Breastfeeding Positions: October 2011

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Staph Infection Causes in Babies

There are many species of the staphylococcus bacteria and each type causes a variety of staph infections in babies. Staphylococcus bacteria can be found everywhere, usually on a healthy person's skin, and cause an infection when the bacteria enters the body or skin. Babies with staph infections can suffer from a range of illnesses, from moderate skin infections to life-threatening toxic shock syndrome. The most common forms of staph infections in babies are bullous and nonbullous impetigo, bacterial conjunctivitis and staph food poisoning.

Skin staph infections in babies, such as impetigo, are a result of the staphylococcus bacteria entering the skin through a wound such as a cut or scrape, an insect bite or a rash such as eczema or the common diaper rash. Bacterial conjunctivitis, also known as "pink eye," is often caused by a staphylococcus bacteria infection in a baby's eye as a result of touching or being touched by an infected person or object and rubbing their eyes. Staph food infections in babies are caused from staphylococcus bacteria that has been eaten or ingested.

The symptoms and signs of a staph infection in a baby will depend on the type, location and severity of the infection. Babies with a bullous impetigo skin staph infection tend to have fluid-filled blisters on their stomach, diaper region, face, arms and legs. Bullous impetigo staph infection blisters burst and create round, open sores that seep with pus and are surrounded by dead skin. Nonbullous impetigo infections are usually located around the mouth, ears or nose and have a red pimple or bump that turns into a crusty, yellow, patchy sore. Bacterial conjunctivitis, or "pink eye," leads to redness and/or itching in one or both eyes. A staph bacterial conjunctivitis infection will also usually produce drainage in the infected eye. Signs of a staph food infection are dramatic and severe nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea. Staph food infections do not usually result in fever, which is what makes this type of infection distinguishable amongst other types of food poisoning such as salmonella or clostridium.

Absolute prevention of any type of staph infection may prove impossible since the staphylococcal bacteria are literally all around you and your baby. Vigorous hand washing is the best way to prevent passing and acquiring skin and eye staph infections. Keep all wounds, sores and openings in your baby's skin covered with sterile bandages until healed. Avoid sharing your baby's items with anyone else and do not share your personal items such as towels, sheets, clothing and razors with others. Prevent staph food poisoning by making sure that all prepared and cooked foods are immediately refrigerated after eating. If you need to leave food out, keep a time restraint of two to four hours before storing.

Babies who have eczema are more likely to develop impetigo staph infections. Babies with impetigo are contagious until the rash has completely healed. Babies with bacterial conjunctivitis or "pink eye," are contagious until they have been on medication a minimum of 48 hours.

Staphylococcal bacteria are able to survive on objects such as towels and pillow cases, making it easy to pick up the infection from coming into contact with an infected surface. Staph infection-causing bacteria are also resistant to high levels of salt, extreme drying and hot temperatures.

How to Use Jenny Craig After Pregnancy

Many new moms will want the help of a weight-loss program to lose post-pregnancy pounds. Jenny Craig is a weight-loss program that is safe for women after pregnancy and those who are breastfeeding. Jenny Craig consultants evaluate each individual's nutritional needs and calorie intake requirements, so you can lose weight safely on the program. A doctor's approval is still important, however. Your doctor will be able to determine if your body is ready for diet and exercise after your pregnancy.

Instructions

Have your doctor determine whether or not a weight-loss program is safe for you after your pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding, a doctor's approval may be required to start the program and he will need to recommend a vitamin supplement.

Call (800) 597-JENNY for a free consultation. Your program director will help you determine a weight-loss plan based on your nutritional needs, desired amount of weight loss, eating style and activity level.

Begin the program by eating the provided meals that are tailored to your needs.

Exercise moderately, increasing gradually throughout the program by adding strength-training exercises.

Participate in weekly meetings with a consultant to monitor your progress. These can be done in person or over the telephone.

Halfway through the Jenny Craig program, prepare yourself for planning and making your own meals. You will need to demonstrate to your consultant that you are able to do this.

Transition out of the Jenny Craig program once you have reached your goal weight. You will begin to receive fewer Jenny Craig meals and will receive a maintenance menu.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Can You Take Birth Control Pills While Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding moms may not think birth control is a priority, but since you may ovulate before your first post-partum menstrual period, you should choose a birth control option at six week post-partum or as soon as you resume sexual activity. While there are non-hormonal options, some new mothers may prefer birth control pills.

There are two types of birth control pills. They are progestin-only pills and combination pills. Neither has been proven harmful to babies through their mother's milk, but they have different effect on a mother's milk supply.

The best birth control pills for breastfeeding mothers are progestin-only pills. These are commonly referred to as "mini pills." They are least likely to negatively affect a mother's milk supply, or your newborn baby.

Combination birth control pills, which contain both progestin and estrogen, may reduce a mother's milk supply and disrupt the nursing process. Some physicians are uncomfortable with the lack of long-term studies on the effects of hormones that pass into your milk via combination pills.

The biggest effect on a mother's milk supply is within the first six months after giving birth. If you can hold off that long, it is best to wait until your baby is over six months old to start birth control pills, so that a good milk supply is established.

The effect of hormonal birth control on a mother's milk supply is the same, no matter how the contraceptive is administered. Oral contraceptives, implants and patches will all have the same effect, if they they contain the same hormone.

Friday, October 28, 2011

How to Transition from Nursing to Pumping Breast Milk

Transitioning back to work after having a baby can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. Although continuing to breastfeed your new baby once you return to work can be difficult, the effort can also be extremely rewarding. Pumping at work can help you feel close to your baby while you are apart, and also allow you to maintain the nursing relationship when you are home. Most importantly, you can continue to provide your little one with breast milk even when you can't be with her.

Instructions

A bottle can be introduced around four weeks of age.

Introduce your baby to the bottle when she is around three to four weeks old. Pediatricians warn that introducing the bottle earlier than this can result in "nipple confusion" and may make breastfeeding more difficult. (See Reference1.) Just one bottle every few days when you baby reaches three to four weeks of age will allow your little one to become accustomed to a bottle and will give you a break.

Start pumping around three to four weeks after the birth of your baby. The best time to pump is after the first morning feeding because typically plenty of milk will be left over even after your little one has had her fill. Do this regularly to get your body accustomed to pumping and also to build up a supply of breast milk to store in the freezer.

Transition your baby to more frequent bottle feedings in the week before you return to work. If she won't take a bottle from you, enlist a friend or spouse to help out. (See Reference 2).

Pump at the same times that you were previously breastfeeding once you return to work. Prepare to spend about half of an hour setting up, pumping and cleaning up your pumping supplies. If scheduling your pumping times according to your previous breastfeeding schedule is not possible in your line of work, just try to pump at roughly three- to four-hour intervals. Any amount of breast milk you are providing is wonderful.

Remember to have all pumping supplies on hand. You will need all the pumping parts, storage bags for your milk, a way to clean your pumping supplies and a cooler for the milk if you do not have access to a refrigerator.

Looking at a picture of your baby when pumping can help you relax.

Try to find a quiet space to pump. Talk to your boss about this beforehand. Pumping while people are knocking on the bathroom door can be stressful. To help you relax, tape a picture of your baby on the wall in your pumping space. If you have more trouble pumping at work than you did at home, a video or tape recording of your baby can be helpful.

How to Wean From Breast Milk

There are several reasons you may want to wean your child from breastmilk. If you are returning to work, you may no longer be able to consistently breastfeed. If your baby is not growing properly on breast milk, your child's pediatrician may suggest you begin weaning. You may also simply feel that it is time to have your child move onto regular milk or formula.

Instructions

Drop one feeding of breastmilk and substutute it with something else. Offer your baby a bottle of either milk or formula, depending on the age of the child and the pediatrician's advice. If you are weaning to formula because the child is not growing at an appropriate rate, you may need to offer a bottle after a normal breastfeeding session.

Nurse for a shorter period of time at any given feeding. It is important to provide enough food and milk or formula during the day to ensure that your baby is not hungry. If after nursing, your baby is still hungry, offer a bottle.

Drop the bedtime feed last. The feeding time right before bedtime is a way to help your baby calm down in preparation for sleep and is often a special time for mom and baby.

End all breast milk feedings. If necessary, you can do this abruptly, but it may be a rough transition for the baby. Weaning gradually will help your baby adjust to the new milk or formula and will help your body adjust to the changes in demand for breast milk. It is best to drop feedings gradually to prevent engorgement.

How to Breastfeed a Newborn in the First Week After Birth

Breastfeeding brings food, love and comfort to a newborn. All experts agree that breastfeeding is the best choice for your infant. The benefits of breastfeeding for your baby include reducing the risks of allergies, colds, ear infections and other diseases. Breastfeeding also benefits you by creating a strong bond with your baby, lowering the risk of ovarian and breast cancer, and helping you lose weight. At first, breastfeeding maybe challenging, particularly if this is your first child. However, the following steps will help guide you in the learning process.

Instructions

Learn as much as you can about breastfeeding before the baby arrives, especially if you are first-time mom. You can take a class on breastfeeding and get help from lactation consultants.

Breastfeed your newborn as soon as possible after birth. You can breastfeed right in the delivery room. Studies showed that a babys sucking instinct is most powerful 30 minutes right after birth. This sucking instinct lasts about two hours.

Do not be alarmed if your milk first comes out yellowish. This thick and yellow milk is called colostrum, which is highly concentrated in protein, carbohydrate and antibodies. Colostrum comes in small quantity. It is easy for a newborn to digest. It supplies your newborn everything she needs in the first few days. Colostrum also has long-lasting effects beyond the first week, boosting your baby's immune system and helping your baby to fight against harmful bacteria.

Know that a good feeding position is important. There are several positions you can try. In the cradle position, you hold your baby with the babys head and neck supported by the crook of your arm. For the football hold, you can start by placing the baby on a pillow. You can then hold the back of the babys head in the palm of your hand and support his shoulder and spine with your forearm. Put the baby's legs between your body and arm. Hold the baby like you are holding a football.

Bring the baby to the breast, not vice versa. Once your newborn feels that your breast is close by, she will open her mouth. Make sure that the baby's lips are latched on properly to your breast. If you feel pain, release the latch and retry.

Establish your baby's needs by feeding him nothing else but your breast milk. Feed your baby whenever he is hungry and not based on a schedule. Don't worry that there is not enough milk. The more milk your baby feeds, the more milk will be made. Frequent feeding leads to the release of a hormone called prolactin into your bloodstream. This hormone, along with other substances, turns on production of alpha-lactalbumin, which causes more lactose and milk to be made.

In the first week, you may experience some contractions in your lower abdomen during breastfeeding. This is normal and often referred to as after pains. They help your uterus to regain its normal size.

What Will Help Babies Grow Taller?

As with other aspects of babies' growth, their height will increase at various rates depending on the baby. Height is often hereditary, so if the parents are especially tall, the baby is more likely to grow taller than other babies of the same age. On average, a baby will grow one to two inches a month for the first three months of life, and another two inches between four and seven months old. There are also ways for you to help increase the rate of growth in your baby.

Not only does breastfeeding help prevent illness, allergies and infections, but the vitamins and minerals also help increase the rate of growth in your baby. Breastfeeding is one way to help your baby get taller at a more steady rate if you are able to. Breastfeed your baby from the time she is born up until at least six months or longer if you prefer. This is a benefit that may lead you to breastfeeding as opposed to giving formula.

Feeding your baby a healthy, nutritious diet is an important part of his development and growth. To help him grow taller, begin feeding him solid foods between four and six months, or when he shows signs he is ready. These signs typically include holding his head up for long periods of time, sitting up comfortably, showing interest in what you are eating and making chewing motions with his mouth. For growth, you want to introduce healthy solid foods which are pureed such as sweet potatoes, applesauce, bananas, peaches and pears. You may also begin introducing rice cereal to his diet by mixing it with breastmilk or formula.

Physical activity is also important in your baby's growth, which includes height and weight. Encourage activity by allowing ample time and space to crawl, scoot and eventually walk. You also want to limit the amount of time she spends in the car seat, stroller, swing and playpen as these typically confine her to small spaces without much room to move around and get more physical activity. Get her to move and crawl more by playing games with her on the floor that require movement as well as getting her toys that she will push around and eventually walk with when she has the ability to do so.

Getting checkups from your baby's pediatrician is important to keeping him healthy and getting up-to-date reports on his rate of growth. His doctor will record and maintain a growth chart each time you bring him in for a wellness visit so this is the time to speak to the doctor about any concerns you have regarding your baby's height and the rate at which he is growing.

Demand Feeding Vs. Scheduled

Feeding your baby is a fulfilling part of being a new parent, but it can also be daunting to figure out how much and how often to feed a baby. Parents and caregivers can struggle to know if feeding a baby on demand is better or developing a schedule for feedings is best. While there is not necessarily one right answer for every family, there are factors to consider when looking at demand feeding versus scheduled.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for babies, at least for the first six months. Breast milk provides all the vitamins and minerals a newborn baby requires, as well as being easy on babies' digestive systems. Breastfeeding creates a special bond between mother and child, while providing important antibodies to protect the baby from infections. However, being a baby's primary source for nutrition and comfort can make it hard to establish a feeding routine. Breastfeeding often requires on demand feeding for both the mother and the child's comfort and needs.

Breastfeeding is not the best option for every family. Babies can also get their required nutrition from formula. Formula feeding with a bottle allows several caregivers to be involved in the special time of feeding a baby and allows mothers the flexibility they may need to return to work or care for other family members. Developing a routine for formula feeding can be as much of a challenge as it is for breastfeeding families.

Demand feeding is precisely what it sounds like: feeding a baby whenever she seems hungry. Demand feeding doesn't follow any particular schedule and may not happen at regular intervals. Many pediatricians recommend demand feeding for the first few weeks for newborns. This can be particularly important for breastfed babies to help ensure the mother's milk supply. Breast milk is low in fat and easily digested, which can leave babies feeling hungry often. Demand feeding can create a sense of well being for both breastfed and formula-fed babies in the first months. Feeding is soothing to babies and allows caregivers a chance to bond with a baby.

There was a time when scheduled feedings was the prevailing theory for baby care, because it was believed to have helped babies learn how to self-regulate and gave caregivers a chance to rest. Some babies fall into a regular feeding routine more easily than others. If feeding at regular intervals is a good experience for caregivers and provides enough nutrition for the baby, then scheduled feeding may be the right choice.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

About Flomax

Flomax is a prescription medication used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH. BPH is a common condition in older men; it is also known as prostate enlargement. Although enlargement of the prostate is a benign condition, it may eventually lead to prostate cancer. Flomax is prescribed in small, easily-swallowed capsules containing 0.4 mg of the active ingredient, tamsulosin hydrochloride.

Flomax does not treat the underlying condition of BPH, but it does improve the symptoms for most men who take it. As the name indicates, Flomax helps with difficulty urinating; this is one of the most common symptoms of BPH. Flomax works by relaxing the muscles in and around the prostate and urinary tract. Although it is only approved for use in BPH, it is also occasionally prescribed to treat other urinary problems such as certain spinal cord injuries and neurogenic bladder leakage.

Flomax is taken once daily, at around the same time each day. It may be taken with or without food. Improvement is usually noticeable 4 to 8 hours after the first dose, but it may take up to 5 days for full effect. Flomax is a long-term treatment; it may be taken for as long as needed. In most cases, Flomax is taken for life unless the prostate is removed as a treatment for another condition, such as cancer of the prostate.

Flomax should not be taken by anyone who has shown symptoms of an allergy to this medication or similar medications in the past. It should be used with caution by people who have orthostatic hypotension (feeling dizzy or fainting when standing up). Flomax should not be taken with cimetidine; this may cause too much Flomax to remain in the bloodstream, increasing the risk of side effects. Flomax may also cause drug interactions when taken with warfarin, doxazosin, phentolamine, prazosin or terazosin. Adequate studies of Flomax during pregnancy and breastfeeding have not been done because the drug is only FDA approved to treat men with BPH. If you are a woman taking Flomax for an off-label indication, ask your doctor for advice on whether the drug should be discontinued if you become pregnant.

Like any medication, Flomax may have effects other than improving the condition it treats. The most common side effects are dizziness, headache, weakness, diarrhea, back pain and abnormal ejaculation. Occasionally, taking Flomax may cause chest pain, orthostatic hypotension, nausea, insomnia or decreased sex drive. In rare cases, Flomax can cause blurry vision, sleepiness or priapism (an erection that lasts too long).

Prostate cancer sometimes mimics the symptoms of BPH. Taking Flomax with undiagnosed prostate cancer may mask the symptoms and reduce the chances of successful treatment. In rare cases, Flomax has caused priapism. Call your doctor if you experience an erection that lasts more than four hours; immediate treatment is essential to avoid permanent damage to the penis. Ask your doctor if you should stop taking Flomax before having cataract surgery; the medication may make the surgery more difficult, increasing the risk of complications.

How Long Does the Stomach Flu Last in Babies?

Ask any parents how long stomach flu lasts in babies and their response is sure to be, "too long!" Indeed, a simple 24-hour bug can give you the illusion that your baby will be sick forever. Stomach flu, also known as gastroenteritis, is a catch-all term for an illness caused by one of many types of viruses producing similar symptoms of aches and vomiting.

Stomach flu's duration depends on your baby's immune system and the particular virus your baby contracts. Generally, stomach flu in babies lasts anywhere from 24 hours to seven days, though not all symptoms will last the entire duration of illness. Vomiting may last only two days, while your child may have diarrhea for up to a week.

Stomach flu is caused by one of many viruses. Rotavirus is the leading cause of stomach flu for children age 3 to 15 months. Other stomach flu culprits include adenovirus, caliciviruses, astrovirus and bacteria caused by food poisoning.

All strains of the stomach flu produce similar symptoms--vomiting, diarrhea, aches, fever, abdominal pain, fatigue and headaches. A baby may not have all symptoms.

Because it's viral, stomach flu cannot be treated by antibiotics. The best cure is to have your baby drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. The illness will run its course as long as your little one is not dehydrated. Breastfed babies should be allowed to nurse freely because breast milk is gentle on the stomach. Formula-fed babies should be given formula diluted with a pediatric electrolyte solution. Call your baby's doctor for specific instructions or if you have any questions.

You can minimize your baby's risk of contracting stomach flu by regularly washing your and your baby's hands and by making sure baby does not share eating utensils or teething toys with others. As much as you can, keep your baby away from people who've recently been sick. Keep in mind that people can still be contagious days after their symptoms disappear.

Stomach flu doesn't necessarily warrant a trip to the pediatrician's office; however, you should take your baby to be checked if you notice any of the following signs: low output of wet diapers (there should be six wet diapers a day), vomiting more than five times in a day, sunken eyes, discolored appendages, dry lips, excessive fussiness, or a sunken fontanelle (soft spot). Also contact your doctor immediately if your baby has a fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, has blood in the stool or has a swollen belly.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

What Causes Gas in a Baby?

A normal infant may pass gas up to 23 times a day, according to WebMD. While gas is a normal, healthy part of life, it can be worrisome to parents when an infant becomes distressed by the discomfort or pain it causes. Infants may become frustrated by their inability to release gas, which causes pain and bloating. Most cases of infant gas are harmless, caused by everyday activities and is easy to treat.

One reason infants are more prone to gas than older children or adults is because they cry more often, according to WebMD. Crying causes infants to swallow air, which may become trapped in their stomachs as gas. Infants may become frustrated because they have difficulty releasing gas or because it is painful, leading them to cry even more. Gas can also be worsened by colic, a condition in which an infant cries inconsolably for long periods of time, allowing them to swallow large amounts of air.

Positioning an infant with her stomach above her head during feeding can increase gas bubble formation because the air cannot separate from the milk. The type of bottle you are using may also be increasing the amount of air your infant swallows. Choose bottles with slow-flow nipples and bags that collapse as your child empties them to help your child avoid swallowing excess air. It may also be helpful to give your child a few minutes after a meal before burping her, allowing time for the air to re-separate from the milk.

Infants naturally produce gas as they digest the lactose, proteins and other nutrients in formula or breast milk, according to ColicCalm.com. Food eaten by the mother when breast-feeding may also make infants more prone to gas, such as cruciferous vegetables, acidic vegetable and fruits. Infants may also experience gas from foods they are intolerant to, such as dairy, soy and peanut products from the mother's diet. It may help for the mother to reduce her intake of foods that irritate the infant's stomach while she is breast-feeding.

There are a variety of treatment options available for infant gas. Natural remedies include gripe water, which is an herbal solution made from dill and other stomach-soothing herbs; allowing a few minutes for air to separate from milk in the stomach before burping your infant; and massaging the infant's back or stomach to help release gas. Simethicone infant drops also can be purchased over the counter to relieve infant gas symptoms.

How to Put a Baby to Sleep Without Nursing

Nursing is a natural way to bond with your baby. It is also extremely beneficial to a child's health and development. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports that breastfed babies have higher IQs, and a study by the State University of New York's School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences shows a sharp decrease in ear infections in breastfed children. However, the decision to wean bedtime nursing is a personal one, and can be a struggle for parents and their babies.
If you decide to stop bedtime nursing, follow these steps.

Instructions

Take it slow. Gradual bedtime weaning will help you and your baby adjust more easily. Start by going one or two nights a week without nursing, and work up to none.

Stop nursing before the baby falls asleep. Once the baby is sufficiently full and getting drowsy, stop nursing and put the baby to bed.

Let Dad be more hands-on at bedtime. Your baby associates nursing with Mom, and may settle down more quickly for Dad.

Develop a calming ritual. Give your baby a warm, soothing bath and then snuggle in a rocking chair in a quiet, dimly lit room before bed.

Stick to a schedule. If bedtime is the same every night, your baby will begin to get sleepy around that time each night.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

How to Deal With Sleep Deprivation After Baby Arrives

Many women can't wait until their baby is born. They think that life will be blissful with their new bundle of joy. What many women don't realize is that if their baby doesn't sleep well, neither will they. Sleep deprivation can hit many new mothers hard and they are left feeling depressed, exhausted and stressed out. Follow these steps to deal with sleep deprivation after the baby arrives.

Instructions

Take naps when your baby sleeps during the day. This is the single most important way to catch up on your needed sleep. Many women say that they can't nap during the day because that is when the housework needs to get done. It is best to remember that having a clean house is much less important than your health.

Bring your baby outside during the day if you are sleep deprived. The fresh air will help you cope with your uneasy feelings of being exhausted and burnt out.

Arrange for someone else to sleep over once a week during the first few months after your baby arrives. This person can care for the child at night while you sleep. If you can get one good night's rest during the week, you will feel a bit more rejuvenated for the rest of the week.

Talk to your doctor about sleeping medicine. Many mothers have a difficult time falling asleep after each feeding, so a sleep inducer may help you sleep more soundly during the time you actually get to sleep.

Ask your husband to help out more during the nighttime feedings. Many women feel like they should be the only one waking at night to feed the baby. While your husband needs to sleep for work the next day, you need to sleep to care for the baby the next day too.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Side Effects of Skin Bleaching Creams

Skin bleaching is used to treat discoloration of the skin, without changing skin color. The bleaching process refers to removal of freckles, skin aging spots, scarring, or uneven skin tone. Some of the causes of skin discoloration are sun damage, hormonal changes, aging, and genetics. Skin bleaching creams are not as invasive as laser surgery, and should be the first step to treating skin discoloration or undesired spots.
Improving skin texture, and having a smoother skin tone, are both possible through skin bleaching creams. Creams used for skin bleaching can be purchased in stores or online, and the process can be done at home. Creams that alter skin pigmentation can have ingredients that are not compatible with every skin tone, and can have side effects. Hydroquinone and mercury are main ingredients found in skin bleaching creams, and are considered toxic chemicals. These chemical compounds can cause side effects, and should only be used as directed.

Hydroquinone is the only skin bleaching chemical recognized by the FDA. Skin bleaching creams may have different percentages of Hydroquinone in their compound, but any skin bleaching cream with over 2% may cause side effects. The most common side effect of skin bleaching is skin irritation and a burning sensation. The itching or stinging of the skin should be mild and temporary, with some reddening of skin where cream is applied.

Allergic reactions can occur from skin bleaching, and would result in severe burning or itching of the skin. Unlike mild skin irritation expected with application, the pain would be severe and intolerable. Crusting on the skin could appear, as well as swelling of areas where skin bleach has been applied. Allergic contact dermatitis is the medical term used to describe allergic reactions to material in contact with skin. (See Resources.) The allergic reaction would warrant stopping the use of skin bleaching creams immediately, and seeking medical attention if reaction is severe. With allergic contact dermatitis, the allergy should settle down a few days after skin is no longer in contact with skin bleach cream.

Skin bleaching creams containing mercury should not be used for long periods of time. Mercury can cause poisoning, and mercury in creams can start accumulating in the cells of the body. Too much mercury exposure, or poisoning, can lead to liver damage and kidney failure.

Skin bleaching creams take time for full effects and to see results. Hydroquinone and mercury cause skin to be hyper-sensitive to sun rays. Stay out of the sun after skin bleach cream is applied, or wear protective clothing and use an SPF 15+ sunscreen when outdoors. Tanning beds or any type of sun lamps should be avoided during this time.

Benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, or other peroxide products should not be used with skin bleaching creams, especially when using hydroquinone. The combination of hydroquinone and peroxide can cause temporary dark staining of the skin.

Skin bleaching is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The cream can get into the mother's bloodstream and travel to the fetus.

Proper use of skin bleaching creams is extremely important, and directions should be followed carefully at all times. Skin bleaching creams should be used temporarily, for no longer than four weeks. Large skin areas, such as the entire face, should not be bleached at once due to the possibility of skin discoloration. Bleaching cream should be applied only to spots that need to be removed or lightened.

How to Get a Baby to Sleep Without a Feeding During the Night

When breastfed, most newborns need to eat once or twice during the night. However, after the third month, some babies can sleep through the night without a feeding. It is important to make sure that your baby is actually eating during these night time feedings and not using nursing throughout the night as a comforting technique. Reducing the number of times that you feed your baby during the night will help you to get more sleep and it will begin to prepare your baby to sleep through the night when he is ready. Below are steps to get your baby ready to sleep through the night without being fed.

Instructions

Increase the amount that you feed your baby before bedtime. Many babies will fall asleep while they are eating before bedtime. This prevents your baby from eating until she is full and will promote night time waking for food. Try to wake your baby and make sure that she eats until she is full.

Wake your baby to feed him before you go to sleep. This may enable him to sleep through the night while you are sleeping.

Be sure that your baby is getting enough to eat during the day. If she isn't getting enought to eat during the day, your baby may wake several times during the night for feedings to make up for it.

Try to stretch out the time between feedings when your baby reaches the three or four month mark. If your baby is eating every two hours, try to get him to wait two and a half hours between each feeding. When he begins to fuss, don't assume that he is hungry. Comfort him, cuddle him, or play with him.

Feed your baby more during the night feeding that you want to keep. If your baby wakes at 1:00 am, 3:00 am, and 5:00 am, and you want to get your baby to only wake at 3:00 to feed, give your baby more at the 3:00 am feeding and less at the other two.

Avoid changing your baby's diaper at night unless it really needs to be changed. Changing a baby's diaper is a great way to wake her up, something you want to avoid when trying to get her to sleep through the night.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

How to Increase the Supply of Breast Milk

Many women stop breastfeeding their infant because they are not producing enough milk. They fear that their child is not getting enough to eat, so they begin to supplement with formula feedings. As formula feedings increase in frequency, a woman's milk supply will diminish even further. This is why it is important to increase your supply of breast milk as soon as this problem occurs.

Instructions

Nurse or pump frequently. The more often that you nurse your baby or use your breast pump, the more your milk supply increases. If you frequently miss feedings, you will notice that you are producing less milk.

Allow your child to empty your breast. To do this, permit your baby to nurse on one side until he falls asleep or pulls away.

Maintain a proper diet. A mother's diet is a strong determinant in the amount of milk that she produces. The amount of fluids consumed by a woman on a daily basis is especially important. A breastfeeding woman's diet should be high in calcium and protein in order to assist with milk production.

Avoid both caffeine and alcohol. These two substances are proven to hinder milk production.

Prevent your baby from experiencing nipple confusion. Nipple confusion can be caused by bottle feeding and excessive pacifier use. These items can cause the baby to be unable to suck properly at the breast.

Take an herbal supplement, unless your doctor advises against it. Herbal supplements are available over the counter and combine several herbs, including fennel seed and fenugreek seed, to increase the supply of breast milk.

Friday, October 21, 2011

How to Reshape Breasts With Exercise

Age, having children and gravity can all have a downward effect on your breasts. And until plastic surgery is covered by health care or its prices fall dramatically, the most affordable way a woman can reshape her breasts, is to exercise. These exercises won't have as dramatic an effect as breast augmentation, but you will notice a change in your breasts if you do them regularly.

Instructions

Lie down on your back. Put both of your arms on the floor so they make a T-shape with your body. Hold 2 or 3 pound weights and bring your arms up off the floor until the weights meet above your head. Do this 10 to 15 times.

Do pushups. If you cannot do real pushups, do modified pushups. Instead of holding yourself up on your hands and toes, lower your knees to the floor. Do 10 to 15 reps.

Stretch one arm out in front of you. Squeeze your extended arm with your free arm into your chest. Do this 10 times and then switch arms.

Contract both arms into the sides of your chest. Hold this position for 3 to 5 seconds. This exercise is great to do at work because no one will notice you're reshaping your breasts in front of their very eyes.

Improve your posture. Lift your chest and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Do this a couple of times a day. You'd be surprised what changes you can see by simply improving your posture.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Easy Ways to Flatten Your Stomach After Giving Birth

Pregnancy pushes internal organs and abdominal muscles out of place. Once the baby is born, the stomach is left feeling jiggly and strange. Most women want to get their tummies back to normal as quickly as possible. Time, exercise and diet are the best remedies for the postpartum stomach, but there are ways to help the process along.

Nurse your baby for at least six months to help flatten your tummy. Breastfeeding is best for baby, but it also holds a lot of advantages. Producing milk requires a lot of energy, which means your body burns up to 500 extra calories per day. As long as you make healthy food choices, this will burn off much of the extra fat the body stored during pregnancy. Since that fat usually is stored around the abdomen, your tummy should flatten from breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding also helps the uterus to shrink back to its normal size. The uterus is only about 3 inches across when you are not pregnant. During pregnancy, it stretches large enough to hold a baby. After birth, the uterus continues to contract as it returns to its original size. Breastfeeding causes the uterus to contract more intensely, which will help it shrink much more rapidly.

Belly binding has been popular in different cultures around the world for hundreds of years. After pregnancy, you may feel a strange sensation of your internal organs feeling loose. Your abdominal muscles probably will feel very strange as well. Belly binding does the job of holding everything in place while your skin slowly returns to normal.

Bind your belly any way you choose. You can purchase a product specifically designed for postpartum belly wrapping or make your own. Wear a tight-fitting tank top and then wrap a bandage over it, binding your stomach. Whatever way you choose, begin immediately after birth and continue wrapping your tummy each day for at least six weeks. Some midwives recommend taking the binding off only to shower.

Watch out for signs of constipation. Some women who bind their bellies suffer from constipation due to the pressure on the digestive system. If this happens, increase your fiber intake or give yourself a break from the binding for three to four hours.

Exercising can help you lose all of the pregnancy weight. Breastfeeding and belly binding will help, but you will have to get active in order to completely flatten your tummy. Your doctor will tell you how long you must wait before beginning to workout. For most women, it will be somewhere between six and 12 weeks postpartum.

Start slowly. As soon as your doctor or midwife says it's safe, take walks with baby around the neighborhood. Begin with short walks, about 10 to 15 minutes, and gradually increase your time. Look for exercise videos designed for postpartum tummies. Yoga is especially effective for getting the abdominal muscles back in place.

How to Become a Breastfeeding Consultant

New mothers can sometimes become overwhelmed by everything that is involved with a newborn baby, including breastfeeding. Without the proper support, some mothers give up on breastfeeding because it is too hard in the beginning. A breastfeeding consultant can work in a hospital or pediatric setting to help mothers who are having trouble breastfeeding. The support you can give to a new mother can mean the difference toward a long, healthy nursing relationship.

Instructions

Contact your state's lactation consult organization to determine what steps are needed for your state. While the basic steps are similar, some states require a few additional steps.

Enroll in a college that offers health classes. To become a breastfeeding consultant, you need to either have a degree in the medical field or take 14 classes in the health field. These classes include biology, anatomy, physiology, nutrition and infant growth and development.

Complete at least 90 hours worth of human lactation courses to learn about the mechanics of nursing and how to help mothers and babies who are having trouble.

Work a clinical internship to gain hands-on experience in the field. A breastfeeding consultant requires 500 to 1,000 hours of supervised experience to become certified, depending on your previous experience.

Apply to take the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners exam by the deadline. There are two deadlines for the exam: March 15 and April 30.

Pay the fee and take the test at the end of July after you have completed all of the necessary prerequisites.

Monday, October 17, 2011

How to Use Breast Shields

If you intend to breastfeed but have flat or inverted nipples, your baby may have difficulty latching on to get the milk that he needs. You may also experience some dryness and soreness of your nipples after breastfeeding, which can lead to irritation and chaffing on your bra. Breast shields, also known as breast shells, are small plastic devices that come in two parts. One part is worn to help pull your nipple out a bit so that your baby can latch on more easily. The other part is worn over your nipple to protect it from chaffing.

Instructions

Use the breast shield that has the larger hole in it. Ensure it is thoroughly clean by washing it in warm, soapy water. Dry it and place it over your nipple firmly so that you see the nipple start to protrude out of the hole.

Wear the breast shells for about half an hour before you are due to feed your baby. This will help the inverted nipple to come out enough for your baby to latch on. There are small air holes in the breast shield which allow the air to circulate around your nipples. Clean your nipples thoroughly after taking off the shield before feeding your baby.

Wash the breast shield after use with soap and water. Breast milk may leak out, and bacteria can multiply in the damp, warm conditions next to your breast.

Wear the dome-shaped shield supplied in your nipple shield pack underneath your bra if you have sore or cracked nipples. Place the shield firmly over your nipple and under your bra. The shield will prevent your bra from rubbing on your sore nipples, preventing further irritation. Some shields come with foam inserts which can be used soak up leaking milk, and then washed and reused.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

How to Make a Nursing Blanket

When you're out in public, you may wish to have some privacy while you nurse, without having to go sit in a restroom or off in a corner. This is when a nursing blanket comes in very handy. Using one allows you to sit with other people but still maintain some privacy. The extra weight on the back keeps it from slipping off your shoulder when baby squirms or stretches. Nursing blankets are easy to make, and you can put one together in a matter of just a few minutes.

Instructions

Make the weighted strap for the back. To do this, cut a strip about 8 inches wide from one of the receiving blankets. Fold it in half along the long edge, right side facing in, and press the folded edge. Use your sewing machine to stitch one short side and the remaining long side. Leave the second short side open.

Turn the strap right-side out. Fill the strap loosely with the Polyfill beads. Don't stuff it, because you want it to have some flexibility. After all, it's going to be up against your back. The purpose of the strap is to simply add some weight. Once you've filled the strap, take the open short end, press the raw edges inwards, and baste it shut by hand.

Take the second receiving blanket, and lay it flat on your work surface, right side up. Place the third blanket on top of it, right side down. What you should now have is a square, with the two right sides together. Pin the edges, and begin stitching them together. Leave an opening about 4 inches wide at one corner. The opening is where you will eventually insert the strap. Once you have stitched nearly all the way around, use the opening to turn the square so that it is right side out. Use your iron to press the square flat.

Insert about 2 inches of the basted end of the strap into the opening on the square. Pin it in place, pressing down the raw open edges, and use your sewing machine to sew the opening shut. The strap should be sticking out off the corner of the blanket.

Place the strap over your shoulder at the back, and the nursing blanket over the baby in the front. Adjust the strap so that you will be comfortable. The weight of the strap will keep the covering in place so that you and your baby can move around while nursing, without the blanket sliding off the baby.

How to Get out Breast Milk Stains in Baby Clothes

Breastfeeding is one of the most nurturing, intimate moments shared between a mother and child. Unfortunately, breast milk stains come with the territory. It can stain up your clothes and the baby's clothes. When removing breast milk stains from your baby's clothes remember to consider his sensitive, delicate skin. The fragrance and chemicals in some detergents could cause a baby to breakout.

Pre-treat the breast milk stain by pouring laundry detergent directly on it and scrubbing it using an old tooth brush. Rinse the clothing item in the water temperature recommended by the manufacturer and repeat as necessary. You can't just use any detergent. Purchase a detergent that was created for infant and toddler clothes. These type of detergents contain less chemicals to prevent skin rashes in infants. Baby detergents are fragrance-free, free of dyes, brighteners and softeners which, could leave behind residue on the clothing. Once you pre-treat the stain wash it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Baking soda and club soda are two household products that can be used to remove breast milk stains. Sprinkle baking soda over the stained area and then pour club soda on top of the baking soda. This will cause your mixture to foam. Allow it to sit for approximately 30 seconds on the stain. Take a toothbrush and gently scrub the area before placing it in the washer.

Stain removers are effective at removing breast milk stains from baby clothing items. It prevents the breast milk stain from setting in before you wash it. Many stain removers available are made for baby clothing--so they are not as harsh on babies' skin. Apply the stain remover according to the manufacturer's instructions. Wash the the items immediately following the stain removal treatment.

Remove breast milk stains immediately by taking the clothing item off of the baby and soaking it in water. Fill your sink or tub with just enough water to submerge the clothing item. Read the manufacturer's label to determine the water temperature of the water. Place a cap full of detergent into the water. Allow the clothing item to soak until the stain is removed. Check the items within an hour of soaking it. Use an old toothbrush to scrub away the stain and help with the process move along faster. Once the stain is removed, rinse the clothes. Wash it immediately or allow it to air dry before placing it into the dirty clothes hamper.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

How to Prevent Mastitis

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast experienced by nursing mothers. Left untreated, it can lead to an infection of the breast requiring antibiotics, or an abscess requiring drainage, so it is important to have it treated right away. Prevention of mastitis in the first place is key and is accomplished in several different ways.

Instructions

Relieve engorgement of your breasts right away. Offer your baby your breast, even if she hasn't shown cues of being hungry yet. If you can't get her to nurse, pump instead, which will also help keep up your milk supply. Milk that stays in the ducts too long gets thicker, and can lead to mastitis.

Switch sides when your baby has fully drained one breast. If he doesn't completely drain the second breast, offer him that breast first at the next feeding. Change the position in which you hold your baby during feedings, and be sure he is latching on properly.

Keep to a regular breastfeeding schedule. If you are going to be away from your baby or have planned to bottle feed for some feedings, be sure to pump instead.

Get plenty of rest, but be sure not to sleep on your stomach or in any position that compresses the breasts. Take good care of yourself both physically and mentally and minimize stress as much as possible.

Recognize the symptoms of mastitis, as early treatment can keep it from getting more serious. If your breast is red, inflamed or painful (in one area or all over) and you are feeling like you have the flu, you might be developing mastitis. If you are running a fever of 101 degrees or higher, you have probably got an infection of the breast. Call your doctor as soon as possible for treatment advice or an appointment.

How Can I Get My Milk to Come In?

Breastfeeding is a nurturing bonding experience between a mother and her baby. Unfortunately, many women struggle to get their milk supply established, so that they can nurse for as long as possible. There are steps that a mom can take early on, in order to get her milk to come in quickly and in high quantities -- so that she doesn't have to supplement her baby's diet.

Instructions

Gently massage the breasts or nipples; Either will release oxytocin in the brain and signal that more milk is needed. Likewise, expressing some milk, while performing a breast massage sets off the body's need to produce milk to replace what was expressed.

Nurse your baby as much as possible, to develop a strong milk supply. This is especially true in the early weeks while your supply is establishing itself and your infant is learning how to properly nurse. Breastfeed on demand, and as a comfort technique, when your baby becomes upset, tired or overstimulated.

Avoid using pacifiers and bottles for at least the first four weeks of a baby's life. Nipple confusion occurs when a baby is fed through both a bottle and breast early on, or when a pacifier is offered too soon. Nipple confusion leads babies to nurse less often, as pacifiers provide comfort and bottles are easier to use. The reduced feeding leads to a lower milk supply.

Speak to your doctor about your milk supply. A doctor can prescribe medication such as Domperidone and Metoclopramide to help a mother build a strong milk supply. Mothers who wish to avoid taking medications while breastfeeding can try natural supplements such as Fenugreek, an herb that has been used for many years to naturally enhance a mother's breastfeeding experience.

Pump in between every feeding. A breast pump helps to stimulate oxytocin production and increase a mother's milk supply. Even if very little milk results, the pumping will signal the breasts to produce more milk.

Drink a glass of water each time the baby nurses and eat a healthy, balanced diet. In order to produce a strong, healthy milk supply a mom must remain hydrated. Likewise, a healthy diet that includes fresh foods and a prenatal multivitamin supports a mother's body while it works to establish breastfeeding.

How to Feed a Baby Whale

Baby whales begin nursing from their mothers several hours after birth and usually continue to nurse for as long as one year. The milk the calf drinks from the mother allows it to develop a layer of blubber it will need for insulation, and any delay in nursing could adversely affect the baby. After one year, calves are gradually weaned off the mother. In some cases, where the mother has died or the calf cannot nurse properly, aquarium staff will attempt to nurse the baby whale.

Instructions

Allow the baby calf to nurse from the mother. The calf will suckle from the mothers nipples while lying on its side. The nipples are hidden beneath the mothers abdominal mammary slits.

Simulate the mothers mammary gland with a 3 liter baby bottle of milk if the baby is not or cannot respond to the mothers milk. This might happen if the mother dies or is ill or if the calf is not receiving enough milk and is showing signs of starvation.

Monitor the babys breastfeeding. Typically calves will nurse from their mother for about five to 10 seconds. This will continue throughout the hour and all day. This frequency will drop to about 10 minutes per day once the calf learns how to efficiently suckle milk from the nipple.

Wean the calf off from the mother gradually but still allow it to nurse after one year.

Feed the calf 60 lbs. of herring, smelt and squid per day when the calf has reached 1 year of age.

What Immunity Is Passed on in a Mother's Milk?

Breastfeeding is a natural and amazing experience between mother and baby, which not only facilitates bonding but also provides perfect nutrition and immunity to your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization both recommend breastfeeding as the only source of food until an infant reaches 6 months old, at which time solid foods may be introduced with breast milk continued until at least 12 months old. WHO goes on to recommend extending the breastfeeding relationship until age 2 and beyond, as long as the relationship is desired by both mother and baby. These recommendations are made based on the healthy benefits to both mother and baby, which cannot be fully replicated by formula feeding.

The benefits of breast milk on the immune system are manifold: One drop of breast milk contains roughly 1 million white blood cells -- the cells your body uses to fight infection. Your breastfed baby receives antibodies, enzymes and immune factors in the milk, which give his fragile immunity a boost. As a bonus, if you encounter a mild illness such as a cold or flu while breastfeeding, your breast milk may protect your baby from ever getting sick. The antibodies your body makes to fight the infection are passed to your baby via breast milk. Thus, if your baby is exposed to the same germs, he may get a much milder case of the flu or avoid it altogether. Breastfed babies experience fewer problems with common ailments including ear infections, diarrhea, vomiting, pneumonia, urinary tract infections and certain types of spinal meningitis.

Breastfeeding has been found to reduce the risk of childhood illnesses compared to what infants who are formula-fed experience. When babies come into the world they have limited immunity of their own, as they have been sheltered in the womb for 9 months. The immunities human milk provides help to mature a baby's immune system, providing protection against various illnesses. In fact, research has repeatedly found that breastfed babies are healthier overall. Breastfeeding has been shown to decrease the risk of numerous illnesses including, but not limited to, childhood cancer, diabetes, appendicitis, influenza Type B, meningitis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, infant botulism, cholera, salmonella, E. coli and respiratory syncytial virus. Breastfeeding has also been shown to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, and reduce the incidence of infant reflux.

Breast milk also contains high levels of immunoglobulin A, which coats the lining of the intestines, protecting your baby from the penetration of germs. This protective coating also helps prevent allergic reactions in your baby by stopping foreign food molecules from entering the bloodstream and triggering an allergic reaction. Breastfed babies are less likely to have milk allergies and suffer from the skin condition eczema; these conditions are thought to be reduced by the immunity-boosting properties in breast milk. Breastfeeding may protect even children born into a family with a strong history of food and other allergies.

While breastfeeding may only occur for a relatively small portion of your child's life, the benefits may last a lifetime. Breastfed babies are found to have a higher IQ, as the cholesterol and good fats in human milk help with the growth of nerve tissue in the brain. They may be less likely to require orthodontics, due to the muscle development suckling the breast causes in the muscles of the mouth. Other potential benefits breastfed babies may enjoy are lower cholesterol as adults, decreased risk of Crohns disease, decreased risk of ulcerative colitis in adulthood, decreased chance of obesity later in life and a lower incidence of developing both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Breastfed babies also enjoy psychological benefits, as the act of breastfeeding itself facilitates an emotional bond between mother and baby. Breastfeeding releases hormones in the mothers body as well, so she experiences a sense of emotional closeness while breastfeeding her baby.

Friday, October 14, 2011

How to Lose Weight After Nursing

When you're breastfeeding, you can still lose weight while eating a lot of food. You need to eat enough to make sure that your baby is getting the nutrition that she needs, which usually means an extra 500 calories per day. Since you are used to eating this extra food, it can be a challenge to lose weight after nursing, though some women will naturally lose weight after weaning. Through properly tracking your calories and exercise, however, you can lose all of the weight after weaning.

Instructions

Determine the number of calories that you need to eat to lose weight after stopping breastfeeding. In order to lose weight, you need to burn more calories than you eat. You can create this calorie deficit through eating less and exercising. In general, the average person uses about 1,800 calories each day. This is how much you would need to eat if you wanted to maintain your weight. To lose weight, you should eat around 1,300 calories per day. People that are very large or quite active may be able to eat more than this, so be sure to ask a doctor or nutritionist.

Start your day with a filling breakfast. Eating breakfast prepares your body for the rest of its day. Aim to eat a breakfast that is low calorie and filling. Oatmeal and eggs are both good choices, as is a fruit smoothie. Your breakfast should include both protein and carbohydrates. This will give you the energy that you need to take care of your toddler.

Plan meals that fit in with your calorie range. Assuming that your calorie range for weight loss is average, you should aim to eat around 300-400 calories for each meal, a big difference from the 600 calorie meals you could eat while nursing. This allows you to eat a few snacks as well to hold you through until meal times.

Snack on low calorie vegetables. Don't eat junk foods for your snacks. They are high in calories and don't provide any nutrition. Instead, choose vegetables as a snack. Sliced vegetables dipped in a low fat dressing or hummus can make for a filling snack that won't break your calorie budget.

Exercise to burn extra calories and lose more fat. You can lose more weight when you incorporate exercise into your day. Do something fun with your child. Not only will this help you to lose weight, it will set a good example for your little one.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Will Breastfeeding Help Me Lose Weight?

There are many good reasons to choose breastfeeding, but a weight loss guarantee is not one of them. The American Society for Pediatrics, and the American Medical Society both recommend exclusive breastfeeding for six months for optimal child health, growth and development.

Breastfeeding offers a wide range of health benefits to both mother and baby, but does not necessarily help with postpartum weight loss. Though a recent study published in the September 2010 issue of the American Journal of Medicine, suggests that breastfeeding may help a woman keep weight off later in life, as well as reduce her risk for developing diabetes.

Exclusive breastfeeding can burn an extra 200 to 600 calories per day, but the weight doesn't exactly melt off in most women. This may be because the hormone prolactin stimulates appetite, as well as stimulates milk production, so a breastfeeding woman may consume more calories, than her non-breastfeeding counterpart. Some women don't experience a return to their pre-pregnancy weight until they stop nursing.

Most women lose postpartum weight gradually, and moderate exercise can help with weight loss. Eat a healthy, low fat diet, with plenty of fiber, and drink plenty of water. Exercise does not interfere with your ability to breast feed.

A search of the literature indicates the research is mixed on this topic, leaving breastfeeding's effects on weight and body fat unclear. Personal experiences vary widely, and some women actually gain weight while breastfeeding. Weight loss goals should not be a significant consideration when considering the personal decision to breastfeed.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Infant Child Visitation Laws

Child custody and visitation issues are complicated components of any divorce proceeding. These issues become more complicated when infants are involved. Very young children may need to stay close to the mother in order to be fed appropriately and may not recognize non-custodial parents if they are not around them often enough. The court sets up a custody and visitation agreement intended to protect the infant's best interests, but parents must determine a schedule that is fair to both parents and meets the infant's needs.

In the majority of cases, custody of infant children is awarded to mothers after a divorce. Many infants are breastfed, which is not an option if the infant lives with only the male caretaker. Thus, infants often live with their mothers to ensure their feeding cycle is not disrupted. The court may grant the father the right to visit his infant in these cases.

There are no set laws to determine how long a visit the father may have with an infant and every visitation order spells out different terms. Parents should work out a reasonable visitation schedule in line with the court order. If visits occur outside of the mother's presence, they should be kept short so that the child is not distressed over the separation. However, newborns and very young children should see the father frequently so that they learn to recognize his face. Visits should also occur at both parents' homes so the child can learn to be comfortable in both settings.

Children of any age may be allowed to stay overnight with a non-custodial parent as there are no laws mandating a minimum age for overnight visits. However, overnight visits are not usually recommended for infants. They need to be fed on schedule and become upset when separated from the mother for long periods of time. Some parents begin with short visits and lengthening the visits as the infant grows older.

The infant's mother is required to give the father her current address and phone number and give him updated information if her living situation changes. This ensures that neither parent is cheated out of court-ordered visitation with the infant due to the other parent blocking him from contact. If one parent feels harassed by the other, such as the non-custodial parent frequently dropping by unannounced to "check on the child", that parent can move and petition the court to share phone numbers only or to restrain the other parent from non-permitted visits.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Natural Cures for Thrush in Infants

Thrush in infants is characterized by white patches, often curdlike, in the baby's mouth. Painful sores may develop under the white patches, causing the baby to be fussy during feeding. Sometimes thrush causes a red rash in the diaper area. Thrush rash has defined edges and sometimes has red spots near the edges. A breast-feeding mother with thrush may experience sore nipples with or without a rash. The yeast can be passed back and forth between baby and mother, so both must be treated.

Thrush is caused by an overabundance of candida yeast. The yeast is normally found in the intestines, where it aids in digestion. A baby's immune system may not be developed enough to control an overabundance of candida, so an overgrowth may occasionally appear as thrush.

An illness or antibiotics also may compromise the baby's immune system, making it easier for the yeast to grow out of control. Bottle-fed babies or babies who suck on pacifiers for prolonged periods may have areas of abrasion in their mouths that harbor the yeast, too. Thrush is more common in bottle-fed babies than breast-fed babies.

Wash everything that comes in contact with the infant's mouth or mother's breast and be diligent about good hygiene. Boil and sterilize all bottles and nipples, pacifiers and toys. Use the hottest water available and add 1 cup of vinegar to the final rinse when laundering breast pads, burping cloths, bras and baby's laundry. Sunlight kills candida, so hang laundry outdoors to dry if possible. Continue these practices to help prevent a recurrence.

A high-carbohydrate diet, including starches, sugars and dairy, provides an environment for candida to thrive. Breast-feeding mothers can make dietary changes to limit starches, sugars and dairy to regulate the yeast in their systems. Yogurt with live cultures and dairy products with acidophilus are exceptions. They should be included because acidophilus will fight yeast overgrowth and restore the intestinal balance.

Grapefruit seed extract is a natural antifungal. Use it in liquid form. It should not be used full strength, but should be diluted by adding five drops of grapefruit seed extract to half a cup of cooled boiled water. Keep it in two containers, and use one to wipe or swab baby's mouth after feeding and wipe mother's nipples. Use the other to wash baby's bottom at every diaper change. Make a new batch of this every day, and use it at least three or four times a day.

Make it inhospitable for yeast to grow by altering the yeast environment. Make an acid wash by adding 1 tsp. vinegar to 1/2 cup cooled boiled water. Use this to wipe baby's mouth and mother's nipples after feeding, and to wash baby's bottom when diapering. Or make an alkaline wash by adding 1 tsp. baking soda to 1/2 cup cooled boiled water and use it the same way. Choose either vinegar or baking soda and use it for at least a week. (Note: The vinegar solution may burn tender skin.)

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Fastest Way to a Flat Stomach After Pregnancy

If you recently had a baby, you probably are eager and anxious to lose your belly fat fast. "Gaining weight in your abdomen does more harm than simply making your waistband too tight," say doctors at the Mayo Clinic. Belly fat increases risks of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and different kinds of cancers.

Losing postpartum obesity within the first few months is essential for any new mother. Women who ignore their post-pregnancy weight are likely to carry it for the next 10 to 15 years. However, mothers should not rush but focus to reduce the stomach weight gradually.

Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising are key notes to quickly losing the postpartum belly. New mothers who are breastfeeding need extra calories to make milk. Nursing mothers should not diet but focus on scaling their calorie count.

Mothers should center on "eating a reduced-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains," recommends Dr. Laurie Casas, plastic surgeon from Northwestern University in Chicago and a spokesperson for the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, in an interview to MSNBC.

Reducing portions of simple carbohydrates like refined pasta and white bread helps in losing stomach fat. Incorporate lean proteins like chicken, low-fat dairy products, eggs and high-fiber leafy greens into your diet. Eat small meals to boost metabolism and digestion and keep off body fat.

It's necessary to get into an exercise routine immediately for new mothers. Daily moderate exercise like a walking regimen tones the muscles and helps shrink body fat.

Strength training is an effective means to lose the fat accumulated during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor before integrating light weights into your daily exercise practice, especially if you had a C-section.

Gina Lombardi, a personal trainer in Los Angeles, recommends crunches along with cardiovascular exercises to tighten abdominal muscles. "Begin with one set of 10 repetitions and up to three sets of 20, a few times a week."

Doing Pilates is another popular option to reduce stomach fat. Pilates strengthens the core muscles and helps contract the pelvic muscles. Demonstrated in Erin O'Brien Denton's DVD "Postnatal Rescue" are the basic lifts, curl-ups, bridges and planks. Denton walks mothers through bridges and planks and suggests a modified Pilates 100s exercise, which is "simply lifting the head and shoulders while pulling in the abdominals" during the first three months following delivery. Increase intensity with time and practice.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Manual Breast Pump Technique

Many nursing mothers find that they need to pump at some point during their nursing relationship. For some, pumping is necessary upon returning to work, while other moms want extra milk for an evening out or they need to relieve some of the pressure of engorged breasts. While double electric pumps are ideal for pumping, sometimes budget or circumstances (like the power being out) dictate using a manual breast pump. Practice and being aware of technique can help manual pumping to be more successful for you and your baby.

The most important part of successful pumping is practicing relaxation. When you are getting ready to pump, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, releasing tension each time you exhale. Some moms find that sniffing a piece of their baby's clothing or holding a baby toy helps them to feel more connected to their baby as they relax and get ready to pump.

Once you have relaxed, you will need to prepare your breasts for releasing milk. You can help the breast to soften in preparation for let-down by practicing breast massage before you pump. Move your hand in circular motions all the way around your breast. Be sure to stay relaxed and breathe deeply.

When you are pumping, be sure to use visualization to your advantage. Visualize your baby nursing at the breast or think about flowing rivers of milk in order to encourage your body to release milk. If you can trick your body into responding to the pump in a similar way to the way it would respond to your baby, you should be able to collect more milk during your pumping session.

When you first attach the manual breast pump to your nipple, begin pumping with fast, shallow motions. These motions will resemble the way the babies suck at the beginning of a nursing session in order to get you to let-down. Once you feel your breasts let-down and see milk beginning to drip into your collection container, begin pumping with slower deeper motions. This will help to draw out as much breast milk as possible during your pumping session.

Many moms find that they can achieve more than one let-down while using a manual breast pump. Once you have experienced a let-down, go back to using the shorter, faster motions while pumping. Continue visualizing your baby nursing and within three to five minutes you might find that you have a second let-down. When you do, go back to using the slower, deeper pumping motions. If you find that you leak from the other breast while pumping, be sure to place a collection receptacle beneath the breast that you are not pumping so that you do not lose any precious breast milk.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

How to Tell How Much Formula a Baby Needs

Knowing how much formula to feed your baby can be confusing. Take your cues from your baby. Pay attention to how she behaves after she eats. Every baby is different but you can also use her age and weight to follow general feeding guidelines. Read on for some general rules for determining how much formula your baby needs.

Instructions

Pay attention to your baby's behavior. Your baby's appetite will change from day to day. When she is hungry she will eat. When she is full, she will stop. Common hunger cues are crying, lip smacking, sucking, rooting and putting her hand in her mouth. If your baby finishes her bottle quickly, and uses any of the above cues, chances are that she is still hungry and needs more formula.

Consider your baby's weight. If your baby is not eating solids, multiply his weight by 2.5 ounces. In other words, for every pound he weighs, he should drink about 2.5 ounces of formula per day. If your baby weighs ten pounds, he will probably eat about 25 ounces of formula in a 24 hour period.

Consider your baby's age. Most newborns will eat every two to three hours. Start by giving your new baby 1 to 2 ounces at eat feeding. As your baby gets older, her tummy will get bigger. She will begin to eat less often but eat more formula at each feeding.

Count your baby's diapers. If you are using cloth diapers, he should have six to eight wet diapers a day. If you use disposable diapers, it should be five to six due to the fact that they hold more liquid.

Refrain from over feeding your baby. If she vomits after her bottle, you may have overfed her. Tummy pain is also a sign of over feedings. If she cries and draws her knees up, her tummy may be too full.

How to Avoid Sore Nipples During Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the best way for your baby to receive optimal nutrition; however, sore nipples can put a screeching halt to effective breastfeeding. While most mothers feel some degree of soreness in their nipples upon initial latch, it should not remain painful throughout the feeding. If this happens, sore nipples are most likely to blame. Although sore nipples may not be completely avoidable, you can take preventive measures to alleviate the intense irritation.

Instructions

Take a lactation or breastfeeding class during pregnancy. Taking a class is essential in understanding the anatomy and physiology of the breasts, how lactation works, the most effective positions to nurse in, and how to avoid complications. Lactation classes are taught at hospitals, clinics and pregnancy centers and through independent instructors.

Meet with a lactation consultant in the hospital. After you deliver, you can schedule a visit with a lactation consultant. Lactation consultants come to your room and offer helpful tips on breastfeeding, help you and your baby establish a good routine and can troubleshoot any potential problems.

Get the correct latch. Make sure that when your baby latches on, he has a wide mouth, almost like a yawn, before you pull him onto your breast. If he doesn't seem to get a wide enough latch, break his suction and try to latch again. Allowing him to nurse on a narrow latch, also called nipple sucking, will most certainly result in a sore nipple.

Apply lanolin cream to your nipples when you feed. Lanolin cream helps keep your nipples moist, helps to heal any cracks or sores from nursing and is completely safe for your baby to nurse while it is on your nipples.

Change the baby's position throughout breastfeeding. Allowing your baby to nurse in different positions, such as the cradle hold, football hold and lying down, puts pressure on your nipples through different angles and this prevents your nipples from getting sore.

Let your nipples air-dry after a bath or feeding. Allowing your nipples to air dry helps them heal faster. For quicker healing, express a drop or two of milk, rub it around your entire nipple and let it air dry. Your milk is naturally healing.

Sun your nipples. If you have a place in your home where the sun comes in, sit in front of it for a few minutes a day. Sunlight provides vitamin D, which is very healing for sore, cracked nipples.

Monday, October 3, 2011

How to Understand a Breastfeeding Baby's Bowel Movements

To new parents, the first few days of their baby's life come with much uncertainty and many questions. For the breastfeeding mother, normal bowel movements from her newborn baby can help the mother feel confident about her breastfeeding her baby. Follow these steps to help you understand the breastfeeding baby's bowel movements in those first few days of life.

Instructions

Look for a breastfed baby's first bowel movement, also known as meconium, the substance that formed in the baby's bowel prior to birth. This substance is sticky and thick and has a greenish-black color. Parents tend to find it difficult to remove meconium from their baby's bottom because it's sticky. Breastfed babies usually have their first bowel movement within 12 hours after their birth. Typically, on the first and second days of life, a breastfed baby will have one to two bowel movements of this type per day.

Watch for the transitional bowel movements that follow the meconium stools. You will note a bowel movement that has a greenish-brown or greenish-yellow color on approximately the third day of the baby's life. These stools are not as sticky and thick as the meconium and they have a softer texture. At a minimum, your breastfed baby will have about two of these transitional stools per day.

Pay attention to the third type of bowel movement that you will see in a breastfed newborn. Around the fourth day of life, you will note that the baby's stools turn to a mustard yellow color. The stools have a runny and seedy texture as well. On days 4 and 5 of the baby's life, you can expect about three bowel movements per day at a minimum. This type of stool is what you will see in a breastfed baby until about four to six weeks of life.

How to Get a 6 Month Old Baby to Sleep Through the Night

As most parents know, getting a baby to sleep through the night can be a difficult, frustrating challenge. Some babies easily fall into a regular sleep pattern, while others seem to wake up often during the night and even get days and nights reversed. Six months of age is a good time to start establishing a schedule that promotes a restful night's sleep. You can even start this type of schedule as young as 2 or 3 months of age.

Instructions

Keep the baby active during much of the day. A 6-month old baby will need to nap during daylight hours, but try to limit naps to no more than an hour and a half to two hours. During times when the baby is awake, engage her in play. This not only helps the baby's mental and physical development, but it will also allow him to be appropriately tired at bedtime.

Begin the nighttime routine with a warm bath. This can help to relax your little one.

Read a book together. This benefits your baby intellectually and emotionally because she is exposed to language as well as cuddling time with you.

Feed your baby some warm milk. Whether it's through breastfeeding or a bottle, drinking warm milk can help to soothe your baby and keep him from waking up from an empty tummy during the night.

Hug and kiss your baby and quietly lay her in her crib. You might want to sing a lullaby or turn on a CD of soft music before leaving the room. You also could turn on a mobile for soothing music. You also might want to let your little one hold onto a favorite blanket or stuffed animal. Make sure the "lovey" doesn't have anything that could potentially be a choking or suffocation hazard.

Comfort your baby if he wakes up and cries. Try waiting a couple of minutes before comforting. Sometimes you baby might briefly cry and go right back to sleep. There are many theories on whether to let them cry and for how long. Trust your parental instinct; you know your baby better than anyone else. She might need to be changed or fed. Sometimes babies need to be fed more often during a growth spurt. You don't want to ignore a legitimate need. If you do feed or change your baby, do so in low light and put her back to bed promptly so that she doesn't become too alert and think it's time to get up.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

How to Make Nipples Look Larger

Many women want to make their nipples appear larger to attract attention from their mate or society in general. Breasts certainly represent an opportunity to wield power in the workplace or the bedroom, so it only stands to reason that enhancing one's nipples might be an attractive idea. A few quick steps can make your nipples look larger in minutes.

Instructions

Choose a thin bra under thin clothing. If you want your nipples to look large and obvious under clothing, it only stands to reason that you'd want very little fabric hiding them. Thin satin bras or lace bras allow your nipples to protrude under your clothing. Or don't wear a bra at all.

Squeeze and pinch your nipples to give them a rosy, swollen look. Stimulation causes the nipples to harden and stick up from the body, so playing with them for a few minutes prior to sex or before going out in a thin bra can certainly give you larger looking nipples.

Chill your nipples for maximum notice. As any woman who's ever been in a cold room knows, a chill is the quickest and surest way to make your nipples look larger. Apply ice or a cool cloth to your nipples to make them stand out.

Recline to give your nipples more surface area. While it's only an illusion, laying down changes the position of your breasts and can significantly flatten the breasts and nipples, giving them a look of a larger circumference.

Consult a plastic surgeon if you want larger nipples all the time. Breast implants significantly increase the size and protrusion of nipples. By talking to a plastic surgeon you can reasonably assess the risk involved in taking a permanent step and the possible results for you on an individual basis.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Mucus in a Baby's Stool

New parents tend to obsess over any changes in a baby's bowel movements, and because a baby's stool comes in a wide variety of colors and textures, it can be a source of great angst and stress. Relatives and friends are quick to assume something is wrong with the baby if the stool changes, yet many times varying stool colors and mucus content are caused from simple changes in the diet or drooling due to teething. Mucus in a baby's stool often does not signify a severe problem; however, if the condition persists over an extended period of time, it should be addressed by your pediatrician.

Normal baby stool colors include light tan to dark brown and pale yellow to dark green, depending on whether the baby is breast or formula fed. Normal baby stool texture is soft, loose and seedy. A few liquid texture bowel movements is usually not reason for alarm, but frequent watery stools can be diarrhea as a result of a stomach or bowel infection, a viral infection, a food intolerance and even a reaction to stress and anxiety. It is important to note that babies that are solely breastfed will have liquid texture bowel movements as a rule and there is no need to worry.

If there is an unusually large amount of mucus in a baby's stool, a virus might be the culprit. Many times the only symptom of a virus in a baby is a green mucus stool. Teething can also cause green mucus stools. Babies drool excessively, which causes an increase in saliva, which they often swallow. The saliva can irritate the intestines, resulting in green, runny, acidic stools that may contain mucus. Contact your health care provider if you are concerned about the mucus in your baby's stool.

If your baby has mucus in the stool due to a virus, your pediatrician will most likely advise you to let the virus run its course. Mucus in your baby's stool as a result of teething is also remedied with time. Stools with mucus may cause diaper rash, which can be treated by keeping the area clean and treating with diaper creams.

Baby's stool that continually contains mucus may need to be treated by your pediatrician. The doctor may recommend dietary changes, changes in formula and even prescription medications for the treatment of diarrhea and stomach problems. For serious cases, your baby may be further examined to eliminate any possible internal intestinal complications.

Breast-fed babies can have a variety of poop colors and textures, with or without mucus, due to the mother's diet. If the baby is allergic to a certain food or food group that the mother has in her diet, the baby's stool texture and color can change drastically.

If your baby's stool is bright red in addition to containing mucus, contact your pediatrician immediately, as this may signify blood due to a sore or crack in the skin around the anus, a possible milk allergy or a severe intestinal problem.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Causes

Symptoms/Signs

Prevention/Solution

Considerations

Warning

Instructions

How to Use Jenny Craig After Pregnancy

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Types

Progestin-Only Pills

Combination Pills

Time Frame

Considerations

Friday, October 28, 2011

Instructions

Transitioning Back to Work

Instructions

Instructions

Breastfeeding

Introduce Solid Foods

Encourage Activity

Doctor Checkups

Breast Feeding

Formula Feeding

Demand Feeding

Scheduled Feeding

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Function

Time Frame

Considerations

Effects

Warning

How Long the Flu Lasts

Types of Stomach Flu

Symptoms of the Stomach Flu

Preventing the Stomach Flu

Warning About the Stomach Flu

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Crying

Feeding Techniques

Digestion

Treatments

Instructions

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Instructions

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Main Hydroquinone Side Effects

Allergic Reaction to Skin Bleach

Mercury Side Effects

Sun Ray Exposure

Peroxide Precautions

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Proper Use

Instructions

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Instructions

Friday, October 21, 2011

Instructions

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Breastfeeding

Belly Binding

Exercising

Instructions

Monday, October 17, 2011

Instructions

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Instructions

Pre-Treat with Detergent

Natural Stain Removers

Stain Removers

Treat It Immediatelty with Soaking

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Instructions

Instructions

Instructions

Immune System Benefits

Childhood Illnesses

Breastfeeding and Allergies

Other Health Benefits