Foods to Avoid When Breast-Feeding

While some nursing mothers find they can eat just about whatever they want while they're breast-feeding, others find that certain foods seem to change the taste of the breast milk for the nursing baby. This usually occurs when the mother has eaten foods with a stronger taste. Some babies enjoy a variety of breast milk tastes, whereas others tend to only like a particular taste. There are certain foods and drinks that breast-feeding mothers have to avoid.

Looking for a Pattern

What foods you avoid are really dependent on you and your baby. The first step for new nursing moms is to look for a pattern. If the mother notices that her baby becomes gassy and fussy, she should pay attention to the foods she's eaten. This is where a food log will come in handy. New mothers may find a food log to be difficult with a new baby, but in order to get to the bottom of what may be causing the baby distress, it may be vital. For mothers who are able to decipher exactly which food is giving the baby gas, the food should be avoided for a few days to make sure that it is the actual food causing the discomfort.

Common Foods to Avoid

It is common for particular foods to affect the baby negatively. Breast-feeding mothers often report that chocolate, spices (such as cinnamon, garlic, chili and curry powder), citrus fruits and juices (such as oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit), kiwi fruit, strawberries, pineapple, "gassy" vegetables (such as onion, cabbage, garlic, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumbers and peppers) and cherries and prunes have a negative effect on the baby.

A common misconception is that all caffeine must be avoided. One or two cups of coffee are okay while breast-feeding. It's important to remember that whatever the mother puts into her body also goes into the baby and caffeine is a stimulant, so too much of it may be disruptive to the baby's sleep. Sodas, teas and over-the-counter medicines may also disrupt the baby's sleep.

Most women avoid drinking alcoholic beverages all together while breast-feeding. There are some people who claim that an occasional drink is okay. Overall, most would advise against it, just to be on the safe side. Alcohol is not considered to be healthy for babies and children or anyone, in general, so even a small amount of alcohol could affect the baby negatively.

If a breast-feeding mother has more than one alcoholic beverage, the level of alcohol will increase enough in her system to get into the breast milk. This is not a good thing for the baby.

Food Allergies and the Baby

Allergy symptoms include fussiness, congestion and diarrhea. If these symptoms occur, it may be because of something the baby comes into contact with on a regular basis. It could be foods the mother eats or later on, it could be foods that the baby eats on his own. Common foods that cause allergies include nuts, cow's milk (and products), soy, wheat, egg, corn and corn syrup. Do not take foods away from the baby's diet without first consulting the child's doctor. Sometimes children often come into contact with soap or mildew, which they can also have an allergic reaction to, so it's not always something that's being eaten.

The reason it's important not to just take something away from the baby's diet is because she needs to eat a well-balanced diet and omitting something from the diet may mean having to add something in to take its place. A nutritionist can be helpful when eliminating and adding foods in for a well-balanced diet.

Ways to Increase Breast Milk Supply

Maintaining a steady milk supply is crucial to breastfeeding mothers. Unfortunately, just about everything that you do or eat can have an affect on your milk supply. If you need to increase your breast milk supply, there are a few commonly successful methods to try.

Pumping

The best way to increase your milk supply is to breastfeed more often. Breastfeeding works on a supply and demand scale. Therefore, the more milk you express, the more milk your body will make. If you are breastfeeding regularly, this shouldn't be a problem. However, if you are missing feedings because of work, or sleeping through them, you might find a decrease in your supply. Purchase a pump, and make sure that you pump regularly, even if your baby is not eating regularly. Pumping at work can keep your supply up so that you are able to continue breastfeeding when you return home. Pumping and breastfeeding simultaneously will inevitably increase your supply, so it's encouraged, especially for mothers whose babies are not yet eating well, or not taking in enough at each feeding.

Breastfeeding Vacation

Often, a busy life can get in the way of your continual breastfeeding, resulting in a lowering of your breast milk supply. If this is the case, consider a breastfeeding vacation. If you can take the time off, grab some of your favorite movies and books, and simply stay home and make breastfeeding your number-one priority. Stay in bed if you can, and nurse every two to three hours for at least two days. This tricks your body into producing enough milk to feed your baby every three hours for two days. It takes 48 hours for a change in supply to take place, which is why a breastfeeding vacation needs to be two days for it to be effective in increasing your supply.

Supplements

Certain supplements can help your milk supply increase when taken daily. Fenugreek has been used with great success and can be found at most health food stores. Breastfeeding mothers should take Fenugreek only with their health care provider's supervision. Fenugreek stimulates the hormones that increase milk production, and that increase should occur 24 to 72 hours from first taking Fenugreek. You can take Fenugreek as long as necessary, but once your supply has increased, it is generally safe to stop taking it,

How to Lengthen the Luteal Phase

The luteal phase is the time during a woman's menstrual cycle between ovulation and menstruation. The average luteal phase last from 10 to 17 days. If a woman's luteal phase lasts less than 10 days, it is classified as a luteal phase defect. This is a concern because if the woman's luteal phase is too short, the uterine lining breaks down before a fertilized egg is able to implant on the uterine wall. It is possible to extend the length of this phase using a few different methods.

Instructions

1

Determine if your fertility problems are actually caused by a luteal phase defect. A doctor can test your progesterone levels, which is the primary cause of the condition. This test should be conducted roughly seven days past ovulation.

2

Chart your fertility. Keep a chart of your fertility cycles by using various factors, including your daily temperature, to know when you ovulate.

3

Speak to your doctor about treatments to lengthen your luteal phase for a better chance of having a successful pregnancy.

4

Take vitamin B6 daily. You can safely take 50 mg to 200 mg each day. Start with a lower dosage and increase it each month. Taking vitamin B6 every day for a month will help lengthen your luteal phase.

5

Buy progesterone cream and use it twice a day. Use 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. and alternate locations each day. It can be used on your chest, neck, inner arm and inner thigh. For best results, use it from the date you ovulate up to the 10th week of pregnancy or menstruation.

6

Obtain a prescription from your doctor. The last attempt women usually make is to try Clomid, an oral medication known to assist women having fertility problems. The time it should be taken depends on your doctor's recommendation.

How to Make Alternate Use of Breast Milk

It's well documented that breastfeeding is the single best thing you can do for your infant's health, and has a significant positive impact on your own as well. Credited for reducing the rates of everything from the common cold to cancer, breast milk truly is an amazing substance. In addition to your baby's primary source of nutrition, you can make many alternate uses of breast milk, as its healing properties extend beyond just infant and toddler feeding.

Instructions

1

Pump or hand-express some breast milk. You can store it in the refrigerator up to 8 days, in a regular freezer up to 6 months, and in a deep freezer up to 12 months.

2

Drop some milk in irritated eyes using a needless syringe or medicine dropper. This works for infected or plugged tear ducts, pink eye, sties and ophthalmologic allergies (watery eyes). You can also use for contact solution on soft, hard, or gas permeable lenses, or use it in place of or in addition to tea bags or cucumbers to soothe red, puffy, tired eyes.

3

Rinse your skin with plain water, pat dry, spread breast milk on skin and let it air dry. This can help soothe and heal a number of skin calamities, including diaper rashes, cracked or bleeding nipples, acne, eczema, chicken pox, chapped cheeks, and rashes or hives due to allergies or poisonous plants like poison oak or poison ivy. You can use a cotton ball moistened with the breast milk to spread it on the skin. This will also help any bite or sting, whether it comes from an insect, a pet or another child.

4

Gargle it. This will heal a sore throat very quickly. In addition, giving your weaned older children or your husband/partner a cup of expressed milk will help them get over a cold or flu occurrence quickly. It's a great remedy for chapped lips, canker sores, cold sores, and other mouth sores in both children and adults.

5

Use breast milk to ease the symptoms of colds as well. It can be used in place of nasal saline drops to loosen mucous of the nose, and it can be used as ear drops to ease the pain of an ear infection.

6

Remove makeup with breast milk. Alternately, you can use it as a general facial cleanser.

7

Treat injuries like scratches, abrasions, ingrown toenails, scrapes and burns with breast milk. Just dab it on and let it heal, or in hand/foot injuries, let it soak in a cup of milk.

8

Calm the pain of teething or toothaches. Experiment with different temperatures to find the one that brings most relief. Chewing on a cloth soaked in breast milk really helps.

9

Cook with it. It can be used in the same proportions that you would use cow milk in cooking and baking.

10

Donate it. If you are a super-producer with your pump, consider donating some of your overage. Milk banks will use this precious commodity to heal babies who need it the most, such as preemies and babies with severe congenital problems.

How to Keep Breasts Perky After Pregnancy

We've all heard women complain about how pregnancy ruined their body, including their breasts. Here are some things you can do to keep your breasts in tip top shape throughout your pregnancy and hopefully lessen the effects of gravity that comes from the inflating and deflating that goes on during the process of becoming a mother.

Instructions

1




Wearing a supportive bra is the number one thing you can do to keep your breasts from becoming saggy after you give birth. During pregnancy, swollen breasts are normal due to increased blood volume and milk supply. Wearing a supportive bra as often as possible will keep those ligaments from getting stretched out, helping your breasts to stay perkier in the long run and reducing the need for future breast enhancement measures.

2




Build up your pecs! Doing chest exercises during and after pregnancy can help your breasts keep their shape. Push ups are a simple exercise that can engage your chest muscles and keep your natural breasts looking great. You can do them the traditional way, on the floor, or against standing against a wall. Other ways to enhance your breasts through chest exercises are doing bench press (you can use dumbbells), and the incline dumbbell chest fly. You can do these all at home using an exercise ball and dumbbells.

3




Always wear sunscreen on your chest to keep the skin firm and taut looking, preserving the overall appearance of your breasts. Sun damage can lead to wrinkling of the skin, which can make your breasts appear more saggy.

4




Try natural breast enhancement products for prevention as well as to try to rejuvenate already saggy breasts. There are numerous natural breast enhancement pills and herbal breast enhancement products available. Just be smart, make sure the website you purchase your natural breast enhancement products from is legit and consider running the product by your physician before buying or using.

5




When all else fails, and plastic surgery is not an option, use breast enhancement pads. You can find silicon breast enhancer bra inserts, foam pad inserts, or bras with built in inserts with either foam, gel or water to give saggy breasts a quick lift.

List of Foods Not to Eat When Breastfeeding

Although having a healthy diet during pregnancy is important, mothers should continue with good nutrition while breastfeeding. According to WebMD.com, the food and substances a mother chooses to ingest can affect the quality of breast milk, and avoiding certain foods at this time can result in both healthier mothers and babies.

Alcohol

Although experts are divided on the subject, drinking alcohol while breastfeeding may cause problems to both the mother and baby. According to WebMD.com, mothers who drink can have a problem "letting down," or getting milk to flow easily, as alcohol affects the hormone that causes milk flow. Also, babies may detect the scent of alcohol in breast milk and refuse to nurse. WebMD.com states that mothers nursing should limit alcohol intake to one or two drinks occasionally and should wait at least two hours after an alcoholic drink to begin breastfeeding.

Caffeine

Caffeine can affect a baby the same way it affects an adult. WebMD.com writes that caffeine can cause symptoms of nervousness, edginess, irritability and insomnia in babies who ingest breast milk containing caffeine. Breastfeeding mothers should limit the amount of caffeine and consider cutting foods like coffee, cola and chocolate from their diet to reduce the risk of negatively affecting their babies.

Fish

Eating certain types of fish while breastfeeding can be dangerous, as some fish contain high levels of mercury. Mothers who are nursing should avoid eating shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests that mothers should limit their intake of canned, light tuna and other cooked fish, like salmon and rainbow trout, to 12 oz. a week.

Junk Food

WebMD states that adding empty calories to your diet from sugary snack foods will not help the mother or baby. Instead, complex carbohydrates found in fruits and vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, apples, berries and melons, are a healthy substitute for junk food. Breastfeeding mothers should also increase the amount of whole grains in their diets by eating whole-wheat bread and brown rice.

Tips to Stop Breast-feeding

If you are a new mother, breast-feeding your baby might be one of the most challenging parts of your new role. Although there are many benefits for you and your baby, you may choose not to breast-feed. Whether this is by choice, because of the baby's age or for a medical reason, there are ways to make the process of stopping easier and less painful.

Decrease Number of Sessions

According to the Mayo Clinic, breast-feeding is based on supply and demand. Whether your baby is getting your breast milk from a bottle or from your breast, the more frequent the feedings or pumping sessions, the more milk you will produce. Because of this, when you are attempting to stop breast-feeding, slowly decreasing feeding sessions will tell your body that you shouldn't produce as much milk, and your milk supply will slowly decrease.

Topical Treatments

If you decide to quit breast-feeding, and your body is used to producing milk, you may experience engorged breasts. This can be very uncomfortable. To ease this pain, put cold cabbage leaves on your breasts about every two hours. They can be put inside your bra for convenience. According to parenting.ivillage.com, you should continue this treatment as needed. Ice packs also will help reduce the swelling of your breasts.

Oral Treatments

Medications, such as ibuprofen, can be taken to ease the pain of engorged breasts and may also help dry up your milk supply. Make sure to get the okay from your doctor before taking any medicines while breast-feeding, and only take the amount of medication that your doctor recommends. There are also some natural beverages you can drink to decrease milk supply. According to justmommies.com, drinking sage tea can help inhibit your milk production.

Other Foods

Once you introduce other foods into your baby's diet, he will want to breast-feed less often. When your baby is about six months, you will probably start slowly introducing solid foods into his diet, which will help decrease your milk supply. If your baby is still under one year old, supplementing with formula is one way to provide nutrition to your baby without breast-feeding.

Wear Comfortable Clothes

According to parenting.ivillage.com, binding your breasts to decrease your milk supply is uncomfortable and could lead to a plugged duct or a breast infection. Wear a comfortable and supportive bra, especially if your breasts are engorged. When your breasts are engorged, they may start leaking milk. To prevent the milk from soaking through your bra and shirt, wear breast pads between your bra and breasts.

Babies and Different Breastfeeding Styles

Nursing is a positive way to bond with your baby while also providing nourishment. Find a position that works well for the both of you that is comfortable and maximizes your milk let down. Settle into a comfy chair and gaze into your little one's eyes to prepare for feeding. Use a pillow for support and keep a glass of water by your side for an enjoyable feeding experience.

Football Hold

The football hold is a good position to use for mothers recovering from C-sections, since the baby does not lay across your stomach. To achieve this hold, place a pillow under your arm and position your baby's body by your side, so that she's tucked under your arm. You'll need to support her head with your hand and bring her mouth to your breast.

Cradle Hold

Place a breastfeeding support pillow on your lap to align your baby parallel with your breast. The support prevents your back and shoulders from getting sore. Cradle the baby in your arms with her body facing your stomach, to avoid her head turning in an awkward position. Your baby should fit snugly into the crook of your elbow. After she empties your breast, simply turn her head to your opposite arm to switch sides.

Side-Lying Hold

This is a very useful position for tired mothers during late night feedings. Simply lie on your side with your baby's body facing you. Pull her close and position her mouth onto your breast. If she's still hungry after emptying one breast, you will need to turn her around and lie on the opposite side of the bed. After feeding, return her to her bassinet or crib to continue sleeping.

Cross-Over Hold

The cross-cradle hold gives the mother more flexibility and control of the baby latching on and provides a deeper latch, according to Mary L. Gavin, M.D., of KidsHealth.com. This position resembles the cradle hold, but instead of the baby's head resting in your elbow, you hold the baby's head against the breast with your hand. You support your breast with your opposite hand to position the nipple into the baby's mouth.

How to Lift Sagging Breasts After a Baby

Having a baby takes a toll on your entire body. During pregnancy, your uterus gets bigger and your breasts can increase by one or more bra sizes. After giving birth, your breasts will most likely change size again, but rapid inflation and deflation of your breast tissue can cause the skin to sag. There are various methods you can try to lift your breasts back up to where they used to be.

Instructions

1

Perform pushups. Since your breasts are made from fatty tissue, you cannot firm them as you would do with muscle tissue. But you can slightly lift your breasts by strengthening the pectoral muscles behind them. Get down on all fours. Place your hands a little wider than your shoulders and straighten your legs while balancing on the balls of your feet. Contract your belly and keep your body straight as a plank. Inhale and bend your elbows up to 90 degrees to lower your upper body toward the floor. Exhale as you push yourself back up to the starting position. Perform half pushups (with your knees resting on the floor) if you are not strong enough to do full pushups.

2

Purchase a push-up bra to lift your breasts. Have the sales person take your measurement so that you buy the correct bra size. Try the bra on and look at your body profile in the mirror. Push-up bras can lift your breasts to give you subtle to maximum cleavage.

3

Consult your doctor about undergoing breast lift surgery, also known as a mastopexy. During the surgery, the nipple gets re-positioned on the breasts, thereby giving the appearance that the breasts are lifted. Breast lift surgery can also be combined with breast enlargement surgery.

4

Make a breast mask and apply it to your breasts once a week. Grind a cucumber and mix it with an egg yolk. Apply the mixture to your breasts and leave it on for up to 20 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water. A breast mask helps tone and lift the breast tissue.

5

Shower cold water over your breasts followed by warm water. Go back and forth between cold and warm water. This stimulates circulation and firms the breast tissue.

How to Calculate Percentile Weight Loss for Infants

As any mom can tell you, babies grow quickly. But during the first week or so of life, babies actually lose weight. A healthy formula-fed baby will normally lose about five percent of his birth weight, while a breastfed baby averages seven percent in weight loss. (Ref. 1.) A mother needs to keep track of the baby's weight changes during the first few weeks to be sure that the baby is healthy and getting enough to eat.

Instructions

1

Make sure that your newborn is weighed carefully and accurately immediately after birth. If you have any doubts about the measurements your doctor gives you, ask to have the baby weighed again. Knowing the baby's birth weight is essential for calculating weight loss and the amount of time it takes your baby to regain its birth weight.

2

Ask to have your baby weighed when you are discharged from the hospital or birth center. This weight will be lower than the weight the baby had at birth. Doctors and scientists are not quite sure why babies lose weight during the first few days after birth, but almost all babies do.

3

Calculate the percent of weight loss. Divide the lower weight by the baby's birth weight. This will give you a decimal amount.

4

Monitor your baby's weight---either at home or by taking baby into the pediatrician's office for weight checks. Within a week, the baby's weight should begin to increase. In most cases, babies regain their birth weights within two weeks, though some take as long as three weeks. If your baby loses more than 10 percent of his birth weight or continues to lose weight after a week, you need to talk to your pediatrician. If you are breastfeeding your baby, you will need to meet with a lactation consultant to make sure that your baby is nursing properly and that you have an adequate milk supply.

How to Remove Gentian Violet Stains From Skin

Gentian violet is a dye that is effective as a topical treatment for yeast infections. Often breastfeeding mothers and babies who are suffering from a common yeast infection can treat the infection by applying gentian violet to the affected skin of both the mother and baby. Gentian violet is generally successful when used to eliminate yeast on the skin. However, a drawback of using gentian violet is the deep purple stains that occur on the skin wherever it is applied. There are several methods you can try to remove gentian violet stains from your skin.

Instructions

1

Apply Vaseline or lanolin cream around the babys mouth before applying the gentian violet. This will help prevent the gentian violet from absorbing into the skin.

2

Wipe up excess gentian violet from the mothers and babys skin as quickly as possible with the paper towels so the excess does not soak into the skin.

3

Saturate a cotton swab with a small amount of vodka or isopropyl alcohol. Dab carefully at the gentian violet stains on the mothers and babys skin to remove the stains. Do not allow the vodka or isopropyl to touch the babys lips, where the baby might accidentally ingest the liquid.

4

Moisten a paper towel and use it to rinse the vodka or isopropyl alcohol from the mothers and babys skin. The wet paper towel will both rinse away the vodka or alcohol and remove as much of the gentian violet as possible.

5

Rub a baby wipe over the stained area if any gentian violet remains on the mothers or babys skin. The alcohol in baby wipes is often effective for removing gentian violet stains. Rinse off the skin after rubbing it with the baby wipe.

How to Reduce Infant Reflux

Infant reflux is common in newborns and young babies, however, too much infant reflux can be a sign of a more dangerous condition that can be harmful to a baby's health. Most babies experience infant reflux at least once a day, and infant reflex usually subsides by the time the baby is 4 months old. If your baby seems to have excessive spit up, try these tips to reduce infant reflux.

Instructions

1

Breastfeed. Studies have shown that breastfed babies are much less prone to infant reflux, and cases are much less severe. Breastfed babies also have less trouble with infant reflux during the night than formula fed babies.

2

Remove any tobacco smoke from the baby's environment. Research has shown that tobacco smoke greatly increases a baby's susceptibility to infant reflux.

3

If breastfeeding, eliminate caffeine from the mother's diet. Caffeine has been shown to contribute to infant reflux.

4

The baby might also have an allergy to milk products. If breastfeeding, try eliminating dairy products in the mother's diet.

5

Avoid positioning baby flat on his/her back, as infant reflux in worsened in this position.

6

Avoid putting pressure on baby's belly, and do not dress baby in pants that have tight waistbands. Instead, dress baby in things like onesies that do not press on the stomach.

How to Lose Baby Weight Day by Day

When you are recovering from pregnancy and childbirth, taking on the task of losing baby weight can be daunting. The amount of weight that you are carrying depends likely on genetics and how much weight you gained during pregnancy. The crucial thing during this time is your baby and your own health and recovery. Focus on making small changes to lose baby weight day by day. Don't even attempt to diet or exercise until your six-week post-partum appointment. That is especially important if you're breastfeeding.

Instructions

1

Make a quick smoothie to have for breakfast. This is perfect for new mothers as they are portable. Make them with almond milk, blueberries and bananas. Add spinach or another veggie for a nutritional boost. Customize it to your taste preferences. Throw the ingredients in a blender and enjoy the delicious smoothie.

2

Add good fats to your diet. This may seem counter-intuitive as fat is higher in calories than protein and carbohydrates. It's key to choose good fats, such as olive oil and avocado. A drizzle of olive oil on vegetables or meat will help keep you full longer, which can prevent eating unhealthy snacks.

3

Take one to two quick walks per day. Once the baby gets older, increase the time and length of the walks. Begin by walking around the block with the baby in a stroller. Increase to walking 30 to 60 minutes per day. Break it up into two walks to make it more time efficient.

4

Lift weights. Weight training creates muscles which speed up your metabolism. As it may be difficult to get to a gym, get some dumbbells and lift weights at home. Purchase dumbbells from 5 to 25 lbs., depending on your fitness level. Do weight training exercises such as bicep curls and and shoulder presses.

5

Eliminate excess sugar from your diet. Avoid eating candy and drinking soda. They contain empty calories that aren't beneficial for your health or your waistline.

How to Take Supplements that Increase Breast Milk Production

While breastfeeding is a natural process, and virtually all pregnant women will produce plenty of breast milk, there are times when some women need to boost their breast milk supply. In some cases, medical conditions may limit supply. in others, past breast reduction surgery may lead to low breast milk production. Stress can also reduce breast milk supply, as well as chronic sleep deprivation, poor nutrition, inadequate water intake, and medication interactions. No matter what the reason, low breast milk supply can be a very difficult condition to deal with, and when you are working to breastfeed an infant or toddler, knowing how to take supplements that increase breast milk production is an important strategy in counteracting breast milk problems.

Instructions

How to Take Supplements that Increase Breast Milk Production

1

Eat oats. Eat oatmeal, bake and eat oatmeal cookies--be creative. eat at least one cup of oats every day, split into two or more eating sessions. Drink plenty of water when you eat the oats. Oats are a galactogogue (something that increases breastmilk production) and are very healthy for your digestive tract as well.

2

Take fenugreek capsules. Fenugreek is an herb that helps to boost breast milk production. It has a "maple effect"--women who take fenugreek in large enough doses to increase supply find that they exude a maple-syrup scent. Start with 1 capsule per day for a few days, increase to 3 capsules per day (1 capsule three times a day), and then go to 2 capsules, three times a day, for as long as you need your milk supply to be boosted. Drink eight to sixteen ounces of water with each batch of fenugreek pills.

3

Drink half a dark beer up to three nights a week. This may seem counterproductive, but many experts recommend drinking half (6 ounces) of a dark beer like Guinness, to help stimulate breast milk production. Nurse the baby right before his or her nighttime sleep, and then drink the beer. By the middle of the night feeding, you should experience increased milk production, and the impact of the alcohol on the baby is negligible as your body will have metabolized the alcohol and very little will be in the breast milk supply.

4

Drink Mother's Milk Tea. There are many versions of this tea on the market in grocery stores. Pick one and follow the directions.

5

Mix Brewer's yeast into your morning glass of orange juice. Start small, with no more than 1 tsp. Brewer's yeast can not only increase breast milk supply, it has the added benefit of being rich in B vitamins. These vitamins can help regulate your moods as you experience hormonal shifts from birth and breastfeeding.

Prolonged Effect of a Breast Pump

Breastfeeding can be challenging for mothers, especially those who are returning to the work place and plan on pumping exclusively. Breast pumps can be incredibly convenient and can fit virtually any budget if you buy them used or stick to renting them for the period you plan on breastfeeding.

Side effects of long term breast pumping

Exclusively pumping can lead to a decrease in milk supply after only a few months "on the pump." If you find that your milk is running low, you should begin pumping more often for longer periods of time to replenish your supply.

Sore, cracked, dry nipples

Whether you are breastfeeding or using a pump, sore dry nipples are one of the main complaints many moms have. While this can be temporary, many woman experience some degree of discomfort in waves, especially when using the pump exclusively. Using a nipple cream and lowering the suction level on your pump may ease most, if not all, of the discomfort.

Appearance

During the time you are breastfeeding, your breasts are going to change in appearance. They may be larger and firm when engorged with milk, and soft when they aren't. Your nipples may appear warped at times, and may appear swollen or twisted from the suction on the pump. These cosmetic side effects are temporary, and once you stop breast pumping your breasts should return to their normal shape and size.

Health effects

Breastfeeding your baby has been know to lower risks of cancer, obesity, depression, and diabetes. The longer you are pumping, the more immunities your child may build up against these common diseases.

Talk with your doctor

If you are concerned with the effects of prolonged use of your breast pump, speak with your doctor, midwife or local La Leche League about what you can do to diminish some of the uncomfortable side effects, all while continuing to breastfeed your child.

How to Wean a Co-Sleeping Baby From Your Bed

Co-sleeping is a wonderful, beneficial bonding experience for new babies and parents. But all good things must come to an end, and eventually it will be time for your child to learn to sleep in his own bed. Weaning is a gradual process of graduating from one developmental stage to another. If it is forced or rushed, the child may regress, or have difficulty moving on to the next stage. Using these tips will help make the transition go as smoothly and naturally as possible.

Instructions

1

First, know that there is no set age or time when a child must leave the family bed for his own. Co-sleeping can be just as beneficial for small children as it is for infants, and only you can decide when it is no longer working for your family. It is completely at your discretion.

Children need to learn that sleep is a positive and secure experience, not a scary or lonely one. A newborn does not even realize that Mom is a separate person until at least 3 months old. Until 9 months old, they don't yet understand the concept of "object permanence": that something (including you) still exists even when they can no longer see it. Crying is baby's way of communicating their needs, so listen and respond. Babies are not trying (or able) to manipulate you - they are trying get a need met: food, diaper change, comfort. Never let a baby cry himself to sleep or "cry it out". It creates fear, insecurity, and destroys his trust that his needs will be met. A baby who doesn't cry is not a "good" baby, but one that has given up on trying to communicate, because they've lost confidence that you will respond to their needs. Not a good sign!

2

One major transition at a time. Do not start weaning from your bed while baby is sick, teething, approaching a major milestone (like crawling or walking), or adjusting to a new home, caregiver, schedule, or sibling. Babies need extra reassurance and comfort during these times, so it's best not to mess with their routine until the dust settles.

3

Start with using the crib just for naps. Children should not be left alone on an adult bed once they are old enough to roll (unless the mattress is placed directly on the floor), so the crib is the safest place. Nurse, rock, or wear baby to sleep in a sling. The warmth and rhythm of your body reminds baby of the womb, and helps him relax and make the transition to sleep. When he is in a deep enough sleep, lay him down in a crib (use the "limp wrist" test to see if he is sleeping deeply enough - lift the baby's hand, and if it flops back down with no resistance, the baby is probably deeply asleep). As soon as baby wakes up and cries, go and pick him up. Letting him know that a loving parent will respond to his cries builds trust that his needs will be met, and prevents fear and resistance of the crib or sleeping separately from you.

4

Do not leave baby to cry in the crib. Look at it from her perspective: a dark room, a cold mattress, bars all around her, and mommy is nowhere in sight. She cries, and no one responds to comfort and reassure her. How is this supposed to teach her to relax and welcome sleep as a pleasure, rather than a scary and lonely experience? All sleep-training advice books aside, go with your maternal instincts on this one.

5

If baby wakes the moment she touches the crib mattress, try minimizing the "shock value" putting a warm blanket under her (it may be the cold that's waking her). Try to make her mattress feel and smell the same as your bed, so she doesn't automatically know the difference in her sleep. Create an atmosphere for sleep by darkening the window, turning on a fan or air purifier for white noise, and maybe playing a lullaby CD.

6

Once baby is comfortable with the crib for naps, start placing him in the crib for the first part of the night (great time for romance, if you were wondering...lol). When baby wakes for his first middle-of-the-night feeding, bring him to bed and nurse him there so you both can go back to sleep.

7

Later, when you only have one or two nighttime feedings, you can transition to nursing baby in a rocking chair in her bedroom (this requires you to stay awake long enough to finish the feeding, make sure baby is deeply asleep, and lay her back in the crib). If she wakes repeatedly (teething is notorious for this), it's OK to finally just bring her back to bed with you, and attempt it again at a later time.

8

For children older than a year, it's OK to start teaching them to stay in bed, if they wake immediately after you set them down. When he stands up in the crib, gently lay him back down while holding his hand or rubbing his back. You want to reassure him that the crib is a safe place, and you're not going anywhere until he's completely comfortable with it. This will probably be a battle of wills (and if it's the first time, a long one), so be prepared to gently hold your ground. Eventually your exhausted baby will stay laying down and hold your hand until he falls asleep, understanding that you are not abandoning him. (Note: If he keeps crying, check to make sure there isn't another reason, like a wet diaper, hunger, thirst, or tooth trying to break through).

9

Later, you can begin simply standing by the crib, instead of holding baby's hand. Then you can try sitting in a chair in the room where she can see you (great time to read that book you've been trying to get to). She knows you're not abandoning her, but this is time to sleep. If she keeps standing up, lay her gently on her back, and go back to your chair. Eventually she will understand that you're not going to pick her up. You'll just continue to make her lie down. Again, if she cries for an unusually long period of time, check for a wet diaper or other reason she may be distracted from sleep.

10

Eventually you will be able to leave baby in the crib, kiss him goodnight, and walk away without any crying. He has come to understand that the crib is a safe place, sleep is not a lonely or scary experience, and you are right there to meet his needs if he cries.

11

There are many of you who have read this far and think, "This takes way too long. There's GOT to be a faster way!" You're right, there ARE faster ways. But faster is not always better when it comes to our children's needs. We're a "microwave" society, used to flipping a switch and getting instant gratification. Our children don't work that way. Leaving a child to cry for hours or forcing them in to a step that they are not ready for only creates insecurity and distrust, and breaks communication between parent and child. Our job as parents is to listen and respond to our child's cues, respond to their needs, and instruct them as they are ready to learn.

How to Feed a Baby Enough Breast Milk

Many women choose to breast-feed their baby and give their little one all the benefits of breast milk. One of the biggest concerns for mother's who are breast-feeding for the first time is supplying enough breast milk for their bundle of joy. Although you can't measure the amount of milk the baby is digesting, there are a few ways to tell if baby is getting enough to eat.

Instructions

1

Burp your baby after every feeding and observe his mood. Feed your baby a minimum of 8 to 12 times per day or more as your newborn requires. Listen for your baby to coo or drift off to sleep to know he is finished eating. Overall, a sense of satisfaction is what you're looking for in your child after breast feeding.

2

Notice how many diapers you change. Your baby needs to produce approximately 6 to 8 wet diapers each day; about 2 to 5 stools in the first few days; and 2 or less stools thereafter. Typically, the stools are loose in the beginning and firm up with proper nutritional intake by the mother. Breast feeding your baby is the primary source of nutrition and processing waste indicates your baby is well fed.

3

Check that your baby is putting on the proper amount of weight. On average, the newborn increases weight consistently for the first 3 to 7 days. Loosing a little weight is common within the first week of being born. A good sign that your breastfeeding is sufficient is when the baby grows healthy and strong.

4

Feed your baby for 15 to 20 minutes each nursing. Offer both breasts to the baby at each feeding to encourage milk production. Milk supply that lasts for the full length of time during breast feeding proves there's an adequate amount of milk available for baby's ingestion.

5

Monitor the baby's appetite to ensure a healthy desire to eat often. Let the baby dictate how often and how long to eat. The more you breast feed, the more milk you produce. Expect milk until your let-down reflex occurs. Nursing often prevents engorgement as breasts fill while waiting to release the breast milk.

6

Eat properly. The mother needs to consume an additional 500 calories to produce enough milk for the baby. Drink plenty of fluids, eat a healthy balanced diet and increase intake of calcium, as necessary.

How Soon Can You Start Birth Control Pills After Giving Birth?

When selecting a birth control option, post-pregnant women have additional factors to consider, especially if they are breast-feeding. As the most popular form of reversible birth control, the pill is an obvious choice.

Sex After Pregnancy

Doctors at the Mayo Clinic advise women to listen to their bodies when it comes to how soon to have sex after delivery. It's important to let the body heal and adjust to the changes of having a newborn.

Misconceptions

It's a common misconception that if a woman is breast-feeding she cannot become pregnant. Lactational amenorrhea is an effective natural contraceptive, but it requires a strict feeding schedule of nursing every three to five hours.

Expert Insight

According to midwife and women's health care consultant Pat Sonnenstuhl, ARNP, CNM, MS, "Regular birth control pills can be started at two weeks postpartum. Low dose progestin can be started sooner."

Types

Women are advised not to take regular birth control pills (containing both estrogen and progestin) if they are breast-feeding. Doing so may reduce the mineral content and the supply of breast milk. Doctors prescribe a mini-pill, a progestin-only formulation that doesn't affect nursing.

Warnings

The only 100 percent effective birth control is abstinence. Using multiple methods is the best way to prevent pregnancy.

Does Nursing Increase the Mother's Libido?

Every woman is different, and a woman may even have different experiences with different pregnancies. With her first pregnancy, a woman may find that her libido doesn't return for months after the birth, while after the second child she may feel ready for intimacy again much sooner, regardless of breastfeeding. However, breastfeeding does tend to have certain effects on a woman's sex drive, and the effects may last for several months after nursing ceases.

Nursing Does Not Increase Libido

While some women may experience an increase in libido while breastfeeding, as a general rule nursing tends to diminish sex drive in women, rather than enhance it. There are ways to improve this problem, but often women feel less inclined for sexual activity while breastfeeding.

Why Nursing Decreases Libido

Breastfeeding decreases the amount of estrogen you produce, according to HealthyWomen.org. Estrogen helps keeps your vagina moist and flexible, so if you're lacking in that you may find sex a bit uncomfortable. And if sex is uncomfortable you're less likely to want to have it. Also while nursing, your body makes more prolactin, a hormone that suppresses sexual desire. At the same time, you're also producing less testosterone, which is a male hormone but is also responsible for increasing overall sex drive in women. All in all, hormones are wreaking havoc on your sex drive. In addition, you may be exhausted from the physical demands of breastfeeding and emotionally drained from taking care of a small person all the time, in addition to being sleep-deprived. Not a good combination for a healthy sex life, at least temporarily.

How Long Does the Decrease in Libido Last?

For some women, libido will get back to normal as soon as breastfeeding ceases. In other cases, though, it can take a bit longer. IntimateMarriage.org explains that for some women, libido doesn't return until several months after breastfeeding is finished. Rarely, it can take up to a year after a woman ceases breastfeeding for her to get her normal sex drive back.

How to Improve Libido While Breastfeeding

If you're having trouble getting in the mood for sex, try to establish intimacy with your partner in other ways, such as taking a bath together or giving each other a massage. Carve out time together as a couple, even if that means having a candlelit dinner at home once a week after the baby is in bed. If possible, take some time alone without the baby so you can go out on a date, take a long walk or even just go shopping by yourselves. When you do have sex, take it slow and use a water-based lubricant if necessary to make it more comfortable for you.

How to Make the Breasts Firmer

How to Lose Belly Fat While Nursing

Losing belly fat while nursing a baby can be difficult due to the high amount of calories new mothers need to take in. You should never consume fewer than 1,800 calories per day. According to Waystoburnfatquickly.com, portion control, healthy eating habits and exercise can help you burn off your extra belly fat while you are breastfeeding without hurting your milk supply. It may take six months or more to lose all the extra weight you've gained while pregnant.

Instructions

1

Eat frequently. Every three hours is ideal. This will take the edge off your appetite and allow you to more easily control the portions you eat. Eating a snack such as nuts between meals is a good way in which to do this. Even if you want to lose belly fat, it is important to eat enough calories to keep you healthy. Breastfeeding will cause you to lose about 850 calories each day, but you must eat enough to satisfy that calorie requirement as well as that of a healthy diet.

2

Drink as much water as you can to fully hydrate yourself. This is especially important if you plan to engage in a workout regimen. Dehydration can cause undue fatigue. You will be able to tell if you are drinking enough water by the color of your urine. If it is light yellow, you are well-hydrated. If it is a dark color, you need to drink more water.

3

Choose foods high in nutrients and protein over foods that are not or that could be considered junk food. Not only will this help you lose weight, but also it will improve the nutritional value of your breast milk. Peanut butter and milk are examples of foods high in healthy calories and nutrients. Fruits, vegetables and foods high in fiber are also important components of a healthy postpartum diet. Avoid fatty foods.

4

Do exercises that work out your abdominal area, or your core. Simply tightening your abdominal muscles regularly will aid in toning the muscles there. Pilates offers many effective exercises that firm up your core. Use rubber bands or weights for resistance training, and exercise at intervals that are high in intensity. But first, consult your doctor as to when is a good time to begin doing these exercises. Depending on the nature of your pregnancy and delivery, you might need to wait a bit after delivery to begin working out your abdomen.

5

Do cardio workouts regularly. A workout as simple as power walking can lead to quick and effective weight loss all over, including your belly. You may even do this while pushing your baby in a stroller around the neighborhood. However, do not work out too aggressively. This can cause undue stress to a body recovering from pregnancy and delivery.

What Is the Labor Law for Pumping Breast Milk at Work?

The general consensus among doctors and mothers on feeding an infant is definitely that "breast is best." But mothers who go back to work when their babies are still very young have a difficult time providing milk. If they choose not to supplement with formula, they must then pump all day long while they are at work, both to provide a milk supply for the secondary caregiver and to keep their milk supply coming. But just what are the laws protecting moms who pump at work?

Employer Awareness

The first hurdle for a mother who wants to pump her breast milk at work is getting her employer to fully understand the importance of the situation and to allow some workplace changes. Many employers are simply uninformed about the issue, and may not realize that the mother needs workplace support to make things happen.

Designated Areas

Many understanding employers have provided a private, dedicated pumping station for mothers to use at their discretion, which can vary from company to company. However, there are no laws regarding this designation, so the designated pumping area may not be a private, out-of-the way room. It may simply be the employee's office or cubicle, or even the restroom.

The Laws

There is no federal law protecting a mother's right to pump in her workplace. There are state laws in place, however these laws vary greatly from state to state and are arbitrarily enforced. There are 12 states that have statutes that maintain a woman's right to pump in the workplace: Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Tennessee, Illinois, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oregon, Montana, California and Hawaii. Georgia and Oklahoma have laws saying that an employer "may" allow pumping at work, which does not bind them to anything at all. Some states have laws that allow an employer to refuse a woman's right to pump in certain areas, and there are no laws at all that allow extra breaks or meal times to allow for pumping. And there are only three states--California, Oregon and Hawaii--that have actual penalties for employers that don't comply with breast-feeding laws.

Why It's Not Always Allowed

Cate Colburn-Smith, co-author (with Andrea Serrette) of "The Milk Memos: How Real Moms Learned to Mix Business with Babies---and How You Can, Too" has said that an employer's hesitance to protect an employee's right to pump in the workplace is that they feel there is such a low demand for it, they'd rather not put it into practice and designate a specific area (see "Mothering" article). However, she feels that the low demand is more a product of women being afraid to bring it up with their employer. There is also an issue of fairness with employees that don't need to pump. They sometimes feel like the woman is getting special treatment, with time to pump and a special place to do it. These complaints seem to stem also from misinformation and unawareness.

What You Can Do

If your workplace has a private pumping area, and you're allotted time for pumping, take advantage of the opportunity. If not, you'll need to assert yourself with your employer. Bring it up in a professional and non-confrontational manner. Let them know of your needs, and if applicable in your state, your rights. Be prepared for questions and objections from coworkers. The more women that speak up and ask for these rights, the more employers the world over are bound to provide what is needed.

Infant Milk Requirements

The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend giving milk in any form to children under one year old. Cow's milk does not contain enough of the essential nutrients that infants need, and contains too much protein, potassium and sodium. Parents should feed Infants either breast milk or an iron-fortified infant nutrition formula during their first year. They may add certain solid foods at four to six months of age.

First Days

Infants require only small amounts of breast milk during their first days of life. This amount increases over the first few days. On average, an infant will consume about 15 ml of colostrum per feed the first day. Colustrum is a sticky fluid produced by the breasts for a few days after birth, before the mature milk comes in. This increases to roughly 20 ml per feed within the next two days. The amount of colostrum consumed increases to 30 ml per feed by day three. At this point, the mother's breasts start to produce mature milk. By the fourth day, most infants will consume about 45 ml of milk per feed. At five days, this increases to 70 ml per feed or more.

Colostrum

Colostrum is produced during pregnancy and during the early part of breastfeeding. Colostrum is easily digested and extremely nutritious, providing a large amount of carbohydrates and protein. It is much thicker than mature breast milk, and has a yellow or orange color. Colostrum contains a number of antibodies to aid the baby in warding off infection. It also has a laxative effect, which helps the baby in his first bowel movements, which helps to prevent jaundice.

Critical Ingredients

Breast milk contains a number of critical ingredients that make it the ideal food for infants. It is high in protein, fats and carbohydrates. It also contains nitrite and nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide normalizes blood pressure, helps to stave off infections, and aids the nervous system. Colostrum has much higher concentrations of nitrite than mature milk does. Colostrum also has much lower levels of nitrate than mature milk.

Expressed Milk

An infant's consumption of breast milk increases rapidly over the first few weeks, then levels off from one to six months of age. The baby will likely increase consumption during this time for short growth spurts. After six months, milk consumption will begin to drop off. To determine how much expressed milk an infant will need, count the number of times per the baby feeds per day. Divide 25 ounces by this number and you will have an approximate figure for how much expressed milk you will need for each feeding. For example, if the baby typically feeds 10 times per day, he will need roughly 2.5 ounces of expressed milk per feeding.

How to Keep a Baby From Biting

Much to a mother's dismay, your baby starts biting during breastfeeding. There are three reasons that babies bite during breastfeeding. They bite because they are teething, because they are bored, or because they are playing. With patience and persistence, a baby can be taught to stop biting during breastfeeding.

Instructions

1

Determine if your baby is teething. Babies bite when they are teething because the biting helps to soothe their sore gums. If your baby is teething, apply a numbing solution designed for teething babies such as Baby Orajel. If your baby is still biting after applying the numbing solution, give her a teething ring to chew on and soothe her gums. A teething ring that is cold from being placed in the refrigerator, provides extra soothing relief to her gums.

2

Determine if your baby is biting out of boredom or being playful. If your baby is not teething, then she is biting out of boredom or as a play behavior. A baby biting out of boredom, usually appears disinterested in breastfeeding and nurses without enthusiasm. A baby that is playing usually bites the hardest. A playful biting baby is viewing the nipple as a toy and does not realize that he is hurting you.

3

Stop breastfeeding the bored baby when she bites and participate in an interactive activity with her to help relieve her boredom.

4

Teach the playful biting baby not to bite by loudly saying (not yelling) "ouch" and discontinuing nursing for a minute. After a minute, attempt to breastfeed again. If your baby bites again, repeat the process again. This step may need to be repeated over and over again, until your baby understands that you will stop breastfeeding every time she bites.

5

Never yell at your baby for biting. She is not trying to be bad. She just does not understand the concept of hurting you. Following the above methods will teach your baby to stop biting. Be patient, it may take your baby days to realize that biting is unacceptable.

How to Treat a Sinus Infection While Nursing

A sinus infection causes pain and pressure and makes you feel miserable. As a nursing mother, you may worry about how to relieve your discomfort without risk to your baby. Many home treatments for sinus infection are perfectly safe for a breast-feeding mother. Even if you need to resort to antibiotics, you can do this safely without interfering with breast-feeding.

Instructions

1

Use a humidifier in your bedroom to relieve sinus pain and help prevent repeat infections. Make sure to keep the humidifier clean.

2

Breathe steam by holding your face over a bowl of hot water or by breathing deeply while running a hot shower.

3

Drink extra fluids, especially water, broth and hot liquids. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages.

4

Sleep whenever your baby sleeps. Getting extra rest will help you recover.

5

Flush out your sinuses with a neti pot. You can purchase a neti pot at pharmacies, health-food stores or online. Mix 1 teaspoon salt into 16 ounces of lukewarm water. Fill the neti pot with this solution. Stand over a sink, tip your head to the side at a 45-degree angle, and pour the solution into the top nostril. Allow the solution to run out your other nostril. Spit out any that runs down your throat. Gently blow your nose. Tilt your head the other way, and repeat with the other nostril. Carefully clean the neti pot after each use.

6

Ask your doctor to recommend an over-the-counter medication or prescribe an antibiotic that is known to be safe for breast-feeding. Some medications are better choices than others while nursing. Your doctor should be able to prescribe an antibiotic that will not disrupt breast-feeding in any way.

7

Time your dosage, so the least possible amount of medication will be in your milk when your baby nurses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for help in determining the best time to take your specific medication in relation to nursing.

How to Ease Bronchitis Symptoms With Alternative Remedies

Bronchitis is an upper respiratory illness that involves the lung's airways becoming inflamed and the bronchial tubes being obstructed. Causes include bacteria or viral infections, smoking, pollutants or allergies. Symptoms you may experience when you have bronchitis are a hacking cough, chills, chest pain, congestion, wheezing, sore throat, fever and difficulty breathing. Your doctor may want to treat you with prescription drugs, like antibiotics or inhaled beta2-agonists. If you want to try alternative remedies instead, there are some available.

Instructions

1

Eat lots of garlic and onions when you come down with a case of bronchitis. Garlic has natural antibiotic properties and both garlic and onions have quercetin, an antioxidant that aids in reducing inflammation in your lungs. Use caution when consuming large amounts of garlic if you are on blood thinners, protease inhibitors, diabetes drugs or anti-platelet medications.

2

Break up congestion in your lungs with cayenne pepper. Cayenne comes from a plant grown in South America and is popular for both culinary and medicinal use. You can get it in capsule or extract form and take as directed by the manufacturer. Consult your doctor before taking cayenne if you take blood thinners or are on ACE inhibitors. You should avoid cayenne if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or on theophylline, an asthma drug.

3

Ask a homeopathic practitioner which remedies can help ease your bronchitis symptoms. Several homeopathic remedies are available, including Pulsatilla, Dulcamara, Byonia, Silica, Calcarea calbonica, Antimonium tartaricum, Sulphur, Hepar sulphuris calcareum and Causticum. A practitioner can determine the best remedy for you as an individual. Homeopathic remedies are safe to use.

4

Suck on slippery elm bark lozenges to bring relief to your respiratory tract and stop coughing in its tracks. Slippery elm contains a soluble fiber called mucilage, that helps to ease your discomfort during an attack of bronchitis. This is a safe herb to take, even if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should take it apart from any prescription medications you already take to avoid the risk of any interactions.

5

Take fenugreek to help reduce the buildup of mucus. Fenugreek comes from the seeds of a plant that originally grew in Asia and Europe. You can find it in capsule or tea form and should take the dosage suggested by the individual product. You should avoid this herb if you are pregnant or on prescription drugs, such as Heparin, Warfarin, Glipizide or Ticlopidine. If you are unsure about whether fenugreek is safe to take, talk to your doctor.

6

Blow up some balloons several times each day for a period of two months. Doing so can actually help to improve your lung function and help you to breathe better. This is especially helpful if you have chronic bronchitis.

Colon Cleanser Home Remedies for Nursing Mothers

Many people have seen the benefits of engaging in a colon cleansing program to improve health and well-being. Nursing mothers need to take extra care in choosing a colon cleansing program. Restrictive diets and strict fasts are not safe while your body is working to make milk for your baby, and when it comes to herbs and medications, risk to the baby must be a primary consideration.

What to Avoid

New mothers sometimes experience constipation. If you are already taking care of yourself by getting plenty of rest, eating healthy food and drinking clear water, you may want to try a colon cleansing kit or program to help your bowels along and to possibly lose some impacted waste weight.

While not every substance you ingest winds up in your milk, many do, so you should use caution. Many cleansing products contain the harsh stimulant laxatives senna and cascara sagrada. While the American Academy of Pediatrics states these seem to have no effect on the nursing baby, according to kellymom.com other breastfeeding specialists advise against these herbs because they might cause diarrhea in the breastfeeding child. It is also best to err on the side of caution with herbs like horsetail and milk thistle, which are used in some colon cleansing products and actively work on the liver and kidneys.

What to Try

The safest and most effective means of cleansing and detoxifying your system is to change your diet. Avoid white sugar, highly processed foods, and drinks and foods with artificial sweeteners. To cleanse your colon, build your diet around vegetables and fruits--at least 75 percent of the foods you eat should be plant-based--lean animal protein, dairy foods and high-fiber whole grains. Drink at least 64 oz. of filtered or distilled water every day. While you are breastfeeding you should not fast; however, you can drink vegetable soups or juices as one meal each day to give your digestive tract a rest. Do not go hungry.

The soluble and insoluble fiber in fruits, vegetables and grains absorb the water you drink and bulk up in your intestine. Bulk prompts your digestive system to get to work on elimination. Insoluble fiber scours your intestinal walls to clean out any mucous buildup. These actions combine to help your body absorb more nutrients from the food you eat.

If you are really having a hard time eliminating and have gone a few days without having a bowel movement, you can use a magnesium-based laxative. A study published June 1, 2002 in the "Lancet" by D. Altman et al. concluded that intravenous use of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) to treat pre-eclampsia is effective and does no harm to the mother or baby. This being the case, ingestion of magnesium at recommended dosages for laxative purposes should pose little risk. The American Academy of Pediatrics lists magnesium sulfate as a low-risk laxative for nursing mothers. Magnesium oxide and magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia) have not been reviewed by the AAP.

How to Treat Hypertension While Breastfeeding

Hypertension is defined as an elevated level of blood pressure in a person. A woman's blood pressure is slightly elevated for three to five days after the delivery of a child but typically goes back to normal levels shortly thereafter. Women who are breastfeeding and have hypertension may have more difficulty producing enough milk for their baby. However, if you are nursing, there are several prescription drugs that are safe for you to take to treat your hypertension. In addition, you can take some stress-reducing steps to help lower your blood pressure.

Instructions

1

Start an exercise routine. A postpartum mother can do simple things like taking a walk with the baby in the stroller or taking 5 to 10 minutes a day to do stretching and yoga exercises. Eventually adding increased cardio and weight training can also help reduce stress and can help a mother lose some "baby weight" and reduce her elevated blood pressure.

2

Continue taking prenatal vitamins. In addition to the benefits your baby will receive from them as you nurse, the additional vitamin C and E will help reduce high blood pressure as well.

3

Stick to a healthy diet. Avoid very fatty and salty foods and eat a well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, grains and proteins. However, stay clear of some vegetables that may cause your baby to be gassy (cauliflower, cabbage, dishes heavy in onions or garlic) because they pass through the breast milk.

4

Consult with your doctor about safe hypertension medications to take while breastfeeding. Adalat, Procardia, Lopressor, Inderal or Aldomet is often prescribed by physicians to treat high blood pressure after childbirth. The drug will be prescribed in a regular dosage (typically one to two times a day in a pill form), and continued until the blood pressure can be more readily controlled without the use of medication.

5

Take time each day to sit and relax alone. Even if it's only five minutes, take time to take a break to sit down, take a bath or read a book or magazine. Giving your body and mind enough rest regularly will help reduce your stress levels and ultimately help reduce your blood pressure.

How Long Does it Take to Lose Pregnancy Weight?

Aside from wondering what their baby will look like and what type of mom the will be, many expectant mothers spend a lot of time during their pregnancy wondering: How long does it take to lose pregnancy weight? Doctors recommend that most women gain between 25 and 35 pounds during their pregnancy, but the rate at which women lose this weight after pregnancy varies greatly.

Misconceptions

Many first-time moms labor under the misconception that after they deliver their baby they will be right back to their pre-pregnancy weight. Unfortunately, this rarely happens. The baby, placenta and other fluids expelled during delivery usually only add up to around 10 to 15 pounds or less, leaving several more pounds of weight to lose.

Considerations

How long it takes to lose pregnancy weight depends a lot on whether a woman chooses to breastfeed her newborn. While women who opt to breastfeed often burn a lot of calories and lose weight by breastfeeding, it also prohibits them from doing much dieting. Women who do not breastfeed are often approved for exercise and reasonable dieting just a few weeks after a normal delivery.

Time Frame

Depending on how much weight was gained during the pregnancy, most women can expect to lose their pregnancy weight within a few months to one year after delivery.

Prevention/Solution

No matter how long it takes to lose pregnancy weight, women should have realistic expectations about weight loss. Extreme dieting and rapid weight loss are never recommended for post-pregnancy weight loss, often resulting in weakness, fatigue and a greater likelihood for the weight to return. Instead, women should expect to lose a healthy one to two pounds a week until they return to their pre-pregnancy weight. Regular moderate exercise and a sensible diet should make this goal highly attainable.

Potential

Most doctors recommend that instead of agonizing over how long it takes to lose pregnancy weight, expectant and new moms should focus on keeping themselves healthy and energetic and enjoying their new babies. Dwelling on excess pregnancy weight is not healthy and accomplishes little.

How to Treat Nipple Problems

Congratulations! You've decided to commit to breastfeeding your new baby, because you know it's the best thing for both her and you. But does it have to hurt so much? Dry, cracked, and bleeding nipples are common when breastfeeding. This article will tell you how to treat nipple problems common to breastfeeding.

Instructions

How to treat nipple problems

1

Soothe your nipples! After nursing, gently cover each nipple with a cool, used tea bag or even a cabbage leaf. Both are recommended solutions by breastfeeding experts.

2

Treat your nipples. After each nursing, let your nipples air dry and then gently rub some lanolin cream on each one to prevent drying and cracking.

3

Prevent nipple bleeding: Use proper nursing positions. If you are struggling with this, contact your local Le Leche League to get some breastfeeding help.

4

Hang in there! With consistent nursing, most nipple problems diminish and even disappear by the time your baby is 3 months old.

5

Take comfort in the fact that you are doing what experts agree is best for your baby!

Home Remedies for Sore Breasts from Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a wonderful time between a mother and baby and the health benefits of breast milk for the baby are well documented. It's not uncommon for most mothers to experience some form of soreness in the breasts or nipples, especially during the first few weeks of breastfeeding. There are some home remedies mothers can try to ease the discomfort.

Position

Much nipple soreness is due to incorrect position for nursing. Make sure the baby's mouth is completely opened-as in a yawn-and center the nipple in the baby's mouth making sure that most of the areola is in the baby's mouth and not just the nipple. Correct nursing positions generally eases any discomfort within a few days.

Benefits of Air and Light

Air drying nipples reduces chapping of the nipples due to constant exposure to moisture. Rather than drying the nipples with a cloth, leave the flaps of the nursing bra open until the nipples are dry. In "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Children" Dr. Fleiss recommends using a hair dryer set on low heat to dry breasts. Dr. Fleiss also suggests exposing the breasts to sunlight for a few minutes.

Natural Ointment

Nipple dermatitis--when the nipple is red, feels hot and is slightly swollen--could be a reaction to something that was applied to the nipple, such as lanolin or Vitamin E ointments. "Breastfeeding Basics" recommends rubbing the breast milk into the nipple as an ointment and allowing it to air dry, as breast milk has antibacterial properties.

Compresses

Warmth eases the discomfort many mothers experience due to engorgement. Lay a heating pad set on low on top of the breasts. If you don't have a heating pad, apply a towel warmed in the microwave to the breasts. Sitting in a warm tub oftentimes will cause the mother's milk to let down and ease the pain. When cold feels better than heat, mothers can try a chilled towel or Soothies, which are gel pads that are stored in the refrigerator and worn between feedings.

Warning

If the soreness in the breasts or nipples persists, contact your doctor, as there could be a medical problem. Sometimes the mother's nipple may crack and the baby may ingest some blood, which might show up in the baby's stool or spit up. Although this is not harmful, anytime you see blood in the baby's stool or spit up, contact your pediatrician.

What Are the Treatments for a Nursing Cat's Sore Nipples?

There's no picture quite as motherly in nature's world than a mother cat whose body is curled around her nursing kittens. In most cases, this scene remains picture-perfect, as the kittens gain nourishment from their mother. But in some instances, the mother cat can develop ailments reducing her milk flow or causing intolerable pain in her nipples. As most kittens tend to select one teat as their favorite and won't nurse elsewhere, it is a cause for alarm when one of mama kitty's nipples become incapacitated.

Mastitis

Any lactating mammal, a cat included, can develop the painful ailment called mastitis. Its cause is a retention of milk in the breast, making it turn to a cottage-cheeselike substance instead of free-flowing milk. This occurs either because the mother cat is producing more milk than the kitten is drinking or because of a deformity in the teat itself that does not allow the milk to escape. Signs of mastitis include red and swollen teats that can appear to be bruised. The teats are overly hot to the touch. It is possible to manually "milk" the mastitis infection out of the cat's teat. However, unless you have prior experience or have been taught by a veterinarian, it is best to seek professional advice for a first encounter with mastitis. Placing hot compresses on the teat can alleviate symptoms. In many cases, however, antibiotics are necessary to clear the infection.

Nail Scratches

The nails of kittens develop very quickly and become razor sharp within the first week of life. They are getting ready to scratch just like their mother. They naturally dig their claws into their mother as they nurse; in most cases they miss the teat but hit her belly instead. In some cases, though, a kitten can scratch his or her mother's teat, causing tearing and bleeding of this sensitive tissue. Apply standard feline first aid methods of cleaning the wound with hydrogen peroxide and a nontoxic antibiotic cream. Trim kittens' nails once a week to reduce the chances of nail scratches.

Bites

Kittens get their baby teeth between the third and fourth week of life. By this time, they are efficient nursers, grasping firmly on to their mother's teat and sucking with all their strength. Teeth become problematic for the nursing mother cat, as kitten teeth are tiny but needlelike; they easily pierce the tender flesh of the teat. It is important that the cat's owner inspect the mother cat's teats several times a day to look for any damage done by her kittens. Again, basic feline first aid techniques apply. When the kittens have developed teeth, it is time to introduce soft foods to the kittens in an effort to wean them and give the mother cat a break.

Abrasions

All felines have rough tongues. The tongues of young kittens are no exception. Having a cat lick your human hand is similar to rubbing medium-grit sandpaper on your skin. As kittens use their tongues in nursing, the nipples of the mother cat can get roughened up. Your veterinarian can recommend a soothing ointment to relieve the mother's discomfort that is not toxic to the cat and will also not repel the kitten from nursing.