Boob Scoop

Boob Scoop: If your breastfed baby is not gaining as quickly as the early months, it is very likely that she is still growing beautifully. Between six and 12 months, breastfed babies tend to gain two to four ounces a week, which is a drop from the five to eight ounces gained in the first few months. Also, remember that a linear growth pattern is always more important than a baby's percentile on a growth chart. Therefore, a baby on the 10th percentile can be as healthy as one on the 90th.Sharen Medrano, Yummy Mummy Support Group IBCLC (www.nycbreastfeeding.com) http://yummymummystore.com/blog

Boob Scoop: When it comes to pumping, the number of sessions is more important than the duration of the session. Therefore, if you can only spare 30 minutes of your workday for pumping, dividing that time into 3 pumping sessions does a better job at maintaining your milk supply than one session of 30 minutes. The more frequent stimulation, informs your body that your baby is feeding 3 times instead of 1 and therefore keeps milk production steady by meeting one of the golden rules of breastfeeding --Milk supply is driven by demand. Sharen Medrano, Yummy Mummy Support Group IBCLC (www.nycbreastfeeding.com) http://yummymummystore.com/blog

Boob Scoop: A 2011 Finish Study found that mothers who breastfed for 33 months or longer (cumulative lifetime total) had stronger bones than women who nursed for a shorter time. Turns out that the low levels of estrogen during lactation, which keep milk supply steady, also allow for outer bone growth. And when it comes to bone strength, having greater bone diameter is more important than density. This explains why women who have breastfed are less prone to fractures later on in life. Yet another awesome reason to breastfeed. Your bones will thank you!

Boob Scoop: Cranial bones are designed to move over one another as a baby descends through the birth canal. However, when forceps or a vacuum are used during labor, they can often cause shifts in the cranial bones that are not easily self-corrected by the baby after birth. Since the cranial nerves control what the baby does with his mouth, affected cranial bones can cause ineffective latching, which in turn can lead to breastfeeding pain. Many mothers find that in these situations, complementary therapies such as chiropractic care and or craniosacral therapy can make a big difference for correcting how well a baby latches. When deciding on such therapies, it is important to choose a provider who is trained and experienced to work with babies. Sharen Medrano, Yummy Mummy Support Group IBCLC (www.nycbreastfeeding.com) http://yummymummystore.com/blog

Boob Scoop: Many moms worry about their baby using the breast as a pacifier. While a pacifier is a good option, some babies refuse it or prefer the breast. Not only is this not a bad thing, it is perfectly normal and great way to comfort your baby. Sucking is a big part of a baby’s development and so they will find a way to fulfill that need, whether it’s at the breast, with a pacifier or by sucking their thumb. Using the breast as a pacifier also has some added perks including: helping to delay the return of your period, never needing sterilization and helping to maintain milk production. In the end, what works for you and your baby is the way to go. Sharen Medrano, Yummy Mummy Support Group IBCLC (www.nycbreastfeeding.com) http://yummymummystore.com/blog

Boob Scoop: When introducing solid foods close to or after the 6 month mark, as is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, it's suggested to breastfeed first then offer the solid food. Approaching the introduction of solid foods in this manner will help maintain a mother's milk supply and reinforce the catchy nutritional statement that solids before age one are mainly for fun. Sharen Medrano, Yummy Mummy Support Group IBCLC (www.nycbreastfeeding.com) http://yummymummystore.com/blog

Boob Scoop: With the Fall and the season of light pretty scarfs approaching in New York, nursing in public can be made much easier. Although you are allowed to breastfeed wherever you have the right to be, some moms feel more comfortable providing some cover to the top of their breast. This is when a light scarf, draped around your neck, can come in handy to provide some cover while allowing you to show off your style ;) Sharen Medrano, Yummy Mummy Support Group IBCLC (www.nycbreastfeeding.com) http://yummymummystore.com/blog

Boob Scoop: Minimize the time you allocate for pumping at work by having extra flanges and bottles so that you don't have to head to a sink after each pumping session. Also, since breastmilk lasts up to 6 hrs at room temperature, you can use the same flanges and bottles for two consecutive pumping sessions. So, if you pump at 9am and again at 12pm, only 3 hrs will have passed which meets the 6 hr room temperature recommendation. At the end of your work day, bring everything home and wash all your pump accessories. Sharen Medrano, Yummy Mummy Support Group IBCLC (www.nycbreastfeeding.com) http://yummymummystore.com/blog/