Technology is a blessing or curse, and the choice lies with us. With the advancement of technology, our lives have become easier and more convenient. We have access to information at the tip of our fingers, we can communicate with anyone in the world within seconds, and we can accomplish tasks in a fraction of the time. These are undoubtedly blessings. However, along with these blessings come potential curses. The rise of technology has also brought about negative implications.
When you return to work, or when your little one starts sleeping for longer stretches at night, it may become harder to hit your number. But respect your magic number or exceed it, and you will likely steady or even stimulate your milk production. Drop below it, and your supply may dip. The real magic is the maintenance.
Each mother baby pair has a unique rhythm that should be respected and embraced, since doing so is the key to a truly happy, successful breastfeeding experience. Do you ever wonder why some breastfeeding moms and babies seem like they can happily go 3, even 4 hours between feedings while other babies are hungry for feedings every 1.
The rise of technology has also brought about negative implications. We are constantly bombarded with information, leading to information overload and sometimes even misinformation. Our addiction to technology has led to less human interaction and isolation.
Breast Storage Capacity
Do you ever wonder why some breastfeeding moms and babies seem like they can happily go 3, even 4 hours between feedings while other babies are hungry for feedings every 1.5-2 hours? Or why some chunky babies are sleeping through the night while other moms lose their milk supply and baby stops growing when baby sleeps through the night?
The answer is usually basic anatomy. Something lactation professionals refer to as Breast Storage Capacity. You may be under the impression that if you have a healthy milk supply your baby's suckling at the breast will turn on a milk faucet that lets out as much milk as baby is willing to drink. In reality, the milk your baby gets at a feeding has been gradually building up in your breasts ever since his previous breastfeeding. The amount of milk your breasts can comfortably "store" between feedings is called your Breast Storage Capacity. It is determined by the number of mammary glands - also called lobules and ducts - that are in your breast.
Studies show some women have as few as 3 milk lobules/ducts and others as many as 15. As a result the amount of milk that can fit in a woman's breasts varies - anywhere from 2.5oz to 5oz combined is average but some women can store as much as 10 oz in one breast (this is very unusual). Think of it this way: your breasts are like cups in more ways than one - some women have a shot glass and some have a tumbler. Either way, baby can take in as much milk as he needs in a day (average is 27oz from 1-6 months) but a baby utilizing a shot glass will have to return to the "tap" much more frequently than a baby drinking from a large tumbler.
Its even more amazing than this. When baby empties your "cup" of breastmilk, your body knows it and sends signals to turn the faucet on higher - to speed up milk production and more quickly refill the cup for the next feeding. However, when milk sits in your "cups" for extended periods (i.e. sleeping through the night ) or if your body senses the milk is nearing the full capacity it can store - an opposite signal is sent - slow down milk production . Your body is constantly interpreting baby's milk removal and your breast fullness as an indication of whether to make more or less milk, and whether to make it quickly or slowly. Your body aims to keep your milk supply just right for baby's needs through a genius interaction between your milk storage capacity and baby's feeding demands.
At this point, you may be wondering… Am I a shot glass or tumbler? How can I tell? Breastmilk storage capacity is not always related to breast size (some women simply carry more fat in their breasts, not necessarily more milk lobules/ducts where the milk is stored), so looks can be deceiving. The good news is, your baby will tell you .
At first, newborn feeding patterns are all over the place since newborns have such tiny tummies (the size of a marble at birth!), so no matter how abundant your milk, feedings will be small and frequent. During the first days and weeks you will get to know your baby's feeding cues - the universal language of babies that communicates their need to nurse for hunger, thirst and comfort. Those frequent feedings in the first two weeks play a very important role in activating your milk glands. If all the glands aren't "activated" by frequent feedings the first two weeks, your body won't be able to utilize your maximum storage capacity later. You can initiate breastfeeds in addition to responding to your baby's feeding cues to ensure your milk supply gets off to a great start. She will eventually settle into a rhythm that fits her metabolism, personality, and your breast storage capacity. After 4 weeks, you may be able to identify your breastmilk capacity by looking at baby's feeding frequency, your pumping output (only applicable if you pump regularly), and baby's milk transfer at the breast (determined by a breastfeeding professional by weighing baby before and after feeding).
Average milk intake (25-30oz) stays constant from 1-6 months of age, so most babies don't drop feedings over time unless mom has a tumbler size storage capacity. Popular infant schedules on the market that focus on dropping feeds as babies get older and sleep training are not compatible with successful breastfeeding for most women as they do not take each woman's unique anatomy into account. This includes including Babywise , Moms on Call, and Taking Cara Babies. However, older babies do tend to move some nighttime feedings into the daytime as their circadian rhythm develops - a blessing for sleep deprived mothers everywhere who would rather feed frequently in the day than at night! Babies also get faster and more efficient at breastfeeding, so a nursling who took 30 minutes to nurse as a newborn may take only 10-15 minutes as a 4 month old. Older babies are more likely to have a predictable feeding pattern/routine , especially if they have a nap schedule. I often help moms learn how to guide their baby (at least 2 months old) into an age-appropriate sleep routine which includes offering to nurse before each nap in addition to anytime baby cues. The app Huckleberry is also useful for understanding your baby's sleep needs. The more you focus on learning and responding to baby's feeding and sleep cues the first two months, the easier it is to identify their ideal routine later.
One of the most important take-aways with your new understanding of milk storage capacity is not to compare you and your baby's feeding rhythm to other mothers and babies. Each mother/baby pair has a unique rhythm that should be respected and embraced, since doing so is the key to a truly happy, successful breastfeeding experience. The other take-away is that your baby is your best expert on setting a feeding rhythm, since s/he will naturally adapt a feeding pattern that fits his individual intake.
Mamas in the north Charlotte and Lake Norman area, we encourage you to setup a lactation consult so we can help you understand you and your baby's unique rhythm and adapt a pumping or sleep and feeding routine that fits your needs. If you are out of our travel area, you can setup a virtual consult with us or google "lactation consultant near me" to find local help.
Further Reading
Breastfeeding Made Simple (great book w info on breastfeeding rhythms and storage capacity)
©2023 Lake Norman Breastfeeding Solutions LLC Lactation Consultants for north Charlotte, Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Mooresville, Denver, Troutman & Stateville, NC! 522 Potts Street, Davidson, NC 28036 | 704-997-9406 | [email protected]
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Most breastfed babies are eating more often. If we’re going back to work, we think about those eight ounce bottles of formula. And we think about how much we can pump at a time. Panic ensues.
The constant use of smartphones and social media has affected our mental health negatively, with increased rates of anxiety and depression. The curse or blessing of technology ultimately depends on how we choose to use it. We can choose to use technology responsibly, to enhance our lives and improve our productivity. We can use it to connect with loved ones, learn new things, and stay informed. The choice lies with us to strike a balance and determine how much technology is beneficial for us. We must also be conscious of the potential negatives and take steps to minimize their impact. Setting limits on our technology use, taking breaks from screens, and prioritizing face-to-face interactions can help prevent the curse of technology from overpowering the blessings. In conclusion, technology can be both a blessing and a curse, but the power to determine its impact lies with us. We must make conscious choices about how we use technology and take necessary steps to prevent the negative implications. By doing so, we can ensure that technology remains a blessing in our lives rather than a curse..
Reviews for "The Curse of Perfection: How Technology Affects our Standards and Expectations"
1. Samantha - 2 Stars
I was really disappointed with "Blessing or Curse You Can Choose". The book promised to provide guidance on how to overcome obstacles and make positive changes in life, but I found it to be extremely repetitive and lacking in substance. The author kept repeating the same ideas without adding any new insights or practical advice. Additionally, the writing style was dry and uninspiring, making it difficult to stay engaged with the book. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book for anyone seeking genuine guidance and inspiration.
2. John - 1 Star
I have to say, "Blessing or Curse You Can Choose" was a complete waste of my time. The author seemed to have a very simplistic understanding of life's challenges and how to overcome them. The book was filled with clichés and superficial advice that offered little practical value. I was hoping for a deeper exploration of the concept of blessings and curses, but instead, the author provided shallow anecdotes and motivational quotes that anyone could find on a quick internet search. Save your money and look for a more profound and thought-provoking book on the subject.
3. Emily - 2 Stars
I started reading "Blessing or Curse You Can Choose" with high expectations, but unfortunately, it fell short. The author seemed to have a very biased and narrow perspective on life. The book promoted a "positive thinking fixes everything" mentality, which I found unrealistic and simplistic. Life is more complex than simply choosing to see things as blessings or curses. Additionally, the writing style was unengaging and lacked depth. I was hoping for a more nuanced exploration of the topic, but this book failed to deliver.
4. David - 2 Stars
I found "Blessing or Curse You Can Choose" to be uninspiring and repetitive. The author kept repeating the same ideas over and over again without providing any new insights or practical guidance. The anecdotes shared in the book were generic and lacked depth, failing to offer any meaningful connection with the reader. The overall tone of the book was preachy and self-righteous, which made it hard to connect with the author's message. I would recommend looking for other self-help books that offer a more comprehensive and engaging approach to personal growth.