|
Many
expectant mothers are aware of the wonderful opportunity they have
to enhance the physical and emotional bond with their babies by
breastfeeding as soon as possible after childbirth.
It is also recommended that a baby be breastfed for the
first year of life. Despite
this, a return to the workplace or an otherwise busy life may bring
about challenges that make it difficult to continue breastfeeding.
Those mothers who cannot or choose not to nurse may also
experience these challenges soon after childbirth.
Whether
or not a new mother initiates breastfeeding, her body will begin
producing breast milk soon after her baby is born. Breast Milk
Leakage (BML) is a challenge that most new mothers encounter,
resulting in inconvenience, embarrassment and discomfort.
BML is the uncontrollable release of breast milk from the
nipple in response to a reflex in lactating women known as
“letdown”, or Milk Ejection Reflex (MER).
Healthcare providers often tell breastfeeding mothers to
expect BML for 2-3 weeks postpartum.
To the contrary, studies indicate that over 90% of nursing
mothers struggle with BML at 2 months postpartum, and 66% of
nursing women continue to experience BML at 6 months postpartum.
Breastfeeding
mothers often use nursing pads to absorb leakage.
Without frequent changes, these pads can leak through
resulting in wet clothing, discomfort and a higher susceptibility
to sore nipples and breast infections.
Other solutions that are recommended to temporarily control BML
include the use of patterned clothing to hide leakage and breast
shells to collect milk. More often that not, these methods are ineffective in
controlling BML and can even contribute to further complications. Unfortunately, the lack of a safe and effective solution
to BML has caused many new mothers to wean prematurely.
Non-breastfeeding
and weaning mothers also experience BML. In the past these mothers
were given lactation suppressing medications that are no longer
available. Binding
with elastic bandages is the method often used in the absence of
these medications, to assist in the process of “drying up”.
However, most women consider it extremely uncomfortable,
inconvenient, and often harmful.
As
a result, new mothers are now turning to a recently introduced
breakthrough product called blis
(the Breast Leakage Inhibitor System).
blis
is a patented
and FDA certified product. It
is a soft, flexible disc that safely and effectively controls BML
by using the natural method of gentle, even pressure on the nipple,
which stops leakage and prevents wetness on the skin and clothing.
One mother from Cincinnati, Ohio says, “I must rank (blis) up there with
Tampons and premenstrual medicines! Since starting back to work, if
it wasn’t for the blis
product, my son and I would not be continuing to reap
the benefits of our breastfeeding relationship.”
blis
is also a safe and effective alternative to binding,
and can be worn day and night to control BML and provide comfort
during periods of engorgement, while a mother’s milk supply
decreases naturally.
New
motherhood and the pressures of modern life bring about many
challenges for today’s women.
Fortunately, blis
provides a proactive solution to one of these
challenges by safely and effectively controlling BML and
eliminating leakage worries, allowing new mothers the confidence to
pursue an active postpartum lifestyle. To find out more about BML
and blis
call 888-410-2547 or visit
Editor’s
note: The information above was contributed by Erika Davis, ProLac
Inc.
References
Ryan A.S.: The Resurgence of Breastfeeding in the U.S.; Pediatrics,
1997
Morse J.M., RN, PhD, and Bottorf J.L., RN, MN, MEd: Leaking: A
Problem of Lactation; Journal
of Nurse Midwifery,
January/February 1989
Wallace B.C., RNC, EdD, Zelen M., PhD, and Zani Pachebo C.L., BA,
MSN: Milk Leakage in Breastfeeding Women: A Clinical Trial
Evaluating a Polyvinyl Chloride Device Versus Disposable Breast
Pads; Journal of Human
Lactation, 1997
Journal of Nurse Midwifery,
January/February 1989
Wallace B.C., RNC, EdD, Zelen M., PhD, and Zani Pachebo C.L., BA,
MSN: Milk Leakage in Nonlactating Women: A Randomized Clinical
Trial Evaluating a Polyvinyl Chloride Device Versus Disposable
Breast Pads; Journal of
Women’s Health, 1998
Luthringer, M, MD, and Carroll E., NP, CNM: Pilot Study for the
Safety and Effectiveness of the LactaPrev System (LPS), December
1995
Do
you think you baby may be suffering from colic?
Tell
us your amazing Birth Story
(labor) and get featured in the Kidsdirect
Family Corner
Each Month KidsDirect,
ParentsDirect, and BabiesDirect will feature a new AMAZING Birth (labor)
story here. Make sure you email us the complete store with a
Picture of your NEWBORN baby! More...
|
Free
Downloads? |
|
Breastfeeding and Diaper
Changing Records |
| Microsoft
Excel File |
Acrobat
File |
|
|
|
|
