Recent Articles
Pelvic Floor Strengthening Exercises
Most of us notice that after childbirth we don’t have the pre-pregnancy pelvic muscle control we once had. Because of the stigmatism around incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic floor dysfunction is significantly under-reported.
Tips for Returning to Work After Maternity Leave
Some of the biggest fears we have about going on maternity leave include being passed over for promotions, becoming irrelevant, or being unaware of the changes happening at work. In this article, we will help you plan ahead so that you are taking control of the situation and communicating effectively with your employer or manager.
5 Tips for Balancing a Career with Motherhood
While we don’t want to be viewed as less capable or less dedicated to our work, we also want to give our children lots of time and attention. Striking a balance between motherhood and a career is no easy task, but it is possible.
Colostrum vs. Milk: What New Parents Need To Know
Colostrum is the yellowish milk you produce right after your baby is born. After about 3-4 days, colostrum transitions to mature breastmilk. Mature milk is similar to colostrum, but has a different balance of nutrition, is whiter in color, and is much greater in volume.
What is a Lip Tie?
A lip tie prevents the upper lip from flanging well and this causes an inability to have an effective seal at the breast or bottle. These babies swallow large amounts of air when feeding which results in colic, gas, and overall discomfort.
Can a Woman Get Pregnant While Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding affects fertility and provides a fairly robust form of temporary natural contraceptive. Only 1 or 2 out of 100 women who exclusively breastfed in the first 6 months got pregnant following childbirth. Research has found that even for non-lactating women, ovulation will only occur at around 6 weeks after birth.
When Will My Perineum Heal?
Around 9 out of 10 first-time mothers will experience some sort of perineal tear, graze, or episiotomy. The perineum is the space between the anus and the vagina. It often tears when the baby’s head is too big to fit through the vagina, or the vagina cannot easily stretch around the baby’s head.
Can I Consume Caffeine While Breastfeeding?
The good news is that it is safe to consume caffeine while breastfeeding. Read on to find out how much caffeine you can ingest per day.
Covid Vaccine and Breastfeeding
The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine has recommended that healthcare workers who are pregnant or breastfeeding who are at high risk of contracting COVID-19 receive the vaccine. Although there is limited evidence to date to show whether this occurs in the case of COVID-19, antibody studies on other respiratory diseases have found that infant protection is likely.
What is bilirubin in a newborn?
Have you ever wondered why your baby can sometimes look yellow? This is what doctors call jaundice. It occurs commonly in newborns and may be due to many causes. Learn about the different causes of jaundice and what to watch for here.
COVID-19 and Its Effect on Breastfeeding
Mothers are being discharged earlier from maternity wards, hospital guests are restricted from visiting, there has been a decrease in access to lactation support services, and an increase in the use of milk substitutes for newborn babies. Earlier discharge also means that mothers are more likely to experience breastfeeding issues at home.
How long can you safely store breastmilk?
Freshly expressed breastmilk can be stored at room temperature for 4 hours, stored in the fridge for up to 4 to 6 days, and in the freezer for 12 months.
Jaundice warning signs: Know when to go to a doctor
A yellowish color of the skin (also called jaundice) sometimes affects babies. In most cases, this is a normal phenomenon and usually resolves on its own or with a little help from the sun. However, there are certain instances when a yellow color may be a sign of an underlying disease. If not detected and treated early these can have bad consequences for your baby.
Refocusing on Your Career as Your Kids Get Older
Now, the time feels right to focus on yourself and your goals. How can you attain the career you always wanted? Here are some tips for shifting the focus to your career objectives. (2 min read)
When Should Your Little One See a Pediatric Dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry launched the “Get it Done in Year One” campaign urging parents to complete the visit to the pediatric dentist by age 1. Parents always seem perplexed by this since the baby only has a handful of teeth at that age, so why this recommendation? (3 min read)
What causes low milk supply?
It has long been thought that after birth, a mother’s milk supply is solely dependent on the amount the infant drinks - a ‘supply and demand’ process. However, there are also an array of maternal factors that lead to a decreased milk supply. These include genetics and factors such as diet and environmental influences. (3 min read)
What are the expected milestones of a 3-month old baby?
3-month-olds also begin to develop communication skills, which is important for boosting self-esteem and building trust in their parents. Parents will notice that their babies respond positively to the voice of those close to them, associating it with love and comfort. (3 min read)
Do Galactagogues Really Increase Breast Milk Supply?
Low milk supply is a serious stressor for moms. Domperidone is one of the most researched and prescribed galactagogues for increasing breast milk supply. But is it more effective than other options?
COVID-19 and its effects on breastmilk
COVID-19 positive mothers rarely infect their newborn babies with the virus, and if they do, babies are seldom symptomatic. Mothers with COVID-19 who breastfeed their babies transmit beneficial antibodies that serve to protect the baby from the virus. (3 min read)
Are Maternal Obesity and Childhood Obesity Related?
A recent study found evidence that maternal obesity and childhood obesity are related. A higher concentration of fat and lactose in breast milk can have an impact on the baby’s weight and metabolic development. (3 min read)