August is Breastfeeding Month!
According to the CDC, approximately 81% of infants born in 2013 started out breastfeeding – a clear indication that most mothers want to breastfed and try to. However, more than 50% of infants were only breastfeeding at 6 months. By the 12 month mark, less than 30% are still being breastfed.
This lets us know that more support for breastfeeding moms is needed and encouraged, both at home and in the workplace. When employers provide a place for moms to pump and store in a safe and sanitary place, more women are encouraged to continue to nurse their babies.
More on Breastfeeding benefits & tips below!
Naturopathic Medicine 101
A visit to a Naturopathic Doctor is vastly different from any other types of doctor appointments you may have had in the past.
In this section, we would like to shed light on what exactly Naturopathic Medicine consists of and what an appointment with us is like. Naturopathic Doctors are trained and licensed doctors who work with nature to restore a person to health.
What does that mean?
There is an inherent self-healing process in a person’s body and mind. Our bodies are always striving to heal, balance and remain in a state of health. They tend towards this naturally.
As naturopathic doctors, we help guide patients back to vitality by removing obstacles through non-invasive modalities, so the body can open again to it’s natural healing mode.
What is an initial appointment like?
Your first appointment with us is 90 minutes. During this time, we review your entire history together, covering all body systems, mental and emotional health histories up to the present. We know that often what is presenting as a physical symptom currently can have roots in an emotional issue that is deeply hidden in the body and memory. We listen deeply to you and take a holistic approach to your medical concerns.
We then begin by addressing the roots of the problems through the least invasive means possible, which often include: adjusting diet or exercise habits, homeopathic or herbal remedies, acupuncture, meditation, supplements, and physical manipulations like massage or craniosacral therapy. With these nurturing modalities, we encourage the body to adjust itself and reset back towards health, as it was naturally made to do!
Ideal Nutrition for Babies
Breast milk contains all the right proportions of nutrients that a baby needs. During the first days after birth, the breast produces a thick and yellowish fluid called colostrum. Colostrum is ideal first milk for the newborn and helps the newborn’s immature digestive tract develop. It is high in protein, low in sugar and loaded with beneficial compounds. As a result babies who are breastfed experience less digestive issues.
Antibodies
Breast milk contains vital antibodies, which help babies to fight off viruses and bacteria. Colostrum has high amounts of immunoglobulin A (IgA), and other antibodies. If mom is exposed to viruses or bacteria, she produces antibodies. When baby gets sick, they stimulate the mom’s body to produce antibodies that get secreted through the breast milk.
Preventative Against Diseases
This is particularly true in babies who are exclusively breastfed. Exclusively breastfed babies experience a reduction in middle ear infections, respiratory tract infections, colds and flu, gut infections, intestinal tissue damage, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), asthma, eczema, diabetes and much more.
Promotes a Healthy Weight
Breastfed babies do not gain the same amount of weight as formula fed babies. Studies show obesity rates are 15-30% lower in breastfed babies, compared to formula fed babies.
Makes Children Smarter
Studies show that brain development between breastfed and formula-fed babies differ. It may be due to the physical intimacy, touch and eye contact associated with breastfeeding; and the stimulation of both hemispheres of the brain.
Benefits to Mom
Breastfeeding moms can benefit by their uterus contracting back to its original size much faster, losing weight, and in some women it can help lower their risk of post-partum depression, and may prevent menstruation for several months.
Saves Time & Money
By breastfeeding you don’t have to worry about buying expensive formula; and it makes it much easier to manage feeding babies at night. Well, most of the time!
Tips for Moms
- Robust Nutrition: Eat well balanced nutritional meals that include protein, grains, healthy fats and veggies. Add oatmeal, maca, flax and pumpkin seeds to your meals! This is not a time for detoxing or dieting.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water and include teas that promote lactation: fenugreek, fennel, milk thistle, chamomile, anise, coriander, just to name a few.
- Sleep: Get plenty of sleep, as a good night’s rest is vital recovery for Mom.
- Supports: Get a good Nursing Bra, Pillow and Cover.