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Breastfeeding/new father with spouse on the fence

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Expert: - 8/1/2007


Question
How late is too late to start breastfeeding?  My wife gave birth to our son on 7/5/07 and we immediately started our son on formula.  She has been starting to feel bad about not even trying to breastfeed, tomorrow he will be 4 wks old.  Is it too late? he was pretty healthy at birth and is feeding and gaining the appropriate weight but he does take medication for gas and acid reflux. Is it true that she will burn calories and lose weight faster or is this just a myth? What can I do to be more supportive, it is ultimately her decision but I don't want to leave her out there alone. Who do we contact?

Answer
Hello Cornelius - first, it's lovely to see your support and adoration for your wife. With 4 weeks past the birth, if she is not lactating anymore, it may not be possible to start a full production of breast milk at this point. BUt if she is, contact a local lactation specialist, the doctor should have one.

As for the weight loss, breastfeeding does help bring a woman's body back sooner as it helps stimulate the uterine contraction and also the action of breastfeeding does burn calories as an activity, BUT please ensure her that it does take time to get the baby weight off, and with just 4 weeks after the birth, she is still carrying weight that will come off naturally...and if she keeps to a balanced diet and also after her 6 week check-up, rolls in exercise as the doctor approved after that check-up, she'll see the change "back to before" body come thru :)  

Again, If she is still producing milk, search for a local lactation specialist that can advise and work with you.  But, if the production has already ceased, remind her that this is a very emotional stage of life, and the feeling of guilt can be tied to hormonal shifts and ...I must say she is blessed to have you supportive, and that is one of the best things!

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Sue Ennis

Expertise

I am looking to support the segment of mothers that encounter engorgement issues that prevent them from continuing to breastfeeding, those that do not breastfeed or are ready to start weaning. As an aside, I wish to add that questions asked in terms of those not breastfeeding will not be given guilt for their choice. In many forums, including this one, there is currently no category developed for this "not breastfeeding" audience. I do believe that breastfeeding is best for both mother and child, however, I believe more strongly that there is a lack of support for the woman that for either personal or medical reasons cannot breastfeed. My strengths would be in answering questions related to stopping breast milk production comfortably either right after delivery or after nursing their children for some time, reducing breast engorgement pain and dealing with overactive lactation. Questions I would not try to answer are those tied to emotional feelings as I feel many times women that don't/can't breastfeed struggle with it...and that should be directed to the appropriate counseling channel.

Experience

I am the inventor and founder of LaMa Bra and for years have researched the human body functions, both in process and emotions/hormones to develop a bra to help mother slow or stop their breast milk.

Education/Credentials
I hold a BS in General Biology, a MS in Human Nutrition and an MBA in Marketing.
Also, am the the founder of LaMa Bra found at http://www.lamabra.com that has helped many women with engorgement while breastfeeding and through stages of weaning when ready to stop breastfeeding.

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