Breastfeeding at night is one of the most discussed topics at La Leche League meetings, both in person and online. This is often because breastfeeding at night, especially in the early days, can be so important to establishing a successful breastfeeding relationship. It is also because of its … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding at night
sleep
What happens at four months?
After the first three months, many mothers start to settle into a bit of a rhythm with their baby and begin to feel like life has become a bit more predictable. Then around four months (or anywhere between three and six months), babies seem to change all over again, sometimes becoming more fussy, … [Read more...] about What happens at four months?
“Fussy evenings” with a newborn
My baby feeds all evening, and my breasts feel empty – have I run out of milk? Every time I try to put my baby down to sleep, he cries! What am I doing wrong? Why does my baby cry at the breast sometimes, even though he still seems hungry? If you’ve ever asked questions like this during the … [Read more...] about “Fussy evenings” with a newborn
Reasons why night waking is a biological norm
One of the questions new parents are often asked is “Is he sleeping through the night yet?" Because formula-fed babies are perceived as sleeping for longer, mothers with night-waking babies can feel pressured to offer formula to try to encourage longer periods of sleep. Social expectations are … [Read more...] about Reasons why night waking is a biological norm
Supporting families with sleep
Many families feel uneasy about sharing aspects of their parenting style with their Healthcare Professional, including their sleep arrangements. Others end up bed-sharing in a situation where it was unplanned but is the only response they can think of to soothe an upset baby and an exhausted … [Read more...] about Supporting families with sleep
Letting Babies Cry – The Facts Behind the Studies
One of the biggest adjustments a new mother may have to make is to realise that babies can need their mothers twenty-four hours a day. From the moment a woman gives birth she can find herself bombarded with a vast array of ideas and suggestions, and this can lead to confusion on what she might … [Read more...] about Letting Babies Cry – The Facts Behind the Studies
I Need Some Sleep!
“I need some sleep! I'm at the end of my tether now my son is 10 months old. I thought his sleep had started to improve a little (he was ‘only’ waking once or twice a night) but in the past few weeks he's gone back to being up every hour, and always needing to nurse to settle. I'm just exhausted, … [Read more...] about I Need Some Sleep!
Thinking of Weaning?
Weaning is the process whereby a child learns to take nourishment other than his mother’s milk. It starts when the child is introduced to foods and drinks in addition to breastmilk, and ends when he finally stops nursing. Introducing a baby to the exciting world of food alongside breastfeeding is … [Read more...] about Thinking of Weaning?
Safer Sleep & the Breastfed Baby
“In most parts of the world... babies sleep close to their mothers, as they have through most of history.” - The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding A baby is born expecting to stay in close contact with his mother night and day, in order to keep safe, warm and well-fed. It is perfectly normal for … [Read more...] about Safer Sleep & the Breastfed Baby
Supporting a Breastfeeding Mother
New parents need time to adjust to their new roles. Life may change dramatically, especially for a first time mother—many women say they didn’t feel prepared for the emotional upheaval they experienced on becoming a mother. Even experienced mothers can have difficulties juggling the needs of the new … [Read more...] about Supporting a Breastfeeding Mother