Danielle Gauss's Blog (58)

I was so blessed to hear from one of the many mothers I have had the privilege to help with breastfeeding a few weeks back. She had mentioned how much she enjoyed my previous lactation cookie recipes and then shared a few new recipes she created as well. Her baby had a dairy sensitivity so, she has come up with a fabulous lactation cookie recipe sure to help increase your milk supply  and be a healthy treat for the whole family. So with out further ado…

The Dairy Free Lactation Cookie…

One of the main reasons new mother’s are referred to me from their pediatrician is due to increased weight loss after birth. I expect a 7% weight loss, that is normal, and there is no need for intervention.  As long as the baby is back to birth weight by 2 weeks, we know that the baby is getting enough milk. However if a baby has lost 10% of his birth weight after delivery pediatricians begin to get concerned and often begin wanting some form of intervention.

For further explanation,…

It would seem that every breastfeeding mother would desire to have a milk production, so big that you would have endless freezers full of expressed milk, your baby would always be blissfully full and content, and your breastfeeding worries would be over. Surprisingly, this is not always the case. In fact some women actually suffer from an overabundant milk supply.  Although that may seem like every lactating woman’s dream,to have too much milk, for those women who do have an overactive let…

Since the holidays are here...faster then expected, I thought I would share an article about some holiday spices that are huge enemies of the milk supply. Sage is often found is Thanksgiving stuffing, and Peppermint is everywhere at Christmas time. So before you go and pick up that Peppermint latte or extra spoonful of grandma's stuffing, read this first!  Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!…

After teaching Childbirth Lamaze Classes for the last 9 years, and being a Labor Doula for 8, I have often been asked in my classes for a Labor Tips Cheat Sheet! So without further ado... here you go! I hope you find it helpful as you make that amazing journey into motherhood!!

http://www.justbreastfeeding.com/pregnancy/tips-labor-birth/

As your baby gets older you may notice, especially when teething begins, that the baby starts to bite. Although this is a temporary problem with an easy fix, it can be very startling to a mother. Below is my latest blog with tips on how to get a baby to stop biting at the breast, so you can continue on to have a happy breastfeeding relationship.…

Sore nipples associated with breastfeeding, is with out a doubt the most common reason women quit breastfeeding. Unfortunately it only takes one bad latch to damage your nipples. Here are a few steps to help treat, heal, and prevent further damage.…

Knowing how to properly latch your baby to your breast, should seem instinctual right? It would seem that every mother should know innately how to latch her baby, and that the baby should know what to do instantly. After all…it is NATURE! Although sometimes that is true,  more often then not breastfeeding is a learned art. It takes practice, and sometimes trial and error to figure out just how to correctly and painlessly latch a baby.  Below are a few easy steps to ensure that both you and…

TIME magazine’s recent publication displays a mother breastfeeding her 3 year old child. The thought process behind the now very controversial cover was to promote the benefits of “Attachment Parenting”, a philosophy founded by Dr. William Sears. What wasn’t expected was the outcry from both sides of the spectrum, parents and parenting experts alike. It seems as if everyone has an opinion about what this cover truly says.  To see my take and opinion on the cover feel free to read my latest…

As natural as breastfeeding is, some babies, for various reason, do not have the ability to latch onto the breast correctly. In order for a baby to breastfeed, the tongue must be positioned properly in the mouth. The baby needs to be able to have a wide open mouth, rest his/her tongue on the floor of the mouth and be able to extend the tongue over the lower gum line. Basically, the tongue must be down and roll forward in order to latch on properly to the mother’s breast.  If a baby has not…

New research has proven that breast milk, made into a lotion, is the latest alternative form of treatment for eczema, psoriasis, sunburns and itchy dry skin. Although the idea of rubbing breast milk on your skin may seem a bit unconventional, it is proving to be a safe and sometime superior treatment to other medicinal options. The antibodies found in breast milk will help aid in the onset of infection that can be secondary to persistent scratching. Breast milk lotion may not be for…

Being a parent has to be one of the most difficult jobs I have ever had to do. It also is the most rewarding job I have ever had.  As a mother, I naturally want the best for my children. I want them to succeed in everything they do. I want to protect them from the pain of the world, the hurt they will have to go through, and give them everything I have.  I find myself wanting to be this overbearing protective “Mama Bear”. Yet I know, if I don’t let them fall now and then, or allow them to…

If you are one of the lucky mothers who has tons of extra breast milk, that is taking up way to much room in your freezer, you may want to consider donating it for premature infants with compromised health. Your donation, even an ounce, may save the tiny life of a little baby. For more information on milk banking read the below link:…

We are about to enter the holiday season, full of tasty treats and yummy goodies, as well as a common season of low milk supply. Every winter, my answering service gets flooded with calls from concerned mothers who can't understand why all of sudden in these holiday months, there milk supply has seemed to drastically fallen. In some cases it is the lack of sleep, the stress from festivities, or the increase of the flu and cold season putting a damper on that milk supply. Often times the…

It is the Holiday Season! I don't know if you are like me, but when the weather gets cooler, I like to snuggle up in my PJ's, brew a hot cup of coffee, and start baking! There is nothing like the aroma of fresh baked cookies to warm up the house and soul, on a cold winter day.

This is also the season of low milk supply as a lot of holiday treats have herbs that can lower your milk production. Here is a recipe that will not only boost your milk supply, but tastes great too! A healthy…

I was recently at a Lactation Conference where one of the speakers presented this fabulous information, about 9 instinctive stages that every baby goes through immediately after birth. I was so blown away by the video, as I see get the privilege of seeing this on a daily basis, that I had to write a blog about it. To read about these very important stages visit the below link.

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A nipple shield, or as some new mothers have called it  a " breast shield" or "nipple guard" is used as a breastfeeding tool to help assist some babies with latching difficulties. There are many different reasons why your Lactation Consultant may have recommended the use of a nipple shield. For some women, the only way they will ever be able to breastfeed is with a nipple shield, where for others it is just a temporary solution. There is nothing wrong with using a nipple shield as long as it…

This has to be one of the most common questions I get asked by new mothers. “How do I know if my baby is getting enough?” This can be the most frustrating and the most confusing for new mothers. So I felt to help ease your concern I would give you some suggestions to make sure your baby is in fact feeding well, some sure fire tips that baby is in fact getting enough, and the average weight gain for breastfed infants.

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The following is a month by month baby feeding schedule chart to be used as a guide for your infants growth. Keep in mind that every baby is different, and will have unique growth patterns, however the below chart can be used as a guide to ensure that your baby is getting the proper amount of nutrition for his/her age.…

I am so excited to introduce and support this fantastic breastfeeding tool that is not only beneficial but stylish too. Best part is that it is tax deductible for you and you get to help design this beautiful piece of jewelery.

As functional as it is stylish, this breastfeeding tool enables new mothers to keep track of each feeding session. I know the importance of breastfeeding, and the benefits that go along with it. Believe me, I understand that a new mother may seem overwhelmed at…