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Mom's Diet and Baby's Tummy

Boob Scoop: The idea that certain foods, like broccoli or beans, in a mom’s diet will cause gas in her baby is quite common to hear but is not supported by research. If certain foods in moms’ diets were an issue for most babies, we would expect that cultures that emphasize those foods would have more gassy and fussy babies, but fortunately this does not occur. Therefore, rest assured that there is no "list of foods" that every mom should avoid while breastfeeding unless there's an obvious reaction in your baby every time a particular food is consumed.

Sharen Medrano, IBCLC (www.nycbreastfeeding.com)

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How much milk should I expect to get when I pump?

Boob Scoop: Many full-time breastfeeding moms think that they should be pumping four ounces or more at each pumping session. However, it is not unusual for a nursing mom to need to pump 2-3 times to get enough milk for one bottle feeding. The main reason for this is that if a mother is nursing full-time, "extra" breastmilk that is pumped is more than what a baby needs, and the amount she gets pumping will be small. Moms who can pump more milk per session may have an oversupply of milk, may respond better than average to the pump, or may have been able to increase their output with practice.

Sharen Medrano, IBCLC (www.nycbreastfeeding.com)

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Nutrients and Maintaining Supply

Boob Scoop: It can be difficult to find a moment to eat with a baby in the house. And although breastfeeding does not require that you have three perfect meals a day, you do need nutrients to maintain and increase milk supply, and simply just to maintain good energy levels. Babywearing enables you to enjoy a meal while your baby is sleeping or nursing. It's one of the reasons why hands-free nursing is so life-changing and liberating for a nursing mother. Of course it's also a great way to bond with your baby!

Sharen Medrano, IBCLC (www.nycbreastfeeding.com)

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Teething

Boob Scoop: For some babies, breastfeeding can work like a magic wand to ease the discomfort associated with teething. Others may become fussy at the breast and not nurse as well as they normally do. Cooling the gums in between feedings or right before a feeding with a frozen/refrigerated teething ring, or by rubbing ice cubes on her gums, can help. If she pulls off and fusses again, repeat the ice-rub. A breastfeeding popsicle can work very well too!

Sharen Medrano, IBCLC (www.nycbreastfeeding.com)

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Stay Hydrated!

Boob Scoop: Breastfeeding mothers are always advised to drink to thirst in order to maintain good milk supply and for overall hydration purposes. However, during the winter months it can be tricky to gauge whether you've had enough water. A good rule of thumb is to drink the amount of water equivalent to half of your body weight. Therefore, if you weigh 130 pounds, you would drink about 65 ounces per day. This may sound daunting to many, but not to worry. As most nursing mothers can attest, breastfeeding increases thirst substantially so oftentimes listening to your body's thirst queues is all you need to do.

Sharen Medrano, IBCLC (www.nycbreastfeeding.com)

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Babies Twiddle For Good Reason

Boob Scoop: Twiddling, a common behavior for babies and toddlers who breastfeed, refers to pinching, patting or pulling the unused breast. Although it may feel awkward for a mother, especially when nursing in public, babies twiddle for good reason! Twiddling the unused breast can enable the baby to get more milk since breastmilk output is increased when both breasts are stimulated. Babies are so smart! But, yes, if the twiddling is getting the best of you, you can reroute your baby's attention by letting him hold a plush toy or by wearing a nursing necklace. http://yummymummystore.com/teething-bling.html

Sharen Medrano, IBCLC (www.nycbreastfeeding.com)

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Breastfeeding Begins with Colostrum

Boob Scoop: Oftentimes mothers don't think they are providing breastmilk until their milk transitions to mature milk, around day four, when it takes on a milky white color. However, breastfeeding begins with colostrum which appears clear or yellowish and is purposely small in amount to accommodate the marble-size stomach of a newborn baby. Interestingly, the concentration of immune-boosting elements is much higher in colostrum than in mature milk. Just like our babies - oftentimes the best things do come in small packages.

Sharen Medrano, IBCLC (www.nycbreastfeeding.com)

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Traveling and Nursing

Boob Scoop: When traveling with baby, it may be easier to nurse for most feedings rather than pump for a host of reasons (schlepping pump, storing and warming milk, cleaning bottles, etc.). However, to help ensure that your baby remains familiar with a bottle, it's advisable to offer at least one bottle of expressed breastmilk every 24 hrs. Many moms chose to bring a lightweight hand pump with them on trips for this very reason.

Sharen Medrano, IBCLC (www.nycbreastfeeding.com)

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Breastfeeding & Dr Visits

Boob Scoop: It can be challenging to time a feeding around a pediatric visit. But it does help to remember that because the composition of breastmilk is changing constantly throughout the day, you never have to worry about overfeeding a breastfed baby. Feeding 30 minutes before you head out the door can help keep your baby calm during your trip to the doctor. And placing her on your breast right after your visit is great for post-doc soothing.

Sharen Medrano, IBCLC (www.nycbreastfeeding.com)

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Combing Milk From Pumping Sessions

Boob Scoop: Breastmilk from two separate days can certainly be combined. The only recommendation is that you cool freshly expressed breastmilk before mixing it with a batch from the refrigerator.

Sharen Medrano, IBCLC (www.nycbreastfeeding.com)

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