What is Normal? - KellyMom.com

A Texas Photographer’s Public Breastfeeding Project

KellyMom — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 16:30:04 +0000

Text by Leilani Rogers I have 4 children, ages 8 to 15. I breastfed them all, but it was a tough journey. Breastfeeding was very important to me, it just did not come easy. My first 2 babies were premature, and that presented some unique challenges. Advocating for my baby and myself did not […]

The post A Texas Photographer’s Public Breastfeeding Project first appeared on KellyMom.com.

Are mothers supposed to love breastfeeding 24 hours a day?

KellyMom — Fri, 21 May 2021 04:46:25 +0000

by Glenda Dickerson, IBCLC. Reprinted with permission from the author. If there is a day or week where you no longer feel like you are loving or even enjoying breastfeeding, does it mean that this is the right time to stop? I have felt for years that many mothers wean because they thought they were […]

The post Are mothers supposed to love breastfeeding 24 hours a day? first appeared on KellyMom.com.

Average Toddler Growth

KellyMom — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 02:58:59 +0000

Some things to look at to determine that your child is getting appropriate nutrition...

The post Average Toddler Growth first appeared on KellyMom.com.

Average Weight Gain for Breastfed Babies

KellyMom — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 18:42:46 +0000

A few things to keep in mind when evaluating weight gain

A 5-7% weight loss during the first 3-4 days after birth is normal. A 10% weight loss is sometimes considered normal, but this amount of weight loss is a sign that the breastfeeding needs to be evaluated. It's a good idea to have a routine weight check at 5 days (baby should be gaining rather than losing weight by day 5), so that any developing problems can be caught and remedied early.

The post Average Weight Gain for Breastfed Babies first appeared on KellyMom.com.

Average Weight Gain for Breastfed Babies (Metric)

KellyMom — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 18:56:42 +0000

It is acceptable for some babies to gain 4-5 ounces (113-142 grams) per week.

The average breastfed baby doubles birth weight by 3-4 months. By one year, the typical breastfed baby will weigh about 2 1/2 – 3 times birth weight.

The post Average Weight Gain for Breastfed Babies (Metric) first appeared on KellyMom.com.

Breastfeeding and Fertility

KellyMom — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 00:22:11 +0000

How can I use breastfeeding to prevent pregnancy?

The Exclusive Breastfeeding method of birth control is also called the Lactational Amenorrhea Method of birth control, or LAM. Lactational amenorrhea refers to the natural postpartum infertility that occurs when a woman is not menstruating due to breastfeeding. Many mothers receive conflicting information on the subject of breastfeeding and fertility.

The post Breastfeeding and Fertility first appeared on KellyMom.com.

Breastfeeding in Public

KellyMom — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 19:14:39 +0000

Breastfeeding in public tends to be controversial. However, if a bottle-fed baby can have her dinner in public, why shouldn't a breastfed baby have the same rights? I have certainly never seen a public restroom that I would like to feed my baby in! And I'm certainly not going to stay cooped up at home all the time because I'm afraid that my baby will get hungry while we're gone

The post Breastfeeding in Public first appeared on KellyMom.com.

Breastfeeding to Sleep and Other Comfort Nursing

KellyMom — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:30:58 +0000

Many moms feel guilty for nursing their baby to sleep. Nursing your baby to sleep is not a bad thing to do! It's very normal and developmentally appropriate for babies to nurse to sleep and to wake 1-3 times during the night for the first year or so. Some babies don't do this, but they are the exception, not the rule. Many children, if given the choice, prefer to nurse to sleep through the second year and beyond. Nursing is obviously designed to comfort baby and to help baby sleep, and I've never seen a convincing reason why mothers shouldn't use this wonderful "tool" that we've been given.

The post Breastfeeding to Sleep and Other Comfort Nursing first appeared on KellyMom.com.

Breastfeeding your newborn — what to expect in the early weeks

KellyMom — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 20:08:45 +0000

Frequent nursing encourages good milk supply and reduces engorgement. Aim for breastfeeding at least 10 - 12 times per day (24 hours). You CAN'T breastfeed too often--you CAN breastfeed too little. Nurse at the first signs of hunger (stirring, rooting, hands in mouth)--don't wait until baby is crying. Allow baby unlimited time at the breast when sucking actively, then offer the second breast. Some newborns are excessively sleepy at first--wake baby to nurse if 2 hours (during the day) or 4 hours (at night) have passed without nursing.

The post Breastfeeding your newborn — what to expect in the early weeks first appeared on KellyMom.com.

Breastfeeding Your Toddler: What to expect

KellyMom — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 19:42:36 +0000

Are you considering breastfeeding your baby into toddlerhood and wondering how the breastfeeding relationship will change? Are you wondering if your toddler is trying to wean, or wondering why your toddler is suddenly breastfeeding round the clock? Here are a few observations on typical toddler breastfeeding behavior. As always, the way your particular baby approaches nursing will also depend on her unique personality.

The post Breastfeeding Your Toddler: What to expect first appeared on KellyMom.com.