August 2: What to Expect Postpartum

We'll talk about what to expect postpartum - in your body, in emotions, with your baby, etc

When: 6:30-8 pm on August 2

Where: Bump room (2nd level by fish tank) in Prescott Public Library

Kids are welcome, as well as both moms and dads.

Keeping up-to-date on breastfeeding

Unfortunately, no one was able to make it to today's Dar a Luz meeting on breastfeeding. But here's a little tidbit to keep in mind on breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding science is constantly changing. Be aware of that when asking for advice - does the person you're asking keep up with the latest changes? There are drastic changes from a generation ago. For example, my mother told me during my first pregnancy to toughen my nipples before the birth to avoid sore nipples. More recent research has found no benefit from this - instead, attention to a good latch is more important.

I'm currently reading the 2010 edition of The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, which has the latest updates. Here's a couple. First, recent research has found laid-back positions for breastfeeding to be beneficial for helping the baby latch and keeping breastfeeding comfortable. Second, the recommendation has been to pump or express a little if the breasts are so engorged that the baby cannot latch on. Now, we know that pumping can increase the pressure around the nipple and make the problem worse. Instead, reverse pressure softening is recommended right before nursing.