 Today our expert owner Dr. Kathleen F. McCue is sharing her thoughts on low milk supply and some of the underlying reasons.
Dr. McCue: It’s fair to say that I make a living regulating milk supply. The number one complaint we hear from clients is, “I don’t have enough milk!” Sometimes I’m in agreement and other times, expectations are totally unrealistic. There are so many things that come into play; storage capacity of the breasts (meaning amount of glandular tissue and milk-making alveoli within the breast itself); adequate nipple stimulation to help produce prolactin (a hormone that promotes milk production); suckling ability of the baby (big strong baby or jaundiced baby with a low birth weight); frequency of stimulation by either baby or breastpump. Here are some of the issues I look for, and as always, a consultation with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) will help determine what’s happening and how to assist:
 Thank you to all our incredible service members in the community! We are thrilled to announce that we are now in-network with TriCare health insurance. Members of TriCare can look through the website to see what services are covered. As in-network providers that means you can book appointments with Metropolitan Breastfeeding and be seen in-home or in-office using your insurance plan!
Did you deliver at Walter Reed? Our Bethesda office is right around the corner! Not close to Bethesda? Our consultants can come see you all over the Maryland, Virginia and DC area. Service members also receive a military rate on breastpump rentals. Make sure when you call our office you mention that you are a service member. As always, we will work with all of our families regardless of insurance status. Please call the office at 301-943-9293 to discuss your needs. image courtesy https://www.pumpspotting.com/blog/breastfeeding-in-uniform Photo credit: Vanessa A. Simmons, CLEC – normalizebreastfeeding.org/about  So, here’s the deal. You just had a baby! After nine long months of preparing for this very moment, you find yourself swept into a whirlwind of excitement, fear, exhaustion, and joy. No matter how many parenting books you read or hours you spent typing questions into the Google search bar, you may still feel an overwhelming sense of, “What do I do now?”
The postpartum stage of pregnancy is often neglected in the intense journey towards your due date, but it is one of the most physically and emotionally challenging periods for a new parent. Much of your focus will be dedicated to your brand new baby as you become acquainted and try to decipher every cry. It’s easy to forget that you just completed a nine-month marathon where your body, mind, and soul were stretched to their absolute limits. Take a moment, breathe, and congratulate yourself! In order to be the best parent you can be, you must first take care of yourself. Here are 7 essential tips to help new parents power through the postpartum period:
 Oh- the weather outside is frightful, but the Winter Baby is so delightful!
That’s right, we’re going to be talking about Winter Babies! Some parents may be a bit worried about the logistics of having a baby during the colder months of the year, so we wanted to ease some of those concerns by highlighting the pros of having a Winter Baby. Snow days Snowing? No need to worry! You can stay in with your baby and enjoy watching the snow fall while cuddling up with your little one! Throw on a movie or a show to binge and get comfy with your bundle of joy. Baby will be ready to go out on Spring adventures By the time Spring comes around, your baby will be more interactive and ready for Spring and Summer adventures with the family. Holidays and sense of togetherness The holidays are the staple of the winter season, and you’ll have an amazing gift to share the season with. Click here to read our blogpost on setting holiday boundaries with your family! Pajama Season> Bathing Suit Season After giving birth, you probably want to cuddle up in your pajamas and fluffy blankets. This is what winter is all about! We think pajama season is a hundred times better than swimsuit season! Comfort food Who doesn’t love food? Winter time is known for turkey, stuffing, mac n’ cheese, and all types of desserts (are you drooling yet?). There’s something about a plate of food, a cup of hot chocolate, and cuddles from a newborn that can bring a feeling of happiness to anyone. Did you have a Winter Baby? If so, what are some of your favorite things about having your baby during the cooler months? Tell us on our Facebook! Also, check out our tips on surviving winter with a newborn to make sure you’re prepared for cold and flu season.  Tis the season of holiday gatherings and events, and we know how stressful the season can be for parents with a newborn. This season is full of love and family togetherness, but it can come at a price for newborns. With the weather getting colder and families spending most of the days inside, colds and flu are a cause for concern for many parents of newborns. Because of this, it’s important for new parents to set boundaries with family and friends during holiday get-togethers. A general rule we believe is important is the ‘No touching’ rule. It seems simple enough, but we all know that there will be at least one person that wants to believe they are the exception to the rule.
Saying No The grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc., will want to cuddle and kiss on their new addition to the family, and you might be a little more hesitant to tell them ‘no.’ We get it – they’re family! But the little bundle of joy you brought into the world needs you to be the one to protect them from possible exposure to the cold and flu. If you are having trouble thinking of how to lay down the law, here are some helpful tips:
Sick and Breastfeeding If you or your breastfed baby do become sick, the best thing you could do is continue breastfeeding. The amazing thing about breastmilk is that its composition will change to help baby’s needs. For example, your body will know if you or your baby is sick and will increase the antibodies produced in the breastmilk. So, if the breastfeeding parent stopped breastfeeding they will not only hurt their supply, but they’ll also prevent the baby from obtaining those needed antibodies. The holidays can be a tad stressful, but don’t let that stop you or your family from enjoying it! Set your ground rules, be sure everyone fully understands, and go have a little fun. If you have any holiday stories about your baby, we’d love to hear about it on our Facebook! https://www.popsugar.com/moms/How-Set-Boundaries-Family-After-Baby-42985522 https://living.thebump.com/set-boundaries-family-first-baby-comes-9156.html https://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/illness-surgery/mom-illness/ https://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/illness-surgery/baby-illness/ |
