Many new mothers wonder how long they should breastfeed their baby. While the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends nursing for at least the first year of life, this may not be a realistic goal for all mothers. It is important to know that even if you only nurse your baby for a few weeks or even a few days, you will both …

Relactation is the process of rebuilding your milk supply once you have started nursing and then stopped for a period of weeks or months. Induced lactation is the process of building a milk supply in a mother who has either never nursed a baby, or who has nursed years before. Relacation and induced lactation both take time, patience, dedication, and …

Ask Anne… Question: I  have larger than average nipples and my baby girl is tiny. She is just now approaching five  pounds. When she was in the NICU they started her on bottles of formula and now she is very confused when I try to offer her my breast. Any advice would be appreciated. I feel like a slave to …

Nearly all babies will spit up after some feedings, whether they are breastfed or bottle-fed. In a healthy baby who is gaining weight well and has good  urine output (6-8 wet cloth diapers or 5-6 disposable) and at least 3 bowel movements in 24 hours (in babies over 6 weeks old, stooling less often is normal), then spitting up is …

Many babies switch effortlessly between breast and bottle from day one. Others become “nipple confused” if artificial nipples are introduced during the early days of nursing. The mechanics of breast and bottle-feeding are quite different. When a baby nurses, his tongue and jaws must work together rhythmically, cupping his tongue under the areola, and pressing it up against his palate. …

One in every 641 babies is born with Down syndrome, making it the world’s most common major genetic condition. Nursing the baby with Down syndrome can be challenging, but with patience and persistence and as the baby grows in strength and muscle tone, breastfeeding often gets easier. In the meantime, both you and your baby can enjoy all the special …

Ask Anne… Question: My baby is three months old and is exclusively breastfed. Recently, I developed mastitis, and my doctor prescribed an antibiotic. Every time I’ve taken an antibiotic in the past, I’ve developed a vaginal yeast infection. I’d like to keep that from happening again, especially since I’ve read that I might get yeast on my nipples and my baby might get …

Ask Anne… Question: I’m 36 years old and my daughter just turned one. We have breastfed for 12.5 months and are still going strong! I’ve truly enjoyed nursing and know there are many benefits to breastfeeding more than a year. Unfortunately, I am afraid I may have to wean her in order to get pregnant again sooner than later. My …