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Boob Scoop: As you may know, some babies don't de-latch from the breast when done with a feeding. Who can blame them, right? Staying at the breast offers babies a great opportunity to cuddle with mom and to suck. However, if you're unsure whether your baby is still actually feeding or is sucking just for comfort instead, watch for active sucking and swallowing. Once the suck/swallow pattern slows down, it's likely that your baby is reaching the end of a feed. Active suck/swallow feeding, like a baby's output and weight gain, is a good sign of effective nursing.

Sharen Medrano, IBCLC (www.nycbreastfeeding.com)

Boob Scoop: If you need to use a nipple shield, it's important to make sure it's a good fit for you and also for your baby, especially if he is preterm. A nipple shield that is too big for a baby can cause him to gag and in turn result in an aversion to the breast. When using a nipple shield, it is always recommended to work with a Board Certified Lactation Consultant to assure that your milk supply is adequate and that your baby is feeding well. Sharen Medrano, IBCLC (www.nycbreastfeeding.com)

Our very own Amanda Cole is featured in Julia Beck’s latest article in the Washington Post.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/parenting/wp/2017/01/24/what-does-the-aca-have-to-do-with-breastfeeding-a-lot-but-more-is-needed-not-less/?postshare=7681485258705933&tid=ss_mail&utm_term=.54a6400a93f1

Boob Scoop: Mothers often express a love/hate relationship when it comes to their baby's sweet little hands, which are so great to kiss but seem to get in the way when it comes to breastfeeding. Interestingly, ultrasounds show babies bringing their hands up to their faces before swallowing amniotic fluid which continues being of part of how babies initiate a feeding once outside of the womb. With poor eyesight, newborns in particular will use their sense of touch and smell to latch on to the breast. For this reason, it is not recommended to tuck a baby’s hands under his body or swaddle him while breastfeeding, since doing so can disorient him. Think about if you were trying to eat with your hands behind your back. Babies need their hands to keep them stable and to help them locate their food, just like we need our arms to our side or in front of us when we eat.

Sharen Medrano, IBCLC (www.nycbreastfeeding.com)

Boob Scoop: As you may know, some babies don't de-latch from the breast when done with a feeding. Who can blame them, right? Staying at the breast offers babies a great opportunity to cuddle with mom and to suck. However, if you're unsure whether your baby is still actually feeding or is sucking just for comfort instead, watch for active sucking and swallowing. Once the suck/swallow pattern slows down, it's likely that your baby is reaching the end of a feed. Active suck/swallow feeding, like a baby's output and weight gain, is a good sign of effective nursing. Sharen Medrano, IBCLC (www.nycbreastfeeding.com).

Boob Scoop: Mothers often express a love/hate relationship when it comes to their baby's sweet little hands, which are so great to kiss but seem to get in the way when it comes to breastfeeding. Interestingly, ultrasounds show babies bringing their hands up to their faces before swallowing amniotic fluid which continues being of part of how babies initiate a feeding once outside of the womb. With poor eyesight, newborns in particular will use their sense of touch and smell to latch on to the breast. For this reason, it is not recommended to tuck a baby’s hands under his body or swaddle him while breastfeeding, since doing so can disorient him. Think about if you were trying to eat with your hands behind your back. Babies need their hands to keep them stable and to help them locate their food, just like we need our arms to our side or in front of us when we eat. Sharen Medrano, IBCLC (www.nycbreastfeeding.com).

Boob Scoop: 'Tis the season for colds. However, you don't need to stop breastfeeding when sick. It's especially important to continue nursing since your body creates and passes antibodies into your milk in order to fight the infection you or your baby are experiencing. Oftentimes, a breastfed baby will be the only member of the family who doesn't get sick or the one to get a milder version of the bug. Breastfeeding also allows you to get the needed rest to recover since you can feed while in bed. A win-win scenario!

Sharen Medrano, IBCLC (www.nycbreastfeeding.com)

Boob Scoop: The number of times a mom empties her breasts each day to maintain long-term milk production has been called her "Magic Number." If a mom is not nursing enough times in a 24-hour period to meet her Magic Number, her body will eventually down-regulate milk production and her supply will decrease. For working mothers, more breastfeeding at night means more nursing sessions in a 24-hour period, which in turn could mean less pumping sessions needed while mom is at work. For help on figuring out your magic number, click here http://www.nancymohrbacher.com/articles/2010/8/13/the-magic-number-and-long-term-milk-production-part-1.html?rq=magic%20number

Sharen Medrano, IBCLC (www.nycbreastfeeding.com)

Boob Scoop: Mothers will sometimes encourage their baby to feed longer at the breast to assure greater intake of hind milk, which is the fatty milk that comes at the end of a feeding. However, research indicates that there is no reason to worry about foremilk (which comes at the beginning) and hindmilk. If a baby breastfeeds effectively and feedings are not cut short, he will receive about the same amount of milk fat over the course of a day, despite the breastfeeding pattern. Therefore, there's no need to time feedings. Good milk transfer and steady growth are better indicators that a baby is getting just what he needs.

Sharen Medrano, IBCLC (www.nycbreastfeeding.com)