Postpartum Recovery:
Rule of 5s

Women need a minimum of 6 weeks of recovery time after having their baby. This is sometimes referred to as the 4th trimester. It is often times ignored, but it's importance cannot be stressed enough. I encourage all my clients not to rush back into their daily routines so that they can truly recover from having a baby.

This rule of 5s is a great starting point for this crucial time of healing, breast milk supply establishment, and bonding with your baby.

• 5 days in the bed
• 5 days on the bed
• 5 days near the bed

Please do not cheat yourself out of this important time. If you do not take enough time to heal, your health and your milk supply can suffer. 


Breast Milk Storage:
Rule of 5s

One of the subjects that I've noticed gives my clients a bit of anxiety, is storing their breast milk. Moms have valid concerns about feeding their babies unspoiled milk, where to safely store it, and how long it keeps.

This rule of 5s is an easy-to-remember guide, to help you safely store your breast milk.

• 5 hours at room temperature
• 5 days in the refrigerator
• 5 months in a standard freezer

Tip: You can store breast milk for up to year in a deep freeze.


Breastfeeding Aversion is Real

You may have heard your friends talking about how great breastfeeding is, or how they feel so close to their baby, and how there is nothing better in the world. Perhaps you are not having those same blissful feelings. If you're experiencing negative emotions during breastfeeding, you are not alone. Breastfeeding Aversion and Milk Ejection Dysphoria are real.

The dysphoria, typically happens just before let-down, and last up to a few minutes. Aversion often continues throughout the nursing session. Both can be very upsetting to mothers and are often compounded with feelings of guilt.

While we are still working on understanding these two phenomenons, there are support groups where you can share your experiences with other women suffering from similar emotions. These groups offer advice and are a good sounding board for what you are feeling.

Interestingly, in talking to moms that have suffered from one or both of these phenomenons, they do not necessarily experience it with all of their babies.