Blog
Yeast Infections & Thrush
Breastfeeding women can develop a yeast infection in their breast which can be passed back and forth between mom and baby. It’s called thrush when it occurs in the mouth and a yeast infection when it occurs in the breast. Candida, also called yeast, is a fungus that occurs naturally in the mucous membranes and on the skin. An overgrowth of yeast can cause an infection. Don’t let a yeast infection go untreated, as both mom and baby must be treated to prevent reinfection. Yeast infections may lead to plugged ducts and mastitis. Risk factors for yeast infections: Antibiotics (causes...
How to Prevent and Relieve Clogged Milk Ducts
Clogged milk ducts are painful and can make breastfeeding so much more challenging. Once you have a clogged duct, your chances of getting another increases if you aren’t careful. Worst of all, a clogged duct can lead to mastitis if not properly treated. Unfortunately, clogged ducts are very common. The whole idea for Rachel’s Remedy actually began with a clogged duct! (Buy Rachel's Remedy Breastfeeding Relief Packs here) We’ve been through it before, and we’ve done the research on how to identify and treat them so that you don’t have to. Read on for a better understanding of what clogged...
Baby Bites: How to stop your baby from biting during breastfeeding.
We know, we know, OUCH. We really do feel your pain! We’ve been through it and we can help. When you’re breastfeeding and your baby is biting, nothing about it feels like a “baby” bite. It feels more like your nipple is caught in a car door and the rest of your body is about 100 feet away. You want to keep breastfeeding but don’t want the baby bites, so what can you do? Fortunately, all babies, no matter how old, can learn to stop biting. Biting is temporary so stick with it, mamas. Most babies try biting during the...
The Ultimate Breastfeeding Survival Guide
Breastfeeding: You’ve got questions? We have answers! Latch, engorgement, clogged ducts, mastitis, milk supply, let down, Thrush, yes infections, baby biting, and more… Breastmilk IS the perfect food for your baby. Breastmilk is the gold standard for infant nutrition. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months (meaning only breastmilk and no formula, juice or even water), and up to at least the first year of life with combined foods. Breastmilk is the perfect food for your baby’s digestive system, and has all of the nutrients, calories and fluids your baby needs to be...
The Unique Struggle of Breastfeeding Premature Babies
For the estimated 15 million preterm babies born around the world each year (500,000 in the United States), breastfeeding is just one of the many unique struggles they face. Helping premature babies get breast milk ensures they are given nutrients and immunities that will help them thrive in those early fragile months. Yet knowing those benefits isn’t enough - successfully breastfeeding a premature baby is easier said than done, and success starts with ensuring mothers of premature babies are supported in every way possible. Why Breast Milk is Important for Preterm Babies When a premature baby is delivered, they are...