How to Know When Your Breastfed Baby Is Going Through a Growth Spurt

Every few weeks, your baby will go though a growth spurt--a period of time when she's growing very fast. During these times, it's important that you feed your baby as often as she wants. Doing so not only gives her the nutrition that she needs for her growing body, it also helps increase your milk supply so that you'll have enough milk to nourish your now bigger baby.

Instructions

1

Feed your baby whenever she wants. You'll find that it seems like you're doing nothing but feeding her, which can leave you physically and emotionally drained. Increased eating is one of the first signs of a growth spurt.

2

Pick up your baby when he acts fussy. By the end of the day, your arms will probably be hurting from holding him so often. Babies going through a growth spurt will be fussier than usual, requiring a lot of your attention.

3

Wake up throughout the night to feed your baby. In the morning, you may have bags under your eyes and feel like you didn't sleep at all. During a growth spurt, your baby will wake up more often that usual, a big change if she had previously been sleeping through the night.

High-Iron Foods That Babies Shouldn't Eat

The first year of a baby's life is divided into a six-month phase of exclusive breast-feeding, followed by a weaning phase, during which solids are introduced, from months seven through 12. Iron is important for a baby's development. High-iron foods pose no problem, granted the baby is at least 6 months old and not allergic.

Breast-Feeding

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies receive all their nutrients from breast-feeding for the first six months, or from an infant formula as a second choice. Healthy babies get enough iron from breast milk until they reach six months, when their iron levels deplete. No solids, especially high-iron solids such as fish or liver, should be given to a baby before the weaning phase.

Seafood and Peanuts

Some parents are pro-delay -- that is, banning highly allergic foods such as seafood and peanuts from a baby's diet until they are more developed. Others believe that introducing high-allergy foods early will build up an immunity. The American Academy of Pediatricians' "Effects of Early Nutritional Interventions" was inconclusive for or against, but it provided evidence that exclusive breast-feeding reduces the risk of cow's milk allergy and dermatitis conditions such as eczema, common in children younger than 5. It is still not advisable to give weaning babies large amounts of high allergen food.

Iron Supplements

Iron supplements can do more harm than good, especially during pregnancy and for healthy babies age 1 to 6 months, when there is a risk of iron poisoning, the reverse of anemia. Healthy babies younger than 7 months have low risk of anemia. From 7 to 12 months, a balanced diet, with iron from heme sources such as red meat, liver, poultry and fish, is recommended. Heme iron is the form most easily absorbed by the body.

Weaning

From 6 to 12 months, babies are gradually weaned off breast milk. Their first solids are mushed-up rice, cereals and fruit, as they gingerly take to the new food. After this, babies can eat almost anything. High-iron foods such as chicken, turkey, liver, fish and lentils will supplement breast milk to make up the recommended daily 11 mg of iron for 7- to 12-month-olds.

Why Do Toddlers Get the Hiccups?

Hiccups are very common and normally not any cause for concern in your toddler. However, they can be distressing to your child, so it's good to know ways to prevent and in some cases stop the hiccups. Unfortunately, there is no magic cure for the hiccups that will always work, but certain things will make hiccups less likely and shorten the duration of them when hiccups do occur.

What Hiccups Are

Hiccups are involuntary and are caused by repeated spasmodic contractions of the child's diaphragm, followed by the glottis quickly closing. The glottis is the part that allows the inflow of air. This is what makes the sound that is thought of as "the hiccups."

Why Toddlers Get Them

There are several causes of hiccups, but the most common cause of hiccups in children is swallowing too much air, especially for toddlers who are still drinking from a bottle. Hiccups can also result in toddlers from drinking soda or other carbonated beverages or from eating large amounts of food quickly, reports Hiccups.org.

Home Remedies

There are several things you can try to get rid of your child's hiccups. Give your toddler a swallow of water and have him or her lie down for a bit. If that doesn't help, try giving the child a teaspoon of corn syrup.

Prevention of Hiccups

To avoid hiccups in the future, avoid giving your toddler carbonated beverages, such as soda. Also, the Mayo Clinic recommends cutting back on large meals and avoiding sudden, dramatic changes in temperature to reduce the chances of getting hiccups. For toddlers that are still being breastfed, consider pumping and feeding the toddler from a bottle, as in some cases less air is swallowed from a bottle than while nursing.

Warning

Although hiccups are common and normally nothing to worry about, there are some cases where special attention should be paid. Call your child's pediatrician if the hiccups last longer than three hours, he is spitting up blood or if the hiccups are accompanied by bad pains in the stomach. A doctor should also be consulted if the hiccups start after beginning a new prescription medication.

Reasons Mothers Love Their Children

Why do mothers love their children? We could argue for the fact that they remind women of themselves at a younger age, but that negates the intense bond of an adoptive mom for her son or daughter. Natural childbirth advocates share statistics about the importance of bonding and imprinting at birth. However, we see mothers and children who were separated at birth and who are very attached to one another. All these factors and more play a role in the loving bond between a mother and her child.

Biology

Breastfeeding moms experience a release of hormones that enhance attachment with their infants.

A woman who is in a loving relationship with the father of her child is fortunate. The child benefits as they partner together to provide a safe and nurturing home for him. When a woman gives birth, her brain releases a mixture of hormones such as oxytocin and prolactin. With these natural chemicals rushing through her veins, she naturally experiences an intense attachment to her infant. These same hormones are released during breastfeeding, causing that close maternal-infant bond. The closeness at birth and during initial breastfeeding helps foster intimacy and trust between mother and child. This is not only beneficial to their relationship but to the survival of the infant. The human infant is the weakest in the animal kingdom. Human babies are the least mature of all baby mammals at birth.

Baby Wearing

Wearing baby in a sling helps promote closeness between mom and baby.

Skin to skin contact between mother and baby during waking and sleeping hours provides tactile stimulation that enhances the mother-child bond. Skin to skin contact with the mother helps a child's neurological development and provides a sense of security. Many moms find that baby-wearing or keeping baby close by wearing him in a sling helps facilitate this closeness. Co-sleeping is another way mothers and babies can stay close.

Protection

As a child grows from dependence to independence, the relationship between the mother and child changes, too.

Mothers feel protective over their children. They see their children's dependence on them and feel compelled to take care of them. An infant's big trusting eyes and round face are the epitome of vulnerability. A child's vulnerability is a catalyst for mothers to protect and care for their little ones. As a child grows, so do the mother's expectations of what he needs from her in the way of love and protection.

They See the Future

A mother knows her children will outgrow their need for mothering, but not their need for motherly love.

When a mother looks into her child's eyes, she sees the future. She knows there will come a time when her role as protector and provider will end, and a new relationship will emerge based on mutual love and friendship. Investing in the life of her children when they are small pays off later when they repay that kindness with friendship.

Tips on Feeding Infants

Feeding an infant can come with a set of challenges. The techniques and tips for breast feeding infants and formula fed infants are different. In addition, there are several ways to burp your infant after feeding. When your baby is ready to start solids, there are even more considerations.

Formula Feeding

Formula feeding requires planning and preparation, states Kids Health, a website by Nemours Children's Health Systems. Always prepare formula as stated on the formula container. After feeding your baby, discard any leftovers. In addition, throw away any prepared formula left unrefrigerated for more than an hour. If you prepare formula ahead of time, ensure you will be feeding it to your infant in less than 24 hours. Warm formula just before feeding, but do not use the microwave, as microwaving bottles causes the formula to heat unevenly, creating hot spots that may burn your baby.

Breast Feeding

The Baby Center website explains that the more you breast feed, the more milk you will produce. If you are having trouble producing milk, having your baby nurse helps increase the flow. Try to feed your baby when he is hungry. Look for signs such as increased activity and alertness, and rooting behavior. When breast feeding, maintain a healthy diet, anything you eat is passed along to your baby. Be sure to limit the amount of caffeine and alcohol you consume.

Burping Tips

The Kids Health website explains that babies get fussy after swallowing air while nursing or bottle feeding. Burping your baby helps prevent fussy behavior. Burp your baby when you switch breasts, when breast feeding , or every two to three ounces when bottle feeding. If your baby is fussy during feedings or gassy, try burping more often. You can burp your baby by holding her upright with her head on your shoulder, sitting on your lap with your hand supporting her chin, or laying face down on your lap. Be sure to gently pat your baby on her back no matter which position you choose. If your baby does not burp after a few minutes, try a new position.

Introducing Solids

Lucile Packard's Children's Hospital's Infant Feeding Guide recommends feeding baby cereals as your infant's first food, and then adding vegetables before fruits. When feeding your baby a new food, always serve it by itself, and wait a week before adding any other new foods. This helps you determine if your infant has any allergies to certain foods. Be sure to carefully wash, seed and pit fruits and vegetables if you make your baby food at home. In addition, do not add sugar and salt. Do not give infants under one year cow's milk or honey.

How to Buy Replacement Parts for a Breast Pump

Breast pumps have several parts that are needed in order to form a seal around the nipple that is sufficient enough to enable effective suction of the mammary glands. Often, one or more of these parts will become worn out, lost or broken, and you'll need to buy replacement parts to keep your breast pump functioning properly.

Instructions

1

Contact the maker of the breast pump for replacement parts. Most makers, including Medela, Evenflo and more, have replacement part kits for the small parts that wear out more frequently. The parts you will need will generally be the rubber valve that holds the vacuum while the suction is engaged and the breast shield that is placed over the breast. Both parts come into constant contact with milk and should not be reused if the breast pump is used. Even when not used, these parts must be washed after each use and have a tendency to wear out before any others.

2

Look online for the contact information if you bought the breast pump used. Some women buy their breast pump at online auction sites, at consignment sales or garage sales in order to keep the cost down. Anytime a breast pump is bought used, the breast shield and valves should automatically be replaced, but you'll also have to look at the specific model to see if any other pieces will touch the milk. Some models have tubing that connects the shield and the bottle. If there is any tubing, that too will have to be replaced.

3

Buy the replacement parts online. Online baby and breastfeeding stores often sell replacement parts. There are also specialty sites that cater only to breast pumps and breast pump parts. Mybreastpump.com sells an wide variety of different parts and accessories for breast pumps. Lactationconnection.com is another online retailer with a wide selection of parts. These places will sell a replacement kit for each model. The kit contains all of the parts you'll need including the valve, breast shield and any tubing that comes into contact with the milk (see Resources).

4

Look for bottles into which you'll express milk. Some pumps require a certain sized bottle while others can accommodate any size of bottle, as long as the cap and breast shield piece will screw onto it.

5

Prepare to replace liners often if your pump has bottles that require you to pump milk into a bottle with a liner. If planning to freeze the expressed milk, you'll most likely be using bags in which to freeze it, so make sure to have plenty of these on hand.

How Do I Wean My Toddler Who Wants to Nurse All of the Time?

There are several health and emotional benefits to breast-feeding a baby and toddler. It not only bonds the child with his mother but also provides him with essential hormones, cells and antibodies that, according to Women's Health, protect the baby from disease. Most babies will begin to wean naturally as solid foods are introduced, or between six months and one year of age. Some children breast-feed into the toddler years, and weaning them can be a challenge.

Instructions

1

Wean the toddler off breast-feeding gradually, not all at once. Phase out feeding times slowly instead of expecting the toddler to stop altogether.

2

Replace a regular breast-feeding time for the toddler with a special treat. For instance, if the toddler generally breast-feeds first thing in the morning, offer her a cup of juice or a bowl filled with her favorite brightly colored fruits.

3

Feed the child small snacks, and keep him well hydrated throughout the day. This will help ensure that the toddler is full and satisfied when his regularly scheduled breast-feeding times occur.

4

Cover your nipples with a liquid that has an unpleasant taste. Choose garlic oil, lemon or anything other edible liquid that won't irritate your skin. The toddler will begin to associate breast-feeding times with this unpleasant taste.

5

Entertain the child throughout the day, especially during times when she normally wants to be breast-fed. The child will be so distracted that she will not realize that a breast-feeding session has been missed.

6

Choose other alternatives to breast-feeding the toddler when he is tired, frightened or bored. Instead, read the child a book to help him sleep, and give him a special toy to cuddle when he is scared.

7

Look the child in the eye and use his newly burgeoning vocal and listening abilities to explain why breast-feeding will cease. Explain to the toddler that big boys and girls use cups and do not breast-feed.

8

Purchase brightly colored sippy cups for the toddler. Personalize the cups by writing the child's name on the side and covering them with stickers. The toddler will be excited to use his new sippy cup as an alternative to breast-feeding.

Successful Contraceptive Methods While Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding provides a natural delay for the mother's return to fertility, but it should not be a woman's sole contraception method. Other methods are safe and allow women control in family spacing. Barriers and synthetic hormones aid in the prevention of pregnancy.

Benefits

Breastfeeding delays a mother's menstrual cycle. According to La Leche League International, a baby's sucking inhibits the release of hormones that cause "monthly preparation for a new pregnancy."

Considerations

The way a mother breastfeeds affects breastfeeding's reliability in preventing the start of menstrual cycles. La Leche League International suggests mothers breastfeed exclusively with no pacifiers or bottles and avoid schedules.

Types

La Leche League International suggests a breastfeeding mother's safest choice of contraception would be one of the non-hormonal barrier methods, such as condoms or a diaphragm. Health professionals agree that a mother's use of spermicide does not present any problems for her nursing baby. The IUD (intrauterine device) is also thought to be safe for breastfeeding mothers.

Warning

When babies begin eating other foods and nursing less, mothers must be aware of bodily changes. Understanding natural body changes, such as cervical firmness and quantity of discharge, helps women identify the return of menstrual cycles.

Function

Mothers may prefer birth control pill. Pills only containing progestin will not decrease milk supply, but pills also containing estrogen likely will. La Leche League International suggests mothers take progestin only pills after mother and baby establish a strong nursing relationship.

About Breast Dimpling

Breasts are not static. They change during a woman's cycle, sometimes becoming lumpy, painful or swollen.

Changes that do not go away, however, should be reported to one's doctor. This includes breast dimpling. The cause of breast dimpling may be benign, or it may indicate a problem.

Report breast changes to your doctor.

Identification

Breast dimpling may appear in several different ways. For example, you may see the dimpling only in certain positions, such as when the arms are raised.

There may be one dimple, a single pucker in the skin. Or there may be many dimples, like the skin of a orange. This is known as peau d'orange or orange peel.

Dimples may not hurt or they may be accompanied with other symptoms, such as breast tenderness or lumps.

Significance

Breast dimpling may be a symptom of cancer, so all breast dimpling should be investigated by a doctor. The dimpling can indicate a fluid build-up in the breast tissue because of a blocked lymphatic system. It can also indicate that there's a deep tumor that is pulling the tissues and ligaments around it, causing the skin to dimple.

Dimpling accompanied by other symptoms, such as changes in breast size, visibility of veins, lumps or nipple discharge, should be looked into immediately. Some changes are normal during menstruation, but if these symptoms do not go away or are painful, ask your doctor.

For some women, breast dimpling has no significance, but a doctor should still be visited to rule out cancer.

Causes

There are many possible causes of breast dimpling, including cancer and a breast abscess.

In breast-feeding women, a blocked milk duct or its infection, mastitis, can cause dimpling. Mastitis often needs antibiotic treatment, so visit a doctor.

Fibrocystic breast disease, a benign condition that causes painful lumpy breasts, can also sometimes cause a dimpled appearance. As many as 60 percent of women have fibrocystic breasts.

A breast-surgery scar can also cause dimpling around it.

Misconceptions

Many women fear that having a dimple automatically means that they have cancer. While this is sometimes true and is a cause to investigate, this is often not the case.

Breasts are a collection of fatty tissue, ligaments and milk ducts that change over time and because of pregnancy and hormones. While dimples should always be brought to a doctor's attention in a timely manner, women should try not to lose sleep over a small breast dimple.

Treatment

The doctor will examine the breasts and determine if further evaluation, such as a biopsy or mammogram, is needed.

If there is a fluid-filled cyst near the dimple, the doctor may insert a needle into the cyst. Fibrocystic cysts usually deflate and go away. If the cyst does not deflate, the doctor usually will order a biopsy.

Breastfeeding After Breast Reduction Surgery

The ability to breastfeed after breast reduction surgery is one of the major concerns for women who have undergone this procedure. The end result can vary greatly from one surgical patient to the next.

Surgery Types

Plastic surgeons can use several different methods during breast reduction surgery based on the desired outcome as well as the size and shape of the patient's breasts. If a method is used where the nipple is completely detached during surgery, breastfeeding will not be possible.

Risks

Even if the nipple remains attached during the surgery, there are no guarantees that breastfeeding will be possible after surgery. This is due to the breast tissue and ducts that may be removed during surgery.

Milk Supply

According to BFAR (Breastfeeding after Reduction), most breast reduction patients do produce milk after surgery, but their milk supply may not be enough to be the sole source of nutrition for the baby.

Considerations

Instead of abandoning breastfeeding completely if the milk supply is low, mothers may choose to supplement with formula. A lactation consultant can assist in this decision as well as demonstrating proper breastfeeding techniques that may help.

Communication

It is important to communicate your desire to breastfeed to your plastic surgeon. He may be able to suggest a method that could improve your chances at successfully breastfeeding or he may recommend delaying the surgery until after pregnancy.

Foods That Increase Breast Milk

For those who have decided to breastfeed their babies, it can be alarming to suspect that the baby is not able to get enough milk from her mother. Signs that baby is getting enough milk include baby producing six to eight wet diapers per day, hearing the sound of the baby swallowing while nursing, and weight gain in baby. If the mother suspects that she is not producing enough milk for her baby, there are some food options for the mother to consume to increase her milk production.

Foods That Increase Milk Production

A nursing mother needs to have adequate nutrition if she is to make milk that is nutritious for her baby. Some specific foods and drinks can help her body increase its production of breast milk.

Nursing mothers need to be sure to drink enough water. Breast milk is made up of mostly water, so it is difficult to make enough milk if the mother is dehydrated. A mother who drinks enough water and eats nutritious food can boost her ability to take care of her children, especially as it relates to breastfeeding. Nursing mothers, however, should not drink too much water, which can decrease milk production. A rule of thumb is to drink enough water to turn your urine a pale yellow color. Dark yellow urine is a sign of too little water, and colorless urine indicates too much. Also, dry lips are a signal to drink more water.

Oatmeal is a popular food choice for increasing milk production, according to kellymom.com. One theory is that its high iron content corrects for anemia in the mother, which can lead to low milk supply. Another possibility is that, like any grain, it adds calories the mother might be missing to produce enough milk. Regardless, it is an easy way to support breastfeeding.

Cultures around the world recommend beer to boost a nursing mother's milk supply, however there is a dearth of scientific data to back this up, according to www.drgreene.com.

For women wishing to try taking beer to increase their milk production, it's worth noting that many mothers report getting good results from non-alcoholic beer. This is an option for mothers concerned about passing alcohol to their baby in their breast milk.

Carrots are high in beta-carotene, which is required in higher amounts for lactation.

Similar to carrots, beets are high in beta-carotene. They are also high in iron, which can help alleviate anemia and boost milk production.

Besides being nutrient dense, leafy greens support milk production by being high in the phytoestrogens that support lactation.

Food and Drugs to Avoid

To support your milk production overall, a nursing mother should avoid certain foods and drugs that are known to decrease milk production. Following are some suggested foods and drugs to eliminate.

According to kellymom.com, sage is known for decreasing milk production, even at low levels. The average nursing mother need not worry about small amounts in foods, but mothers struggling with low milk supply may want to avoid this herb entirely while trying to increase their supply.

Nicotine also can have a negative impact on milk production, so mothers struggling with low milk supply may want to consider giving up smoking while breastfeeding.

Estrogen can act as a milk supply depressant, so birth control pills containing the hormone should also be avoided if the mother is addressing low milk supply issues.

The purpose of decongestants is to "dry things up", including milk supply. These types of drugs should be avoided if low milk supply is an issue.

Caffeine can adversely affect milk production. Avoiding coffee, tea, chocolate and other foods containing caffeine might be helpful for a mother battling low milk supply.

Calming Options

Low milk supply in a nursing mother can cause anxiety and concern for your baby. Other steps that parents can take in more serious cases include using a breast pump between nursing sessions to stimulate greater production, and making a deliberate attempt to lower stress levels. Stress can seriously inhibit milk production and can inhibit the let-down reflex during nursing. The "let-down" during a nursing session is when the breast milk moves from the milk glands, where milk is produced, into the milk ducts, where it flows out and into the baby's mouth. Mothers who are stressed when nursing may enjoy nursing in a quiet room, and even putting on relaxing music and something over their eyes to block out light.

Tips for Breastfeeding a Baby With Teeth

Many mothers worry that breastfeeding their baby will hurt once their baby gets teeth. Not only is it alright to continue breastfeeding, but it is recommended. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding exclusively until 6 months, and continuing to breastfeed until at least 2 years old. Breastfeeding a baby with teeth usually does not feel any different than feeding a baby without any teeth. But sometimes a baby may bite, especially when he is teething. There are a few things that can be done.

Discourage Biting

One thing mothers worry about with a teething baby is biting. Each baby is different; some babies bite and some don't. The key to stopping this is not to yell, jump or otherwise startle your baby. Startling your baby may make her scared of breastfeeding, as she will associate breastfeeding with getting yelled at. It may be hard at first, but if your baby bites while breastfeeding, take her off and tell her "no" with a stern but gentle voice. She will soon begin to realize that it is not okay to bite, and that if she does, it means the feeding will be stopped for a while.

Only Nurse When Hungry

Try to only breastfeed your baby when he is hungry, at least until he has learned not to bite anymore. A baby is more likely to bite when he is done eating and just latched on. Watch for signs that your baby is done eating. He will start looking around the room and may seem distracted or bored. This is your cue to end the nursing session. A baby who is properly latched on and eating will rarely bite.

Give Other Outlets for Biting

A teething baby bites because the pressure feels good for her. Provide her with lots of teething toys so she has the opportunity to bite appropriately. A good teething toy will have bumps and different surfaces to provide counterpressure to your baby's gums. There are water-filled teethers that can be chilled in the refrigerator to provide teething relief. If you find your baby biting you, give her a teething toy to chew on so she sees that biting is alright, just not on you.

How to Stop Breast Pumping

If you're separated from your baby for work or personal reasons, you're probably used to using your breast pump. If your baby is older, or if you'd just prefer to give up the pump, you might be searching for a way to wean from the pump. Weaning from a breast pump takes time, and doing it correctly can save you some discomfort.

Instructions

Weaning From the Breast Pump

1

Drop one pumping session at a time. Weaning yourself from the breast pump will follow a similar pattern to that of weaning a baby. An abrupt weaning can cause sudden hormonal changes and physical pain in mothers, so a gradual weaning from the pump is best. Kelly Bonyata, International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant of kellymom.com, says to drop a pumping session every three to seven days. If you pump three times a day, drop the first feeding, gauge how you feel, and drop a feeding when your body is ready, sometime in the next three to seven days. If you feel your body needs longer to adjust, you can take longer if you need to.

2

Gradually decrease the amount of time you're pumping your milk. If a normal pumping session lasts 15 minutes, cut it down to ten or 12 minutes.

3

Increase the time between your pumping sessions, Bonyata suggests. This can be helpful when you're down to two feedings per day. If you normally pump at 10:00 and 2:00, increase the time by an hour or so until you can easily cut out one of the feedings.

Foods for a Nursing Mother

It was once thought that adding 500 calories a day to a nursing mother's diet would help her body produce an adequate milk supply. Doctors now agree that the kind of food she eats is much more important than caloric intake for making nutritious breast milk. Eating too much junk food, sugar and bad fats can make the baby less healthy. The baby may not get enough nutrients from the breast milk to wet and soil the appropriate number of diapers each day. Eating the right foods while nursing is essential to a healthy baby and mother.

Complex Carbohydrates

Complex carbohydrates come from fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These types of carbohydrates help the body by creating energy and breast milk without turning straight into fat like the carbohydrates in sugars and grains that come from corn and white flour. An example of complex carbohydrates would be leafy greens, broccoli, beans, squash, apples, berries, melon, whole wheat bread and brown rice. Five to six servings of fruit and vegetable complex carbohydrates a day will help nursing moms meet the nutritional needs for their baby. Whole grain servings should be about four to six each day.

Proteins and Calcium

Protein can be found in nuts, lean meat, poultry and eggs. Since protein foods are often higher in fat, the recommended number of servings for nursing moms is three a day. Protein can also be found in dairy foods. Dairy foods will also give nursing moms the calcium requirements they need. Five servings of calcium are required each day during breast feeding. This is more than during pregnancy due to the body needing more calcium to produce milk. If dairy is not an option, calcium can also be found in spinach, soy and asparagus.

Fats

Fat is actually very important to a nursing mother's diet. Fat is required to produce the hind milk that helps fill the baby up. Nursing moms need three to five 1 oz. servings of fat each day. This can include oil, nuts, butter and mayonnaise. Watch out for greasy fats like fast food and fried food. It will be tempting to eat whatever you want when nursing since it's believed that nursing helps women lose weight quickly. Eating fats and sweets will ultimately slow down weight loss and create less nutritional milk for the baby.

The Development of a Baby While Drinking Breast Milk

From the time a baby is born to one year of age significant and rapid changes occur in his development. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers breastfeed for the first year of their children's lives. Breastfeeding during this time can encourage babies to develop physically and boost the development of their immune systems and cognitive abilities. A mother breastfeeding during the first year of her child's life also helping the development of his motor skills, social skills and cognitive reasoning.

Physical Development

Physical growth is often slower and more gradual than their formula fed counterparts, yet they tend to develop motor and cognitive skills more quickly. On average, breastfed babies weigh less than those that are formula fed and are less likely to be overweight as babies and children. According to DrSears.com, there is also a decrease in the incidence of adulthood obesity among those who had been breastfed as babies.

Motor Skills

According to the Couple to Couple League, breastfed babies generally crawl and walk sooner. In the article Babies Motor Better with Breastmilk published in Science News, babies were 50 percent less likely to show motor delays had they been breastfed at least four months, compared to babies who had never been breastfed. This study accounted for other factors that may have contributed to the difference in motor development including mother's age and socioeconomic status.

Social Connection

One of the primary benefits of breastfeeding is that it provides opportunities for one on one time between the mother and baby. The eye to eye and skin to skin contact helps to create a deep bond between the mother and child, which is important to the baby's social development and overall emotional well-being. Breastfed babies are often held and talked to more often than babies who are not breastfed, and this type of engagement advances their social development.

Cognitive Development

Cognitive development is generally more advanced in breastfed babies than in babies of the same age who have been formula fed. A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that after covariances were factored in, breastfed babies between the ages of 6 and 23 months showed significantly higher cognitive function than those who had not been breastfed.

Immune System Development

Infants are born with underdeveloped immune systems that gradually strengthen throughout their lives. Babies that are breastfed generally have stronger and more developed immune systems by one year of age. There are significantly fewer instances of infections and illnesses in breastfed babies.

An important part of the immune system is the development of the thymus gland. A study published in The Journal of American Osteopathic Association reported that a group of babies had their thymus glands measured at birth through the use of ultrasound, and in all babies it was relatively the same size. The same babies had their thymus glands remeasured at 4 months and the results showed that babies who had been exclusively breastfed had significantly larger and more developed thymus glands, which is directly related to the development of the immune system.

How to Get Your Stomach Flat After a Ceserean

After giving birth, many women are eager to get down to their pre-pregnancy weight and shape. You may find that getting back to your original weight is easier than getting the shape back, especially in the stomach area. The muscles have been stretched considerably to make room for your baby, and getting them back into shape is a challenge. If you have had a cesarean, remember that you have had surgery, and you need to give your body the proper amount of rest before beginning any workout regimen. Make sure to get approval from your doctor before you start any diet or exercise plan.

Instructions

Getting in Shape

1

The proper combination of diet and exercise and consistent effort will help you get your flat stomach back. Take your time, especially if you are breastfeeding. Allow your body to recuperate for a minimum of six to eight weeks after surgery before trying any kind of exercise. Ask your doctor before you begin.

2

Purchase a special kind of underwear designed specifically for post surgery that will act as a girdle and help your scar to heal quickly. This can help reduce puffiness around the scar, and will help you feel slim in the meantime.

3

Your diet plan will depend on whether or not you are breastfeeding. If you are, do not cut any food group out of your diet completely and be sure you are consuming enough calories daily for yourself and your baby. Remember that breastfeeding consumes 200 to 500 calories per day. Eating five to six smaller meals each day is recommended, and aim for losing one and a half pounds per week.

4

Aerobic activity is key to getting back in shape. Start with walking, and you can include the baby in this activity either in a sling type carrier or a stroller. Begin with walking one mile each day, and you can slowly work up to longer walks. Once you have been walking for a couple of weeks, you can try jogging as long as your body feels up to it. Make sure you have a comfortable running bra and shoes, and if you want to take the baby along it's a good idea to invest in a jogging stroller.

5

Start slow with muscle building exercises. Continue the Kegel exercises that you most likely learned during pregnancy, which is contracting the muscles of your pelvic floor as if you are stopping the flow of urine. Add a simple stomach muscle exercise by pulling your belly button in and up. Pull in and hold for a few seconds and then release. Do this ten times and then rest. Go through this routine two or three times a day for a week or two before moving on to other stomach exercises.

6

Create a five-to-ten minute routine for stomach exercises that will include upper abdominals, lower abdominals and oblique muscles. There are a number of excellent stomach workout routines that can be purchased on DVDs or found on the Internet. Go through this routine daily.

How to Treat Breast Tenderness Using Home Remedies

Breast tenderness can happen for many reasons. If a woman is pregnant or if she is having her menstrual cycle, breast tenderness and soreness can occur. Diet, nutrition, hormones, retaining water and excess weight can also trigger breast tenderness. If a woman is having breast tenderness all the time, fibro cysts might be the cause. When fibro cysts are the reason for tenderness there may be lumps in the breasts and one should see a doctor immediately. For other, less serious causes of breast tenderness, there are things one can do naturally from home to ease the pain.

Instructions

1

Place a couple of raw cabbage leaves on the breasts and cover with a towel. Leave on for about and hour and the tenderness and soreness of the breasts will ease within at least three hours. Covering the cabbage leaves with a towel is optional. You may cover the cabbage with anything you want or not cover them at all.

2

Take a bag of ice, crushed ice is best, wrap the bag of ice in a towel and place on your breasts. If you dont have a bag of ice put some in a freezer bag and dont forget to wrap it with a towel. While laying with the bag of ice on your breasts, try to find a comfortable position and stay that way. Try not to move. Within an hour the tenderness and soreness will be gone.

3

Use ground flaxseed in your food or drink. Add about 1 tsp. of the ground flaxseed in anything you eat or drink. Whole flaxseed is not digestible so you will want to grind it up in a blender or food processor. You can add the ground flaxseed to yogurt, protein shakes, cereal or whatever you want. Keep any ground flaxseed in the freezer while waiting to be used again.

4

Use a heating pad or a heated towel and place on your breasts to ease the pain. Leave the heated compress on for 15 to 20 minutes at a time or until it has eased the pain from breast tenderness.

Lactation Consultant Certification Requirements

A lactation consultant assists breastfeeding mothers who experience difficulties with lactation. A lactation consultant provides advice, support and education for mothers, other health professionals and the community. In many states, a lactation consultant doesn't have to be licensed, but earning certification as a lactation consultant by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners attests to the training and level of knowledge acquired by the CLC, which inspires confidence and trust in patients.

Education

The path to certification begins with a training program. Some universities offer a program for lactation consultants, though these classes are often geared toward those already in the medical profession, such as midwives or labor and delivery nurses. Several online schools also offer training that prepares students to work as a certified lactation consultant. Other forms of instruction include seminars or conferences, often completed within a couple of weeks. Most education programs comprise at least 45 hours of instruction time.

Individual pacing

For students without a medical background or experience, a program such as the Breastfeeding Self-Learning Modules, available through Lactation Education Resources, allows more flexibility for students to learn at their own pace. The self-learning modules typically include 90 hours of instruction time and cover a greater depth of medical knowledge for beginners.

Clinical Practice

In conjunction with a formal program, prospective lactation consultants must have a certain number of supervised clinical practice hours. Depending on the chosen pathway to achieve certification, the internship must be either 500 or 1,000 hours. Any time spent working with a patient can be counted toward the requirements. For example, a postnatal nurse can tally the time she spends helping new mothers with latching issues. For those without ready access to nursing mothers, the IBLCE recommends volunteering with La Leche League or a WIC program.

Certification

The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners offers the International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant exam once per year, on the last Monday of July. Candidates must have completed all classes and practicum hours before applying to take the test. As of 2011, the cost of the exam is $640, though early applicants receive a discount. After passing the exam, IBCLCs must complete 75 continuing education credits within five years to maintain certification.

2012

Beginning in 2012, the requirements for certification will change slightly. Education programs must provide 90 hours of instruction instead of 45 hours. The student must have completed it within the previous five years before sitting for the exam. In addition, examinees must have finished at least one semester in eight advanced learning divisions -- such as biology, psychology and nutrition -- and continuing education credits in six other areas, including basic life support and medical terminology.

Teen Mothers & Breastfeeding

For any new mother, the decision to breastfeed is a personal one. Teen mothers must consider a host of matters specific to their age and situation when deciding to breastfeed.

About

Biologically, teen mothers are capable of successfully breastfeeding. Just like their adult counterparts, there are no physiological limitations to stand in their way.

Facts

Despite health benefits, only eighteen percent of teen mothers choose to breastfeed according to the La Leche League International (LLLI). Even fewer actually do so. Support groups are available and effective in working with young mothers in this area.

Advantages

Breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed a baby according to LLLI. Breastfeeding causes the uterus to contract and therefore aids in returning to pre-pregnancy weight and it is economically beneficial because the teen mother will not need to buy formula.

Special Concerns

A teen mother will have specific concerns regarding breast feeding. She is more likely than an adult mother to worry about how breastfeeding will affect her relationship with her boyfriend. Other concerns will include leaving the baby for work or school, as well as learning general nurturing skills.

Dietary Needs

The teen mother will need to consume more calories while breastfeeding. She will need to focus on consuming more calcium, protein and B vitamins according to LLLI.

How to Breastfeed Your Baby in the Football Position

You can position your baby in a number of ways to breastfeed her, including the football hold. The football hold works well for mothers that have had Cesarean sections because it takes pressure off their abdomens. It also allows mothers of twins to breastfeed both babies at the same time if they wish to do so. Some mothers, and some babies, simply prefer this position. People frequently refer to it as the football position because it resembles the way people hold footballs, although others call it the clutch hold.

Instructions

1

Sit comfortably in an upright position. A chair with arms often works best but you can also feed your baby using the football position while sitting in a chair without arms, on a sofa or even sitting up in bed. Use pillows behind your back for support if necessary.

2

Position your baby at your side, with her head near your breast, her feet aiming toward your back and your elbow bent.

3

Support your baby's head with your open hand and support her back on your forearm. Rest a pillow on your lap and under your arm for support if desired.

4

Use your free hand to guide your breast to your baby's mouth. Make sure she takes in all or most of the areola, the colored part of the breast around the nipple, not only the nipple. Support your breast with your hand if necessary so it does not press against your baby's chin.

5

Switch your baby to your other breast after about 10 minutes or when her sucking begins to slow down, unless you are feeding twins and feeding both at the same time.

Is It Bad to Breastfeed While Pregnant?

Breastfeeding provides your baby with just the right nutrients she needs to grow, protects her from illness and decreases her risk of allergies and cavities, according to La Leche League International. If you become pregnant with another child before your baby is weaned, however, you might be concerned about whether there is a potential risk to either child or yourself. In most cases, breastfeeding while pregnant is not a problem.

Nutrition

Breastfeeding means youre nourishing two people instead of one. When you add pregnancy into the mix, your nutritional needs increase, especially in the last months of pregnancy when your baby is growing fast. In the second and third trimester of pregnancy, youll need about 300 extra calories each day, according to The American Pregnancy Association. Most women also need about 400 to 500 extra calories a day while breastfeeding, according to MayoClinic.com. You should aim to consume at least eight glasses of water, as well as other liquids each day.

Issues Related to Pregnancy

Although your breast milk is still nutritious, its content could change because of your pregnancy. As your pregnancy progresses, you might find that your child responds to changes in the taste of your breast milk. Your milk production could also decrease as you reach the later stages of pregnancy. Some older children may wean themselves at this point, according to MayoClinic.com. Nipple tenderness and breast soreness often occur during pregnancy, and you might find that nursing becomes uncomfortable.

An Occasional Risk

Breastfeeding during pregnancy might not be safe in one situation, according to AskDrSears.com. Some women who have had preterm labor -- labor that begins earlier than the 37th week of pregnancy -- or who have a history of miscarriages may be susceptible to a hormone that causes uterine contractions. When you breastfeed, your body releases that hormone into your bloodstream. The site notes that most women are not sensitive to this hormone and can breastfeed during pregnancy without problems.

Other Concerns

Relatives or friends may express concerns if you decide to breastfeed while pregnant. Reassure them that neither child will be deprived of nutrients and that you are not risking the health of the new baby or yourself. Ensure that you eat properly, get adequate rest and take prenatal vitamins or supplements as recommended by your doctor. Ultimately, it is your decision whether to continue nursing while pregnant. If you have questions or concerns about breastfeeding while pregnant, discuss them with your obstetrician or family doctor.

How to Increase the Weight of a One Year Old

Attaining a proper weight is an important goal for babies, toddlers and young children. Overweight babies may be at greater for obesity later in life. Underweight babies may face developmental problems from calorie deprivation. If your year-old child is not meeting desired weight goals there are steps you and the child's other caregivers can take to help remedy this situation.

Instructions

1

Breastfeed more frequently. Many older babies are still nursing. Nursing a baby is an excellent way to feed the baby. Breast milk provides infants with high-calorie nutrition that is custom-designed for an infant's needs. If you are breastfeeding a baby and the baby is still underweight, consider breastfeeding more often. Try nursing every other hour during the day. Sit your baby on your lap. Offer him one breast for 10 minutes and your other breast for another 10 minutes.

2

Introduce cereals. Cereals are an important source of good nutrition for any baby. Many babies find cereals easy to digest. Experiment with different kinds of cereals to help the child find one she likes. Try wheat cereal one day and rice the next. Allow sufficient time between new foods to double check that your child is not allergic to the type of cereal. If you think your baby is having an allergic reaction, check with your pediatrician.

3

Offer the baby whole milk. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends feeding babies whole milk after their first birthday. Whole milk is loaded with necessary calories, fat and calcium to help build strong muscles and bones. Offer a 1-year-old baby whole milk twice a day. Pour the milk into a sippy cup that he can grip without spilling. Introduce the milk in small doses. Try 1 oz. one day and 2 oz. the next.

4

Feed smaller and more frequent meals. Instead of feeding a baby three meals a day, try five or six meals per day. Offer breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snacks every day. Provide the baby with a choice of two items per meal. Let the baby choose which particular item he prefers at each meal. For example, consider offering the baby a choice of mashed potatoes or mashed carrots. Make the baby feel like a big girl or big boy by feeding the child at least some of the same foods that the adults at the table are eating.

5

Speak to caregivers. If your baby is in daycare, make sure that caregivers are aware of the baby's weight problems. Offer specific suggestions to staff members about how to feed your baby. If possible, check up on the daycare to ensure the staff is following your instructions correctly.

Natural Methods to Improve the Immune System

A healthy immune system is the body's natural defense against illness or infection. Environmental and emotional stresses, age, and poor nutrition can diminish immune system effectiveness. Healthy eating and exercise habits and herbal supplements are natural methods to improve the immune system in adults, while breastfeeding provides the best natural enhancement to immune systems in the next generation.

Nutrition

The U.K. health website What Really Works reports poor nutrition as the most common cause of a depleted immune system. Dozens of research studies reported by the staff at Life Extension connect malnutrition and dietary deficiencies to immune system weakness while linking healthy dietary choices to a boost in immunity and enhanced ability to prevent disease. WebMD staff reports that fat and sugar reduce immune system response, while increased consumption of antioxidants from a healthy diet boost immunity and fight infection. The easiest natural method to improve immunity and enhance overall health is to increase consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat protein sources such as legumes and fish, while decreasing consumption of processed foods and foods high in fat and sugar. Sufficient sleep and daily moderate exercise are also natural methods of boosting immune system health.

Herbs and Supplements

Vitamin supplements may provide nutrients such as vitamins C, E and A, which support healthy immune function when those elements cannot be supported by a diverse diet. Elders and people whose medical conditions make it difficult for them to consume enough healthful food to absorb sufficient immune-boosting nutrition may benefit from taking supplements. Herbalists have long touted echinacea as an immune-system booster. A recent study by University of Florida nutrition researcher Susan Percival found echinacea supplements boosted white blood cells' infection-fighting power threefold in a period of four days. Echinacea is available in supplements, extracts and teas. Goldenseal, garlic and maitake mushrooms are also widely reported by herbalists as enhancing immune function.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the natural method of improving immune system development in infants. Breastfeeding not only helps protect the child during their infancy, but it also helps build a healthy immune system that will last a lifetime. As Jane Sheppard writes in the Healthy Child parenting guide, "In addition to providing the absolute best nutrition for a growing body, breastmilk provides the factors needed to develop the immune system and protect your baby against disease."

Hydrochlorothiazide and Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a natural and highly recommended method to feed a newborn. When the mother is undergoing medical treatment, however, the medications that she is taking could make her breast milk toxic to her child. Hydrochlorothiazide is one such medication that poses a potential harm to nursing babies.

Prescribing Hydrochlorothiazide

Hydrochlorothiazide is a prescription medication used to combat high blood pressure and water retention in the body. A doctor may prescribe this medication to pregnant and nursing women.

Monitoring Hydrochlorothiazide Intake

Hydrochlorothiazide is one of several prescription medications that should be closely monitored, especially when prescribed to nursing mothers as it will pass into the breast milk.

Breast Milk Contamination

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that, though the amount of the hydrochlorothiazide may be low in the breast milk, drug regulations should look into banning this medication for nursing women due to the negative effects it may have on children.

Research

According to MayoClinic.com, there has not been a significant amount of research done on children to determine what the effects hydrochlorothiazide has on children. Because of this, doctors should prescribe the medication with caution.

Complications

Though the amount of hydrochlorothiazide is low in breast milk, the medication may still cause problems for the nursing infant. There are reported cases of infants experiencing low blood pressure, lethargy, diarrhea and constipation.

How to Prevent Baby Jaundice

Jaundice occurs in up to 90 percent of newborns. It is caused by high levels of bilirubin in the baby's blood. While in the womb, the mother's liver removes excess bilirubin; after birth, the baby's liver must take over this function. During this time, your baby's skin may turn yellow, starting with her face and spreading downward. Jaundice usually begins on the second or third day of life and disappears by three weeks postpartum. Mild jaundice is not dangerous, but you must monitor your baby and take preventive measures to keep her bilirubin level from getting too high.

Instructions

1

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that you check your baby's skin in good light for signs of jaundice. Jaundice may be harder to identify in babies with darker skin color. Make sure to check the whites of your baby's eyes for a yellow tint, which is a sign of jaundice. If you suspect your baby has jaundice, discuss it with the nurse or doctor, who may order a blood test to measure your baby's bilirubin level.

2

Feed your baby frequently to help prevent mild jaundice from escalating. If you are breastfeeding, your baby should have 8 to 12 feedings a day, eating about every two hours around the clock. You may need to wake your baby for feedings. Babies who are having difficulty breastfeeding are more prone to jaundice. Talk to a lactation consultant about any difficulties.

Formula-fed babies are rarely jaundiced after the first week of life. If your baby still shows signs of jaundice at this point, contact her doctor immediately.

3

Make sure your baby is examined by a doctor between his third and fifth day postpartum. This is when bilirubin levels usually peak, but most babies are released from the hospital before that. Schedule your baby's first checkup for this time frame.

4

Check the color of your baby's urine and stool. The Children's Liver Disease Foundation notes that a baby's urine should be clear and odorless; a deep yellow can indicate liver disease and jaundice. Stools should range in color from yellow to light green. If your baby's stools are pale with a pinkish or purple tint, contact your doctor immediately.

5

If your baby's bilirubin levels get too high, she may need medical treatment. According to parenting expert Elizabeth Pantley, phototherapy lights and the newer bili-blanket are the most common treatments. Both methods use exposure to light rays to help the baby's skin break bilirubin down.

6

Contact your doctor immediately if your baby's jaundice remains after three weeks, if your baby is not feeding well, if your jaundiced baby is fussy or hard to wake, if his jaundice is worsening, or if the whites of your baby's eyes are yellow.

What are the Side Effects of Consumption of Bitter Gourd?

Bitter gourd, more commonly referred to as bitter melon, has a long history of use in Asia for a variety of conditions. One of the most common uses is to control blood sugar levels in diabetics. According to the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, evidence seems to indicate it can do just that, but more research is needed. You can take it in supplemental form or eat the actual fruit. Like pharmaceutical medications, natural substances contain components that can exert certain actions on the body and cause side effects. Anyone interested in taking natural supplements should consult with a knowledgeable health care provider.

Excessively Low Blood Sugar

Bitter melon has been shown to lower blood sugar levels in diabetics. Those who take medications to lower blood sugar and bitter melon at the same time might reduce blood sugar levels too much, according to WebMD. Like high blood sugar levels, excessively low levels can also cause complications.

Favism

People who have a deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) can develop a condition called favism if they consumer bitter melon seeds. This condition causes anemia, fever, headaches, stomach pain and coma in the most severe cases.

Toxicity in Children

Sloan-Kettering notes that the seed coverings of bitter melon, known as arils, can have toxic effects on children. It can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and even death.

Other Effects

Bitter melon consumption can increase the effects of insulin. Animal studies have indicated it can cause chemically-induced liver damage. Sloan-Kettering reports of a man suffering irregular heartbeats after ingesting two tablespoons of bitter melon juice several times a day. However the report does not indicate how long he was taking the supplement.

Warning for Pregnant Women

Pregnant women should not use bitter melon in any form. It can trigger contractions, and according to WebMD, animal studies indicate it can induce abortion. Breastfeeding women should also refrain from using bitter melon as it is not known whether it would have negative effects.

How to Wean a Bottle Fed Kitten

If you've adopted a tiny kitten, chance are you've had to bottle-feed it for the first few weeks. The weaning process can be a bit tricky, but in a few weeks your kitten should be eating from a dish just like a grown-up cat.

Instructions

1

Continue to feed the kitten formula until it is about four weeks old.

2

Place formula alone in a bowl or saucer.

3

Put some of the formula from the saucer on your finger and hold it to the kitten's mouth until it laps it up.

4

Make the connection between your finger and the saucer of formula by slowly moving your finger back to the saucer, and then to the kitten's mouth several times.

5

Offer the kitten the saucer of formula.

6

Slowly start mixing the formula with a smooth-textured food such as strained baby food meats. The resulting mix should be about the texture of runny oatmeal.

7

Gradually use less formula in the food and add some softened kitten chow or canned kitten food to the mix.

8

Gradually add dried food to the mix.

9

Continue this process until the kitten is eating only cat food and the formula and baby food are eliminated.

How to Avoid Sore Nipples While Breast-Feeding

One major complaint of many new mothers is the nipple soreness that can sometimes occur during the early weeks of breast-feeding. There are many ways to minimize this problem and to make the nursing relationship easier and more comfortable for mother and baby.

Instructions

1

Work on the latch! If your baby latches on incorrectly, unlatch him carefully by gently breaking the seal with a fingertip, then get him latched on again. This can be frustrating at first, but even one nursing with a bad latch can cause soreness.

2

Tickle the baby's chin or lower lip to make sure his mouth opens wide, then pull him tightly to your body. This should help him get latched on correctly.

3

Rub a few drops of your own milk into the nipple after each feeding, and allow to air-dry if possible. This will help to keep your skin from becoming chapped.

4

Use pure lanolin to soothe your nipples if you do begin to get sore.

5

Insert a soft cotton nursing pad if your nursing bra chafes your skin; this will catch leaks as well as protect your nipple.

6

Spend as much time as possible completely uncovered. It's important to let air circulate around your nipples, since infections thrive in a moist environment.