Alabama Breastfeeding Medicine

08/14/2023

Maternal need for medication is a maternal health problem and a breastfeeding barrier. We’ve known this for years, and now people are catching on!

10/29/2022

06/12/2022

"They're just nursing for comfort."

AND?

That blanket is just for comfort.
That extra cup of coffee is just for comfort.
That late night chocolate bar is just for comfort.
Scrolling facebook for long periods of time is just for comfort.
Those warm fuzzy socks are just for comfort.
Your weighted blanket is just for comfort.

The list goes on...

The point is, babies ARE people too. Real people, with feelings and needs of their own.

The big difference is, you can anything you want/need yourself, your baby can't.

You can ask someone for help anytime you need/want something, your baby can only cry.

You may have many people you count on when you feel scared, sad, etc., your baby only knows you.
Not to say that other people cannot learn to comfort your baby, but they have only known their mom for 8 months. Your scent and breastmilk is the only familiar thing to them in this new, dry, bright, loud, world.

Maybe your baby is only nursing for comfort. Why is this seen as a bad thing in our society? They only know how to cry and they only have one main source if comfort, nursing.

Don't let society convince you your baby is manipulative. They aren't, they are just being a baby. Enjoy these days being your baby's comfort, nurturing your little one, and bonding.

The days are so long, but the years are short🖤

06/07/2022

We will discuss this and other important issues at tonight breastfeeding class. If you are an expecting mother, call tomorrow to sign up for next month. It could make all the difference!

Exclusive pumping is becoming more popular among American moms, often seen as a way moms can “have it all.” Meanwhile, the effects on maternal and infant health—and workplace policies—are rarely discussed.

06/07/2022

Interesting take of why so many women who want to breastfeed can't.

To breastfeed, or not to breastfeed? It is one of those parenting decisions that, at first pass, seems to carry little to no political import. For most people most of the time, it’s the sort of thing that you can safely ignore as someone else’s personal preference, having nothing to do with anyt...

05/17/2022

One benefit of breastfeeding is: there never a recall or contamination.
Both in America and overseas we have seen this happen. That is part the origin of the current formula crisis.

https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2022/04/21/he-just-got-really-sick-texas-mom-says-infant-died-after-consuming-formula-that-was-later-recalled/

https://qz.com/1323471/ten-years-after-chinas-melamine-laced-infant-milk-tragedy-deep-distrust-remains/

A Rio Grande Valley mother claims her infant son died from a bacterial infection after consuming powdered infant formula that was later recalled.

05/16/2022

In all the discussion of the shortage of formula( which very serious), there not a lot of talk of helping new moms be successful at breastfeeding so they don't need formula.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/13/briefing/baby-formula-shortage-us-economy.html

05/06/2022

Call us(256-241-0885) to take of breastfeeding class in Oxford, Alabama. Being dependent on formula supplies to feed your newborn is scarier than it has been. We help new and expecting mothers have a successful breastfeeding experience and have the confidence they will be able to feed their baby.

At retailers across the U.S., 40% of the top-selling baby formula products were out of stock as of late last month.

04/08/2022

Were you told your baby was losing weight and to supplement with formula?

‼️Disclaimer: This post is in regards to supplementation when mothers HAVE breastmilk, have full term babies, are breastfeeding and want to continue breastfeeding but are told to supplement with formula❗️There is certainly a time when formula is needed. I strongly recommend you meet with an LC, to see if it’s actually necessary, especially when moms are able to pump several ounces. I know many moms choose to use formula, and this post is not for them- it’s for moms who want to breastfeed, have milk, but their babies are losing weight ☺️

🔹Now when doctors suggest formula to help with baby’s weight gain, I want you to know that formula is not greater in calories than breastmilk. The calorie composition is constantly changing in breastmilk based off baby’s growing needs. Formula, however, since it’s made in a factory, will always have the same calories per ounce.

‼️So if mom has a good milk supply, but baby is losing weight or is falling off his “growth chart”, why do we jump to formula?
🔺Shouldn’t doctors suggest supplementing with MOM’s breastmilk since she has the milk and the calories are higher per ounce than formula? Yes, formula has its place, like when mom doesn’t have enough milk, but if mom has adequate supply, then we need to see WHY baby is losing weight; it is NOT because of mom’s milk.

🔹There is an underlying reason why baby is losing weight. Or maybe there is no underlying issue and baby is growing perfectly fine just on a lower percentile and that is totally fine too. Humans come in all shapes and sizes
🔶I so often see formula recommended after mom has been breastfeeding for several months and baby isn’t at a higher percentile. Why would formula be the answer? It’s not higher in calories than Breastmilk...
🔷So get breastfeeding help from an IBCLC lactation consultant before jumping to formula. If your supply is actually low, perhaps formula is necessary. Either way see a lactation consultant who can assess the WHY of your situation.
✔️Don’t doubt your breastmilk!
✍🏼Post Written by:
Allegra Gast RDN, IBCLC - .nutrition