Breastfeeding is a gift to baby, mother, family, and the planet.
When mothers have the correct breastfeeding information, problems can be avoided, and babies can thrive. If someone tells you that to breastfeed you need to buy a product or pay for a lactation service, a red warning flag should go up in your mind.
Mothers have breastfed their babies since the beginning of humankind. They didn't use or need any products. They learned the skills they needed from other mothers; they learned mother to mother.
Unfortunately, today people are misinforming mothers by telling them that they need to buy special pillows or nipple shields or pumps or creams or gel packs or herbal remedies. Please know that none of these are needed to effectively breastfeed. They can all cause problems, so we do not recommend them.
To learn how to wean from products, see How to Wean from Products.
Unfortunately, mothers are not being taught natural breastfeeding techniques.
So, we present this website to help mothers and babies get back to natural breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding products that we do not recommend.
1. Artificial nipples in the first 6 weeks.
(including bottle nipples, pacifiers, nipple shields)
2. Nipple shields.
3. Steroid containing nipple cream.
4. Gel packs, cling wrap.
5. Breast pads when nipples are sore.
6. Breast Milk Collectors.
7. Special breastfeeding pillows.
Breastfeeding products that are often marketed and offered when problems arise, instead of teaching mom natural breastfeeding techniques.
1. We STRONGLY CAUTION against using any artificial nipples in the first six weeks of baby's life.
Artificial nipples can interfere with the baby learning to nurse effectively.
They can also affect the mother's milk supply.
Artificial nipples include:
bottle nipples
nipple shields
pacifiers
CAUTION: Artificial nipples including nipple shields are NOT recommended.
Baby needs time to learn how to breastfeed, as does mom.
Nature intended that breastfeeding exercise the baby's jaw and tongue muscles in a specific way. Drinking from a bottle uses the jaw and tongue muscles differently.
Research shows that breastfeeding aids in speech development.
So let us protect this early opportunity for baby to do what comes from nature, to learn to latch and breastfeed without interference from products.
We recommend waiting 6 weeks before offering a pacifier or bottle.
We never recommend nipple shields.
By 6 weeks baby will have learned how to nurse (if using correct positioning) and will have brought in a full milk supply.
Some babies develop a preference for artificial nipples when given to them before 6 weeks and will refuse to latch onto the breast. This can lead to a downward spiral to early weaning.
When babies get bottles, nipple shields or pacifiers, they can bite them, and it doesn't matter. But then they may do the same to mom when put on the breast, and biting mom hurts and can cause nipple soreness.
While nursing, the baby's jaws compress the breast, milking the breast. His jaws are always slightly open with all the nipple and some of the areola in his mouth. This is different than when a bottle nipple is in his mouth, and he can easily close his gums and compress the bottle nipple.
After 6 weeks babies will have learned how to nurse effectively and can be given a bottle without the baby rejecting the breast. At this age, babies will usually be able to go between breast and bottle without risk.
If you fear that baby won't take a bottle and you will be going to work outside of your home, please know that an eyedropper can be used.
Yes, some babies refuse to take a bottle at first, but you can get some plastic eyedroppers, clean them well, and have the caregiver use them to feed baby.
Gently place the eyedropper in the corner of baby's mouth.
Slowly squeeze milk into baby's mouth and remove eyedropper.
This is a transitional method to use until baby will accept a bottle.
See How to Wean from Products How to Wean from Products for more information.
Q: Why are moms told to use bottles, nipple shields and pacifiers instead of naturally breastfeeding, which has sustained human babies since the beginning of humankind?
A: I will answer this question with more questions:
1. Do people think that (expensive) formula is healthier than (free, nature made) mother's milk?
2. What does scientific research show when comparing human milk and formula?
3. Do lactation personnel want moms to naturally breastfeed or are they more interested in making money selling their lactation services and products when moms have trouble nursing?
4. Have lactation personnel nursed their own babies effectively until the baby weaned himself?
5. Did they use products?
6. What position did they use?
7. Have thorough studies been done that show the long-term effects on babies from sucking on bottle nipples, pacifiers, and nipple shields?
8. Do these artificial nipples shed material, like silicone, that the baby ingests?
Yes, many baking dishes are made of silicone but is it really safe?
History shows it has caused problems, like Lupus, when silicone breast implants leaked.
9. Natural breastfeeding stimulates the breast through the touch of baby's mouth on the nipple and breast to make enough milk.
Do nipple shields, which act as a barrier between baby's mouth and the mom's skin, interfere with the milk supply?
10. Do pacifiers, when given to soothe baby, interfere with the supply and demand mechanism of breastfeeding, which tells the mother's body how much milk to produce?
11. Do bottles and pacifiers, interfere with the bonding of mother and baby, that breastfeeding naturally offers?
Aren't these valid reasons to go with what nature provides, with natural breastfeeding?
2. We strongly caution AGAINST using nipple shields.
CAUTION - Nipple Shields are NOT recommended
Here is another product that has been heavily promoted since the introduction of the Cross Cradle Hold.
Mothers were warned for decades about the problems that nipple shields can cause. But when the Cross Cradle Hold started being taught and problems arose from it, mothers were sold nipple shields for their sore nipples or to prevent sore nipples, rather than being taught the correct Cradle Hold Position.
Nipple shields are rubber or silicone pieces, resembling a bottle nipple, that fit snugly over the mother's nipple.
Baby latches onto the nipple shield instead of the mother's bare breast.
As baby sucks, the mother's nipple is pulled into the nipple shield.
This can irritate mother's nipples.
And nipple shields need to be kept scrupulously clean.
Nipple shields can interfere with a mother's milk production as mother may not be receiving sufficient stimulation; the shield can act as a barrier to the sensations the baby's sucking would normally be giving the mom through nursing.
Nipple shields are often difficult to wean from.
If trying to wean from shields, do not cut off pieces of a silicone nipple shield because sharp edges may be left.
Just keep trying to remove the shield after baby has latched.
Some babies refuse the breast after using nipple shields.
Breastfeeding is infinitely easier without these products.
Q: Where is the long-term research proving that the chemicals (including silicone) and other materials used in nipple shields are safe for infants?
A: A mother's body is Nature's best, for her baby.
Nipple shields interfere with establishing the optimal microbiome for babies.
From: JAMA Pediatrics, 2017, 'Association Between Breast Milk Bacterial Communities and Establishment and Development of the Infant Gut Microbiome', by Paanaraj, Li, and Cerini.
This study showed:
'... breastfed infants received 27.7% of their gut bacteria from breast milk and 10.4% from areola skin during the first month of life...'
This study was done to 'determine the association between the maternal breast milk and areola skin, and infant gut communities.'
'Establishment of the infant microbiome has lifelong implications on health and immunity. Gut microbiota of breastfed compared with nonbreastfed individuals differ during infancy as well as into adulthood. Breast milk contains a diverse population of bacteria, but little is known about the vertical transfer of bacteria from mother to infant by breastfeeding.'
The results of this study show that areola skin cells are part of Nature's plan for the baby's microbiome.
Nipple shields interfere with the baby receiving the skin cells from the areola, as baby will only have the nipple shield in his mouth to nurse. He will not receive any of the mother's nipple or areola cells as they are covered by the nipple shield.
He will receive the mother's milk, but not the areola skin cells.
This was not nature's intent.
Q: What are the effects on the baby's microbiome, current and future, when nipple shields block baby from getting the mother's areola skin cells?
A: We can make an observation from this study.
Because natural breastfeeding techniques were always used until recently, and since there were no nipple shields used until recently, Areola skin cells have been part of human microbiomes, from the beginning of humankind.
Shouldn't mothers follow Nature's plan, for the optimal health of their baby?
Q: I was told to use a nipple shield because I have one flat nipple. Is there a way to nurse with my flat nipple side and avoid nipple shield problems?
A: Nipples come as Outies, Innies or are Flat.
Outies are typical and do not need any special attention.
Innies and Flat nipples can be turned into outies by using the Bull's Eye Technique to latch on.
Center your Flat or Innie nipple with baby's mouth.
Touch your Innie or Flat nipple area to baby's lips and when he opens up, draw him in close (in the Cradle Hold), making sure that he gets all of the nipple area and some of the areola in his mouth.
His sucking will draw the nipple out, will loosen the tissue adhesions that are keeping the nipple flat or inverted.
If he refuses to latch, try:
-a cool wet washcloth over the nipple area to draw it out
-hand express that side to see if the nipple will come out
-pump a little to try to draw it out
-some moms have asked their husband to try to help, by gently sucking on that side
-once the nipple protrudes, immediately put baby on that breast
-baby's sucking will help turn the Innie or Flat nipple into an Outie
And once you have nursed a baby on a Flat or Innie nipple, it will soon become an Outie and you won't have to worry about it with future children.
3. We caution against using steroid containing nipple cream because of the potential negative side effects of steroids on babies.
There is a nipple cream being recommended that contains Betamethasone. Also known as Betameth, it is a potent long-acting steroid.
Thomas Hale in his 'Medications and Mothers Milk' book states the dangers that Betamethasone, a corticosteroid, can do to an infant.
'...steroids may inhibit epiphyseal bone growth, weaken bones, and may induce gastric ulcerations in children.'
Q: This author asks; What may be the long-term repercussions to a child who nurses for hours each day on nipples that have this steroid containing cream on them?
Where is the long-term research to prove that this cream is safe for nursing infants?
For your information, this cream started being promoted after the Cross Cradle Hold was introduced.
We noticed many moms being prescribed this cream who were having problems, sore nipples, caused by the Cross Cradle Hold.
Instead of teaching them how to solve their problems with the Cradle Hold, they were sold a steroid containing cream.
4. We caution AGAINST using Gel Packs.
And we caution AGAINST using the Cling Wrap technique.
And we caution AGAINST using ice packs for more than 10 minutes.
CAUTION - Gel Packs are NOT recommended
Gel pack products are being promoted for sore nipples and engorgement.
Manufacturers recommend wearing them 6-24 hours a day inside the bra.
We do NOT recommend them. They inhibit airflow to the nipple.
When a mother gets sore nipples the best way to heal is to correct the breastfeeding position, to teach her the Cradle Hold, and to allow air to get to the nipples.
These gel products are made of plastic with a gel inside them.
They block airflow to the nipples.
They hold moisture against the nipples.
They make the nipples more sore.
The moms I've seen with the sorest nipples, who said they were in so much pain that they were seeing stars, were the ones using the Cross Cradle Hold and gel packs.
We also caution against using cling wrap over the nipples.
Mothers are told this will aid sore nipples, but it does the same thing as gel packs.
The cling wrap blocks air from getting to the nipples.
Moisture is trapped between the cling wrap and the breast.
It makes nipples more sore.
Mothers are also being told to use the gel packs as ice packs for sore nipples or engorged breasts.
While short periods of cold, wet washcloths are useful, keeping ice packs or gel packs on the nipple area for more than 10 minutes, may create the problems that happen when airflow to the nipples is blocked, and the nipple area is kept moist for long periods of time.
Nipples need to be able to dry out between feedings, which happens naturally once baby comes off the breast.
Q: How clean is the breast - nipple area when the gel pack or cling wrap is holding saliva from baby's mouth and leaked breast milk or milk from baby's mouth, in an environment that does not let the nipple area dry out between feedings?
Q: Is this an environment that will encourage nipple soreness and thrush? Yes.
Q: Is this an environment that will allow the self-cleaning and self-healing properties of the breast to function? No.
Natural breastfeeding allows the breast - nipple area to dry between nursings.
The special areola glands keep the nipples and areolae supple and healthy.
Having nipples constantly sit in moisture is NOT natural.
Think about what happens when your hands have been in water for a long time.
The effect is drying. Nipples are built perfectly, let's not inhibit their ability to function.
Women's bodies are wonderfully created to nourish their babies.
Since the beginning of humankind, women have effectively nursed their babies without any products.
When someone tells you that you need a product to breastfeed, a red flag should go up.
If they can't help you solve your breastfeeding problem without a product, search for more information, such as this website!
5. We caution against using Breast Pads if you have sore nipples.
Breast pads block air flow to nipples, keep the skin moist, and often chafe it, making nipple soreness worse.
To aid healing, we suggest not wearing breast pads at home or at all if possible.
Let air get to the sore skin as much as possible, letting some breast milk dry on the sore areas as it contains healing properties, and changing breast pads as soon as possible when they get wet.
Going without a bra and wearing a loose, cotton shirt such as a t-shirt allows for maximum air flow.
Train your breasts not to leak by pressing your forearm against the leaking side for a few moments.
At night many mothers find that sleeping on a couple of bath towels helps keep sheets drier, then the towels can be changed in the morning.
Remember, leaking is a sign that you have lots of milk, that's a blessing!
6. Breast Milk Collectors - Caution.
Products like the Elvie Catch and Haakaa Milk Collector are being sold so that nursing moms can catch or collect their leaking breastmilk.
Marketing phrases for these products are very enticing.
-save every drop of precious liquid gold (your breastmilk)
-catch every last drop of milk with leak-free confidence
-can be worn comfortably for up to 3 hours
-easy pour tear-drop design, for pouring milk into a bottle
-reusable: replaces single use breast pads
While it sounds like a good idea to save every last drop of leaking breastmilk,
the foundational premise for using these milk collectors is:
1- flawed
2- makes assumptions that the baby is getting bottles
3- makes one think that the breast goes empty and that you better catch every drop right now or else there may not be enough milk for baby
Breastfeeding moms should be training their breasts NOT TO LEAK.
They should not be made to worry about leaking. Leaking will stop / subside over time. Leaking means the mom has a bountiful milk supply, which should build the moms confidence in being able to breastfeed her baby.
How can you train your body not to leak?
When nursing your baby on the right breast and his head is on your right elbow area in the Cradle Hold, gently press your left forearm against your left breast.
When baby is nursing on the left breast, with head on the left elbow in the Cradle Hold, press your right forearm gently against the right breast.
This will teach your body not to leak. No products needed.
It seems like nature gives moms a super abundance of milk in the beginning, and moms will leak. Sleeping on bath towels helps and cotton breast pads, that are washable and reusable, can help when you go out.
Leaking will greatly subside over time due to the supply and demand mechanism of breastfeeding.
The more the baby demands milk by nursing, the more milk will be supplied.
When the baby demands less milk by nursing less, less milk will be supplied.
Nature is not wasteful, it will not continue to produce more than the baby needs.
The supply and demand mechanism is amazing and will ensure baby's needs are met. The lactating breast is like a manufacturing site that never closes, it is never totally empty, and your baby knows how to get what he or she needs from the breast while nursing.
Please have confidence in this amazing system!
Milk collectors seem to me to be another product with a strong marketing pitch, that makes moms wonder if they should be 'catching every last drop' of leaking breast milk and feeding it in a bottle?
Every bottle that a baby gets, is time not spent at the breast.
Every bottle is a missed opportunity for baby to be the one to regulate milk production through his sucking.
And for new moms, who are learning how babies and breastfeeding work, these milk collectors can steer them away from natural breastfeeding techniques.
It can send them to a path where they worry about every drop of milk the baby gets. Where they lose confidence in their body's ability to produce a sufficient milk supply unless they can actually see how much milk the baby is drinking.
It gives moms more work to keep the milk collectors, bottles and other artificial nipples like nipple shields and pacifiers clean. Cleaning baby feeding products is very time consuming. This is time spent doing cleaning activities when the baby needs to be cared for, when he just wants, and needs, to be with you.
I strongly caution against using bottles and pacifiers, including bottles with the collected milk from a milk collecting system, in the first 6 weeks, as many babies will learn to prefer artificial nipples and refuse to breastfeed.
Questions I have about milk collecting systems:
-What does the silicone milk collector do to the breast and nipple skin when it is used in the bra for hours at a time?
-Are you sure that the collected breast milk is still fresh if it has been sitting in the collector for hours?
-During breastfeeding, a baby nurses on and off as needed through the day. The nipple area has time to dry out between feedings. It is not constantly in moisture. The areola glands around the nipple, help to keep the nipple and areola healthy.
It is NOT Natural for lactating breasts to have silicone or plastic against the nipples and breasts. Silicone and plastic are not breathable, are not what nature intended.
-Are the milk collectors contributing to nipple soreness?
-The milk collector website cautions that 'exposure to detergent may make the silicone appear cloudy.'
What does this mean? Does this mean that the milk collectors degrade over time?
And if they do, are they shedding silicone into the collected milk?
There used to be cautions against silicone, as silicone was used in breast implants and when the implants leaked, health issues arose.
Now silicone is used in many cooking items. What has changed to make it safe?
Is silicone really safe for milk collectors? nipple shields? bottle nipples? pacifiers?
Human babies should NOT be used as test subjects for products.
My 2 cents...
Caution: Milk Collectors are not recommended.
See How to Build an Effective Milk Supply How to Build an Effective Milk Supply.
7. Special breastfeeding pillows are NOT necessary.
Baby's and mother's body sizes are going to change. Baby will grow and mom will go back towards her pre-pregnancy size.
Q: Why would one pillow work, including special breastfeeding pillows, for any length of time under these circumstances?
A: No one pillow will be effective as baby grows.
Any pillow(s) from around the house will work.
The idea is NOT to position yourself to accommodate the size of the pillow. That often causes mothers to bend forward over the pillow or to sit up straight so
'as not to pull the mother's breast tissue away from the baby'.
The idea is to latch on then lean back comfortably, keeping baby tummy to tummy, and to use any pillows necessary to support baby and mother's arms.
No need to spend money on a special pillow, just use whatever pillow(s) are in the house. Rolled up towels can be used for support also.
Mothers find that in the cradle hold they soon outgrow the need for pillows and find great freedom in being able to nurse whenever and wherever the baby wants to, without having to drag a certain pillow with them.
See Mothers Testimonials/ Jackie, for examples of how breastfeeding pillows can cause problems.