Oatmeal to Increase Breast Milk

Babies have been breastfed to survive and thrive since humans graced the Earth. Most moms who breastfeed will not need to increase their milk supply while nursing, but many may wonder if baby is actually getting enough milk. There are easy ways to determine if breastfeeding is meeting babys needs and how to increase breast milk with oatmeal or by other means.

Need

Breastfeeding mothers often do not need to increase milk supply.

Mothers can easily determine the need to increase breast milk. A nursing mother makes milk through supply and demand. When a baby is allowed to nurse frequently, in most cases the mother will make plenty of milk for the baby to thrive. Sometimes there may be a breastfeeding or other issue that results in the baby not thriving. If a baby under 6 weeks of age is not gaining well on breast milk alone or does not have five to six wet diapers and two to three bowel movement diapers in 24 hours, consult with a lactation specialist, health care professional trained in lactation, or La Leche League leader to determine how to increase milk supply.

Galactagogue

Foods, herbs or medications that increase breast milk are called galactagogues. Oatmeal is considered a galactagogue by many lactation specialists, although the effectiveness is based on personal accounts rather than research. Many mothers have found that the addition of oatmeal into the diet allows them to produce and pump more milk than when they are not eating oatmeal.

Explanation

Steel cut or whole oat pods contain the most minerals helpful for lactation.

Although oatmeal doesnt have controlled studies to back it, there are some reasons it may work to increase breast milk. According to Hilary Jacobson, oatmeal is a comfort food for many mothers, promoting relaxation and relief from depression. Mothers who are low in iron may not be able to produce adequate milk, and oats provide iron. Oatmeal contains minerals that help stimulate the hormone oxytocin, contributing to successful letdown during lactation. There is a correlation between some galactagogues such as fenugreek and alfalfa and the reduction of cholesterol. Since oats are also known to reduce cholesterol, they may share the same characteristics of increasing milk supply.

Recommendations

Lactation specialists recommend eating a breakfast of whole oatmeal, steel cut oats or whole pods because they have more nutrients than instant oatmeal to help a mother relax and increase breast milk. Mothers can also use oats in snacks to increase consumption, thus increasing breast milk supply. Oats are easy to eat and most people tolerate them with no problems. Those with gluten sensitivity may want to buy oats that are gluten-free.

Alternatives

Take a break with baby to relax and stimulate milk production.

The best suggestion when trying to increase milk supply is to take care of mom and get some rest. Stress can inhibit milk production, so it pays to take a break. Increase water consumption, delegate responsibilities and enjoy nursing the baby as much as possible. Increasing breast milk supply can also be done through drinking water, eating at least 500 calories more per day, researching herbs and adding foods that may support lactation. Foods that may help increase supply include brewers yeast and essential fatty acids like those found in fish.

Some mothers increase breast milk through pumping after a feeding to milk the breast fully and send the message that more milk is needed. Prescription medications may be obtained through consulting with a health care professional. Check with a lactation specialist before using herbs as some are not suitable for breastfeeding. Various herbs that have been used to increase milk production include fenugreek in capsules or tea form, marshmallow root, nettles, blessed thistle and alfalfa. Some tea companies also make preparations to support lactation, which may be found at health food stores.

How to Recover Fast After Child Birth

Childbirth is a physically and psychologically demanding process. You will feel exhausted and extremely sore after childbirth. It is going to take up to weeks for you to completely recover. Below are few tips that may help you to recover faster.

Instructions

1

Rest a lot. Do nothing except feeding the baby and caring for yourself. Don't worry about household chores. Ask for help from your family or friends to help you with household chores in the first week.

2

Get your husband, boyfriend or partner involved in caring and feeding the baby. In the first few weeks, you need to wake up 3 to 4 times at night to feed your newborn. After breastfeeding, he can help you to change the baby's diaper. You can also pump your breast milk out or prepare formula milk in a bottle and let's your partner feed the baby, while you rest.

3

Be positive and relax. Studies show that a positive attitude after childbirth is associated with faster recover process.

4

Breastfeed your baby. Studies show that breastfeeding helps the uterus to shrink to normal size at a faster rate.

5

Exercise will help you to regain your strength and to relieve some of the stress. A light walk for a few blocks with your baby in the stroller is good for recovery. Try to do that everyday. Don't overexercise. If you are still bleeding, limit walking up and down the stairs.

6

Use an icepack to relieve swelling and pain. You will continue to bleed for few days after coming home from hospital. Ask your doctor for pain medication if you feel the pain is too overwhelming in the first few days. Take stool softeners to avoid constipation.

Relief for Post-Nasal Drip During Breastfeeding

Post-nasal drip occurs when the sinuses produce too much mucus and can result in coughing, congestion or chronic sore throat. Different medications vary in efficacy and safety during breastfeeding, so knowing which medications and alternative health solutions are safe for your baby can help you decide how to treat your post-nasal drip.

Safe Medications

To reduce excess mucus or congestion, consider a nasal spray. Kelly Mom, an online resource for breastfeeding moms, says that nasal sprays are generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. Look for a nasal spray that contains phenylephrine, as opposed to one containing oxymetazoline. When post-nasal drip is caused by allergies, sprays such as Flonase or NasalCrom are safe and effective for breastfeeding moms. Also, the homeopathic nasal gel Zicam is a safe option while breastfeeding.

Decongestants pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are both safe; however, Kelly Mom says pseudoephedrine may reduce milk supply by 24 percent. Don't take pseuodephedrine on a regular basis, as it could permanently decrease milk supply.

If you're experiencing throat irritation due to excess mucus flow, try a sore throat spray or lozenge, as they're generally compatible with breastfeeding. Avoid lozenges with menthol, which could reduce milk supply.

Alternative Health Solutions

For a more natural approach to treat post-nasal drip, consider alternative methods. Make your own nasal spray to avoid chemical ingredients. Add 1/2 tsp. salt and a pinch of baking soda to 1 cup of lukewarm water. Spritz the solution a few times into your nose using a child-sized bulb syringe. Blow your nose to help break up excess mucus. Or, take a hot shower with no shower fan on, as steamy, hot water can relieve congestion. Also, the homeopathy treatment Pulsatilla Nigricans may help to relieve exportation and congestion associated with post-nasal drip. Kelly Mom says that homeopathic remedies are compatible with breastfeeding.

Typical Baby Growth Spurts

Changes happen quickly in the first year of life and in the blink of parent's eye, a baby goes from a helpless, nearly immobile newborn to a crawling, babbling handful. During the first 12 months, babies grow more rapidly than at any other point; they gain three times their birth weight and grow between 8 and 10 inches on average.

Typical Growth Spurt Periods

Babies typically grow in five short, intense spurts during the first year, according to WhatToExpect.com. While this can happen at any time, most experts believe these bursts usually occur one at a time for two to seven day periods between one and three weeks, between six and eight weeks, at three months, at six months and at nine months. However, according to the Parents.com, not all experts agree these growth spurts are so predictable.

Signs of Growth Spurts

Babies often experience intense periods of hunger during or right before growth spurts, feeding more often and wanting more volume of milk or other solid foods. For example, a baby that typically breastfeeds every three hours may suddenly want a snack every one to two hours, according to the What to Expect. Hungry, growth-spurting infants can nurse 15 to 16 times a day.

Fussiness, including repeatedly latching on and letting go during nursing sessions, and awakening more often during the night to eat are common signs of infant growth bursts, as is a period of unusually sound sleep after days of heavy feeding.

Coping Strategies

Sleeping less and dealing with a cranky, hungry baby that wants to constantly eat---particularly for breastfeeding women---can be difficult. What to Expect recommends recruiting help to keep up with housework, work duties, sleep requirements or anything else that may need to be done. The website also stresses drinking plenty of water for breast feeding mothers to help keep up with demand and not to give up on breastfeeding. While it may be frustrating for a few days, milk supply will catch up with baby's needs.

Considerations

Fussiness, frequent waking during the night and excessive hunger are not necessarily signs of a growth spurt, according to Parents. Changing caregivers or normal routines can make a baby cranky. Infants coming down with an infection (such as a cold) or teething may also display all of the signs associated with growing bursts, plus more sleeping. What to Expect recommends visiting a pediatrician if you suspect any problems, particularly if the baby is not growing or if she does not wet at least five diapers a day.

Interesting Facts

Babies really can grow overnight---up to 3 oz. and a centimeter in 24 hours---according to Michelle Lampl, M.D., Ph.D., growth researcher and associate professor of anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta.

How to Supplement Without Diminishing Milk Supply

Everyone knows that breastfeeding is best and it is a perfect match of nutrition for your newborn's growing body. However, there are some mothers who may be concerned that there baby is not gaining enough weight. Usually there is nothing to worry about, but if you would like to supplement with formula, it is completely possible to do without diminishing your milk supply, despite what you may have been told. By following these steps, you will be able to supplement with formula now and then for whatever reason and still be able to continue breastfeeding for as long as you want.

Instructions

1

Make sure your baby is very comfortable with latching on. It is very important before you try introducing a bottle that your baby is good with latching on, because some children develop nipple confusion and may not take the breast very well after taking a bottle. In most cases, they take to both just fine after they are good at latching onto the breast.

2

Breastfeed your baby like you normally would, except insert a bottle of formula for one feeding. Just try a couple ounces at first, to make sure that they take to it. Some babies cannot take certain formulas, so if you decide to add formula into your newborn's diet, it is important to only give a little the first time.

3

Have your husband, boyfriend, or someone else feed your baby the formula while you use a breastpump to express your milk. You could also pump directly afterwards if you have to.

4

Pump your breasts for at least 10 minutes on each breast to simulate your child feeding. Babies are much more effective at getting the milk out than a breast pump, but breast pumps do work. If you feel like it's not as much as your baby would get, pump a little longer even if you do not see milk coming out.

5

Continue with your breastfeeding schedule as normal, while supplementing and pumping every other day. If you would like to supplement more, then make sure you pump more. In order to keep up your milk supply you have to be stimulating your breasts as often as your baby would.

How to Dry Up Breast Milk Supply When You Stop Breastfeeding

Until the last century or so, virtually all children were breastfed. Today, many women are returning to this time-tested way of supplying nourishment and nutrients to their babies. However, at some point, you have to wean the child from breast milk and introduce him or her to prepared foods. When this happens, your continued production of breast milk can become uncomfortable as well as inconvenient. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to dry up your breast milk supply.

Instructions

1

Put chilled cabbage leaves inside your bra for several hours every day. Surround your breasts with these leaves, positioning them so they are comfortable.

2

Use ice packs, wrapped in towels, as cold compresses and place against your breasts for 10 minutes at a time, several times every day. Avoid placing the ice packs directly against the skin.

3

Use ibuprofen, or other anti-inflammatory over-the-counter medication, to relieve discomfort. Do not exceed the recommended dosage on the package. Consult with your doctor if this does not help.

4

Consume several cups of sage tea every day. The properties in this tea help inhibit milk production.

5

Drink plenty of water. Many women are under the mistaken impression that cutting back on water intake helps reduce milk production; however, the result is often dehydration.

How to Alleviate Engorgement

Engorgement is the term used to describe the overabundance of milk in the breasts. Engorgement usually happens when your milk first comes in, which is just a few days after delivery. However, it can happen at other times as well. Engorgement is usually very painful because the breasts become swollen and very tender. There are a few things you can do to alleviate engorgement. And most moms will tell you, the sooner the better.

Instructions

1

The best way to cure engorgement is to prevent it. After you deliver, you should try to room in with your baby. This means that instead of your baby spending time in the nursery, he spends his time with you. Rooming in allows you to observe the early signs of your baby's hunger like rooting and sucking on his hands or clothes. Whenever these signs are first apparent, you should try and put your baby to breast right away. The more frequently the baby nurses, the less chance you will have to develop engorgement.

2

Before nursing, you can apply warm compresses to your breasts or take a warm shower. Doing either of these things will soften your breasts so that it is easier for the baby to latch on. Babies have a very difficult time latching on to hard nipples and swollen breasts.

3

If you find that you are severely engorged, you can place a cold cabbage leaf right inside of your bra after nursing. The coldness and healing properties of cabbage will help eliminate the pain and tenderness of the breast.

4

Nurse frequently. The more often your baby nurses, the less likely it is that you'll become engorged. You should alternate breasts when feeding as well. This will give each breast the chance to empty completely.

How to Heal Fibroids

Fibroids are the formation of tumors in the uterus that are benign, but not without side effects. Fibroids sometimes form in the uterus and can wreak havoc on a woman's natural menstrual cycle as they cause breakthrough bleeding, the need to urinate frequently, and heavy menstrual bleeding as well as pain in the lower region of the back. Fibroids can also be associated with extensive cramping during your period. There are several methods for healing fibroids effectively.

Instructions

The Process

1

Schedule an appointment with your gynecologist to make sure it is actually fibroids that you are dealing with. Other conditions can have similar symptoms that may require invasive treatment or prescribed medications to remedy the condition. Get a pap smear to rule out cervical cancer, and follow your doctor's recommendations.

2

Take medications as directed. If you are prescribed Lupron or another Gonadotropin-releasing hormone, use the full course of treatment as prescribed; ask your doctor how to manage any side effects associated with the use of this medication. Side effects can mimic symptoms associated with menopause and can include hot flashes as well as considerable bone loss.

3

Use synthetic androgens, like Danazol, if and when they are prescribed by your physician. Androgens can cease fibroid growth, stop your menstrual flow when excessive, and avoid the development of low iron issues and anemia. Discuss potential side effects and how to manage them with your doctor.

4

Head to the local gym and start working out on a regular basis. Get a cardiovascular workout or work out with free weights three times a week so that you can reduce fibroid complications by losing any extra weight.

5

Have an intra-uterine device placed in your uterus by a physician to slow your menstrual bleeding and shrink fibroid growth.

6

Set up a session for a high-intensity ultrasound so that the fibroids can be located via an MRI and destroyed via ultrasonic energy, if this process is recommended by your physician.

7

Order tripterygium glyscoside tablets and take the product as directed to help reduce fibroid growth as an alternative remedy for fibroid healing; the herb contains the components tripdioline and triptolide, which work to suppress the immune system and to diminish swelling and inflammation naturally.

8

Reduce your red meat intake and your milk intake to lower the amount of xenoestrogens that you consume; the latter pesticide is associated with fibroid growth and perpetuation. Also, make changes in your diet to lose weight if you are overweight, since women who are overweight are more likely to develop fibroid issues due to increases in estrogen levels maintained and stored in body fat.

9

Reduce your carbohydrate intake. A large intake of carbohydrates can aggravate fibroid conditions. Minimize your carbohydrate intake to 15 grams or fewer each meal.

10

Consume more soy products in your diet, like soy milk, to help reduce the amount of estrogen in your system and shrink fibroid growth. Get at least 80 milligrams of isoflavones every day.

11

Relax and spend some time enjoying life. Engage in your hobbies and minimize your stress levels. Enjoying life will help in naturally restoring hormone production to optimal levels.

Breastfeeding & Chlorella

Breast-feeding provides your baby with the proper nutrients and boosts her immunity. The exact composition of breast milk changes with each feeding to adapt to your individual baby's needs. Chlorella is a supplement made from Chlorella pyrenoidosa, a microscopic plant that contains high concentrations of chlorophyll. Labels on supplements suggest that they should not be taken during pregnancy or breast-feeding, but new studies suggest differently.

What Is Chlorella?

Chlorella is a single-cell algae that grows wild in ponds and rivers in East Asia. The algae is gathered, dried and made into supplements. It provides nine different essential amino acids, minerals, vitamins and more protein than spinach, rice and soy beans. Chlorella has been used to improve metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, blood pressure abnormalities and body fat. It helps the body to remove toxins and improve the digestion. In Britain, some doctors are using it to boost the immune system.

Japanese Study

A study in Japan followed 35 breast-feeding mothers. Eighteen of them took chlorella supplements and were compared to the rest. Breast milk from mothers who supplemented with chlorella had higher concentrations of Immunoglobulin A (IgA), which is an antibody. These antibodies help prevent viruses, bacteria and fungus from creating infections. IgA, in particular, helps protect the surfaces of the body that are exposed to foreign substances like the nose, digestive tract, eyes, ears, saliva and tears. This is a big advantage to young babies.

Dioxin

The Japanese study showed that dioxins, a toxin that is prevalent in all modern human environments, is excreted to the baby through breast milk. The mother absorbs the toxin from her environment through her skin, respirations and diet. Chlorella supplementation actually decreased the dioxin amounts in the breast milk, making the milk safer for babies.

Mercury

According to Hilary Jacobson, in her book, "Mother Food for Breastfeeding Mothers," chlorella can also help remove any mercury deposits in the body. Mercury can come from eating certain fish known to contain mercury, such as tuna, or from amalgam dental fillings as well as other environmental sources. Mercury is a heavy metal that destroys the nervous system over time. Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt, a recognized expert on heavy metal toxicity, suggests chlorella may help rid the body of mercury. He suggests that if a mother cannot tolerate the chlorella, sauerkraut may be substituted to bind the mercury in her intestines.

Warnings

All sources warn that full detoxification of the body should not be undertaken during pregnancy or breast-feeding. When taking chlorella, women should follow the advice of a medical or nutritional professional so they don't ingest too much and trigger a major detox.

How to Feed Milk to a Baby

Making the transition from breastfeeding or formula feeding to feeding a baby cow's milk can be a big milestone for both baby and parents. Many parents look forward to the day when formula is no longer needed, since it is expensive and, in the case of specialty formulas, can be difficult to find. To ensure a baby is receiving the recommended amount of vitamins and minerals necessary for proper development, he or she should drink 16-24 ounces of milk per day.

Instructions

1

Decide on a date to begin the transition. Discuss with your child's pediatrician when you should begin making the switch. Most pediatricians suggest starting babies on milk after they've celebrated their first birthday. Introducing it any earlier can put a baby at risk of developing an allergy to milk, in addition to upsetting the digestive system and taxing the kidneys, due to the resultant increase of sodium, potassium and chloride in the baby's diet.

2

Determine what type of milk to use. Whole milk is recommended for all babies until they are two years old, unless a pediatrician recommends otherwise. Babies who are considered heavy for their age or whose parents or grandparents have a history of high blood pressure or high cholesterol may benefit from a lower-fat milk, such as 2 percent.

3

Transition slowly. For the fewest side effects and least amount of digestive problems, do not start a baby with a full bottle or cup of milk. Cow's milk should be mixed with formula or breast milk until the transition is complete and the baby has adjusted to the new taste and texture.

For the first three days, mix 3/4 part formula or breast milk with 1/4 part milk and feed it to the baby whenever formula or breast milk is regularly given. For the next three days, adjust the mixture so that the ratio is 1/2 part formula or breast milk to 1/2 part cow's milk. For the three days after that, further adjust the ratio so that it is 1/4 part formula or breast milk to 3/4 part cow's milk. Eventually transition so that the baby is completely weaned off of formula or breast milk and is drinking only bottles or sippy cups of cow's milk.

4

Watch for adverse reactions. A milk allergy can develop if the baby's digestive system does not break down the proteins in cow's milk. Symptoms of milk allergies include diarrhea, frequent spitting up, vomiting, excessive irritability and crying, hives, scaly skin rash, blood in the stool, watery eyes and runny nose, coughing and wheezing, and lack of weight gain.

A milk intolerance may occur if the baby's digestive system cannot break down the sugar (lactose) in milk. A baby with lactose intolerance may suffer from gas, diarrhea, spitting up, colic or inability to gain weight.

How to increase your nursing supply

Nursing a baby offers long-term benefits for both mother and child. Nursing mothers reduce their risk for certain diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and cancer. Nursing can be an ideal way to bond with a new baby. Unfortunately, some women have problems supplying enough breast milk to meet their baby's needs. If you are having trouble with your nursing supply you can try several steps to fix this problem.

Instructions

1

Nurse more often. Asking your body to produce milk can increase your milk supply. Your body senses the need to increase your nursing supply as you use it up. Try nursing at least once every two hours during the day and letting the baby nurse as long as she wants during evening feedings. A baby should nurse for at least 10 minutes to get the full benefits of breast milk. The first milk will be the fore milk, which helps satisfy a baby's thirst. The baby then gets the hind milk, which is richer, creamier and offers greater nutrition.

2

Increase your water intake. Nursing will make you feel thirsty. This is a good thing as nursing can drain fluids from your body. A nursing mother should increase her fluid intake as much as possible. Water is ideal. Other good choices include flavored water, plain tea, milk and fruit juices. Always have a pitcher of water on hand in the refrigerator. Lack of water can cause your nursing supply to dry up and you may become dehydrated.

3

Use a breast pump. Breast pumps can increase your nursing supply. A pump can be rented by the day or purchased outright. Pump twice a day for 15 minutes at time. A pump can ease the tension on nipples, making them less sore. Store your breast milk in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. To ensure proper breast milk storage, purchase specially designed freezer bags. Alternatively, you can store your breast milk in a bottle as long as the bottle is refrigerated.

4

Switch sides. Some women experience problems getting their baby to nurse from each breast. These problems can cause one breast to produce more milk than the other, causing discomfort, and potentially stop producing milk. Allow your infant to nurse for 10 minutes on one side and then break off her latch gently with your fingers. Place the baby at your other breast to encourage nursing at that breast for another 10 minutes. Nursing on both sides stimulates milk production in each breast and helps ensure your nursing supply remains constant as long as you need it.

What Kind of Shirt Do I Wear for Nursing?

Having a new baby brings challenges women often never considered before-hand. What to wear when you are nursing is one of those topics that rarely comes up, post-birth, in any fashion discussion. However, once your baby is born, you realize that while the rest of your body is settling back into the clothes you wore before you got pregnant, your upper body has new needs. New mothers often find their fashion sense challenged, as they try to find functional shirts that still allow them to look good.

Shirts Specifically Made for Breastfeeding

Newly breastfeeding mothers never had it so good! Many retailers, particularly maternity clothing retailers, have identified the need for stylish nursing tops and have created lines of shirts for every taste. These tops are discreet -- even to the discerning eye -- with the functionality of the shirts hidden in fashionable details. For example, empire shirts use the seam to hide the fact that the upper part of the shirt can lift up to reveal two nursing openings. Designers of nursing shirts have sneaked hidden access into a number of shirt designs, often designing shirts that are double-layered with easy-access slits in the bottom layer. Consumers will find a large selection of nursing shirts online; or they can purchase them locally at many maternity chain stores and some specialty shops.

Wear a Loose Stretchy Shirt

For women who just can't justify one more short-term expense, they can probably find something that works in their existing wardrobe. Women who breastfeed primarily in the comfort and privacy of their own home can get-by with a loose stretchy shirt. When nursing, mothers can pull up the shirt to provide access, as long as privacy is not a concern. Mothers using this kind of shirt for nursing often retreat to someplace private while feeding.

Put Your Stretchy Tanks and Low-Cut Shirts to Work

Another way to make your existing wardrobe multifunctional is to wear stretchy tanks and low-cut shirts when breastfeeding. These shirts allow easy access for breastfeeding, just by pulling the neckline down. This option works really well when co-sleeping and feeding at night. While your shirt can get a bit stretched out, selecting items made from naturally stretchy or resilient material usually doesn't pose much of a problem.

Button-up Shirts Provide Easy Access

Women who need to be able to dress professionally while breastfeeding may find a button-up blouse or shirt to be the answer. These shirts can be layered over a nursing cami or tank top, if desired. When breastfeeding, mothers can unbutton to feed and then button back up afterwards. Another benefit of using button-up shirts, is that these also can be borrowed from the existing wardrobe and don't require an additional investment.

Wear Whatever You Want Under a Nursing Cover

Many women find a nursing cover to be convenient. These come in stylish fabrics and are available in all price ranges. They are convenient because women can wear any shirt they want, as long as it provides access to breastfeeding. Mom's can also nurse in public using a nursing cover. A nursing cover can also serve other functions, such as an emergency blanket, sun shade or changing blanket. Nursing covers are compact and can easily be tossed into a diaper bag for easy access when you are out on errands.

Infant Development & Nutrition

A child's tremendous growth and development during the first year of life requires the careful consideration of nutrition. According to the University of Kentucky, a child will approximately triple its birth weight during the first 12 months. Parents should take advantage of feeding times not only to provide good nutrition, but to bond with the child through holding and eye contact.

Newborn Nutrition

One of the first decisions a new parent makes is to breastfeed or bottle feed with infant formula. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding as the best and preferred method. If a mother chooses not to breastfeed for personal reasons or physical constraints, then bottle feeding with formula is a legitimate option.

Breastfeeding Facts

Breast milk is ideal for an infant's digestive system. The vitamins and minerals babies need are found naturally in breast milk. According to KidsHealth by Nemours, breastfeeding may help fight off infections, prevent allergies and ward off some chronic conditions. According to the University of Kentucky, breastfeeding reduces the risk of childhood obesity.

Formula-Feeding Facts

The U.S. Food and Drug Association regulates formula manufacturers to ensure they provide all essential nutrients a baby needs to develop normally. In fact, some formulas offer vitamins and nutrients that breast-fed babies have to obtain through a supplement. However, antibodies found in breast milk cannot be duplicated in formula, so natural protection against infection and illness isn't provided.

Nutrition for Infants Ages 1 Month to 3 Months

During the first three months, breast milk or formula contains all the nutrients a baby needs. As the child develops, more food will be consumed at each feeding, reducing the number of feedings needed. As growth spurts occur, adjust feedings to satisfy the child's needs and increase the number of feedings and amount of intake.

Nutrition for Infants Ages 4 Months to 7 Months

At this time solid foods are usually introduced. The American Academy of Pediatrics currently recommends waiting to introduce solid foods until around six months, but some doctors might suggest beginning at four months. Consult a physician before beginning solid foods. Most times iron-fortified rice cereal mixed with breast milk or formula is introduced first, followed by vegetables and fruits. Start slowly when introducing new foods, and offer only one at a time. Also, allow the child to eat each new food for a few days to determine if food allergies are present.

Nutrition for Infants Ages 8 Months to 12 Months

Meats can be introduced, as well as foods with texture that require some chewing. Cut food small enough, and mash or grind it to prevent choking. Continue to introduce one new food at a time, and allow a few days after each one, to check for allergies. At the one-year mark, most infants are ready to transition to whole cow's milk.

Precautions

Do not give eggs, cow's milk, honey, or citrus fruits or juices until after the first birthday. Fish, seafood, peanuts, peanut butter and any tree nuts should not be given to a child until at least two or three years of age because of their high allergy risks.

How to Prevent Infant Botulism

Infant botulism makes up the majority of botulism cases worldwide, because infants' immature gut systems are much more susceptible to botulism toxins that may be more easily tolerated by adults. Infants are more likely to die from botulism than adults, because their bodies are smaller. Even a minuscule amount of botulism can prove fatal to infants, although a newly developed antitoxin and antidote measures improve the eventual outcome for many. Once diagnosed and hospitalized, infants infected with botulism have a very good chance of full recovery. Overall, prevention is the best medicine. Here's how to prevent infant botulism.

Instructions

1

Breastfeed your infant or ensure that the baby receives breast milk for at least the first six months. Breast milk does not contain botulism spores and can not harbor the bacteria Clostridium botulinum that produces the nerve toxins that cause botulism. Breastfeeding will also improve the baby's gut system and help colonize the gut with good bacteria if the mother follows a healthy, whole-foods diet.

2

Avoid any honey for children under 12 months of age. Honey carries botulism spores that will not affect people with mature digestive systems but can cause big problems for infants whose guts are still new.

3

Keep infants away from dust, especially vacuum cleaner bags, which can carry botulism spores. Empty vacuum cleaner bags into outdoor garbage cans away from babies.

4

Prevent excessive contact with dirt while the infant is less than six months old, as botulism spores are also present in dirt.

5

Know the signs of botulism in infants so that you can seek treatment immediately if your baby is infected. According to Dr. Greene, if a healthy baby begins to suffer constipation and parents notice lethargy or weakness and difficulty in sucking, crying or breathing, infant botulism is the most likely diagnosis. If a breastfeeding mother feels engorged at the same time her baby becomes lethargic or develops a weak cry, the baby should be taken to the hospital and tested for botulism infection right away.

How to Start Breastfeeding Your Newborn

Welcoming your new baby into the world is an exciting endeavor! Your life will be changed forever as this little person looks to you to have all his needs met. As a parent, you'll be faced with many decisions as you determine what is best for your new baby. One of the finest ways to start bonding with your newborn is to breastfeed him. Not only is it healthy, providing him the sustenance that nature intended, but you will build a togetherness that will last a lifetime.

Instructions

Preparing for Breastfeeding

1

Have a seat in a comfortable chair. You should pick one with arms to help offer support while you hold your baby. You can hold her as you find a place to sit, or you can choose to sit first and then have someone hand her to you.

2

Determine which side you'll want to have her start breastfeeding from first. If you're right-handed, you'll probably want to start on the right side. So for the sake of simplicity, we'll start here. The pillow should be then be placed under your right arm.

3

Place your newborn in your arms so that her head rests in the bend of your right elbow. The rest of her body will relax across her stomach. At this point in time, she is facing up toward the ceiling.

4

Lift (or unbutton or pull down) your shirt so that your right breast is showing and is available to your baby for suckling. If you're wearing a nursing bra, unsnap the cup to help with ease of access. If you're wearing a traditional bra, it might need to be removed if it's too constrictive.

5

With your right breast now exposed, turn your newborn toward you. She'll no longer be facing up. Use your right arm to roll her gently. When you have completed this step, her face will be facing your breast, and the rest of her body will have turned also to face your body.

Latching On

6

Hold your right breast with your left hand. Moving very gently, guide your nipple toward your newborn's mouth. Slowly rub his mouth with it, and instinctively he'll start to root--meaning, he will begin to open his mouth to begin to feed.

7

Using a two-part motion, guide as much of your nipple into his mouth as you can while using your left hand, and bring him closer to your breast using your right arm. It sounds complicated, but it's quite simple. You're just pulling him in toward you as you prepare to feed him.

8

To ensure a proper latch, use your left hand to press down on your baby's chin. This will cause his lower lip to open or invert. Inverting his lip serves two purposes: it opens his mouth as wide as possible; and enables you to get as much of your nipple into his mouth as you can. You can tell he's latched properly when most or all of your areola is in his mouth. That way the nipple is as far back in his mouth as possible, lessening any pain for you, and also allowing the maximum amount of milk to be suckled.

9

Drink plenty of liquids while he nurses. With him successfully latched on, you can sit, relax and enjoy some water. Nursing mothers require a higher fluid intake than others. It's crucial for milk production, so ensure that you're drinking enough each day.

10

Switch sides after about 15 minutes or so. Your newborn is getting colostrum at first while waiting for your milk to come in. Frequent nursing sessions on both sides will ensure that your milk comes in faster.

11

Burp him twice each time he nurses--once when he switches sides and again when he is finished. Being stringent about burping will ensure that you will cut down on the amount of gas that accumulates in his little tummy.

Headaches From Breastfeeding

Besides the overall economic benefits, breastfeeding provides extensive health benefits to the mother, including a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and cancers of the breast and ovaries, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Despite these benefits, breastfeeding can occasionally cause discomfort to a lactating mother. Headaches can be a recurring issue during breastfeeding.

Types

Scientists in Uppsala, Sweden describe what they call a lactation headache. This is a headache that occurs exclusively during feedings, according to the International Headache Society. Other types of headaches related to breastfeeding include hormone-induced migraines and stress-related headaches.

Triggers

In terms of lactation headaches, suckling appears to be the trigger that increases plasma vasopressin, a hormone that causes the narrowing of blood vessels. Oxytocin, another hormone, is released during breastfeeding and has been linked to headaches. Dehydration in general can cause headache. When a woman is breastfeeding, dehydration can occur frequently due to the body's output of milk. If prone to migraines, a nursing mother may see a connection between feedings and headache due to hormone fluctuation.

Common, Overlooked Triggers

Parents of newborns are familiar with the concept of sleep deprivation, which can cause headaches. Phonophobia, which causes a sensitivity to loud noises, may be triggered in the vicinity of a crying baby. Stress is an important factor to consider as well---the impact of adding another human being to a home cannot be overestimated.

Treatment and Prevention

Breastfeeding can cause a dehydration headache, so drink plenty of water. Because caffeine is a diuretic, or water-remover, avoid consuming too much to maintain hydration. Medications can provide relief but should be taken only under the care of a doctor. Your doctor might recommend over-the-counter medications such as naproxen or ibuprofen. If migraine is the cause, your doctor can prescribe a medication tailored to your particular situation. Avoid taking aspirin, ergotamine, antihistamines or triptans while breastfeeding.

Expert Insight

A study by the University of Pittsburgh Pain Evaluation and Treatment Institute found that physical therapy, relaxation training and biofeedback helped relieve headache in 80 percent of study participants. In the study, 30 pregnant women were treated; their progress was tracked for up to one year after giving birth. At one year post-birth, two-thirds of the study participants were still feeling headache relief. The results of this study suggest that some headaches may be effectively treated with a non-medication approach.

Why Is My Baby Fussy in the Evening?

Crying can be hard to handle for new parents, especially if the reason for the crying is unclear. Many babies are fussy, and late afternoon and early evening are common times for this behavior. There are a variety of reasons why an infant may be unhappy at this time every night.

Overstimulation

Infants are new to the world, and every experience requires processing. Every time their eyes are open they are taking in brand new information. By the end of the day, they have a full brain and may need to cry out some of their frustration, especially if they are in a loud or noisy environment. If overstimulation is the problem, a quiet, dark room may help, as could the soothing sounds of a fan or white noise maker.

Tired

Infants, though they seem to sleep all the time, aren't always good at getting themselves to sleep at night. If a baby gets overtired, it may even be harder for her to fall asleep, especially when she gets worked up and upset. According to "Happy Sleep Habits, Happy Child," by Marc Weissbluth, parents should look for signs of drowsiness in their baby and get the child to bed then, rather than waiting for the fussiness to start. When the baby reaches the overtired state, he may be irritable and cranky and harder to get to sleep. Bedtime should be a relaxing time of evening. Babies who take good naps during the day are also more likely to sleep well at night, so daytime naps are a good idea to make sure baby doesn't become overtired by evening.

Colic

Colic is an extreme form of fussiness. The Mayo Clinic defines colic as "frustrating periods of intense, inconsolable crying." During these crying spells, the baby may be nearly impossible to comfort. These are usually predictable and occur at around the same time every night for a period of days, weeks or even months. Typically, colic improves by the time the child reaches 3 months. There are no known causes for colic, and few treatment options are available, though doctors can help families deal with colic.

Discomfort

If a baby is consistently fussy during the evening, he maybe uncomfortable every night for the same reason, or it may be a variety of reasons, changing every night. He could be hot, cold, wet or hungry, and these complaints are easy to rectify. She also could have an upset stomach. According to the Mayo Clinic, if the mother is breastfeeding, a baby may become fussy after the mother eats foods that produce gas. Some young babies like to be swaddled, and may be fussy because they aren't. Others like to move around, and may become fussy when they are constricted. What comforts one baby may not comfort the next, and most parents use a trial and error method to find the source of their baby's fussiness.

That's What Babies Do

Babies cry. It's one of the things they do. However hard it is on parents, many babies have a fussy period in the evening for no good reason. It usually doesn't last long, and often there is nothing wrong with the child at all. According to Growing Families International, most babies have their own personal fussy time, often in the late afternoon to early evening. Parents can be comforted knowing that millions of parents are going through the same thing every day, and that babies usually grow out of this stage quickly.

How to Become a La Leche Nurse

La Leche is a nonprofit organization. La Leche provides breastfeeding information, education, and help to nursing mothers. La Leche League started in 1956 with 7 women and has grown to be in 68 countries and territories around the world. In order to become a La Leche nurse you must first become a lactation nurse.

Instructions

Prepare to take the Iternational Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBCLE) certification exam

1

Graduate from a lactation program. People who choose this method must have a minimum of one year of lactation education, at least 90 hours covering the IBCLC certification examination material, must work with at least one certified IBCLC who has re-certificated. A minimum of 300 lactation specified hours, plus completing one course in each of the six health disciplines, is required of an IBCLC program administrator.

2

Be a licensed health care provider. People who choose this method must have a minimum of 45 hours of lactation specific education and 1000 lactation specific clinical hours in the five years prior to the exam.

3

Provide nursing information, either paid or volunteer, in a supervised position. People who choose this method must have a minimum of 45 hours of lactation specific education and 2000 lactation specific clinical hours in the five years prior to the exam. They are encouraged to complete one course in each of the six health disciplines recommended by IBLCE.

4

Finish a mentored lactation education program. This program is for people with little experience with breastfeeding mothers. This also helps people currently in heathcare change specialties. Both groups will be supervised by a mentor that is already IBCLC certified.

Get ceritfied and staying certified

5

Take your boards to become a lactation nurse. The certification exam is given worldwide once each year on the last Monday in July. The exam consists of two sessions of 100 questions each. This exam is designed to test application of the knowledge.

6

Keep your license current. Certification as an IBCLC is good for five years. After five years IBCLC's may recertify by retesting or by earning 75 Continuing Education Recognition Points. These are pre-approved professional education units awarded by the IBLCE to sessions at conferences and other programs to educate continuing learning. After 10 years, you must retest.

7

Contact La Leche to work as a nurse educator. There are few paid positions; however, there is a need for volunteers.

How to Reduce the Risk of SIDS

SIDS or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is something no parent wants to deal with. Babies that have SIDS simply go to sleep and do not wake up again. While we still don't know what causes SIDS, there are many things you can do to reduce the risk.

Instructions

1

Reduce the risk of SIDS by not smoking, using drugs or drinking alcohol during your pregnancy. Head to your medical facility if you feel you are in preterm labor. Babies exposed to drugs, alcohol and nicotine during development are at higher risk for SIDS, as are preterm babies (babies born before 37 weeks).

2

Breastfeed your baby and try to avoid formula for at least the first 6 months. Experts agree that one of the huge benefits of breastfeeding is reducing the risk of SIDS. If you can't breastfeed, pump breast milk and give it to your baby in a bottle.

3

Prevent your baby from overheating. Your baby should be lightly wrapped for sleep. If they feel hot, or are sweaty, you've over-wrapped your child.

4

Put your baby on its back to sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends all newborns be placed on their backs for the first year of life to reduce the risk of SIDS. Talk to your pediatrician if you feel your baby would benefit from sleeping on their stomach or side.

5

Avoid smoking and do not allow anyone to smoke around your baby. In addition, people who smoke must wash their hands and change out of their smoky clothing before handling newborns.

6

Remove all fluffy and loose bedding from the child's crib or bassinet. Babies should not be put in cribs with stuffed animals, blankets, pillows, quilts or toys. Speak to your pediatrician about whether you should use bumper pads in your baby's crib since these are in a gray area.

7

Keep your baby in your room with you for the first few months. Babies who stay with their parents at night have a reduced risk of SIDS. If you decide to co-sleep (put your baby in your bed with you, talk to your pediatrician first since there are additional safety precautions you must have in place.

8

Give your baby a pacifier for sleeping at about 3 to 4 weeks, if they'll take it. Pacifiers keep babies in a more alert sleep state, perhaps reducing the risk of SIDS. If you are breastfeeding, try not offer artificial nipples until your baby is 3 to 4 weeks old.

Medication for Nursing Mothers With Flu

Tamiflu and Relenza, both considered unsafe for young children by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, are commonly prescribed for influenza. Because these drugs are excreted in breast milk, doctors do not normally recommend them for breastfeeding mothers. Elderberry extract is recognized as a safe alternative.

Benefits

Antiviral drugs and supplements can shorten the duration of flu symptoms and provide relief from aches, pains and fever. Under some circumstances, these benefits can outweigh the risks to the baby.

Safety

Lactation expert Dr. Jack Newman notes that most drugs and supplements used in children are considered safe for nursing mothers.

Warning

Tamiflu and Relenza have been associated with serious side effects in infants. Younger babies are at a higher risk of experiencing side effects from traces of drugs in breast milk.

Solution

Holistic treatments, including elderberry preparations, are reportedly highly effective in treating flu. Some elderberry products are made specifically for children 0 to 3 years of age and may be ideal for nursing mothers.

Time Frame

Tamiflu, Relenza and elderberry have all been demonstrated to reduce the duration of flu symptoms by one to three days on average.

Considerations

No medication can prevent a nursing child from contracting the flu. Mothers who are taking flu medicine are still contagious, even after their symptoms have improved.

Why Bottle-Feed a Baby?

It's the question mothers-to-be frequently ask themselves: should I breastfeed or bottle-feed my newborn? Moms can also use a breast pump, enabling them to bottle-feed a baby using breast milk. Though some mothers may look forward to feeding time as an opportunity for physical bonding with a baby, other mothers may have a host of reasons for choosing to bottle-feed instead.

Work and Other Obligations

Breastfeeding can require feedings every two to three hours, while it can take longer for formula to digest, notes KidsHealth, a child development site. The longer intervals between feedings can make bottles and formula a more attractive option for mothers who work, volunteer or go to school. Mothers may also find it uncomfortable to breastfeed while in the store, church or while in other social settings, making bottles a preference.

Feeding Difficulties

Many health circumstances can complicate breastfeeding. Some mothers may not produce enough milk for their babies because of diabetes, smoking, poor nutrition, or prolonged bed rest, says Boston Children's Hospital. Other mothers may take a few weeks after birth before they begin producing enough milk, and in the meantime they may grow accustomed to using bottles. Some babies may have difficulties latching onto the breast during feedings, or mothers may resist breastfeeding because of sore nipples.

Surgery and Complications

Surgeries, problems with a mother's nipples and other complications may cause a mother to prefer bottle-feeding. Flat or inverted nipples can make it difficult for a baby to latch onto the breast, notes the American Academy of Pediatrics. While nipple piercings should not interfere with breastfeeding, they can pose a choking hazard to your baby and should be removed between feedings. Breast infections and breast augmentation may also interfere with a mother's ability to breastfeed. Ask your doctor about any circumstances that may complicate your ability to breastfeed, as well as what you can do to change it if you do not want to use bottles.

Bonding

The use of bottles can also simplify household responsibilities, says KidsHealth. Bottles make it possible for other family members to feed the baby, which can help new mothers get shut-eye when the baby cries for a nighttime feeding.

Postpartum Care for Abdominal Pain

Most women are surprised to learn that sometimes the pain of childbirth does not stop once the baby is born. Postpartum abdominal pain is a common experience for many women. After all, your body has spent the last nine months stretching, and the entirety of your labor contracting hard enough to deliver a baby. Pain after a C-section can be worse than after a vaginal delivery. In fact, pain is usually part of the postpartum healing process. However, pain with other symptoms may be a signal that something is wrong.

Typical Afterpains

Your uterus will continue to contract even after your baby is born. These contractions are mild, and serve two purposes: they prevent excess blood loss, and help your uterus return to pre-pregnancy size. Breastfeeding women may find that the after pains are worse while they are nursing. This is because the nipple stimulation that occurs during breast feeding releases the hormone oxytocin, which causes the uterus to contract. This will usually go away within two weeks.

Cesarean Section Pain

Abdominal soreness can last up to six weeks after a c-section. You will experience pain at the site of the incision, pain in the muscles and tissues that were cut, as well as the typical pains experienced after surgery of any kind. Bending, sitting or standing can intensify this pain; this is perfectly normal. As long as you are properly caring for your incision, and taking all the medications prescribed to you, the pain will subside a bit more each day.

Medication

Take Tylenol with your doctor's permission to relieve after pains. This should make the pain tolerable. Your doctor may prescribe a stronger medication, such as Tylenol 3. However, if you are nursing,the codeine in Tylenol 3 may cause your baby to suffer the effects of central nervous system depression, such as difficulty breathing, and extreme lethargy.

Home Treatment

Breastfeeding is nature's best cure for abdominal pain. Although it may feel like it is making the pain worse, the act of breast feeding is encouraging your uterine muscles to contract and heal. A warm bath or shower may also help. Massaging the uterus will help push out any clotted residual blood that may be causing your pain.

When to Seek Emergency Treatment

If you experience abdominal pain accompanied by fever and your abdomen is tender to the touch, seek medical attention. If you have had a c-section and experience the above symptoms or have bleeding and redness at the c-section incision, contact your doctor right away. These are signs of infection.

If your abdominal pain is accompanied by vaginal bleeding that causes you to change your sanitary pad more than twice an hour, go to the emergency room. This is a sign of hemorrhage.

How to Increase Breast Milk Naturally

One of the most common questions for new mothers is how to increase the supply of breast milk. If you are concerned that your baby is not getting enough because your body is slow to produce milk, there are a few simple ways to increase the production of breast milk naturally.

Instructions

1

Allow your baby to suckle more frequently and for longer periods of time. When your baby suckles, your body is given the message that it needs to produce more milk. Often, simply allowing your baby to suckle longer and more often can quickly increase the amount of breast milk your body produces naturally.

2

Permit feeding to last until the baby is finished. Never stop a feeding prematurely, as it can affect your body's natural triggers to produce milk. Furthermore, the portion of breast milk your baby takes at the end of feeding contains healthy fat imperative to growth and weight gain, and allows the baby to go longer between feedings.

3

Take care of yourself and your body by drinking plenty of water and juices, as fluids are essential in your body's milk production. Drinking excessive amounts of fluids will not increase your milk supply, however proper hydration is important. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, get plenty of rest and reduce stress. A strong body has more energy to produce the adequate amount of breast milk for your baby.

4

Increase your caloric intake. While new mothers are often preoccupied with losing the baby weight and are trying to reduce calories, breast-feeding requires at least an extra 500 calories per day. Too few calories and your body will not have sufficient energy for proper milk production.

5

Drink tea containing the natural herb fenugreek to increase milk supply. Fenugreek may be the most effective herbal enhancer of breast milk production, and is readily available in tea form. Fenugreek is a natural expectorant whose only side effect is to give your breast milk a slight smell of maple syrup. The amount of tea you drink depends on the manufacture's directions.

How to Clear Mucus From the Head

When dealing with a cold or upper respiratory infection, mucus can build up in the head and lungs. Mucus is no fun, but thankfully there are effective methods for removing this green slush from your head. If you have a severe upper-respiratory infection or bronchitis, you may also need antibiotics to clear up the infection. Some people naturally produce more mucus than others because each person deals with viruses and bacteria differently. Your diet can also influence the amount of mucus you produce. If you are allergic to certain foods like milk or other dairy products, you may notice that you have more mucus even when you are not dealing with a cold.

Instructions

1

Take an over-the-counter expectorant medication. Effective active ingredients to look for are medications containing a combination of guaifenesin and dextromethorphan. These medications are found at your local pharmacy---ask your pharmacist for help. Before taking this medication, talk to your doctor if you are taking any other prescription drugs or if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.

2

Drink 8 to 10 glasses of pure water each day. Water will help clean your body on the inside and hydration is always vital when dealing with a cold. This can help clear mucus from your head, but more steps are needed to get the job done. Avoid drinking chlorinated tap water as this is not good for your urinary tract.

3

Buy some ultra soft facial tissues at the grocery store. Blow your nose several times per day to draw out the mucus through your nose.

4

Take a hot shower twice per day. Be sure the water is very hot so that steam can accumulate in the room. Shut the door and breathe in as much steam as possible. If your municipal water system is heavily chlorinated, attach a chlorine filter to your shower before doing this because inhaling chlorine is not good for your lungs.

5

Drink raw vegetable juices daily. Fluids are vital when you are trying to clear mucus from your head. You can also drink additional healthy beverages besides water. Raw vegetable juices like beet, carrot and cucumber supply your body with vitamins, enzymes and minerals needed to fight infections. If you like fruit juices you can also drink raw pineapple juice because this fruit contains high levels of enzymes to boost immunity.

Breast Pump Advice

When mothers cannot be with their infants during feeding time, they can use a breast pump to gather breast milk for later use. The device can also help to alleviate the pressure that nursing women feel when their breasts are full as well as stimulate breast milk production, which can be beneficial if they have a premature baby. A number of mothers find the device to be convenient, but first-time users may have some problems when choosing and using their breast pump.

Types

There are a number of different types of breast pumps, including hand operated and electric models. There are also breast pumps that attach to one or both breasts. When choosing a breast pump, consider how often you will be using it. If you will only be using it occasionally, get a small hand pump. If you work long hours and expect to be away from your infant most of the day, get an electric pump. This type of pump is considered to be more effective because it more completely empties the breast of milk.

When purchasing a breast pump, consider how easy it is to assemble. You will want to be able to easily remove parts of the pump that come in contact with your breast and breast milk to clean them. To sterilize your breast pump, put it in hot dishwasher or boiling water for between 10 and 20 minutes. Also look at the suction, noise level and heaviness of the pump. It is important to have a breast pump that will not disturb others, that allows you to control its suction and that is lightweight enough so that you can carry it, especially if you are taking it with you outside of the home. Make sure that the suction cup is not too small for your breast because standard size suction cups will likely not fit over large breasts. If you have large nipples or nipples that engorge during breastfeeding, look at the size of the breast shield on breast pumps because many companies design shields for women with smaller nipples.

Use

Usually it takes between 10 and 15 minutes to pump milk out of each breast. Manual pumps can take up to 45 minutes to pump both breasts. A breast pump with two suction cups pumps both breasts at once. Use your pump about eight times a day, once every two to three hours. Breast pumps that have a cycle of 25 times per minute and a pressure of between 200 and 230 mm Hg have been found to be most effective. When using an electric pump, put your breast inside the cup and turn the machine on. When using a manual breast pump, you will use a squeezing or plunger mechanism to extract milk from your breast.

Make sure that your breast is positioned correctly within the suction cup and the suction and speed levels are not too high so your nipple does not get pinched. If your breast pump is only gathering a small amount of breast milk, you may need to adjust the suction or cycling pressure on your device. If your breast pump does not have a storage device, put the milk in a plastic or glass bottle and refrigerate it within 72 hours of collecting it to keep it fresh.

Feeling Bad About Not Breastfeeding

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization endorse only breast milk for the first six months of a baby's life, and extended breastfeeding for at least a further six months. Some mothers, however, do not want to or are unable to breastfeed for a range of reasons. Mothers who choose to formula feed their babies may face criticism from friends, family and health professionals, which can make them feel guilty or inadequate.

A Personal Choice

Deciding whether to breastfeed your baby is the first important decision you will make as a new mother. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2009 77 percent of American mothers decided to breastfeed and 47 percent of mothers breastfed for at least six months. Formula feeding may be the less popular option, but there are various legitimate reasons to opt for it, such as the mother's comfort, lifestyle and medical considerations. All mothers should make themselves aware of the facts, the pros and cons of both feeding methods, and make a decision they are comfortable and happy with.

Bonding With Baby

Many formula-feeding mothers worry that they won't bond with their newborn in the same way that their breastfeeding counterparts do. This should not be a concern, says KidsHealth. Formula feeding still provides plenty of opportunity for a mother to bond with her infant, and it actually gives the father more chance to bond with baby because he can be involved in the feeding process.

Nutritional Concerns

Although manufactured infant formula milk doesn't contain any of the antibodies found in breast milk to give a baby enhanced protection against infection and illness, it is a nutritious alternative and contains everything a baby needs to develop. Formula even has certain vitamins and nutrients that breastfed babies may be lacking in, such as vitamin D.

Dealing With Criticism

If you are absolutely certain that breastfeeding is not for you, don't feel bad about it. You should, however, be prepared for some level of criticism -- even from complete strangers. If somebody upsets you, try to stay calm and politely inform her that the decision to breastfeed or not is a personal one that no mother takes lightly, suggests breastfeeding information website Best for Babes. Remember that millions of mothers have made the same choice as you. Focus on your baby, who simply needs your love, care and attention, no matter what feeding method you use.

How to Take Prenatal Vitamins While Not Being Pregnant

Prenatal vitamins are vitamins that are usually recommended for women who are trying to get pregnant, currently pregnant, breastfeeding or who have recently had a baby. Prenatal vitamins are often higher than regular daily vitamins in iron, folic acid and calcium. These extra components are important for women who are pregnant and trying to become pregnant. It is also possible to take prenatal vitamins while not being pregnant.

Instructions

1

Take prenatal vitamins as directed for pregnancy if you are trying to conceive, postpartum or breastfeeding. Many brands recommend taking one vitamin per day, and other brands recommend taking up to six daily. Always follow the directions carefully.

2

Consider taking a regular multivitamin instead of a prenatal vitamin if you are not trying to conceive, pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding. While it is not dangerous to take prenatal vitamins when not pregnant, it's not necessary, either.

3

Take the vitamins as directed if you choose to take them when not pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or after having been pregnant. Read the directions on the bottle. It is often helpful to take the vitamins before bed or after a meal to avoid nausea.

4

Stop taking prenatal vitamins if you are not pregnant and are experiencing side effects. Common side effects include constipation, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Call your doctor if the side effects continue after you stop taking the prenatal vitamins.

5

Eat a healthy diet, including fruits, vegetables, proteins and whole grains while taking prenatal vitamins. Vitamins are not a substitute for good nutrition, so it is important to maintain a healthy diet whether or not you are pregnant.

How to Use the Lactational Amenorrhea Method of Birth Control

Mother nature has a birth control option for new mothers. Its called the lactation amenorrhea method (LAM). It refers to the period of time after childbirth when mothers can prevent getting pregnant by nursing their babies. Experts say if done correctly this method of birth control is 98% effective.

Instructions

1

Meet the requirements to ensure that the LAM will be effective. You are meeting the requirements if you are breastfeeding exclusively, your period hasnt returned and your baby is less than six months old.

2

Find out if you are breastfeeding the correct way. This is very important since the babys sucking is what will keep you from getting pregnant. Thats because the suckling prevents your body from producing the hormones that are necessary for ovulation. Have a lactation consultant observe you while you are nursing to make sure that the baby is properly latched on.

3

Spend enough time breastfeeding. To increase your chances for success you should breastfeed right after delivery, whenever the baby wants to instead of following a schedule, without bottles or pacifiers, without long time lapses between feedings, and during the day and at night.

How to Relieve Sore Nipples When Breastfeeding

Many women think that having sore nipples is a completely normal part of breastfeeding their baby. This is simply not true. A little tenderness in the first week or so is normal, but you can and should take care of soreness, pain, cracks or bleeding. This will make your breastfeeding experience a good one.

Instructions

1

Re-evaluate the position in which you are breastfeeding. Your baby's bottom lip should be below your areola. He should not need to pull on or stretch out your nipple to get the milk out. Place your nipple in your baby's mouth only when she opens her mouth wide. This will allow her to get as much of your aureole in her mouth as possible.

2

Turn your baby's entire body so that your stomachs are touching each other. She should not have to turn her head to reach your breast. Support her entire body and head so that she feels secure and safe in your arms. To help you do this and make it more comfortable for you, use a pillow to help support your arms and your baby.

3

Remove your baby from your breast when he has finished actively nursing. When he begins just suckling for comfort it is time for the feeding to be finished. Some clues that this has happened are his eyes might close or the frequency of sucks diminishes quite a bit.

4

Nurse your baby on the least painful nipple first. Babies always nurse most aggressively at the beginning of a feeding, so you want her to be as gentle as possible on your sore nipple.

5

Rub some pure lanolin cream on your nipples after each feeding. This will soften the skin on your nipples and promote healing. You do not have to wash off 100 percent lanolin cream, unlike many other nipple creams.

6

Avoid plastic lined nursing pads, because they trap moisture, which can make cracking worse. Change your nursing pads often. Also, only use 100 percent cotton bras. These will allow your nipples to breathe better.

7

Visit your doctor if your nipples continue to be painful after 5 or 6 days. You might have a bacterial or a yeast infection that requires medicine.

How to Get Rid of a Baby's Cold

Colds are very common, especially in infants and they are not usually reason for serious concern. While colds cannot be cured overnight, parents can provide proper care and support to ensure that their baby is comfortable during periods of illness. Prolonged colds can lead to spreading of the cold to other children or adults, ear infections, or pneumonia, so parents should always consult with the family doctor to ensure that they are doing everything possible to help their baby get the proper care needed for recovery. Signs of colds in infants include nasal congestion, runny nose, coughing, fussiness and sneezing.

Instructions

1

Remove nasal congestion with a nasal aspirator. This involves sitting the baby in a semi-reclined position in a car seat, squeezing the bulb of a nasal aspirator and placing it gently into the baby's nostril. Then release the bulb slowly to suck mucous out of the infant's nostril.

2

Offer plenty of liquids and food. If the baby is under six months of age, provide her with lots of opportunities to breastfeed or bottle feed. If she is over six months, offer her breast milk or formula along with small amounts of water and gentle foods, such as toast or infant cereal.

3

Ensure that the baby sleeps frequently during a period of illness. Sleep helps the body to rest and repair itself, leading to a smooth recovery from colds. Parents can rock their baby, wear him in a carrier, sing to him or breastfeed to comfort him during the illness and soothe him to sleep.

4

Visit the family doctor to ask what is recommended for getting rid of colds in infants. The doctor may recommend giving your baby some infant Tylenol or Motrin until she is feeling more comfortable.

How to Stop Nursing

Nursing your child is important on many different levels. It provides your baby with the nourishment she needs to get a healthy start on life and it enables you to form a significant and beautiful bond with your child. Because you can't nurse your little one forever, the time will come when you and your child move on from breastfeeding. When to stop depends heavily on your personal beliefs. Whenever you do decide, however, how you choose to stop nursing is crucial to alleviate any anxiety that your child might feel and for ease of transition.

Instructions

1

Reduce nursing sessions gradually. Drop one breastfeeding a day per week. Determine which time of day is the easiest to begin the weaning process but hold off on eliminating the first or last nursing sessions of the day. It is during this time that your baby is the most tired and likely to be resistant to feeding any other way. Once you have successfully eliminated breastfeeding at the selected time of day, choose another time to eliminate during the following week until your baby is no longer breastfeeding or expecting to nurse.

2

Allow your child to be your guide. For some children, especially those who are using sippy cups, eating baby food or are accustomed to drinking from a bottle, the desire to nurse may naturally wane. If your child is content without nursing, continue to feed her baby food and supplement her meals with baby formula or milk as instructed by your pediatrician.

3

Avoid nursing triggers and try distraction. During the times that you would normally nurse, avoid those places or habits that might naturally trigger the desire to nurse. Stay away from the room where you would normally nurse in or refrain from sitting in the chair that you typically use for breastfeeding. Instead of feeding your baby at the exact same time, feed her a little earlier or later and play or otherwise entertain her during the time that she would normally feed.

How to Stop Lactation With Cabbage

Breastfeeding can be a time for mothers and babies to bond, but just as with all aspects of growing up, it can't go on forever. Usually by a baby's first birthday, mothers are ready to wean their children from breast milk and begin them on a regimen of whole milk. This means allowing lactation to come to a stop. This can be extremely painful if no intervention is used. Fortunately, cabbage provides an all-natural aid in reducing engorgement and drying up milk from within the breast.

Instructions

1

Remove a few cabbage leaves from a head of cabbage and rinse them off under a faucet of cold water. Set them on a few paper towel sheets.

2

Press down on the cabbage leaves with the palm of your hand to crush the veins. Set the cabbage leaves in the refrigerator so that they become cold.

3

Place one cabbage leaf over each breast so the areola is completely covered. A bra with good support will hold the cabbage leaves in place.

4

Replace every four to six hours with a new cabbage leaf from the refrigerator. It will take approximately 48 to 72 hours to see a significant reduction in breast milk.

How Can I Get My 1-Week-Old to Take the Breast?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding your newborn. Meeting emotional and dietary needs, breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of the baby's life and continuing for the rest of the first year after solid foods are introduced, are suggested by the AAP, according to Kids Health Online. Some newborns and mothers may have difficulties adjusting to breastfeeding. Getting your newborn to nurse, especially once she is home from the hospital and life settles into a routine that first week, can bring challenges. You can place your newborn on a healthy breastfeeding pattern.

Instructions

1

Understand that there is no one "right" or "wrong" way to breastfeed. There is no "normal" way to breastfeed. All babies nurse a bit different. Some babies "latch on" and some babies lick and suckle a bit playfully. Both of these ways of feeding are normal and both are important. As soon as you relax, realizing that however your baby chooses to nurse is up to him and as soon as you accept it as your "normal," the sooner you both will be on the path to breastfeeding. Your baby will sense when your stress leaves and you relax.

2

Feed your newborn on demand. Be prepared for this new way of life for a short time. This may mean taking a few days off work. Keep pillows prepared in strategic places and telephones where you could need them if the phone rings. Inform family and friends that if you don't answer, that means you are nursing and will not answer. Have a sign ready to stick on your door that says, "Nursing Mother - Do Not Disturb." Preparing ahead of time will help you when the sudden feeding moment arises.

3

Prop your feeding arm up on pillows when you nurse your baby. If your baby is a slow feeder, you could be in that position on that breast awhile. Since you have already placed your sign at the door, closed the bedroom door, propped the pillows behind you and grabbed your water bottle, you are ready to settle in for a couple of hours. If you are feeding on your right side first, reach beneath your right breast with your left hand and hold your right nipple between your middle finger and index finger, cupping your breast in your hand. Gently guide the nipple to your infant's mouth. Let the infant take it at her own pace. Be patient, she will take it when she is hungry. Even if she licks and plays around, this could be her form of feeding. She may cry and fidget, but keep offering it to her and don't stress out. Continue the patience frame of mind.

4

Switch to the left breast, offering it to him with the same technique as described with the right breast. The next time you feed, start with the left breast first. Rotating breasts will help your milk flow.

What Are the Dangers of Charcoal Tablets?

If you have seen charcoal tablets sold in health food shops or pharmacies, you may have wondered how safe this product is for human consumption. Manufacturers make charcoal tablets from activated carbon. The medical use is to treat food poisoning, mercury poisoning and drug overdoses. When ingested, charcoal spreads throughout the gut, binding to various dangerous chemicals and helping them pass harmlessly out of the body. Before choosing charcoal products, be aware of several dangerous risks involved.

Drug Interactions

Charcoal not only binds to various dangerous chemicals and helping pass them pass through the system, it also binds to various prescription drugs and supplements, reducing their effectiveness. According to Drug Information Online, charcoal interacts with over 200 medications. Take charcoal either two hours before your medication or one hour after to avoid interactions.

Digestion

Ingesting charcoal tablets can lead to various gastrointestinal side effects. Reported side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation and bowel obstruction. These cases are rare and generally occur when someone has taken very high doses of charcoal. People suffering from constipation, diverticulitis, colitis or bowel obstruction should not take charcoal products without asking their health care professional.

Nutrition

Consumers should take charcoal tablets well away from meals to reduce the risk of charcoal binding to vitamins and minerals, reducing their absorption in the gut. Taking charcoal products long-term may result in malnutrition in a range of essential nutrients needed for overall health and well-being. In addition, some foods, such as milk, ice cream and sherbet, will render charcoal tablets less effective. Take charcoal tablets two hours before or one hour after meals.

Liver and Kidney Disease

If you suffer from liver or kidney disease, speak with your health care provider before taking charcoal tablets. Due to the cleansing actions of charcoal tablets, charcoal may put pressure on detoxification organs such as your kidneys and liver. If these organs are already impaired, it may not be safe for you to take charcoal.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

There is no evidence whether charcoal has any effect upon an unborn fetus, or if it passes through breast milk. Expecting and breast-feeding mothers should refrain from taking charcoal products. Do not give charcoal to children under one year old.