How to Switch Back & Forth From Breastfeeding to Bottle Feeding

Breastfeeding creates both a special bond between you and your baby and also provides the vital nurtients your baby needs to thrive. If you are going back to work after a maternity leave or planning to have someone else care for your baby at times, you need to figure out how to switch back and forth between bottle and breastfeeding. It is best to use expressed breast milk while bottle-feeding, but you can also supplement with formula.

Instructions

1

Establish a firm breastfeeding relationship with your newborn by exclusively breastfeeding for at least the first three weeks of his life. During this time, you will be establishing an adequate milk supply and should consider pumping after your baby finishes feeding to begin to build up your stock of breast milk.

2

Store pumped breast milk in the refrigerator for up to five days or up to three months in the freezer. You should store the pumped milk in a breast milk storage bag near the back of the refrigerator or freezer, not on the door.

3

Choose a bottle with a nipple that has a wide base and round nipple to closely mimic the appearance and feel of your nipple. Purchase several different types of bottles to experiment with which bottle and nipple your baby prefers to feed.

4

Begin by introducing one bottle a day to your baby. Consider having a family member or friend offer the bottle to your baby -- often a baby will refuse a bottle from her mother as she associates you with breastfeeding -- and choose a time when you know your baby will be hungry.

5

Continue to breastfeed -- especially at night, when babies often nurse for comfort -- whenever possible. Ideally, you will continue to breastfeed until your child reaches the age of 1 or older.

6

Continue to attempt to feed your baby with a bottle even if your baby is showing resistance. Dont force-feed your baby, but offer the bottle at least once a day and do not get discouraged.

7

Pump your milk during the feedings you are offering by bottle to maintain your milk supply. Talk to your employer -- if returning to work -- about pumping while at work. Most states have laws protecting a breastfeeding mother and allowing her to pump while at work.

8

Consult a lactation consultant if you have any concerns about your baby not accepting a bottle or if your baby is not wanting to breastfeed after using a bottle.

How to Pump Breast Milk by Hand

Breast milk pumping is good for both mothers and newborn infants. When you pump or "express" your milk ahead of time, you can store it for feeding later while you do other things.

Unfortunately, breast milk pumps can be expensive. Hospital-grade brands go for $700 to $1,200 a unit. You could rent a pump from a hospital for around $40, but even this is too much for many families today.

Pumping breast milk by hand is the cheapest way to express your milk. It's less messy too. If you want to save money and have time to spare, learning how to pump your breasts by hand is worth the effort.

Instructions

1

Prepare a a clean container or two. Choose a container with a wide mouth. You could use a 2oz. or 4oz. feeding bottle. If you use a bottle with a narrow mouth, use a funnel. Wash the container in hot water.

2

Wash your hands with soap and water. Dry them.

3

Place the container on a table below your breast. If using two containers to simultaneously pump both breasts, measure the space so each container catches milk from one nipple. Secure them to the tabletop with a two-sided tape to avoid knocking them off by accident.

4

Stimulate you breast. Massage it gently with your hands. Use a warm cloth or towel if it helps. You might want to handle your baby skin to skin too. All this helps tell the breasts to start yielding milk.

5

Bend over. Do this either seated or standing up. Sitting would be more comfortable. Make sure your nipple is facing down on the container. Do not express milk with your nipples vertical, as this would only cause the milk to spill.

6

Begin pumping your breasts. Place your thumb and index finger on opposite sides, on the dark area around the nipple - the aerola. Not the nipple itself. If the aerola were a clock, it would look like 6 o'clock.

7

Press the thumb and index finger toward each other, as if squeezing the aerola. Then pull and roll them forward. In effect, you're holding the aerola and pushing toward the nipple. This pushing action expresses your milk out. Stop right at the edge of the nipple. You should see milk oozing out of your nipple as you stroke.

8

Continue breast pumping with varying movements. Change your pumping phase as it feels right to you. Move the thumb and index finger (still as a pair) all around the aerola "dial." Make sure you cover all directions to get all the milk out. Alternate between breasts if you're pumping one at a time. Do not squeeze the nipple directly.

9

Clean up after you're done breast milk pumping. Wipe your breasts and hands with clean tissue or cloth. Wipe the edges of the container as well.

10

Seal the container tightly. Label it with the date and time you pumped the breast milk in it. Store in refrigirator.

How to Care for a Lactating Dog

When a mother dog gives birth, her ability to produce milk for her newborn puppies serves as their only source of food for the next four or five weeks. During this time, the mother dog needs special care and additional nutrition in order to keep herself healthy and produce sufficient milk for her litter. In addition, this can be a stressful time for your dog and you can ease her anxiety by providing a secure location for her to nurse her puppies.

Instructions

1

Offer frequent small meals to your dog when you can express a small drop of milk from a nipple with a gentle squeeze. Lactation starts before the mother dog whelps (gives birth) and is a sign that labor will begin soon. Feed her high-quality dog food with at least 30 percent protein and give her access to fresh water at all times. A lack of water may reduce her milk production.

2

Introduce each newborn puppy to its mother's milk as soon as it is born and cleaned up. The nursing action of the puppies stimulates more milk production in the mother dog. This is a crucial time for a mother dog and you can assist her by placing each newborn puppy at an available nipple and holding it gently until it begins nursing.

3

Give the mother dog some privacy and security. Stress and anxiety can slow her milk production. A lack of milk (agalactia) may result if the mother dog fears for the safety of her newborn puppies. Restrict visitors during the first two weeks, if she appears nervous. Sit beside her and comfort her; offer her a well-known toy and minimize distracting noises during this time.

4

Increase your dog's food during lactation. Her body needs more nutrition now in order to produce milk for her puppies. Puppies grow rapidly and they demand more milk and the mother dog's appetite will increase substantially. She may eat as much as three times the amount of food she did before she gave birth. Ask your veterinarian about supplements to increase milk production (see Resources).

5

Check the mother dog's nipples daily for redness, soreness or infection. According to Iams.com, one or more mammary glands may become inflamed and painful, reducing milk production and causing the mother dog to avoid nursing her young. Call your veterinarian immediately if this occurs. Occasionally, the nursing puppies may irritate the exterior of the nipple and scratch the tender surrounding skin. Apply a dab of petroleum jelly to the nipples to help soothe and heal surface irritation.

6

Give your dog a break. Your mother dog needs to go outside to use the restroom and exercise after a nursing session. After the puppies nurse and are sleeping, encourage the mother to get up and go outside for a few minutes.

7

Provide a barrier that your mother dog can step over or jump over by the time her puppies are two weeks old. This allows her to nurse and then jump out and for some much needed rest. A cardboard box or another barrier that allows her to enter and exit easily but prevents the puppies from straying is optimal.

How to Use Breast Milk for Medicinal Purposes

Not only is breast milk the most perfect food for your baby, there are many other uses for breast milk. The antibacterial and healing properties of breast milk make it a wonderful remedy for anything from an eye infection to a stuffy nose. Cancer patients have been known to drink breast milk to boost their immune systems.

Instructions

1

Rub a little breast milk into a bug bite to help stop the itching.

2

Squirt some breast milk into an infected eye. Continue to do this four times a day until the infection has cleared up. This works well with conjunctivitis.

3

Unstuff your nose with a squirt of breast milk. After you squirt it in, suction or blow the nose as you would if you were to use saline.

4

Soak a cotton ball in breast milk and apply it to a clean face to help heal acne.

5

Rinse your contact lens with breast milk to clean it. This is great if you need to clean a lens but you don't have any solution.

6

Express a bit of breast milk, and apply it to a cold sore. This helps with the pain and speeds up the healing.

7

Drink a cup of breast milk to help boost the immune system. This is not only great for children, but adults can also benefit from the healing properties of breast milk.

How to Get Rid of Pregnancy Weight

You spent nine months taking your time to carefully eat the right foods and get the right amount of everything into your diet for your baby. Now that your bundle of joy is here, who has time to eat, much less eat healthily and get rid of pregnancy weight? You aren't alone. Many moms find themselves not losing the extra weight as fast as they would like.

Instructions

1

Have someone else prepare your food, if you can. Freeze meals ahead of time that are good for you, not just quick to make.

2

Snack on healthy food, such as fruits and vegetables. Eat many small meals a day so you aren't tempted to over-eat at mealtime.

3

Exercise. Even if you can't go to the gym, you can walk while pushing the stroller or following a workout DVD while baby is playing.

4

Breastfeed. Breastfeeding can burn between 500 to 800 calories a day. You will have to eat a little extra to keep enough calories for the baby, but they seem to come off more easily for nursing women. When you cut back on or stop breastfeeding, you will need to also cut back on the extra food.

5

Get out of the house. Sitting around the house for days at a time is not good for you. Get out and go to the mall, shopping or to the park to walk. Your baby will enjoy a change in scenery and going for a ride in the stroller.

6

Take your time. It took you nine months to gain this weight, and it will probably take about that much time to lose it. Losing too much weight too fast is not healthy for you or your baby if you are breastfeeding.

What Does WIC Cover in Texas?

The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program aims to provide nutritional assistance to low-income pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants and children. Recipients receive coupons stating which types of food products they can receive, depending on personal circumstances. It is a nationwide program, but each state administers the benefits to local residents.

Nutrition Goals

The program aims to give foods that are high in protein, iron, vitamins A and C and calcium to recipients. The Texas WIC program underwent changes in 2009 to include more fresh fruits and vegetables and decrease the amount of saturated fat. These changes also included room for dietary preferences, such as substituting soy milk for cow's milk.

Age-Based Choices

The types of foods that you receive through WIC in Texas varies based on age and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding. For example, a pregnant woman can receive milk, cereal, cheese, juice, eggs, beans and peanut butter, fruits and vegetables and whole grains. A breastfeeding woman receives increased amounts of those foods and an additional allowance for tuna or salmon. Children also receive allowances for these food items, but babies receive the food in the form of baby food -- after turning six months old. Formula-fed babies can receive formula.

Breastfeeding Training

One of the goals of the WIC program is to encourage mother's to breastfeed. Breast milk is best for most babies and is less expensive than formula. To support this premise, new mothers can receive breastfeeding training and support through the WIC program. With this training, mothers can circumvent some of the pitfalls that may cause a woman to stop breastfeeding.

Farmers Market Coupons

The Texas WIC program gives an allowance for fresh fruits and vegetables -- up to $10. If you choose, you can receive special coupons that you can use to purchase these allowances at a farmers market. Since the prices at a farmers market are typically less than those at the grocery store, it allows you to buy more food for your money.

Why Can't You Use Slim Quick While Breastfeeding?

Slim Quick, or any liquid diet, is not approved for breastfeeding mothers. Such a diet can compromise the health of mother and baby. Mothers need extra, healthy calories while breastfeeding. Natural weight loss will occur over time by combining breastfeeding and a healthy diet.

Needs

According to lactation consultant expert Kelly Bonyata, nursing mothers need to consume, at minimum, 1,500 to 1,800 calories a day. Breastfeeding will burn 200 to 500 calories a day.

The Facts

A Slim Quick-type diet contains four main ingredients: skim milk, sugar, fructose and cocoa. The calories in a liquid meal are around 240, which is not adequate for a nursing mother.

Consequences

Parenting expert Heidi Murkoff explains that an inadequate diet will not hurt the baby's milk supply at first. However, it will deplete the mother's store of nutrients. Too extreme of a diet can have a negative impact on milk supply---and therefore the baby's nutrition and growth.

Solution

Research has shown mothers who breastfeed frequently and continue for longer than six months have an increase in maternal weight loss. It is healthy to lose 1.5 pounds a week.

Considerations

To lose weight, Bonyata suggests decreasing fat intake while maintaining high levels of protein, eating throughout the day instead of three large meals, and engaging in moderate exercise. Another option is Weight Watchers, which offers a program targeted for breastfeeding mothers.

How to Nurse a Toddler Who Was Weaned

Weaning from breastfeeding should be a positive experience: a comfortable, natural ending to a special part of your relationship with your baby. However, because of a separation or a mother's pressure, weaning sometimes happens before a toddler -- or mother -- is really ready to be done. Other times, a mother may feel her toddler needs breast milk for medical or nutritional reasons. If you have weaned your toddler but believe for his happiness or health that you should try breastfeeding again, you can relactate with some effort and patience. (See References 1 and 2)

Instructions

1

Breastfeed your toddler whenever she asks to do so. Ideally, you should breastfeed at least every two to three hours. Encourage your toddler to nurse on both sides as long as she wants and allow her to nurse even if she isn't getting any milk. Sucking stimulation causes the pituitary gland to secrete prolactin and oxytocin, the hormones responsible for producing and releasing your milk. The more you nurse your toddler, the more you stimulate your breasts to start producing milk again. (See References 2, 3 and 4 Pages 23-24)

2

Pump every two to three hours if your toddler won't breastfeed frequently enough to build up your supply. Toddlers may become frustrated with breastfeeding if you have little to no milk at first or may simply not be interested in nursing as frequently as you need to relactate. Using a breast pump regularly for at least a month will provide the sucking stimulation you need. Make sure to pump even through the night, since nighttime breastfeeding is especially effective at generating prolactin. (See References 2 and 4 Page 24)

3

Consume foods and supplements that will help rebuild your milk supply. Take at least 3500 mg of fenugreek a day. Slowly increase your daily dosage until your urine smells like maple syrup. Cook and eat a bowl of "steel cut oats" oatmeal every day. Drink half a can of beer. Discuss with your doctor the possibility of taking a prescription medication that increases prolactin levels, such as Reglan. (See References 2, 5 and 6)

4

Find support for your efforts to breastfeed again. Emotional support plays a critical role in encouraging mothers to go through the stress and effort of relactating. Having your partner's support is particularly important if your other family members, friends or doctor disapprove of your desire to breastfeed your toddler again. (See References 4 Pages 18-19)

How to Convert Nursing Bras

Nursing bras offer convenient and comfortable ways to breastfeed. Purchase a well-fitting, supportive nursing bra that will allow for the size changes your breasts will undergo during pregnancy and nursing. Most nursing bras offer such support, but they can be costly. The best way get the most out of your nursing bra purchase is to convert it to a regular bra so you can wear it after your baby weans.

Instructions

1

Remove the release clasp on each strap. This clasp is usually found near the top of the cup, where the shoulder strap is attached. If the clasp is a hook-and-eye closure, use a seam ripper to dismantle the thread that holds the eye in place. If the clasp is the larger plastic variety, cut around the clasp to remove it with scissors, making sure you do not detach the strap from the cup.

2

Remove the hook on each cup. Using scissors, cut the very top corner of the cup where the hook is attached. If the hook is a hook-and-eye closure, remove the hook with a seam ripper by dismantling the thread that holds the hook in place.

3

Pin each cup to its inner sling along the open edge using straight pins. Most nursing bras have a sling inside each cup to serve as support.

4

Sew the cup onto the bra. Stitch the seam evenly using the smallest seam margin possible, not exceeding 1/8 of an inch. Having a larger seam allowance will change the size of the cup.

5

Sew an additional seam on each cup, as close as possible to the previous seam, to reinforce the cup. In order to maintain the support of the bra, the new stitching on each seam should be as strong as possible.

Stages of Breast Milk

Breast milk is widely considered to be the best food for newborn babies. Mothers' milk production starts in the breast glands during pregnancy, and through each stage of a baby's development, it transforms itself to meet the child's needs. During the first days of a baby's life, the supply of milk is low but the nutrient content is high. As breastfeeding is established and the baby grows and changes, the amount and composition of breast milk adapts.

Colostrum

Colostrum is the first stage of breast milk. The mother's body begins producing it even before the baby is born. If your breasts leak while you're pregnant, they're leaking colostrum. Colostrum is orange or yellow in color. It is thicker and stickier than later breast milk and is produced in small quantities. The milk is high in antibodies, carbohydrates and protein and low in fat. This stage of breast milk normally lasts for the first few days after birth.

Transitional Milk

Following after colostrum, breasts produce "transitional milk." As the name implies, this stage of breast milk is a transition between the early colostrum stage and the later "mature milk" stage. Transitional milk lasts for about two weeks. The volume of milk produced increases in line with the capacity of a newborn baby's stomach. While the amount of antibodies in the milk is reduced, antibodies are still produced in sufficient quantities to protect the baby from numerous viruses and bacteria.

Mature Milk

The "mature milk" stage is the last stage of breast milk production and lasts until the mother stops breastfeeding. This milk comes in about two to three weeks after breastfeeding was begun. It is composed mainly of water, which keeps the baby hydrated, and also includes fats, proteins, carbohydrates and antibodies. This milk is the perfect food for babies during the first six months of life and gives them immunological advantages.

Foremilk and Hindmilk

Once the mother's mature milk has come in, the supply should adjust itself along with the baby's feeding requirements. Within a breastfeeding session, there are differences in the mature breast milk. The first milk that the baby gets is called "foremilk." It is thinner and has lower fat content than the "hindmilk." Experts recommend emptying one breast fully before switching the baby to the other breast to ensure that she drinks the more filling, higher-fat and higher-calorie hindmilk.

Nursing & Breast Infection

A breast infection, mastitis, can be a very painful occurrence while breastfeeding. Continuing to nurse your baby, resting and drinking often are key to resolving your infection quickly. While mastitis is most common in the early weeks of breastfeeding or upon sudden weaning, it can occur at any time and should be treated immediately to prevent a severe infection from forming. Seek medical care as soon as possible to ensure you receive the best treatment for your infection.

Causes

Mastitis can be caused by a variety of things. When milk is not adequately drained from the breast--from skipped feedings or a bad latch--the ducts can become backed up and plugged with the excess milk. This can also happen from pressure on the ducts from tight clothing or your sleeping position. Bad latches that have resulted in cracked or bleeding nipples act as a point of entry for the infection which can sometimes be found in your baby's mouth or from a hospital stay. Also, weakened immunity or fatigue puts you at a higher risk of infection.

Symptoms

Noticing a hard wedge-shaped area on your breast that is accompanied by tenderness, heat and redness is the first sign of a potential breast infection. Those symptoms alone may just be a plugged duct, but if you experience a persistent high fever (101.5 degrees F or greater), flu-like symptoms such as the chills and body aches, or red streaking on your breast, you likely have mastitis. Your symptoms should be diagnosed by a doctor to ensure you receive the best course of treatment.

Treatment

Adequate rest and fluid intake are the first things to address when you experience a breast infection. You should also breastfeed your baby as often as possible, aiming for every two hours, to empty your breasts thoroughly. Your baby is most effective at draining your milk, so only pump if absolutely necessary. You will likely notice an increase in pain at the beginning of breastfeeding and through let down when you nurse on the affected side, but you will also feel less pain upon completion. Before you nurse, utilize warm compresses and gentle massage. A hot shower or bath while gently stroking the affected area with a wide tooth comb can be beneficial in releasing the milk more effectively.

Medication

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken to help manage the discomfort you are experiencing. The two most common antibiotics prescribed from mastitis are cephalexin and dicloxacillin; both are perfectly safe to take while breastfeeding your baby. If you are prescribed antibiotics, be sure to complete the course of treatment entirely to be sure that the infection does not relapse. Also, you might want to consider taking over-the-counter probiotics to help reduce the chance of thrush which can be triggered by antibiotics.

Prevention

While some women are more susceptible to mastitis than others, there are measures you can take to help prevent the infection from occurring. Making sure that your baby has a good latch, which sufficiently drains your breasts and prevents cracked and bleeding nipples, is key. Nursing on demand whenever baby is hungry is also important in establishing a milk supply that matches your baby's needs. Avoid scheduling feedings, and nurse equally from both breasts. Stay hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water a day as well. And as always, practice good hygiene by washing your hands before and after nursing and diaper changes.

Healthy Diet Foods for Breastfeeding Moms

If you're like most moms, you're anxious to lose your baby weight as soon as you give birth. A great way to lose weight is to breastfeed your baby. Breastfeeding burns an additional 500 calories per day. It is important to eat the right foods while you're breastfeeding to make sure that you are getting proper nutrition while you're trying to lose weight.

Restoring Your Body

Your body has most likely been depleted of some important nutrient stores thanks to pregnancy. Now that you've given birth, it's important to replenish these nutrients. You will feel better and be able to give your baby more complete nutrition through your breast milk.

What to Eat

Eat a balanced diet. You should eat at least 1800 calories per day. If you eat too few calories, you will be tired, have poor milk production and lose weight too quickly (which also causes poor milk production).

Eat a diet rich in whole grains, lean protein, eggs, dairy products, beans, vegetables, fruits and nuts or seeds (if your pediatrician says it's okay). You should eat a little more protein than normal to help your body provide the protein that your baby needs. It will also help you feel full longer.

Whole grains provide fiber and other nutrients while also helping you feel full. Fruits and vegetables provide tons of important vitamins, minerals and fiber. It's best to eat either fresh or frozen fruits since canned fruits often have a lot of sugar added to them. Try to eat a lot of dark green leafy vegetables since these are especially high in nutrients, including calcium.

You can eat fish, but be careful not to eat it more than two or three times a week due to potential mercury contamination.

Foods to Limit or Avoid

You may want to avoid peanuts and peanut products while nursing although this hasn't been shown to completely prevent peanut allergies. You should limit your caffeine to only one or two cups a day. Also limit your alcoholic beverages. Try to drink any alcohol four hours before you'll be nursing again so the alcohol won't be excreted into your milk.

Pay Attention to Your Baby

Try to pay attention to what you're eating, especially if you start to notice that your baby has times when he is excessively gassy or uncomfortable. Some foods that are common triggers of discomfort are dairy products, garlic, beans, and broccoli. Talk to your doctor about cutting these foods out if you suspect they may be causing your baby discomfort.

Why Can't You Do Nutrisystem While Nursing?

If you're nursing a baby and carrying a little extra weight, you may be tempted to join Nutrisystem's comprehensive weight loss program. Resist the urge. It may be unhealthy for you and your baby. Here's why:

Extra Weight After Pregnancy

Exercise with your baby

Your extra weight after delivery is natural and provides an important source of energy for producing breast milk. You will likely lose your pregnancy weight gain over the course of six months to one year.

Caloric Needs

Your body will need extra calories to produce between 16 and 48 ounces of breast milk per day. That adds up to 400 to 1,000 calories per day, apart from your own body's needs for calories. Nutrisystem provides just 1,200 calories per day.

Diet Rsks

Dieting while nursing creates health risks for you and your baby.

Dieting may decrease your milk supply, which can result in inadequate weight gain for your baby. Supplementing with infant formula can further decrease your milk supply by reducing the amount of time the baby is at the breast.

Exercise, Don't Diet

You can lose a bit of weight and remain healthy by combining a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet--approximately 1,800-2,000 calories a day--with 30 minutes of exercise three to four times a week.

The Bottom Line

Nutrisystem recognizes the health risks of dieting during breastfeeding. It's Agreement of Terms and Conditions states, "You may not use a Nutrisystem program if you are pregnant [or] nursing." Hold off on calorie restriction until you've completed breastfeeding or until your baby is receiving most of his nutrition from solid foods.

How to Wean a Breastfed Baby to Formula

You can make weaning a positive experience for both you and your baby. When weaning an infant from breast-feeding to formula, start the process in a gradual manner. Abrupt weaning can traumatize your infant and can lead to engorgement, the enlargement of your breasts caused by expanding veins and the pressure of new milk coming in, and, ultimately, mastitis. Mastitis is the inflammation of tissue in one or both breasts, and it can cause extreme discomfort. Twelve months is the suggested age to begin weaning your baby off your breast.

Instructions

1

Understand how your baby feels; your breast and the physical closeness of his mother's body is important to your infant, and it's difficult for him to let go of something he's known his entire life. Provide comfort items such as blankets, pacifiers and teddy bears to help wean your baby off breastfeeding. If your baby is 1 year old or older, try feeding her toddler snacks such as puffs. Don't expect to wean your baby overnight; it may take time and an adjustment. Wean your baby before they start teething since teething babies tend not to wean as easily, according to "Parents" magazine.

2

Eliminate one daily feeding from your feeding schedule and substitute formula in a bottle. Your baby will have to get accustomed to formula, its taste and its texture, all of which differ from breast milk. "Parents" reports that you should not begin by eliminating the first or last feeding from the schedule because these are the times when your baby needs the most comfort and the closeness provided by contact with her mother.

3

Consult a doctor for the proper formula for your child; some babies are allergic to the ingredients in certain formulas. Watch for signs and symptoms that your baby is having an allergic reaction to the formula; your pediatrician and you will experiment to find the best formula for your baby.

4

Distract your child when he gives signs that he wants to breast-feed. Give your baby extra affection to try to get his mind off your breast. Provide something new such as a toy, food or game. Keep your baby active by taking her to parks or on long walks to keep his mind off the breast. Baby Center recommends that babies as young as 7 months who dislike bottles can go straight to a sippy cup; find one decorated with a colorful cartoon character.

The Best Medication for Postpartum Depression

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 13 percent of new moms experience postpartum depression within a year of giving birth. A number of antidepressants are available to treat depression and alleviate its physical and psychological symptoms.

Symptoms

Becoming a new mom can be overwhelming.

Women who feel sad, overwhelmed, and devoid of energy and motivation for more than two weeks should be screened for postpartum depression. Additional symptoms include changes in appetite and sleeping patterns as well as diminished interest in activities.

Causes

Hormone levels change after giving birth.

Genetics, previous history of depression, chemical changes in the brain and hormonal changes after pregnancy may all contribute to postpartum depression. Estrogen, progesterone and thyroid hormone levels all drop after giving birth, potentially leading to depression.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

You can breastfeed while taking certain antidepressants.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Paxil (paroxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline), are antidepressant drugs that increase serotonin activity in the brain, helping to regulate mood and promote feelings of well-being. Women with postpartum depression may take these medications while breastfeeding.

Atypical Antidepressants

Seek help if depression lasts longer than two weeks.

Atypical antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion), affect three different neurotransmitters: serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. These neurotransmitters affect mood, pleasure and hormones throughout the body. Atypical antidepressants may be taken while breastfeeding.

Talk Therapy

Talk therapy can help.

Some women with postpartum depression find that medication alone is not enough. During talk therapy, a woman can discuss her changing roles, her depression and her feelings about being a new mother.

Support

Get support from friends and family.

Join a support group and ask family members and friends for help. Seek immediate medical attention if you have thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby.

How to Prevent Infant Formula Allergies

While most babies are able to digest and tolerate infant formula, some babies develop an allergy to one or more of its components. Most infant formulas are made from cow's milk or soy, so developing an allergy to either of these ingredients can mean that your baby can no longer tolerate her formula. If you have a family history of food allergies, there are some steps that you can take to reduce the chance of your child developing food allergies, including an allergy to infant formula.

Instructions

1

Avoid eating peanuts and nut products during pregnancy, especially if you have a family history of food allergies. Eating peanut products while pregnant may predispose your unborn baby to food allergies, including allergies to milk and soy, which are prevalent in baby formula.

2

Breastfeed your baby for as long as possible. The act of breastfeeding can help your baby to build up her immune system and avoid allergies. Nursing your baby for six months to a year will help her to avoid developing allergies.

3

Do not give your baby milk until she is a year old. Holding off on the introduction of cow's milk minimizes the potential that she will develop an allergy to milk. A milk allergy will cause your baby to have an allergic reaction to any milk-based formula.

4

Do not offer your baby solid foods until she is six months old. Offering solid foods before then can cause your baby to become allergic to certain foods, including those found in formula.

How to Keep Baby Awake While Breastfeeding

New mothers have a lot to learn. Each baby is different and requires different techniques for each aspect of their growth and development. One common obstacle new breastfeeding moms face is keeping their little one awake to eat. The comforting and soothing connection with mommy makes it easy for baby to fall asleep, often hindering his food intake. Below are some steps to help keep baby awake while your breastfeeding.

Instructions

1

Remove your baby's clothes before breastfeeding. This will keep her cool and it's harder to sleep when she's not warm and cozy.

2

Change your baby's diaper before breastfeeding, a technique that wakes baby up very well. If he still falls asleep, change his diaper again before switching breasts.

3

Stroke your baby's cheek and lips with your nipple. This stimulates her rooting (searching for the nipple) reflex.

4

Pretend to pull your nipple out of your baby's mouth, or stick your finger between your nipple and the baby's mouth to break the latch. The constant sucking is what tends to put baby to sleep, so taking away the nipple will cause him to start sucking hard again to keep it in place.

5

Touch your baby's ear or stroke her arms or legs. These touches will distract from the comatose state that she is in and help her to again focus on the task at hand.

6

Sing loudly to your baby, without yelling, of course. The quiet atmosphere helps to lullaby him to sleep, so a song that is loud and has a quick tempo may disrupt that overly soothing environment.

7

Place a cool washcloth on your baby's belly, leg or forehead. The cool sensation is bound to wake her up.

How to Lose Weight After Giving Birth / Pregnancy

After having a baby, many mothers will gain weight and never find ways to shed those pounds no matter how hard they try. After each child, the mother's body will get bigger and bigger. Weight gain is not only bad for your health, but also contributes to lower self esteem. This article talks about ways to lose weight after giving birth.

Instructions

1

The easiest way to lose weight after giving birth is breastfeeding. By producing milk for your baby, your body use up lots of calories in the process. During this period that you are recovery from giving birth, you should only use breastfeeding as a way to lose weight gain during pregnancy. It is important to remember that the body is still trying to recover from child birth.

2

After breastfeeding, you will have to control calories intake because your body is no longer burning the same amount of calories. If you still eat the same amount as before, you will gain more weight on top of the pregnancy weights. The key to losing weight after pregnancy is calories intake control.

3

After your body has recovered to normal, it is time to exercise to shed those extra pounds. Exercising is the best way to burn calories. Combined with calories intake control, you will shed those stubborn extra pounds in no time.

How to Breastfeed While You Have Mastitis

If you're a breastfeeding mom, chances are somewhere down the line you're going to get mastitis. Mastitis is an infection of the breast, usually caused by some germ that gets in your baby's mouth and transfers to you while nursing. Symptoms can include a fever, chills, swollen and painful breast, engorgement and redness. Nursing on the affected breast can be painful and is not something a woman looks forward to! But it's necessary to try and keep the milk flowing and to relieve the pressure on the sore breast. Here are some tips to help you survive these painful nursing sessions and help make them a little bit easier.

Instructions

1

Nurse the engorged breast first. The baby's suction power will help unclog the breast and get the milk drained, easing the pressure. If the breast isn't engorged, nurse on the healthy breast first to make it less painful for you.

2

Try using hot and/or cold compresses on the breast to ease the pain before and after nursing. A hot bath can be helpful, too.

3

Take Ibuprofin or Tylenol to bring down swelling and ease pain.

4

Massage the breast while breastfeeding to help loosen the milk from the clogged areas.

5

Try to take a deep breath when the baby latches on, or sing a little bit, loudly. It helps take your mind off that initial suction pain!

How to Lose Weight After Childbirth

Losing weight after childbirth is not hard if you prepare yourself with the following tips. It takes dedication, and it definitely takes time. Remember the old adage: If it took 9 months to put on the weight, it'll take 9 months to shed it. The truth about losing weight over a long stretch of time is that you should make it a lifestyle, instead of relying on crash dieting. Diets don't work.

Instructions

1

Breastfeed. Breastfeeding requires you to eat 500 extra calories a day (just like pregnancy), which seems counter-intuitive. But breastfeeding causes your uterus to contract to its normal size quicker, therefore getting rid of that flabby stomach sooner. Breastfeeding also reduces the size of your breasts (which may or may not be a good thing, but it does cause you to loose weight).

2

Calculate the caloric intake you need daily to maintain your current weight.

3

Cut your diet by 100 calories a day. Each pound equals 3,500 calories. If you cut out 100 calories a day, you will lose 1 lb. a month and 12 lbs. in a year. Cutting 100 calories is as simple as substituting water for a carbonated soda.

4

Drink eight to 10 glasses of water a day. If you don't drink enough water, your body will retain the water you do consume, and you will look bloated as a result.

5

Eat healthy foods (like apples and nuts) instead of junk food. They will benefit you by sustaining your energy levels--as opposed to junk food, which causes your blood sugar to surge and than sharply fall. Follow the link in Resources to find healthy food alternatives.

6

Start the day with a hearty breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day because it jump-starts your metabolism and prompts your body to regulate itself. It's also important to eat meals at specific intervals every day, so that your body is able to manage its resources effectively. The more of a routine you're on (eating breakfast at 8 a.m., lunch at noon dinner at 5 p.m.), the more stable your blood sugar will be, and the easier it will be for you to lose unwanted weight.

7

Start walking. Put your baby in a stroller and take a 30-minute walk around the neighborhood. It will help you because walking primes your body for strength training.

8

Lift weights. This will transfer fat into muscle, and will benefit you in terms of weight loss. Muscles increase the body's metabolism, or its ability to burn calories. So although gaining muscles is increasing your weight, in the long run, it will help you slim down. If you don't have any free weights, search around your house for items you can lift, like water jugs, or even your 10-lb. (or more) baby.

9

Start an aerobics workout. There are many free videos (see Resources) that present routines you can do at home. You can also join an aerobics class at your local gym if you prefer a social environment. The important thing is to elevate your heart rate for 10 minutes (in other words, sweat for the full 10 minutes) during each workout.

10

Get lots of sleep. If you don't get enough, your ability to burn carbohydrates decreases, and your blood sugar increases. This in turn creates more fat storage. Getting 7 to 8 hours a night is recommended for optimal body and mind performance.

How to Use Breast Shells

Breast shells are plastic bra inserts used to alleviate sore nipples or to draw out inverted nipples for breastfeeding. The shells generally come in two pieces, a rounded front and a back with a hole for the nipple and have two different backs, one with a larger hole to treat sore nipples by protecting them from rubbing, and one with a smaller hole to press the nipples outward. Dr. Sears, a respected pediatrician, recommends only wearing breast shells for 30 minutes before a feeding, as shells can cause leakage or other breast problems.

Instructions

Use for Inverted Nipples

1

Attach the back piece with the smaller opening to the domed front piece.

2

Insert your nipple through the small opening of the breast shell so the opening is right around the base of the nipple.

3

Put your bra on over the breast shell, making sure the bra fits correctly. Pressure from the bra against the breast shell and your nipple will gradually allow the nipple to move outward.

4

Remove bra and breast shell before breastfeeding.

Using for Sore Nipples

5

Insert the back piece with the larger opening into the front domed piece.

6

Insert the nipple through the back opening. There should not be pressure on the nipple with the larger opening, as it is intended to protect the nipple from rubbing against your bra.

7

Put your bra on over the breast shells.

8

Remove bra and breast shells before breastfeeding.

Dangers of CT Scans

CT scans, often referred to as CAT scans, are noninvasive tests that use special X-ray equipment to help doctors diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions. While CT scans can provide a valuable tool to help doctors locate abnormalities in the brain and throughout the body, investigators have raised concern over the level of radiation used and potential damage to the body as a result of over-exposure.

Complications to Pregnancy

Women who are or who may become pregnant should not receive a CT scan unless medically necessary due to the risk of damage to an unborn child. According to information published on Radiology Info, an online information resource for radiology patients, the radiation used during a CT scan can be absorbed into the body, potentially leading to a variety of damages to a pregnant woman's fetus, including congenital malformations, growth retardation and, in severe cases, loss of pregnancy.

Contaminated Breast Milk

Doctors recommend that women who are breastfeeding at the time that a CT scan is ordered should discontinue breastfeeding for at least 24 hours after a CT scan. Delaying breastfeeding for at least 24 hours reduces the risk of radiation that has been absorbed into the body during the CT scan from being transferred to the infant during breastfeeding. Radiation could cause vomiting and other side-effects.

Allergic Reactions

Another risk of CT scans has less to do with radiation and more to do with contrast materials found in the iodine. It's rare, but some patients develop allergic reactions to the iodine used with CT scans and suffer side-effects such as itching, hives, nausea and difficulty in breathing. Doctors typically treat these reactions with antihistamines to counteract the allergic reaction.

Cancer

One of the most serious risks in regard to CT scans is the potential development of cancer as a result of exposure to the radiation used in the testing process. According to CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook, radiation absorbed into the body during a CT scan can trigger the abnormal growth of cells and development of cancers of the skin, lungs, stomach brain and breasts. According to the article, CT scans should only be ordered if absolutely necessary and, when performed, at the lowest levels of radiation possible to lower the risks of overexposure.

Dandruff Shampoo During Pregnancy

Pregnant women have special health care needs. Drugs and other substances that pose no harm to women who are not pregnant, such as pain killers and antibiotics, may threaten their health or that of their baby. Some topical remedies considered harmless in normal circumstances also come under suspicion when fetal health is a concern. Some dandruff shampoos contain drugs that concern some women and health professionals. In truth, the effects of many drugs on pregnant and breastfeeding women have not been well-studied, and so caution is warranted until more is known.

The Concern

The active ingredient in some dandruff shampoos is coal tar. According to Drugs.com, no tests have been conducted to determine if coal tar poses a danger to pregnant women or threatens fetal health or development. Still, there is concern about coal tar's safety for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Ketoconazole is another active ingredient in strong dandruff treatment shampoos. It is not known whether Ketoconazole could contaminate breast milk if it is used topically (as a shampoo or cream) while breastfeeding.

Other drugs such as selenium sulfide and pyrithione zinc are common dandruff treatments. No studies have been done, and no birth defects shown to be connected to their use.

The Family Groove website recommends avoiding products with coal tar and salicylic acid--another active ingredient in dandruff shampoos--while pregnant.

Recommendations

The standard recommendation to all pregnant women when it comes to medications is to consult their gynecologists. Many women choose to avoid all drugs while pregnant unless it is absolutely necessary--that is, if the harm done by not taking medication outweighs any risk to the health of the fetus.

Finding a Balance

Often, the effect of a drug (or herbal/natural remedy) on pregnant women is unstudied. Some drugs are more suspect than others, but most women will find little definitive information, and much conflicting advice. The best you can do is to find a balance you and your doctor and family are comfortable with. Several natural ingredients with unknown impact may, in fact, pose more of a risk than a single active ingredient with clinical studies supporting its safety.

Alternative Treatments

Women who suffer from dandruff during pregnancy can treat the condition using mild, herbal and natural healing agents. Tea tree oil is the active ingredient in several alternative dandruff shampoos, although because its effects during pregnancy have not been studied, some strongly advise mothers-to-be not to use it. According to Family Groove, selenium sulfide is safe, as is the brand Head & Shoulders, which uses zinc pyrithione.

Further Investigation

When you find out that you are pregnant, take inventory of all the medications and treatments that you are currently using. Bring a list and, if necessary the bottles with ingredient information, to your doctor and determine what is safe to continue using. If you or you doctor are uncertain about a particular substance, discontinue its use until you are no longer pregnant or breastfeeding.

To investigate on your own, search for all the ingredients in your dandruff shampoo on Drugs.com. The website will indicate whether any testing has been done on pregnant humans or animals, and what the recommendation is for its use.

Breastfeeding After Breast Reduction

Breastfeeding is a rewarding and positive choice, but it also can be challenging for anyone. Add in a history of breast reduction or other breast surgeries, and you can easily feel overwhelmed or scared. If you're thinking about breastfeeding after breast surgery, have some peace of mind knowing that is possible.

Is it Possible?

Many women mistakenly assume that breastfeeding after breast reduction or any type of breast surgery is not possible. Others think that it will cause problems and just make breastfeeding more difficult than it necessary.

Today's breast reduction surgeries can be done while keeping your milk-producing tissues intact. If your surgery didn't result in your nipple being completely removed, you have a good chance at breastfeeding. The key is preparation, knowing what to expect and understanding how to deal with any possible complications, such as a low milk supply.

Preparation

If you've had breast reduction surgery, you may experience a low milk supply. This isn't always the case, and even women who have never had any type of breast surgery often deal with this issue. If your milk ducts were damaged during surgery, it can take five years for them to completely recover. However, during pregnancy they grow back quicker. If you find you aren't producing enough milk, there are many things you can do to help stimulate more milk production. Talk to your doctor, midwife, or lactation consultant to learn about the best way to start breastfeeding.

Sufficient Milk Supply

If you think you aren't producing enough milk, consult your doctor or lactation consultant. Sometimes women don't think they're producing enough milk for their baby, when they really are. This only leads to added stress. Some ways you can know that your baby is getting a sufficient amount of milk are:

You can hear your baby swallowing as he feeds. If you watch closely, you can physically see him swallowing as well.

Once your baby is three days old, he should have six to eight wet diapers per day and two to five bowel movements.

After your baby is four days old, he should gain at least 4 to 7 ounces per week

Increasing Milk Supply

Sometimes women don't think they're producing enough milk for their baby, when they really are. If you truly are not producing enough milk, your doctor or lactation consultant will help you decide which methods are best for you.

Keeping your breasts warm and breastfeeding (or pumping) in a warm environment can help stimulate a better milk flow. Take a warm shower, and gently massage your breasts or wrap them in a moist, warm towel for a few minutes before beginning a breastfeeding (or pumping) session.

Several natural herbs are known to help increase milk production including goat's rue, fenugreek and shatavari.

Drink plenty of water. Many women have had positive results with oatmeal and barley when trying to increase their milk supply.

Finding Support

If you're trying to breastfeed after breast reduction or another type of breast surgery, there are places to find specific support for those in your shoes. You can read stories from other moms who have shared their experience at http://www.bfar.org/stories-reduction.shtml. This can be a great motivational source, even if it simply helps you realize you are not alone.

You can interact with other moms who may be going through the same dilemma at the same time at the official Breastfeeding After Breast Reduction forums. You can join at http://www.bfar.org/joinFora.php?cmd=JoinList.

Is Chitosan Safe While Breastfeeding?

Commercial chitosan is made from parts of the skeletons of shellfish. Many medically unsubstantiated claims have been made about its ability to bind to fat and flush it from your system before it can be absorbed. Since breastfeeding mothers are often looking for quick weight loss, they may turn to chitosan as a solution. However, according to Dr. Stephen Barrett of QuackWatch.com and other experts, chitosan is suspect. In addition, there have been no studies on the dangers of chitosan and breastfeeding.

Chitosan and Weight Loss

A 1999 University of Exeter trial studied 34 overweight subjects for one month. Half of the study participants were given chitosan; the rest of them were given a placebo. All participants ate their regular diet. The study found no significant differences between the two groups. Therefore, it's not worth the unknown risk to an infant when chitosan passes to breast milk.

Government Action

In 1999, the FDA issued a warning to a company called TRY-Lean, Inc. It asked them to stop making claims that its chitosan-containing product could "reduce the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, heart attack and cancer." The claims were based on no facts or studies.

Not Enough Study

Since breastfeeding mothers are often looking for rapid weight loss after pregnancy, chitosan might be used as a way to shed pounds. However, without proper study or data on its safety for infants, chitosan should be avoided while nursing your baby.

General Health While Breastfeeding

Instead of a quick-fix weight loss plan, it's always best to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains while nursing.

Chitosan and Cholesterol

Chitosan has also been touted as a cholesterol-lowering agent by such companies as Enforma Natural Products; the 1999 Exeter study also found no effect on cholesterol when chitosan was taken for one month.

Cold Remedies for Breastfeeding Mothers

Breastfeeding moms have to consider everything that they put into their bodies because it can be passed to their baby through their breast milk. Thus when a nursing mom becomes ill, she has to be cautious in what she takes and how she treats her ailment so as not to harm the baby. Breastfeeding moms can take some medications, but lots of moms also use natural and herbal methods to deal with a cold.

Fever

Treat a fever with an Advil or Tylenol. Both have been approved by the American Association of Pediatrics as safe for breastfeeding mothers.

Cough

For a cough associated with a cold, she should take Vicks, Robitussin or Benylin. However, she must still watch for unusual drowsiness in the baby as this could be a sign that the medication is too strong for the infant and thus should be stopped immediately. Medications with an alcohol content higher than 20 percent should not be taken at all.

Sore Throat

Only suck on Vicks, NICE or Cepacol lozenges as they contain menthol and benzocaine. Throat lozenges that contain phenol are not safe for breastfeeding mothers to consume. Gargle apple cider vinegar and water several times a day. Also, drink strong black tea as it soothes the throat while also promoting healing.

Congestion

Congestion of the nasal passages, head or chest can all typically be treated naturally with lots of steam. Spend several hours a day (broken up into shorter 20- to 30-minute sessions) with your head in a hot shower breathing in the steam. Or use a steam humidifier and sit and breathe in the steam four to six times a day.

For clearing the nasal passages quickly, a saline nasal spray works well. If you want to turn to medication to help relieve the congestion, Dimetapp and Sudafed are safe. Some people also swear by placing a few drops of eucalyptus oil on a handkerchief and holding it over their nose to breathe it in for a couple minutes every so often until the congestion clears.

General

Taking care of yourself is the first thing you need to do to get better. This means drinking large amounts of water, getting extra sleep and consuming large doses of vitamin C.

How to Use a Breast Pump in Public

Chances are you won't need to pump breast milk in public often, but working or traveling moms might need to find secluded spots in the parking lot or make use of a conference room with a door that doesn't lock on more than one occasion. Here's how to use a breast pump in public--while keeping your dignity intact.

Instructions

1

Find the most private, secluded place you possibly can. Ideally, you want to avoid pumping in public. Ask to use a bedroom or office with a door that locks. If not, go to the top floor of the parking lot or drive somewhere off the beaten track before you set up the pump.

2

Get your pump set up. Before you expose your breasts, slip on a nursing privacy cover. See if you can fit it over your breasts as well as the pump while still being able to see what you're doing, without disturbing the milk bottles. The popular nursing covers Bebe Au Lait and Hooter Hiders can be used to conceal pumping as well as nursing.

3

Relax and think of your baby as you begin pumping. This will encourage the fastest letdown--and the fastest nursing session. Try not to look at anyone who might be walking by. Listening to music if you're in a car--or even a recording of your baby gurgling or crying--will make for a more productive pumping session.

4

Consider buying a more discreet breast pump if you'll need to use a breast pump in public on more than a rare occasion. While Medela's Pump In Style is the top choice of working moms, if you need to pump in public, you might choose something quieter and more discreet like the Avent Isis hand pump or Whisper Wear, a pump worn in the bra.