The Birth Song Botanicals Blog

Five Benefits to Extended Breastfeeding

Five Benefits to Extended Breastfeeding
Extended breastfeeding, or breastfeeding beyond the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended 1 year of age is still far from the norm in the United States, although there are many reasons why a mother and child may choose to continue their nursing relationship. Here are some common reasons why mothers may choose to continue to nurse beyond a year. Continue reading

How Breastfeeding Changes As Baby Grows

How Breastfeeding Changes As Baby Grows
Breastfeeding changes as your baby gets older. But how, exactly? One of the amazing things about your breastmilk is that it does change in composition based on what your baby and growing child needs. But beyond that, how does your experience of breastfeeding change? Once you have moved beyond the first three months of non-stop nursing and are more out and about, what is it like then? Once you have gotten your latch down, when you can just put your baby in the general area of your breast, what are the challenges then? Well, there are still some. They aren’t as challenging as the sore nipples and latch issues of the first couple of weeks, and they may even be kind of funny, but they are still there. Continue reading

How to Achieve A Proper Breastfeeding Latch

How to Achieve A Proper Breastfeeding Latch
A good latch is the strong foundation you need to have a successful breastfeeding experience. A healthy latch will reduce nipple soreness and encourage your baby to suckle deeply, which stimulates your milk to flow. Sometimes a good latch comes easily, but in many cases, you will need to work with your baby to get the latch you need. This is the first time for your baby to breastfeed too! And don’t worry, soon enough you and your baby will be breastfeeding easily, and you won’t even have to think about it. It may take some work to get there, but you can most likely meet your breastfeeding goals. Continue reading

Normal Weight Gain for Breastfed Babies

Normal Weight Gain for Breastfed Babies
If there is anything a new momma wants more than anything else, it is for her baby to be healthy and thriving. One of the main ways that we can tell your baby is healthy is through her weight gain. Knowing what to look for, how much your baby should be gaining, and how to know what is healthy goes a long way towards relieving any worry you may have. Continue reading

Do I Need A Breast Pump?

Do I Need A Breast Pump?
Do you really need a breast pump? It’s become a standard assumption that most moms will need a breast pump to increase their supply of breastmilk. Here we explore the reasons why you may or may not need a breast pump so you can make your own decision about this sometimes pricey and frustrating piece of equipment. Continue reading

What I Wish I Knew About Breastfeeding Before Baby Was Born

What I Wish I Knew About Breastfeeding Before Baby Was Born
We all have our ideas about how breastfeeding will go for us, especially if we haven’t breastfed before.  Well reality is usually much, much different. And there is not that much glowing. There are latch issues, and fussy babes, and tired mamas, and sore nipples, and everyone is worn out and cranky and in need of some food and a nap. Continue reading

Self Care Must Haves for Labor

Self Care Must Haves for Labor

...taking care of yourself during your labor and delivery and immediate postpartum period is so vitally important. Birth calls upon your strength in ways you may not have experienced before. Providing the environment for that strength to fully emerge is what self care is all about.

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Healthy Snacks for Breastfeeding

Healthy Snacks for Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding nutrition does not have to be complicated. Simple, whole food, with a focus on nutrient dense ingredients, will help to give you what you need while you are healing after the birth of your baby and building your milk supply. And it can be delicious! Bon appetite to you - and your nursling! Continue reading

Breastfeeding While Pregnant

Breastfeeding While Pregnant
Sometimes, the first sign that you are pregnant is sore nipples. If you are still nursing your infant or toddler, those sore nipples may be extra sensitive and may cause you to question whether or not you want to continue nursing throughout your pregnancy. If you are nearing the end of your breastfeeding relationship with your current child, a pregnancy may push you to finalize weaning. However, if you want to continue nursing, there are things you can do to make the experience more comfortable for you and your baby. Continue reading

Breastfeeding and Birth Control

Breastfeeding and Birth Control
Although being pregnant again may be the last thing on your mind when you are first breastfeeding and getting to know your new baby, at some point you will need to consider how you will handle birth control. There are many factors to consider, and it is good to think about what you will do before you and your partner begin to engage sexually. Talking with your partner before you begin to have sex will also give you time to share what is important to both of you, how you both think and feel about the possibility of you becoming pregnant again, and what birth control options will be best. Continue reading