Going back to work after having a baby (and maternity leave, if you are lucky to have one) is the first separation from your baby and a challenge when it comes to breastfeeding. So, how do you get back to work and keep breastfeeding? Many women believe that this separation means the end of their breastfeeding journey, but it does not have to be this way if you don’t want to and if you have the information to organize your…
How should I sleep with my baby? Frequently asked questions about co-sleeping and bed-sharing Many LactApp users have asked about babies and sleep, and it’s no surprise that nighttime, co-sleeping, and breastfeeding are two of the issues that most concern families with children up to 3 years old. So today, we will talk about co-sleeping and bed-sharing. This is a surprisingly controversial topic in Western culture, both for families and the scientific community, despite the fact that major health…
Today, let’s talk about when a baby makes a squeaky sound when breastfeeding and laryngomalacia. We recently received the following consultation from a breastfeeding mother. “My one-month-old baby makes a lot of noise when he nurses. It’s like he has a whistling sound from his throat. He is putting on weight, and everything seems to be going well, but that noise seems weird to me, and I don’t know what it is. Can you help me?” Babies often make a…
Baby carriers are a wonderful and convenient way to get around with a baby. But a classic concern when it comes to baby carriers is: Is my baby carrier really well-designed? Well, we believe baby carriers are not either well-designed or not. When we talk about well-designed, what we really mean is adaptability. Therefore, we will talk about a good position and not about well-designed baby carriers, and we will consider whether baby carriers will adapt as much as possible…
Babies are born to breastfeed, and breastmilk is their basic and primary food in their first two years of life. Therefore, it is not normal or would not be appropriate for a baby to stop breastfeeding on their own before their first birthday. Here, we are not talking about a conscious decision to stop breastfeeding made by the mother, but rather a breastfeeding refusal by the baby. We cannot repeat enough that breastfeeding is a matter of two, mother and…
Whether you are returning to (paid) work, you will be away from your baby for a few days, or for other reasons, you may need to pump and create a breastmilk stash or reserve so you can leave breastmilk for your baby while you are away. You might have many questions, so here are our step-by-step tips on how to start. When should I start? Ideally, you should start between one month and 2 weeks before the scheduled date, which…
Do you know what are the warning signs after birth? After giving birth, you will be discharged between 24 hours and 2-3 days if you have given birth in a hospital. You will likely not see a healthcare professional again until some days later, depending on your local care plan. In some places, this can even be weeks after birth. Therefore, would you know what symptoms you need to look out for and when you should visit your midwife or…
“Breastfeeding is a radical act of reclaiming our health, our bodies, and our future.” August 25th to 31st marks Black Breastfeeding Week 2024, the last week of Breastfeeding Awareness Month. In the US, but also in the UK, black mothers experience significantly worse health outcomes during their pregnancy and childbirth, and breastfeeding rates in the US are also lower amongst these communities. According to Kimberly Seals Allers, black author and activist’s book “The Big Let Down – How Medicine, Big…
What is a clogged (blocked) milk duct? A clogged or blocked milk duct is milk retention or an obstruction in a duct that has become inflamed, either caused by pressure or infection. The main symptoms of a clogged duct are that: What to do when you have a clogged duct? The following measures can help you to reduce and remove a clogged duct: Massageing round circles drawing a number 9 on your breast is a very simple and effective measure….
The use of the breast pump raises many questions and worries. Let’s see if we can answer some questions, and if you have any more, feel free to ask them in the comments. Do I have to sterilize the pump every time I use it? No. Manufacturers recommend sterilizing breast pumps before using them for the first time. After that, it is not necessary. Cleaning it just as you wash dishes in your kitchen is enough: by hand with soap…