Breastfeeding Tips & Breast Pump Guide | Lactation Connection

When a plugged duct turns into mastitis, it is not something that is not to be taken lightly.  How do you know if you have mastitis?  Usual symptoms are an area of your breast that is red and painful along with flu like symptoms such as chills or fever.   If you experience these symptoms, use this tactic:  Heat, Rest, Empty the Breast Heat:   Apply hot compresses.  If you don't have a hot compress on hand, use a disposable baby diaper with hot water in it.  This can be re-warmed in the microwave, but test on wrist before applying to breast. Rest:  Sleep when the baby sleeps and get off your feet as much as possible. Empty the Breast:   Point the baby's chin towards the affected area.  For example if the clog is more towards your arm, use the football hold.  Pump after every feeding for 5-10 minutes to finish emptying anything the baby leaves behind. You may see some information that says to avoid breast pumps, but this is only...

    Harvesting colostrum both antenatally (before birth) and postnatally (after delivery) is a great way to prepare for the unexpected.  Sometimes birth plans do not go to plan and having this liquid gold at your disposal in case of emergency is always a plus especially since colostrum is essential as baby's first immunization, highly concentrated in antibodies and nutrition to boost your baby's immune system.  In addition, if feedings are slow to start, colostrum can maintain your baby's blood sugar levels.   A colostrum collection kit makes it easy to have the things you need on hand.  While using a breast pump can sometimes cause contractions, a more gentle hand expression is not only safer but more effective in saving every drop. While there are several methods of hand expression found online, research shows that the Marmet Technique is still the most effective so we have included the full instruction sheet below.  Once you have begun hand ex...