MS, CCC-SLP/CLEC/IBCLC
Julie Matheney did her Master's degree in speech-language pathology and has worked on feeding and swallowing disorders for over a decade. As part of a hospital-based rehabilitation team, she works on helping children to feed and swallow. Having worked in the NICU, she discovered her passion for breastfeeding and became an IBCLC in 2017. She transitioned out of the hospital in July 2021 and currently works full-time in private practice as a lactation consultant in Los Angeles. She enjoys helping the whole family in the feeding process to meet their goals. Her husband was instrumental in launching her private practice. She has two young daughters.
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Peppermint is a herb used to add soothing and cooling effects in various commercially available products. However, is it safe to consume peppermint tea while breastfeeding? A lactating mother often needs to follow various dos and don’ts when it comes to food, beverages, or medications as they may reach the infant through breast milk. Continue reading this post as we discuss the safety attributes of drinking peppermint tea for nursing mothers. [mj-toc] What Is Peppermint? [caption id="attachment_884791" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] Peppermint is a soothing herb best known for treating gum pain, stomach problems and digestive problems. Several commercial products like toothpaste, chewing gum and tea contain peppermint. The calming and numbing effect of peppermint treats headaches, menstrual cramps, anxiety, nausea, diarrhea, skin irritation, and flatulence. Peppermint is also used as an active ingredient in chest rubs and vaporizers. The active ingredient of Peppermint, Menthol and methyl salicylate, possess antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Researchers also state that peppermint may...
Transitional breast milk is the milk your body produces in the first few days after childbirth. In the first two weeks after delivery, your breast milk transitions through three stages — interim (colostrum), transitional, and mature milk. The thick, yellowish-colored, nutrient-rich milk that your breast produces immediately after delivery is called colostrum. Then, gradually, more plentiful milk called transitional milk comes. Your breasts produce transitional milk for approximately two weeks since birth (1). After that, the milk changes into mature milk, which nourishes your baby as long as you choose to breastfeed. Keep reading to know more about transitional milk’s nutritional composition and benefits for the baby with tips on storing it. [mj-toc] When Does The Transitional Breast Milk Phase Begin? [caption id="attachment_893495" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] The second phase of milk or transitional milk is produced approximately two to five days after your baby’s birth (2). As the breast begins to produce milk, you may notice a fuller and...
You may be a seafood lover but must be avoiding it during pregnancy as you are unsure about its safety. While the benefits and risks of consuming seafood in pregnancy are much discussed, you could be thinking if it is safe to eat shellfish while breastfeeding? Shellfish include oysters, mussels, scallops, crabs, prawns, and lobsters, to name a few. If you like relishing them and want to know their impact on the baby, keep reading our post to know the safety, risks, and health benefits of eating shellfish during pregnancy. [mj-toc]Can You Eat Shellfish While Breastfeeding? [caption id="attachment_892961" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] In most of the cases, a moderate amount of shellfish causes no potential harm to you and your breastfed baby. However, you can be allergic to seafood and suffer from health discomforts including skin rashes or eczema. But, if you have no family history of seafood allergies, you can continue nursing and eating shellfish in your diet. The...
Benzoyl peroxide is an effective remedy for acne when applied to the skin. It may take some time before your hormones reach normal levels after childbirth, resulting in acne breakouts. You may be hesitant about using benzoyl peroxide while breastfeeding, fearing any potential harm to your baby. Continue reading this post as we provide information about benzoyl peroxide, how safe it is when breastfeeding, and its possible effects on you and your baby. [mj-toc]Is It Safe To Use Benzoyl Peroxide While Breastfeeding? Benzoyl Peroxide is very effective for reducing the severity of acne lesions. The skin takes its time to get used to the product, and hence minor breakouts are possible. If you have sensitive skin, please avoid using this product on the face. Benzoyl Peroxide is considered to be one of the most organic peroxides in terms of its production and application. Uses Benzoyl Peroxide is used mainly to treat moderate to mild acne, and can be sometimes used...
Nipple vasospasm is characterized by tightening or constricting of the blood vessels surrounding the nipples. It may reduce the nipple's blood flow, which can lead to pain and a blanched appearance (whitened) of the nipples. This may often cause it to be misdiagnosed as thrush. Nipple vasospasm is becoming a more common condition and may often only occur during or immediately after breastfeeding. The common risk factors include using a pump flange of incorrect size or having an undiagnosed tongue tie in babies. A shallow latch of the baby may also be a trigger. Keep reading to learn the various triggers, symptoms, management methods, and preventive measures for nipple vasospasm. [mj-toc] Signs And Symptoms Of Nipple Vasospasm The following signs and symptoms are often seen in nipple vasospasm (1). Intense nipple pain is often felt as a throbbing or burning sensation due to acute ischemia or temporary lack of blood supply to the nipples. This may worsen during cold weather....
When you start feeding stored (expressed or pumped) breast milk to your baby, the first question that you may have is how to know if breast milk has gone bad? Breast milk contains several nutrients, immunological components, and enzymes. Upon storage, changes in one or more of these components cause alteration in the breast milk’s appearance, smell, and taste. Several parents report stored breast milk tasting and smelling soapy, while others describe it as metallic. In either case, understanding why these changes occur can help you learn the signs that indicate that the milk has gone bad. Read on to know the signs that tell the breast milk has gone bad and ways to prevent spoilage. [mj-toc] Signs Indicating The Breast Milk Has Gone Bad Breast milk’s taste and smell vary from one mother to another. Therefore, knowing the common signs indicating milk spoilage can prevent you from feeding your baby spoiled milk. Here are some ways you can determine...
Breast changes during pregnancy increase maternal breast size. But then still, some mothers may have small breasts, and they might want to know if breastfeeding with small breasts affects breast milk supply. Generally, breasts size does not determine one’s ability to breastfeed. Mothers with smaller breasts can have a normal milk supply as milk production and supply are determined by hormones and how often you breastfeed. Therefore, if you have concerns regarding milk supply, frequent feeding can help establish a robust demand and supply cycle, which will boost your milk supply and help effectively meet the baby’s nutritional needs. Read on to learn more about the breast milk supply, its storage, breast changes during breastfeeding, and tips to breastfeed with smaller breasts. [mj-toc] Do Small Breasts Make Enough Breast Milk? [caption id="attachment_889506" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Breast size may not affect how much milk is produced each time. The ability to produce and store milk depends on the number of...