Blog Archives

Lactation Consults using SKYPE

31/7/2013

By Rebecca Kubenk IBCLC
Mothers worldwide, are now accessing the world wide web and digital technology more than they ever did before.
As a Lactation Consultant, I have also embraced this new technology, and have conducted consults via Skype since 2011.
I recently conducted a Skype consult new mum Tania, who was having a few challenges with her baby Heath, and wanted to share this with you on the Blog. Skype is a great way for a mother to have a Lactation Consultation from anywhere in the world, either on their computer, phone or tablet.
Book a Skype consult

Fact : Breastfeeding & Bacteria

31/7/2013

A new Spanish study has found more than 700 species of bacteria in breastmilk.

The breastmilk received from the mother is one of the factors determining how the bacterial flora will develop in the newborn baby.

However, the composition and the biological role of these bacteria in infants remain unknown.

The most common bacteria in colostrum samples were Weissella,
Leuconostoc, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Lactococcus.

The study found however that they were not yet able to determine if these bacteria colonise the baby's mouth or whether oral bacteria of the breastfed baby enter the breastmilk and thereby changing its composition.

The study also revealed that the milk of overweight mothers or those who put on more weight than recommended during pregnancy contains a lesser diversity of species.

Breast Milk Contains More Than 700 Species of Bacteria

Tip: Develop your Bond

29/7/2013

By Rebecca Kubenk IBCLC

Creating a solid bond with your baby is so important, as it will enhance your child's psychological health throughout their life
Some of the main ways you can build a strong bond are through touch (eg skin to skin contact, massage) sound (singing to your baby) and eye to eye contact.

When baby is first born, being placed skin to skin is so important in the first hour while the baby is fairly alert and will be mapping your face.

First thing in the morning or at bedtime, keep your top half naked and let your baby be naked and cuddle! Wrap a blanket around you both if it's cool.

Bath time is another great time to spend skin to skin time together, having a bath with your baby. Your baby will love gazing into your eyes and getting to know you by doing this.

During a breastfeed your baby will also love gazing into your eyes, and this is another great time to have some quality eye contact and strengthen the bond between both of you.

Singing to your baby, it does not have to be a long song, a few lines over and over are fine.

Massage and stroking of their body, after a bath, nappy change.

Carrying your baby close to your body in a wrap sling, will make them feel safe and secure, they can feel your body and hear your heartbeat.

Myth : Breastfeeding Hurts!

28/7/2013

By Rebecca Kubenk IBCLC

Pain is this most common reason for a mother discontinuing to breastfeed.

"Is breastfeeding supposed to be painful, so many of my friends stopped because they said it was"

BUSTED !!

Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt, at anytime! Pain is a sign that something is not quite right. If you do feel any pain then you need to seek out some assistance from an IBCLC.

Thanks to my IBCLC colleague for this great answer.......

“If breastfeeding was painful the human race would have been a short lived experiment (thanks Gloria Dudley IBCLC)”

FACT : Newborn and Vernix

23/7/2013

By Rebecca Kubenk IBCLC

From around the 20th week of pregnancy, a waxy substance called vernix caseosa, known as vernix develops and coats the unborn baby’s skin.
This waxy coating is made from lipids, proteins and water (forming sebum), and is secreted from the baby’s glands.

Vernix is a natural skin protectant, whilst in utero surrounded by amniotic fluid and also has antimicrobial properties and protects the baby’s skin.

During birth the vernix also assists the baby's passage through the birth canal.

When left on the baby's skin post birth, and not rubbed or washed off, it has been found that a baby's skin is more hydrated, less scaley and undergoes a more rapid decrease in the pH, and helps the baby conserve heat than when the vernix is removed.

Vernix also is the best natural moisturizer ever and helps to keep your baby's skin soft and supple. Amniotic fluid, which bathed the baby before birth has the ability to provide some extra resistance to infection as well, so the longer it remains on the skin, the better for baby.

Babies born post 42 weeks lose the vernix the longer the mother is pregnant, so when babies born at 42 weeks the vernix might not be as visible anymore, usually there is still some hidden in the folds of their skin and under their arms.

Babies born earlier often have a larger amount. Research indicates that vernix has immune properties and leaving it on your baby's skin provides a layer of protection while the new baby's immune system is getting stronger, which is a really beneficial especially for babies who are born in the hospital, with lots of potential for exposure to hospital-acquired infections.

Host defence proteins in vernix caseosa and amniotic fluid.

Research Summaries for Normal Birth

Study Discovers Key To Baby-Like Skin

TIP : Avoid Overstimulation

23/7/2013

By Rebecca Kubenk IBCLC

A baby can become easily overstimulated.
When baby becomes overstimulated the baby will find it difficult to settle.
This may be caused by lots of visitors in the early days, too much play time, or stimulation by mobiles over sleeping places, etc.

When a baby is overstimulated this then results in the baby becoming overtired. When a baby gets over tired he will cry, scream and become very distressed and so will you!

Very young babies can really only stay awake happily for around 30 minutes. If the baby has become over tired and over stimulated go and sit somewhere quiet and dark, holding baby close and patting/rubbing gently on their back.

Myth : Breastfeeding & Diarrhoea

21/7/2013

By Rebecca Kubenk IBCLC

Thanks to one of our fans for this one.
“My exclusively breastfed 7 month old baby recently had Diarrhoea, and my doctor told me I should stop breastfeeding, because breastmilk has lactose & may be causing the Diarrhoea” is this true!

NO another myth BUSTED !

Breastfed babies rarely get diarrhoea.
Diarrhoea is certainly not caused by breastmilk nor is it going to make the problem worse. In fact Breastmilk is the best thing to give to your baby.

If your breastfed baby has diarrhoea, treatment is straightforward. Continue breastfeeding but at more frequent intervals.

Don't stop breast-feeding your baby because your baby has diarrhoea.

Diarrhoea comes from the Greek word “diarrhoea”.
Dia means "flow" and rrhoia means "through".
The term "flowing through" was coined by Hippocrates.

Diarrhoea is generally caused by:

A virus, most common is rotavirus
A bacteria, in food or water
An antibiotic, as they disturb the natural flora

Diarrhoea is very contagious. Always wash your hands after changing baby’s nappy or using the toilet. This is imperative to prevent other family members from contracting Diarrhoea.

When a baby has Diarrhoea, the area around the anus often becomes quite aggravated. Gentle washing of the area with a warm moistened cloth, at each nappy change followed by application of barrier cream, will help alleviate this.

The Milky Way Breastfeeding Film

17/7/2013

Great to see this wonderful documentary now has the funding The Milky Way Movie : Nursing a Galactic Revolution

Breastfeeding : Lactation Cookies

17/7/2013

By Rebecca Kubenk IBCLC

Women from many cultures have long used various foods to assist with lactation. These foods are known as galactagogues, they work by helping to boost a mothers milk supply. Galactagogues may also assist a mother to re-lactate, or induce lactation in an adoptive or surrogacy situation, where the mother wishes to breastfeed her baby.

Breastfeeding also burns 3700 kj per day, making a breastfeeding mother quite hungry.
One great way to help boost your supply and keep have a healthy snack you can make your own cookies. Some great ingredients to help boost a mothers breastmilk supply in the recipe are: oats, linseed/flaxseed, and brewers yeast these are also suitable for children.
Here are two tried and true recipes for making them. Enjoy

Ingredient List for
Non-Gluten Free

1 cup butter or margarine
1 cup castor sugar
1 cup brown sugar
4 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons linseed/flaxseed meal*
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups plain flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups oats, thick cut if you can get them
1 cup or more chocolate chips
2 tablespoons of brewer’s yeast*
(be generous)

Oven Temperature
190C for 15-20min
Bake time 8-10 minutes

Mix together linseed and water, set aside for 3-5 minutes.

Cream margarine and sugar together.

Add eggs one at a time, and mix well

Stir linseed mixture and add with vanilla to the margarine mix.

Beat until blended.

Sift together dry ingredients, except oats and chips

Add to margarine mixture

Stir in oats then chips

Scoop or drop onto baking sheet,
preferably lined with greaseproof / baking paper

As mix is a little crumbly, using a use a scoop can be helpful

Ingredient List for
Gluten Free Cookies

½ cup Unhulled tahini
½ cup honey
1 ½ cups millet flakes
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ linseed/flaxseed meal
4 tablespoons water

Oven Temperature
180C for 15-20min
Bake time 15-20 minutes

Mix together linseed and water, set aside for 3-5 minutes.

Add in remainder of dry ingredients

Add in tahini and honey

Mix well

Scoop or drop onto baking sheet,
preferably lined with greaseproof /
baking paper

As mix is a little crumbly, using a use a scoop can be helpful

*linseed meal & brewer’s yeast can be found at any local health food store
* health food store oats are also chunkier than those found in the supermarket

*IMPORTANT NOTE: DO NOT USE ANY SUBSTITUTES FOR THE BREWERS YEAST

If you don't like chocolate, you can substitute with carob chips, raisins, butterscotch
chips. You can also mix it up and add in either dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, chia or fennel seeds.

FACT : Breastmilk a rich source of Melatonin

17/7/2013

By Rebecca Kubenk IBCLC

Babies are not born with an established circadian rhythm (from the Latin word "circa" meaning around and "diem" meaning day), which means that they are unable to distinguish day from night.
Developing their own circadian rhythms does take several months as their brain is not yet able to make their own melatonin, the sleep inducing hormone.
Night time breastmilk is rich in melatonin, which helps the baby develop their own circadian rhythm and learn to sleep longer stretches during the night.

An study conducted in Israel in 2012, concluded that exclusive breastfeeding is associated with reduced irritability/colic and a tendency toward longer nocturnal sleep. Nocturnal breastmilk consists of substantial melatonin levels, whereas artificial baby formulas do not. We speculate that melatonin which is supplied to the infant via breastmilk plays a role in improving sleep and reducing colic in breast-fed infants compared to artificial baby formulas.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22205210

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