How to Use Liquid Chlorophyll

Liquid chlorophyll has many health benefits. Scientist Offen Krantz found that chlorophyll is helpful for stomach ulcers. Nutritionist Bernard Jensen reported that people who took chlorophyll had a higher blood count and generally better health. Liquid chlorophyll is said to detoxify the body, strengthen the immune system, help purify blood, cleanse the digestive tract and encourage cell production and regeneration. It is often used to relieve mild constipation, alleviate pain from stomach ulcers and keep the immune system strong.

Instructions

How to Use Liquid Chlorophyll

1

Measure a heaping teaspoon of liquid chlorophyll.

2

Pour the liquid chlorophyll into a plastic bottle containing about a cup, or 250 ml, of water.

3

Seal the bottle and shake vigorously to blend the mixture.

4

Pour the mixture into a clean glass. You can also sip it directly from the bottle.

5

Drink twice a day, with or without a meal, for best results. Some prefer to sip the liquid chlorophyll mixture from a water bottle throughout the course of the day.

How to Treat a Baby's Cold Naturally

Medicines to treat a baby's cold are harder to come by now that recent findings indicate over the counter medications are frequently causing overdoses in young children. Finding alternative treatments to a baby's cold is imperative. Below are some hints to help relieve the symptoms of your baby's cold naturally.

Instructions

1

Use some saline drops in the baby's nose. These are available at your local pharmacy. A few drops of breast milk may also be used. After using the drops, use a bulb syringe to clear your baby's nose.

2

Run a vaporizer or humidifier in your baby's room with the door closed.

3

Sit in the bathroom with the door closed while you hold your baby. Run hot water in the shower. Don't get in the shower with your baby, just sit in the bathtub or on the toilet where the steam will help clear the baby's breathing.

4

Keep your baby upright as much as possible to help clear the baby's breathing passage.

5

Nurse your baby more often if you are breastfeeding. The baby will benefit from the antibodies in your breast milk.

6

Boil a pot of water, remove it from the stove and add a few drops of eucalyptus oil. This will fill the air with a natural decongestant. You may also use a small potpourri crock pot.

The Effect of the Tuberculosis Vaccine on Breastfeeding

Most women who choose to breastfeed do so to put their child on a path to better health. However, if a breastfeeding mother has to decide whether to become vaccinated against tuberculosis, that could impact her decision to nurse.

TB in the U.S.

There were less than 13,000 new cases of tuberculosis (TB) reported in the United States in 2008, according to the Centers for Disease Control. That rate was a decline of 3.8 percent compared with 2007. While the rate is lowest recorded since national reporting began, new cases are disproportionately affecting foreign-born people in the U.S. and different racial and ethnic populations.

Risk factors

Anyone can get tuberculosis, but there are risk factors which increase the chance. These include: lowered immunity; close contact with a person with infectious TB; age (older adults, especially those who live in nursing homes); malnutrition; and country of origin (regions with high rates of TB, such as sub-Saharan Africa, India, and China).

Is the vaccine safe while breastfeeding?

According the CDC, no data exists concerning the safety of this vaccine during breastfeeding. This means that the vaccine should not be given unless considered essential by your doctor.

Weighing options

Given the current rates of this disease, there is no reason to presume one needs the vaccine. The CDC states that BCG vaccination "should only be considered for children who have a negative tuberculin skin test and who are continually exposed, and cannot be separated from the exposure..." The CDC also says "health care workers should be considered on an individual basis." If you are planning to visit a country with a higher incidence, or have been in close contact with a person who has infectious tuberculosis, seek the advice of a medical professional.

Choosing the vaccine

If your medical provider and you agree that the vaccine is a good choice for your circumstances, stay in touch and let your child's doctor know as well. Just as there is no evidence of safety, there is no evidence of risk; it is best to remain observant following the introduction of the vaccine to your nursing relationship.

How to Use Herbalife During Nursing

One of the hardest challenges new mothers face is the struggle to lose the weight they gained during pregnancy. Many women turn to a traditional regimen--aerobic exercise and a low-calorie diet--while others seek alternatives to fit their busy schedules.

One of these is Herbalife, a powdered shake mix that dieters can use as a meal replacement. According to Boutique Herbal, Herbalife is a line of products that suppress your appetite by using nutrient mixes as meal substitute. They come in several varieties that cater to special dietary needs, such as vegetarian and kosher blends, in addition to the original mix. Its manufacturers emphasize that you should only use it in conjunction with a low-calorie diet.

Instructions

What You Should Know About Herbalife

1

Consider whether the benefits of taking Herbalife outweigh the risks. A writer at Breastfeeding.com warns that, since Herbalife can lead to rapid weight loss, it may lead the body to release toxins into the bloodstream. Since mother's milk is derived from blood, this means that rapid weight loss can send toxins into your milk.

2

Ask yourself whether the ingredients in Herbalife are safe for your baby. Many stimulants in Herbalife mixes may disrupt your infant's sleep patterns. Also, since there are so many different herbs in a given mix, you may not know which one to blame if your child has an adverse reaction.

3

Get a complete list of the ingredients in your mix and talk to a lactation consultant. A writer at Breastfeeding.com recommends that you check to see if the consultant is international board certified (IBC).

4

Pick the safest mixes. A writer at Proven Plan had excellent results with Forms 1, 2, 3 and Celluloss, which she claims helped her baby develop a strong immune system. She also writes that she did not experience rapid weight loss while taking those supplements.

5

Finally, check your weight regularly to make sure that you're not experiencing rapid weight loss. If you are, stop using Herbalife until you return to a slower weight loss pattern.

Breastfeeding Nursing Diagnosis

Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the healthiest and best way to feed infants for most mother-infant pairs. However, many mothers have difficulties with breastfeeding and switch to either partial or full formula feeding before the recommended age of 1 year. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed until the age of 6 months and that they continue breastfeeding while also eating solid food until the age of 1 year. The North American Nursing Diagnosis Association, or NANDA, has defined a diagnosis of ineffective breastfeeding for mother-infant pairs who face challenges in breastfeeding according to the AAP guidelines.

Definition

The NANDA definition of an ineffective breastfeeding diagnosis is the "dissatisfaction or difficulty a mother, infant or child experiences with the breastfeeding process." This can include physical discomfort as well as lack of knowledge or skill for the mother and poor weight gain for the infant.

Identification

The identifying characteristics of ineffective breastfeeding are almost any type of problem with breastfeeding. These can be problems related to the infant, such as not sucking effectively, not latching on properly or not wanting to latch on, protesting the breast, not gaining weight or not producing the recommended amount of elimination after feeding. Ineffective breastfeeding can also be diagnosed from problems related to the mother, such as continually sore nipples that last longer than a few weeks, insufficient milk supply or not allowing the baby frequent enough opportunities to latch on and nurse.

Effects

One of the most common effects of ineffective breastfeeding is a failure to breastfeed or to sustain breastfeeding through the recommended age. It often results in supplemental feedings of formula or early weaning from the breast.

Considerations

Many factors influence a breastfeeding pair's success in breastfeeding. Lack of support is a common cause of breastfeeding problems. Another common cause is offering supplemental feedings too early, before breastfeeding has been established. Mothers with breast anamolies or previous breast surgery have a higher rate of ineffective breastfeeding, and infant anomolies in the mouth or jaw can also impact breastfeeding success.

Prevention/Solution

Maternal education and family support are the important factors in promoting breastfeeding success. Mothers should be educated while still pregnant about the importance of breastfeeding and about breastfeeding techniques. Breastfeeding should begin within the first hour after birth, so it is important that caregivers do not routinely separate mothers and babies and that newborns be given the opportunity to suckle immediately after birth. If problems are suspected, the baby's latch should be evaluated by a qualified lactation consultant as soon as possible, and the use of artificial nipples or supplemental feedings should be avoided as much as possible to avoid nipple confusion.

How to Help a Dog's Milk Dry Up

Nursing dogs face many of the same issues as nursing women when it comes to milk production and weaning their young. If her puppies are not weaned properly, a mother dog's mammary glands become painfully engorged. Though most of your focus may be on the puppies, you must make time to care for the mother dog to keep her healthy.

Instructions

1

Start to wean the puppies three to four weeks after birth. This is a gradual process that lasts until the puppies are eight weeks old. Gradual weaning helps the mother slowly reduce milk production. Introduce solids to the puppies so that they drink less milk. Gradually increase the amount of solid food provided to the puppies, until it is their sole source of nourishment at eight weeks of age. The mother's milk production lessens over the course of the weaning period.

2

Adjust the mother's food intake as the puppies eat more solids. Nursing mothers need more calories to produce milk. As the puppies' milk need subsides, the mother requires less food. Reducing calorie intake helps a dog's milk dry up.

3

Help ease the mother dog's discomfort if her mammary glands become engorged. If this happens, place a hot towel on the glands and gently massage them. Removing food and water for one day may help. If the mother keeps producing milk after the puppies have completely weaned, take her to a veterinarian.

How to Lower Bilirubin

Bilirubin is the yellow brownish substance that is produced when the liver breaks down or takes apart old red blood cells. Bilirubin is then passed out of the body through the feces or stool and bilirubin is what gives feces its brown color. People are tested for bilirubin to measure the amount they have in their blood. A newborn full-term baby's bilirubin level is considered high at 15-20 mg, however if the infant is being breastfed in will generally quickly level off and will start dropping on its own. In some cases however the majority of doctors may decide that some steps need to be done to lower the bilirubin level, especially if the baby is not being breastfed and the bilirubin level continues to climb.

Instructions

Lowering High Bilirubin Level in Newborns

1

Begin by stopping breastfeeding and supplementing with formula until the bilirubin starts to lower, and then restart breastfeeding. While the baby is on formula, continue to pump your breasts to maintain proper milk production or lactation and decrease the chances of a breast infection.

2

Start photo-therapy treatment if necessary. The physician may decide to place your baby under photo-therapy lights in the hospital nursery or a photo-optic bilirubin wrap may be used at home.

3

Feed the baby often to help removal of the bilirubin from the baby's body. The bilirubin will be removed out of the baby through the feces and because babies tend to soil diapers often with frequent feeding, this will lower the bilirubin. This is especially true with breastfed infants.

Lowering High Bilirubin Levels in Adults takes a Much Different Approach

4

Begin with abstaining from alcohol and tobacco consumption. Alcohol tends to raise bilirubin in a person's body and can be life threatening.

5

Look into the cause of the high bilirubin count, if there is a medical condition such as cancer or hepatitis, treatment for the disease will be necessary to lower the bilirubin level. Treatment for some medical conditions may only require medications, while some high bilirubin conditions may require additional therapies.

6

Look into whether the cause of the high bilirubin is due to gallstones or liver problems such as cirrhosis, in which case surgery may be required to correct the bilirubin problem. In some instances even a liver transplant may be necessary if the liver is completely dysfunctional.

7

Try some alternative therapies for lowering bilirubin levels. Many all natural alternative therapies are available for lowering bilirubin levels, however you should discuss any alternative therapy with a physician before starting.

8

Try some dietary changes, jaundice and high bilirubin symptoms can be caused by an iron deficiency. Possible dietary changes or iron supplements may help lower bilirubin levels. Also fasting and dietary restriction can cause increase in bilirubin levels.

How to Breast-Feed a Sick Child Who Doesn't Belong to You

Breast-feeding a child has a number of health benefits, including the antibodies that help to prevent illnesses and aid in healing them. Some mothers even breast-feed the children of other women, either on a regular basis, which is called wet nursing, or on a temporary basis during periods of need, which is called cross nursing. The antibodies in breast milk help to fight off illnesses and can be beneficial to a sick child, according to the La Leche League, an organization that promotes breast-feeding.

Instructions

1

Ensure that the mother of the child is looking for someone to nurse her sick child. Many women are open to the idea, whether they are unavailable at the time or nursing another child.

2

Nurse the sick child as your would your own, ensuring a proper latch on the breast and making sure the child is swallowing enough milk.

3

Pump breast milk and feed through a bottle or cup if the child isn't normally breast-fed. This ensures the child is getting the milk's health benefits even if they don't know how to properly latch to the breast.

Menopause and Nipple Soreness

When a woman is going through peri-menopause and entering into menopause, her breasts and nipples might become so sore that she can't bear to lie on her stomach. This is caused by fluctuating hormones. When only the nipples get sore, it can indicate that a fungal or bacterial infection might be present or it could be caused by inadequate secretion from the sebaceous glands of the areola. These secretions normally keep the nipples supple.

Why It Occurs

According to Menopausallifestyle.com, the main reasons that nipples and breasts get sore is due to the actions of estrogen, a hormone that peaks before ovulation, and progesterone, another hormone that surfaces at ovulation. Estrogen can actually cause breast tissue to increase, which causes pain. Progesterone causes water retention, which can also make your breasts and nipples sore. When water is stored in the breast tissue, the breast stretches.

Characteristics

Nipple symptoms that a menopausal woman might experience include tenderness, cracking of the surface of the nipple, redness and discharge, according to Menopausal-solutions.com. This can be the result of hormones in flux or it can indicate something else.

Warning

Women always need to be cognizant of their breasts, how they feel, what they look like and if there are obvious changes because breast cancer is too prevalent to ignore. If your nipple tenderness is severe, this needs to be discussed with your doctor. If the nipple discharge is clear and sticky, dark, bloody, or occurs even though the nipple hasn't been squeezed, this can indicate the presence of breast cancer. If your nipples start drawing inward or point in a new direction or invert, these, too, can be signs of breast cancer.

What to Look For

If you noticed scaliness or redness on your nipple, or either of those conditions on the skin of your breast, this is not a good sign. If you discover a knot or lump anywhere in your breast or armpit, see a doctor immediately. If a lump or any thickening of the breast or nipple doesn't resolve after a menstrual period, which peri-menopausal women still have, this needs to be addressed as well. Breast puckering, dimpling or the appearance of indentations is an indicator of breast cancer.

Climacteric Syndrome

Sore nipples and breasts are often the outcome of what is called climacteric syndrome, which entails headaches, irregular menstruation, mood changes, hot flashes, weight gain and bloating and sleeplessness. This syndrome is the result of fluctuating hormones and ovaries that are no longer functioning regularly. However, if you have concerns about your nipples and your breasts, do no hesitate to make an appointment with your physician.

How to Calm Infants Down After They Get Shots

Immunizations are crucial medical procedures that protect babies from potentially fatal diseases, including polio, measles and the mumps. A baby receives his first set of shots at birth and several subsequent shots throughout the first 18 months. This does not make it any easier for a mother or father to watch their baby in pain after the shots are administered. Soothing and caring for baby after vaccinations will help dry some of the baby's tears and remove some of the parent's anxieties.

Instructions

1

Distract your baby while the shot is being administered. Give the baby a small toy or sing to the infant to provide a focal point while the vaccination is occurring.

2

Swaddle your child in a blanket and hold the baby in your arms when the doctor gives you the okay that the vaccinations have all been administered. Press the infant against your bare skin and rock her gently to provide a source of comfort.

3

Sing to the baby or talk in a sweet, soothing voice. The sound of your voice will comfort the baby and help calm her.

4

Breastfeed the baby after she calms down a bit and the crying subsides slightly. The familiarity of the action will help soothe the baby while it feels the warmth and comfort of your skin. If the baby is not breastfeeding, offer her a bottle or pacifier instead.

5

Administer infant ibuprofen or acetaminophen if the baby runs a slight fever or if she is still fussy after you have left the doctor's office. Give the medication according to the medicine's dosage instructions or per your doctor's orders.

How to Know What Foods to Avoid While Breastfeeding

Your doctor should go over certain foods you should avoid when breastfeeding since whatever you eat will be passed on to your child through your milk. The following is a guideline to follow regarding what type of foods you should avoid while breastfeeding

Instructions

1

Pay attention to the reaction of your baby after they nurse. The foods you eat will change the taste of your breastmilk, and your baby should like the variety. If you baby is fussy or cranky one day about the milk, remember the foods that you ate. If your baby reacts the same way every time you eat that certain food, try and avoid it.

2

Avoid certain spices, including cinnamon, garlic, pepper and chili.

3

Stay away from some vegetables as well. Onion, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, garlic and cucumber may make your baby more gassy and uncomfortable.

4

Pass up on cherries, oranges, lemons, prunes, grapefruit, strawberries, kiwi and pineapples. Remember, you can try each type of vegetable or fruit and look for any uncomfortable reaction from your baby. All babies won't have the same reaction to foods.

5

Try and avoid consuming more than 750 ml of caffeine a day. Too much caffeine intake for your baby may result in an inability to sleep.

6

Avoid cow's milk if your family has a history of milk allergies. If neither your or the baby's father has a history of milk allergies then you're probably OK.

7

Limit your alcoholic intake as well. An occasional glass is OK, but it should still be very limited.

How to Treat Baby Diarrhea

Diarrhea in babies is identified by a sudden increase in loose bowel movements. This condition can range from mild to severe with the infant passing numerous watery or green-colored bowel movements. Diarrhea is usually a symptom of stomach or intestinal viruses, bacteria or parasites, although food allergies or too much fruit juice may be the culprit. Because the primary concern regarding diarrhea is dehydration, the primary purpose for treating this condition is to prevent dehydration.

Instructions

Breast-fed babies

1

Determine whether the baby actually has diarrhea. Breast-fed babies have frequent bowel movements, so frequency of bowel movements is not a good clue. Breast-fed babies may normally pass green-colored or watery bowel movements. Unless there is blood or mucus in the bowel movement, or there is an uncharacteristic bad odor, the bowel movement of a breast-fed baby should be considered normal. If the baby experiences a sudden increase in the number of bowel movements, particularly if this is accompanied by poor feeding or fever, it is likely diarrhea.

2

Determine whether the mother's diet or medications that the mother may be taking is having an effect on the baby. Eliminate suspicious foods from the mother's diet and observe the baby to see if this action has any positive effect. Contact the mother's health care provider or pharmacist to discuss whether any medications she is taking can pass through breast milk and cause diarrhea in the baby. If so, consider whether there may be a different medication that can be substituted.

3

Continue breast feeding but with greater frequency. For severe diarrhea consult the baby's physician regarding supplementing with an infant electrolyte solution. For babies older than four months adding starchy baby cereal or other solids such as strained banana carrots to their diet may help.

4

Wash your hands carefully after changing each diaper. Diarrhea is extremely contagious and can rapidly spread through the rest of the family.

Formula-fed babies

5

Determine that the baby has diarrhea. In formula-fed infants a sudden increase in frequency along with appearance is the primary determining factor. Severe diarrhea will also typically be accompanied by a reduction in urine or urine that is darker in color than normal.

6

Keep the baby hydrated. For the first four to six hours give the baby only an oral glucose-electrolyte solution to drink, then return the baby to her regular formula. Offer feedings more frequently than normal. Do not restrict the amount of fluids the baby drinks, however you should not offer the baby fruit juice as this can make diarrhea worse.

7

For babies older than four months adding starchy baby cereal or other solids such as strained banana or strained carrots to their diet may help. If the diarrhea persists consider changing to a lactose-free or soy-based formula for several days.

8

Wash your hands carefully after changing each diaper. Diarrhea is extremely contagious and can rapidly spread through the rest of the family.

Medical Information on Ester-C

Ester-C is a brand name for vitamin C with ascorbate calcium that is used to treat people with low levels of vitamin C and who don't get enough from their diets, according to the Kaiser Permanente website. Also known as an antioxidant, it is used to prevent damage to the body's cells.

Ascorbic Acid

Ester-C is the ascorbic acid form of vitamin C that occurs naturally in potatoes, citrus fruits, leafy vegetables and tomatoes. According to the Drugs.com website, ascorbic acid is important for muscles and bones and connective tissues. The body needs iron for red blood cell production and Ester-C aids the body in absorbing iron.

Uses

The primary use of Ester-C is to treat vitamin C deficiencies that can result in the condition scurvy, according to Kaiser Permanente. Tiredness, muscle weakness, rash, tooth loss or joint pain are some of the symptoms of scurvy. Also, some health care professionals may prescribe a vitamin regime including Ester-C to treat macular degeneration in the eye.

Dosage

Ester-C comes in many forms: powder, capsules, chewable tablets and sustained-release tablets. Depending on the treatment of your medical condition and your response, dosage can vary, according to Kaiser Permanente. Ester-C is taken orally, usually one to two times a day with food and an 8 oz. glass of water. Because vitamin C is water soluble, the body does not store it so excess amounts flush out. Therefore your body will more easily absorb vitamin C in smaller doses throughout the day.

Precautions

If taking Ester-C when breastfeeding, vitamin C passes into breast milk. It is considered to be safe, but consulting with your doctor is advisable. Do not take Ester-C if you have had an allergic reaction (rash, itching/swelling, trouble breathing or severe dizziness) to ascorbic acid, according to the website drugs.com. If you have a history of kidney stones or disease, or cirrhosis of the liver or other liver diseases, consult with your physician before starting an Ester-C supplement.

Side Effects

Although most people tolerate Ester-C well, there can be some side effects, such as heartburn, constipation or diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain/cramps or vomiting. Consult with your physician if any of these conditions worsen or persist, according to Kaiser Permanente. Rare side effects may include pink/bloody urine or painful urination and a physician should be contacted immediately if such conditions occur.

Should Baby's Eyes Meet Yours While Breastfeeding?

While it is wonderful to have your baby stare deeply into your eyes while he breastfeeds, it doesn't usually happen, at least not during the newborn period. When he gets older, he might stop during his feeding to look up and give you a gummy smile and adoring gaze. Most babies don't meet their mother's eyes during breastfeeding for any period of time. As your baby gets older, he should make eye contact, but it doesn't have to be while breastfeeding.

Newborn Eye Contact

Newborns are very near sighted, KidsHealth explains. They can see objects, although blurry, at a distance of 10 to 18 inches, which is about the same distance from the breast to your face. Newborns don't yet see in color. Unconsciously, they direct their gaze toward shiny objects or color contrasts, such as the frame of a dark pair of glasses against white skin. When they nurse, newborns generally squeeze their eyes shut tightly. Since they need to turn their head toward the nipple to eat, they are not in an ideal position for eye contact during breastfeeding. By age 8 months or so, your baby develops more interest in their surroundings during feeding and might stop nursing to look up into your eyes, psychologist Dr. Jean Mercer explains.

When Eye Contact Begins

Most babies maintain eye contact for a short time between the ages of 6 to 8 weeks, according to Parenting.com. By 3 months, your baby should meet and hold your gaze. If you cannot get your baby to look directly at you at any time by this age, bring it to your pediatrician's attention.

Encouraging Eye Contact

The best way to encourage eye contact with your baby is to wait until he is calm and alert. Don't try to hold your infant's gaze for long periods of time; eye contact is an intense experience for infants, and eye contact can overstimulate your baby and cause him to turn away. Talk to your baby in a soft and slightly high-pitched, singsong voice to get his attention. Don't try to force his gaze when he is looking at something else or when he is already overwhelmed. If he starts to fuss, looks away, frowns or arches his back, he has had enough, the Zero to Three website explains.

Causes of Poor Eye Contact

A baby who is tired or hungry won't maintain eye contact. He must be in a quiet but alert state to want to make eye contact, according to Dr. Martin Stein, director of developmental-behavioral pediatrics at Rady Children's Hospital San Diego on the Parenting.com website. If your baby doesn't ever seem to look directly at you, you may be trying to catch his eye at the wrong times or hold his gaze too long. Vision problems could also cause lack of eye contact by age 3 months, although even babies with vision problems often look at faces, by following the sound of your voice, according to Dr. Mercer. Poor eye contact could also indicate behavioral or attachment problems, but it is important not to jump to conclusions, Dr. Stein warns.

How Long Does the Milk Stay After You Give Birth?

Learning about the availability of breast milk after giving birth is essential whether you desire to breastfeed or not. However, it's important to know that breastfeeding your baby offers quality bonding time between mother and child, complete nutrition for your baby and a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

Breastfeeding

Your breast milk comes in within 48 to 72 hours after giving birth. To instantly eliminate the discomfort of engorged breasts, express the milk through nursing. The moment you do this, your body produces more breast milk for future feedings. Express your breast milk frequently to keep it coming in. Using a breast pump is an alternative when your baby is sleeping and your breasts are engorged. This cycle can continue for as long as you want to breastfeed. Many people have differing opinions on how long they should breastfeed the baby, but ultimately, the decision is up to the mother.

Not Breastfeeding

Even if you don't want to breastfeed, your breasts still engorge after giving birth. Because you are not expressing milk, you breasts may start hurting, and breast milk may start leaking from them. To relieve some of the discomfort, wear a supportive, snug-fitting bra, take acetaminophen if needed, and apply a cold compress to your breasts. When your body senses you are not expressing your breast milk, it will stop producing it. Approximately 10 days after giving birth, your hormones will get back to the way they were before your pregnancy, and your breasts will stop producing milk.

Low Milk

Not nursing your baby enough can reduce the amount of breast milk you produce. According to BabyCenter, feed your baby at least eight times per day to keep up your milk supply. An incorrect latch-on technique or estrogen-containing birth control pills can also reduce milk supply. Observe your baby to tell whether he is getting sufficient nutrients. Keep track of his weight, stool, diaper usage and overall mood. Consult your pediatrician to set your mind at ease, if needed.

Bottle

If you are ready to stop breastfeeding, use a gradual approach. Replace one breast feeding session with a bottle feeding session. Gradually replace more breast feeding sessions until your baby is fully weaned. During this transition, your body will slowly reduce the milk production process, and eventually, your breasts will stop producing milk all together.

How to Clean a Breast Pump

A breast pump is an important piece of equipment for the breastfeeding mother who wants to increase her supply or store pumped breast milk. Cleaning the breast pump properly is imperative for the prevention of contaminating the breast milk. Here is some information to help you clean manual or automatic breast pumps.

Instructions

Overall Tips

1

Read the instructions included with the breast pump. Some pieces of your pump may need only a mild cleansing while others might require daily sterilization. Whether you use a manual or electric pump, cleanliness is imperative to keep the pump in good working order as well as to preserve the quality of the pumped milk.

2

Clean the breast pump immediately--or as soon as possible--after pumping breast milk to minimize the ability for bacteria to grow. If you cannot sterilize it straight away, rinse appropriate parts well and soak in warm, soapy water until you are able to get back to it and complete the cleaning process.

3

Dry all parts thoroughly before putting the breast pump back together to avoid moisture build-up inside the pump which could cause mildew.

4

Strain parts into a clean colander and either air dry or towel dry.

Microwave Method or Electric Sterilizer Method

5

Purchase special bags or a container designed to sterilize parts in the microwave or purchase an electric counter top sterilizer. Many options are available that use water to steam the parts of the pump inside a bag or container in order to sterilize it and can be used for baby bottles and nipples as well as breast pump parts.

6

Wash and rinse all parts that are to be cleansed well in warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly.

7

Follow manufacturer instructions to sterilize in microwave or counter top sterilizer. Most of these units sterilize in only a matter of moments.

Dishwasher Sterilization

8

Determine which parts of the pump are dishwasher safe according to manufacturer instructions.

9

Rinse excess milk off parts to be sterilized and place in the top tray of your dishwasher. Special mesh bags or containers may be available for purchase that will prevent pieces from being lost in the dishwasher.

10

Wash on the hot cycle of your dishwasher to ensure enough heat for sterilization of the pump parts.

Stovetop Sterilization

11

Wash all parts to be sterilized in warm soapy water and rinse well.

12

Place all washed items into a large pot and fill with clean water.

13

Boil on high heat on the stove for ten minutes to sterilize pump parts.

How to Tell if a Baby is Eating Enough

It's easy to know when you've eaten enough, but that's not so easy to gauge when you're dealing with an infant. Breastfeeding mothers can especially get concerned because they really don't know how much their baby eats at each feeding. But when you pay attention to the details, you can tell if your baby is eating enough.

Instructions

1

Notice hunger cues. These cues vary as your child gets older, but they almost always include fussiness.

2

Watch your baby drink. You should be able to see the jaw move and hear a sucking sound. You might even be able to hear your baby swallow.

3

Feel your breasts after a feeding. They should feel softer than they did before. That's a sign that milk is being expressed.

4

Look at your baby's diapers. Babies less than 3-months old should have about 6 wet diapers each day. This is a sign that your baby is well hydrated and getting enough nutrition.

5

Count the number of bowel movements. And you should pay attention to their color and texture. If your baby doesn't have regular bowel movements, or if they just don't look right, it might be cause for concern.

6

Monitor your baby's behavior when it's not meal time. Your baby should be active and alert and should show no signs of hunger.

7

Pay attention to when your child is full. Your baby might fall asleep while eating or may even turn away from the bottle. A baby on solid foods might refuse to open his mouth, or he may spit the food out. These are signs that your baby has had enough to eat.

8

Keep all regular doctor appointments. Your doctor will be able to track your baby's growth, and he'll be able to tell you if your baby's getting enough to eat. If you get nervous between checkups, you can always go in and ask the nurse for a weight check.

How to Re-Lactate After Having Stopped Breastfeeding

You may wish to re-lactate for reasons related to your baby's health. Or you may have had a rough start leading to early weaning and miss nurturing your baby through breastfeeding. Whatever the case, re-lactation is possible with hard work and patience. It is easiest to bring baby back to the breast before the age of 4 months, though not impossible with an older baby. Some essential tools and steps can help you get started re-lactating.

Instructions

1

Call an expert. Lactation consultants are trained to help women build successful breastfeeding relationships with their babies; find one who is IBCLC certified (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). La Leche League leaders can also offer re-lactation assistance and group support for breastfeeding mothers. Have your consultant help you latch the baby on properly.

2

Take herbal supplements that boost breast milk production--otherwise known as galactogogues. Common galactogogues include fenugreek, blessed thistle and alfalfa. Prescription drugs such as Reglan and Domperidone can also be helpful in increasing breast milk production, particularly when trying to re-lactate.

3

Offer the breast often. Start with a minimum of every two hours, and more frequently if baby will accept it. Even if baby starts out using the breast as a pacifier, any nursing will stimulate the pituitary gland to produce milk. Remember, the more you nurse, the more breast milk you will make and the more likely you will be to re-lactate successfully.

4

Use a breast pump several times per day during the re-lactation process. You may not see much milk at first, but don't be discouraged. The goal is to stimulate the breasts so that the pituitary gland gets the message to resume milk production. The best choice is to rent a hospital-grade pump such as the Medela Lactina, but a quality personal pump will work too.

5

Purchase and use a breastfeeding supplementer. This is a plastic bottle or bag that holds formula; attached tubing runs down the breast and into the baby's mouth so that he receives supplemental nutrition while you rebuild your breast milk supply. While using a breastfeeding supplementer can be tricky to learn, once you get the hang of it you will be able to use it easily.

6

Wean from the supplementer, if possible. Most mothers need several weeks to bring back a full milk supply. If you see signs that your baby is getting enough milk from you (such as formula left in the supplementer at the end of a feeding or plenty of soft, yellow stools and lots of wet diapers), gradually reduce the supplement offered. Watch the baby carefully during this time period to make sure she gets enough milk and gains enough weight.

How to Burp a New Born

Having a newborn is a wonderful and exciting experience; however, for new parents it can also be very intimidating. One of the first experiences you will have with your new baby is feeding and burping him. It helps to understand the reason you have to burp a baby. According to the Kid's Health website, burping a baby helps to relieve the excess gas caused by the air that babies tend to swallow when feeding. Not burping your baby frequently enough will cause this gas pressure to build up and can lead to spitting up and crankiness.

Instructions

When to Burp the Newborn

1

Feed the baby. When bottle feeding a newborn (0 to 3 months), Ohio State University Medical Center recommends burping the baby after every to 1 oz. the baby ingests. If your baby spits up, take a break from feeding to burp him.

2

If you are breast-feeding, burp the baby each time you switch breasts or every five minutes. Stop feeding if the baby spits up and burp her.

3




Soothe the baby.

Soothe the baby. It may take a few minutes for your baby to burp and he may become fussy. Pat or rub his back; you can also lightly bounce or rock him as well. If he doesn't burp after a few minutes, trying switching the baby into a new position. If he still doesn't burp, that is fine; just continue with the feeding.

Positioning the Newborn

4

Find a comfortable position for you and the baby. There are three common positions when burping a baby; experiment with each position to find which is best for you. If after a few moments your baby still does not burp, try changing positions before resuming the feeding.

5

Place a small towel across your chest and shoulder and hold the baby's chest against your chest or shoulder. Be sure to secure the baby's head and neck with one hand and with your free hand gently pat or rub the baby's back.

6

Place the baby in a sitting position in your lap. Be sure to secure the baby's chest and head with one hand. Allow the baby to lean forward slightly and with your free hand gently pat or rub the baby's back.

7

Place a small towel across your lap and lay the baby, chest down, across your knees. With one hand, secure the baby's head and with the other hand gently pat or rub her back.

How to Lose Weight While Breastfeeding

Trying to lose weight after childbirth can be difficult for any new mom, but especially it's tough for those who are breastfeeding. While you may want to shed that baby weight and get back to your pre-pregnancy self, you also want to provide your baby with ample nutrition. Losing weight while breastfeeding may seem complicated, but it's not as difficult as you may think if you use a few simple steps.

Instructions

1

Find out how many calories you really need. The Le Leche League and KellyMom.com typically recommend that a nursing mother takes in about 1, 500 to 1,800 calories a day.

2

Cut the amount of calories you eat, but do so gradually. Your body will respond better if you eat little less calories each week than if there is a sudden caloric drop. A healthy weight loss goal is about a pound a week, according to a study done by the University of North Carolina at Greensboro's Department of Nutrition and Foodservice Systems.

3

Consider the types of foods you eat. Aim to eat mostly foods that are filling and nutritious and avoid sugary foods with empty calories. The Le Leche League suggests eating foods that have good amounts of folate, vitamin B6, calcium and magnesium. Foods containing protein and fiber are also always good choices.

4

Pay attention to the calories you drink. Many women fail to realize how many calories can easily be cut by simply drinking water and eliminating high-calorie drinks.

5

Get active. Although breastfeeding itself burns calories, obviously the more active you are the more calories you burn. However, it is important to consult your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine, especially when you are a new mom.

6

Consider joining a weight loss support group or program. Many weight loss programs, including Weight Watchers, will accept breastfeeding mothers. Joining a group may help you lose weight by providing additional support and encouragement and also by keeping you accountable of your weight loss goals.

7

Be patient. Sometimes you may not see weight loss results as quickly as you would like, especially when you are breastfeeding. Remember to cut yourself slack and be patient.

Homemade Meal Replacement Drinks

Meal replacement shakes are a proven way to lose weight and keep it off. A study published in the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association" in 2001 found that women who lost weight using meal replacement drinks kept their weight off for more than a year, while women who used a regular low-fat diet regained nearly all of their weight in the same amount of time. A study from Harvard found that these kinds of results held true for 10 years. According to "Men's Health" Magazine, the typical over-the-counter meal replacement drink contains around 200 calories along with vitamins and minerals. Some of the over the counter drinks can be expensive and lacking in taste. Making a tasty alternative at home can be a great way to get the meal replacement benefits without taking a hit to your wallet or taste buds.

With Protein Powder

One cup of whole strawberries provides 46 calories, 11 carbs and nearly 3 g of fiber.

HealthRecipes.com has a nice selection of protein packed smoothies and shakes that work well for meal replacements. One that differs from the normal meal replacement is the tropical shake. To make it, blend half a frozen banana, four frozen strawberries, half a mango, 1 1/4 cup water, 2 tbsp. frozen pina coloda mix, one scoop protein powder and six ice cubes in a blender. This recipe produces one 300-calorie shake.

Another option is the banana strawberry smoothie. HealthRecipes.com recommends making this by blending together six frozen strawberries, one frozen banana, 1 tbsp. nonfat milk powder, 1 1/4 cup water, and one scoop protein powder. This shake provides about 320 calories.

Without Protein Powder

Very ripe bananas are a great base for smoothies.

Eileen Behan, author and registered dietitian, has two great options for "meals in a blender" outlined in her book "Eat Well, Lose Weight While Breastfeeding." She says that these helped her have a ready-to-eat snack on hand. Make her banana frappe by mixing 1 cup low-fat milk, 1/2 cup orange juice and one ripe banana in a blender. The entire concoction has around 300 calories and is the perfect size for a meal or split it in half for two tasty snacks.

Another option is her orange cream shake. Mix 6 oz. frozen orange juice, 1 cup nonfat dry milk, 1 tsp. vanilla extract, 1 cup of water and 2 1/2 cups of ice cubes in a blender. This recipe yields three shakes, 200 calories each.

With Yogurt

Choose a low-fat yogurt for fewer calories.

Yogurt adds many benefits to meal replacement drinks like protein and probiotics, healthy bacteria that help keep the digestive system running smoothly. Pucker up with a lemonade tart smoothie based on a recipe from SmoothieWeb. Mix together 2 cups of reduced calorie lemonade, 2 cups of frozen strawberries, 1 cup low-fat strawberry yogurt and 1/2 cup of ice. Blend together and serve. This recipe makes two smoothies for about 300 calories a piece.

If you are looking for a basic smoothie recipe, try the vanilla yogurt smoothie from SmoothieWeb. Add one banana, 1 1/2 cups vanilla yogurt, 3/4 cup frozen peaches, 1 cup frozen strawberries and 1 tbsp. orange juice concentrate to a blender. Fill the blender the rest of the way with ice and blend until smooth. This recipe makes two smoothies, each about 270 calories.

How Does Breast Milk Production Work?

Alveoli

The female breast, prepregnancy, contains an entire network of milk ducts. Hormones released during pregnancy send a signal to these milk ducts: "We're going to be working soon, so get ready!" In response, the milk ducts multiply in number and increase in size. As the ducts grow, they branch off into separate canals, and at the end of each canal, or ductule, a cluster of alveoli forms. Picture a clump of grapes and you'll have an idea of the shape of a cluster of alveoli; they're just much smaller. These sacs are where the milk is actually made.

After birth, your body releases the hormone prolactin. This hormone is from your pituitary gland (which is in the brain); it sends a signal to your body to begin full milk production. The alveoli and milk duct systems are already in place, and your body has been ready and able to produce milk since sometime during your second trimester. It's common for pregnant women to leak some of the earliest milk, called colostrum, before the baby is born. But once the baby is born and the prolactin is released, the alveoli begin their work in earnest and produce enough milk to keep your newborn baby full and happy.

Milk Ducts

After the milk is produced in the alveoli, it simply needs to get to baby. When your body gets the signal that it's time to breastfeed (which can occur from simply hearing your baby cry or from the motion of the baby suckling), it releases oxytocin. This hormone causes the tiny muscles that surround the alveoli to contract and push the milk out of the alveoli and up into the milk ducts. The milk ducts flow from the alveoli all the way to the milk sinuses, which are located on the areola, the dark area surrounding the nipple.

Milk Sinuses

The milk sinuses are the means of getting milk from your breast into your baby's mouth. They are the tiny openings, like straws, that are located on the areola. When your baby creates a suction with his mouth, the milk is released from these openings and into baby's mouth.

Supply and Demand

The actual amount of milk a mother produces is usually simply a matter of supply and demand. The more you feed your baby, the more milk your body will produce. Usually your breasts will be very full, even painfully so, during the first few days of breastfeeding. This is because your body doesn't yet know how much milk is needed, so it is carefully producing enough for the most demanding eater. As you settle into a routine with your baby, your body will get the message of how much milk is needed and when. If you are very consistent and nurse, say, every 2 hours, you might find your milk automatically letting down on the 2-hour mark, even before you have started feeding.

How to Get Breast Milk Flowing

You just had a baby and would love to breast feed. Why not, right? It's natural and is what's best for baby but your milk is flowing correctly. Take these step by step tips to get yourself flowing!

Instructions

1

The best way to get your milk flowing is to grab a breast pump a couple hours after delivery and get pumping. The breast pump of choice is any of the Medela models. Do not waste your money on cheaper pumps because you don't want to end up with a less efficient one that won't do the job right, and wind back up at the store when you don't have the time.

In the meantime, you can offer your baby formula to fill her appetite as you work on getting a better milk flow. You baby will not sense the change when it comes time, so don't worry!

2

Ask the lactation nurse on duty to show you how to properly use the pump. At first only droplets will come out and this is great! Pump every hour for 15 minutes until a good flow is coming out. Whatever comes out can be put in a bottle and provided to your infant if she hasn't learned to latch on yet.

3

Drink plenty of fluids. You'll get very thirsty because your body is drawing moisture from you to produce milk. You'll produce the best milk supply when your body is well hydrated.

4

When a good flow is coming, offer it to your baby and put the pump aside.

5

Your baby will now stimulate your milk ducts to produce milk on a regular basis. If not, use your pump for a few minutes after each feed. Freeze whatever comes out.

6

Right before a feeding, you can take a warm shower which will usually get your milk flowing immediately.

7

Before a feeding, you can also take warm packs and place it on yourself but you'll have to give yourself at least 1/2 hour of placement. Cover yourself with blankets too.

How to Stop a Baby From Nursing to Sleep

Having a baby who nurses herself to sleep often causes her to need nursing to get back to sleep when she awakens in the middle of the night, leading to poor sleep habits for both mother and baby. While it is common for breastfed babies to fall asleep during the calming routine of nursing, there are several steps that can be taken to prevent your child from nursing to sleep on a regular basis.

Instructions

1

Feed your baby throughout the day. Offer your child breast milk frequently throughout the day to ensure he is well fed and to decrease the need for nighttime feedings. Wake your child up if he misses a daytime feeding and avoid skipping feedings during the daytime hours whenever possible.

2

Establish a nighttime routine. Get your child into a nighttime routine that involves breastfeeding early in the process, to eliminate the direct connection between feeding and sleep. Feed your baby first and then involve her in a song or story and change her diaper and clothing before placing her down to sleep. If your child is asleep before bedtime, wake her up to complete your routine before you go to sleep for the night.

3

Offer a substitute. Instead of letting your child nurse to sleep, provide a different soothing activity such as a back rub, cuddle or time spent rocking your baby to sleep. After a feeding, wear your baby in a sling until he falls asleep and then place him in his crib for the night.

4

Have another person comfort your baby. Change your baby's sleep routine by having dad or another adult put her to bed. Pump milk and allow the other caregiver to provide the baby with a bottle before soothing her to sleep. It is important that your child's caregiver stays calm when putting her to bed, as some babies initially resist having someone other than mom complete the nighttime routine.

5

Move your baby away from you. Relocate your baby to the other side of your bedroom or into his own room for the night, making breastfeeding him back to sleep in the middle of the night more difficult. Allow your baby's dad or other caregiver to tend to your child during middle of the night wakings, once he is old enough to not need a middle of the night feeding.

How to Lose Weight After a C Section

Most moms are eager to return to their pre-pregnancy weight after giving birth. This can be difficult for any mom to achieve, but women who give birth via C-section are faced with additional obstacles and must follow specific rules in order to lose their pregnancy weight safely and successfully. Since a Cesarean section requires making an incision in the lower abdomen, it can be six to eight weeks before the incision is fully healed and an exercise program can even begin.

Instructions

1

Wait for your incision to heal. While it can be tempting to begin an exercise regimen within a few weeks after surgery, it is critical to wait until the incision has completely healed before starting even the lowest intensity of physical activity. Just because there is no longer abdominal pain does not mean it is safe to exercise. Be sure to consult your doctor before starting any exercise routine to ensure the incision has completely healed.

2

Breastfeed. Breastfeeding not only benefits your baby by meeting all her nutritional needs, but it also burns calories. When breastfeeding, your body releases the hormone oxytocin, which increases the shrinking of the uterus. On average, a woman can burn 300-500 calories per day while breastfeeding.

3

Eat smart. Eating several small, well-balanced meals throughout the day will help increase your metabolism. Three meals per day and at least two healthy snacks will keep energy up and fight off hunger. Drink water to stay well hydrated and to keep your bowels regular.

4

Start a cardiovascular program. Begin by walking 20 minutes a day three times per week. This will burn additional calories and begin to build stamina for more intensive cardiovascular workouts. Once you are no longer feeling challenged, increase the walking time or frequency of walks to burn extra calories and build muscle.

5

Don't forget the abs. After nine months of pregnancy, the abdominal muscles can separate due to the growth of the baby. Once you have been cleared to begin exercising, start doing basic crunches at home or sign up for a yoga class at your nearest gym or yoga studio. Yoga provides strength training through a variety of poses and postures and focuses on strengthening the abdomen.

How to Use a Supplemental Nursing System

A Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) is a great product for women that want to breastfeed but are struggling. It's designed so babies are getting breastmilk while suckling at the breast even if little to no milk is coming through the breast. The SNS is used by women who don't produce enough milk, whose milk has dried up or women who are trying to stimulate lactation.

Instructions

1

Talk to a lactation consultant before deciding a supplemental nursing system is necessary. She may have other suggestions for you. In addition, she can show you how to use the SNS effectively and when you can stop using it.

2

Breastfeed your baby first without using the SNS. After your baby empties your breasts or suckles for a certain amount of time, then use the SNS.

3

Put breastmilk in a bottle. If you're truly not producing any breastmilk, contact a human milk bank to purchase breastmilk. If you're desperate, use formula in the bottle.

4

Hang the bottle around your neck so it's placed between your breasts. Make sure it's comfortable; you may have it around your neck for thirty minutes or more. You can also place it into the pocket of a shirt.

5

Tape the tube from the supplemental nursing system to your breast so the end comes out at your nipple. Do not let it reach further than your nipple. You also may wait until your baby is latched onto the breast before slipping the tube into their mouth. The first few times, get help from your partner, a friend or your lactation consultant.

6

Place your baby on the breast, making sure your baby is properly latched and the tube is in their mouth. As your baby nurses at the breast, he gets breastmilk through the tube at the same time. Make sure you use proper latch and positioning so your baby can be weaned from the SNS as soon as possible.