So when is a baby not a baby anymore?

My third child, born last May, will probably always be my "baby".

But before my very eyes he has now become a little boy.

I can't put my finger on the exact moment I realised he had "grown-up".

Maybe when he started to walk it hit me that he was no longer the tiny baby I left hospital with 18 months ago.

I have to say I am full of mixed emotions.

I am sad that my little baby is growing up. We are pretty certain that he is the last baby, its kind of the end of an era.

But on the other hand I am loving the extended chunks of quality sleep - hallelujah!!

I am also fascinated everyday watching his development and seeing the world through his eyes.

I also love the fact I can communicate better with my little man.

When he was a baby (well... younger) it was endless questions back and forth between my husband and I (well actually between me and anyone who was in a 5 metre radius of me and my screaming child) oh and not forgetting the numerous calls to my mum...

Do you think he's hungry? Maybe he's got wind? No I think he's in pain, what do you think? Could be a dirty nappy.

I dont know arrrggghhh???

But now I can ask him things. The answer is usually "No". Come to think of it 9 times out of 10 the answer is no (all my children seem to love that word) but at least he communicates and gives me a better idea of what is going on.

Even after 3 kids I am no baby whisperer - I wish.

It seems like a distant (blurry) memory - and I hear a collective squel of "She can't be serious" from all those new mums and dads..... sleepless nights, feeding every 3 hours (and then some), bizarre nappy monitoring - how many wees? How many poos? What colour? What consistency? (apologies to my father who when he reads this will declare far to much information. A super grandad but just can't handle poo conversation - love you dad!). And lets not forget the constant guessing games of is he too hot, too cold, to wrap or not to wrap. And then there is breastfeeding which I personally  struggled with (but persisted with for all my children). When I had my first baby I assumed breastfeeding was just something that came naturally. But to my shock and sometimes horror - like when my first son regurgitated blood tinged milk from drinking breastmilk from my cracked, bleeding and very very sore nipples! - I  realised this breastfeeding gig does not come naturally to all....and in amongst those first few months the exhaustion, questioning your choices, actions and decisions and wondering whether you are a good mother? What happened to my life? And thinking will I ever be able to have 5 minutes to myself let alone a shower.

Will this ever end? Yes, it does.

Before I go I want to say a huge congratulations to Holly & Neil who welcomed a liitle bundle of joy named Myles into the world recently. To you both and to all the new parents out there - Enjoy every moment - good and bad because trust me one day you will blink, open your eyes and look at your little man or lady and say "Where did my baby go?"

My baby Lachlan.

Mastitis - Catching it early

Download this as a pdf

You have woken up and out of the blue it seems, you have a sore, red lumpy patch on one breast. You have heard so many horror stories about mastitis that you are terrified as you wonder, do I have mastitis?

Your sore breast may be due to a blocked duct that, if treated quickly, could prevent a bout of mastitis, an inflammation of the breast that may or may not also be infected.

Blocked ducts

A blocked duct is just as the name sounds, an area of the breast that hasn’t been properly drained. When this happens, fat globules can clump together causing milk to bank up behind the blockage, creating an inflammation of the breast tissue.

Mastitis

As well as having a sore breast – either the entire breast is red, hot and painful or you may have a localised tender area - symptoms of mastitis may include a headache, general body aches and tiredness as though you are getting the flu. Mastitis can hit suddenly and hard: one minute you feel just fine and the next you feel shattered and aching all over with chills and a fever. Sometimes flu-like symptoms come on even before you get a fever or notice breast tenderness. Mastitis can affect you emotionally too - it is common to feel ‘just awful’ and teary.

Preventing mastitis

Taking care of yourself is one of the best preventative measures against mastitis: overdoing things, becoming exhausted and stressed are often contributing factors. Rest, a nutritious diet and relaxing activities that make you feel good will reduce the effects of stress and boost your immune system.

Blocked ducts (which can lead to mastitis if not treated quickly) can be due to pressure from clothing such as poorly fitted bras or sleeping in positions that compress your breast, such as lying on your stomach. Missing feeds and overly full breasts can also result in blocked ducts so take breaks on long car trips to feed (full breasts and seat belt pressure are a lethal mix!) and express for comfort if you go out without your baby or if you feel full after feeds. If baby sleeps through a feed either express or gently wake him to feed.  If you feel any lumpiness, massage your breast gently towards the nipple under a warm shower (or apply a warm face washer) and express for comfort. 

If you have a blocked ducts your milk may taste salty so your baby may not feed well on that side.  A tip from lactation consultant Sue Cox is to eat freshly crushed garlic. Babies like the taste of garlic which will mask the salty taste, and your baby will drain your breast. Also, as garlic is a natural antibacterial agent it could help reduce infection.

Cracked nipples can also set you up for mastitis as infection can enter the breasts through broken skin so it is important to seek help early for nipple soreness.

Treating mastitis

Whether you have blocked ducts or mastitis, “warmth, rest and empty your breast” is a good motto to remember and if you suspect mastitis, remember this is a medical illness. Ideally, delegate all duties except feeding your baby and consult your doctor early.

• •  Alternate hot and cold packs on your breast for comfort – heat before a feed will stimulate circulation and mobilise infection fighters in the breast. It will also increase oxytocin, which will help milk flow, clearing blocked ducts as you feed. Applying cool packs after feeds will relieve pain.
• •  Drink plenty of fluids – fever and infection will increase your need for fluids.
• •  Weaning isn’t wise while you are treating mastitis as this will increase the chances of developing an abscess that needs to be surgically drained
• •  If you are prescribed antibiotics, be sure to take the full course or you could experience a recurrence.
•  

Pinky McKay, International Board certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), runs a private practice in Melbourne specializing in gentle parenting techniques. A sought after keynote speaker and best-selling author with 4 titles published by Penguin, including her recent book Parenting By Heart, she’s an expert source for media appearing regularly on major network TV and quoted in various publications. Pinky’s books, parenting resources and her free newsletter ‘Gentle Beginnings’ can be found on her website www.pinkymckay.com.

Kate Hale is a Registered Nurse, Midwife IBCLC Lactation Consultant. She has had experience in midwifery, neonatal intensive care and baby clinics and has been working with breastfeeding mums for over 20 years, she is also the mother of 4 adult children. Kate runs a Private Lactation Practice in Sydney.

In response to an overwhelming need for an excellent, visual-how-to on breastfeeding Kate has just brought out her new Breastfeeding & Baby Care Guide DVD aptly titled " Happy Mums Happy Bubs ".

Kate has made the DVD because she wants mums to be able to sit at home able to watch the how-to's of breastfeeding on a screen, to be able to go over it as often as they want, until they feel they have 'got it'.

The DVD also covers Baby Massage, Bathing, Dressing, Nappies, Wrapping, understanding Mastitis and much more, all in an easy to follow, very visual, up to the minute practical format.

For more information go to   www.happymumshappybubs.com.au

Kate's "5 Top Tip's on breastfeeding"

1.  We keep hearing ' breast is best '! Well, yes it is for all the right reasons, starting with the colostrum. This fantastic first milk your baby will get after it is born, is packed full of antibodies, designed to help stop your baby getting sick in the early months. It will also provide your baby with the perfect recipe feed. So, my tip is give breastfeeding a go!

2. A lot of mums start breastfeeding in hospital, only to find they end up with grazed, sore nipples. Sadly, when you’re sore and tired it is easy to decide you don't want to breastfeed. So, my next tip is, learn how to get the attachment or latch right!

3. It is always difficult to work out how much milk our baby has had at a breastfeed. When we can work it out a bit we have more confidence with our feeding. So, try and ' learn ' your breasts!

4. Watch how your baby is sucking and swallowing. They are supposed to have pauses and rests through the feed. You want to be able to see some good swallowing as well. So, 'learn' your baby.

5. When you understand as much as possible about what you are doing at a breastfeed, you will feel more in control with the way you manage your baby. So, trust your own confidence and 'gut feeling'.

www.happymumshappybubs.com.au

Visit our World Breastfeeding Week page for your chance to win a copy of the Happy Mums Happy Bubs DVD by Kate Hale

Mummahh

It amazes me that for the last 3 months I have sustained a little life.

All the food my little boy has needed to grow and thrive has been my breastmilk - how amazing. Breastfeeding has been easier this time, with my third child, but it hasn't "come naturally". I struggled for 11 weeks with my first child and nearly as long with my second child. Now with my third child it has been a lot easier and I had little discomfort, any problems I had seemed to clear up around the second week. This is great because, with 3 kids now, I really need everything to go smoothly.

I have breastfed all my children but I have to say that it is ultimately a woman's choice whether she breast feeds or bottle feeds. This is a very touchy subject and I know there are many people with passionate opions about both breast and bottle. I do not advocate either.  I have seen many friends who have been unable to breastfeed and the guilt they feel (or are sometimes made to feel!) I feel lucky that I am able to breastfeed my children.

The reason I have breastfeeding accessories available at Mummahh is because of my own experiences. Although I didn't get mastitis I suffered from engorgement and oversupply, bleeding and cracked nipples and trying to keep track of which side, what time?

There is no doubt that breastfeeding is good. I saw an article today on the benefits of breastfeeding within the first hour of birth:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/World-Breastfeeding-Week/articleshow/6245738.cms

The aim of World Breastfeeding Week is to promote the 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. Check out the information below or the following website http://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/

wbw2010poster.pdf   wbw2010pr.pdf

They say "Breast is Best".

Can you think of a better slogan for the World Breastfeeding Campaign?

We have teamed up with the new book Breastfeeding: Real Mums Tell You How
to give you the chance to win this fabulous book OR a Mummahh Breastfeeding Handy Pack.




To enter simply make a purchase at www.mummahh.com.au or www.breastfeedingbook.com.au during
World Breastfeeding Week, August 1-7, and tell us in 25 words or less what the slogan for the
World Breastfeeding Campaign should be.

You can put your entry in the comments section of the checkout.

Keep an eye out for our World Breastfeeding Week daily specials, each day we will have a product drastically reduced!
Find out via our website, Facebook or Twitter.

      

For full terms and conditions click here