Not Enough Milk for the Baby?

The most likely reason for milk drying up is the inhibition of the ejection reflex (the mechanism by which milk is ejected from the breast). This reduces the production of milk and gradually stops it completely. Often, the drying up has psychological reasons behind it — when people ask the mother whether her milk has… [ Continue Reading ]

Can’t Breast feed Your Baby?

If your problem is related to your inability to feed due to sore or cracked nipples, try massaging edible oil or ghee on it. This will soften the nipples and will make you get used to your baby’s suckling. Also try to be as comfortable as you can when the baby is suckling. Try to… [ Continue Reading ]

Suckling Difficulties: Not all babies suckle easily and naturally

Most babies suckle easily and naturally. They are born with the suckling reflex. To start the suckling reflex, a stimulus has to touch the baby’s hard palate. The stimulus is provided by the nipple, which has to be offered to the baby. But, occasionally a baby has to learn to suck. Especially in cases where… [ Continue Reading ]

Lactation Failure – Myth or Reality

Breast feeding is instinctive and most mothers take to it naturally. However, a lot of mothers switch over to formulae at the slightest problem. One of the most common causes cited for resorting to top feeds is inadequate milk production. Primary lactation failure is an extremely rare event. Usually it is due to secondary causes…. [ Continue Reading ]

Production of Milk and How it Reaches the Baby

Milk is produced in the mammary glands present in the breast. This glandular tissue is embedded in fat, giving the breast its round contours and size. The amount of glandular tissue in the breast is similar in amount in all women. Thus, milk production does not depend on the size of the breast. Milk production… [ Continue Reading ]

The Developing Baby – Part I

Feeling kicked that your 20-day-old daughter smiled at you? Actually she did not. Her cheek muscles just happened to move for no reason and you happened to be in her line of vision. Don’t be disappointed, it will be this way till your daughter learns to control her movements. In the first two months of… [ Continue Reading ]

Medication During Lactation

The phone rang at 5 am on Sunday morning. Sleepily I picked it up thinking it would be an emergency call from the hospital. To my surprise it was my friend Seema from Singapore. “Geeta, I am pregnant! Can you believe it?” she exclaimed loudly. After 10 long years! Naturally she was overjoyed, as it… [ Continue Reading ]

Initiation into Breastfeeding

Reeta is proud to experience motherhood for the first time. She started breastfeeding within an hour after delivery, as she was aware of the emotional bonding between the mother and baby. I was surprised when she came after seven days and asked for some medicines to reduce the milk formation. Her problem was common, “When… [ Continue Reading ]

Colostrum: Nature’s best gift for the new born baby

I went to meet Ria the next day after her delivery. She and her baby glowed in the soft light of the sun that was peeping in from the windows. Together, we admired the little bundle that was Ria’s daughter. Ria’s had been a normal delivery. I complimented her on how well she looked after… [ Continue Reading ]