The hotMaMa Diaries Blog - Breastfeeding blog and parenting blog

Breastfeeding and parenting blog

Everyone has a different experience of parenting and motherhood and there is no right or wrong path. The hotMaMa diaries is a place to read stories from other mothers and even share your own!

To be featured on the hotMaMa Diaries contact us an email to [email protected]

lactation award

 RSS Feed

  1. Breastfeeding glossary  

    A quick round up of some essential breastfeeding terms, perfect for new breastfeeding mums: 

     

    Areola 

    The dark, round area that surrounds your nipple. 

     

    Blocked milk ducts 

    When the milk ducts become clogged or blocked and milk is unable to flow freely. This condition may lead to mastitis if left unresolved. 

     

    Breast pump 

    A specially designed machine that draws breast milk from the breast using suction. There are a few different types of breast pumps available: 

    • Manual or electric 

    • Single or double – so you can pump one or two breasts at a time 

    • Cord-free or plugin 

    • Commercial or hospital grade 

     

    Breast pads 

    Small absorbent pads that can be tucked inside a bra to help absorb any leaked breast milk to prevent this seeping through to your top. You can buy disposable or reusable breast pads, have a look at our reusable bamboo ones here. 

     

    Colostrum 

    A thick, creamy, yellow substance that is produced by the breast post birth and for the first 3 or so days after the baby is born. This is the baby’s first feed/s and is jam packed with valuable nutrients and immune boosting enzymes designed to give the baby the best start in life. 

     

    Cluster feeding 

    When your baby wants a lot of food in a short amount of time. Usually occurs prior to a growth spurt. 

     

    Engorgement 

    When the breast becomes sore, swollen and feel very firm. This is a result of the breasts being overfull. This can occur at any time during breastfeeding; most often within the 36 hours after delivery when milk supply is being established or when mums first wake up in the morning if their babies don’t feed at night 

     

    Expressing 

    When you pump or hand express to produce breast milk. 

     

    Feeding on demand 

    Baby is fed when they are hungry. Feeding is not timed to a clock or specific schedule, but to your baby’s appetite. 

     

    Flange 

    If you’ve been using a breast pump you might have heard of this one. It fits over your nipple and areola to form a seal, helping to pull milk through your milk ducts and out your nipple. 

     

    Foremilk 

    This is the first milk released by the breast at the beginning of every feed. This milk is much more watery and will quench baby’s thirst. 

     

    Fourth Trimester 

    The 12-week period immediately after you have your baby. Not everyone has heard of it, but every mother and their newborn baby will go through it. It is a time of great physical and emotional change as your baby adjusts to being outside the womb, and you adjust to your new life as a mum. 

     

    Hind milk 

    This is the milk the breast produces during the middle of the feed. It is much thicker and richer and contains the beneficial nutrients and fats that baby needs to develop and grow. 

     

    Lactation 

    The secretion of breastmilk. 

     

    Lactation consultant  

    A trained professional who specialises in breastfeeding support. 

     

    Lanolin 

    Extracted from the wool of sheep, this cream has soothing, moisturizing and healing properties and is often used to help ease painful nipples after breastfeeding. 

     

    Latch 

    This is the attachment of your baby's mouth to your breast in order to feed. A good latch is important for comfortable and efficient feeding. 

     

    La Leche League 

    Breastfeeding support group 

     

    Liquid gold 

    A nickname for breastmilk given because of the high concentration of nutrients contained in it. 

     

    Let down 

    This is the initial sensation felt when the milk is released from the breast. Sometimes you can feel it (occasionally it may be painful) and sometimes you can’t. 

     

    Mastitis 

    A painful infection in the breast caused by blocked milk ducts. A woman can become very unwell and suffer from flu-like symptoms and a rash and should seek medical assistance. 

     

    Milk blister 

    When a blocked duct appears close to the skin on your nipple and cells form over the top of it making a bubble or a blister. 

     

    Nip lash 

    When your baby gets distracted and turns his head to look around but he still has your nipple in his mouth and he clamps down so it doesn’t fall out but stretches your nipple and areola area. 

     

    Nipple shield 

    A protective plastic cup used to shield the nipple when the baby breastfeeds. Some women use it to aid in protecting the nipple against damage caused by breastfeeding in the early weeks. 

     

    Overactive Let-Down

    A forceful ejection of milk from the breasts during feeding that may cause issues while breastfeeding. 

     

    Oxytocin 

    Hormone that is released from your brain when you breastfeed. Oxytocin is also known as the ‘love’ or ‘feel good’ hormone. Oxytocin is important for creating a bond with your baby, decreasing pain and stress in both parent and baby, and helping you recover from childbirth. 

     

    Reflux 

    Infant reflux occurs when food backs up (refluxes) from a baby's stomach, causing the baby to spit up. Sometimes called gastroesophageal reflux (GER) 

     

    Rooting 

    The natural instinct of a newborn to try to seek out the breast. You baby will snuffle around your chest looking for milk. 

     

    Tandem breastfeeding 

    When a mother breastfeeds two children at once. 

     

    Thrush 

    Thrush is a yeast fungus that often flares up in babies. A possible sign is white patches in your baby’s mouth and fussiness that makes feeding difficult. You and your baby will likely both need to be treated with antifungal medication for thrush since you can pass it back and forth. 

     

    Tongue tie 

    A condition where the tissue connecting the baby’s tongue to the floor of the mouth is short and tight. This can restrict a baby’s breastfeeding ability as they may not be able to properly latch. It can be difficult to see if your baby has a tongue tie yourself so it’s worth talking to a lactation consultant to advise on this. 

     

    Weaning  

    When a baby is weaned from its mothers breast milk and introduced to solid foods. 

  2. What is mastitis?

     

    Breastfeeding is a bit of a minefield, all of a sudden you find youself faced with things you've never even hear of before.  Mastitis might well be one of them.  It's an inflammation of the breast, usually caused by a build up of milk in the breast leading to an infection. It often happens while a woman is breastfeeding, especially during the first 6-12 weeks.

    Symptoms

    - A swollen area on your breast that may feel hot and painful to touch – the area may become red but this can be harder to see if you have darker skin. It usually only affects one breastand symptoms can begin rapidly.

    - A wedge-shaped breast lump or a hard area on your breast

    - A burning pain in your breast that might be constant or only when you breastfeed

    nipple discharge, which may be white or contain streaks of blood

    -  You may also get flu-like symptoms, such as chills, nausea, aches, a high temperature, tiredness or even vomiting.

     

    What can you do?

    - Soak a cloth in warm water and place it on your breast to help relieve the pain – a warm shower or bath may also help.

    - Rest and drink lots of fluids.

    - Continue to breastfeed.

    - Start feeds with the sore breast first.

    - Express milk from your breast in between feeds.

    - Make sure your breast is completely drained after a feed. You may need to check your baby's latch as a poor latch may mean your baby struggles to do this.

    - Massage your breast to help clear any blockages – stroke from the lumpy or sore area towards your nipple to help the milk flow.

    - Apply heat prior to feedings to promote breast drainage.

    - Wear comfortable clothing and a wireless bra.

    - See a GP if you do not feel better within 24 hours despite continuing to breastfeed, they will usually be able to prescribe you antibiotics. 

     

    (Sources, LaLeche League, NHS, Medela)

  3. Why breastfeeding clothes?
     
    Breastfeeding your baby wherever and whenever is a right and a freedom that no one can deprive you of. However, you must also have the freedom to choose how do it whether that may be popping a boob out in the middle of a busy supermarket or in a quiet corner.  Many mums feel more comfortable breastfeeding in clothes where they can feed discreetly, perhaps because they feel more secure or perhaps just because it's warmer having something over your chest! Breastfeeding can be a hard journey and sometimes making it a little easier on yourself can be the difference between continuing to breastfeed or not. Or perhaps even the difference between breastfeeding confidently in public or not. So many mums have found that wearing specific breastfeeding clothes can help make breastfeeding easier, more comfortable and quicker.  As we come into autumn and winter months we're wearing more and layering up.  Fussing with lots of layers to get breastfeeding access can be frustrating and tiresome, especially if you end up spending a whole feed holding your clothes out of the way for baby or even taking ages to find your boob to give baby access under multiple layers whilst jostling a hungry baby. Specific feeding clothes like ours have been purposefully designed to make the process of latching on and breastfeeding so much easier and for you and for your baby to give you one less thing to worry about.  Lots of our customers are say that wearing clothes with quick access to whip about a boob wherever and whenever has really boosted their confidence especially in the early days of a breastfeeding journey where mums are coping with a whole host of other post partum changes. No, you don't need a whole new wardrobe to breastfeed in (although it you want that, that's cool too!) However, integrating a few key pieces into it to support your breastfeeding journey can really help:
     
    Vests
    A basic breastfeeding vest is a classic and can be paired with dungarees, or worn under a shirt or cardi for the ultimate fast food access for your baby. Our vests are the ultimate multi use product too as our mums love wearing them as pyjama tops to keep the chill off during night feeds and even when running or doing yoga for that fast feed access pre or post workout.
     
    Jumper
    A snuggly jumper makes winter feeds on the go comfortable, quick and easy for both you and baby. 
     
    Dress
    Perhaps you loved a dress pre baby but your finding that unless you're confident lifting a whole boob over the neckline of your dress, and hey, not everyone has big enough boobs to do that, then a breastfeeding specific dress is for you!  
  4. Breastfeeding ad parenting blog - baby boom
     
    Tis’ the season of babies! 
    In the UK September is the most popular month to give birth in.  According to the UK Office of National Statistics September the 26th is the most popular birthday date in the UK. Eight of the other top 10 dates of birth occurred in late September - with the other two occurring in early October.  This suggests more babies are likely to be conceived around the Christmas holidays.  So even if you're not due this month then you may well know someone coming up to their due date. Take a look at our round up of gorgeous mum and baby gifts! 
     
    For baby
     
     
    Baby bib
    Stylish AND practical! This beautiful neckerchew from Cheeky Chompers is packed with thoughtful features, you can just tell this is a mum run brand and Julie and Amy really have though of everything.   Plus this new muslin neckerchew is comprised of a sustainable bamboo and organic cotton muslin mix for a luxurious, silky, extra absorbent finish.
     
    Bandana style neckerchew features:
    3 super absorbent layers to help keep your baby dry.
    Reversible design - meaning you get two looks in one bib!
     
     
    Muslin
     
    The perfect baby shower gift and of course an absolute changing bag essential!
     
    Our 100% organic cotton muslins are the ultimate multi-use product and a must have for any mum or mum to be. They can be used as baby blankets, nursing covers, burp cloths, swaddling sheets, changing mat covers, a handy wipe and everything in between. Newborns' color perception is limited to white, black and shades of grey, because their eyes and capacity for sight are not fully developed at birth. As a result, babies love to look at high-contrast black-and-white patterns like this simple but striking pattern which stand out in their blurry worlds, attracting their attention and helping them focus.
     
    At 110cm x 110cm these muslins are extra-large & made of super soft organic cotton.  They can handle any task without irritating delicate skin and are available in a range of other eye-catching and colourful designs.  Plus they make a great new baby gift as each muslin will arrive to you in its very own gift box.
     
    100% GOTS OEKO-TEX STANDARD Cotton
    110 cm x 110 cm
    Each muslin will arrive in its own gift box for a ready to go gift!
     
     
    Another beautiful and multi functional item from Cheeky Chompers is this multi functional comforter for your little one to snuggle up with!
     
    Neckerchew
     
    -Beautiful star pattern
    -Soft cuddle fleece reverse to snuggle into
    -Sensory ribbon tags for little one to feel and play with
    -Attached teether designed to massage and soothe those tender little gums and is 100% safe to chew.
    -Elasticated strap for attaching to your baby's wrist, carseat or pushchair so no more dropping or losing those precious comfort blankets!
    -Machine washable and is safety tested to the highest standards  
    -30cm x 44cm
    -Suitable from birth
     
    For mum
     
    Mums often put others first, so here's your chance to make her feel special. A little self-care is so important during this busy, sleep-deprived time.
     
     
    Breastfeeding Clothes Voucher
     
    Perfect if you want to treat someone to one of our breastfeeding wardrobe staples but you're unsure of her size. Plus our vouchers give mum the flexibility to treat herself to something special when she's ready.
     
     
    Fiddle Necklace
     
    A stylish accessory for mama to wear when her expensive metal jewellery just doesn't cut it around a baby. The BPA free beads are made from the same material that bottles and dummies are made from, so they are safe and fun for your little one to grab, hold and even chomp away on whilst serving as a stylish fashion accessory for Mama!
  5. What's in your breastmilk?

     

    Have you ever wondered what your breast milk is made up of?  
     
    Breast milk is the gold standard of nutrition for infants.  Years of research have helped us better understand the complexities of breast milk and we're starting to understand WHY it is so beneficial for infants; but there’s still a lot we don’t know as it's complex stuff and research is always ongoing.
     
    Typically the approximate composition of breast milk is 87% water, 7% lactose, 4% fat, and 1% protein.  The fat and lactose (a type of carb/sugar) provide most of the energy in breast milk which  is exactly what your baby needs! However, breast milk is also a dynamic, adaptable food so its composition can change throughout a feed, through the day and also over time.  
     
    When you first start to breastfeed your body will produce colostrum this is the name given to the early milk your breasts produce after your baby’s birth. You might have even leaked a little from your breasts during the latter stages of pregnanvy.  This thick, sticky breast milk is often called ‘liquid gold’, not just because of its yellow or orangey colour, but because it’s so important for nourishing and protecting your vulnerable newborn.  At first you’ll produce very small amounts – just 40 to 50 ml (1.4 to 1.8 fl oz) over 24 hours– but as your baby’s stomach is only the size of a marble, that’s all they need. Colostrum is also very easy to digest. And what it lacks in quantity it makes up for in quality as it's higher in antibodies and white blood cells to help protect your newborn from infections. 
     
    Over the following few days your body will increase milk production and your milk will evolve from colostrum to transitional milk.  It becomes creamier in colour and texture, and also higher in fat, calories and lactose (a natural sugar), making it the ideal food for your growing newborn.  
     
    By the time your baby is one month old you'll be producing what's known as mature milk buy the exact composition can still adapt and evolve to your baby's needs.  For example it's fattier in the afternoon and evening than in the morning. It also varies during a feed so when the baby latches onto the breast, the first gush of milk, or foremilk, is thin and high in lactose, making it thirst-quenching and easy to drink. The so-called hindmilk that follows is creamier and fattier, making it more filling. This dynamic aspect is one reason why breast milk is hard to replicate, despite considerable advances in the quality of infant formula.  If you or your baby are ill, your body will make antibodies to fight that particular illness, which become part of your milk. And, remarkably, as your baby begins exploring the world and putting toys in her mouth, the level of protective bacteria-fighting enzymes in your milk rises.
     
     
    Sources Medela, NHS, NCT, Family and Co Nutrition, 
  6. World Breastfeeding Week 2022 - From hotMaMa breastfeeding clothes
     
    Each year world breastfeeding week is celebrated front he 1st-7th August and aims to raise awareness about the amazing benefits of breastfeeding for both mother's and their babies.  It's now in its 30th year and run by run by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action, a global network of people and organisations dedicated to the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding worldwide. Each year a different theme is set. Previous themes have included "A shared responsibility", "A healthier planet" "Breastfeeding as a key to sustainable development". This year's theme is "Educate and Support".  The aim is to strengthen the capacity of actors that have to protect, promote and support breastfeeding across different levels of society. These actors make up the "warm chain" of support for breastfeeding.  Target audiences including governments, health systems, workplaces and communities will be informed, educated and empowered to strengthen their capacity to provide and sustain breastfeeding-friendly environments for families in the post pandemic world.
     
     

    WHY WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK IS IMPORTANT

    1. It promotes breastfeeding

      The week promotes breastfeeding and encourages women across the globe to breastfeed their children for a certain period.

    2. It recognizes the importance of breastfeeding

      The week aims to recognize why breastfeeding is essential for newborns as well as their mothers. It also reveals the advantages of the process.

    3. It provides knowledge regarding breastfeeding

      During World Breastfeeding Week, several facts regarding breastfeeding come to the forefront, including what a nursing mother should eat, when she should feed the child, etc.