While breastfeeding is the way nature intended we feed our offspring, it does not mean it will necessarily go smoothly, or be easy. If only it did, maybe all women would breastfeed.

Some women are lucky to have a good experience breastfeeding from the start. Their newborn baby latches on well, the milk comes in with no problems, and they experience relatively no pain. But not all women are so lucky. For a successful, relaxing nursing experience, you may need time to practice or get used to nursing, it may take your body some time to learn your baby’s needs (how much he eats and how often, etc.), etc. For a positive breastfeeding experience, it is suggested you start breastfeeding right after giving birth, and seek help from a lactation consultant while still in the hospital if needed.

Difficulties you may experience include:

Nipple soreness is common with first time moms. After all, you never had a baby feeding from your breasts before. This can last for a few weeks and if soreness doesn’t disappear, speak to a lactation consultant to see if your baby is latching on correctly or not, baby’s position while breastfeeding may need to be adjusted, or you may need to care for your nipples with creams.

Engorgement, or breast fullness, can be painful and if not treated can lead to infection. Engorgement is caused by congested blood vessels and milk buildup in the breast. The breasts feel swollen, hard to the touch, and painful. This fullness also leads to difficulties for your baby to feed, since the milk is not letting down, which can be frustrating for the both of you.

To overcome engorgement, try a warm bath or shower, and express milk yourself to relieve the fullness. To avoid it, try feeding more often or pumping out milk. If it is caused by difficulties nursing, try different breastfeeding positions and learn to relax while doing so.

Plugged milk duck is caused by milk buildup (which can happen if your baby is not feeding well or you are weaning). Symptoms include tenderness, heat and redness on the breast or a lump close to the surface of your skin. To relive the discomfort, massage your breast with mild pressure.

Mastitis is a breast infection. Its symptoms include fever, muscle aches, redness and tenderness on one breast. If you suspect you are suffering from mastitis, speak to your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. Causes for mastitis include: stress and exhaustion, cracked nipples, plugged milk ducts or engorgement, wearing constricting bra.

To treat mastitis your healthcare provider will prescribe antibiotics. Use warm compresses on the infected breast, rest and wear a comfortable bra. Continue breastfeeding from both breasts. The infected breast will heal faster if you keep nursing, or pump if you prefer. It is safe for your baby.

Thrush is a common yeast infection that can be passed between mom and baby through nursing. This type of an infection is hard to cure, but it largely uncommon. Symptoms include tender, deep pink nipples right after nursing, white patches and redness in baby’s mouth. If you suspect you may have thrush, contact your healthcare provider immediately for antifungal medication.

While you know and understand that pregnancy will bring about changes to your body, you may not expect your breasts to change so dramatically or to be effected by your pregnancy to such an extent. You may be expecting changes closer to the end or after the birth, when your body will be getting ready for breastfeeding, but you may not be aware that your breasts will start changing as early as your first trimester.

Some women report tenderness and hypersensitivity so early, that this was the first clue to their pregnancy. Other women suspected they were pregnant due to a darkening of their nipples and areolas (the skin around the nipple.) This change in color is caused by hormones which effect the skin’s pigmentation. At the same time, many women notice these types of changes to their breasts much later in the pregnancy or not at all.

Other changes to your breasts, other than their growing size, may include the appearance of green or darkened veins (due to the larger volume of blood in your body during pregnancy.) You may find that your nipples are leaking. This clear/yellow thick liquid is called colostrums and is extremely nutritious for your baby. You may also notice that your nipples stick out more and/or the areolas and nipple areas are larger in size.

These changes are caused by hormonal changes due to the pregnancy and effect different women differently. To handle some of these changes better and avoid being uncomfortable, get a good supportive bra, with an adjustable closure and no underwire.  Do not get a nursing bra before you give birth, as you will not know your final cup size. It is better to wait with this purchase, until about a week after childbirth, when your milk comes in and your breast size has reached its maximum.

After childbirth, if you choose to nurse, you will experience more breast related changes including the difficulties and challenges of breastfeeding, as well as, the joys and satisfactions like giving your baby the best, most suitable nutrition. You should know and accept, now, that your breasts will most likely NEVER return to their original shape. Who said being a mother is easy?

When you are expecting and are anxious to meet your baby, nine months may seem like a long time. But time flies between work, doctor visits and preparing for both the actual pregnancy and the arrival of your newborn.

Here are a few things to put on your to do list:

• It goes without saying that once you find out you are pregnant, you need to find an OBGYN or a Midwife to be your caregiver throughout the pregnancy. If you are not sure which is best suited for you, this is the time to learn the differences and make your educated choice.

• You will not need Maternity clothes right away, but when the time comes, don’t resist it. The weight gain is normal and healthy (unless otherwise noted by your caregiver) and there is no reason not to embrace and celebrate it. The beautiful curves of pregnancy can be enhanced with the right fit maternity clothes and make you feel and look better about the changes your body is going through.

• During your first prenatal visit, you will be asked about your work environment to determine if it is safe for you and your baby to continue what you do during your pregnancy, or if you need to make adjustments at work. This is for the health and safety of both you and your unborn baby.

• Deciding when to tell your employer about your pregnancy is up to you. There is no law requiring you to share your news at a specific point in the development of your pregnancy. Telling your employer can result in a sympathetic attitude, leading to better terms or more leniencies toward your situation. At the same time, your employer may not be so understanding. Make your decision based on your situation at work.

• You may want to consider seeking a Photographer to commemorate this special time in your life. It is usually best to have your maternal photo shoot between the fifth and seventh month of pregnancy, when you look and feel best. Earlier than those months, you may not be showing, and later, you may feel too heavy to do anything like this.

• Learn about Maternity leave in your state. It may look like you have lots of time before you will need to know the facts about maternity leave, but time flies and it is always smart to do your research in advance. This way, if you are not eligible for maternity leave, you’ll be prepared and make the necessary arrangements.

Revise your list to reflect the things you would like to get accomplished before your life will change completely…and for the better!

While for some new moms deciding how long to breastfeed for is a non issue, as they are planning to breastfeed for as long as they physically can, or for as long as their little one is interested, other new moms may be facing a harder time with the concept of breastfeeding and providing their baby with the best possible nutrition.

You may find that your plans are harder to execute than you anticipated, your child has their own will, or that your body has issues you may not have been aware of before. If you are interested in breastfeeding, don’t get discouraged by difficulties. You can get assistance from a lactation consultant or speak to your doctor and see what can be done. If for any reason your breastfeeding experience is cut short, try to accept the situation. It may be different with your next child.

Some reasons that may lead to an early termination of your breastfeeding experience may include:

You may have plans to be nursing your baby for x number of months or years, but your baby has his own thoughts in the matter. Some babies wean themselves at some point, while others have a harder time. If your baby looses interest in the breast, he may be ready to wean himself. It may be harder for you to accept if you had your heart set to nurse for a while longer, but as long as your baby is happy and gets the nutrition he needs from other sources, there is no need to worry. You can continue to express (pump) your milk and bottle feed it to your baby if you wish.

Some women experience dry spells, especially when returning to work. When you stop breastfeeding on a regular basis your milk supply may decrease. Also the added stress in balancing your new lifestyle, leaving your baby for longer periods of time and other emotional factors as well as fatigue, all add up and may influence your milk supply.

If you are experiencing a dry spell but wish to continue breastfeeding, don’t give up! There are ways to help your body produce more milk such as fenugreek supplements, mother’s milk tea and more. Speak to a lactation consultant to see what will be best for you.

Some new moms find that a medical condition prevents them from breastfeeding or continuing to breastfeed. If you suffer from a chronicle condition that requires you to take medication that is not safe for your baby, you may have to stop breastfeeding.

Women who have had breast enlargement or reduction may experience difficulties breastfeeding as well. This depends on the type of surgery you had. Speak to your doctor or a lactation consultant about any questions or concerns you may have.

Remember, although breastfeeding is a great way to both provide your baby with good nutrition and bonding time, there are other ways and solutions. If you find that you cannot breastfeed, it is NOT the end of the world. Remember, you may have a different experience with you next pregnancy/child.

For some new moms deciding how long to breastfeed is a non issue, as they are planning to breastfeed for as long as they physically can, or for as long as their little one is interested, while other new moms may be facing a harder time with the concept of breastfeeding and providing their baby with the best possible nutrition.

Even if you plan to breastfeeding for a while, you may be forced to stop for different reasons. Here are a few of those:

You may have plans to be nursing you baby for ‘x’ number of months or years, but your baby has his own thoughts in the matter. Some babies wean themselves at some point, while others have a harder time. If your baby loses interest in the breast, he may be ready to wean himself. It may be harder for you to accept this hint if you had your heart set to nurse for a while longer, but as long as your baby is happy and gets the nutrition he needs from other sources, there is no need to worry.

Some women experience dry spells, especially when returning to work. When you stop breastfeeding on a regular basis your milk supply may decrease. Also the added stress in balancing your new lifestyle, leaving your baby for longer periods of time and other emotional factors including fatigue, all add up and may influence your milk supply.

If you are experiencing a dry spell but wish to continue breastfeeding, don’t give up! There are ways to help your body produce more milk such as fenugreek supplements, mother’s milk tea and more. Speek to a lactation consultant to see what will be best for you.

If you have certain chronic illnesses, you may be required to return to taking medications you could not consume during your pregnancy. These medications may be harmful for your baby and you will be forced to stop breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor before resuming any medication while breastfeeding. There may be supplements to your medication, but not all medications have alternatives that will allow you to keep breastfeeding.

Mastitis is a nasty breast infection that can infect breastfeeding moms. When infected, you will have to cease breastfeeding during treatment, which may lead to weaning altogether even if it is not your intention.

It is important to remember, that no matter what happens, you have done your best and whether you breastfeed your baby for a couple of months or a couple of years, it will not affect your relationship with your child or dictate how good a mother you are. Don’t be hard on yourself and seek medical (or other) help when needed to assure the health of both yourself and your little one.

After breastfeeding your baby for a few months, the time may come when you want to wean your baby from breast milk. Your baby is teething, the biting has become too painful, you want your breasts back to yourself, or maybe your baby is growing older and you just think it is time- no matter what the reason may be, you should take charge and make the decision. You do not need to wait for your baby / toddler to wean himself/herself, which can take much longer than you are willing to allow for.

Think before you act. If you are ready to wean your baby, try to start gradually and replace breast feedings with the bottle or solids depending on your baby’s age and current diet. Once you are left with one or two breast feedings a day, you may be ready to stop all together.

Depending on your baby’s nature and attachment to the breast, it can be a tough transition for the both of you. You may find your baby having a harder time falling asleep as he has become accustomed to breastfeeding before bed, or it might take longer to calm him down as he has grown used to expecting the breast for comfort. You should expect to face a few challenging days, even weeks, before your baby will accept this change. Make sure to offer the bottle instead and do not be discouraged if he refuses to take it. With time he will change his ways.

While your baby adapts to the changes, your body will take a little while to adjust as well. It usually takes about two weeks for your breast milk to dry out completely, and it can be quit painful for a while. Your milk production will continue in the beginning, not knowing about your decision to stop breastfeeding.

To relieve the pain and get you through this phase, here are some suggestions: wear a sports bra that is one or two sizes smaller, cold cabbage leaves in your bra will both help stop milk production and relieve the pain, you can also take Motrin if the pain is overwhelming. Do not stimulate your breasts- shower with your back to the water stream and try not to get any water on your breasts. Avoid anyone touching your breasts as they are sensitive during this phase. Lastly, do not pump, unless you want to keep your milk supply running. And stick to your decision.

If you break the weaning mid-process, it will be that much harder to wean your baby the second time around.  So before you wean, make sure you are ready for it!

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Breastfeeding is the natural way to feed babies. Breast milk is designed to provide a baby with all its needs right from the start. Right after birth and for the first 3-5 days after, your body produces colostrum, which is a thick yellow fluid, rich in protein, low in fat, and high in carbohydrate, and antibodies to help keep your baby healthy. Within the first week after birth, your milk will come in, replacing the colostrum, and it will change in content with your baby’s growth.

Creating a solid basis for breastfeeding is important for a good mutual nursing experience for both you and your baby. The key to breastfeeding successfully is a proper latch. When there is a good latch, the baby will get the milk or colostrums needed to grow and get stronger, while simultaneously stimulating your body to produce more milk.

A poor latch can lead to a malnourished and frustrated baby, which in turn may discourage Mom. More so, a poor latch can cause the Mother nipple pain – if not cracking and bleeding. If the baby does not get milk, you may experience engorgement, which is painful and will make it even harder for your baby to breastfeed.

A good nursing position is important in achieving a proper latch. You can start practicing right in the delivery room, minutes after your baby was born. Skin to skin contact is important, and tummy to tummy positioning with easy access to the breast is crucial. If you have doubt or any questions, you should ask to see a lactation consultant in the hospital.

Where there is demand, there is milk. If you wait for your milk to come in before you start breastfeeding, you will miss out on the breastfeeding experience. Almost all mothers can breastfeed, but you have to stimulate your body to do so. All you need to do is allow your baby to do what is natural, for your body to get the signal. It is that simple.

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Breastfeeding is a very personal and intimate activity between you and your baby, and deciding to wean your baby, and when can (but doesn’t have to) be a bit tricky, if not painful process for the both of you.

It is really up to you to decide when is a good time to quit ‘the boob’, or when you have just had enough (which is a normal  – do not beat yourself up. You have given your baby a lot already just giving him colostrum). There is no right or wrong (or magic) age for weaning, so go with your gut feeling. Of course you want to make sure your baby has supplements (formula or solids, depending on both age and weather he has teethes). You can try those before or during the time you choose to wean your baby.

It is recommended to wean gradually, and not just stop breastfeeding altogether one day. The later way will certainly be more painful for the both of you. It can potentially be traumatic for your baby, and you will be facing engorgement and may risk getting mastitis (a breast infection). Instead, start by skipping a feeding, and replace it with formula or solids. This way your body will learn to gradually produce less milk.

Don’t be discouraged if your baby denies other foods, but try other options. For example, if your baby refuses formula, try warming it up a bit. Breast milk is at body temperature, formula refusal may be due to too many changes (both in taste, smell and temperature).

Some babies wean themselves when they are ready (even if you may not be), which saves you from having to do it for them. But if you are ready before your baby is, start slowly and together you will reach the goal!

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When you think of your pregnancy, or your baby, you don’t commonly consider the changes that your body will endure in the process. Yes, you expect your belly to grow, but once you deliver you also wish for your body back and your baby belly to disappear. After all, you delivered, the baby is no longer inside and therefore your belly should go back to its normal state. Right? Well, not quite…it may take a little while.

Your genes (go ask you Mother about her experience to know what your starting point is!), along with your diet and lifestyle will dictate how your body will act post delivery. There is no magic wand to help you get your flat belly back (be true to yourself, was it really flat before the pregnancy?), and no way around having to exercise. Do so only after your doctor clears you to, after your six weeks postpartum check up.

Stretch marks appear due to stretching of your skin during pregnancy. If you have stretch marks, they are probably purple red in color. They will fade to some degree, but a scar will remain. If you absolutely can not live with these scars, wait for at least one year before you consider surgery. Tanning helps in some cases too.

Your breasts will endure the most dramatic change. During pregnancy you may have noticed that your breasts have increased in size. After delivery they enlarge even more due to your milk coming in. If you are breastfeeding you may also experience nipple pains such as cracking, engorgement of your breasts and leaking. These conditions will stabilize within a month or so. Just be patent and use lanolin or another ointment to relive the pain.

After nine month without experiencing your period, it may take you by surprise that you are bleeding so heavily and for so long after you give birth. Lochia (postpartum bleeding) usually lasts 4-8 weeks. This is normal. Your body is cleaning itself and unless you are passing through large clots of blood, there is no reason to be alarmed. The bleeding will get less intense and the red color will change to a brownish one. During this time use heavy duty pads. Do not use tampons.

Yes, things change after having a baby, your body included. Embrace the changes you approve of or cannot control (like sleepless nights with your baby and new emotions of love), and take action to change the ones you disapprove of (maybe start exercising to get your pre pregnancy shape back).

I returned to work when my baby girl was 10 weeks old. I had gotten myself a Medela In style pump and thought I was ready face the challenges of going back to work while I was still breastfeeding.

Well, after the first day back at work it became clear that it is not THAT EASY! The first week was hard because I missed my baby girl and felt like I was a horrible Mom leaving her alone like that (Daddy was with her, which should have made me better, but still I felt guilty). Between that and other stresses, lack of sleep and adequate nutrition, I suddenly found that I had no milk to pump.

Frustrated and worried, I called a lactation consultant, who recommended Fenugreek supplements. She also suggested I make sure I eat and try to sleep when possible AND when pumping she said in her Australian accent, “and for God sakes, don’t look at the pump. It’s not a contest! Read a magazine or book instead.”

It worked! It really did! After about 10 days I stop taking the Fenugreek capsules and still maintained a high milk supply.

My daughter is now almost 7 months old. And a few weeks ago I had another dry spell. I though this time it was IT – no more milk for good. Then I came to my senses and bought Fenugreek capsules & Organic Mother’s Milk Tea and that same day I started using both – my milk supply went up dramatically! After experiencing two separate episodes of decreased milk supply I’ve learned that these dry spells can happen periodically.  Many of my other friend moms have told me they’ve experienced the same thing.

So, for all you out there, I recommend to NOT PANIC if you find that your milk supply begins to decrease! I would recommend any mother struggling to maintain their milk supply get Fenugreek capsules & Organic Mother’s Milk Tea, and make sure you are eating well and getting plenty of rest!