Pregnancy Week 35

All About You

As my baby-to-be keeps growing, now my maternity clothes fit tightly. Clothes aren't the only things getting tighter—my body's internal organs are running out of room, too. I need to take more breaths since my lungs have less space and sometime I’d easily felt exhausted. My meal now is smaller in size but more frequent since my stomach doesn't have room to expand. Remember, only a few more weeks to go! There are tightening of the abdomen at times, especially if I've been on my feet all day. These false contractions, called Braxton Hicks, are normal.

Breastfeeding Basics

Breast milk provides your baby with the perfect food. Not only is breast milk filled with all your baby's nutritional needs such as disease-fighting antibodies, but it also comes at the ideal temperature and there's no measuring required. But just because breast milk is best for your baby, doesn't mean you or your baby will know how to nurse at first.

"Women should understand that breastfeeding is work," says Dr. Joanne Motino Bailey, PhD, and a certified nurse midwife. "Just because the body is made to [breastfeed] doesn't mean it doesn't involve some practice."

Babies and nursing: Babies love to suck. This sucking reflex is so strong that even if your baby's not hungry, you'll notice her smacking her lips. Before long you'll learn when your baby is sucking for practice and when she's ready to eat. It will take you a few days to get into a feeding rhythm with your baby. Expect to feed him every two to three hours since your baby digests breast milk easily.

Preparing your body for nursing: Before your baby arrives, talk to your healthcare provider about your desire to nurse. Your provider can examine your breasts to make sure you're ready. Some women have flat or inverted nipples that can be difficult for the baby to suck, but with some guidance, your provider can help you overcome these problems.

Your body readies itself for nursing by increasing the amount of breast tissue throughout your pregnancy. This tissue houses the milk production factory your body becomes to feed your baby. You'll notice your breasts leaking, especially in the last few weeks. This clear to whitish fluid, called colostrums, or foremilk, is packed with antibodies and will provide your baby with nourishment for the first few days of his life until your milk comes in.

Getting Started: Most hospitals have a lactation consultant on staff who can guide you through nursing. If you hope to breastfeed, a lactation consultant can help you get on track so you and Baby nurse soon after birth. Breastfeeding doesn't always go according to plan, though. Some women experience troubles (such as engorgement, infection, or nipple irritation) and some just can't seem to get it to work. Know that if you do have troubles nursing, it isn't your fault and you're not alone.

During nursing, your nipple and areola (the pigmented circle around the nipple) should be inside your baby's mouth. If your baby only sucks on the end of your nipple, your nipple will quickly become sore and nursing will be painful. At first getting this much of your breast into your newborn's mouth may seem awkward, but with practice both you and your baby will become pros.

There are several ways to hold your infant while she's feeding, including the classic cradle hold where her head rests at the crook of your elbow for support and her body is turned toward you. Your lactation consultant can explain several other positions until you find what's most comfortable to you.

All About Baby

At 35 weeks, your baby is considered full-term and she looks developed. The soft, fuzzy hairs that once covered her body begin to disappear. She continues to add fat layers, which will help her stay warm once she's out of the womb. During these last weeks, your baby is developed sleeping patterns (and they often have little to do with night and day!)

The baby weighs in a little over 5 pounds and stretches to around 18 inches (crown to heel).

I think my nipples are inverted. Will I still be able to breastfeed?

Yes, you should be able to breastfeed. In some cases it may require a bit of work and assistance from a lactation consultant, but it can be done! There are many tricks and tools we have to help moms whose nipples are inverted.

What are inverted nipples? An inverted nipple is one that does not stand out on its own. Some moms may have flat nipples and some may have truly inverted nipples. (You can do a pinch test during pregnancy or meet with a lactation consultant if you have questions about the status of your own nipples.) Using your thumb and index finger, hold onto your areola about an inch from your nipple and gently squeeze. Your nipple will do one of three things: stand out, remain flat or become inverted—kind of like belly button! When a woman's nipples are inverted, it is usually as a result of adhesions (acting much like a rubber band) holding the nipple back or pulling it in. Depending on how inverted the nipple is and how well your baby can latch will determine your ability to nurse. Many times after a baby gets started with nursing, the nipple will improve and stand out more easily.

Some of the strategies that may be used to assist you if you do have inverted nipples include:

ü Using breast shell periodically during pregnancy and also 30 minutes before you nurse to help your nipples stand out and loosen adhesions.

ü Manual stimulation before feedings to help the nipple "stand out" (rolling or gently tugging on nipple just prior to latching your baby can help).

ü Using a breast pump for a few minutes prior to nursing to help coax the nipple out.

ü Using a breast shield. This is different from a breast shell and is a thin, silicone nipple that fits over your own nipple. It has holes in the end to allow your milk to come through. This should be used with the guidance and support of a lactation consultant. (If not used properly it may affect how efficiently your baby removes milk from your breast and in turn decrease your ability to produce enough milk.

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