IBCLC, CLC
Rebecca Koyf is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Registered Lactation Consultant (RLC),Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) and a LaLeche League volunteer. She has a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and worked as an Auditor for the NYC Comptroller’s Office for 8 years. Her own breastfeeding struggles made her change her career and pursue the field in lactation. She has her own practice in Brooklyn, New York - New York Lactation Care Inc.Rebecca is trained in the Oral Habilitation of the Breastfeeding Dyad. She offers specialized care in supporting families whose babies have tethered oral tissues (tongue/lip tie). Her practical, evidence-based approach empowers parents to make informed decisions and achieve their breastfeeding goals. She offers home visits as well as virtual consultations.
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If you see your baby choking on breastmilk, it could be because their swallowing skills aren’t fully developed. Choking when breastfeeding can result in [simple_tooltip text="innocuous" tooltip="Not harmful to one's physical or mental health." ] coughing. Further, milk can sometimes make its way into the lungs, causing aspiration pneumonia (1). If your baby has rapid breathing, turns blue, or becomes unconscious from choking on breast milk, get emergency medical attention. If your baby has experienced many choking incidents, you might want to see a pediatrician. Read on to learn more about the reasons for choking in babies, preventive measures, and what to do if you find yourself in this scenario. [mj-toc] Why Does A Baby Choke While Breastfeeding? A baby can choke on breastmilk due to various reasons ranging from normal immature swallowing to feeding problems due to [simple_tooltip text="anatomical" tooltip="Of or about the body structures or anatomy." ] or functional disorders. It can also be due to maternal factors....
Nursing mothers prefer nursing pillows, also known as feeding pillows or nursing cushions, to make breastfeeding easier and more comfortable. A breastfeeding mother's feeding cushion is a U-shaped pillow that goes around her waist. During breastfeeding time, these pillows support the mother's back, spine, and neck. In this post, we discuss why a feeding cushion is important during breastfeeding, how to use one, and the potential adverse effects of using it. [mj-toc] Is A Feeding Pillow Necessary? [caption id="attachment_890620" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] A feeding pillow is not a necessity but a choice the mother can make. The pillow provides a place to rest your arm while also supporting the baby. Some women find it comfortable as feeding support, while some do not find it necessary. You may borrow a feeding pillow and see if you find it comfortable and essential before buying it for yourself. [mj_protip type="Did you know" title="Did you know?"]There are two types of nursing pillows —...
Nausea is an unpleasant sensation that may cause a strong urge to vomit. While it is common during pregnancy, some women may also experience nausea during breastfeeding (1). Nausea after childbirth may be related to lactation, but it may not be as common during pregnancy. Read this post as we bring information about home remedies, medications, causes, and tips to prevent nausea during breastfeeding. [mj-toc] Does Breastfeeding Make You Nauseous? Breastfeeding does not directly cause nausea. But various factors associated with breastfeeding or milk letdown might trigger the condition in some women. For instance, lifestyle changes and hormonal changes could cause nausea. We will give you more details about the reasons, later in the post. Home Remedies For Nausea In Nursing Mothers The following natural remedies are traditionally used, while their efficacy is mostly anecdotal. 1. Ginger tea [caption id="attachment_890102" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Ginger tea might be helpful in reducing nausea. Moreover, ginger is also a proven “galactagogue,” which...
Breast milk alone can fulfill an infant's nutritional needs; therefore, exclusive breastfeeding is advised until a baby turns six months old (1). In most cases, babies are fed from both breasts. However, you may notice that your baby sometimes may prefer breastfeeding from one breast. For most women, one-sided breastfeeding is a typical condition. An infant may prefer one-sided breastfeeding for a variety of reasons. Read through this post to learn more about one-sided breastfeeding, its causes, negative effects, and ways to deal with it. [mj-toc] Causes Of One-sided Breastfeeding The following factors can be the reasons for one-sided breastfeeding (2): [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/side-lying-breastfeeding-nursing-when-and-how-to-do_00668627/" title="When To Do Side-Lying Breastfeeding And 8 Steps To Follow"] Uncomfortable feeding position: Babies may prefer one breast if they are not comfortably held to latch on the other breast. Always follow the right breastfeeding techniques and positions Ear infection or stuffy nose: This may cause discomfort to the baby to feed on one side. [caption id="attachment_886953"...
Benadryl is an over-the-counter (OTC) syrup commonly used by people to alleviate the symptoms of cough or as an antihistamine to improve the symptoms of skin irritation. However, maintain caution as Benadryl while breastfeeding may be unsafe as it has mild sedative properties and may pass into the baby through the breastmilk. Keep reading this post to know more about the ingredients, safety, side effects, and alternatives to Benadryl for nursing mothers. [mj-toc] What Is Benadryl? [caption id="attachment_886716" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Benadryl is an over-the-counter (OTC) brand of medicines sold to treat a variety of conditions ranging from coughing to skin allergies. It is available in topical and oral forms. Topical Benadryl is used for treating skin allergy symptoms such as skin rashes and itching. Oral Benadryl is available as capsules, chewable tablets, and syrup that are used for treating cold, cough, and allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy throat, etc. A variant of Benadryl syrup is...
New moms sometimes believe that if they exclusively breastfeed, they may prevent getting their period. However, it is just a myth, bringing to the question of when to expect the first period after breastfeeding? The truth is that you will begin menstruation shortly after childbirth. Your postpartum menstruation may begin as soon as a few weeks after birth. However, there are instances when women might not be menstruating, even after prolonged lactation. This condition is called lactational [simple_tooltip text="amenorrhea" tooltip="Absence of menstrual period in women, either temporarily or permanently" ](1). The lactational amenorrhea method is a lactational infertility that relies on the body's natural mechanism of preventing ovulation while breastfeeding. Continue reading to learn more about breastfeeding and menstruation. [mj-toc] Return Of Period While Breastfeeding Your period shall return after the birth of your baby. If you are not breastfeeding, you can expect your cycle to return within 3 months. However, it might vary from mother to mother (2). Even...
Coconut water is a refreshing beverage that possesses distinctive nutritional, medicinal, and therapeutic properties. In some cultures, coconut water when breastfeeding is used as a galactagogue to increase breast milk production and supply. Perhaps that is why its use to treat ailments like dehydration is common in folk medicine (1). However, this purported coconut benefit is still under research. Read on as we tell you more about the safety of coconut water for lactating women, its effect on breast milk supply, and possible health benefits this mild sweet liquid from tender green-colored drupe can offer breastfeeding mothers. [mj-toc] Is Coconut Water Safe During Breastfeeding? [caption id="attachment_889831" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] There is no clinical recommendation on the safety of coconut water use during breastfeeding (2). Lactation experts generally consider coconut water safe for healthy mothers with no severe medical conditions (3). In contrast, breastfeeding mothers with health conditions, including high/low blood pressure, kidney problems, and recent surgery, are advised to...
Essential oils (EOs) are volatile oils extracted from aromatic plants or herbs. These fragrant, rejuvenating oils are used in aromatherapy and traditional medicine for therapeutic, relaxation, and cosmetic purposes. Some also consider it as an alternative medicine to conventional ones. However, though they are generally considered safe, some mothers may wonder, “Is it safe to use essential oils when breastfeeding?” Understanding this information is vital to ascertain the safety of the lactating mother and her baby. Read on to learn more about the safety of EOs for nursing moms, which EOs are safe to use when breastfeeding, and which should be avoided. Also, the article shares precautionary tips mothers should observe while using essential oils. [mj-toc] Is It Safe To Use Essential Oils When Breastfeeding? When used under medical guidance, the use of EOs can be considered “possibly safe” when breastfeeding. Although most oils are available over the counter, the safety regulations vary for various essential oils. The use of...
Chia seeds are a derivative of the Chia plant (scientifically known as Salvia hispanica), which belongs to the mint family. While nursing, most moms are concerned about the possible interactions between Chia seeds and breastfeeding and the safety aspects of consuming them. However, chia seeds have high nutritional values and reportedly possess potential [simple_tooltip text="nutraceutical" tooltip="Related to nutritional products that are also known for their medicinal use" ] and therapeutic properties. [mj-toc] Is It Safe To Eat Chia Seeds When Breastfeeding? Yes, chia seeds are considered safe to consume while breastfeeding. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers chia seeds as food (1). As per the USDA Dietary Reference Intakes, a vegetarian nursing mom should include calories and high nutrient foods in her breastfeeding diet on a regular basis (2). Chia seeds contain calories and diverse nutrients, and can be suitable for breastfeeding mothers. However, since the safety of chia seeds during lactation is not well-researched and not entirely...
Looking at your saggy breasts after pregnancy/breastfeeding might make you think, ‘do breasts shrink after pregnancy? You should know that breast sagging is a natural aspect of post-pregnancy adjustments. It’s also known as ‘ptosis,’ and it’s more of a cosmetic change than a medical concern. This post discusses the causes of drooping or sagging breasts following pregnancy and strategies to prevent this change. [mj-toc] What Causes Breast Sagging After Pregnancy Or Breastfeeding? The breasts are attached to the muscles by Cooper ligaments, which hold them in position (1). These ligaments are subjected to tension as early as the first trimester; they get heavier and fuller over the course of the pregnancy. As time passes, the elasticity of the stretched Cooper ligaments may be weakened, leading to sagging. It is not breastfeeding alone that causes the breasts to sag, but rather pregnancy, genetics, and other factors. During pregnancy, the breasts undergo changes as they prepare for breastfeeding. The milk glands grow...
The side-lying breastfeeding position is when you lie on your side and place your baby alongside you on their side. In this position, you face each other with your baby’s head at the level of your breast. Hence, it is also known as the reclining or lying down position. Experts consider this position comfortable and safe for babies and mothers. You can try this technique when you find positioning or latching the baby difficult in other positions. Regardless of the feeding position you choose, remember to place the baby on their back in the crib for sleeping. For any breastfeeding-related issues, always consult a lactation professional besides doing research. Read on as we offer insight into the benefits of side-lying breastfeeding and steps to ensure smooth breastfeeding for you and your baby in this position. [mj-toc] When Is The Side-lying Breastfeeding Position A Good Choice? [caption id="attachment_668648" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Side-lying breastfeeding is the right choice when you prefer...
You may find that your baby bites while nursing. If you are wondering how and why your baby won’t stop biting while nursing, this post is for you. Breast biting by the infant while nursing is unpleasant, and many mothers may misunderstand it as a sign that their baby is ready to wean. However, you should continue to breastfeed your baby exclusively until he or she is six months old. You can try various methods to keep your infant from biting your breasts. However, if they bite frequently, you should seek medical advice or call a lactation specialist. Read on to know more. [mj-toc] Why Does A Baby Bite While Nursing? There are various reasons for baby biting while nursing. Sometimes, improper latching and position can make the baby’s teeth press against the breast,and you might feel as if the baby is biting. Here are a few reasons why the baby might bite while breastfeeding (1): Teething: Sore gums due...
Chamomile tea is a popular beverage prepared by steeping dried chamomile flowers in boiling water. It is widely popular for its calming effects and distinctive therapeutic properties. You may consider taking chamomile tea when breastfeeding for its anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, anti-depression, and [simple_tooltip text="lactogenic" tooltip="A substance or hormone that induces the production of milk" ] effects. However, most of these effects aren’t well researched. Hence, the effect of chamomile tea on lactating women and their nursing babies is still unclear. Keep reading to know more about the safety of chamomile tea for lactating women, its effects on breast milk supply, possible benefits, and precautions you should observe while drinking it. [mj-toc] Is It Safe To Consume Chamomile Tea When Breastfeeding? [caption id="attachment_886512" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] The US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) categorizes chamomile as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) to use as a spice, seasoning, or flavoring agent (1). However, the safety of chamomile tea for lactating mothers...
If you are experiencing dehydration when breastfeeding, it can change the composition and quantity of breast milk. Low water intake and fluid loss can deplete the fluid levels in the body. In such cases, nursing moms are more likely to develop dehydration due to increased fluid demand. Mild dehydration may not affect the milk supply, but it is important to prevent severe dehydration. You need to take more water during breastfeeding to maintain the fluid levels in the body. Read on to know the signs, causes, complications, and treatment of dehydration in breastfeeding mothers and ways to prevent it. [mj-toc]Can Breastfeeding Cause Dehydration? The reduced intake of fluids while breast feeding may cause dehydration. Nursing mothers were found to lose an average of 700 ml of water a day by eight weeks postpartum (1). Lactating mothers are thus recommended a required daily intake of 3.1 liters (13 cups) of water, which can help manage water loss from breastfeeding (2). Make...
Decaf coffee is a popular alternative to regular coffee that contains less caffeine but has the same aroma and flavor. As experts advise nursing mothers to limit their caffeine intake, you would want to know if drinking decaf coffee while breastfeeding is a safe option. Knowing this is essential as regardless of the content in your coffee, it still has some caffeine that may affect sensitive babies (1). Read on as we tell you more about the safety of decaf coffee during lactation, its nutritional value, and its effects on you and your baby. But before we understand how caffeine affects breastfeeding moms and their babies, let’s first understand the difference between decaf coffee and regular coffee. [mj-toc] Caffeine Levels In Regular Coffee And Decaf Coffee [caption id="attachment_890112" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] The average caffeine content in an 8oz brewed cup of coffee is 95mg, while average caffeine content in decaf coffee is about 3mg. It means, decaf coffee is...
The transition of shifting your baby from bottle-feeding to a cup can be as difficult as it was for breastfeeding to bottle. So here we will tell you when to stop bottle feeding the babies to make the shift easier for you. Now that your baby is comfortable holding the bottle, they may not adapt to drinking from cups that easily. Read on to know about some useful tips that can help you in the process of weaning your baby from bottle feeding. [mj-toc] Why Should You Stop Bottle Feeding? Here are a few reasons for stopping your toddler from bottle feeding. 1. Prolonged usage of bottles can lead to tooth decay. [caption id="attachment_885987" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Toddlers tend to sip from the bottle throughout the day and night. Continuous sipping of milk, especially while sleeping, leads to tooth decay. As the toddler falls asleep while drinking, the milk pools in the mouth and creates an acidic cover on...
Lemon water is a refreshing drink that is rich in vitamin C and helps prevent and cure the common cold. It is also popularly used as a therapeutic agent in folk medicine. However, the consumption of lemon water when breastfeeding should be regulated since lemon can aggravate acidity in sensitive individuals. Read on to learn more about whether it is safe to drink lemon water while breastfeeding, its possible health benefits and side effects, the nutritional value of lemon water, and some precautions nursing mothers should take while consuming lemon water. [mj-toc] Is Lemon Water Safe When Breastfeeding? [caption id="attachment_880775" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] Yes, lemon water is considered “safe to drink” when breastfeeding. It is most commonly recommended to stay hydrated and keep digestive issues, such as bloating, at bay (1). When breastfeeding, this healthy drink could add variety to your daily water intake. The lemon water prepared from fresh lime juice at home is comparatively healthier than the...
[mj-toc] Consuming specific foods to increase breast milk can benefit nursing mothers with a low milk supply. Since breast milk is a newborn’s sole source of nourishment, it is important to ensure your body produces adequate amounts of it. Low milk production is rare but may be caused by certain health conditions and may affect the baby’s weight gain. In such cases, the infant’s nutritional needs are met with supplements such as infant formula. However, when nursing moms experience low milk production without any specific causes, following a specific diet may help enhance their milk supply. Read on to learn more about foods that can help increase breast milk supply. Milk Production After Delivery Milk or colostrum levels may be low for the first few days due to factors such as C-section, stress, or bleeding after birth. But the amount you produce will still be enough for your baby. The amount of milk may increase around days three through...
Cluster feeding is a typical behavior in newborns where the baby wants to have frequent, brief feeding sessions (1). Your infant may require multiple nursing sessions in a short period, leaving you exhausted and tired. Cluster feeding usually occurs in infants because their stomachs are not big enough to store a lot of milk. Hence, frequent feedings are not always a sign that the mother is not producing enough milk. Read this post to learn more about why babies cluster feed, when they do it, how long it lasts, whether you can cluster feed formula, the benefits, how to deal with it, and when to consult a doctor about it. [mj-toc]What Is Cluster Feeding? When your baby wants to feed non-stop or bunch several feedings at a time, the phenomenon is referred to as cluster feeding (1). Your baby will mostly cluster feed during the initial months after birth, and it is a normal phenomenon. During cluster feeding, a baby...
Maintaining the body’s optimum hydration levels is vital for regulating the physiological functions that promote health and well-being. Since lactating women usually produce more than 750ml of milk every day, their daily water requirement is higher (1). Thus, experts recommend that nursing mothers drink enough water when breastfeeding. Scroll down to learn more about how much water should be consumed when breastfeeding, whether increased water intake increases your breast milk supply, what happens if you don’t drink enough water, and some tips to ensure optimum hydration while breastfeeding. [mj-toc]How Much Water Should You Drink When Breastfeeding? The European Food Safety Authority recommends drinking an additional 700ml of water above the daily intake (2). Lactation experts recommend drinking to thirst and a little extra than usual. Such recommendations might be confusing since the average water intake for each woman is different. Thus, you may follow some simple guidelines (3). As a general rule, experts recommend non-pregnant/non-lactating women to drink 11.5 cups a...
Breastfeeding a baby beyond infancy is called extended breastfeeding. Although exclusive breastfeeding is recommended until six months, breastfeeding beyond the first year of life may help a child obtain better nutrition and immunity competence. The weaning process is also easier in extended breastfeeding since babies get time to wean as they get more used to a solid diet. In addition, breastfeeding helps maintain the emotional bond of the mother and the toddler. As per the pediatrician\'s recommendations, you may plan a weaning diet for the toddler. Read on to know more about the benefits, challenges, and tips for extended breastfeeding. [mj-toc]Is Breastfeeding Beyond Infancy Recommended? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the initial six months of life and breastfeeding with solid foods until age one. Breastfeeding beyond infancy,that is,beyond one year of life, can be chosen according to the mother\'s and child\'s willingness (1). Exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months of life is recommended by the...
Breastfeeding a newborn is one of the most wonderful times for a mother and her little one. If you are a new mom who just began breastfeeding, learning about some breastfeeding techniques and knacks could help you feed your baby with utmost comfort. Though a natural phenomenon, breastfeeding is a skill that needs to be practiced with patience. Being new to this skill, most moms have a tough time feeding their newborns. However, if you are one among them, reading this post could help you understand the various breastfeeding positions and tips for feeding your baby in a relaxed manner. [mj-toc]When Can You Start Breastfeeding? Your newborn will be ready and eager to breastfeed soon after birth. Place your little one skin-to-skin as often as possible during the initial days of birth. It will help your baby adjust to the environment outside and for better breastfeeding (1). Babies start displaying various behaviors like sucking, licking, bringing their fingers near the...
Bottle-fed babies may encounter the problem of nipple confusion, also known as a bottle preference (1). The natural nipples usually differ from a bottle teat, causing the baby's two experiences to be different. As a result, the baby may be unable to latch well while breastfeeding (2). The feeding sessions may also become shorter or troublesome, and the baby may always appear hungry. Working mothers using expressed milk or having babies with special needs may experience nipple confusion. However, doctors do not consider it a serious issue but a rather simple one that is easy to resolve. Continue reading this post to understand about nipple confusion, its causes, how breast sucking differs from bottle feeding, and how to deal with the condition. [mj-toc]What Is Nipple Confusion? A newborn feeds several times in a day, as the mother's milk is the only thing that the baby can have, and it is easily digestible. Feeding sessions could be long and hard on...
Many parents doubt whether it is safe to mix breast milk and formula to feed a baby. Without a doubt, breast milk is the best food for babies up to six months and older. You may feed expressed breast milk if the baby cannot feed directly from the breast. Sometimes, doctors recommend supplementing infant formula with breast milk to meet your baby\'s energy needs. Hence, there is no harm in mixed feeding if you do it as recommended. Read on to know the correct ways to mix breast milk and formula, its pros and cons, and alternatives to it. [mj-toc]Can You Mix Formula And Breast Milk In The Same Bottle? [caption id="attachment_891811" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] Yes, you can mix formula with breast milk. However, experts advise keeping breastfeeding and formula feeding separate since (1): The storage guidelines for both formula and breast milk are different. Thus, if a baby doesn’t finish the feed, the breast milk gets wasted as...