The Breast Sandwich, the Key to a Perfect Latch

One of the most commonly asked about topics of childbirth educators is breastfeeding. Breast truly is best for your baby. Breast milk is rich in antibodies that will help the baby fight infection. It is easily digested, high in protein and is very economical. Breastfeeding not only benefits the baby but also aids in uterine size reduction for mom.

Though there are many different topics that will be discussed in the future, the key to breastfeeding is a good latch. Many women have heard horror stories about breastfeeding and about how difficult it is and about how much it hurts and how time consuming it can be and the list goes on.

One myth that needs to be dispelled is that is always hurts, FALSE! Once you master the art of the booby sandwich, breastfeeding should be relatively painless. Yes, you feel the strong suck of the baby but it should not hurt. Decide on a comfortable position for you and your baby. The breast sandwich is the perfect latch. Just like eating a big hamburger, place the lower part of the breast tissue and areola into the baby’s mouth first. The nipple is just the delivery system. To achieve a successful latch the baby’s nose should align with your nipple. Hold your breast in a “C” position away from the areola. Place your nipple above baby’s upper lip – this will promote the rooting response. Wait until he opens wide. Do not let him latch just on your nipple! Remember that correct latch-on is a learned response. Be patient with yourself and your baby!

If you find that your nipples become sore or that the baby is unable to properly fit the areola in its mouth consider using a nipple shield. They are available at most baby supply stores and come in various sizes. The shield fits over your areola and nipple. The shield nipple tapers to a smaller size than your own nipple allowing the baby to suck easier. The shields can also give the sore nipples a break. Sore nipples are often caused by an improper latch. It does not necessarily mean that you are doing something wrong. It just means that the baby isn’t able to perfect the sandwich technique yet.

Good luck and contact me with any questions.

The Postpartum Problem, Depression

The baby blues are accepted by society but postpartum depression is often considered taboo. With postpartum depression (PPD) affecting so many women we need to change this view. The Mental Health Association of East Tennessee has recognized the problem and is trying to make the public more aware. The East Tennessee Postpartum Depression Task Force (http://www.etppd.org/) was started to help spread the word about PPD and to show women and their loved ones how to get help.

PPD is more than just the baby blues. If untreated, PPD can develop into more serious conditions, such as postpartum psychosis. Unfortunately, these are the the cases that the media sensationalizes, leading to the stigma. PPD can be treated easily once it is detected.

Sleep can make a huge difference! Please attempt to sleep when the baby sleeps or when others offer to care for the newborn. It will make a huge difference.Often, it is the family, friends, or physician that will notice that there is a problem. Don't be afraid to bring it to the new mother's attention and suggest some help. Be supportive and assist with tasks when available.

Be alert for the signs and GET HELP!

Breaking Through the Blues

The baby blues are common after having a child, affecting 85-90% of all births, and usually occur at any time during the first couple of days. It includes brief episodes of sadness, crying, irritability, anxiety, elation, headache, insomnia, confusion, forgetfulness and ambivalent thoughts. These symptoms are hormonal in cause and may be exaggerated due to mom’s lack of sleep and exhaustion. Fortunately, the baby blues usually go away within 10-14 days after delivery.

Preparing for childbirth by attending childbirth classes and reading books about pregnancy and parenting will help ease the transition into parenthood and this often major life change. Be aware of these symptoms and the potential progression into postpartum depression. If symptoms persist always contact your doctor.

Is There a Charge for Baggage?

Unlike the airlines, hospitals are not currently charging for the amount of things that you bring to the hospital. I have had several questions regarding what is really needed at the hospital and what is provided. Well, here it is in a large nutshell.

The hospital will provide:

• pillows. Unfortunately, they are in limited supply so if you want extras I suggest that you bring them. Please remember that the hospital uses white pillowcases and we want to prevent loss or confusion so put your pillows in colored cases.
• gowns. They are the standard hospital gown. We can double them up to make sure that you have full coverage or you can bring a robe. You can also use your own gowns after delivery. Labor and delivery can be a messy event so you might prefer to use ours during that time. Sometimes during natural labors/births women prefer to wear a sports bra and skirt.
• baby shirts. You can certainly bring the baby some outfits from home but keep in mind that a blue dye is applied to the baby's umbilical cord. If that dye gets wet it stains everything that it comes into contact with, including your baby's cute clothes. I would certainly suggest bringing an outfit or two for pictures but recommend that the baby wear one of our shirts most of the time.
• baby blankets for swaddling. If the baby will need one for the ride home you will need to provide it.

Things you will need to bring:

• CAR SEAT. Please have it ready to go home.
• toiletries for you and your support person. A hairdryer may also be needed.
• clothes to wear home and for you stay if you desire. Bring extra underwear.
• a bra... well fitted nursing bra or a sports bra if you are not breastfeeding.
• cameras and extra batteries.
• cellphone and charger.
• lip balm. Hospitals tend to have drier air to prevent bacterial growth.
• snacks for the support person during labor and for everyone after delivery.

Suggested but not necessary:

• a Boppy or my Brest Friend to use if breastfeeding.
• rice pack for use during labor.
• mp3 player or CD player.
• massage oils or lotions.
• back roller massager.

The following can be provided by the hospital but usually at a charge or you can bring:

• sanitary pads
• tucks pads (witch hazel)
• dermaplast (numbing spray, brands may vary)
• hemorrhoid cream
• ibuprofen
• docusate sodium (colace)
• diapers
• wipes

I hope this has been helpful. I may have to edit this from time to time so please check back.