Mother's Haven

A good latch is essential for comfortable, effective breastfeeding. Follow these steps:

• Position your baby so their nose is level with your nipple
• Wait for a wide open mouth before bringing baby to breast
• Aim your nipple toward the roof of baby's mouth
• Ensure baby takes a large mouthful of breast, not just the nipple
• Look for flanged lips (like fish lips) and audible swallowing

Signs of a good latch include comfortable nursing, rounded cheeks, and rhythmic sucking/swallowing.

Experiment with different positions to find what works best for you and your baby:

• Cradle Hold: Classic position with baby's head in the crook of your arm
• Cross-Cradle Hold: More control for newborns, opposite arm supports baby
• Football Hold: Ideal for c-section recovery or twins, baby tucked under arm
• Side-Lying Position: Comfortable for night feedings, both lying on sides
• Laid-Back Nursing: Reclined position using gravity to help baby latch

To establish and maintain a healthy milk supply:

• Nurse frequently (8-12 times per 24 hours in early weeks)
• Ensure proper latch and positioning
• Offer both breasts at each feeding
• Practice skin-to-skin contact
• Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet
• Consider pumping after feedings if needed
• Try galactagogues like oats, fenugreek, or brewer's yeast
• Rest when possible (sleep impacts prolactin levels)

Most importantly, remember that perceived low supply is common but actual low supply is rare. Consult a lactation consultant if concerned.

Sore Nipples: Usually indicates latch issues. Check positioning, use lanolin cream, and let nipples air dry after feedings.

Engorgement: Nurse frequently, apply warm compresses before feeding and cold compresses after, hand express for comfort.

Mastitis: Continue nursing, rest, massage affected area, use warm compresses, and consult a doctor if fever develops.

Thrush: Look for shiny, flaky nipples and white patches in baby's mouth. Both mother and baby need treatment.

Low Supply Concerns: Track wet/dirty diapers (6+ per day is good), monitor weight gain, and consult a lactation professional.

Yes, exercise is generally safe and beneficial during pregnancy if you have an uncomplicated pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week for pregnant women.

Recommended activities include:

• Walking
• Swimming
• Prenatal yoga
• Stationary cycling
• Low-impact aerobics

Avoid activities with high risk of falling or abdominal trauma, and stop any exercise that causes pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or continuing an exercise routine during pregnancy.

Postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms may include:

• Persistent sadness, anxiety, or "empty" mood
• Irritability or anger
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
• Fatigue or abnormal decrease in energy
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Sleep disturbances (sleeping too much or too little)
• Appetite changes
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

If these symptoms last more than two weeks or interfere with your ability to care for yourself or your baby, seek professional help immediately. PPD is treatable with therapy, support groups, and sometimes medication.

Signs your baby is getting enough milk include:

• 8-12 feedings per 24 hours in early weeks
• Audible swallowing during feedings
• Baby seems content after feedings
• Breasts feel softer after feeding
• 6+ wet diapers and 3-4 dirty diapers per day after day 5
• Steady weight gain (after initial newborn weight loss)

Contact a lactation consultant or pediatrician if you're concerned about milk intake, especially if baby seems lethargic, has fewer than 6 wet diapers, or isn't gaining weight appropriately.