[touka]

A good friend of mine is due to have her first in August. I am putting together a care package for her (she's in Canada) and part of it is a breastfeeding support kit.

The kit will include various books, tools and extras, including a special "Quick Reference" guide created by me. It will contain the following sections:

* Online support resources
* Additional book recommendations
* Local LLL meeting info
* Local NIP law (is this as big a deal in Can. as it is in the US??)
* This Too Shall Pass list (typical BFing issues new to first time moms)

I'd really love some help with "issues" list from all of you who have BTDT. The idea is to give a quick answer to some of the most common BFing questions (he eats ALL the time, why does this hurt, he's teething, my dr. said he's not gaining enough, etc etc).

So far this is what I'm including:

• Getting Started: The first 6-8 weeks are the most difficult as both Mama and babe adjust: . Lean on DH, friends and family for all the support you need. The help of a good Lactation Consultant can be invaluable during this time.
  
• Growth Spurts: These occur at roughly 3wks, 6wks, 3mos, 6mos (there's more, I can't remember them right now): Babe may seem like s/he wants to eat constantly during this time, this is entirely normal.
  
• Day to Day: Babies like to cluster feed in the late afternoon/evening; this is entirely normal.
  
• Oversupply: Feeding on one side during a given time period can help your body regulate milk production and allow baby to get full benefits of fore and hind milk.
  
• Low supply: Mother's Milk Tea, Oatmeal, and Fenugreek (3500mg) can all help boost supply. Don't forget to stay hydrated too.
  
• Pumping: The amount you pump does NOT equal the amount your baby is eating. Babies are infinitely more efficient at drawing milk down than a pump.
  
• Nursing Strikes: These typically happen anytime between 7-11mos and usually have to do with baby's development. Babe is NOT weaning! Offer as you usually would and babe will come back to it when s/he's ready.
  
• Thrush: need symptoms and rec. treatments
  
• Mastitis: need symptoms and rec. treatments
  
• Plugged Duct: need symptoms and rec. treatments

I'll be looking up the answers to the last three, but in the meantime, if any of you have a tip or suggestion that you would have loved to have known from the beginning, I'd love to hear it.

Thanks for your help!!!

 

[Clarinet]

I'm doing the same thing for some cousins who are pregnant. I'm not sure of their stance, however, so I'm including a lot of positive breastfeeding references and staying away from the hazards of formula unless I see signs of "formula is just as good."

One thing I'm including that i dont' see on your list is a breastfeeding growth chart. Some breastfeeding babies are perfectly healthy and thriving but their doctor's follow a formula feeding chart so it appears they aren't gaining weight like they should. Boys and Girls.

This site seems to have a lot of good information about clogged ducts, cracked nipples and such.

 

[kaspar]

nip is not a big deal here in canada... people do it all the time, no one seems to mind.

re plugged ducts - symptoms are pain, and hard or even lumpy boobs, usually local to one spot on the boob. treatments inlude massage, pressure massage, hot compresses (sposies are great for this!! warm moist heat that doesn't get you wet!!), or a long hot shower. also, lots of nursing on the affected side, and rest. i just spent the day doing all of this!! askdrsears.com has some good tips.

 

[touka]

Clarinet Happily, this is purely a support item.

I love the chart idea!!

kaspar Thanks for the Canada info, glad you guys are more with it than we are. I'm making note of the PD info you posted too. Thanks again!

 

[RootSnort]

I would go poke around on KellyMom and see if anything else looks interesting. And include a link to KellyMom for her, as that's another great resource! As well as this place! And Lactmed....so maybe you want to have a list of useful websites?

 

[touka]

RootSnort Yep, will definitely be giving her KellyMom, BFing.com, LLL and can. specific sites as well. Thanks for the Lactmed site, never heard of it before.

I've recommended MDC already since she was interested in babymooning and will be CDing (

). I think I'll be including a current copy of Mothering in the package too since it covers some of the things she's interested in doing.

 

[lillmama]

subing because this is good info!!