My Precious Ashley: Breastfeeding

Breastmilk is the best food for your baby. Studies show that breastfeeding exclusively for at least three months may help prevent gastroenteritis in babies. so I have decide to breastfeed at least 6 months, so it may be able to lower your baby's risk of respiratory illness and catching ear infections. Breastfeeding is beneficial not just for babies but for mothers as well.

Here are some of the reasons why breastfeeding is good:

1. promotes bond between baby and mummy

2. helps mummy lose weight easily

3. lowers cardiovascular risk

4. decreases chances for postpartum depression

5. So there’s no arguing that breastfeeding is the best way to feed baby.

Problems you may encounter

Although women have breastfed their babies for centuries, it isn't always easy. Many women face difficulties in the early days. In the first six weeks, as your milk supply adjusts and your baby learns how to breastfeed, you may suffer from:

• Engorgement: overfull breasts
• Mastitis: an inflammation of the breast
• Sore nipples

Ashley don’t latched well ,so I have to expressed out .

How do I store expressed breast milk?

store expressed breast milk under the following conditions:

4 hrs at room temperature; about 25 0C
48 hrs in a fridge; about 4 0C
2 – 6 mths in a two-door freezer
6 mths to 1 yr in deep chest freezer; -20 0C

my whole freezer is full of my EBM no more space (mine is the -20 oc freezer)

You should not refreeze thawed breast milk, nor microwave or boil expressed breast milk. Suggested methods of thawing include:

Thaw in a jug of warm water –use within 1 hour; discard leftover
Thaw in a jug of cold water- pour out the amount needed; put the remainder back into fridge which should be used within 24 hours; discard leftover
Thaw in the fridge; should be used within 48 hrs; discard left over

How do I manage sore and cracked nipples?
Possible solutions include:

Airing sore nipples
Vary breastfeeding positions
Use manual expression
If breast pump is used, engage the short and gentle cycle.
Sore and cracked nipples can be avoided or minimized by having the correct breastfeeding positions and correct latch.
You may also rest and air extremely sore nipples from breastfeeding for a day and apply a nipple cream to encourage healing.
Manual expression or breast pumps may be used instead during this rest period.

Can I drink alcohol or DOM if I am breastfeeding?

You may do so but in moderation, about 10ml to 15 ml if consumed directly.
Greater amount may be used in cooking but you are encouraged to boil the soup longer to ensure that the alcohol evaporates.

One of my frenz introduce this chinese med to me when my milk supply go low, this is to increase milk supply. I have try out for 1 week still not bad, at least will feel breast full.

3 bowl water boil until 1 bowl