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Barbara Dehn, RN, MS, NP is an award-winning author and women's health nurse practitioner with over 20 years experience listening to and caring for women of all ages. She has helped countless new moms through their pregnancies and with breastfeeding. Barbara's years of experience helping her patients find the best way to feed and nurture their babies while taking care of themselves has given her an honest, practical, unbiased, and realistic approach that her patients value. Her decision to act as the health expert for Moms Feeding Freedom grew from her desire to support and encourage all women in all situations in a "Guilt Free Zone" of acceptance and understanding.
Barbara's most recent publication, Your Personal Guide to Breastfeeding, has proven techniques to help you get your baby latched on as well as helpful information and practical tips about the most common challenges moms and baby's face. This guide is jam packed with effective strategies for crying and colic, how to pump and store your milk and what to do for mastitis and plugged ducts. The Breastfeeding Guide has simple illustrations and helpful To Do lists that help mom and baby enjoy this magical time.
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Questions/Answers
MFF
I’ve heard that after I delivery I should try and breastfeed immediately, in the first 5 minutes after the baby’s born, is that true?
Babies do very well with breastfeeding in the first 2 hours after their born. And though, we certainly want to encourage moms to breastfeed soon after birth, but please don’t worry that if it’s not within the first 5-10 minutes that there will be a problem. Of course, if you and the baby are feeling fine immediately after the delivery and you want to put the baby to the breast, by all means go ahead. Many moms and babies need a few minutes to regroup after the delivery, before they feel comfortable breastfeeding. Some of my patients like to wait until the placenta is delivered and some of the people leave the delivery room, so that they can get into a comfortable position to breastfeed.
MFF
What are the signs of mastitis?
Mastitis is caused by an infection in the breast or a when a plugged duct becomes infected. It can develop quickly, is usually only on one side and can be slightly to extremely painful. Many moms with mastitis have flu like symptoms and feel achy all over. Be sure to call your health care provider if you have any of the following:
• Fever over 101
• If your breast is pain, red, hot to the touch, or swollen
• If you have flu like symptoms or feel achy all over
• There is blood or pus coming out of the nipple
MFF
How will I know if my baby is getting enough breastmilk?
The best way to feel reassured is that a newborn baby who is drinking colostrum, (the milk that is made in the first few days) will have 1-3 wet diapers and 1-5 stools each day. After the milk comes in the number of diapers increases to 5-8 and the number of stools to 1-5. Another good way, is to go to your lactation center and weigh your baby before and after nursing.
MFF
What is colostrum?
Before your milk comes in your breasts produce a thick, yellow fluid, or first milk known as colostrum. This is a rich source of nourishment from protein, fat, minerals, milk sugar (lactose), and antibodies that help protect the baby from infection.
MFF
I’m pregnant for the 1st time and 1 week before my due date. I’ve tried to see if I have milk and when I check, nothing comes out, does this mean that I won’t be able to breastfeed?
Though some women will see some yellow or whitish “milk” coming from the nipple before delivery, it’s also perfectly normal for you not to have any secretions from your breast at this time. Good luck with your delivery!
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