Your Pregnancy and Beyond » Breastfeeding Facts

Folic Acid

Hill — Sun, 10 May 2009 00:22:58 +0000

Pregnant women need approximately 400mcg of folic acid daily to prevent birth defects.

Sex and Pregnancy

Hill — Sun, 10 May 2009 00:19:20 +0000

For most, sex is safe during pregnancy. However, if you are having complications you should avoid it. Spotting and some minor abdominal cramping can be expected after intercourse. Please contact your midwife/doctor if you experience vaginal bleeding, loss of fluid, or regular cramps/contractions.

Pregnancy Positions

Hill — Sun, 10 May 2009 00:05:25 +0000

After 20 weeks, it is recommended that mom not sleep or lay on her back. By doing so, you a putting pressure on major blood vessels that provide blood and oxygen to the baby. Sleeping or laying on your left side increases blood flow to the baby and reduce swelling in the legs.

Meconium

Hill — Sun, 10 May 2009 00:02:05 +0000

Meconium (baby’s first bowel movement) is a thick tarry substance that is found in your baby’s intestines near birth. It is passed during the first days of baby’s life. The presence of meconium in the amniotic fluid during labor may indicate fetal distress. If meconium is present during the labor process your labor team will invoke the necessary precautions for a safe labor and delivery.

AAP Reccomendations

Hill — Sat, 09 May 2009 23:49:07 +0000

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding (no water, juice, solids, or other artificial milk) for 6 months.

Taste of Breastmilk

Hill — Sat, 09 May 2009 21:10:06 +0000

The smell and taste of breastmilk can change depending on your diet. This may help develop good feeding habits in your baby.

Caloric Requirement

Hill — Sat, 09 May 2009 21:09:35 +0000

The average mother burns 500 calories a day breastfeeding. That’s 1 pound a week!

Solids

Hill — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 02:00:50 +0000

Mothers should avoid giving infants cereal to help them sleep at night. Mothers should also avoid offering cereal to their infants in bottles.

Longterm Breastfeeding

Hill — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 01:19:48 +0000

Mothers who begin to breastfeed within 1 hour of delivery tend to nurse longer than those who do not.

Alcohol and Breastfeeding

Hill — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 01:18:17 +0000

Consuming large amounts of alcohol can prohibit the let-down reflex. Alcohol passes freely in breastmilk and can cause the infant to become drowsy. ‘Pumping and Dumping’ will not speed up the elimination of alcohol from breastmilk.