We will host a virtual La Leche League Airport Area group meeting on Thursday, February 4th from 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM on the Jitsi.org platform.
Information on how to join the meeting will be emailed prior to the meeting. If you would like added to our email list, please fill out the form on the Contact Us page.
To download Jitsi for your phone, please visit the Jitsi website. We look forward to connecting with all of you!
Many breastfeeding families are wondering if the new vaccine will be safe to get. La Leche League Leaders cannot answer medical questions but can provide information. In this recently updated article from La Leche League USA, you can find information on nursing if you get sick with COVID-19, donor milk, pregnancy and statements from leading health organizations regarding the vaccine and breastfeeding.
Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the COVID-19 crisis. In order to keep everyone safe, we are temporarily suspending our in-person monthly meetings. We are looking into how to hold a virtual meeting on Thursday, April 2nd. More information will be posted.
We are still here to support all of you and are available through phone, text and email if you have any breastfeeding questions or need support. Please reach out if you need anything! All of our contact info can be found here: Contact Us
Breastfeeding during COVID-19, by Dawn Burke, Professional Liaison Department Administrator, La Leche League
Current knowledge from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that breastfeeding parents, even those with confirmed Covid-19, should continue to nurse. By the time the nursing parent has symptoms, the child has already been exposed, therefore stopping breastfeeding increases the child’s chance of becoming ill. Human milk provides important protection and nutrition to nursing children and abruptly stopping can cause more problems than it solves.
Here are some practical steps families can take to limit the spread of Covid-19 and some ways to cope if the nursing parent becomes ill. Much of this is common sense and applies to similar illnesses like the flu. It’s best to have some basic items on-hand before anyone gets sick. If a nursing parent does get sick, a bin or basket to keep these items nearby works best:
Hand sanitizer and/or wipes
Tissues
Plenty of non-sugary liquids or rehydration fluids—it’s important to stay hydrated to maintain milk supply
Fruit juice popsicles—feverish people who won’t drink will often be willing to suck on popsicles for fluids
Nutritious snacks
Thermometer
Phone charger
Remote control and/or a good book
Diapers and clothing changes for the child
Basket of quiet books, toys, or puzzles for a toddler to play with nearby
If a nursing parent does become ill, the guidelines are similar to those of other viral respiratory illnesses:
“Breastfeeding women should not be separated from their newborns, as there is no evidence to show that respiratory viruses can be transmitted through breast milk, according to UNICEF. The mother can continue breastfeeding, as long as the necessary precautions below are applied:
Symptomatic mothers well enough to breastfeed should wear a mask when near a child (including during feeding), wash hands before and after contact with the child (including feeding), and clean/disinfect contaminated surfaces.
If a mother is too ill to breastfeed, she should be encouraged to express milk that can be given to the child via a clean cup and/or spoon – while wearing a mask, washing hands before and after contact with the child, and cleaning/disinfecting contaminated surfaces.”
Additional resources can be found here: Breastfeeding and Coronavirus
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, March 5th at 10 AM at the Panera in North Fayette (by Walmart) in the VIP room.
If you have any questions, please contact us!
You can also find more information about our monthly meetings here.
We look forward to seeing you and your little ones!
It is amazing how many new benefits are found in breast milk. Researchers recently discovered a breast milk compound that fights the growth of infection causing bacteria. It is called glycerol monolaurate, or GML and the compound also promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria. Read more here.
Thinking about sleep training? Read this informative article from LLLI, about what sleep training is, how to co-sleep safely, what normal infant sleep is and ways to gently help your baby sleep.
Often mom’s are surprised by the intense need their baby has for them that first year of life. Sometimes they wonder if something is wrong with their baby or if they are spoiling them by holding them so much. This need to be close to mom is a very normal, natural behavior and one that is healthy for both the baby and mom. Read more on the Women’s Health Today blog on why this intense time is so important and why it makes sense biologically:
Help! I can’t put my baby down!
Here are some helpful tips from La Leche League Great Britain on nursing during the holidays. It can be stressful but remember your baby needs you and it is okay to be selective with your Christmas to-do list this year!
When my first son was born, he wanted to be held ALL THE TIME to sleep. For naps and throughout the night. It didn’t feel right to put him down and let him cry, especially because I knew he would nurse right to sleep and stay happy and content in my arms or sleeping next to me. If this sounds like your baby, know you are not alone! For helpful tips on co-sleeping safely, see La Leche League’s Safe Sleep Seven.
We recently came across this article on laying with your children as they fall asleep. It is a wonderful reminder of how you can meet the needs of your child in whatever stage they are in and that there is nothing wrong with being there for them as they fall asleep!
Read more here: Lying down with your kids until they fall asleep is not a bad habit
