to feel depressed after weaning?
Birth and Breastfeeding
A baby's ability to breastfeed can be affected by his or her birth experience. Suckling effectively, which is a key component to breastfeeding, is an important factor in the baby's growth and development. Here are some interventions and issues that can affect proper behavior at the breast.
A baby's ability to breastfeed can be affected by his or her birth experience. Suckling effectively, which is a key component to breastfeeding, is an important factor in the baby's growth and development. Here are some interventions and issues that can affect proper behavior at the breast.
Breastfeeding Equipment
With so many different breastfeeding devices on the market, how do you make sense of what to buy? Here you will find information on different breastfeeding equipment and devices used to supplement or complement feedings.
With so many different breastfeeding devices on the market, how do you make sense of what to buy? Here you will find information on different breastfeeding equipment and devices used to supplement or complement feedings.
Accessory Breast Tissue
What is hypermastia? How is accessory breast tissue associated with hypermastia?
What is hypermastia? How is accessory breast tissue associated with hypermastia?
Baby-Initiated Weaning
Definition of baby-initiated weaning
Definition of baby-initiated weaning
Breastfeeding - HowTos
An index of HowTos for the Breastfeeding guide site.
An index of HowTos for the Breastfeeding guide site.
Carbohydrates in Breast Milk
What are the main carbohydrates in breast milk?
What are the main carbohydrates in breast milk?
Oxytocin
What is oxytocin? What role does it play in milk supply?
What is oxytocin? What role does it play in milk supply?
Enzymes
Enzymes in breast milk serve a variety of functions. Here are some details on some of the major enzymes present in breast milk.
Enzymes in breast milk serve a variety of functions. Here are some details on some of the major enzymes present in breast milk.
Lactation Consultant
If a breastfeeding mother feels at all overwhelmed by the process, she should get in touch with a lactation consultant.
If a breastfeeding mother feels at all overwhelmed by the process, she should get in touch with a lactation consultant.
Cradle Hold
Description of the cradle hold position for breastfeeding
Description of the cradle hold position for breastfeeding
Immunoglobulins
What are immunoglobulins? What function do they have in breast milk?
What are immunoglobulins? What function do they have in breast milk?
Breastfeeding - Articles
An index of Articles for the Breastfeeding guide site.
An index of Articles for the Breastfeeding guide site.
Immune System
What are the key immune system components in breast milk?
What are the key immune system components in breast milk?
Areola
What is the areola?
What is the areola?
Lipids
Here are some details on lipids in breast milk. What is the importance of lipids?
Here are some details on lipids in breast milk. What is the importance of lipids?
Minerals
What are the essential minerals present in breast milk?
What are the essential minerals present in breast milk?
Supplementary Feeding
What is a supplementary feeding?
What is a supplementary feeding?
International Code
What is the history of the Code and how is it enforced? How does the United States compare to other countries? What is the Innocenti Declaration? Here are answers to all of these questions and more.
What is the history of the Code and how is it enforced? How does the United States compare to other countries? What is the Innocenti Declaration? Here are answers to all of these questions and more.
Lactoferrin
What is lactoferrin? What does lactoferrin do in breast milk?
What is lactoferrin? What does lactoferrin do in breast milk?
Proteins in Breast Milk
What are the main proteins in breast milk?
What are the main proteins in breast milk?
What Do They Do?
What is a lactation consultant? Here is information on how one can help you if you need any information on or assistance with breastfeeding.
What is a lactation consultant? Here is information on how one can help you if you need any information on or assistance with breastfeeding.
How To Become Baby Friendly
How does a hospital or birthing center become "Baby-Friendly?" Here's information on the process.
How does a hospital or birthing center become "Baby-Friendly?" Here's information on the process.
Baby Friendly Hospital
What is the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative?
What is the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative?
Heart Health
The benefits of breastfeeding may include a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
The benefits of breastfeeding may include a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Lysozyme
What is lysozyme? What does lysozyme do in breast milk?
What is lysozyme? What does lysozyme do in breast milk?
Complementary Feeding
What is a complementary feeding?
What is a complementary feeding?
Transitional Milk
What is transitional milk? How does it differ from colostrum and mature milk?
What is transitional milk? How does it differ from colostrum and mature milk?
Human Milk Banks
When it is not possible for a mother to breastfeed her baby, one alternative can be to give human milk from a donor. In appropriate situations, a mother can obtain breast milk from a human milk bank, and yes, this is a very safe option.
When it is not possible for a mother to breastfeed her baby, one alternative can be to give human milk from a donor. In appropriate situations, a mother can obtain breast milk from a human milk bank, and yes, this is a very safe option.
Breast Milk Preparations
When expressing breast milk, there are quite a few different ways to prepare it for use. Here are the definitions of the four distinct methods.
When expressing breast milk, there are quite a few different ways to prepare it for use. Here are the definitions of the four distinct methods.
Ten Steps
As an integral part of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, the Ten Steps outlines how hospitals and birth centers around the world can promote, protect, and support breastfeeding.
As an integral part of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, the Ten Steps outlines how hospitals and birth centers around the world can promote, protect, and support breastfeeding.