Apparently, not only does breastfeeding reduce the risk of asthma, it also increases lung capacity. Somehow this news is not very surpising to me. Perhaps that is because I have personally seen how much effort breastfeeding takes for a young baby. 

More on Study: Breastfeeding expands lung function

This study is an excellent comparison between city and country breastfeeding practices in China. More on China: Breastfeeding in City, Suburban and Rural Areas

It’s always interesting to me to notice both the similarities and the unique challenges that breastfeeding mothers from different cultures face. More on Cambodian Refugee Breastfeeding Practices

Does breastmilk contain enough iron for exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life? This study looks closely at the question. More on Iron Status In Exclusively Breastfed Infants

This is a fascinating look at early postpartum breastfeeding using a survey of Japanese breastfeeding mothers. Breastfeeding within the first two hours made mothers more successful at breastfeeding. More on First Breastfeed: The Sooner The Better

This study describes how in India good breast-feeding support is still lacking. Helping women succeed at breastfeeding is all about support! Support, support, support!! More on India Study: Prenatal Breastfeeding Counseling

I don’t know if you’ve heard of medications that enhance breastmilk supply, but if this subject interests you, you might want to take a look at this study. More on Study: Prolactin Medication For Breastfeeding

Overabundant milk supply: an alternative way to intervene by full drainage and block feeding

By Caroline GA van Veldhuizen-Staas, IBCLC
Private practice, Merkelbeek, The Netherlands
www.eurolac.net

Background:

Too much or too little milk production are common problems in a lactation consultant’s practice. Whereas underproduction is widely discussed in the lactation literature, overabundant milk supply is not. In my practice I work with women who experience moderate to severe oversupply syndrome. In most cases the syndrome can be successfully treated with full removal of milk followed by unilateral breastfeeding ad lib with the same breast offered at every breastfeed in a certain time block (”block feeding”).

Case presentations:

Four cases of over-supply of breast milk are presented. The management and outcome of each case is described.

Conclusion:

Overabundant milk supply is an often under-diagnosed condition in otherwise healthy lactating women. Full drainage and “block feeding” offer an adequate and userfriendly way to normalize milk production and treat symptoms in both mother and child.

Read the complete paper on the International Breastfeeding Journal website.

You can also watch my interview with the paper’s author.

Question: Can breastfeeding cause cavities?

Whether they breastfeed or not, some babies and toddlers seem to be easily afflicted with cavities. Unfortunately for nursing moms, some dentists claim that breastfeeding, especially at night, contributes to cavities in infants and toddlers. They recommend weaning when the baby’s teeth start to come in. Are these dentists justified in making this claim and recommendation? More on Can Breastfeeding Cause Cavities?