How to Freeze Breast Milk in Playtex Disposable Liners

Similar to other perishable food items, breast milk has a time frame in which it must be used. When you preserve the freshness, you are also preserving important nutrients and avoiding spoilage. While you can store fresh breast milk on the countertop for a few hours or in the refrigerator for a few days, freezing it in Playtex Disposable Liners enables you to keep the milk fresh for a few months, instead.

Instructions

1

Fill the Playtex Disposable Liner with as much breast milk as the baby will consume in one feeding, but leave a one-inch space at the top of the plastic bag.

2

Wipe off the inside and outside of the top inch of the disposable liner with a paper towel so milk residue won't prevent the plastic bag from being properly sealed. Seal the bag; just before you get to the end of the seal, squeeze excess air from the bag then seal it the rest of the way.

3




Label the plastic liners to ensure the milk is used before it gets too old.

Write the date on a self-stick adhesive label and attach it to the disposable liner. If the baby goes to a daycare center, add the baby's name to the label as well. By writing the date the milk is expressed and stored, you can be sure to always use the oldest milk first.

4

Place the plastic bag of milk in the back of the freezer to prevent it from being affected by the temperature change that occurs in the front of the freezer as a result of opening and closing the door.

How to Get Rid of Oral Thrush at Home

The medical term for thrush is candida albicans. Thrush is common among infants, and often not very serious. When thrush is found in adults, however, it becomes more serious because it can spread to other locations. Thrush presents as little white blisters on the inside of the mouth. It is very painful, making it hard to eat. Thrush can be caused by poor hygiene or a round of antibiotics.

Instructions

1

Begin using Magic Mouthwash. Your doctor can prescribe this for you, and it is safe for infants to use as well. It will numb your mouth so that you do not feel the pain from the thrush. This will allow you to eat the proper foods in order to get rid of the thrush. Infants can use it just before a feeding, so that the feeding is not painful.

2

Eat yogurt. If your infant is older than four months, your doctor may allow you to feed him some yogurt. All adults should eat one container of yogurt that contains the ingredient acidophilus per day until the thrush has cleared up.

3

Get a prescription from your doctor for Fungilin lozenges. You can suck on these, and they will work to kill the fungus within your mouth that is causing the thrush.

4

Ask your doctor for Nystan oral suspension if the lozenges don't work. This liquid is also an antifungal medication that can be used to get rid of thrush.

How to Get Your Breastfed Baby to Sleep Without Breastfeeding

If you're breastfeeding your baby, chances are your baby has tried to fall asleep at the breast. It may even be that your baby will only fall asleep at the breast. Nursing is a normal, natural way for babies to fall asleep. Sucking on a nipple is comforting for babies, and breast milk contains hormones that induce sleep. However, if your baby falls asleep at the breast, then he'll probably want to nurse again every time he wakes up--which may be as often as every 45 minutes, all night long. If you want to get your baby to sleep without nursing, it's possible--and it doesn't even have to be that painful.

Instructions

Teach Your Baby to Fall Asleep Without Nursing

1

Institute a predictable sleep-time routine. Try different times until you figure out the best time for your baby to nap and go to bed, and include several activities that always lead up to sleep time. Use a shortened version of this routine for naps as well as at night. The routine should include "sleep cues" that your child will come to associate with sleep, such as special music, a sleep-time toy and reading a book or two.

2

Finish your routine with breastfeeding if that is how your child currently falls asleep. Nurse your child till he's sleepy and starting to fall asleep.

3

When your baby is sleepy but awake, gently take your nipple out of his mouth. If he wakes and cries, let him nurse a little longer. Then remove the nipple again.

4

Keep removing your nipple from the baby's mouth until he no longer protests. He should then fall asleep without having the nipple in his mouth.

Create New Sleep Associations

5

Once your baby is sleeping on a predictable routine, encourage her to fall asleep in different ways. Try rocking, driving in the car or lying her in her bed while you sit nearby.

6

Move your breastfeeding time earlier in your bedtime routine. If you were doing it last, do it just before you give your baby a massage or sing her a song.

7

Your baby should now be able to fall asleep at her usual bedtime, when you finish your bedtime routine, without breastfeeding.

How to Manage Nipple Problems

You've just had a baby - congratulations! Breastfeeding her, however, has proven to be difficult and painful. The experts say that breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby, so you soldier on through the pain, cracked nipples, bleeding and mastitis. There are some things you can do, however, to minimize the pain. This article will tell you how to manage nipple problems.

Instructions

How to Manage Nipple Problems

1

Review the basics. Make sure you are holding your baby properly, with his back straight and head facing your breast, and that he has latched on correctly. His lower lip should be turned out, and his mouth should cover most, if not all, of the areola.

2

Create a routine. After every nursing, take some time to let your nipples air dry. Then, rub some lanolin creme into each one before replacing your nursing bra. This will help reduce dryness and cracking.

3

Treat the problem. If you nipples are bleeding, use cabbage leaves or used tea bags to naturally soothe and heal them. Pump instead of nursing for a few feedings, to give your nipples a chance to heal. The same advice applies for mastitis, (a hot, swollen, sore spot on your breast) which is caused by blocked milk ducts.

4

Call in the experts. If your nipple problems continue, ask your doctor to recommend someone from the nearest Le Leche League who can come to your home and help you.

5

Keep on nursing! Interestingly enough, the best way to manage nipple problems is to continue to nurse through them. Eventually, you and your baby will get the hang of it, and breastfeeding will become the special, painless bonding time it should be.

How to Dry Up Your Breast Milk Supply

If you've nursed for one day or one year or not at all, you still need to know the essentials for depleting your milk supply with the least pain possible. It's important to know that nature will eventually succeed in drying up your milk supply, but there are things you can do to speed up the process and keep you comfortable. Try these suggestions, and remember to see your doctor if you need professional advice.

Instructions

1

Pump or express a minimal amount of breast milk if you need the relief. Pumping more will trick your body into thinking your baby needs that much milk.

2

Use cold packs to relieve pressure, swelling and discomfort.

3

Prevent any type of nipple stimulation, which can reactivate the milk production.

4

Place fresh green cabbage leaves over your breasts. This sometimes helps dry up the breast milk supply. Keep the leaves on for a couple days, replacing them only when they wilt.

5

Drink two or three cups of sage tea a day to quicken the process.

6

Take pain relievers to help with the discomfort of drying up your breast milk.

7

Keep drinking water. It can be tempting to think reducing water intake will help dry up your breast milk faster, but that's not the case.

Medela Breast Pump Instructions

If you want your baby to have all of the benefits of breast milk, but can't be there to breast-feed all the time or are having trouble breast-feeding, pumping is an option. A Medela Breast Pump allows you to pump your breast milk and use it to bottle feed your baby, so that even if he can't breast-feed, he can still get all of the health benefits of breast milk.

Assembly

It is recommended that you boil it once a day to sterilize it before use.

Before you use your Medela Breast Pump, you'll need to put it together. Put the pump together by snapping the white membrane pieces onto the yellow valves so that they lie flat. Push the valves into place on the breast pump connectors, and then put the inserts into the breast shields. Screw the containers onto the bottom of the breast pump to collect the milk, and push the adapter tubes into the openings on the back of the pump. You are now ready to extract milk.

Extraction

To extract milk, you should find a quiet place where you can relax. Some women even find it helpful to pump close to their babies. Position the breast shield exactly over the the breast so that the nipple is centered in the shield. While holding the shield on with one hand, turn the pump on with the other. Make sure to turn the pump to its lowest setting prior to turning it on. You can increase the pressure as you get more comfortable during your pumping session to extract the milk faster and more easily. The suction of the pump should keep you from having to hold the shields on, but you can steady them if that feels more comfortable. You should be able to see and feel your breast compressing with the vacuum. If not, check your seal and make sure that no clothes are in the way. The shields should be directly on your skin to work properly. Pump until you feel empty, usually about 10 minutes depending on your supply.

Storage and Disassembly

When you're done pumping, switch the pump off and turn the dial back down to the lowest setting for next time. Remove the shields carefully, and unscrew the containers holding the milk. You can immediately move the milk to a freezer bag for storage, or put it in the fridge. The Medela Breast Pump also comes with a cooler bag that you can put the containers in until you are able to get to a fridge.

Disassemble the pump and wipe it down with antibacterial wipes or warm, soapy water for your next use.

Safe Holding Positions for Newborns

For many new parents, and even experienced parents, it can be scary to hold a newborn for the first few weeks. Newborns have very little head control. which can cause their heads to loll to the side uncomfortably. It is important to learn how to hold a newborn safely to prevent flat head spots, create a bond with your baby and move him from one place to another. Holding a baby has many benefits, from regulating his breathing to warming him up, while also teaching him about the world around him.

Cradle Hold

The cradle hold is one of the most natural ways to hold a newborn, and it is also commonly used for breastfeeding. In this position, the baby faces her parents, making it a good position to talk and interact with a baby. For this position, place the baby's head in the crook of the parent's arm, and wrap the parent's second arm around the baby. This places a baby in the fetal position, making her feel comforted and secure.

Football or Belly Hold

This position is safe for mothers who have had a cesarean section, because the baby is not hovering around the scar. In this position, the baby lies flat on the parent's forearm, while the parent holds the baby's head with his hand. In the belly hold, the baby lies on the forearm with his head down. This position is good for burping or comforting a colicky baby. In the football hold, the baby is looking up, making it a position in which parents can interact with the baby.

Shoulder Hold

In the shoulder hold position, a newborn's head rests against the parent's shoulder. The parent uses one arm to hold the lower back and bottom and uses the other arm to stabilize the head. The shoulder hold is a good position to hold a baby while she sleeps and when needs to be soothed, because hearing the sound of the parent's heart and his breathing calms a baby down. A variation is to hold the baby with her back toward the parent's chest, supporting her chest and bottom. In this variation, a newborn can look at the world around her.

Lap Hold

In the lap hold, the parent lies on her back facing up with her legs propped up. The baby is placed resting on the parent's legs, with his head against the parent's knees and bottom and his feet resting on the parent's stomach. This is a good position to interact with a baby, while parents give their arms a break.

Hip Hold

The hip hold is for older babies who have better neck and head control. This position is one-armed, allowing parents to have a free hand to do other things. In this position a baby sits on the parent's hip, and the parent's arm is wrapped around the baby's waist to hold her. The hip hold is also a good position for a baby to look around.

Telfast Side Effects

The World Allergy Organization reports that as many as 40 percent of the population throughout the world suffer from allergies. Although there is no permanent cure for allergies, there are many medications available to help control sneezing, watery eyes and other symptoms. One such drug is the prescription medication fexofenadine, which is available in the United Kingdom under the brand name Telfast. Despite its effectiveness, Telfast presents risks for side effects and complications in some patients.

Common Side Effects

Approximately 11 percent of Telfast users report headaches, making this the most common side effects of the drug. Vomiting and indigestion are also common, occurring in at least 5 percent of users. Around 3 to 4 percent of patients who take Telfast experience diarrhea, back or muscle pain coughing, and increased incidences of upper respiratory tract infections.

Other Side Effects

Telfast also may cause other troublesome or annoying, but not dangerous, side effects. Gastrointestinal side effects include nausea and stomach discomfort. Approximately 1 percent of patients who take Telfast experience dizziness, drowsiness and fatigue, while infrequently patients report opposite symptoms, including nervousness and insomnia. Some patients develop pharyngitis, ear infections and a runny nose while taking Telfast. Around 2 percent of women who take Telfast experience severe menstrual cramps. Additional side effects of Telfast include fever and generalized body pains.

Drug Interactions

Do not take antacid medications within 15 minutes of Telfast; doing so decreases the effectiveness of fexofenadine. Antibiotic drugs like erythromycin and antifungal drugs like ketoconazole also cause additional side effects from Telfast. Because citrus juices have similar effects, do not take Telfast with orange or grapefruit juice.

Allergic Reactions

Though rare, Telfast has the potential to cause serious allergic reactions in some patients. The first sign of an allergic reaction is often the formation of hives and itching around your mouth and lips. In some patients, reactions worsen, causing wheezing, shortness of breath and heart palpitations. Very severe hypersensitivities to Telfast may result in shock or even death. If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction at any point while using Telfast, seek prompt emergency medical care.

Considerations

Because there is not yet sufficient evidence that Telfast has no unwanted effects upon the fetus, doctors typically do not prescribe the drug for pregnant women. Doctors do not prescribe the drug for nursing mothers due to potential side effects to breastfeeding infants. Side effects are more common in children under age 12. If you have a history of kidney disease, decreased kidney functioning or cardiovascular disease, your doctor is not likely to prescribe Telfast for you/ Since it has the potential to cause dizziness and drowsiness, you should not operate a motor vehicle or heavy machinery until you know how Telfast will affect you.

Reasons Why Nursing Mothers Don't Produce Enough Milk

A nursing mother wants to provide sufficient milk for her baby. Unfortunately, sometimes she can have problems with production and find that her baby needs more milk than she can provide. If she can pinpoint the exact cause, she may find some solutions that increase her production and keep her nursing child happy.

Feeding Schedule

If the nursing mother doesn't breastfeed every two to three hours, her milk supply will not keep pace with her baby's needs. Try nursing more often. This will increase your milk supply and satisfy your baby better. If you work outside the home and pump at work, pump more often. Use a double pump so you can get more milk out faster. Nursing your baby is more effective than pumping, so nurse as often as you can and pump only when your baby can't be with you. Using a pump may decrease your supply if you don't also nurse as often as you can.

Consider massaging your breasts with a soft baby's hair brush before pumping and think about how much you love your child, while you pump, to express more milk. Consult a trained herbalist or your child's pediatrician if you continue to have problems with low supply.

Stress

Stress can reduce your milk supply. Make time to relax during the day to reduce stress. If you stay at home with the baby, let some chores go and get family members or friends to help you catch up later. Spend time rocking your baby, listening to soothing music and putting your feet up. Your baby will not nurse as efficiently if you are stressed. Some babies may refuse to nurse at all if mom is tense. Take time to relax before your baby wants to feed so both of you are more relaxed.

Nursing at Night

You may get more sleep and suffer less stress at night if the baby sleeps with you. Sleeping with your baby can increase the number of times you nurse during the night, increasing your supply. Using a pacifier to keep the baby quiet may reduce your milk supply if the baby feeds less often. A pacifier may also reduce the suck strength of your baby. Snuggle baby next to you on a nursing pillow and nurse the baby on demand during the night and on weekends. Don't pay attention to the clock. Nurse until one breast is empty; then switch to the other side. Use a bed side car so your baby has a secure place to sleep. The side car attaches to the side of your bed and prevents the baby from falling out of bed. The side car also prevents you from rolling onto the baby.

Dietary Concerns

Take in plenty of calories and water, during the day, to stay well fed and hydrated. Don't try to lose a lot of "baby fat" by restricting your calories. Your weight will drop due to the calories your baby consumes. Keep a glass of water near you all the time and take frequent sips. Your body cannot produce enough milk if you are dehydrated. Consider placing bottles of water all over the house so you remember to drink enough water. Avoid foods that contain sage, which can cause your milk to dry up. Peppermint, spearmint, oregano, lemon balm, chickweed, parsley and jasmine flowers can also dry up your supply. Birth control pills may reduce your supply as well.

Nursing Strikes

Sometimes babies and toddlers will go on strike and refuse to nurse. Something in your diet or a medication may change the taste of your milk. Try to take medications right after you nurse to reduce the amount of drug that may be in your milk. Avoid gassy foods, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and garlic, that may give your baby gas. If the baby won't nurse, pump until you can nurse again.

How to Clean Medela Breast Pump Parts

If you have to be separated from your baby and you are breastfeeding, a Medela pump can help you maintain your milk supply and provide food for your baby while you are away. Using the pump correctly is important and cleaning the parts does take time, but it will quickly become part of your pumping routine.

Instructions

Cleaning the Breast Pump Parts

1

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your breasts or anything that comes in contact with your breasts or breast milk.

2

Sanitize every part of your pump that comes in contact with your breast and milk before using. Take apart your newly purchased breast pump and boil the breast shields, the connectors, the valves, the membranes, the bottles and bottle caps for ten minutes. Dry the parts thoroughly before using. You can wipe down the outside of the tubing, but don't ever immerse it into water, as water on the inside of the tubing can hinder proper circulation of air while pumping.

3

Disassemble all parts that come in contact with your breast and milk after each use. See the previous step to determine which parts you need to disassemble to wash.

4

Wash the parts in warm, soapy water.

5

Rinse the parts properly in clear water.

6

Dry the breast pump parts on a clean towel and cover them in another towel when they are not in use, the Medela Pump in Style Original owner's manual says. The parts should be completely dry before you use them again.

7

Wipe down the diaphragm cap with a damp, but not wet, cloth after each use. The diaphragm is the yellow, plastic shield located in the bag that covers the pump itself.

How to Get Milk Off a Couch

Keeping your upholstery clean involves spot cleaning it often to make sure stains don't settle into it. Stains such as those from spilled milk can settle into your couch if you don't clean them up right away. These stains can eventually begin to smell putrid and rotten. Avoid milk stains by not drinking milk on your couch and by giving your children drip-free sippy cups and baby bottles.

Instructions

1

Mix 1 tbsp. liquid hand dish washing detergent with 2 cups water in a bowl. Mix until the water is soapy.

2

Dip a cloth into the soapy water and wring it out so that the cloth is just slightly damp.

3

Blot the soapy water over the stain until the milk smell and the visible stain is gone. Reapply cleaning solution as needed. Empty out the soapy water and fill the bowl with clean cold water.

4

Soak a clean cloth in the cold water. Wring the cloth so that it is slightly damp.

5

Blot the cloth over the stain to rinse away the soap residue.

6

Blot the area dry with another clean cloth.

How to Use the Playtex Nurser While Sitting Upright

Sometimes breastfeeding moms need a break from nursing. Playtex has created the Playtex Nurser for those babies who breastfeed and bottle feed. Playtex has designed this bottle to feel similar to breastfeeding. The pre-sterilized, disposable liners collapse just as the breast does; the wide nipple encourages babies to open their mouths wide as they would if they were nursing. When baby is sitting upright, she easily will be able to use this bottle.

Instructions

1

Sterilize all parts of the Playtex nurser before use.

2

Place new disposable liner into bottle. The bottom of the liner should be wide open so that it is able to hold all of the milk.

3

Pour pumped milk or formula directly into the liner.

4

Slide nipple into ring so that the nipple is facing up.

5

Screw ring onto the bottle.

6

Place baby upright in a seat with a secure back, such as a highchair.

7

Gently tip the Playtex nurser toward baby's open mouth.

8

Feed baby until satisfied. The Playtex nurser will not leak if the ring is screwed on tightly.

Breastfeeding & Silicone Breast Implants

Two main concerns regarding breastfeeding with silicone breast implants are whether the nursing mother will be able to produce milk, or sufficient milk, and whether silicone will be present in the breastmilk. Secondarily, there is the question as to whether any silicone that may be present in breastmilk poses any health concerns to infants.

Types

Regarding a mother's ability to produce milk or breastfeed following breast augmentation, a key element is the type of incision that is used to put in the implant.

The most popular type of incision, the "smile" incision where the cut is made in a semi-circle in the region of the aureola, can cause nerve damage. This nerve damage can interfere with milk production.

Incisions made in the armpit or in the fold under the breast typically will not interfere with the nerves or impact breastfeeding.

Complications

Besides nerve damage interfering with breast milk production, scarring of the breast from any type of incision can impact nursing following breast implant surgery. Some women following breast augmentation have scarring that makes nursing uncomfortable or painful.

If breastfeeding is painful, speaking with a lactation consultant might be helpful in finding ways to ease the pain with different position or other therapies.

If milk production is an issue, again a lactation consultant can give nursing mothers tips on building up production. Also, if necessary a breastfeeding mother can supplement with formula.

Silicone Implants

In 2001 the American Academy of Pediatrics or AAP, issued a statement regarding silicone breast implants and breastfeeding. Their findings were that no sufficient evidence was found that made silicone implants a contraindication to breastfeeding.

However, concerns have been raised by organizations such as the National Center for Policy Research for Women & Families as to whether sufficient studies have been done to assure the safety of breastfed infants of mothers with silicone implants.

Very little research has been done on the topic, and the few published studies were very small. However, the general consensus is still that breastfeeding mothers continue to nurse their babies even if they have silicone implants because of the known benefits of breastfeeding versus the questionable concerns over silicone in milk.

Silicon and Silicone

One variable with testing for silicone levels is that silicon is the second most common element in the earth's crust and because of the widespread presence of it, testing for silicone in milk is problematic.

The AAP statement also mentions that silicone is higher in cow's milk and infant formula than in milk from mother's with silicone implants.

Considerations

If a pregnant woman has silicone implants and is concerned, she should speak with her physician about her desire to breastfeed and her worries. Also, she should see a lactation consultant about how to deal with any potential nursing problems in association with breast implants.

How to Overcome Breastfeeding Difficulties

According to the U.S. Federal Government, the health benefits for both baby and mother linked to breastfeeding are numerous, such as "breast milk has disease-fighting antibodies," and "mothers who breastfeed have lower risk of [developing]...breast cancer and type 2 diabetes." But for most mothers, learning to breastfeed comes with many challenges and sometimes painful side effects. Most of these will disappear once breastfeeding has become well established---usually by the third week.

Instructions

Sore Nipples

1

Check baby's nursing position. Make sure your baby has a proper position and latch on your nipple with most of the areola in her mouth and her tongue covering her lower gums. Consult a nursing guide for detailed positioning and latch-on instructions.

2

Start with the least sore breast. Nurse your baby on the least sore breast first because her sucking action will be more vigorous at the beginning of the feeding session. Break the suction to reposition your baby if needed or at the end of the session by gently inserting your finger into the corner of her mouth and pulling slowly back towards her ear.

3

Apply lanolin cream to your sore nipples and cover with breast shields between nursing sessions. Expose the nipples to air as much as possible, but be prepared for possible leakage from "let down" or sudden lactation.

Clogged Ducts or Engorgement

4

Nurse your baby frequently to empty your breasts as needed. Feed your baby from the more engorged breast first, and position him so that his chin will massage the clogged ducts as he feeds.

5

Apply warm compresses to your breast with a hot wash cloth before nursing. Massage the clogged ducts by gently pressing them and working the compress towards the nipple.

6

Apply an ice pack to the engorged breast for no more than a half an hour, if the compresses do not ease swelling. Wear a nursing bra that fits well and does not constrict breasts.

Low Milk Production

7

Empty at least one breast completely at each nursing session, and rotate which breast you begin with each time.

8

Feed every 2 to 3 hours around the clock, or if your baby goes longer between feedings, use your breast pump to express the breast milk. Store the milk in bottles, and freeze it for future use.

9

Pump with the breast pump immediately after finishing each nursing session to ensure both breasts have been emptied.

How to Become a Lactation Nurse

A lactation nurse, also called a lactation consultant, helps new mothers learn how to breastfeed their babies. A lactation nurse's duties include demonstrating proper breastfeeding technique and helping new mothers deal with any breastfeeding problems. Breastfeeding may be one of the most natural of human activities, but becoming a lactation consultant requires some education. Lactation nurses become certified by taking an exam through the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners.

Instructions

Pathway 1

1

Follow one of three pathways to get the necessary skills and education to qualify to take the ILBCE exam. The first pathway is for health care professionals (nurses, doctors or counselors) who have experience working with new mothers as they nurse their infants.

2

Spend 1,000 hours helping new mothers with breastfeeding issues in a clinical setting.

3

Complete your education. If you haven't taken the following subjects in college, you'll need to pass classes in them before you can become a lactation consultant: anatomy, counseling, nutrition, cultural awareness and sensitivity, medical terms and child development.

4

Take an IBLCE-approved 45-hour class on becoming a lactation consultant. This class will give you the knowledge you need to pass the exam. The IBLCE recommends you take 80 to 150 hours worth of classes, but 45 is the minimum.

Pathway 2

5

Enroll in a college or university. Students should take classes that will allow them to graduate from a year-long academic program that teaches them about human lactation and breastfeeding. You will need to take extra clinical courses in the program, as well.

6

Spend 300 hours working with nursing mothers in a clinical setting. During this time, you will be supervised by another lactation consultant who is already certified.

7

Pass classes that cover each of the following subjects: anatomy, counseling, nutrition, cultural awareness and sensitivity, medical terms and child development.

8

Take 90 hours of courses that cover material found on the IBLCE exam.

Pathway 3

9

Go through an apprenticeship program. Meet with other certified lactation nurses to come with an educational plan that will give you the knowledge you need. Then have the plan approved by the IBLCE.

10

Spend 500 hours in a clinical setting helping nursing mothers. You must be supervised during this time by experienced, certified lactation nurses.

11

Take 45 hours of courses that cover material found on the IBLCE exam. Although only 45 hours of courses are required, the IBLCE recommends you take 80 to 150 hours.

12

Pass classes that cover anatomy, counseling, nutrition, cultural awareness and sensitivity, medical terms and child development.

Getting Certified

13

Apply to take the IBLCE exam after you have completed the other requirements of your chosen pathway. You can download the application for the exam from the IBLCE website (see Resources).

14

Start studying for the exam as soon as you are approved to take it.

15

Pass the exam to receive your IBLCE certification and become a certified lactation nurse.

How to Diagnose Mastitis

If you are a lactating female with fever and flu-like symptoms, you may have mastitis. Mastitis is an infection or inflammation of the breast tissue in lactating women. Here's how to recognize the infection.

Instructions

1

Check for pain or tenderness in the breast. You may be able to feel a lump; this could indicate a clogged duct, which may be infected. Tender areas may also appear red.

2

Take your temperature to verify a fever. Mastitis can present itself flu-like symptoms including fever, nausea and chills. A temperature over 101 degrees F indicates you may have an infection.

3

Make sure your symptoms are worsening. Symptoms of mastitis without an infection will worsen over time. Symptoms of engorgement, clogged ducts or mastitis without an infection will gradually improve.

4

Think back to recent events that could cause mastitis. Skipped feedings, prolonged breaks between feedings, cracked or bleeding nipples or even stress can cause clogged ducts and, eventually, mastitis.

5

Call your doctor. If your symptoms worsen, and you think they indicate mastitis, have a doctor examine you. There are many prescription medications that can provide relief.

How to Correct a Poor Latch On

Breast milk is the first and best gift you give your newborn. Proper latching -- the act of your baby suckling the nipple and areola for feeding -- is vital for conducive drinking. A poor latch-on prohibits your baby from pulling out your milk and can cause cracked and painful nipples.

Instructions

1

Un-swaddle your baby and change his diaper. He must be fully awake and comfortable before feeding.

2

Hold the baby's head with one hand and your breast with the other. Gently squeeze your breast to flatten the areola area to fit in her mouth. Softly stroke her cheek with your thumb to induce her to open her mouth wide.

3

Quickly bring his mouth to your breast. Make sure his lips are flared out (like a fish) and encompassing your nipple and areola. Check that his chin and tip of nose are touching the breast. This will ensure the proper amount of your breast is in his mouth.

4

Ensure your baby is drinking and not just nuzzling against your breast. If you hear a clicking noise coming from his mouth he is not drinking. Unlatch him and re-latch until you hear him actually swallowing.

How to Avoid Gas in a Baby

A gassy baby can be tough to handle because he will become fussy and upset trying to deal with the pain caused by gas. If you have a baby who suffers from gas after feeding, learning the following steps can help keep him happy and gas-free. It may be as simple as changing the nipple on his bottle, burping him, letting him relax after eating or watching what you, his mom, eats while you're breast-feeding.

Instructions

1

Use the right nipple size if bottle-feeding. Bottle nipples come in specific sizes for age, so use one specifically for your child's age. Since each baby differs, buy a few kinds and do a trial run with each. Note which one your baby seems most content with and has less to no gas with after feeding. Also, try angled bottles for feedings. The flow design is effective in minimizing bubbles that can form inside the bottle.

2

Burp your baby about every four minutes during feeding time, which will help release gas bubbles in his stomach. If you notice that your baby is becoming fussy or begins to shift around a lot while eating, this can be a sign that he is in distress and has gas bubbles, so burp him when you notice this behavior as well.

3

Allow your baby to be still and relax for about half an hour after feeding. Gas can form after feeding if your baby is moved around too much, so let him have some time to process the food and digest it before moving around or having playtime.

4

If breast-feeding, check whether your food could be causing your baby's gas. Keep a food diary of what you eat and note if after you've eaten certain foods your baby gets gassy, then cut out or lower the amount of these foods eaten. Also, avoid or limit foods that are known to cause gas, such as acidic fruits and vegetables; fatty, processed foods; or whole-fat dairy products. If formula-feeding, try switching brands, but check with your pediatrician before doing so.

Breastfeeding & Robitussin

Breastfeeding is almost always the healthiest option for mothers and their babies. However, breastfeeding requires mothers to take caution with medication because anything they consume passes through to the milk that feeds their babies. Fortunately the majority of cold medicines are safe for nursing mothers, but there are ways to further minimize the risks.

Robitussin

Robitussin is an over the counter cold medicine that is used most commonly as a cough suppressant. Robitussin comes in several varieties with multiple ingredient formulations. The various types of Robitussin treat chest congestion, coughs and flu.

Medication Transfer

All medications transfer into breast milk, including cold medications. Researchers study the amount of medication that transfers into milk in some cases and evaluate the effect of the medication on the nursing infant. According to the book Medications and Mothers Milk by Dr. Thomas Hale, one of the standard books detailing safe medications during breastfeeding, Robitussin is considered low risk.

American Academy of Pediatrics

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) considers the results of studies performed on medication transfer into breastfeeding and makes recommendations for the safety of use in nursing mothers. However, the AAP has not reviewed the safety of Robitussin in particular for nursing mothers. The government agency Indian Health Service does recommend Robitussin as an acceptable cold medicine for use while breastfeeding.

Caution

While Robitussin is believed safe for nursing mothers, caution is still needed. Robitussin decreases milk production and mothers who are taking the medication for several days in a row should watch their babies to make sure the infants are adequately nourished and not getting dehydrated.

Minimizing Risk

Although taking Robitussin while breastfeeding is considered safe, there are ways to minimize the risk even further. Nursing mothers taking Robitussin should drink more water and nurse more often than usual to ensure that milk production stays high enough. Take the lowest effective dose of the drug and avoid multiple-ingredient medications when possible.

How to Maintain Breast Size After Pregnancy

Most women experience increased breast size during pregnancy. In fact, it's common for breasts to increase one to two full cup sizes throughout a pregnancy. Generally, the breasts begin to grow around the eighth week and continue to grow throughout the entire pregnancy. After you give birth, your breasts will decrease in size significantly. While it can be challenging, there are certain things you can do to try to maintain your breast size after pregnancy.

Instructions

1

Choose to breastfeed your baby. Because your breasts will often be full of milk, you'll be able to successfully maintain your bigger breasts as long as you breastfeed. You'll also be providing your baby with solid nourishment.

2

Gain weight. If you gain weight, some of that fat will go to your breasts. Because breasts are made up primarily of fatty tissue, the extra pounds in the area will make your breasts fuller and larger. Unfortunately, you can't choose where you put on weight, so you may find other areas of your body getting larger before your breasts.

3

Massage your breasts daily. Massage increases blood flow, helping nutrients reach your breasts more easily. The additional blood flow also helps areas appear fuller and plumper. As a result, your breasts may appear larger, closer to how they did when you were pregnant. Use firm, circular motions to rub your breasts daily for two to three minutes.

4

Talk to your doctor about hormonal medications. During pregnancy, your breasts became larger as a result of the hormones your body was producing. Various medications available can have similar effects on your body. Most often, you should not take hormonal medications while you are breastfeeding. Your doctor will be able to assess your particular situation and advise you accordingly.

5

Try herbal products. Various herbal creams, lotions and ointments contain phytoestrogens, which help to gradually increase breast size. Phytoestrogens are nature's equivalent of the hormone estrogen. With regular use, you may be able to maintain your larger breast size via such products. Discuss herbal medications with your doctor before beginning treatment.

6

Consider cosmetic surgery. Breast enhancements and lifts can help your breasts to look like they did while you were pregnant. Generally, saline implants are placed in your breast area to create larger, fuller breasts. Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of such operations before making a decision.

Breast Pumping Techniques

Breastfeeding mothers often experience difficulty using a breast pump. Pumping milk into a machine is very different from breastfeeding a newborn baby, and often mothers find it impossible to express milk at all. With a little patience and the right environment, pumping milk can become a quick and easy routine, rather than an arduous and stressful event.

Choosing the Right Setting

Milk production is highest in the early morning (usually between 6 and 8 a.m.). Try to take advantage of your breasts' "rush hour" and pump during this time. It is best to pump in a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. If you must pump in the workplace, be sure to find a quiet, private place. Set aside about half an hour for pumping. Although pumping the milk only takes about 10 to 15 minutes, it is best to have a bit of time for preparation.

Before You Pump

Before you begin pumping, take some deep breaths and try to relax. Pumping milk is nothing to worry about, and it shouldn't be a cause of stress. Steady, deep breathing will help to activate the letdown reflex, which causes milk release. If possible, take a hot shower or apply hot pads to your breasts. This will also encourage letdown. It may help to massage your breasts before beginning, or to lean over and let your breasts hang down, to encourage the milk to begin flowing.

Massage

While you are pumping, massage the breasts gently. You can either rub in a circular motion or stroke very lightly. Breast massage will encourage milk flow and help you relax. Another technique is to rub with three fingers from the edge of the breast to the nipple. Be gentle and experiment to see what works for you.

Basic Pumping Techniques

Do not pump each breast for longer than 15 minutes. If you are unable to express any milk, don't worry. Sometimes it takes time to pump successfully. To help increase your milk production, be consistent. Set aside a certain time every day to pump, and follow the tips presented above. Be sure that your breast pump is not set too high, and experiment with various settings to figure out what works and is most comfortable.

Think About Baby

Many mothers find it helpful to think about their baby while they are pumping. Thinking about breastfeeding your baby will often aid in milk letdown. If you are in the workplace, perhaps it would be helpful to bring a picture. If baby is sleeping and the noise of the breast pump will not wake him, then pump in the same room. It is natural that the body responds to a baby, not a machine, so reminding yourself of your baby and her need for nourishment may help in the pumping process.

Tri-Vi-Sol vs. D-Vi-Sol

Breastfeeding is a healthy and natural alternative to feeding your baby infant formula. In a study published in the journal "Pediatrics" in 2010, however, researchers concluded that breastfed or not, most U.S. infants needed to take supplemental vitamin D. If the mother's diet is nutritionally deficient, the breastfed infant may need to take other vitamins as well. Tri-Vi-Sol and D-Vi-Sol are two vitamin supplements designed to make up for deficiencies in mother's breast milk. Consult your pediatrician before giving your baby Tri-Vi-Sol or D-Vi-Sol as nutritional supplements.

Infant Vitamin Requirements

According to the USDA, the adequate intake (AI) of vitamin D for an infant aged 0 to 12 months is 200 International Units per day. The UL or Upper Limit for vitamin D is 1000 IUs. Some infants may need vitamin A and vitamin C as well. Infants up to 6 months old need 40 milligrams of vitamin C per day while those 7 to 12 months old need 50 milligrams. For infants up to 6 months of age, the AI for vitamin A is 400 micrograms. Infants 7 to 12 months old need 500 micrograms per day. The upper limit of vitamin A for infants up to 12 months old is 600 micro grams vitamin A per day.

D-Vi-Sol

D-Vi-Sol is a vitamin D supplement for breastfeeding infants. According to Enfamil the manufacturer of D-Vi-Sol the supplement contains 400 IUs of vitamin D. The type of vitamin D in D-Vi-Sol is D3 or cholecalciferol. D3 is the form of vitamin D found in milk and naturally produced in human skin. According to Enfamil, D-Vi-Sol provides 100 percent of the daily requirement of vitamin D for infants and children under four years of age.

Tri-Vi-Sol

Like D-Vi-Sol, Tri-Vi-Sol is used to supplement the diet of breastfeeding infants. Tri-Vi-Sol contains 1500 IU of vitamin A palmitate, 35 milligrams of vitamin C and 400 IU of vitamin D. According to Enfamil, Tri-Vi-Sol provides 100 percent of the daily vitamin A, C and D requirements for infants. Tri-Vi-Sol contributes 60 percent of the vitamin A, 88 percent of their vitamin C and 100 percent of the daily requirement of vitamin D for children under four years of age.

Inactive Ingredients

Both Tri-Vi-Sol and D-Vi-Sol contain ingredients which have no nutritional value. Instead, these ingredients are added to preserve, color and flavor the supplements. Tri-Vi-Sol and D-Vi-Sol both contain glycerin, water, Polysorbate 80, natural and artificial flavor and caramel color as inactive ingredients. Di-Vi-Sol also contains sodium citrate and sodium hydroxide to balance its acidity. Neither Tri-Vi-Sol nor D-Vi-Sol contains any sugar.

How to Use Lanolin

Lanolin is an ingredient found in products used to provide relief to nursing mothers. When you breastfeed, your nipples can become sore and the skin around them dry or cracked. Lanolin is safe for both the woman as well as the nursing baby. Lanolin is available as both a cream and lotion from many manufacturers of breastfeeding accessories.

Instructions

1

Buy lanolin to use for the duration that you are breastfeeding. Some of the most popular brands of lanolin products include Lansinoh, Evenflo and Medela. Find lanolin through online retailers such as Amazon.com.

2

Place a small amount of lanolin on your fingers. Massage the lotion or cream onto your nipples. Apply a generous amount to ensure that the product has completely covered the area.

3

Feed your baby as normal. Lanolin does not pose a threat to the baby. You can even feed your baby immediately after applying the cream since it does not contain any additives or preservatives.

4

Repeat as needed. Continue to use lanolin throughout nursing in order to relieve sore nipples. There are no dosage restrictions.

5

Use lanolin on other parts of the body that you wish to moisturize. Although it is most often used for nursing support, you can apply lanolin to soften dry and rough skin. Condition your hands, nails, elbows, knees and other areas of your body.

How to Treat Mononucleosis With Alternative Remedies

Mononucleosis, caused primarily by the Epstein-Barr virus, is an infectious viral disease that is also known as "mono" or "the kissing disease" It has a negative effect on your lymphatic system, liver and respiratory system. Common symptoms associated with "mono" are headache, sore muscles, swollen lymph glands, liver enlargement, jaundice, fatigue, sore throat, fever, enlarged spleen and depressed appetite. You can catch this disease by means of direct contact, such as sharing utensils or kissing an infected individual. You can also catch mononucleosis when you are around an infected person who sneezes or coughs. Your doctor can diagnose "mono" by administering a mononucleosis spot test. He may then recommend giving you antibiotics or he may prescribe prednisone, a corticosteroid to help ease your symptoms. You may similarly find alternative remedies that may help reduce discomfort and symptoms.

Instructions

1

Switch to a mostly raw food diet over the course of the illness, to help build up your immune system. At least 50% of the foods you eat should be comprised of uncooked, unprocessed plant foods. Eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, seeds, whole grains and the like. Totally avoid white flour, sugar. fried foods, processed foods, sodas and coffee.

2

Try spirulina, a blue-green algae discovered by ancient Mayans. Spirulina aids in enhancing immunity. It is relatively safe to take and has been found to have no drug interactions. You should, however, speak with your doctor before taking spirulina, if you have phenylketonuria or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

3

Take goldenseal, as it helps to combat infection. Goldenseal, which contains a bacteria-killing compound known berberine, comes from a hairy-stemmed plant that is a member of the buttercup family. You can get goldenseal in capsule or tea form. Take, as directed by the individual product you get, but it should not be taken for more than a week. There are possible side-effects, including digestive problems, light-sensitivity and skin irritation. Should you begin experiencing any of these side-effects, stop taking goldenseal. You should not take goldenseal if you have high blood pressure or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Anyone taking prescription medications should talk to a doctor before using goldenseal, to prevent the danger of drug interactions.

4

Rest. It is imperative to get enough rest to help rebuild your strength when you are suffering from mononucleosis. It can take several weeks for you to recover. You should limit contact with others, as much as it is possible to do so, to keep from passing on your infection. If you must have someone present to assist you, they should remember to wash their hands thoroughly at all times and should avoid kissing you or sharing personal items, such as a toothbrush and utensils.

5

Fight infection with olive leaf extract. It is believed to have antiviral and antioxidant properties. Use as directed by the individual product you have chosen. There are no known interactions with prescription medications. If you are diabetic, pregnant or breastfeeding, however, you should not take olive leaf extract before consulting your doctor.

6

Take milk thistle, which contains the liver-protecting ingredient known as silymarin. You can get it in extract, capsule or tea form and should take it, according to the directions of the individual protect you are using. If you are allergic to plants that come from the Asteraceae family, using the herb milk thistle is inadvisable and you should not take it. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking prescription medications or being treated for a serious medical condition, you should speak to your doctor before taking milk thistle.

Side Effects of Fenugreek in a Baby

In a world with increasing concerns about big pharmaceutical companies, expensive medications, unknown long-term effects of medicine and the quality of the food we consume, many people have turned to natural alternative remedies.

In recent years, fenugreek has become an increasingly popular herb among women struggling with breastfeeding and milk production. While there exists a lack of clinical research to support fenugreek as an aid in breast milk production, the Mayo Clinic acknowledges it as an herbal supplement that may facilitate lactation.

Moms using fenugreek for breastfeeding purposes commonly take three or more capsules a day of supplements, which is a large amount of an herb that one might otherwise have in small amounts very infrequently. While this may get the milk flowing, it can also have adverse effects on a baby.

The Maple Syrup Effect

Fenugreek may cause both baby and mother to produce urine that smells like maple syrup. This can falsely cause worry that the baby has maple syrup urine disease, which is the sign of major metabolic problems.

Allergies

Fenugreek is closely related to peanuts, which are a common allergen. Babies of moms taking fenugreek while nursing have been reported symptoms such as upset stomach and colic.

Loose Stools

Fenugreek is known for creating loose stools, which in babies may lead to diarrhea.