Help for Baby With Silent Reflux

Active acid reflux and silent acid reflux share quite similar symptoms, only the baby does not emit vomit if he is suffering from the latter. Rather, when the baby spits up, he swallows it rather than spitting in out of his mouth. Silent acid reflux can be dangerous in babies, as it damages the esophagus and can impede proper weight gain. It is a treatable condition, however, and can often be corrected with simple steps taken at home without any medication.

Home Remedies

Breastfeed your baby rather than feeding him formula. The body can digest breast milk easier and quicker than formula. The quicker the digestion of the food, the less likely the baby will spit up. If you are breastfeeding and your baby still suffers from silent reflux, mother may need to alter her diet to see if that may be the problem. Try avoiding particular foods such as caffeine, dairy, and spicy foods to see if that helps the baby. While feeding the baby, whether by breast or bottle, hold him on at least a 30 degree angle and ensure that his spine is completely straight. This will keep him from swallowing a lot of air and allow more of the milk to reach the intestines. Offer the baby smaller feedings more frequently. Smaller quantities of food are easier for the baby to digest. If bottle feeding, burp the baby after every one to two ounces of formula. If nursing, burp the baby when alternating between breasts or anytime the baby stops sucking on the breast. You may want to experiment with various types of bottles if you are formula feeding the baby. Different nipples and sucking patterns of the baby can ,so it is important to find a nipple that will fit with your baby's sucking pattern to eliminate excess air intake. Do not lay the baby down for at least 20 minutes after feeding and try to keep his spine straight. This will allow gravity to assist in keeping the milk in his belly. Additionally, try to keep the baby from laughing, crying, or being stimulated in any way for at least 20 minutes after feeding. Stimulation can trigger silent reflux symptoms. Do not sit the baby in a bouncy seat, swing, baby carrier, or similar seats immediately following feedings that may cause him to slump over. This can create pressure in the stomach and cause the baby to spit up. Keep the baby away from anything that may cause breathing difficulty such as smoke, dust, or mold. Exposure to such things can trigger reflux. Use a crib wedge or thick books to elevate the head of the baby's crib 30 degrees to keep his body angled and allow food to stay in the stomach.

Medications

If you have tried everything at home and your baby still suffers from silent reflux, his pediatrician may recommend a medication to treat the condition. Prescription anti-acid medications are available for use in babies and may help eliminate the problem of silent acid reflux.

How to Breastfeed After a C Section

Between latching on and nipple soreness, nursing can be a challenge for any new mother, but if your baby was born via c-section, surgery recovery can add an extra layer of difficulty. Fortunately with the right positioning, support from your partner and a lactation consultant near by, you can develop a wonderful nursing relationship with your infant after a Caesarean. Here's how to breastfeed after a c-section.

Instructions

1

Prepare to nurse while you're still pregnant. Read books like "So That's What They're For" and "The Nursing Mother's Companion." See if your hospital offers a breastfeeding seminar for pregnant women. Also get the contact information for a well-regarded lactation consultant if your hospital isn't fully staffed with nurses trained in lactation--you might want to call her for help after you give birth.

2

Ask to nurse your baby as soon after your surgery as possible. Unless your baby is taken to the NICU or there are complications, you should be able to nurse as soon as you're taken into recovery. At this point, your baby will be getting colostrum, a pre-milk that's gold in color, not breastmilk--that will come in within 2 to 6 days of birth.

3

Breastfeed every 2 hours after your baby is born to encourage a strong milk supply. Even if your baby just nurses for a few minutes, you'll be encouraging your milk to come in.

4

Use either the side-lying position or the football hold, which should be comfortable to you as you recover from major abdominal surgery. Other positions might be more difficult until you've fully healed.

5

Ask nurses, lactation consultants and/or your doula for help with position and latch. Make sure you feel confident about whether your baby is in the right position before you leave the hospital. One of the few benefits of a c-section is you'll have more time in the hospital to get help from experts about positioning.

6

Get contact information for lactation consultants and any public breastfeeding "warmlines" you can call if you're having trouble with nursing. You might need some guidance in the next few weeks as you get a better handle on nursing and recover from your c-section--but in the end, it will be well worth the effort.

How to Treat a Baby's Fever Without Medication

Your baby's temperature will constantly change over time, depending on her age and activity. Her temperature will also tend to be higher during the late afternoon and late evening. If her rectal temperature is higher than 100 F or her oral temperature is higher than 99 F, she may have a fever. If your baby is less than 2 months old and her temperature is higher than 100.4 F, you should call her pediatrician immediately. Sometimes her fever is not too serious and you can use several techniques to treat her fever without using medications.

Instructions

1

Keep your baby cool by maintaining room temperature at 68 to 70. Dress your baby lightly if the weather is hot. Use air conditioner or fan to cool the room but keep your baby out of the path of the air flow.

2

Keep your baby hydrated. Fever causes the loss of water through the skin. For young infants, breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby frequently. For older infants, have her drink a lot of fluid such as water and fresh juice.

3

Give your baby a lot of rest. Keep clean. Wash your hands every time you need to feed or to touch your child.

4

Give your baby sponge baths. Use a sponge or washcloth to rub briskly over the baby skin. When your baby's at rest, put a wet towel on your babys forehead. Change the towel every 30 minutes.

5

Do not give your baby fatty foods. Your baby's stomach activity declines due to fever and fatty foods are difficult to digest.

6

Keep your baby away from other children if her fever is due to a contagious disease.

How to Firm Breasts Naturally

As we age, gravity begins to take its toll on our bodies, especially the feature we hope will remain perky, our breasts. Add months of breastfeeding for some women, and breasts can take a trip southward faster than you can say, "Push-up bra." Aside from drastic surgeries and questionable remedies, there are things you can do to firm breasts naturally. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Get Physical

1

Shore up your pectoral muscles, the muscles supporting the breasts, through everyone's favorite activity--exercise.

2

Go swimming. Swimming is one of the best exercises to firm breasts, because it requires the pectoral muscles to continually work (that's why you don't see too many Olympic swimmers with saggy breasts).

3

Go to the playground, find the nearest pull-up bar and try a few. Yes, you can do it, girl.

4

Drop to the ground, and do as many push-ups as you can.

Dumbbell Press

5

Lie on your back with 3-5 lb. free weights.

6

Raise the weights over your head with your arms fully extended from the shoulder.

7

Lower the weights to your chest, squeezing your pectoral muscles.

8

Raise the weights back to the original position.

9

Complete two sets of 15 repetitions.

Butterfly Press

10

Repeat Steps 1 and 2 of the dumbbell press.

11

Open your arms perpendicular to the sides of your body, with the weights not quite reaching the floor.

12

Raise the weights back to the original press.

13

Feel the pectoral muscles working as you complete two sets of 15 repetitions.

Give 'Em Some Support

14

Pick the right bra for you. An average-sized woman should wear a good underwire bra to help beat the pull of gravity.

15

Get more support if you're large-breasted or extremely active, because you will have more pull on your breast tissue and muscles.

16

Purchase a sports bra to give your breasts some extra help during sports activities.

Requirements for a Lactation Consultant

Many first-time mothers dream of the special bond that is created while breastfeeding their babies --- something no one else can achieve. While breastfeeding has been done since the beginning of time, many women have a hard time getting it right, which causes unnecessary damage to their self esteem and even to their babies' diets. Lactation consultants can help ease the process by providing support and recommendations to help the mother get through this tough period and go on to nursing success.

Education

In order to become a certified lactation consultant, the candidate needs to take 90 hours of lactation-specific education. She also must take classes in 14 other health-related topics in order to get a well-rounded understanding of the body. Licensed health professionals may qualify without the extra coursework. There are programs that offer the lactation classes, or parts of them, in one week to begin certification. There is an alternative "pathway," pathway two, for students to enroll in a one-year program in which the education and training are combined. There is also pathway three, for students who have a particularly unique situation that may allow them to meet requirements in an alternative way.

Clinical Hours

All candidates must complete 90 hours of training in a lactation-support capacity in any type of environment as long as it is supervised. The candidate must engage in activities that support mothers and babies, which can comprise the periods of pre-conception through weaning. Doctors, nurses and other health care professionals should find it easy to complete these hours. Other candidates can volunteer or find paid work at a hospital or WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children) office, or any other suitable venue. Candidates must complete 1,000 total hours in lactation-specific clinical experience.

Exam

All pathway one candidates must complete all of their requirements before applying for the certification exam. To apply, candidates must fill out an application form that can be found at the IBLCE (International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners) website, submit an exam fee of $490 (or higher for late postmarks.) Tests are administered at various testing centers across the U.S. Exam decisions can be appealed, and applicants can retake the test as many times as needed.

Continuing Education

Certification lasts for five years. Certified consultants must re-certify before the expiration date of their certification by getting 75 CERPs (Continuing Education Recognition Points). One point is equivalent to 60 minutes of instructional time. At least 50 CERPs must pertain to the instruction of lactation, while at least five CERPs must pertain to the ethics of breastfeeding. There are several well-known, approved CERP providers, such as La Leche League and Lamaze, both of which have branches across the U.S.

How to Get the Most From Pumping Breastmilk

If you're a nursing mom and it's time to return to work, one big challenge is how to continue feeding your baby with breast milk, which is essential to her growth. Pumping breast milk and storing it for your infant to consume while you're away is the only way to ensure that your child receives breast milk even if it's through bottle-feeding. With proper planning, the right equipment and a positive attitude, you can continue to breastfeed for a longer time and sustain your child's nutrition.

Instructions

1

Meet with a health professional who will be able to familiarize you with your breast pump, give you pointers on how to properly set the vacuum levels, and make sure your equipment is working. She will also check the size of the pump horn and can help you order different horns if they do not fit.

2

Drink plenty of water. If you are dehydrated, you will not maintain a good supply of milk. To know if you are drinking enough water, look at your urine. If it is the color of lemon juice, you are doing well. If it is dark or if it has an odor, you need to drink more water.

3

Pump milk at least 10 minutes per breast, but no more than 20 minutes. Do not rush. There may be periods when it seems like your body is done giving milk. It is normal to go through cycles when the milk will flow and stop throughout your pumping session.

4

Relax when you are pumping so your milk will let-down (a tingling feeling as the milk begins to flow out). If you feel relaxed but still do not experience let-down, put a warm compress over your breasts, look at a picture of your child or carry a piece of clothing that smells like your baby. These will help stimulate let-down.

5

Find something to occupy your time while you are pumping. This will help you keep your mind off of how many ounces of milk you have pumped. If you find yourself obsessing over the amount of milk expressed, lower your shirt over the pump horn and bottle.

Tips on Quitting Breastfeeding

There is no doubt that breastfeeding is healthier for your baby. Not only is breast milk the most natural food he can receive, it also provides a special time for the two of you. This bond can make weaning your child from breastfeeding difficult. It's not always the transition from breast milk to solid food that's hard, but rather the loss of shared time. However, you can ease this transition.

Make It Your Decision

Quitting breastfeeding should be your choice alone. Do not be influenced by others who feel your child is too old to be nursing or who think you are now breastfeeding because you are too emotionally attached to stop. You know your child best, and you know what is best for her. When the time is right to stop breastfeeding her, you will know this too.

The Natural Way

The natural way of quitting is to allow your child to decide when he is ready to stop nursing. This can occur abruptly or gradually. This doesn't mean you relinquish complete control to your child. You can still coax him away from your breast during a nursing session to stop him from nursing out of habit rather than nutritional necessity.

Stopping Abruptly

Before taking this option, discuss it with your doctor. Switching abruptly from breastfeeding to giving your child other foods can create problems. For you it can mean painful breasts as they continue to produce milk. For your child it can cause both emotional and physical problems.

Weaning Gradually

This is perhaps the best option to stop breastfeeding, for mother and child. It can ease the emotional difficulty both of you may experience, as well as breast pain you may feel from the reduced feedings. You can start by reducing one feeding a day, and substituting that feeding with other nourishment. Begin doing this every other day until your child has adapted to it, and then begin doing it daily. Continue to decrease feedings by one once your child has adapted until she is weaned.

Nutritional Substitutions

As you begin to weaning, use sippy cups to ease the process. You can also express your milk from the feeding he would have had and place it in his cup, giving him incentive to drink from it. Other foods to give him include fruit, cereal, vegetables and chopped or pureed meats.

Relieveing Breast Discomfort

Even if you wean your child gradually, you may still experience breast pain. One remedy is to express your milk using a breast pump. Another is using cabbage leaves when your breasts become engorged. Wrap the cabbage leaf around your breast and leave it on for 20 minutes or until the leaf has wilted. Do this twice a day, or after each nursing session.

How to Get My Baby to Want to Nurse Again

Breastfeeding may seem like a natural, uncomplicated task to anyone who has not experienced it firsthand. However, most moms know that it is not as straightforward as it may seem. Many complications can arise, including not producing enough milk, pain, clogged ducts and other ailments. One of the more common problems is simply that the child doesn't want to nurse. Occasionally your child may just stop responding to breastfeeding. Try these methods to get your infant interested in nursing again.

Instructions

1

Let down some milk prior to putting the baby to your nipple. Having milk already waiting upon attachment will increase the baby's desire to nurse from you.

2

Have your baby try to nurse while asleep or when just waking up. Make sure the baby is hungry but not crying. Put the baby against your nipple and see if she will suckle.

3

Get your baby used to being in a nursing position if that is part of the problem. Position the baby as you would to nurse him, but do not attempt to make the baby nurse. Have your baby become accustomed to this position again. You can bottle-feed in this position so the baby associates that position with food. Slowly increase skin-to-skin contact until the baby is comfortable, then offer your breast.

4

Take time out to attempt nursing several times per day, but don't push your baby into it. Stay calm, as stress can be a detriment to getting a baby to nurse again. By offering your breast more often, your milk may come in more readily and the baby will be more willing to suckle again.

5

Attach a supplemental nutrition system to your breast if the baby still refuses to nurse or if you aren't able to produce milk as quickly while trying to reintroduce breastfeeding. You can get the supplemental nutrition system from your lactation specialist or from online retailers. Make sure the nutrition system tube is going into your baby's mouth in addition to your nipple.

6

Express your milk regularly to ensure that there is a steady supply available for your child. If your milk supply is low, the baby is less likely to want to nurse again.

7

Try the rebirthing technique to get your baby to nurse. Lay in a bathtub filled with warm water. Put the baby against your stomach in the water. Rub your baby's back and talk to her as you lay in the tub. Eventually the baby should seek out your nipple in order to nurse. It may take a bit of time, however, so patience is key.

How to Plan a Vegetarian Diet for a Breast-Feeding Mom

Everyone needs to eat more calories and a larger amount of nutrients when breast-feeding, regardless of the type of diet. A vegetarian can easily breast-feed and supply both herself and her baby with the nutrition they both need.

Instructions

1

Make sure you're consuming adequate calories. The recommended caloric intake is 500 calories above your usual intake.

2

Boost your calcium intake. Eat at least four servings of calcium-rich foods every day. Good choices are calcium-fortified tofu, bok choy, broccoli, dark green leafy vegetables, calcium-fortified soy milk and cereals.

3

Take a sunbath. It's the easiest way to get vitamin D, essential for bone health. All you need is about 20 minutes of sun directly on your face and hands two or three times a week. Don't use sunblock, and go out when the sun is weakest.

4

Eat vitamin D-fortified foods if you don't get enough sun. It's difficult to get enough in food, unless the product is fortified with it. Examples of fortified foods are cereals or, if you eat dairy products, milk.

5

Check that you get enough vitamin B-12. You need more while breast-feeding than you did during pregnancy. It's not found in most plant-based foods. Eat B-12-fortified cereal or B-12-fortified soy milk.

6

Assess your iron intake. Your need for this mineral decreases after pregnancy and is lower during breast-feeding.

7

Eat plenty of protein. Your need for protein increases to about 5g more than it was while you were pregnant. Protein is plentiful in plant-based foods, and soy products are particularly good sources.

8

Watch your zinc intake. You can get zinc from eating whole grains and legumes; if you were supplementing while pregnant, you may need to continue.

9

Eat fresh whole foods. Avoid questionable additives. Everything you eat has the possibility of ending up in your breast milk.

First Time Breastfeeding Tips

For new mothers breastfeeding can be a daunting prospect, but if successful it can be a bonding experience for both mother and baby. Breast milk contains antibodies that help to protect babies against germs and bacteria. It has been linked to a reduction in childhood leukemia, sudden infant death syndrome, stomach viruses and asthma according to Women's Health. It has also been linked to a lower incidence of breast and ovarian cancer and type 2 diabetes in mothers.

Amount

According to Pregnancy Info, new mothers should nurse their babies on demand, which can mean anything up to 12 feedings in one day. The result will be an increase in your milk flow and a happy baby. It is also important not to let your baby sleep through a scheduled feeding. If it has been three hours since your baby was last fed you should wake him up. Feed for as long as your baby wants; this can normally be anything from 10 to 45 minutes. Pregnancy Info advises new mothers not to place too many restrictions on frequency and length when it comes to feeding newborns.

Positioning

Breast feeding is all about getting the baby to latch on properly to the breast. Pregnancy Info recommends that new mothers ask to be shown how to make sure their baby is correctly latched before they leave the hospital. The website states that mothers should be seated with a proper back support and pillows supporting the arms and on the lap. The baby should then be positioned so that he doesn't have to turn his head to reach the nipple; his mouth and nose should be facing this way already. The mother should then support her breast so that it isn't pressing into the baby's chin and support his back with her hand as opposed to the back of his head.

Contaminants

Safer Child recommends that new mothers do all they can to make sure their milk is free from contaminants such as mercury, lead or dioxins. This can be done by avoiding smoking while breastfeeding, not using pesticides in the garden, and avoiding the fumes released at gas stations. New mothers should also have their houses tested for lead paint. If the test comes back positive they should leave the premise until it has been cleaned and repainted. Breastfeeding mothers should avoid fish that contain enough mercury in them to potentially harm the baby. According to Safer Child, these include shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish. Dangerous forms of bacteria can also be present in raw oysters, clams and mussels.

Hydration

Mothers should drink plenty of water while they are breastfeeding to keep the supply of milk high. Fluids that dehydrate the body such as coffee should be avoided. Safer Child recommends that mothers should drink even when they are not thirsty. Waiting till you are thirsty means you are partially dehydrated which could result in your milk supply suffering.

How to Prevent Infant Baby Gas

Gas is a natural product of the human digestive system, for adults as well as babies. However, excessive amounts of gas can be a serious problem for many babies, leaving them fussy and miserable from abdominal pain. The most common reason for excess gas is swallowing too much air while eating, crying or sucking. Normal digestive processes as well as intolerances to certain foods may also produce excessive amounts of gas. Finding ways to address these causes of excess infant gas can help your baby -- and you -- feel happier and more comfortable.

Instructions

1

Burp your baby during and after feedings. Burp him after he has eaten 2 to 3 oz., if bottle-feeding, or when you switch breasts, if breastfeeding. Stop feeding your baby and burp him if he gets fussy during a meal. For extreme cases of gas, such as with gastroesophageal reflux, burp your baby after every ounce or after breastfeeding for five minutes.

2

Limit the amount of air your baby swallows while bottle-feeding. Use a slow-flowing bottle nipple to help your baby eat more slowly. Hold her at a 45-degree angle and make sure that the nipple is filled with milk. Purchase bottles and nipples designed to limit the amount of air your baby swallows. Don't let her drink from an empty bottle.

3

Reduce the amount of air your baby swallows while breastfeeding. Ensure your baby latches on correctly, since a poor latch increases the amount of air your baby swallows. If your baby coughs and chokes while eating because you produce too much milk, work to slow down your milk flow. Use a breastfeeding position that keeps his head just above breast level. Lean back while nursing or lay on your back. Express milk by hand or with a pump until the initial milk flow slows down. Remove your baby during a let-down.

4

Stop eating foods your baby has a sensitivity to if you are breastfeeding. Most foods people assume create gas in babies because they cause gas in adults -- such as broccoli, spicy foods and carbonated beverages -- won't negatively affect your baby. The foods most likely to cause excess gas are actually dairy proteins, though a few other foods -- including peanuts, wheat and eggs -- may also upset a baby's digestive system. If your baby seems extra fussy after you eat a potentially allergenic food, eliminate it from your diet for a week. Watch to see if your baby's behavior improves. If it does, try eating the food again. If she goes back to being gassy and fussy, that food may be responsible for her discomfort. You may need to try eliminating several foods, one at a time, before you figure out which ones bother her.

5

Reduce your baby's consumption of solid foods. If your baby is under 6 months, eliminate all solids from his diet or at least limit solids to the most gentle foods, such as rice, bananas and avocados. Don't give him any juice. Ensure that your baby eats only baby cereals, since other cereals may have too much fiber for a baby's developing digestive system. Introduce any high fiber foods slowly so your baby's system has time to get used to the extra fiber. Solid foods are much more likely to give a baby gas problems than to help with them.

How to Use a Nursing Bra

Breastfeeding is one of the healthiest things you can do for your baby. Breast milk is full of vitamins, nutrients and antibodies that help keep your baby healthy. Breastfeeding can be a challenge for many mothers. Nursing bras were developed to make breastfeeding easier and are extremely useful. Nursing bras are different from regular undergarments in that the cups are adjustable to make access for feeding easier. They can seem confusing at first, but are an asset to any nursing mother.

Instructions

1

Place the nursing bra on your body just as you would a normal bra. Center the bra over your chest, slide your arms through the straps and fasten the bra behind your back. Adjust the shoulder straps so that he bra fits comfortably.

2

Apply a nursing pad to the center of each bra cup. Nursing pads are designed to absorb any milk that might leak while you are not nursing.

3

Secure the cups of the nursing bra. Most nursing bras are designed with cups that fold down and are secured with a clip or snap at the top of the shoulder strap. Close the clips tightly to assure they dont come open unexpectedly.

4

Unclip the cup when it is time to nurse the baby or pump your breast milk. You can unclip just one side or both sides depending on your needs.

5

Fold back the cup of the bra to nurse. The cups of nursing bras are soft and fold down to make nursing easy. Make sure you dont lose your nursing pads when opening your bra.

6

Pull the cups up and resecure the clips when you are finished nursing. Make sure the clips are fully closed and your pads cover your breasts to prevent any embarrassing leaks.

How to Be a Peer Counselor

Parents are a supportive and stabilizing force in children's lives, but kids can learn from and relate to their peers on levels unreachable by the adult generation. If you have the desire to pass on some of the knowledge you've accumulated and to be available to someone in need, then learning how to be a peer counselor may be the route for you.

Instructions

1

Listen well. Active listening is a skill that needs to be learned; it isn't automatic. When counseling a peer, it's essential that while you're listening to him, you maintain eye contact while sitting within a conversational distance and facing him.

2

Show your attentiveness and support by asking questions. If you're listening intently, you'll be able to ask the right questions to draw out your peer and develop trust between you. Ask questions that don't elicit simple yes or no answers, but are instead open-ended.

3

Reiterate what has been said to you. An effective tool used in peer counseling sessions is to listen to what the other person says, reflect upon it and sum it up. By letting your peer know that you've understood what she has told you, you're keeping the situation as calm as possible while building trust.

4

Keep it neutral. When you're in the middle of a peer counseling session and using reiteration and reflection, try to not use statements such as "You are" or "You did." You don't want to make your peer feel like he has to defend himself; you're there to listen and counsel, not point fingers.

5

Attend training opportunities. If your school or community has scheduled peer counseling seminars, classes or conferences, plan on taking advantage of them. If you intend to tutor others, it's essential that you acquire as much training as possible.

6

Know your limitations. If you've been paired with a peer who is exhibiting alarming behavior or giving you other types of warning signs, it's time to call in the pros. Provide referrals for your peer and contact your supervisor.

How to Wean a Child From Nighttime Nursing

Taking care of your infant's basic needs requires a lot of energy. Although babies need a lot of sleep, they wake up frequently for nighttime feedings. You may become so exhausted that you feel like a zombie during the day. According to the Baby Center website, a baby that is four to six months old can safely sleep for six hours at night as long as he is getting enough milk during the day. Weaning your child from nighttime nursing will take some effort, but eventually your child will sleep longer and you will begin to feel like your old self again.

Instructions

1

Ensure that your child gets enough feedings during the day. Make a schedule and feed her every few hours. You can also wake her up for a feeding just before you go to bed.

2

Spend more time cuddling and touching your child during the day. According to the AskDr.Sears website, a child who is not getting enough physical contact during the day may awaken during the night to get it.

3

Wait a few minutes before comforting a fussy child at night. Your child may be moving around in his sleep or even dreaming. Don't assume that he is hungry. Wait at least five minutes (or what you feel is an appropriate time) to see if he will go back to sleep.

4

Give your child less milk during the night feedings. For instance, if you bottle-feed her, dilute the bottle with water. Add more water to the milk each time she wakes up until she is only getting water, which may discourage her from waking. If you are breastfeeding her, try to disengage her sooner to see if she will settle down.

5

Make the nighttime feeding environment boring. Don't talk or sing to your child. Keep the room dark and quiet so that he doesn't associate nighttime wakings with a fun time.

6

Comfort your child without feeding him every time he wakes up. For instance, gently rub her back and tell her to go to sleep. Let your baby's father (or another family member) be the one to offer comfort during the night. Your child may start to learn that nighttime is not feeding time and be able to sleep better.

How to Increase Milk Supply When Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding mothers are often concerned about their breast milk supply and just how much their baby is actually eating. It's not uncommon for a woman to notice a change in the amount of milk she's pumping, her baby's eating habits, or the "fullness" in her breasts. These changes often cause moms to unnecessarily become concerned about a decrease in milk supply. While it's nearly impossible to know exactly how much breastmilk a breast feeding baby is eating, if the baby is steadily gaining weight, he's getting enough. Despite this, lactation specialists are often asked how to increase breast milk supply. Read on for tips on increasing milk supply when breastfeeding.

Instructions

1




Use a breast pump to express milk immediately after breast feeding your baby. You may only get a few drops of breast milk when you pump, but the few extra minutes of suction will help to stimulate your breasts to keep producing milk. Remember, if there's a demand the supply will increase.

2

Don't skip or stretch the time between breastfeeding sessions. If you're away from your baby use a breast pump to express the milk. If you're working try to pump at the same time your baby is eating. This will keep both of you on the same schedule. It will also ensure that your breast milk doesn't start to dry up or decrease. For more on how to continue breastfeeding, after returning to work, see the link in the Resources Section below.

3




Drinking one beer at night can help to breastfeeding mothers increase their milk supply. The hops in the beer stimulates the production of breast milk. Just be sure to only drink one and drink it after your baby's last feeding of the day.

4




Oats have also been touted as helping to increase breast milk supply. If you're nursing, try eating at least one bowl of oatmeal a day and see if your milk supply increases.

5

Breastfeeding mothers can also try Mother's Milk Tea to help increase breast milk supply. The tea has a combination of herbs in it that are thought to help with lactation.

6

Many breastfeeding mothers swear by the herb, Fenugreek. The plant's leaves and seeds are popular in the Middle East, especially India. Mothers who take it to increase lactation take it in capsule form and only under the guidance of a lactation specialist.

7




Switch birth control pills and other medications that are known to decrease milk supply in breastfeeding mothers.

8




Delaying your baby's start on solid food will keep your breastmilk supply up. If you notice a decrease in breast milk when your baby starts easting solids try breastfeeding before offering other food. This way, your baby won't get filled up on solid foods first, and not want to nurse (thus lowering the demand for breast milk.)

What Are the Reasons as to Why Parents May Opt to Use Formula Over Breast Milk?

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding up to the age of 6 months, followed by a combination of breastfeeding and other appropriate foods up to the age of 2 years. However, many mothers choose to formula feed their babies, for a variety of reasons. It is an important decision and one which may be affected by many factors, including lifestyle, health and comfort.

Convenience

Formula feeding is easy when out and about with baby.

Many parents consider formula feeding to be more convenient than breastfeeding. The baby's father and other relatives or caregivers can take over some of the feeding duties, which gives the mother a chance to rest. Babies can be formula fed anywhere, at any time, whereas breastfeeding mothers often feel the need to find a discrete, appropriate place to feed in public.

Father-Child Bonding

A father can bond with his baby while he feeds him.

Some fathers feel sidelined when their baby is being breastfed, because it is something they are physically unable to do themselves. Parents may choose to formula feed to give the father as much opportunity to bond with the baby as the mother. Whether a baby receives formula or breast milk, feeding is a crucial part of the bonding process, says Kids Health, a program of nonprofit child health organization Nemours. It is the perfect time for a baby to make eye contact and enjoy her parent's touch and smell.

Flexibility

Bottles of formula can be prepared in advance.

Formula feeding gives a mother flexibility when it comes to her career and social life. Women who run their own businesses may not be able to take a long period of maternity leave and breastfeeding at the work place may not be an option. Formula milk takes longer to digest than breast milk, says Kids Health, so formula-fed babies typically need to be fed less often than breast-fed babies. This makes feeding easier to fit in with the mother's other commitments. Formula feeds can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated until required, which allows the mother to be organized ahead of time.

Diet

Mothers who formula feed don't need to worry about alcohol intake.

A mother who chooses to formula feed doesn't need to worry about the effects of what she eats and drinks on her baby. According to the United Kingdom's National Health Service, certain foods and drinks should be consumed only in moderation when breastfeeding, such as oily fish, alcohol and caffeine. There are no such limitations when formula feeding, although a nutritious, balanced diet is of course recommended for the mother's own health and well-being.

How to Use Fennel to Increase Breast Milk Flow

Breast milk is the very best thing that you can feed your baby. However, some women do not produce enough breast milk, or their milk flow may be weak, either of which can prevent a child from obtaining sufficient nourishment. Drinking more water and removing stress from your life are two basic things you can do to increase your breast-milk supply. You can also use fennel to naturally increase the flow of your breast milk. Do this by brewing it into a tea that you drink twice daily.

Instructions

1

Place 2 tsp. of crushed fennel seeds into the tea ball. This will prevent the fennel seeds from getting mixed in with the tea. It is not necessary to eat the seeds, only to drink the infusion.

2

Boil a cup of water in the glass measuring cup. You can do this by microwaving the cup on high for two minutes.

3

Steep the fennel for 10 minutes. If you want to make a stronger tea, steep it for 20 minutes. However, until you know how well you like the taste of fennel, you should go with the weaker brew.

4




Take 10 minutes each day to drink your fennel tea. This can also help you refocus and relieve stress. Stress alone can often impact the way that a woman's breast milk will flow.

5

Drink the fennel tea twice a day. You can sweeten it with sugar or artificial sweeteners, and some people enjoy flavoring it with cream or milk. It is fine to make a larger batch and then reheat it when you want a cup.

Treating Chronic Toddler Diarrhea

Chronic Diarrhea

Chronic diarrhea in toddlers is defined as consistently loose or watery stools over a period of around 2 weeks. While this isn't necessarily an uncommon for a toddler, it shouldn't be taken lightly, because it could be a sign of a more serious condition. For parents dealing with a toddler suffering from diarrhea, there are a few things to keep in mind while they treat their child.

Consultation

Consult with a physician if your toddler experiences three or more loose stools within a single day for more than 3 days. This could be an indication that your child is suffering from an illness, an infection, a parasite, an intestinal injury, an intolerance to lactose or an allergy to food. Once a proper diagnosis has been given, most doctors will recommend a certain course of treatment.

Dehydration

One of the most predominant issues involving chronic diarrhea in a toddler is that the child can easily and quickly become dehydrated, according to the International Foundation of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. However, forcing your child to drink to ensure he does not become dehydrated isn't necessarily the best option. At least make sure that your child has some sort of liquid each time he has produced diarrhea; with every watery bowel movement, give him is about 1 cup of water.

Diet

While you need to maintain a well-balanced diet appropriate to the age of your toddler, there are a few things you should consider to treat the diarrhea with food. According to the University Of Chicago School of Medicine, increasing both the fat (good fat) and dietary fiber of your toddler's diet can aid in treating the condition. Avoid high-fructose juices and foods, as well as giving your child any sort of medication to "treat" diarrhea.

Meals

Another beneficial method of treatment for chronic diarrhea in a toddler is to actually spread the meals out. This means using the "snacking" approach to eating; feed your child six to eight smaller meals throughout the span of a day. You can still give them wholesome foods (and snacks), like mashed potatoes, cooked carrots, beans, pasta, bananas, crackers, healthy cereals and pretzels, just not in three regular meals.

Liquids

Sometimes, chronic diarrhea can hit a toddler who is still breastfeeding. In this scenario, it is completely acceptable to continue to breastfeed. There is some benefit to increasing the frequency of breastfeeding when this condition presents itself. If your toddler is not breastfeeding, hold off on dairy altogether for a day or two. Continue to give your child liquids, just remove milk from the options. It can produce problems with digestion.

How to Dry Up Breast Milk Quickly

If you've just had a baby and aren't going to breastfeed, or if you're breasts are engorged with milk and you need some relief, help may be as close as the refrigerator or the produce section. Cabbage has been used to reduce swelling since the 1800s, and is also known for its antibiotic properties. When placed applied to the breasts, it can quickly provide relief from painfully enlarged breasts.

Instructions

1

Remove cabbage leaves from the head, trying to tear the leaves as little as possible.

2

Rinse the leaves with water and remove any excess dirt, and pat dry.

3

Refrigerate the leaves until they are cool.

4

Crush the veins of the cabbage leaves with a rolling pin or your hand, and then place the leaves into bra. Use enough leaves to completely cover your breasts.

5

Exchange cabbage leaves every 4 to 6 hours, for about 1 to 2 days, until engorgement has subsided, and your milk supply has dried up.

How to Make Baby Formula With Karo Syrup

Before the introduction of commercial baby formula, most mothers who could not breastfeed, or who chose not to, would make formula for their child at home. The recipes for homemade baby formula almost always included Karo syrup as an ingredient. While the syrup is not approved for feeding babies today, it's interesting to know how such a common ingredient was used to feed infants in the past.

Instructions

1

Bring 20 oz. of water to a rolling boil and let boil for five minutes. You will only need 18 oz., but this allows for some evaporation of the water.

2

Measure 18 oz. of the boiled water into a large measuring cup.

3

Cover the measuring cup with a paper towel or a saucepan lid that will completely cover the top of the cup. Allow the water to cool to room temperature.

4

Add in 1 can (13 oz.) of evaporated milk and 2 tbsp. of light Karo syrup. Stir until well-blended.

5

Pour into a sterilized half-gallon jar or bottles and store in the refrigerator until needed.

How to Prevent Breast Engorgement

Breast engorgement is a common condition during the first few weeks following childbirth. Engorgement occurs as a mother's body adjusts to the changes she experiences when she begins lactating. The symptoms of painful fullness are caused by an increase in milk volume, failure to empty the breast by nursing or expressing milk, congestion of lymph and blood vessels, and tissue swelling. Engorgement can affect the amount of milk the baby consumes and the mother produces. Severe or prolonged engorgement can be prevented by frequent nursing, proper latch and breast massage.

Instructions

1

Check for proper latch when nursing. Place the nipple fully in the baby's mouth. The baby's mouth should be wide open and take in the entire nipple and part of the surrounding areola for proper latch. If the baby is only grasping the tip with her mouth she will not be able to take in much milk.

2

Express a little milk either manually or with a pump before nursing. Breast fullness can flatten the nipple and make it difficult to latch on properly. Alleviating some of the fullness softens the nipple and makes it easier for the baby to latch on.

3

Empty the breast as much as possible while nursing or pumping. Gently massage the breast, moving from the base outward toward the nipple, to assist milk flow from the milk ducts.

4

Breastfeed or pump frequently eight to 12 times in each 24-hour time period. More frequent nursing or milk expression in the first three to five days postpartum helps to remove colostrum from the breasts so the breasts are not overfull when the milk comes in.

5

Pump or express milk if a feeding is missed. If the baby sleeps through a feeding or is fed with a bottle, the breasts will become engorged as they continue to produce milk. Empty the breasts at regular, frequent intervals.

6

Wake newborns during the night to nurse. Mothers of newborns need their sleep, but sleeping through the night results in engorgement in the morning.

7

Wean the baby gradually. The body needs time to decrease milk production in response to the decrease in demand for milk. The milk supply will gradually decrease as the baby gains more of his calories and fluids from other sources.

How to Exercise to Lift Sagging Breast

No woman wants sagging breast; but many woman will one day have to deal with. Gravity is the enemy of beautiful perky breasts. The fact that breast feeding has something to do with saggy breasts, is false. Sagging breast is a matter of heredity, age and other factors. You can however, reverse gravity, by exercising certain muscles to help lift sagging breasts.

Instructions

1

Pec fly machine: A peck fly machine is designed to built up the pectoral muscles, which are the muscles behind your sagging breasts. Add ten to fifteen pounds of weight to the machine, press slowly, until your arms are together as far as the machine will go. Hold that position for about three seconds. You can build intensity of the exercise, by either adding weight of holding the length of the hold.
(More information in resources)

2

Modified push up: Push ups are another way to add a lift to sagging breasts. A modified push up it similar to are regular push up except you begin on your knees, instead of with legs extended. Lower yourself as low as you can get to the floor, then slowly extend your arms until they are straight. Repeat this five times build to ten and so forth.

3

The pectoral press: To help lift sagging breasts,using a set of five pound weights, from a standing position, with your elbows out to the sides of your body. Slowly bring your arms together until they touch, then slowly bring your arms back together.

4

The butterfly press: Sit in a chair with a five pound weight in each hand, slowly lift your arms to shoulder length and hold for a few seconds. Repeat this ten to fifteen times. This will build up muscles behind the breasts that give an appearance of lifting.

5

The palm press: The palm press is an easy exercise to lift breasts. Place your hands, press your palms together and hold for five seconds, you will be able to feel pressure in your pectoral muscles. Repeat this exercise ten times or more.

6

Most of the exercises can be done at home. Within a week or two you will begin to see a difference. You will experience soreness in the chest, which means you are exercising the correct muscles to lift your breasts.

How to Choose a Wet Nurse

A wet nurse is a lactating woman hired by parents to breastfeed their infant. Wet nurses used to be very popular, but with the invention of formula and human milk banks, they aren't used often anymore. If you want to hire a wet nurse, there are some things to keep in mind.

Instructions

1

Consider choosing a friend or family member who is already breastfeeding. Not only will this help keep the fees down, but your friend or family member can have a special bond with your baby. You may also be more comfortable with a friend or family member breastfeeding your baby.

2

Get the wet nurse tested. There are many diseases that can be transferred through breastmilk including AIDS. Speak to your doctor and the wet nurse's doctor about having the proper tests done.

3

Take the wet nurse's personality into account. This woman will probably be living with you, helping to care for your baby. You must like this person and her personality must be a good match to your own.

4

Talk to the wet nurse about any rules you want her to adhere to. Some mothers who use wet nurses want the wet nurse to just feed the baby and do none of the other care. Other mothers prefer the wet nurse provide other baby care duties. In addition, you may want the wet nurse to adhere to a special diet or be open to changing her diet if your baby requires it.

5

Obtain a contract about the wet nurse's duties and what the fees will be. If you are going through an agency, chances are good the agency already has a contract.

6

Ask for references and check up on them.

Growth of a Breastfed Baby

All babies, breastfed or formula fed, grow at their own rate based on a variety of factors. Infant studies have led to the creation of growth charts based on averages, which can be used as a guideline to compare expected growth with actual growth at various stages of your infant's development.

Growth Rates

A healthy breastfeeding baby will typically show a fast and steady weight gain during the first months of life, eventually leveling out or even decreasing slightly somewhere around month three. This is normal for a breastfed baby, although some doctors view this decrease in weight gain after three months as a concern, based on growth charts that do not take into consideration the differences between formula fed babies and breastfed babies.

Expected Weight Gain

While every child is different, most healthy breastfeeding infants reach growth milestones within the first year of life. Newborns gain from 4 to 7 oz. a week during the first month and 1 to 2 lbs. a month during the first six months. From then on, babies should average about 1 lb. per month of weight increase until they reach their first birthday. By comparison, formula-fed babies tend to gain weight faster than breastfed babies between six months and one year. This is due to the composition of formula and should not be considered a concern.

Expected Growth

Breastfed babies can be expected to grow about 1 inch a month for the first six months. From six months on, the growth rate will slow down to about 1/2 inch a month to 1 year of age. While the growth rate of breastfed and formula-fed infants is typically similar, breastfed babies tend to be longer and thinner than formula-fed babies.

Considerations

While growth charts can give medical professionals averages to take into consideration, there are many factors that affect a breastfeeding infants growth. The weight and height of a babys parents should be taken into consideration when assessing growth, because genetics do play a part in infant development. Also babies who are constantly alert and on the go will burn calories faster than those who are more sedentary. How and when a baby eats can also play a role as well as if the child is only breastfed or if they are also being supplemented with formula.

Causes for Concern

If a child is refusing to nurse, nurses erratically, is colicky (cries a lot), spits up frequently or is not having an appropriate number of wet diapers or stools a day, he should be assessed by his pediatrician. A healthy breastfed baby who falls short of the average growth percentile should not be a cause for concern, but an infant that is not meeting developmental milestones or is showing signs of feeding intolerance needs these issues to be addressed.

How to Lose Weight After Having Twins

A healthy pregnancy requires a woman to gain weight -- but more weight is gained with twins. According to WebMD, a woman pregnant with twins will gain 35 to 45 lbs. during her pregnancy. Most mothers are not in a hurry to get their body back while caring for twins. Eventually, however, mothers will want to shed the extra pounds. Losing weight after having multiples is frustrating for mothers because of having more weight to lose -- along with the challenges of taking care of twins.

Instructions

1

Breastfeed your babies to aid with weight loss. Mothers and babies gain several benefits from breastfeeding. Breastfeeding may also help mothers lose weight. Mothers who eat a well balanced diet while breastfeeding without compromising the baby's health by dieting will naturally lose a few pounds. According to Baby Center, your body naturally burns calories to make breast milk every time you nurse the baby. Nursing will also shrink the uterus back to the original size.

2

Drink plenty of water. Drinking enough water is vital for losing weight from postpartum. When a mother is breastfeeding, the body stores fat to create milk. Hydration will encourage the body to flush out fat stores. Drinking a minimum of eight glasses of water a day will keep you from becoming dehydrated. A mother with twins is busy throughout the day and may forget to drink enough water. You want to always keep a bottle of water handy.

3

Avoid fad diets when breastfeeding. You want to avoid a diet that sacrifices nutrition to lose weight. Mothers will need energy to keep up with twins. If you are thinking about dieting, then you want to choose a diet with adequate calorie intake. Mothers will also need to make sound nutritional choices. You will need to eat plenty of lean proteins, fresh fruits, vegetables and carbohydrates. Eating small snacks throughout the day will speed up the metabolism and burn calories. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, a body with more fat has to work harder to naturally burn calories. Some fad diets restrict carbohydrates, which aren't good for a woman dealing with postpartum. You will need to consult your doctor about specific nutritional needs for losing weight.

4

Exercise on a regular basis. Exercising regularly is the key to losing weight. Your body will become fit, and you will have more energy for the babies. Before starting an exercise program, you will need to consult with your doctor. Some mothers have to wait a few weeks before exercising depending on how the baby was delivered.

5

Exercise on a regular basis. Exercising regularly is the key to losing weight. Your body will become fit, and you will have more energy for the babies. Walking is a way to bond with your twins and to get in a lightweight workout. Many mothers are busy and don't always have time in their day to work out at the gym. An alternative is exercising to an aerobics video while the babies are sleeping or find a way to include the babies in the workout. Before starting an exercise program, you will need to consult with your doctor. Some mothers have to wait a few weeks before exercising depending on how the baby was delivered.