Breastfeeding: Sore Nipples

Many women who have recently had their first child and were figuring out breastfeeding have shared their concerns with me about their nipples being so sore and sensitive. Chapping and bleeding were common problems.

I had the same problem until my lactation consultant suggested nipple shields. For only $7.99, my worries and anxieties of breastfeeding were greatly reduced and eventually gone. Nipple shields are silicon shields that suction gently onto your nipple, with little holes to let the milk flow through to your child. The nipple shield will act as a barrier while your child is latched on. The barrier will allow your skin to heal and also toughen it up to eventually breastfeed without the shield.

If you, or a friend, are having sore and senstivie nipples from breastfeeding, try purchasing nipple shields from Babies"R"Us or Target. Medela and other great brands are available.

Baby Boot Camp

For all of you brand new Mamas who recently gave birth... and trying to keep your eyes open during the day... and trying not to breakdown in tears... there is LIGHT at the end of the tunnel! You are just going through, what we call "BABY BOOT CAMP".

Definition of BABY BOOT CAMP:
The first 6 weeks (give or take) of adjusting to life with no sleep, taking care of another being that is completely helpless, backaches, breasts engorged, nipple trauma (if you're breastfeeding), emotional roller coaster, and don't forget the hormones raging.


Baby Boot Camp seems like it's going to last forever... but don't worry it won't. Believe it or not, IT DOES GET BETTER (otherwise women would not be having babies). Just when you think you can't handle it anymore... the baby starts to sleep longer at night, he/she starts to smile at you... and Ahhh... you will find that it was all worth it.

Typically at 6 weeks life starts to seem normal again. Every experience is unique because every woman, every baby, and every delivery and recovery are different. Some Mamas may find that taking care of a baby is a piece of cake, while others may wish they never have to give birth again (that was me, but after a year, I wanted to have another). We just want to encourage you to hold on.. and to make sure that you ask forHELP. A relative to come over and clean and cook for you, a lactation consultant to help you feed your baby, a husband to rub your back, a child to make you smile... whatever you need you should ask for. You just GAVE BIRTH, and became a MAMA! CONGRATULATIONS!!

Universal Baby Language

Did you know that ALL babies, regardless of their nationality, speak the same language from ages 0-3 months?

Priscilla Dunstan, founder of Dunstan Baby, made this amazing discovery after giving birth to her son. Her story is actually pretty amazing.. You can read more about it here. I first saw her on the Oprah show when I was pregnant with my first child. Here are the notes I took:

Neh- means "I'm hungry"

Heh- means "I'm uncomfortable"

Eh- means "I need to be burped"

Owh- means "I'm tired"

Supposedly, this language only lasts up to 3 months... But I'm certain that my 5 month old still says "Neh" when she is hungry and "Owh (or Awh)" when she is tired. If you are a Mama with a newborn, you MUST give this a try. Understanding your baby's cries will not only help you with your sanity, but will also help you to become a better listener!

You can also check out the video clip of Oprah's show here.

Baby Kit

If you are at all leery about giving over-the-counter medication to your newborn, try homeopathic tablets! They are easy to administer, there are no side-effects, and they are yummy (or at least that's what my 2 year old says).

I am fortunate to have a relative who is a homeopathic physician. While I was pregnant, she had a great list of homeopathic medicines to have on hand for my newborn.

Allium Cepa: for runny nose when trying to get over a cold.

Calcarea Phosphate: teething and growing pains (this is one of the ingredients in Hylands teething tablets).

Belladonna: for fevers and inflammation.

Bryonia Alba: for crankiness and irritability(the label says for Dry Cough and Arthritis Pains) but really it helps a much wider spectrum, to long to put on the title).

Carbo Veg: indigestion or tummy ache.

Apis Mell: for bug bites or minor rashes caused by an allergic reaction.

Chamomilla: for irritability, restlessness, sleeplessness. This is also great for calming children while traveling on airplanes.

Arnica Montana: for bruises and muscle soreness for kids and also for moms -especially after giving birth to help with healing and swelling.

These work for babies, toddlers and adults and can be purchased at Whole Foods and most health food stores. Hylands is a trusted brand and is recommended by Dr. Sears .