How to Know if an Infant Is Sensitive to Milk

How to Encourage a Breastfed Baby to Accept the Bottle

If you breastfeed your baby, you may want her to take a bottle occasionally. If your baby is older, she may be resistant to doing so. Once a baby has become accomstomed to nursing, it may be difficult to get to to feed from a bottle when she is at the babysitter or if your partner would like to feed her. If your breastfed baby is refusing the bottle, try the tips here to encourage her.

Instructions

1

Try giving your baby the bottle when she has an empty stomach. She may be more receptive to eating from the bottle when she is hungry.

2

Try giving your baby the bottle when his tummy is full. If your baby rejects the bottle on an empty stomach, it may be because he is too frustrated to try something new when he hungry. Give him the bottle between feedings. He may be in the mood for a snack and since he is not really hungry, he may be willing to give the bottle a try.

3

Play with your baby before you offer the bottle. Give him the bottle before you try to feed him. If he has a chance to play with the bottle and get used to it, he may be more likely accept it as a food source. If you allow him to play with the bottle, he may even put it in his mouth himself (like he does with everything else).

4

Let someone else give your baby the bottle. She will be more likely to accept the bottle from her dad or grandma. Make sure that you are out of the room and out of sight. If her typical source of food is out of the picture, she may be more likely to take the bottle. Be sure to stay away until your baby is used to the bottle. Even hearing the sound of your voice may cause her to reject the bottle in the hopes of nursing.

5

Fill the bottle with your baby's favorite liquid. Some babies will be more likely to accept the bottle if it is filled with breast milk. But for others, the breast milk only serves to remind the baby that she wants her mommy and wants to nurse. If your baby refuses a bottle of breast milk, try formula or diluted fruit juice.

6

Know when to call it quits. Do not let the bottle become a battle. You and your baby will just become frustated and upset. If your baby rejects the bottle, take it away and try later. Keep trying and keep your cool. Being persistant and calm will probably be all it takes to get your baby to eventually accept the bottle.

How to Wean Your Baby off the Breast

Weaning can be a difficult time for both mother and baby, but doing it gradually with lots of love can ease the transition.

Instructions

1

Proceed slowly. Your baby may find abrupt weaning traumatic, and it can lead to uncomfortable engorgement and mastitis in your breasts. Mastitis is an infection that can cause fever and flulike symptoms, as well as pain, hardness, redness, or heat in your breast - usually just one breast, not both.

2

Eliminate one daily feeding session at a time over a period of weeks or even months, starting with the nursing session that seems the least important to your baby emotionally.

3

Offer your baby a substitute for the breast. If she is less than 1 year old, you may need to substitute formula in a bottle to make sure she gets the nutrition she needs. If she is past her first birthday, eating a variety of foods and drinking from a cup, you may be able to offer her food or distract her with a fun game or activity.

4

Give extra affection. Weaning can make babies feel vulnerable for a while, and your baby may need added reassurance that you still love her.

5

Keep your baby occupied by going to the park, taking a walk or playing in the garden.

6

If your baby clearly wants to nurse, and if your attempts to distract her with other snacks or activities aren't working, it's OK to nurse. This way, you can avoid a battle of wills.

7

Continue to nurse for comfort if necessary. Often, a more or less weaned baby will want to nurse after a fright or a fall. This is OK. It will take her a while to get used to the other forms of comfort you offer.

8

Contact your doctor, a lactation professional or your local La Leche League if you experience pain or engorgement while waiting for your milk to dry up. They can offer some solutions for a safe and pain-free transition.

9

If you wean your baby from breast to bottle, avoid putting her to bed with a bottle. It poses a choking hazard and promotes tooth decay. If she gets thirsty at night, keep a spillproof cup of water nearby and offer it to her when she wakes.

Uses for Fenugreek Tea

Fenugreek is a plant used for various nutritional and health benefits. It is found most often in southern Europe, where it is used as a spice. However, the extract from the leaves, as well as the seeds, can also be used to make a tea. The tea is made by mixing 500 milligrams of the fenugreek seed with five ounces of water. Allow it to sit for three hours, and then strain out the seeds.

Breastfeeding Benefits

Fenugreek tea can be used to aid in milk production during the process of breastfeeding. This is because the seeds contain hormones that increase the milk supply in the body, according to Breastfeeding.com. According to the site, this can occur with 24 to 72 hours after drinking the tea. However, it should be noted that the tea has a harsh taste and is tough on the stomach.

Blood Sugar/Cholesterol Control

Fenugreek tea can also be ingested to help control blood sugar. According to Beth Israel Medical Center, use of fenugreek reduces blood sugar. This can directly benefit people with Type 2 diabetes. It also helps to reduce cholesterol, benefiting those who struggle with high cholesterol.

Easing Constipation

Because fenugreek is high in fiber, ingesting the tea may help to ease constipation. In fact, in capsule form, it can also be used as a mild laxative. Conversely, while it is safe, ingesting too much fenugreek can result in stomach upset. When taking it for health benefits, Beth Israel Medical Center recommends taking no more than 30 grams of this herb three times daily.

Warning

According to Beth Israel Medical Center, fenugreek has been shown to cause contractions of the uterus in guinea pigs. Therefore, the facility recommends that pregnant women avoid ingesting more than five grams of fenugreek, including fenugreek in tea form. In fact, it is generally recommended that pregnant women use this herb only as a spice and not in any medicinal manner at all.

WIC In Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Women, Infants, Children, or WIC, program provides nutritional services to breastfeeding and expectant mothers and to children up to the age of 5. Single fathers are also eligible to receive services for dependent children who meet the age requirements. To receive Pennsylvania WIC benefits, applicants must meet household income requirements and be a resident of the state; however, citizenship is not a requirement.

WIC Foods

The WIC program distributes vouchers that you redeem for specific foods. Examples of food items available through the program include milk, eggs, cereal, bread, peanut butter, juice and cheese. Vouchers are also available for fresh fruits and vegetables that you can purchase through your regular grocer, or at some local farmer's markets. Infants on the program may receive infant formula, baby cereal, jarred baby food, bananas and juice.

Breastfeeding Support

Pennsylvania encourages new mothers to breastfeed. Pregnant mothers receive food vouchers, and when the mother chooses to breastfeed postpartum, she continues to receive food assistance, with additional foods that support the enhanced dietary needs for creating healthy breast milk. The Pennsylvania WIC program distributes breast pumps to mothers who return to work or school and have lactation consultants that counsel and assist mothers who have difficulty breastfeeding.

Health Screenings

WIC participants receive basic health screenings that evaluate nutritional risks. Weight, height and iron levels are monitored periodically to assess growth patterns and anemic deficiencies. In addition, a WIC counselor reviews recipients' health and immunization records and provides referrals to outside agencies when necessary. In general, outside referrals are made to agencies that offer services for free or reduced cost to income-eligible Pennsylvania residents.

How to Apply

At the time of publication, the income requirement for WIC assistance ranges between $20,036 and $68,469 annually, depending on the size of the applicant's household. If you receive other Pennsylvania assistance, such as food stamps, Medicaid or TANF, you already meet income requirements. To apply for the program, call your local WIC clinic to schedule a certification appointment. When you attend the appointment, remember to bring documents to prove your income, residency and identity. You must also bring immunization records and birth certificates for any children who may receive WIC foods.

How to Breastfeed Twins

Breastfeeding is the best start mothers can give their children. Having twins can make the start a little rough if you don't know how to do it. Although it can be difficult and demanding, breastfeeding twins is possible if you follow these steps.

Instructions

1

Decide which position you want to breastfeed in. There is the football hold, the cradle hold and the position in which one is in each hold. Refer to the book "Double Duty", written by Christina Baglivi Tinglof for descriptions and pictures of the positions.

2

Breastfeed your twins together about 80 percent of the time and then individually the remaining 20 percent of the time to assure they get individual attention.

3

Switch the sides that the babies breastfeed on to ensure they do not develop a favorite side and to prevent mismatched breasts. Babies are not going to eat exactly the same amount and therefore they need to switch to even out the supply.

4

Encourage a simultaneous schedule for the twins. If one baby wakes to eat then wake the other one and feed him too. If they eat at the same time every time this frees you up to do other things with them.

5

Check to make sure that each twin is having six to eight wet diapers a day and several bowel movements. This assures that they are getting enough breast milk.

6

Keep the number to La Leche League, a resource for happy mothers and breastfed babies, close by for any problems or advice you may need regarding breastfeeding. They're a great resource and they are free!

How to Wean the Baby From Using the Breast to Sleep

Nursing your baby to sleep will eventually become a problem. As she gets older, you will find that she will become dependent on this behavior and will not go to sleep without being breastfed. If you want to stop your baby from sucking for comfort and make breastfeeding sessions exclusively about nourishment, you must wean her to stop this habit. Gradually wean her for a more positive outcome for you and your baby. Weaning is all part of the natural breastfeeding experience.

Instructions

1

Breastfeed your baby a little before his scheduled nap time or bedtime so you can put him down for a nap or bedtime while he's slightly awake. This will help him get used to falling asleep without having to nurse.

2

Eliminate one feeding for several days if she's waking up throughout the night wanting to feed to go back to sleep. Decrease the number of feedings throughout the night as the days progress until she's not waking up to feed at all.

3

Encourage your spouse have an active role in this weaning process. Get Dad to try to put the baby back to sleep if he wakes during the night.

4

Give the baby a sippy cup with water to drink if she insists on drinking something before she goes to sleep. According to BabyZone.com, it is safe to introduce your baby to water as early as age 3 or 4 months with moderation. Eventually she will expect this cup and will cut back on the need to breastfeed to sleep.

5

Move the baby to his own bed if he is sleeping with you, which should also decrease the need to breastfeed during the night.

How to Eat Well to Lose Weight While Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is already nature's gift to dieting new moms. The process burns up many extra calories while passing vital antibodies and nutrients on to the baby. The baby adds a wrinkle to a diet plan, because the breastfeeding mom must provide nourishment to the child without sabotaging the diet. Certain foods can help moms in this area.

Instructions

1

Eat healthy fats. Omega three fats and unsaturated fats are low in calories, healthy for the body and contribute to the baby's growth and development. Unsaturated fats are healthy additions to the fat content in breast milk needed to keep the baby's weight up. These fats are found in nut oils (grape seed and olive oil), grains like flaxseed and fatty fish (mackerel, salmon, tuna, sardines, herring). Incorporate these into your diet.

2

Lose the fat in your meat intake. Protein is necessary for burning fat, but animal fats that are bad for the diet often compromise them. Protein is essential for the baby's diet as well. Look to lean red meats and chicken. Also consider egg whites, fish and legumes.

3

Keep the good carbs. Refined flour pastries and breads are bad for the diet. However, whole grains, starchy veggies without the extra toppings and beans are complex carbohydrates that breastfeeding mothers need in order to burn the baby fat and have the energy to take care of the new baby. These carbs are necessary for the baby's growth as well.

4

Drink milk yourself. Calcium is helpful in weight loss and is necessary for building healthy bones in the baby, dependent on you for nourishment. Look for low fat, calcium rich milk, yogurt and cheeses, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

5

Use the USDA's MyPyramid for for Pregnancy & Breastfeeding for the food serving suggestions needed to eat well and lose the baby weight while breastfeeding. The pyramid is a guide geared toward helping moms make the healthiest food choices for themselves and their children.

How to Teach a Nursing Baby to Sleep Through the Night

Nursing babies can wake up frequently during the night, and this can be a challenge for parents. Some parents find that training baby to sleep for a longer stretch can help everyone wake up rested. There is much debate over when to start this type of training. Dr. Richard Ferber, director of the Center for Pediatric Sleep Disorders at Children's Hospital Boston, says that nursing babies are ready to sleep through the night somewhere between four and six months. But Dr. Jay Gordon, a pediatrician and author, doesn't recommend sleep training for the first year of life.

Instructions

1

Establish a nighttime routine. For example, give her a bath, read a book, nurse her and put her to bed.

2

Wake your baby up for a feeding right before you go to bed. Understand that most doctors consider just six hours to be sleeping through the night, so you may not be able to sleep for eight hours. Thirty minutes before you go to bed, wake baby up and allow her to nurse. When she's asleep, put her back in her crib. This will help ensure that she won't wake up soon because she's hungry.

3

Give your baby a pacifier. Some babies have a strong need to suck for comfort, which can be a reason they wake up for nursing. A pacifier can satisfy this need and help her to go back to sleep.

4

Ask papa to step in during the night. When a baby sees his mama, she may only be able to think about nursing. If papa takes care of the baby instead, she will learn not to expect feedings throughout the night.

5

Allow baby to "cry it out." Though this is a hotly contested method, some parents let their baby cry it out as a way to help her learn to self-comfort. This doesn't mean letting the baby cry for hours on end. Start by letting the baby cry for a few minutes and then gradually increase the time you let her cry before you get her. Jumping up to nurse the baby whenever she makes the slightest noise will encourage her to expect that.

How to Bottle Feed in the Early Weeks

Feeding a newborn baby can consist of traditional breastfeeding, bottle feeding or a combination of the two. While bottle feeding a newborn doesn't have the same health benefits as breastfeeding, it's still the preference of some mothers. Since the mechanics of bottle feeding are slightly different than breastfeeding, there are certain techniques that should be implemented. Following five guidelines should help most parents in successfully bottle feeding their newborn.

Instructions

1

Sterilize all new bottle feeding equipment thoroughly before feeding your baby. This can be accomplished by placing the nipple, bottle and ring in a pot of boiling water for approximately five minutes. Afterward, the parts should be placed on a clean towel and allowed to air dry.

2

Place all bottle feeding equipment in your dishwasher after the initial sterilization process. Doing so should ensure that the equipment is completely clean and safe to use.

3

Feed your baby his formula approximately once every three hours. While every baby's feeding cycles will differ slightly, this frequency is average. During each feeding, it's usually best to give your baby anywhere from 1 to 3 ounces of formula. As he gets bigger, he will need more formula later on, but he will only need a minimal amount during the first weeks.

4

Turn the bottle up so that the nipple is completely filled with formula while feeding. Doing so will make it easier for your baby to get a steady stream of formula with less struggle.

5

Hold your baby in roughly a 45-degree angle during feeding. This will help prevent him from sucking down excess amounts of air and make the process smoother.

Psoriasis & Nursing

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that can cause increased production of skin cells. Psoriasis is not contagious, and it is safe to nurse when you have psoriasis.

Triggers

Giving birth causes hormonal changes in the mother that can cause outbreaks of psoriasis. In addition, typical psoriasis triggers occur postpartum, including stress, fatigue and irregular diet. Irritation or injury to the nipples during the early days of nursing can also trigger psoriasis.

Complications

Psoriasis on the nipples will not harm an infant; however, it can cause discomfort to the mother, including nipple soreness.

Treatment for Body

Consult your doctor before using any prescribed or natural remedies while nursing. Specifically avoid systemic medications because they can pass to the baby through the milk. To treat psoriasis on your body use natural remedies such as salt baths, sun therapy and moisturizing lotions.

Treatment for Nipples

Never use topical treatments on your nipples other than those specifically for breastfeeding mothers, such as Lansinoh. Instead, use warm, moist compresses or bathe them with freshly expressed breast milk. In addition, practice careful hygiene, including gentle washing and drying.

Prognosis

After a few months postpartum, psoriasis related to nursing tends to diminish.

Should Breast-fed Babies Be Spitting Up White Chunky Milk?

It is common for all babies to spit up, especially in the first few months of life. This extra liquid can cause extra laundry and at first might just seem to be a nuisance. If your breast-fed baby starts spitting up white chunks, though, you might be wondering if there is another medical issue. Knowing the warning signs can help you determine what is normal and when you should seek help.

Causes

Most spit-up is normal in babies, whether they are breast-fed or formula fed. Because their digestive systems are immature, the stomach contents come up into the esophagus, which causes the baby to spit up. Babies usually spit up when they get milk too fast, or when the mom's breasts are too full.

What's Normal?

Spit-up can look different for every baby, so white chunky milk might be normal for your breast-fed baby. Half of all babies between birth and three months of age spit up at least once a day, and it peaks between two and four months. If your baby is spitting up white chunks, it is not a problem as long as he is gaining weight well, the spit-up is not causing him discomfort and he is generally content most of the time.

Identifying a Problem

Chunky white spit-up can indicate a problem, though, if inconsolable fussiness or excessive crying associated with breast-feeding accompanies the spit-up. If your baby also spits up blood, yellow or green fluid, she might have gastroesophageal reflux disease. In these cases, the baby may also gag and choke while spitting up. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is common in premature babies, as their stomachs had less time to develop while in the womb.

An oversupply or a fast letdown of milk can also cause spitting up. Try switch feeding to help deal with the oversupply if the spit-up is not related to gastroesophageal reflux disease. In switch feeding, you nurse the baby on only one side for every feeding that takes place in a six-hour time period, and then after the six hours, switch to the other side. That way, the baby is getting more hindmilk from deep within the breast, which should reduce spit-up incidences.

Fixing the Problem

If the spit-up is bad enough, the baby's pediatrician might prescribe a medication to help him deal with his discomfort. A food in your diet might be triggering the reaction. Talk with your doctor about the possibility of eliminating certain foods from your diet. Breast-fed babies have a lower incidence of spitting up and gastroesophageal reflux disease, so continuing to breast-feed is usually the best option.

Breast-feed frequently, on demand, as smaller, more frequent meals are easier for a baby to digest. When nursing, try to hold the baby in a semi-upright position and stomach to stomach with mom. Comfort sucking either at the breast or with a pacifier can also reduce stomach irritation.

How to Make Twins

Having twins can be a joy and a challenge. Conceiving twins is not a sure science, but there are a few things that you can do to increase your chances of having twins.

Instructions

1

Know that a single, fertilized egg that splits in two will create identical twins. Each egg will develop into an individual, and both will be enclosed within the same placenta. The genetic makeup of the twins will be identical. Identical twins are always either both boys or both girls.

2

Know that fraternal twins are created when the female releases two eggs that both get fertilized and implant. These developing babies will each have a separate placenta. The genetic makeup of these twins will be different, just as if they were born at separate times. Fraternal twins can be of the same sex, or there can be one of each sex.

3

Take dietary supplements such as cassava root (a type of yam), dairy products and folic acid to slightly increase your chance of having twins.

4

Keep breastfeeding while you're trying to conceive the next child. Breastfeeding mothers conceive twins at a greater rate than mothers who have weaned their previous children.

5

Know that older women and women who are slightly overweight also have a greater chance of conceiving twins.

6

Realize that, overall, conceiving twins is largely a matter of luck.

Breastfeeding & Infant Milk Protein Allergy

Breastfeeding is considered the healthiest way to provide nutrition for your baby. That makes it so much more heartbreaking when breast milk is making your baby sick. It is important to note, however, that a baby's allergy is not to his mother's milk. Small amounts of what a mother consumes are passed on to her baby through her breast milk. A breastfeeding mother has to watch her own diet in order to avoid passing on something harmful to her child.

Definition

A milk protein allergy is caused when the baby's immune system mistakes the protein from cow's milk for something it should fight and causes the baby to get sick. This is an allergy that most kids outgrow, usually by age five. Only about two to three percent of babies have a milk allergy. A milk protein allergy is not the same as lactose intolerance. Switching to lactose-free milk will not help. Many babies who have a milk protein allergy are also sensitive to other proteins, including soy.

Symptoms

Milk allergies are difficult to diagnose because the reaction may not be immediate. In rapid onset cases the reaction occurs very quickly. Most cases, though, are slower onset and it may take up to 10 days to see a reaction. These reactions are also sometimes chalked up to colic in very young babies. However, if your baby does have colicky symptoms such as inconsolable crying, diarrhea, bloody stools, wheezing, hives, vomiting or constipation, a milk protein allergy may be the cause.

Elimination Diet

Dr. William Sears, a leading breastfeeding and parenting expert, recommends an extreme elimination diet in order to find the root cause of your baby's allergy. The diet starts with the least allergenic foods and gradually adds new foods in each week. Dairy proteins can stay in your system for up to three weeks. You need to be dairy-free for at least that long before determining whether it's helping your baby. Add foods back into your diet slowly and one at a time to avoid any confusion about what's causing your baby's issues.

Alternatives to Cow's Milk

If you choose to continue breastfeeding your baby who is allergic to milk, it is imperative that you eliminate dairy from your diet. If your baby's allergy is mild, you may be able to eat small amounts of dairy without affecting him. If his allergy is severe, you will need to be more diligent about keeping dairy out of your diet entirely. Kellymom.com created a guide that helps you identify less obvious foods that may contain dairy. Be advised that an allergy to cow's milk may be accompanied by allergies to goat's or sheep's milk and soy protein.

Formula Options

If you choose to stop breastfeeding your baby with a milk protein allergy, there are formula options available, though most standard formulas are based on cow's milk. If your baby's allergy is mild, she may be able to use extensively hydrolyzed, or predigested, formulas. These formulas have partially broken down proteins, making it easier for her to digest. Soy formula is also an option for babies with a milk allergy, but many who are allergic to milk are also allergic to soy.

How to Help a Baby Gain Weight & Have Healthy Bowel Movements

Your baby's weight and length mean everything when you're a new parent. All you want is to have a healthy, happy, normal child. Each doctor visit confirms your hopes if your child measures at or above average. Some parents, however, become worried if their babies fall off the charts or are way below average. Some doctors call this "failure to thrive." While some physicians insist on seeing small babies more often, others relax and monitor from afar. If you want your baby to gain weight, this article will show you the steps to take while keeping his bowel movements nice and healthy.

Instructions

1

Feed your baby every 2 or 3 hours. Whether this means breast milk or formula, make sure he fills his belly at each feeding. For some babies, that means 3 ounces every feeding, while others can finish 6 ounces at a time.

2

Mix your baby's cereal with formula or breast milk. Although the instructions usually say you can use water, this won't help your baby gain any weight. Milk and formula add extra calories and help your baby's tummy digest solid food easier.

3

Feed your baby a bottle or put her to the breast before her meals with solids. Eating solid foods isn't about caloric intake until the age of 1. It's simply a social activity. Don't let her fill up on low-calorie foods. Make sure she fills up on her nutritious bottle or breast milk beforehand.

4

Add a tablespoon of baby food meat or a teaspoon of melted butter to pureed vegetables. When your child is old enough to begin eating baby food, typically doctors recommend starting with orange and yellow vegetables. The meat and butter help add some fat and calories to the meal.

5

Watch her bowel movements for any signs of constipation. Once you introduce solid foods, there might be a little shift in normalcy, but it should return shortly. If she becomes constipated, find cereal without iron.

How to Find Your Size Nursing Bra

During the first few weeks of breastfeeding, breasts may triple or quadruple their pre-pregnancy weight. This can make it difficult for a mom who plans to breastfeed to predict the bra size she will need. But selecting the right nursing bra is vital. Poorly fitted bras can lead to plugged milk ducts, mastitis -- a breast infection that causes pain, fever and flu-symptoms -- or simply discomfort. By following a few simple techniques, you can increase your chances of finding a bra that will keep you comfortable during the weeks or months you breastfeed.

Instructions

1

Shop for a nursing bra during the month before your due date. Predicting the size of bra you will need while breastfeeding is challenging, but you will be able to get the most accurate estimate shortly before your baby's birth.

2

Determine your correct band size. Stand up straight in front of a mirror, wearing a comfortable, non-padded bra. Using a cloth tape measure, measure around your chest, just beneath your breasts. Breathe normally, and keep the tape straight and flat against your skin. Add one inch to the measurement if you get an odd number.

3

Find your cup size. Measure around the fullest part of your breast with a cloth tape measure. Again stand straight and ensure the tape measure stays straight and flat. Subtract your band size measurement from the cup size measurement. A difference of 1 inch means you have an A cup, 2 inches indicates B cup, 3 inches a C cup, 4 inches a D cup, 5 inches a DD or E cup, 6 inches a DDD or F cup, 7 inches a DDDD or G cup and 8 inches an H cup.

4

Try on several bras to see which size fits correctly. Taking your measurements will give you a good idea of what size bra you need, but even taken carefully measurements may not be perfectly accurate, and they don't guarantee what style of bra will feel best. The band should fit snugly around your back, and your breast should fill the cup with no fabric gapping at the side. Most importantly, the bra should feel comfortable.

5

Predict the bra size you will need while nursing. Don't purchase a bra that fits you perfectly in your eighth month of pregnancy, since your breast size will change when your milk comes in. Select a bra one cup size bigger than the size that fits correctly now. Your rib cage will also shrink back to the size it was before you became pregnant, so you will need a smaller band size. Choose a bra with the same band size you wore pre-pregnancy. If you don't know or remember, select a band size two inches smaller than the size that fits correctly now.

Home Remedies for Baby Acne

Acne is often thought of as a teen or an adult problem. This is true most of the time, but some babies suffer from acne, too. In fact, since hormones are transferred to the baby in the womb, some acne may show up on the cheeks, forehead or chin for up to six months following birth. White bumps may also appear, called milia. Often, these clear on their own. However, if you wish to treat your baby's acne, there are a few home remedies you can try.

Gentle Cleanser

Your first course of action is to use a gentle cleanser on your baby's face. This can be a mild soap or baby soap that won't bother the eyes. Make it a point to wash your baby's face twice a day. Likewise, wash off milk, food or saliva that gets onto your baby's face. Don't let it sit for too long, as this can irritate the skin.

Drink Water & Juices

If you are breast-feeding your baby, you'll need to monitor what you eat and drink. Avoid eating oily or fatty foods that can worsen your baby's acne problem. Make sure you drink plenty of fresh water and fruit juices each day to encourage proper cell renewal and rejuvenation in your baby's skin.

Keep Clothing & Bedding Clean

Wash your baby's clothes, bed sheets, pillow cases and toys with a mild detergent regularly. This helps prevent the build up of oil, saliva and dead skin cells that are notorious for clogging pores and worsening your baby's skin condition. Anything that comes into contact with your child's face should be washed with care and often.

Honey & Lemon Juice

Another way to treat your baby's acne is to prepare a mixture of 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of honey. Dab this mixture onto the affected area with a new cotton swab. You can leave this on for up to a half an hour before rinsing with warm water. Be careful not to get this mixture in your baby's eyes. If her skin is very sensitive, use just the honey, as lemon can be an irritant.

Breast Milk

Some women use their breast milk as a treatment for their baby's acne. This can help to ease inflammation and dry up the pimple so that it can heal faster. This may not work on every baby, however, and could cause further irritation. If you notice your baby's acne getting worse instead of better, discontinue this method of treatment.

How to Increase Fat in Breast Milk

Breast milk is considered to be the most nutritionally complete food source for babies. Breastfeeding provides health benefits to infants and nursing mothers. One of the most important nutritional elements of breast milk is fat. Infants need fat for their developing bodies, especially for the development of the nervous system. If you are concerned about your baby receiving enough fat through your breast milk, there are ways to increase the fat content of that milk.

Instructions

1

Pump milk from your breasts before feeding your baby. If a breast is extremely full at the beginning of breastfeeding, the milk has less fat content. The milk that comes once the breast is partially empty is known as "hind" milk and contains more fat. The amount that you will need to pump will vary from person to person. Consult a lactation specialist if you are unsure.

2

Eat foods with saturated fat if you want your breast milk to be higher in saturated fat. Eat foods higher in unsaturated fat if you want your breast milk to be higher in unsaturated fat.

3

Allow your baby to empty one breast before switching her to the other breast. This also increases the chances that your infant will receive the nutritionally dense hind milk.

4

Perform breast compression while the baby is feeding. This a technique in which you place pressure on the outer part of the breast and maintain pressure as you move toward the nipple. Perform this technique when the infant stops sucking for a few moments.

How to Calculate Conception Without a Period

Figuring out when you conceived can be tricky, even under the best of circumstances. But if you discover you are pregnant when you haven't had a recent period -- because you are breastfeeding or have a low body weight, for instance -- or simply can't recall your last period, determining the date of conception becomes even more difficult. Fortunately, with some detective work and the help of your healthcare provider, you can still figure out roughly when you conceived your baby.

Instructions

1

Check the date you first had a positive home pregnancy test. On average, it takes 13.6 days after conception for an test to turn positive, according to a study by the charting website FertilityFriend.com. On the date of your first pregnancy test -- you should at minimum -- be about 2 weeks past conception. By itself, this is not a reliable test, however, since you could also be much farther along than 2 weeks.

2

Measure the size of your uterus with a pelvic exam. Your doctor will feel your abdomen or use a tape measure. The distance from the top of your pubic bone to the top of your uterus, or your fundal height, grows approximately a centimeter every week of your pregnancy. However, this only provides a rough estimate of gestation, since a variety of factors -- including fibroids, multiple babies, the amount of amniotic fluid and the baby's position -- can all influence the measurement. By 28 to 30 weeks of pregnancy, measuring fundal height with tape measure becomes too inaccurate.

3

Estimate a baby's size with a dating ultrasound, as early as three weeks after conception. A baby's length from head to bottom provides a very accurate estimate of a baby's gestational age until 12 weeks, and is most accurate between and 7 and 10 weeks. During the second trimester, ultrasound measurements still provide a reasonably accurate measurement of gestational age between 12 and 22 weeks. By the third trimester, however, ultrasound estimates of gestational age may be off by plus or minus three weeks.

4

Calculate your likely conception date, once you have an estimate of your baby's gestational age. Since pregnancy dating usually counts the length of time since the start of the last menstrual period, conception takes place when you are considered 2 weeks pregnant. If an ultrasound measures your baby as being 8 weeks 6 days, conception occurred approximately 6 weeks 6 days ago. Simply count back on calendar 6 weeks and 6 days, to find your estimated date of conception.

What Fish Is Safe to Eat During Pregnancy?

It's in the news almost daily: Eating fish several times a week is a healthy habit. Pregnant women, however, must be mindful about avoiding particular kinds of fish that carry higher levels of mercury, which could be harmful to the brain development and nervous system of a fetus.

Lowest-Mercury Fish

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that children and women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant should consume no more than 12 oz. (two average meals) of low-mercury fish per week. These include anchovies, calamari, king crab, pollock, catfish, scallops, flounder, haddock, rock lobster, crawfish, salmon, shrimp, clams, tilapia, oysters, sardines, sturgeon and freshwater trout.

High-Mercury Fish

The FDA recommends that pregnant women eat no more than 18 oz. of high-mercury fish per month. High-mercury fish (not to be confused with the highest-mercury fish, listed below) include saltwater bass, croaker, halibut, canned, white albacore tuna, bluefin or ahi tuna, sea trout, bluefish and American or Maine lobster.

Highest-Mercury Fish

Since these fish carry the highest levels of mercury, the FDA strongly recommends that pregnant women abstain from eating them throughout the pregnancy and while breastfeeding: grouper, marlin, orange roughy, tilefish, swordfish, shark and king mackerel. Of these, tilefish, swordfish, shark and king mackerel have the highest levels.

Tuna

Levels of mercury vary in tuna, depending on the type of tuna and where it was caught. The Natural Resources Defense Council developed a chart that helps pregnant women, women trying to conceive, and children determine how much canned tuna is safe to eat. (See Resources.)

Local Fish

Fish caught in local lakes, rivers or coastal areas must be considered for their mercury levels as well. Check with local advisories about the safety of eating fish caught locally. If no information is available, consume up to 6 oz. per week, but do not eat other fish that week.

How to Tell If You're Pregnant While Nursing

Although nursing acts as a form of birth control for some women, it is still possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding. Some women become fertile soon after delivering and can even become pregnant the first time they ovulate. In addition to the common signs of pregnancy, there are specific symptoms for breastfeeding women to monitor.

Instructions

How to Tell If You're Pregnant While Nursing

1

Note if you have any of the common signs of pregnancy such as nausea, heightened sense of smell, cramps or fatigue.

2

Notice if you experience sore nipples. Although nipples are typically sore while nursing, they can become even more sore and tender if you become pregnant. You may also notice that your breasts are suddenly swollen and that nursing is more painful than usual due to the hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy.

3

Observe your milk for any changes. The hormones produced in pregnancy can cause a reduction in milk supply beginning at just two weeks gestation. You may also notice that your baby becomes less interested in breastfeeding at this time, because pregnancy hormones can also cause the texture and taste of breast milk to slightly change.

4

Note if you miss a period while nursing. Many breastfeeding mothers do not have a period while nursing, but those mothers whose periods have returned will notice that they miss a period if they become pregnant.

5

Take a pregnancy test if you suspect you are pregnant. Schedule an appointment to see your doctor in order to find out for sure and to begin prenatal care.

Muscle Back Spasm Treatment Alternative

Muscle back spasms are characterized by cramping and pain in the back. Causes for muscle back spasms include tense muscles, dehydration, prolonged standing or sitting, strenuous movements, nerve damage, fatigue, and low calcium levels, low magnesium levels, and low potassium levels in your body. Back muscle spasms are also sometimes caused by conditions like cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis. There are natural treatments that can help you alleviate some of the causes of muscle back spasms.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Visit your physician if you suffer from chronic muscle spasms in your back. Your doctor will collect a full medical history from you, and ask about the spasms you are experiencing. You will have a physical examination to determine the source of your spasms, or you may have a neurological exam to determine if nerve damage is causing them. Blood tests will be performed to check your calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels. An arteriography test may be performed to assess your blood flow.

Calcium

Your body relies on calcium to help your muscles, heart, and organs function. A deficiency in this mineral can cause muscle spasms. Eat more calcium-rich foods by adding low-fat dairy products, yogurt, and milk, cheeses of different varieties, blackstrap molasses, and tofu to your diet. Consume Brazil nuts, dried figs, dark leafy greens, hazelnuts, canned salmon, sardines, oysters, cabbage, and broccoli. Soy milk, cereals, and juices that are fortified with calcium are also a great way to get the calcium you need daily for healthy muscles.

Adults ages 19 to 50 require 1000 mg of calcium a day and people over the age of 51 require 1200 mg of calcium daily. Pregnant women and nursing females need 1300 mg of calcium to remain healthy and to prevent muscle spasms. Take one 500 mg calcium supplement in capsule form three times daily with 8 oz. of water.

Possible side effects of calcium consumption include gastrointestinal upset and constipation; reduce your dosage if you note these side effects. If you have sarcoidosis, kidney conditions, or cancer, you should refrain from consuming calcium unless otherwise advised by your doctor. Calcium may interact with alendronate, aluminum containing antacids, blood pressure medications, cholesterol controlling medications, corticosteroids, digoxin, diuretics, estrogens, gentamicins, antibiotics, and anti-seizure medications.

Potassium

Your body requires potassium to assist in kidney and heart function, and it plays a vital role in muscle contractions; a deficiency can result in muscle spasms. Add foods that are potassium enriched to your diet like lima beans, cod, chicken liver, meats, orange juice, bananas, cantaloupes, avocados, potatoes, and tomatoes. Your body needs 2000 mg of potassium a day for optimal health. Discuss with your doctor before consuming a potassium supplement. Take one 99 mg potassium supplement in capsule form daily as a supplement for back spasm prevention.

Side effects of potassium consumption may include nausea and diarrhea. If you have a kidney disorder or hyerkalemia, you should not take potassium supplements. Potassium supplements may interfere or interact with nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs, ACE inhibitors, heparin, cyclosporine, trimethoprimand sulfamethoxazole, beta blockers, thiazide diuretics, loop diuretics, corticosteroids, amphotericin B, antacids, insulin, fluconazole, theophylline, and laxatives. Potassium may also interact with digoxin.

Magnesium

Your body needs the mineral magnesium for optimal muscle health. Food sources rich in magnesium include poppy seeds, marjoram, tarragon, cumin seed, savory, fennel seed, cocoa powder, basil, dried mustard, sage, celery seed, dill weed, coriander, seaweed, agar, pine nuts, black walnuts, squash seeds, peanuts, oat flour, whole wheat flour, cashews, blackstrap molasses, pumpkin, spinach, pistachios, shredded wheat, bran cereals, bananas, oatmeal, baked potatoes, chocolate, soybean flour, almonds, cashews, legumes, tofu, and wheat bran.

Consume magnesium in supplement form. Males require 270 to 400 mg of magnesium a day, while females require 280 to 300 mg a day. Pregnant females need 320 mg a day, and breast feeding females need 340 mg of magnesium daily. Excessive consumption of magnesium can result in the onset of nausea, hypotension, vomiting, and a diminished heart rate. Magnesium may interfere or interact with antibiotics, calcium channel blockers, blood pressure medications, diabetic medications, digoxin, hormone replacement therapy medications, levothyroxine, penicillamine, tiludronate, alendronate, aminoglycoside antibiotics, thiazide diuretics, loop diuretics, amphotericin B, corticosteroids, and antacids.

How to Train a Nipple

Some women have a difficult time breastfeeding because of inverted or flat nipples, so their nipples don't become erect for effective nursing. Most women who have this problem can train their nipples to protrude enough for their baby to latch on for feeding. Seeking the help of a doctor or a lactation specialist may be necessary.

Instructions

1

Nurse your baby as soon after birth as possible. If you wait too long, the breast may become engorged, making it much more difficult to pull out the nipple. The more the baby nurses, the more likely your nipple will come out.

2

Pump your breasts right before you nurse your baby. This may help pull your nipple out for the baby to latch onto. The pumping may also help train your nipple to come out.

3

Wear a breast shield between feedings. A breast shield will help pull your nipple out. However, doctors and lactation consultants say you shouldn't rely on a breast shield for every feeding. Breast shields are also called breast shells.

4

Place your thumbs on each side of the base of the nipple. Firmly press inward against your breast. As you press, pull your thumbs away from each other. This stretches your nipple and loosens the area at the base.

5

Squeeze and pull with your fingers around the base of the nipple. Hold your nipple and gently pull it out. Do this several times per day.

How to Wean an Underweight Toddler

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding babies until 12 months, while the World Health Organization encourages breastfeeding until age two. In addition to protecting your child from a wealth of infections and illnesses, many studies support the idea that breastfed children have intellectual and developmental advantages. If your toddler is refusing nutritional sources outside the breast, however, he may become underweight. At this point, your child's pediatrician might encourage you to begin the weaning process.

Instructions

1




Offer your child a cup in place of a feeding.

Approach it gradually, both for your sake and your child's. Going cold turkey can cause you physical discomfort and put emotional stress on your toddler. Try replacing one breastfeeding session a day with a cup of milk or water. After a few days, replace another feeding. Continue this process, until you have eliminated all feedings.

2




Not all children like the taste of cow's milk when it is first offered.

If your child refuses to drink any type of milk except yours, try mixing some pumped breast milk with cow's milk in a cup. Start with a lot of breast milk and just a little cow's milk. Gradually decrease the amount of breast milk you're giving her, until cow's milk is the only liquid in the cup.

3




Give your child lots of extra attention while you wean.

Your child will likely miss the physical contact and comfort that comes with nursing. Be sure to spend lots of extra time cuddling, reading, and giving lots of hugs and kisses. He might be especially clingy during this time, so be sure to respond to his needs and give him lots of reassurance.

4




If your child is particularly strong willed, try garlic oil.

If your child is resistant to your gentle weaning attempts, try brushing your nipples with garlic oil a few times a day. Your child will likely not want to nurse once he tastes the garlic oil, and after a few days of attempting, will happily take milk from a cup.