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Date: Tue, 27 May 1997 21:02:50 -0400
Subject: 052897-Baby Letter
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                           "THE BABY LETTER"

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          Breastfeeding
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"Hats Off"   to you who have chosen to breastfeed!  Making the decision to
do so is a step in the right direction to ensure good health, closeness and
bonding with your new baby.  Dads, don't feel completely left out of this
process because there are ways for you to help bond the family during this=
 time.

For most new mothers, breastfeeding is easy and comes very naturally with no
complications but for all mothers there is an adjustment period.  During
this time, you and your baby are establishing a routine which will vary from
time to time.  Of all systems of supply and demand, this one is most unique.
As your baby experiences growth spurts, his or her demand increases and your
own personal lactation system kicks in and provides the supply.  You might
notice this increase in demand on or about the 10th day of life, at 6 weeks,
at 3 months, and somewhere between the 4th and 6th months.

During this time of demand, the baby will fuss to nurse frequently (about
every 2 hours).  New mothers sometimes feel that they are doing something
wrong and are not producing enough milk.  Do not dispair, quite the opposite
is true.  Your body is responding to the demand by producing more milk
providing a larger supply for your growing infant.  This supply / demand
cycle may last up to 48 hours and then settle back into feedings spaced
further apart.  This frequent feeding "frenzie" has given your body the
message to produce more milk satisfying the demand.

Dads, it is particularly important for you to be reassuring during this
hectic period.  Because of the temporary increased nursing schedule, mother
will need plenty of fluids, encouragement,and reassurance.  Be there for her
and your new baby and don't you get anxious.  They will love you for your
efforts.

Good Luck !

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                           Questions and Answers               =20
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A reader asked advice about keeping milk supply up while working.   The
problem was not pumping enough milk at work and having to make up for it on
week-ends and during the night.

Since I do not have all of the facts about this situation, I will try to
give you some helpful hints:
Try to arrange the baby's feeding schedule so that he/she is full and
content as you leave the babysitter.
Try to arrange to be there for a feeding immediately after work, even if the
sitter has to give a small supplement to tide baby over.
While at work, double pumping will help your milk supply stay up.  If you
haven't already, rent an electric pump and double pump.  Double pumping
requires less time and increases the hormone, prolactin, which helps
maintain milk production.  The electric pump requires about 10-15 minutes
per session.  Try and work  2 to 3 sessions in during your work day (lunch,
break, etc.)
Drink plenty of fluids during the day.
Maintain optimum nutrition by including the four food groups and include
healthy snacks.
Rest and relax all you can between work and your baby's schedule.
I do not know the type of work that you do, but assuming you have regular
hours, and that your employer understands that you are breastfeeding, be
sure that you have a quiet place that you can relax a few minutes while you
pump.  Don't forget the help of a stimulus such as a tape of your baby's
sounds, quiet music, a picture of your baby, whatever it takes to make the
pumping time a little easier.
If you have a reluctant employer, explain to him some of the advantages to
him, such as healthier baby, thus less "sick time" off you will require.=20
Always use safe practices while pumping and storing milk.
Since I don't know the size of your baby, a good rule of thumb to go by is
approximately 2.5 oz.  to 3 oz. of milk per pound of body weight in a 24
hour period. =20

I hope this helps.  Thanks for writing.

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If you have questions that you would like to have answered in "The Baby
Letter", please send e-mail to :  [log in to unmask]

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                            Nutrition Tip
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For recipes calling for mayonnaise, substitute plain, low-fat yogurt for 1/2
of the mayonnaise.  Reduce the caloric intake while maintaining flavor.

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Any tips you have found helpful and would like to share with readers of this
newsletter can be sent to : [log in to unmask]
Thanks !
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Look for "The Baby Letter"  weekly (usually Wednesdays) .

  Copyright =A9 1997 KSM Publications  All rights reserved.
                http://techshop.pdn.net/infant






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