Archive for May 2011
There are many useful and important tips that a lactation consultant can provide to a mother of an infant. Encouragement by a lactation consultant can also help mother’s to overcome push through the pain and discomfort of nursing during the first few weeks, when breastfeeding is most challenging and the lactation consultant advice will be the most sought after.
Ideally a pregnant woman will seek a consultation with a lactation consultant prior to the birth of her child. This early consultation is a can provide a mother with a lot of great information about what she can expect after her baby is born and give her time to find the tools she will need to effectively breastfeed her newborn.
There are several great nursing accessories that a new mother can make great use of. A lactation consultant can provide valuable insight into some of the better choices that are available on the market. For example, which brand of nursing pads works best? Should you use disposable nursing pads or fabric pads? Which brand of cream should you use on cracked or sore nipples? If you plan on expressing milk, which type of breast pump will work best for your particular needs? There is a lot of great information that a lactation consultant can provide to help mother’s find and use the best equipment.
Being a mother doesn’t mean that you know how to breastfeed a baby. The breastfeeding process can be extremely challenging for any mother. Even experienced mothers can have a difficult time. A mother should never feel bad about seeking the help of a lactation consultant. Although breastfeeding is a natural part of life it does not always come naturally.
A lactation consultant is also a great resource on how to relieve pain from engorgement. The first few days after the mother’s milk comes in can be extremely painful for some women. This is because the breasts often become engorged with milk. A lactation consultant can share tips on how to relieve the discomfort quickly and easily.
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Lactation Consultant: Evaluation, Explanation During a Consultation
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During a lactation consultation the mother and lactation consultant will discuss any concerns or questions that the mother has about breastfeeding, expressing milk, latching on or any other lactation question. The lactation consultant will not only answer any questions but will also observe the mother as she feeds her baby. Careful evaluation of the feeding process can help the consultant to determine if there is anything that needs to be changed or adjusted in how the mother and infant relate to each other during the feeding process. The way that the mother positions her infant for feedings can make feedings difficult. The lactation consultant will observe how the mother positions the infant. She will not position the infant for the mother. If there are any problems with the way that the mother positions the baby the consultant will show the mother how to position the baby and then will allow the mother to try the position herself so that she is able to perform the position on her own. This evaluation time is meant for the lactation consultant to identify where any problems may be in the feeding process. The consultant should not push on the back of the baby’s head, compress the mother’s areola or insert the areola into the baby’s mouth. When the infant is done feeding the lactation consultant will check to see how the nipple looks. She will be looking to see whether the nipple comes out of the infant’s mouth round and of equal color with the areola. There should be no evidence of trauma on the nipple. If there is any abnormal nipple shape, blisters or blanching of the nipple then the consultant will make a special note. After a feeding the consultant will also evaluate how the baby and mother are feeling. Is the baby calm, satiated and relaxed? The lactation consultant will note if the baby is irritable or fussy after a feeding. Does the mother have any pain in her shoulder, neck or back after feedings? Does the mother appear to be relaxed or does she seem stressed? The lactation consultant will ask questions to see how the mother felt about the position she was using to feed her baby.
A lactation consultant can be a valuable resource to mothers who have questions about feeding their babies. A lactation consultation with a trained lactation consultant can allow the consultant to assess the mother and any concerns she may have feeding her infant. The lactation consultant can offer suggestions and provide information that can help the mother to overcome any difficulties that she may be experiencing.
During a lactation consultation the lactation consultant will want to collect an accurate and complete history about the mother. The lactation consultant will want to determine if any breastfeeding problems are a manifestation of another problem. This step in the consultation is important because a lactation consultant will not be able to create an effective feeding plan without certain types of information.
Subjective and objective information is needed for accurate data collection. Subjective data are details that are related by the mother about her history. This information is based on the mother’s own interpretation. Most often this type of information cannot be verified.
Objective data are details that are based on direct observation or measurement. This type of information can be obtained as the lactation consultant observes and assess the mother or from medical records. A lactation consultant will want objective information about the infant. For example, what is the infants weight, gestational age or blood glucose level? The consultant will also evaluate the mother’s breasts for size, nipple shape, swelling or surgical scars that may be causing difficulty with nursing.
The information obtained during a lactation consultation can help the mother and the consultant to create a feeding plan and determine what physical obstacles are impeding her milk production or which nursing techniques are most effective.
A breast shell is a two piece plastic device that has a dome or cup shape with a concave backing that is contoured to fit the shape of a woman’s breast. It is recommended by a lactation consultant to be used by mother’s who have flat or inverted nipples or who may have very sore nipples from nursing. Breast shells are also effective at collecting leaking milk and relieving engorgement.
Breast shells are designed to evert a flat nipple. The shell of the device comes into contact with the breast. There is a small opening that allows for just enough room for the nipple to protrude through. This helps to keep the nipple accessible to the infant.
There are several different types of breast shells. Most brands have a larger opening that keeps the bra from coming into contact with the nipple. This can allow air to circulate better. There are brands that have cotton liners on the backing for a more comfortable fit. Some shells have a cotton pad in the bottom that is effective at absorbing leaked milk.
There are some disadvantages to using breast shells. For some women the breast shell is not effective at everting flat or retracted nipples. Irritation can occur if the breast shell has too much contact with the skin or if there is moisture buildup in the shell that can cause skin irritation. Sometimes if the mother leans forward, the drip milk that accumulates in the shell can leak out and make a mess. Some breast shells can be seen under the bra and are not very discreet looking. Some shells will require the mother to wear a bra that is one size larger to accommodate the shell. This is a disadvantage because if the shell is not worn the bra will be too large to wear regularly. Shells have even been linked to cases of plugged ducts and mastitis, which is very painful for breastfeeding mothers.
There is very little evidence to support the effectiveness of breast shells at helping to evert flat or inverted nipples. It may be that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages of using such a device but that decision is ultimately up to each woman.
Some people just seem to like to give others a hard time. Maybe it’s because they are insecure or angry, and unhappy with their own circumstances, or perhaps its because others have given them a hard time and they feel they need to do the same to people to compensate. Whatever the reason, it is important to recognize these people and not take their behavior personally if directed towards you. Bite your tongue. Yes, this can be painful, even in the figurative sense, but when a difficult person is giving you a hard time, bite your tongue and ignore it. However, if the situation starts to interfere with your work or your reputation, you may have to confront the person. If you can help it, it is always better to try to resolve conflict with another directly rather then going to a supervisor.
When you do approach someone about a situation, be calm. Prepare yourself for what you want to say, and stay focused. Don’t ever use degrading or insulting language. This serves no purpose. Remember that people who are seemingly difficult by nature can be defensive and intimidate you without much effort. Keep this in mind and say what you rehearsed. Make sure the timing and circumstances are right, and make sure you are in private so you don’t embarrass the other person by talking within earshot of others. Learn to be a diplomat. People who are quick to criticize and are difficult in general are often in need of some attention themselves. Sometimes showing them respect and appreciation by giving them some praise and attention will calm them down and get them off your case.
Immunization has helped to dramatically decrease the incidences of measles throughout the world in countries with immunization programs. This is very beneficial and recommended by midwifes, because the measles virus is very contagious and has been known to cause epidemics. Unfortunately there are many deaths that still occur in children aged one to five who live in developing countries that do not offer immunizations against the measles virus. The measles virus can spread very quickly. Because the virus requires a human host to survive it has adapted to become highly infectious. Approximately 90 percent of people who come into contact with it, who have not been immunized or have previously been exposed to the virus, will become infected. Most often the measles virus is spread remotely through air droplets. So, if you are on an air plane with someone who has the measles, a simple sneeze or cough could potentially infect everyone on board. Babies and young children are the most susceptible for catching the measles. The symptoms of measles usually develop 8 to 14 days after the initial infection. There are two phases that occur- the pre-eruptive catarrhal stage and the non-infectious rash stage. Each stage has specific symptoms associated with it. The catarrhal stage can last for 1-2 days. Often this stage will be accompanied by a cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis and a high fever. Small red spots with white centers often develop on the mucus membranes in the mouth. The non-infectious rash stage usually begins 3 to 5 days after the first onset of symptoms. A rash will appear on the head and neck and will spread to the entire body. Initially the rash will be red with flat discrete spots. After a week, the spots will combine to form larger areas of red that will eventually fade into a brownish color. This usually occurs before the rash disappears completely. Once the rash has disappeared the fever will return back to normal and the patient should recover within 4 to 5 days. Some common complications of measles include: -A bacterial infection in the middle ear. -Inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs. -Conjunctivitis -Bronchitis -Gastro-enteritis -Croup There is a measles vaccine that can be administered to infants between 12 -15 months. This is known as the MMR vaccine and is a two part vaccine with the final booster being administered at 4-6 years.
Bottle fed infants are at the greatest risk for developing candidiasis, a fungal infection that can affect the mouth, alimentary canal, skin, vulva, vagina and anus. This infection is also common in children and adults. The symptoms for candidiasis will be vary depending on the particular area that is affected.
Candida is a natural part of the normal flora in the human body. The mouth, skin, vagina, and alimentary canal are areas of the body that are home to candida. Under normal health conditions, candida helps the body. However, the bacteria can proliferate and become pathogenic. This often occurs if a person has a weak immune system, is diabetic, or takes certain types of medications like antibiotics.
Candidiasis is caused by the fugus Candida albicans. There are several different types of Candida that can affect the body and create infection. Some infections may be caused by taking medications, such as antibiotics, steroid inhalers, or contraceptive pills. These types of medications can disturb the natural balance of the body and allow the fungus to multiply out of control. Several disorders such as Addison’s disease and hypoparathyroidism have been associated with candida.
These are some common symptoms associated with skin candidiasis:
-Red, itchy, plaque-like lesions may develop under the breasts, and in the folds of the skin. This is common for infants who have a lot of baby fat and obese people.
-Babies may have sore, raised red rash with pimples in the anal cleft and vulval regions.
Oral symptoms can include:
-White patches on the mucus linings of the oral cavity and pharynx. These patches will be sore and are often accompanied with redness of the palate and mucosa.
-The corners of the mouth may crack.
-This infection can affect the esophagus, making swallowing difficult.
-Some patients will have a sore tongue.
Genital symptoms include:
-Vaginitis often results when the candida proliferates out of control. This usually causes inflammation and a thick white discharge with itching. The mucosa lining often swells and is sore.
Rubella is a mild viral infection that can cause a rash or fever in an infected individual. This viral infection is most commonly known as German measles, even though there is no actual connection to measles. This virus can affect infants and adults and rarely causes any complications. However, there are some serious complications associated with Rubella and as a midwife would be good to know….they primarily affect infants after maternal infection in the first trimester.
Some common symptoms of rubella are usually seen two to three weeks after infection. Most symptoms are mild and may include:
-A pink rash that spreads downward from the face. This usually affects 50 percent of cases and is typically the first sign of infection. The rash will resemble the measles rash on the first day. However, there will be no additional measles symptoms. On the second day the rash will turn bright pink and merge into larger areas. On the third day the rash will usually disappear.
-The patient’s lymph nodes will be enlarged.
-Children may have a mild fever. Adults may have a high fever and headaches.
Some less common symptoms include:
-Joints that ache
-Enlarged spleen
-Conjunctivitis
-A red throat and cough
This viral infection is contagious for 10 days before the rash appears and for 10 days after the rash disappears.
There is no specific treatment for rubella. A rubella vaccine is often administered to infants as a preventive measure. It is administered as part of the MMR vaccine which is usually given to babies between 12-15 months. Women of child bearing age, who test negative to rubella antibodies, are urged to get vaccinated. Women who are pregnant, who have suppressed immune systems or who are allergic to the antibiotics neomycin and polymyxin should not be administered the rubella vaccine.
Because there is no specific treatment for rubella, most symptoms must be treated individually. The fever associated with the virus can be relieved by drinking lots of fluids and taking a fever reducing medication.
The varicella-zoster virus can cause two types of diseases that can affect both the young – chicken pox and shingles. Both diseases can be spread by droplet infection are considered infectious until all of the scabs fall off. Chickenpox is usually considered an adolescent disease but it is also very common in adults. Shingles is more common in adult life and is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, when the immune system is compromised.
The severity of the chickenpox virus depends mostly on the age of the infected person. Children with chickenpox will often have a rash on the body. Typically the child will not feel well. Adults that are infected will usually have more severe symptoms between the time that they are infected and when the infection actually appears. Symptoms during this period may include fever, malaise, headache, and a blotchy rash, which is not the same as the true rash which will develop.
The true rash will look the same in children and adults. It will appear pink/red with small raised spots that have small blisters. The spots are elliptical in shape and will erupt on the skin in irregular intervals over several days. There is a cycle of development. Firs the pink spot will appear on the skin. Next the small blister will protrude from the spot and finally a scab will form over the blister. The scab will eventually fall off and the skin beneath will be clear.
The chickenpox rash is usually distributed towards the center of the body. The trunk, face, scalp and upper limbs will be laden with the chickenpox rash. Severe attacks can cause the blisters to cover the entire body. The mouth, throat, nose and conjuctivae of the eyes can also develop blisters. The chickenpox virus is considered infectious until all of the scabs dry and fall off.
There is no specific treatment for chickenpox. There are several effective home remedies that have been passed down that work well. Topical anti-itch lotions can be applied. Talcum powder can also be used to relieve itching. Soaking in an oatmeal bath has also been found to help relieve itching. Some people cover the blisters with clear nail polish to speed up the drying process.
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Lactation Consultant: Natural Ways To Improve Milk Supply
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Not every woman produces the same amount of milk for breastfeeding. Some women are have excellent milk production and require no assistance. Other woman may find making enough milk to satisfy their infants needs to be difficult. If you are having a hard time producing enough milk for your baby there are are several foods and herbs that are suggested by lactation consultants and you can take them to naturally help build milk supply.
Cereals: Eating cereals made from oats, barely and corn have been found to help make milk. Ideally, you should consume these cereals raw. Rolled oats can be made into milk. Barley is best soaked in water for two days until soft. Milk and honey can be added for flavor. Raw corn from the cob is aslo ideal for building your milk supply.
Onion Family: All members of the onion family are wonderful for making milk. Garlic, onions, chives, leeks and shallots can build your supply but may cause colic in your baby. Only eat members of the onion family in moderation and observe your baby’s response after breastfeeding. If your baby is fussy after meals, eat these types of foods sparingly.
Legumes: All legumes eaten fresh and raw or cooked are great for building your milk supply. Lentils and chickpeas have been found to be especially beneficial to milk production.
Raw fruits: Apples, pears, bananas, grapes and peaches are beneficial. Berries are also good. Citrus fruits are not beneficial at all and can decrease your milk production if they are eaten in excess.
Root vegetables: Root vegetables, especially carrots, sweet potatoes and parsnips are good for your milk supply.
Green herbs: Comfrey leaves, dill, coriander, watercress, and borage are excellent for milk production.
Seeds: Sunflower, celery, onion carrot and poppy seeds are beneficial.
