Holidays and Plugged Ducts

The winter season is upon us, and one thing I always like to talk about is plugged ducts. No, really...we see them so much more around holidays! Often it's because well-meaning friends and family want to hold and enjoy your baby and then feedings are delayed. Moms can also get run down, with too much activity and not enough rest. If you feel yourself getting a plugged duct (hard, sore area that may be reddened), do these three things: rest, use warm compresses (or a hot shower w/ massage), and feed very, very frequently. The secret to heading off a plugged duct before it moves to mastitis is to keep emptying the breast. In my old La Leche League days, we used to say, "Go to bed with the baby and don't stop nursing!" Now of course, co-sleeping is discouraged by the AAP, but you can still rest and feed all day long if you are able. If you begin to develop a fever, chills, or generally feel like you have the flu, call your doctor (OB or your primary care doc). You may need antibiotics, but DO NOT stop breastfeeding! If your doctor tells you your antibiotics are incompatible with nursing, DO call you lactation consultant  - many docs are not up on the latest research around medications and breastfeeding and we can give mothers information to take back to their doctor. If it is simply too painful to feed at the breast, you can pump, but try not to use bottles in the first month (there are other feeding methods). Finally, a plugged duct and/or mastitis should serve as a sign to slow down, take care of yourself, and maybe dial back the holiday frenzy a bit. I always say to moms - "It just has to be good enough" and it's true. Use the packaged pie, the ready-made cranberry sauce (who doesn't love that anyway??), and if people are coming over - just make sure the bathroom is presentable. You are doing something no one else can do for your baby and that's pretty damn important!

Breastfeeding Uncovered

I am loving this new video out of the UK!