Welcome to the Livewire Breastfeeding topic! I hope all your questions will be answered here!

If you have some information to add please PM me or simply post it here and I will add it to the list/post if it is well done. You must include your sources if you want to add anything.  

How Breastfeeding Works
Benefits to Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding Positions
Pumping
Storing Your Breastmilk
Common Myths & Fears
Breastfeeding in Public

Post edited at 10:03 pm on July 19, 2008 by dunebug

-------
Holly.
Mama to Hunter Kai
Still missing you, LML. (1941-2007). ♥
"Nothing is worth more than this day."

For the first few days after your baby is born, the breasts produce colostrum. Colostrum is thick -- rather like condensed milk -- and probably helps prevent choking as the baby learns to feed. Colostrum is produced in small amounts, providing just a few swallows at each of the early feeds. This is perfect for the baby, who must master breathing first, and whose tiny stomach isn't ready for large feedings yet. Rich in powerful immune factors that prime the baby's immature system, colostrum protects against infection. It also provides a laxative effect, helping the baby quickly pass the meconium, the black, sticky, first bowel movements. Quick passage of meconium helps protect the baby from developing jaundice.

Sometime between Day 2 and Day 6 postpartum, your milk will come in. This sudden onset of copious milk production is a normal event called engorgement. Once milk production adjusts to the needs of your baby, mature lactation begins. By this time, early concerns with sore nipples, latch-on, and other problems have been resolved. From then on, milk supply is controlled by how frequently the breasts are thoroughly drained.

In between feedings, the clusters of alveoli and the milk ducts fill up with milk. This makes the breasts feel heavy when it is time for the baby to nurse. As the baby sucks, stimulation of the nipple causes the mother's pituitary gland, located in the brain, to release oxytocin. Oxytocin causes contractions in the muscle cells that surround the alveoli. These contractions squeeze milk out of the alveoli and cause the ducts to expand, pushing milk toward the nipple. In a beautiful system of give and take, the breast propels milk as the baby sucks.

Some mothers can feel this hormonally induced release. They describe it as a tingling or rushing sensation. Surprising at first, most women come to experience it as a pleasant, and soothing sensation. This is referred to as the "let-down," or milk ejection reflex (MER). There are mothers who do not experience the sensation directly, but observe that the other breast will begin to leak or the baby will start to gulp. Other signs that a milk ejection reflex (MER) is occurring are a sense of thirst, or a sudden feeling of relaxation or even sleepiness.

The milk ejection reflex (MER) can be affected by stress, anxiety, or pain. This is why is it so important for breastfeeding mothers to have the support and care of their families as they recover from childbirth.

-------
Holly.
Mama to Hunter Kai
Still missing you, LML. (1941-2007). ♥
"Nothing is worth more than this day."

1. Breast milk is more digestible than formula
In recent years nutritionists have voiced concern about overly high levels of protein in the American diet. Since cow's milk contains about twice as much protein as human milk, formula-fed babies usually receive more protein than they need (much of it in the form of the less digestible casein). The stools of formula-fed babies are so bulky because the babies cannot absorb so much protein, and excrete the excess in their stool, whereas breast-fed babies absorb virtually 100% of the protein in human milk."

2. Not breastfeeding increases mother's risk of breast cancer
Many studies have shown that women who breastfeed have lower risks of developing breast cancer. Recently, data from 47 studies in 30 countries was re-examined. The study group concluded that the incidence of breast cancer in developed countries could be reduced by more than half if women had the number of births and lifetime duration of breastfeeding that have been common in developing countries until recently. According to the analysis, breastfeeding could account for almost two-thirds of this estimated reduction in breast cancer incidence.

3. Baby's suckling helps shrink mother's uterus after childbirth
The uterus of the non-breastfeeding mother will never shrink back to its pre-pregnant size. It will always remain slightly enlarged.

"Nursing will help you to regain your figure more quickly, since the process of lactation causes the uterus (which has increased during pregnancy to about 20 times its normal size) to shrink more quickly to its pre-pregnancy size. "

4. Formula feeding increases baby girls' risk of developing breast cancer in later life
Women who were formula-fed as infants have higher rates of breast cancer as adults. For both premenopausal and postmenopausal breast cancer, women who were breastfed as children, even if only for a short time, had a 25% lower risk of developing breast cancer than women who were bottle-fed as infants.

5. Breast milk contains immunities to diseases and aids in the development of baby's immune system.
Formula provides neither of these benefits. "Breastfed babies have fewer illnesses because human milk transfers to the infant a mother's antibodies to disease. About 80% of the cells in breast milk are macrophages, cells that kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Breastfed babies are protected in varying degrees from a number of illnesses including, pneumonia, botulism, bronchitis, staphylococcal infections, influenza, ear infections, and German measles. Furthermore, mothers produce antibodies to what ever disease is present in their environment, making their milk custom-designed to fight diseases their babies are exposed to as well."

6. Not breastfeeding increases mother's risk of developing ovarian cancer
Based on the research, breastfeeding for a total of 12 to 24 months can reduce your risk of ovarian cancer by about one-third.

7. Breastfeeding protects against Crohn's disease (intestinal disorder)
Crohn's Disease is a chronic intestinal disorder. It is a form of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation extending into the deeper layers of the intestinal wall. It is difficult to treat, but several studies have shown that breastfeeding may help babies avoid developing the disease in later life.

8. Formula feeding increases risk of children developing diabetes
There are many studies linking development of insulin dependant Type I diabetes (formerly referred to as "juvenile diabetes") to lack of breastfeeding. The results of a study from Finland suggest that the introduction of dairy products at an early age, and high milk consumption during childhood increase the level of cow's milk antibodies in the children's systems. This factor is associated with an increased risk of insulin dependent diabetes. Now a new study has indicated that breastfeeding in infancy may help reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes. This sort of diabetes was formerly referred to as "adult onset" diabetes, but has been mysteriously occurring in more and more youngsters.

9. Breast milk lowers risk of baby developing asthma
A number of studies have linked lack of breastfeeding to asthma. According to one study, six year old children were more likely to have asthma if they had not been exclusively breastfed for at least 4 months.

10. Breast milk is free!!
Any way you look at it, you'll spend a lot more money if you choose to formula feed. The added calories a nursing mother must take in are a negligible expense, and nursing clothes are optional. If you need to pump, excellent pumps are available for between $50 and $225. A good pump can be used for more than one child, so they are really an investment. Do be sure to buy a pump manufactured by a company specializing in their manufacture. Beware of pumps made by formula companies. Many woman report these pumps to be inefficient at best, and painful at worst.

-------
Holly.
Mama to Hunter Kai
Still missing you, LML. (1941-2007). ♥
"Nothing is worth more than this day."

Perhaps the most frequently used breastfeeding position is the cradle, or cuddle, hold. Whether you use a chair or are sitting in bed, make sure your arm is well supported so it doesn't become tired before your baby is finished nursing

* Place your baby across your stomach, tummy to tummy. Her face and knees should be close into, and facing, your body.

* Her head should be in the bend of your elbow, with her mouth directly in front of your nipple.

* Her body should be in a straight line from her ear to her shoulder and to her hip. You can tuck her lower arm around your waist, so it is out of the way.

If you have difficulty feeding your baby in the cradle hold, try the football, or clutch, hold. It can also work well for:

- Mothers who had c-sections
- Small babies.
- Mothers experiencing difficulty on one side.
- Mothers with large breasts
- Mothers with flat nipples.
- Babies who are having problems latching on.

Lie baby beside you, you might like to put her on pillows to support her and your arm. with her head will be in the palm of your hand and her back wil lay on your inner forearm. Tuck her feet slightly behind you.

The cross-cradle, or transverse, hold is another good position to use if you are having trouble latching on, or if you are feeding a small or premature baby. Because you have more control of your baby's head and can see the latch more clearly, it may be a better position than the cradle hold.

Your baby's position will be the same as in the cradle hold, but you will be holding her in the arm opposite the breast from which she will latch onto. As in the cradle hold, make sure she is at the level of your breast, with her body turned toward you. You may be able to tuck her bottom into the crook of your arm.

The lying down position is very useful, especially if you sleep with your baby.

* Lie on one side and support your head and back with pillows so that you are comfortable. You might like one of those "body pillows" which are very long. I think they can be bought for about ten dollars. You can also bend one arm under your head and use the other hand to support your breast.

* Line the baby up with her tummy to yours. Your nipple should be opposite her mouth. If she is still very young, you might want to place a pillow or rolled up blanket behind her to keep her from rolling back.

* S/he will nurse on the lower breast. You can support it with your upper hand if neccessary.

Many mothers like to reposition themselves on their other side to feed from the other breast. You can cuddle your baby on your chest, support her head and gently roll yourselves over. Often, you can just lean further over with the upper side instead of getting up and rolling over to switch sides. Make sure she is still postioned well in relation to your breast.

The tailor position is great for older babies and toddlers. You can place a pillow on your lap to raise a smaller infant up to the right level.

-------
Holly.
Mama to Hunter Kai
Still missing you, LML. (1941-2007). ♥
"Nothing is worth more than this day."

Choosing A Breastpump
There are many models of pump on the market today, fitting all wants and price ranges. Which kind of breast pump you opt to use is really up to you. Some women find manual (or hand-operated) pumps to be more portable, more discreet, and easier to use. And they're definitely cheaper than electric pumps (manuals are usually under $50, whereas electric models can cost hundreds of dollars). But other nursing mothers may find that the effort required for manual pumps is too much.

Options include double electric pumps, which pump each breast simultaneously, or the kind that alternate pumping action back and forth from one breast to the other.

Some women find that electric pumps are sometimes faster and, therefore, more efficient than manual, especially if you pump both breasts at the same time. But some find the noise of the electric pumps to be a little much (especially if you're pumping at work or away from home). And though they often come in easy-to-carry bags (such as backpacks or arm bags), the weight and bulk of many can be somewhat cumbersome.

You'll also want to keep in mind where you might be using the pump. Some electric pumps can be plugged in or battery-operated; others can't. So, unless you want to have to find a comfortable spot and an electrical outlet every time, you might consider finding one that offers both options. It's also important to consider a back-up method, such as a battery-operated or manual pump, in case of a power outage.

Some of the big names in pumps are Medela & Avent.

Your hospital may also rent breastpumps.

When to start Pumping
If you're returning to work after maternity leave, it's a good idea to start trying to pump a couple of weeks beforehand. If you wait until the day you go back to work, you may be frustrated to learn that it's not always easy to get your body to respond to the pump, which isn't nearly as cute and cuddly as your baby. In fact, it may take some practice and patience before you're able to produce enough milk without your baby's help. It also may take time for your baby to get used to taking a bottle.

Depending on how heavy their milk flow is, some women can fill a bottle in one pumping session, whereas others may need to pump two or three times (and sometimes more) to get a full bottle.

As frustrating as pumping may seem for some women at first, giving your baby a bottle of breast milk can allow you to get some much-needed rest and can let your partner, or other family members, participate in the bonding experience of feeding your baby. It also can allow you to continue to provide breast milk for your child when you return to work.

Pumping Tips
* Pump Both Breasts At Once. You may have noticed that when pumping or breastfeeding on one side, the other breast lets down a bit of milk. Capitalize on that milk letdown by pumping both breasts at once, which increases the milk-making hormones in your body, possibly allowing you to pump more milk than you would when pumping each breast separately.

* Keep Baby's Sight and Smell Close. If you're away from baby while using your breast pump, keep a picture of your baby with your breast pump, and take along a blanket or item of clothing that your baby has used. The sight and smell of your baby will help trigger the hormones responsible for milk letdown.

* Lean Forward When Using the Breast Pump. Let gravity assist you as you pump your breast milk. Lean forward so that your milk flows easily into the breast pump horns and bottles. This will minimize the amount of milk that backs up around the horns and is wasted.

* Keep A Breast Pump Schedule. If you're using a breast pump at work or pumping exclusively, stick to a schedule to help your body recognize when it's time to make and let down milk. The more regular you are about your breast pump schedule, the more milk you'll let down for the breast pump.

Post edited at 10:01 pm on July 19, 2008 by dunebug

-------
Holly.
Mama to Hunter Kai
Still missing you, LML. (1941-2007). ♥
"Nothing is worth more than this day."

How should I store my breast milk?
Breast milk can be stored in a plastic or glass bottle with a sealable top, or in a sterile, sealable bag. Store your breast milk in amounts that you use every day to avoid wasting it. For example, if your baby eats 4 ounces in a feeding, put 4 ounces of breast milk in the storage container.
*TIP* Buy a large-sized-ice-cube tray and store your breastmilk in that, covering the top with saran/cling wrap. Each large-cube is about 1oz. This way it's easy to thaw only as much as you need and measure how much your baby is drinking. Simple and easy!

Breastmilk will stay good:
- At room temperature (less than 77°F) for 4 to 8 hours
- At the back of a refrigerator for 3 to 8 days
- At the back of a freezer for up to 3 months

The breast milk I have in my refrigerator looks funny. Is something wrong?
Breast milk can vary in color. It can be bluish, yellowish or brownish. It is also normal for breast milk to separate (the fatty part of the milk goes to the top). Shake the bottle or sealed bag, and the fat will go back into the milk.

Thawing Breastmilk
Thaw the milk slowly by swirling the container of milk in warm water or by putting the container in the refrigerator the day before it is to be used. Don't use hot water to thaw breast milk. Never thaw frozen breast milk in a microwave oven. The milk could get too hot and burn your baby's mouth. Microwaving can also damage valuable proteins in breast milk.

Thawed breast milk can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours, but it should not be refrozen.


-------
Holly.
Mama to Hunter Kai
Still missing you, LML. (1941-2007). ♥
"Nothing is worth more than this day."

There is tons of misinformation around about breastfeeding that often scares women out of trying or being successful in breastfeeding. Here are some of the most common myths.

Myth: "I can't breastfeed."
Fact: Only 1-3% of women truly can't nurse, most often because they have had some sort of breast augmentation surgery (implants, reduction, masectomy). A failed earlier attempt at breatfeeding does not mean that you cannot breastfed this time around! Remember too that many Doctors are not educated on breastfeeding and often fall prey to these same myths, telling many women that they cannot breastfeed when they very well could. Your best bet is to talk to a Lactation Consultant.

Myth: "My breasts are too small to breastfeed."
Fact: Breast size has nothing to do with the ability to produce milk. Breast size is created by having more or less fatty tissue in the breast, not more milk ducts.

Myth: "I don't have enough milk"
Fact: In the first few days what you have is called "Colostrum", which is only produced in small quantities. Rich in proteins, vitamins and infection fighting agents, colostrum is all your baby needs for the first several days until your milk comes in. It can take up to a week after birth before your milk comes in. Remember that breastfeeding works on supply and demand. The more your baby nurses, the more milk you will produce. As long as your baby is wetting at least 3 diapers a day and gaining weight, they are recieving enough milk.

Myth: "My breasts will sag if I nurse"
Fact: Even if this were true, it is a very sad reason for not wanting to nurse. Genetics and body type determine when your breasts will sag and pregnancy itself often causes sagging, not breastfeeding. Breastfeeding often helps to burn off excess fatty tissue in the breast, making them more even.

Myth: "I Can't Work/go to school and breastfeed"
Fact: Of course you can! Investing in a pump can be a great way to give your baby the benefit of breastmilk while away from you. Refer to the posts on Pumping & Storing your breastmilk for more information on how to make breastfeeding easy and convenient, even after you return to work or school.

-------
Holly.
Mama to Hunter Kai
Still missing you, LML. (1941-2007). ♥
"Nothing is worth more than this day."

Legalities
Basically breastfeeding in public IS legal in the United States, though sometimes people simply don't know it and therefore might complain about it.  This means you can nurse your baby anywhere that you are allowed to be with the baby.

Here is a List of Breastfeeding laws by State:
[URL]http://www.llli.org/Law/LawBills.html

In Canada, the Human Rights Code protects women from discrimination on the basis of sex. Breastfeeding in public is not specifically labeled as a protected activity; however, many people are lobbying to explicitly include breastfeeding under this human rights code.

Being Discreet
When you are out and about there are many ways to be discreet while nursing your baby.

- Bring a blanket or shawl to cover your baby with.
- Many malls and stores have "Mothers"/ "Family" rooms where you can nurse privately.
- Some bathrooms have chairs for nursing or you can use a stall. You may want to bring a towel/recieving blanket to throw down on the toilet lid for cleanliness.

There are many products on the market that make being discreet even easier, such as Nursing Covers and Shawls.

The End All
It is normal to be uncomfortable with the idea of breastfeeding in public. There are ways to work around it and many women who breastfeed never end up having to nurse in public. You can pump and use your milk in bottles while you're out or supplement with formula for those times. Don't let the small inconvenience scare you away from breastfeeding in general.

Post edited at 10:04 pm on July 19, 2008 by dunebug

-------
Holly.
Mama to Hunter Kai
Still missing you, LML. (1941-2007). ♥
"Nothing is worth more than this day."