Sean's World

What to do About a Plugged Milk Duct:

A tender spot, reddened area, or lump in the breast with no fever may be a plugged milk duct
Apply wet or dry heat to the affected area
Gently massage the area, beginning behind the plugged duct (near the chest)and work downward toward the nipple
Breastfeed baby on the affected side first
Increase frequency and duration of feedings
If possible, position the baby so the lower jaw is near the plugged duct
Use a pump or manually express to remove milk
Drink plenty of fluids - eight ounces, eight times in 24 hours!
Get lots of rest
Clogged milk ducts are often associated with fatigue - the body is telling mom to take it easy
Breast infection is signified by redness or extreme tenderness in one or both breasts, with fever, chills and fatigue; mother needs to contact her physician!
Infections often occur during the second or third week postpartum, but may occur at any time
It is important to take antibiotics according to your doctor's instructions
Breast-feeding can continue, milk needs to be removed from the breast frequently by feeding or pumping
Apply moist heat to the breast
Drink plenty of fluids
Rest! - Act as if you are sick with the flu - get help and go to bed
Wear a supportive, non-binding bra
Use a bra extender
Avoid constrictive clothing and heavy backpacks


What to do About Leaking Breasts:

It is normal for milk to leak in the early weeks, but soon mother's body will adjust to baby's needs.
Breastfeed frequently
Use nursing pads and cotton cloths
To temporarily stop the flow of milk, place palm of hand over nipple and press into chest wall or cross arms over chest at nipple level and press into chest
Wear loose-fitting clothing with a print design, wear blazers, sweaters, bring an extra shirt


How to Rouse a Sleepy Baby:

Dim the room
Speak softly
Unwrap the baby and change his/her diaper, leave baby in just diaper to feed
Massage gently
Support baby's head and neck, sit baby upright, rub baby's back, gently walking fingertips up the sides of baby's spine
Let baby fuss a little to become more awake


How to Calm a Fussy Baby:

Dim the room
Skin-to-skin contact
Talk in a soft, soothing voice
Gentle massage
Change baby's clothing/diaper
White noise (vacuum cleaner, shower, clothes dryer, etc.)
Soft music
Warm bath


Involvement of Father/Family Members:

Give baby a bath
Change the baby's diaper
Massage the baby
Jaw massage - gentle circles in front of baby's ears before feedings to relax the lower jaw
Gentle circles around the crown of baby's head to stimulate suckling at the breast
Gentle, pulsating touch to palm of baby's hand or sole of baby's foot to stimulate suckling
Massage mother's upper back and neck muscles during a feeding or pumping session
Get or prepare healthy snacks for mom to eat or drink
Offer to run errands, hold baby while mom showers or takes care of other self care needs
Do laundry, housekeeping and take care of meals - mom needs to rest and recover and concentrate on feeding the baby
Offer to take the baby for a walk in the yard in the evening - this gives mom a little break
Keep visitors and phone calls to a minimum so mom and baby have plenty of free, unpressured time to practice
Dads can practice soothing techniques to use when baby is unable to breastfeed
Dads should try to have some time every day to be alone with the baby


How to Pump:

If baby is unable to go to the breast, mother may begin pumping any time after delivery
Usually it is best to pump every two to three hours during the day and once or twice at night
For extra stimulation to milk supply or to obtain milk for a later feeding, pump an hour after a feeding
Before pumping, apply warm, wet cloths over breasts (warm water in a disposable diaper works well instead of a cloth)
Massage breasts using the same circular motion used for breast self examinations
Moisten flange on breast pump for a tight seal with breast tissue
Apply warm, wet cloths over breasts and pump flange while pumping
Sit in a comfortable position with good back support and a footstool
When using a manual pump, keep elbows close to your body
Start on the lowest setting and increase according to comfort level
Place a pillow on your lap to support bottles
When separated from baby, a picture of the baby or article of clothing with baby's scent can help milk to flow
Practice deep breathing exercises, close your eyes and relax while pumping


Single Pumping Schedule:Pump one breast, then the other, three times each, following this

schedule:First breast5 to 7 minutes
Second breast5 to 7 minutes
First breast3 to 5 minutes
Second breast3 to 5 minutes
First breast2 to 3 minutes
Second breast2 to 3 minutes
Double pumping schedule:Pump both breasts at the same time
Double pumping increases the hormone prolactin to help increase milk supply
Double pumping cuts pumping time in half, 10 to 15 minutes is usually sufficient


Breastmilk Storage/Thawing:

Unless being used immediately, refrigerate it within 1 hour.
Thaw/warm the milk in container of lukewarm water or running water.
Once milk is thawed, it should be used within 24 hours.
Once milk is warmed and not used for the feeding, it should be discarded.

Feeding Assessment

Feed every 2-3 hours or more frequently if needed. Infants are the best judge of their hunger. Listen to their feeding cues. 8-12 times a day is average.
Feeding cues to remember:
Wiggling in their sleep
Fluttering eyelids
Making sucking noise or motion with the mouth and bringing hands to the mouth
Infants may eat 10-20 minutes per side or more. If need be, let the baby nurse as long as he or she wants on the first side then offer the second.
Massage your breast to help remove more milk.
Don't force a sleepy baby to the breast. Give the baby a chance to show his or her hunger cues.
Don't give artificial milk unless no breastmilk is available, and infant has a medical reason to be supplemented

How to Breastfeed Discreetly:

Many mothers find that with practice and in time, it is easier for you to position the baby discreetly
Wear a loose, comfortable shirt, sweater or jacket
Unbutton blouses from the bottom
Drape a shawl/blanket over your shoulder
Practice techniques with the baby at home in front of a mirror
Breastfeeding becomes easier as baby grows and has more muscle control

Common Causes of Sore Nipples:

Improper positioning of the baby at the breast
Improper latch-on technique
Breaking suction improperly
Improper use of a breast pump
Use of plastic-backed nursing pads
Thrush - mother and baby should be treated by a physician
Comfort Measures for Sore Nipples:
Rub breastmilk onto nipple after feeding, let air dry
Use warm, wet cloths on nipple
Air dry nipple after feedings
Apply Lansinoh or Pure Lan to nipple four times in a 24-hour period
Use breast shells if clothing is irritating already sore nipples

Avoiding Sore Nipples:

Use proper positioning and latch-on techniques
Massage baby's jaw - gentle circles in front of baby's ears to relax baby's lower jaw
Draw down on baby's chin during latch-on
Use C-hold on breast tissue throughout the feeding
Tuck folded washcloths under larger breasts for support
Use a pillow for support for mother and baby
Mother could use a foot stool to help support the weight of the baby
Properly remove baby from breast - break suction with finger, don't just pull off
Use breast pumps properly
Avoid pushing in breast tissue to create an air pocket near baby's nose - inside-lying or cradle positions, bring baby's bottom closer to mother's body; in football hold, bring baby up slightly higher
Avoid plastic-backed nursing pads
If nursing pad sticks to sore nipples, pour warm water over pad for easy removal

What to do About Engorgement:

Breast fullness normally occurs around two to six days postpartum
When the breast is compressible, baby can latch on
If engorgement occurs, the breast may become hard, lumpy, painful, and difficult to compress, interfering with latch-on
Frequent breastfeeding can prevent engorgement
To treat engorgement, apply warm, wet cloths to breasts, shower, or immerse the breasts in a bowl of warm water
Very gently massage the breast tissue
Frequently remove milk from breast by feeding or pumping
Father or helper can massage mother's upper back and neck muscles during feeding or pumping sessions
Once breast tissue has softened, apply ice packs to breasts (plastic bags of frozen vegetables conform to the shape of the breast), place a layer of cloth between the ice pack and breast tissue
Wear a supportive, non-binding bra
Use a bra extender if your bra feels uncomfortably tight
Many times when breasts fill during engorgement, babies will have difficulty latching on - pump to soften the nipple and areola and then attempt to have the baby latch on.

Benefits of Breastfeeding

The nutrient balance in a mother's milk is just right for her infant as he/she grows.
There are at least 12 anti-inflammatory agents in breastmilk which promote healthy immune system.
Immunoglobulin-A in breastmilk protects the baby against Coxsakie B virus, Staph and E coli bacteria by painting the intestinal tract and blocking the pathogen's adherence to the mucous membrane.
Lactoferrin prevents the growth of pathogenic organisms such as E coli, Salmonella and Candida Albican by blocking iron utilization necessary for their survival.
Breastfeeding decreases the risk of childhood cancers, asthma, bacterial infections, diarrhea, allergies, diabetes and SIDS.
Breastfeeding keeps babies' teeth clean and helps develop better speech.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast, ovarian and endometrial cancer in mothers.
Breastfeeding mothers return to their pre-pregnancy weight sooner than their bottlefeeding counterparts.

Nutrition While Breastfeeding:

Eat a well-balanced, varied diet
Breastfeeding mothers burn 500+ calories daily
Check with your doctor about taking a multivitamin with iron
Drink eight glasses of fluid (eight ounces each) daily
Avoid or limit caffeinated drinks to one to two cups daily
Avoid alcohol or limit to one serving (six ounces of wine or 12 ounces of beer) on a special occasion

Prenatal and Breastfeeding Nutrition Guide:

The minimum recommended servings are based on a 2,200 calorie meal plan:
Bread, cereal, rice, pasta - nine to 11 servings
Vegetables - four to five servings
Fruits - three to four servings
Milk, yogurt, cheese - three to four servings of calcium-rich foods or a calcium supplement
Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dry beans, nuts - three servings
Saturated and trans fats, oils and sweets - use in small amounts
Pregnant teenagers need four to five servings of dairy products and four servings from the meat group to support their growth as well as their baby's growth

How to Increase Your Milk Supply:

Increase frequency and duration of feedings
Encourage baby to take several feedings early in the day when milk quantity is greater
Apply warm, wet cloths to breasts
Massage breasts before a feeding
Rest! - when you nap, prolactin levels increase

How to Decrease Milk Supply:

Suggest that mother continue to drink eight glasses of fluid (eight ounces each) daily
Limit intake of salt
Wear a supportive, non-binding bra
Pump to comfort
Drink plenty of fluids, but don't force fluids
Avoid nipple or breast stimulation
If you become engorged, use cold compresses or ice packs

Medications and Breastfeeding:

When medications are necessary, mother needs to inform her healthcare provider that she is breastfeeding
Always check with your physicians before taking over-the-counter medications

Happy 1 month to our handsome and adorable baby Sean LINUS!!!

Pink Birthmarks! Sean has some of them on the bridge of his nose, at the lower area of his right eye, just below his eye brow, on his back and on his scrotum (funny!).

Flat pink birthmarks occur ("stork bites") in more than 50 percent of newborns. The ones in front are often referred to as "an angel's kiss".

All the birthmarks on the bridge of the nose and eyelids clear completely. Those on the eyelids clear by 1 year of age; those on the bridge of the nose may persist for a few additional years.

Those on the forehead that run from the bridge of the nose up to the hairline usually persist into adult life. Laser treatment during infancy should be considered. Most birthmarks on the nape of the neck also clear, but 25 percent can persist into adult life.

Sean's pose for his 1st passport:) hmmm. ..pogi!

A big, big hug and a kiss from me to you...

Welcome Sean Linus F. Rafael!!!
MOm Liz delivered Sean last Friday at 7:35 in the morning, he weighs 8.14 pounds!!! We love you baby Sean! Kisses from Dad Nath, Mom liz, Ate Princess, Uncles, Aunties, grandmoms, grandpas' and dear cousins...:)

Dimps just called, there's already some blood...
Sean is coming.

Help us God.