How to Breastfeed For The First Time

As a first-time mother you may be nervous about breastfeeding your child, and that is to be expected. Breastfeeding provides your baby with essential nourishment while creating a bonding experience between you and your child. The American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecologists reports that breast milk contains antibodies to help your baby develop defenses against infections and that breastfeeding lowers risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Breastfeeding for the first time can be stressful, but with determination and patience, new moms can learn this important skill and enjoy its rewards.

Instructions

1

Position yourself in a comfortable location, using the nursing pillow to adjust your level of comfort. Nursing pillows can be propped under your arms for elevation while holding your child, or they can be stuffed behind your back for needed support. The cross-cradle hold is ideal for first-time feeding, according to the Mayo Clinic. To achieve this, sit up straight and cradle the child in a "U" shape with your arm, supporting the baby's head and spine. Choose a breastfeeding position that is comfortable for you and your infant.

2

Cradle your baby comfortably, assuring that the child's head and neck have adequate support.

3

Pull your breast out, exposing your nipple for nursing the baby, and pull your baby onto your breast. Sometimes new mothers complain that their nipples are inverted or flat. To remedy this, brush at it with your finger or the nursing cloth. This will harden the nipple slightly so it protrudes.

4

Aim your nipple to your infant's lips and push it gently into her mouth. If necessary, squeeze a small amount of milk to encourage your baby to take the needed nourishment. This step may take several tries before your baby latches on to the nipple, but other times it happens immediately. Make sure the baby takes as much of your areola as possible, which is the darkened area surrounding your nipple.

5

Hold your child comfortably while she feeds for as long as needed, or until your newborn gets full or falls asleep.

How to Become a Certified Lactation Educator (CLE)

A certified lactation educator (CLE) is a person who has been certified to teach breastfeeding classes. Becoming a CLE is a great career move for health educators, especially childbirth educators as they work with expectant couples. It's also a necessary step if you wish to become an IBCLC or an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant to work with breastfeeding women.

Instructions

1

Do your research. Many places offer CLE programs including the University of San Diego, the Lactation Institute, and CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association).

2

Decide what path you want to take. Many certification programs offer distance programs, so you don't have to take a scheduled class or seminar to complete your certification. While distance programs may be a little more time invasive, the distance programs are wonderful for mothers of small children or for busy health educators.

3

Purchase your books, once you've decide what program you want. Many of the required books can be found used on eBay and Amazon, saving you a great deal of money.

4

Attend your class or complete your distance program class, completing all the requirements to become a certified lactation educator.

5

Write any necessary papers such as book reports, essays and analysis of relevant breastfeeding studies. You may also have to create a curriculum, a networking document and attend La Leche League meetings. In addition, you'll probably have to find an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) so you can observe her working with breastfeeding mothers. If you're having difficulty finding an IBCLC, contact local hospitals and birthing facilities; many employ IBCLCs.

6

Take your test. The tests are open book, and you have to pass with an 85% average score.

7

Turn your paperwork in and be patient. It may take several weeks to receive your official certification as lactation educator. For an extra fee, some programs will allow you to speed up the processing of the paperwork.

What Helps a Congested Baby?

A congested baby makes for an unhappy parent and all you want to do is make your baby feel better so you can both rest easy. Taking care of a congested baby is simple and involves some basic at home treatments and remedies. You want to catch the congestion as early as possible to prevent it from worsening or turning into an infection.

Steam

Steam is one of the most powerful natural decongestants in the world. Turn your shower on hot and close the bathroom door. Sit with your baby in the bathroom for 15 minutes. It will get hot and be very steamy in the room but that is exactly what he needs. He will breathe in the steam and it will clear his nasal passages as well as throat. He may cough more at first but that is just clearing the running liquid and moisture in the passageways.

Eucalyptus Oil

Add two or three drops of eucalyptus oil to the shower head when steaming the baby. The baby will inhale the vapors from the steam and bring the oil in. The oil is known to have some antiseptic and astringent properties that help decongest the nostrils and soothe the nasal passage allowing it to heal.

Breast Milk and Saline Solutions

Loosen mucus with a breast milk nasal spray or a saline nasal spray. Breast milk tastes better for the baby since there tends to be some liquid that drops back down the throat when a nasal spray is used. Both are very effective. All you need is a small dropper and you gently insert it in the baby's nostrils and release a couple drops a few times a day until the congestion is completely cleared. This will cause a runny nose since it will be decongesting the nasal passage, this is normal so don't be alarmed.

Use a Humidifier While Your Baby Sleeps

Run a humidifier when the baby sleeps. The added moisture in the air will help keep the baby's nasal passages clear. It will also prevent bloody noses and fevers.

Breastfeed More

Doctors swear that breastfeeding more provides babies with all the essential nutrients they need to protect their bodies from illness, infection and other conditions. Breastfeeding more can help the congestion clear.

How to Wean from Being Breastfed to Bottle-Feeding

Perhaps you don't want to give up breastfeeding your baby, but you've got to return to work. Or maybe your baby has been breastfeeding for a year and it's time to transition to the bottle. Whatever your reason, the process can be difficult both for you and the baby, especially if she isn't ready. Weaning is a slow process and demands enormous patience. With some tips and help from family members, you can make the switch easier for you and your baby.

Instructions

1

Start the process when your baby displays breastfeeding withdrawal signs. Observe if he seems to be less and less interested in nursing or if he stops nursing after a few suckles and seems distracted. Notice if he becomes irritable or seems to be in a bad mood during breastfeeding sessions.

2

Introduce your baby to bottle and formula separately; let her adjust to one thing at a time. Use breast milk in the bottle and get her used to the bottle first. Start the weaning process at least two weeks before you are expected to be back at work, so that you have enough time to manage difficulties without being stressed. Postpone weaning if your baby is teething or if you are in the midst of a stressful personal change such as moving or traveling.

3

Move up baby's regular feeding time by a few minutes so that he will be hungry and ready to accept the bottle but not famished. If he is very hungry and finds an unfamiliar nipple in his mouth, he may refuse the feeding. Hold the bottle at an obtuse angle, rather than horizontally, so that baby is able to suck milk rather than air. Nestle him close while feeding to maintain body contact and look directly into his eyes.

4

Allow your spouse, parent or someone you trust to be careful and efficient give the bottle the first time. Avoid being anywhere near your baby because she is familiar with your scent. When you give her a bottle instead of your breast, she may get confused and start complaining. She will be less fussy when someone else is giving her a bottle. Go outside the house, if possible, because baby can catch your scent even from a distance.

Is it Safe to Use Slim Fast While Breastfeeding?

Slim-Fast is a meal-replacement weight-loss program. Products include drinks (usually milk-based), snack bars and meal bars. The program works by exercising and replacing two meals each day with a drink or bar and eating one sensible meal.

The Facts

Using Slim-Fast as a snack or as a complement to well-balanced meals is fine for women while breastfeeding. Slim-Fast recommends that women consult a doctor before using their products for weight loss while breastfeeding. There are no drugs or stimulants in Slim-Fast that would harm a baby through breast milk.

Considerations

Women burn more calories breastfeeding than when pregnant. Using the Slim-Fast Personalized Meal Planner online can help establish a well-balanced diet and calorie level.

Misconceptions

The Slim-Fast program is not just meal replacement. Success on the program includes regular exercise and eating healthy during the "sensible meal" each day. Many women lose weight while breastfeeding without dieting because the act of breastfeeding burns calories. For some women, breastfeeding works better than a diet.

Expert Insight

Donnica Moore, M.D., says that there is nothing wrong with drinking/eating Slim-Fast while breastfeeding, but "eating fewer calories can jeopardize your milk production."

Benefits

Slim-Fast contains protein, vitamins and minerals, especially calcium, that are important for nutritional health while breastfeeding.

Is it Safe to Drink a Wine Cooler While Breast-feeding?

The dangers of consuming alcohol while pregnant are well-documented and well-known. However, once a mother has her baby and begins to breast-feed, the rules about drinking alcohol are murky.

Warning

Alcohol does pass through a mother's milk. It takes approximately one hour for alcohol to pass from mother to baby. The more alcohol consumed, the more that will pass on to baby (if baby is nursed while or after the mother drinks). Remember, if you can "feel" it, your baby can too.

Effects

The American Academy of Pediatrics concluded that even small amounts of alcohol can produce changes in a baby's sleep patterns and behavior. While a baby might be more drowsy after consuming breast milk with alcohol, the sleep could be less deep and more "irritable." The liver function of babies who are younger than two months old could also be more stressed by the addition of alcohol to their milk.

Benefits

Most experts agree that there is no benefit of consuming alcohol while breast-feeding. However, the argument has been made that a glass of wine or a wine cooler for a new mother who is stressed and exhausted could help her milk flow.

Solutions

Are you just dying to head out for one night with the girls? Nurse the baby before you go out. If you are going to miss a nursing or two, pump a couple of bottles' worth of breast milk. Having the backup will relieve your stress about the issue.

Expert Insight

According to Dr. Jack Newman, the author of "The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers," the idea that mothers can't have a wine cooler or a beer with a piece of pizza is a myth.

"Reasonable alcohol intake should not be discouraged at all. As is the case with most drugs, very little alcohol comes out in the milk. The mother can drink some alcohol and continue breast-feeding as she normally does. Prohibiting alcohol is another way we make life unnecessarily restrictive for breast-feeding mothers."

How to Choose Birth Control While Breastfeeding

You love your new baby very much, but you are certain that another child at this time just isn't feasible. When you and your partner are ready to get intimate again after having a baby, choosing quality birth control is first on your mind. The problem is, you are still breastfeeding, and you want to make sure that the birth control you use is safe for you and your baby.

Instructions

1

Choose a non-hormonal barrier method. Male and female condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, sponges and spermicidal creams and foams are all safe and effective while breastfeeding.

2

Consider an IUD (intrauterine device). There are 2 types of IUDs on the market, both of which are safe when breastfeeding. The first, Paragard, is non-hormonal and utilizes copper for its contraceptive element. The second, Mirena, is hormonal and releases progestin directly into the lining of the uterus.

3

Look into a progestin-only pill, such as the "mini pill," or a progestin-only shot, such as Depo-Provera. These contraceptives are safe while breastfeeding.

4

Try the Fertility Awareness Method, as advocated by Toni Weschler in "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" (see Resources section below). This natural form of birth control involves tracking and charting your body's fertility signs to determine when you are most fertile.

5

Think about a permanent source of birth control if you are finished having children. Vasectomies and tubal ligations fall under this category.

Breastfeeding & Diet Restrictions

Pregnant women have notoriously large appetites, since the baby growing inside of them is drawing nutrients from the mothers body. The mothers body is also hard at work creating a supply of milk for the newborn baby. Since whatever a mother eats or drinks will end up in her breast milk, some foods and drinks should be limited or avoided all together to make sure the breastfeeding baby stays nourished and healthy.

Little Bodies

Its important to remember that since infants have much smaller bodies than adults, the substances they consume can affect them to a greater degree. A seemingly harmless amount of caffeine or alcohol consumed by the mother could have a greater degree of impact on the baby than she thought. Breastfeeding mothers should monitor their babies feeding habits, soiled diapers and sleeping habits to determine whether or not their eating habits may be affecting the infant.

Junk Food

Maintaining a balanced diet translates to better quality milk for a newborn. According to Linda M. Hanna, IBCLC, program coordinator for Lactation and Prenatal Education Services at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, "Beyond a doubt, the nutritious quality of the foods you eat is of major importance during breastfeeding. Simply adding empty calories, like those found in sugary snacks or junk food is not going to help you or your baby.

Breastfeeding women should avoid foods that are high in sugar and saturated fat. Instead, eat natural foods rich in nutrients like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Lactating mothers should have at least three servings of fat in their diet, which can include vegetable oils, butter, avocados or even mayonnaise.

Alcohol

While its been proven that alcohol shouldnt be consumed during pregnancy, experts are surprisingly divided when it comes to consuming it while breastfeeding. While some studies show that alcohol negatively impacts the baby, other studies show that it has no impact at all. With this in mind, mothers should err on the side of caution and avoid drinking alcohol, or at least avoid drinking it within two hours of breastfeeding. Also limit drinks to one or two on occasion.

Caffeine

Since babies are smaller, the caffeine the mother consumes will have a greater impact on them. As in adults, caffeine overload causes edginess, nervousness, irritability and insomnia in babies. Caffeine can also make babies less willing to breastfeed. For this reason, lactating moms should avoid soda, coffee, caffeinated tea and chocolate. If the baby seems on edge or hyper after breastfeeding, the mother should consider cutting caffeine from her diet.

Contaminants

Some chemicals found in food and water could pose a risk to a breastfeeding babys health. Such chemicals include mercury in fish, pesticides and herbicides found in fruits and vegetables and trace chemicals found in tap water. Eat organic fruits and vegetables when possible. Take the skin off of lean meats and fish, as skin tends to store the most chemicals. Also, drink filtered or bottled water instead of tap water.

How to Charge a Medela Battery

According to Scientific American, breastfeeding is healthy for babies and has been shown to have lasting health benefits for mothers as well. Breastfeeding is not always convenient or practical for many nursing mothers, however, especially mothers who work outside the home. The breast pump makes feeding a baby breastmilk much easier, as the mother does not have to be present to feed the baby once her milk has been pumped and stored. Medela, among other brands, provides breast pumps that offer rechargeable batteries, making the pumping process even easier and more reliable.

Instructions

1

Insert the battery into the Medela pump with the "This Side Down" label facing down. Make sure the battery terminals are touching the metal contacts inside the battery compartment. Do not force the battery into place; the battery will fit easily into the battery compartment when installed correctly. Medela pumps will not operate on battery power when the battery is inserted incorrectly.

2

Plug the Medela charger into an electrical outlet. If you are using the Medela 12V vehicle lighter adapter, plug it into a 12V outlet in a vehicle.

3

Plug the charger into the charge port, located on the back side of the pump. Pumps that are equipped with a digital screen should display "batt" during the initial charge process. Subsequent charges will cause the screen to display a flashing "batt" and the battery icon. Keep the charger plugged into the pump until the "batt" icon stops flashing and the battery icon shows it has a full charge. According to Medela's Freestyle pump product literature, you can use the rechargeable pump while it is charging, though the pump will draw its power from the electrical outlet.

4

Disconnect the charger from the breast pump once the charge process is complete.

How to Use Albuterol While Breastfeeding

If you're struggling with troubling allergy or asthma symptoms while breastfeeding, Albuterol may be the safest solution. Other similar medications contain theophylline, which may cause irritability in infants under six months of age; however the inhaler form of Albuterol has no reported side effects for the infant. Understanding when and how to take Albuterol can help guarantee your infant's safety.

Instructions

Albuterol and Breastfeeding

1

Continue breastfeeding. According to the website AskDrSears.com, allergies generally run in the family, so breastfeeding your baby now can help reduce his chance for allergies later. In addition, the longer you breastfeed, the more likely it is that your child won't suffer from plaguing allergy symptoms. Breastfeeding could also inhibit your own allergy symptoms, because breastfeeding stimulates your natural tranquilizing hormones. This could help reduce your symptoms and even the severity of your allergies.

2

Choose the inhaler form of Albuterol, not the oral medication. According to Thomas W. Hale, author of "Medications and Mothers' Milk," the oral dose of Albuterol stays in your blood plasma, which makes it more likely that it will transfer to your milk. Hale says that using the inhaler results in less than a 10% transfer to maternal blood plasma. It is possible that a small amount will pass to the breast milk, but currently, no incidences have been reported. In addition, Albuterol is classified as an L1 drug, which means that it is the safest drug for a breastfeeding mother. Hale claims that through controlled studies, L1 drugs pose the least amount of risk to infants.

3

Take Albuterol immediately after feeding your baby. Though Albuterol is a level L1 drug and poses very little threat to your baby when you take it in the inhaler form, to minimize its effects, try to feed your baby before taking the drug. Albuterol's half-life (the amount of time it stays present in your body) is only three and a half hours. Feeding your baby first allows the drug to circulate through your system before baby's next feeding.

Safety of Using Fat Burners While Breastfeeding

After pregnancy, most women are anxious to begin losing weight. They want to get started as soon as possible to lose the extra weight. You may wonder if you can take diet pills, such as fat burners, to encourage weight loss while breastfeeding. You should be careful about taking any medications while nursing because some may get into breast milk and affect the baby.

Fat Burners and FDA Approval

As of 2009, the only non-prescription fat burner approved by the FDA was Alli. You should think twice before taking an unapproved diet pill, breast feeding or not.

Fat Burners Excreted In Breast Milk

The only FDA approved fat burner, Alli, is not recommended for use by breastfeeding women because of the fear that the drug could pass through breast milk to an infant.

Infants Need Fat

Infants rely on the fat in breast milk for brain development. If a fat burning medication gets into the child's system through breast milk on a regular basis, it could disrupt growth and development.

Weight Loss Dangers

Losing more than 1.5 pounds a week while breast-feeding is unsafe. Many doctors believe that rapid fat burning releases toxins stored in the fat that are excreted in breast milk and can make a baby sick.

Weight Loss From Breastfeeding

Breast feeding burns approximately 500 extra calories per day. Eating a healthy diet while nursing results in a slow, steady and healthy weight loss without the risks of taking fat burners.

Side Effects of Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea is made from the hibiscus flower sepals and people drink it as a hot or cold beverage. Hibiscus tea is popular as a weight-loss aid. The tea is made from the red hibiscus flower. The blossom is dried and steeped to make an herbal tea that many herbalists tout as being a cure for everything from high blood pressure to flu and cold symptoms. Like many herbal remedies, however, there can be side effects.

Blood Pressure

People with low blood pressure should not drink hibiscus tea. A USDA-sponsored study done by Diane McKay of Tufts University and presented to the American Heart Association's 2008 convention, showed that people who consume hibiscus tea daily can have an average drop of 7.2 points in their systolic blood pressure. Those people who had a systolic reading of 129 or higher had a greater response to the tea. Their systolic pressure dropped by an average of 13.2 points, their diastolic pressure dropped an average of 6.4 points, and their mean arterial pressure dropped an average of 8.7 points.

Alteration of Conciousness

Hibiscus tea can, in some people, produce a hallucinogenic effect or can cause a sensation similar to intoxication. If you have never consumed hibiscus tea before, do not try it for the first time in situations where you may need to drive or where becoming sleepy or incapacitated might cause a problem or contribute to a dangerous situation.

Estrogen Issues

People with low estrogen, those who are on hormone replacement therapy, or who are using birth control pills should not drink hibiscus tea. Some studies, such as that conducted by the Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology in India, indicate that Hibiscus rosa-sinensis may contain estrogen or may affect estrogen in some way.

Pregnancy and Breast-feeding Issues

Hibiscus is discouraged during pregnancy and breastfeeding since the potential side effects to the baby or fetus are unclear. Additionally, there is some anecdotal evidence to suggest that consuming large quantities of hibiscus tea over time may reduce fertility.

Other Precautions

Some areas of the world have traditionally used hibiscus tea to treat people with cancer, and early indicators show that there may be some basis for this use. One study conducted by Chung Shan Medical University in Taiwan showed that there are chemicals called polyphenols in hibiscus that are able to attack and neutralize cancerous cells in the brain and skin. As a result, anyone already taking anti-cancer drugs should not use hibiscus tea as it may have an additive effect on the treatment. Additionally, hibiscus tea may also affect the way acetaminophen and some other anti-inflammatories are processed by the body. To prevent a possible interaction, avoid taking the tea and anti-inflammatories within two hours of each other.

The Acai Berry Diet & Breastfeeding

The acai berry has been getting a lot of attention as a miracle weight loss food. It is advertised in supplements so widely that finding accurate information is difficult since a majority of websites and blogs claiming to answer questions about it are actually selling it. Breastfeeding mothers are anxious to lose their baby weight and wonder if they can safely be on an acai berry diet while nursing. The truth, and health of your baby, depends on more than an affirmative answer from someone who is selling the product.

Identification

The acai berry (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) grows in Brazil and is extremely perishable, meaning you can't find it fresh unless you live in Brazil. You can only get it frozen or in juice and supplements. Many of these supplements also contain other ingredients.

Nourishment

A breastfeeding mother's primary concern is usually her baby's nourishment. According to a licensed lactation consultant, your body provides for milk production first. She recommends eating 1800 calories of nutritious foods per day. (reference 2) Your body is working hard to provide nutrition to your baby first, but you need to keep your energy up too.

Baby's Health

Most of what you eat or drink as a breastfeeding mother gets into your milk supply. While the amount of what gets in varies, even small amounts of certain things, such as caffeine, effect your baby because he cannot digest or process it as well as you do. Various herbs and herbal remedies can also be toxic to baby through your breast milk. For example, feverfew is often used to treat migraines, but can cause an increased heart rate in a breastfeeding infant. Many supplements, including many that have acai berry extract, use added ingredients that may not be safe for your baby.

Considerations

Dr. Thomas Hale, Ph.D. says that since there is very little research done on the Acai Berry Diet and it's effect on infants through their mothers' milk, it is not safe to take the supplements or drink the juice in large amounts. There are many warnings about fake berries and deceiving messages on the internet (see reference 3). If you drink the juice, check the ingredients. Always check with your child's doctor about what you should eat and drink while nursing.

Alternatives

After pregnancy, breastfeeding mothers want to feel like themselves again. Getting back to pre-pregnancy weight is naturally high on the list of priorities. The good news is that you can lose weight while breastfeeding by following a sensible nutritious diet and exercising (reference 2).

How to Wean a Calf with Little Stress

Selling that healthy well-adjusted calf is the name of the game for cow/calf producers. Weaning is best done at home with as little stress for the calf as possible.

Instructions

1

Develop a small pasture to use for weaning and other separation needs. Install electric fence around the inside of the perimeter to keep calves from suckling through the fence.

2

For two days separate your calf and its mother from the herd. Always include one other babysitter cow or heifer in the mix. Begin to feed small amounts of the calf feed in the feed bunk. The calf may not have any interest at all, but at least will see what its mother does when feed is in the bunk. It will also learn where the water is in the new area.

3

On the third day, separate the cow and calf. Leave the babysitter cow with the calf. Put feed out for the babysitter cow. The calf may or may not try any. Try to do this when you don't have to rise and shine early in the morning the next day -- your first night will be noisy! No one will be happy.

4

By the fourth day, the calf is getting hungry. He's probably still hanging around the fence, and the mother cow may be also. Put some feed as close to him as you can without spooking him. He may try a bit today. Continue this routine until the calf is eating well from the feed bunk.

How to Tell If You Are Pregnant While Breastfeeding

While breastfeeding decreases a woman's fertility, it is still possible to become pregnant while nursing. Taking a home pregnancy test is a definite way to confirm levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and therefore confirm a pregnancy. But there are signs that lactating mothers exhibit to tell of a pregnancy. Notable physical changes are hard to miss and offer the earliest clues that conception has occurred.

Instructions

1

Watch for changes in the breasts. Pay close attention to the nipples, as they will become very sore. (Soreness usually decreases as the pregnancy progresses.) Watch, too, for enlarged breasts. Note that this enlargement will be from the developing pregnancy, not necessarily breasts that are full of milk.

2

Pay attention to milk supply. Expect a reduction in milk supply in the early phase of pregnancy. (A change in hormones is the cause for this reduction.) Watch for the supply to reduce between the second and eighth week of conception. (This will continue through the end of the pregnancy.)

3

Look for changes in the breast milk appearance and consistency. Watch for breast milk to appear less white and more watery. Expect your nursing infant to notice a change in the way the breast milk tastes, as it takes on a colostrum-like composition. (These changes do not affect the nutritional value, but do encourage a natural transition to weaning, if the mother desires.)

4

Check your energy level. Take note that taking care of a newborn may not be the sole source of exhaustion. According to the website Women's Health, being overly tired is often a strong indicator of pregnancy, especially in the first few weeks after conception.

Natural Relief of Infant Gas

Infants commonly experience excessive gas during the first few months of life. Gas can often be reduced by using good feeding techniques or by giving the baby the right kind of massage.

Reducing Amount of Air Swallowed

Swallowing air may cause excessive gas in babies. Babies often swallow air when eating. It is important to make sure that bottle-fed babies latch onto the bottle nipple at the bottom. Also, the bottle should be tilted at least 45 degrees while feeding to keep the air away from the nipple. Using special angled bottles or disposable milk bags can also reduce the amount of air swallowed during feedings.

Breast-feeding mothers should also make sure that the baby is latched on the nipple properly to reduce the amount of air swallowed during breastfeeding.

Babies also swallow air when they are crying. For this reason, parents and caregivers should respond to the baby's cry promptly and avoid cry-it-out techniques.

Gas Elimination

Parents and caregivers can help babies expel excess gas naturally. Gassy babies should be burped often during feedings. Babies can be burped after about every two ounces.

Parents and caregivers can also try abdominal massage to help move gas out of the baby's abdominal region. Massage the area gently and in a downward motion. Massage may be even more effective if done while the baby is in a warm bath.

One more gas elimination technique involved draping the baby over a beach ball or exercise ball with her tummy facing down. Then, roll the ball back and forth while holding onto the baby carefully.

Gas Prevention

Breast-feeding mothers may want to eliminate gas-inducing foods from their diet. Such foods include cabbage, broccoli, wheat, caffeine, raw vegetables and dairy products.

Bottle-feeding mothers may want to try feeding their babies smaller amounts more often to reduce gas. Also, it may be helpful to keep the baby upright for about 30 minutes after each feeding so that digestion will be easier.

How to Exercise While Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding doesn't have to keep you from getting back into your exercise routine. Nursing and exercise can actually work hand-in-hand to keep you healthy and energized enough to care for your baby.

Instructions

1

Start slowly. To keep your milk supply up, try not to lose your pregnancy weight too quickly. You've heard the saying before: Nine months up, nine months down.

2

Drink lots of water. Nursing moms need extra water--three quarts of water a day. If you exercise, aim for four quarts. Remember that fruits and vegetables are also a great source of fluid.

3

Double up your bras. Often, it's not enough to buy a larger size sports bra. For high-impact workouts such as running, layer two bras.

4

Find a predictable time during the day that you can exercise immediately after nursing or pumping. Often this is following the baby's first morning feed. If you plan ahead and lay out your clothes and gear, you are more likely to make the workout happen.

5

The lactic acid that builds up from an intense workout sometimes changes the taste of breast milk. If your baby balks at your post-workout breasts, rearrange your schedule so that you can nurse directly before exercise.

6

Another possible turn-off for finicky babies: a sweaty mama. That's where those ubiquitous baby wipes come in handy. If you can't shower right after a workout, at least clean up a little before nursing.

7

To stay close to baby, look for "Mommy and Me" classes. These are increasingly common at gyms and yoga studios. Or find a group of like-minded moms and meet up for walking or jogging with your strollers.

Diet Plan for Breastfeeding Moms

Nutrition for nursing mothers is not only about eating a balanced diet. Caloric intake and hydration are also important factors that nursing moms should consider.

Foods

Though breastfeeding mothers should consume a balanced diet, foods not included in the standard food pyramid can be consumed in moderation. For example, pizza and spicy ethnic dishes are safe to eat once in a while. By the same token, foods that appear to irritate the baby can be avoided during the nursing period.

Beverages

Women should keep an eye on their hydration while nursing since they experience a loss of fluids due to breastfeeding. For most mothers, the standard eight cups of water per day are generally sufficient. A single cup of coffee per day as well as the occasional alcoholic beverage is safe while nursing, though mothers should hold off on feeding until the effects of either beverage are no longer felt.

Calories

Nursing moms should make room for an extra 300 to 500 calories in their diets per day, since nursing uses about that many. The exact number of replacement calories will depend on the mother's age, height, weight and activity level.

Considerations

In an effort to lose pregnancy weight, nursing moms might want to start a strict diet. During this time, well-balanced nutrition is key. Fad diets, and especially those that allow for eating from just one or two food groups, might lead to nutrient deficiencies. Consult a healthcare professional before embarking on any weight loss program while nursing.

Yeast Infections in Nursing Children

Yeast infections in nursing children also are called thrush and are caused by the yeast fungus candida albicans. Thrush in a breastfeeding baby also indicates a yeast infection in the mother. Thrush causes pain for the breastfeeding mother and baby and can be very hard to eliminate. Treatment may be necessary for the whole family and not just mother and baby.

Symptoms in the Mother

Signs of thrush include breast and nipple pain, burning and itching around the nipples, cracked nipples that do not heal, a vaginal yeast infection and nipples that appear shiny.

Symptoms in the Baby

Sometimes no symptoms occur, but breastfeeding babies with thrush may have creamy, white patches in their mouths that do not wipe off, fussiness during nursing or a yeast diaper rash.

Predisposition

Antibiotic use, even before or during birth, by the breastfeeding mother or baby predisposes the pair to thrush. Living in a hot, humid climate or being diabetic also increases your susceptibility.

Prevention

Apply a lanolin-based nipple cream to keep nipples from drying out. Change your diet to consume less sugar, yeast, dairy products and alcohol.

Treatment

Both the nursing mother and baby need treatment with anti-fungal medication. Thorough cleaning of clothing and baby supplies in hot water helps prevent re-infection.

How to Increase Milk Production When Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding mothers sometimes worry that they won't produce enough breast milk, but the truth is that most do. Women can even produce enough milk to nurse twins. As long as your baby gains weight as expected, she's probably getting enough milk. If you have reason to suspect you're not producing enough breast milk, though, you can do some things to increase your milk supply.

Instructions

1

Drink plenty of fluids, at least 64 oz. every day. Avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeine, though, when you breastfeed.

2

Nurse as often as your baby will nurse, aiming for every three hours while your baby is very young. If your baby sleeps much more than three hours at a time, wake her for a feeding.

3

Nurse at both breasts each time you breastfeed your baby. Offer one breast, and as soon as your baby's sucking begins to slow down, switch your baby to the other breast. Your baby should suck vigorously again for a few minutes, and as soon as her sucking starts to slow down, switch her back to the other breast. Try to feed twice from each breast each time you breastfeed your baby.

4

Limit the use of bottles to times when you absolutely cannot breastfeed your baby, such as when you go to work. Avoid pacifiers altogether. Allow your baby to meet her needs for sucking at your breast, which encourages her to suck more, thereby increasing milk production.

5

Rent a hospital grade breast pump, preferably a double pump so you can pump both breasts at the same time in order to save you time, and pump at times you cannot feed your baby. If you have trouble increasing your milk supply, you can also pump for 10 or 15 minutes after your baby finishes nursing to further increase your milk supply.

6

Consider the use of herbs to increase your milk supply but check with your doctor or midwife first. According to the website Breastfeeding Basics, fenugreek, red raspberry and blessed thistle can all increase the production of breast milk. Women with certain health problems or allergies may experience problems if they take certain herbal remedies, though, and herbal remedies can interact with some medications, so always consult a health care professional before taking them, especially when breastfeeding.

7

Talk to your doctor or midwife about prescription medications to increase milk production if other methods don't do the job.

How to Increase Chance of Having Twins

Having two children that are dressed alike is so adorable. The twins will always have a friend to hang out with and someone who understands what they are going through. It's also a way to get a larger family faster. Can you really increase your odds of having twins?

Instructions

1

Take fertility drugs. One of the effects of fertility drugs is that it increases the chances of having multiple births. Sometimes more than twins are born. This drug is mostly given to couples who are having trouble conceiving a child.

2

Eat yams. Yams are popular in the Nigerian village of Igbo-Ora. The village is referred to as the "the land of twins" because mostly all of the families within the village have a set of twins. The high number of twins in the village has led fertility experts to believe that eating yams might increase the chances of a woman having twins in her family.

3

Get pregnant when you are older. The older a person is when they are pregnant, the more it increases their chance of having twins. The reason older woman are more likely to have twins is because of an increased ovulation of multiple eggs. Many celebrities over 40, such as Angelina Jolie and Julia Roberts, have had twins.

4

Get pregnant while breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding another young baby when you get pregnant, this will also increase the likelihood that you will have twins. Experts believe this is because the lack of calcium in a woman's system has an effect on the egg during conception and ovulation.

5

Make sure twins run in your family. A history of twins on the maternal side of the family is said to increase the chances that you will have twins. There is an inherited gene that causes a woman to release more than one egg during an ovulation cycle to cause the birth of twins. Experts are still debating where this gene can be passed on the father's side of the family.

How to Fix Sagging Breasts

With age, weight gain and loss, breastfeeding and even certain genetic factors, the ligaments and breast tissue that hold the breasts to the chest muscles underneath can weaken and stretch. This causes the breasts to start to droop and sag, losing their fullness and perkiness. Surgical procedures, chest exercises and even certain types of lingerie can help you combat the problem of sagging breasts.

Instructions

1

Do exercises to strengthen your chest muscles. Push-ups, chest presses, and chest flies are great exercises for fortifying the chest muscles. Strong chest muscles are like a natural push-up for your breasts, making them rest higher up on your chest. For a chest press: lie down with your upper back resting on an exercise ball and your knees bent at a 90-degree angle, then hold the dumbbells with both hands close to your chest and lift them straight up. Lower and repeat for 15 reps. For a chest fly: lie down on an exercise ball in the same position as for the chest press, then holding the dumbbells in your hands, stretch your arms out to either side of you and bring your arms straight up until the dumbbells meet, then lower back down. Repeat for 15 reps.

2




Wear fully supportive push-up bras. First, get properly measured by a professional bra fitter at a lingerie store or in the lingerie department at a department store. You must know your exact bra measurement before you can purchase the right bra. If you have a larger chest, purchase a bra that offers full coverage with lift. Try Victoria's Secret Racerback Full Coverage Bra from the Emma Collection. For a smaller chest, try a push-up bra with padding like the Wonder of Gel Satin Push-up bra from Wonder Bra.

3

Get a breast lift. A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that tightens the skin around the chest area and removes sagging excess tissue to lift, define and shape sagging breasts. This is one of the most popular methods to fix sagging breasts.

4

Get a breast lift with implants. This is the ideal treatment for people who have lost volume as well as elasticity in their breasts. A mastopexy with augmentation is a surgical procedure that removes excess tissue, tightens the loose skin and restores fullness with a silicone or saline implant.

How Does a Wet Nurse Spend a Workday?

What is a Wet Nurse?

A wet nurse is a woman who is hired to breastfeed a baby who is not her own. Sometimes when a woman gives birth, she is unable or unwilling to breastfeed her own baby, and a wet nurse is hired to breastfeed the baby instead. Since breastmilk is best for a baby, nutritionally and psychologically, wet nurses can be an option in emergency situations, instead of using formula. If a new mom has a serious illness, or is on certain medications, breastfeeding the baby herself can be dangerous for the baby. Sometimes a woman has given birth to multiple babies and needs help nursing them all. Sometimes a baby is adopted by men who want the baby to be breastfed and a wet nurse is hired. Wet nursing is more common in third world countries now, and in the past was more popular in general when there was a higher rate of mothers dying in childbirth. In some countries, like China, women use wet nurses as a status symbol, handing off that intimate chore to a hired breast. In general, in the modern U.S. and the U.K., it takes a special person or special needs to use a wet nurse.

The Milk is the Thing

A wet nurse will generally live with the family for whom she is hired. Since a newborn baby will breastfeed every two hours in the first few months, a wet nurse will have to be available at all hours of the day and night and would reside with the infant in her charge. A wet nurse sleeps in a room off of the nursery so she can be close to the baby to monitor when when he wakes, to feed him. A day might start at 5:00 a.m. with a feeding before the rest of the house is awake. The wet nurse will gather the crying baby and sit in a rocking chair in the nursery, or another quiet place, and nurse the baby. She will nurse about 10 minutes on one breast, then burp the baby, change the baby's diaper and then nurse the baby on the other breast. A newborn will fall asleep after nursing. The wet nurse will lay the baby back in his crib and head back to bed. The wet nurse will drink a glass of water or juice to keep hydrated (and keep milk flowing) while she is nursing or right afterwards. The rest of the day is centered around the baby's nursing schedule. A very young baby will nurse every 2 hours, so the wet nurse will repeat her nursing routine every 2 hours, interspersing with naps, dressing and diapering the baby (unless he has a separate nurse for that), and offering the baby to the parents. The wet nurse must remain close, as the breastfeeding bond between herself and the baby will internally remind both nurse and baby when the next feeding is approaching. Either the baby's stomach will force the baby to elicit a cry, or the wet nurse's breasts will become swollen with milk.

No Rest for the Weary

Between following the baby wherever the parents need to take him and trying to keep her own body hydrated and fed to keep milk production at a maximum output, a wet nurse will be on call at all times and tireless. Producing breastmilk and breastfeeding uses up an extra 400 calories a day, so a wet nurse must schedule frequent times to eat (and shower and dress herself) around the nursing of the baby, as well as drinking extra liquid to keep her body running and her milk production optimum. By the end of the day, a wet nurse may have nursed at 5:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. A baby will sometimes sleep 3 to 4 hours between feedings at night and the wet nurse can get a few extra minutes of sleep during those times. As the baby gets older, the wet nurse will have typically 4 hours between feedings and by 1 year old, the baby may be weaned, or may be down to three or four feedings a day with breakfast, lunch, bedtime and midnight. By spending so much close time with the baby, a wet nurse will grow very attached to him. A wet nurse may be employed for up to two years, attending to one baby.

Breastfeeding & Allergy Medications

Allergy symptoms are uncomfortable, and the breastfeeding mother might be looking for relief from over-the-counter and prescription medications. Generally, allergy medications are safe for the breastfeeding mother and pose no risk to her baby. Taking the medication at a certain time and choosing the correct medication can help reduce transference, though.

Identification

Allergy medications used to treat common symptoms include antihistamines, cromolyn, inhalant bronchodilators, cortisone sprays and tablets and decongestants.

Effects

"The Breastfeeding Answer Book" and www.askdrsears.com say that these medications are safe for breastfeeding mothers. The only adverse effect noted is increased irritability in newborns whose moms take high doses of theophyliline; however, this effect wasn't noticed in babies older than six months. Also, breastfeeding mothers should take albuterol-containing bronchodilators through inhalation and not orally, www.askdrsears.com says.

Benefits

Breastfeeding could actually help a mother's allergy symptoms, according to www.askdrsears.com. The longer a mother breastfeeds, the less likely it is that her child will develop allergies, which generally tend to run in families. Breastfeeding releases oxytocin, which is a natural stress-releasing hormone. Because some allergy flare-ups and symptoms can be caused by stress, breastfeeding could also offer a mother further protection from symptoms.

Warning

Though allergy medications are generally safe, "The Breastfeeding Answer Book" claims that the younger a baby is, the harder time his body will have eliminating the drug from his system. Premature babies will have a harder time. Also, the heavier a baby is, the better he will be able to get rid of a drug the mother is taking.

Considerations

"The Breastfeeding Answer Book" says that while most drugs do pass to the mother's milk, it's usually only about one or two percent of the mother's dose. Because the dosage is so small, there are few reports of actual adverse reactions to drugs while a mother in breastfeeding.

Time Frame

Though the risks of allergy medication aren't adverse, to further assure that her baby doesn't get as much allergy medication, the breastfeeding mother could take the medication right after feeding her baby. That way, she can feed the baby before the medication is absorbed, and then she will have two or three hours---depending on how often the baby is eating---for the medication to clear her system. If the medication is a once daily medication, "The Breastfeeding Answer Book" suggests taking the medication right before the baby's longest sleep period of the day.

What Can I Feed My Cat to Ensure She Produces Enough Milk for Kittens?

Taking care of your cat's dietary requirements during pregnancy and after giving birth is of paramount importance. A healthy, well-fed cat will be able to produce enough nutrient-rich milk to give the kittens a good start in life.

Early Stages of Pregnancy

The cat should be fed a premium adult food until four weeks before birth. The website Vetinfo recommends you feed a proprietary food, which is perfectly nutritionally balanced.

Latter Stage of Pregnancy

In the final three weeks, change your cat's food to a premium kitten food. This will enable her to produce sufficient milk and will also contain the exact requirements for the kittens. Make the change over the course of a week. Monitor the cat's appetite; she will need more food than usual, but watch her weight.

After the Birth

The cat may not eat much after giving birth. This is normal. Continue offering food; her appetite should pick up within a few days. During the first 24 hours, she will be producing colostrum. Make sure she has constant access to fresh water.

During Lactation

Continue feeding your nursing cat on kitten food. As a general guideline, double the quantity, but pay attention to her appearance. Notice if she is putting on weight or if she is hungry.

As Weaning Approaches

Your cat will produce less milk as the kittens grow. At four weeks, gradually reintroduce regular food, reducing the quantity accordingly.

Parts of the Breast

Breast Exterior

The exterior of the breast reveals two of its most important parts: the nipple and areola. These two parts play their biggest roles in the primary function of the female breast: breastfeeding. According to riainvision.com's "Anatomy of the Breast," the areola, or the dark circle that surrounds the nipple, aids in the process of breastfeeding by supplying a lubricating substance for the nipple. The lubrication is released by Montgomery glands, which are often noticeable in the nursing mother and look like small raised bumps. This lubrication is important, because breastfeeding a hungry and often quite avid infant can be difficult and painful. The nipple (the part of the breast in the center of the areola from which infants suck) contains many nerves that stimulate the production of milk in the breastfeeding woman.

A Look Inside: Ducts, Lobes and Lobules

Inside the female breast, we find three more anatomical aids in breastfeeding. According to the Beth Israel Health Care System's article on the breast anatomy and development, the average woman has about 15 to 20 lobes in each breast. These lobes are made up of lobules, which contain glands that produce milk. 007b's online article, Basic Breast Anatomy, provides a helpful analogy comparing lobes and lobules to a bunch of grapes and the individual grapes that make up the bunch, respectively. The lobules are connected by milk ducts (like grapes are connected by stems). The milk ducts are very small tubes that aid in milk flow. They carry the milk through the breast and to the nipple. A common breastfeeding problem called clogged milk ducts results from the milk being stopped up in one of the milk ducts.

Breast Shape

The shape and size of the breast are determined by the amount of fat and connective tissue. Each breast has a certain amount of fat, which provides padding for the milk ducts, lobes and lobules. More fat means softer breasts; more glandular tissue will result in firmer breasts, as noted at 007B.com. Besides fat, the breast also contains connective tissue or fascia, which holds capillaries and other cells, as well as ligaments, which aid in supporting the breast.

Breast Development Before and During Puberty

The various parts of the breast play different roles, depending on the female's stage of development. Before puberty, female and male breasts are virtually identical. Once a girl goes through puberty, some important changes occur in the breasts. According to Imaginis.com, it is the production of new hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, which leads to further breast development. Breast ducts begin to increase in size, and fatty tissue becomes more abundant, which prepare the breasts for pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding.

Breast Development During Pregnancy

The first eight weeks of pregnancy, according to Imaginis.com, cause drastic changes in breast anatomy and development. The milk ducts expand very quickly, causing enlargement of the breasts, and progesterone causes more glandular tissue to develop. The areola and Montgomery glands may also become more pronounced. Many hormonal changes occur throughout pregnancy and are vital for the successful production of milk.

Breast Development After Birth

The breasts continue to develop and change after birth, as described at Imaginis.com. Hormone levels peak when the new baby is born, and the first milk, called colostrum, is produced. This milk is high in nutrients that the new baby needs most. Anatomically, the breasts are radically changed as milk production begins. Baby's suckling, combined with the release of hormone, causes milk to be released and passed through the various ducts, lobes and lobules to the nipple, where it is released to the infant. Naturally, the breasts enlarge in size during the initial stages of breastfeeding, although many women's breasts return to their normal size within a year or so.

How to Lose Belly Weight Right After a C-Section

Having a baby is a life- and body-changing experience. If you are one of the 25 percent of women who had a Cesarean section, excess belly fat can be a problem. Obtaining a flat midsection may seem impossible, but with disciplined exercise and eating, you can lose the belly fat after a C-section.

Instructions

1

Obtain clearance from your doctor before beginning any post-surgery exercise. Doctors usually ask patients who have undergone a C-section to wait at least 6 weeks before participating in any strenuous exercise, lifting or stretching. Your muscles have been cut and need time to heal.

2

Remove all the junk food from your house and commit to eating healthfully. If you are breastfeeding, do not skimp on your meals and diet in terms of restricting calories. Focus your diet on healthy options such as fresh fruit and vegetables, lean meats such as chicken and fish, whole grains such as whole wheat bread and brown rice, yogurts and low-fat cheese. Drink plenty of water as well to support healing and detoxification.

3

Commit to an exercise routine. Once your doctor has said its OK for you to exercise, focus on cardiovascular, calorie-burning exercises such as power walking (maybe with your stroller), jogging and cycling. Perform these at least three times a week for 30 minutes or more. These types of exercises help you lose overall body fat and improve the appearance of your belly. After four to six months, add in specific exercises to target and tone your midsection. Pilates and yoga help you relax from your hectic life as a new mom and focus training on the core of your body.

4

Breastfeed your baby if you can. The process of breastfeeding burns extra calories and speeds up the shrinking of the uterus, helping deflate your belly. Remember that nutrition and hydration must be top priorities if you are able to breastfeed.

5

Be patient. It took at least nine months to put on the extra weight. Do not expect it to disappear overnight. The best way to lose weight and keep it off is through diligent, consistent dietary changes and exercise. Commit to these for life, and your belly will deflate.

How to Help a 3 Week Old Gain Weight

One way to measure the health of a newborn baby is to monitor her weight gain. If a baby is three weeks old and not gaining weight, there may be a variety of issues that need to be addressed to ensure normal weight gain. Babies who are underweight may have more health problems and a weaker immune system due to nutritional deficiencies. There are many reasons that a 3-week-old may be underweight, however, it is possible to get your baby back on track to normal weight gain.

Instructions

1

Try a different formula if the baby is bottle fed. If your baby is drinking too fast, try reducing the size of the hole in the nipple. This will help your three week old baby avoid gas that can lead to colic and allow them to drink at a comfortable pace. In addition, if your baby shows distaste for the current formula, they may not be drinking enough to induce weight gain. Babies up to a month old should be drinking up to 2 ounces of formula or breast milk every few hours to maintain a healthy weight. Wake your baby every few hours as necessary to encourage weight gain.

2

Help your three week old breast feed more successfully to gain weight. Oregon.gov recommends breastfeeding up to twelve times daily when the baby shows signs of hunger to ensure he gets enough to eat in order to gain weight. You should hold the baby close and make sure they are in a comfortable position to increase their likelihood of feeding longer as well. Offer both breasts, and allow your baby to feed until full to encourage weight gain. Pumping your breasts after breastfeeding is recommended to boost breast milk flow for the next feeding.

3

Determine if your baby has colic. Colicky babies may cry or scream every time they eat due to gas in the intestinal tract that causes extreme discomfort. This may make them avoid eating altogether which can lead to significant weight loss. According to Medline Plus you should watch your diet if you are breastfeeding to avoid a colicky baby. Stay away from dairy, eggs, nuts and other commonly allergic foods. Foods that produce gas, such as cabbage and beans, should be avoided as well.

4

Consult with your doctor if your baby does not gain weight or was born preterm. Babies born preterm have different nutritional needs and often require supplements that contain high calorie, protein, iron and calcium levels. Babies who are not gaining weight normally at three weeks of age may require supplementation as well. After birth, babies of a normal weight will return to their birth weight, but at three weeks, they should be gaining at a steady rate of a few ounces per week.

5

Do not give a three week old baby cereal or other foods to help them gain weight. Babies that young do not have the throat muscles required to swallow these foods and may choke. Babies will gain weight at a regular pace is they are healthy and fed breast milk or formula as stated above. Genetics will ultimately determine the weight gain or loss of a healthy baby.

Is it Safe to Use Nioxin While Breastfeeding?

Many women experience mild to moderate hair loss during pregnancy and after childbirth. Because of this, many breastfeeding mothers use hair-enhancing products like Nioxin to improve the growth and strength of their hair. There are no known aside effects associated with using Nioxin during pregnancy.

Absorption

Because Nioxin is applied directly to the hair, very little of it is absorbed into the blood steam and none passes into breast milk.

Effects on Pregnancy

The manufacturer's of Nioxin state that there are no known contraindications or side effects associated with Nioxin during pregnancy or any other life-stage.

Considerations

Severe hair loss during breastfeeding may be a sign of a medical condition such as postpartum thyroiditis or malnutrition.

Expert Insight

Lacation expert Dr. Jack Newman, author of the Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers, notes that few topical drugs pass into breast milk in detectable quantitites.

Benefits

Because Nioxin is considered to be safe for mothers who are pregnant and nursing, it is often recommended instead of internal drugs like Rogaine and Propecia, which may pass into breastmilk and cause unintended side effects.

Advantan Side Effects

Advantan is a prescription medication. It is applied topically to the skin and is not intended to be taken orally. Advantan is prescribed to treat skin conditions such as inflammation and allergic reactions, as well as eczema. It may also help with itching, burning and superficial pain. When applying Advantan, use only a thin layer. Using an excessive amount may exacerbate potential side effects. Advantan is not marketed in the United States.

Side Effects

You may experience an allergic reaction to Advantan. Never use this product if you are allergic to the ingredients. You may experience some side effects, including skin discoloration, folliculitis, perioral dermatitis, hypertrichosis and skin atrophy. You may also notice skin dryness. According to MedSafe, these side effects may be worsened if you apply Advantan to a large portion of your body (about 10% or more). Talk to your doctor about the risks of this product becoming absorbed into your body. Systemic absorption may lead to suppression of the function of your adrenal glands.

Contraindications

Advantan should not be applied to areas of the skin infected with acne. It should also not be used in cases of many viral infections, such as herpes zoster, or by tuberculosis or syphilis patients. Do not apply Advantan to any areas where your skin is reacting to a vaccination. Talk to your doctor about other possible contraindications by disclosing all of your pre-existing medical conditions.

Warnings

Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, never use Advantan on your face, especially around the eyes. According to MedSafe, if this medicine is used near the eyes for a prolonged period of time, glaucoma may develop. Using Advantan on the face can also worsen rosacea.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women should consult carefully with their doctor before considering a topical medication such as Advantan. The BB Online Pharmacy cautions that Advantan should never be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. You may run the risk of your baby developing birth defects.

Time Frame

Some medications, even if they are only applied topically, should not be used for an extended period of time. Advantan is no exception. Adults should use Advantan for no longer than 12 weeks. Children using Advantan should cease usage at four weeks. Taking Advantan for longer than this time period can result in skin problems, such as loss of elasticity and thinning of the skin. It may also cause the dilation of blood vessels, as well as ecchymosis and telangiectasia.

How to Flatten Your Stomach After Giving Birth

Pregnancy weight can linger for months after the birth of your child. And since your days are likely to become more hectic, shedding these additional pounds can prove challenging. However, there are ways to quickly flatten your stomach after giving birth. The stomach will naturally lose inches on its own following delivery, but to achieve a slimmer waistline, you'll need to make eating and lifestyle changes.

Instructions

1

Eat healthy foods. Immediately cutting calories after the birth of your baby can affect your supply of milk, if breastfeeding. Wait six weeks before dieting to flatten to your stomach. Decrease food portions and make healthy choices like lean meats and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Limit fatty and sugary foods.

2

Drink more water to increase your metabolism. Drink a glass of water before meals to fill your stomach and help you eat less. Drinking can also increase metabolism and help you shed water weight. Take in eight glasses of water a day.

3

Breastfeed your baby if you are able to. Breastfeeding burns additional calories each day and helps you lose weight in the stomach post pregnancy.

4

Do stomach crunches by lying on your back with your knees bent and arms across the chest or hands behind the head. Keep your feet on the floor and then use your stomach muscles to raise your upper body a few inches off the floor. Do two sets of 10 to 12 crunches, says Prevention.com.

5

Use a chair to help flatten the stomach. Find a comfortable, armless chair. Sit down in the chair, and with your back straight, bend your knees and slowly pull your legs towards your upper body. Lower your legs and repeat the movement 10 to 12 times to engage your core muscles.

6

Incorporate the bicycle maneuver. Lie on your back with both hands behind your head. Bend your knees and raise your legs to a 90-degree angle. Create a bicycle motion by bringing your right knee towards your head while extending your left leg, then alternate by pulling in your left knee and extending the right leg. Lift your head off the floor and touch your left knee with your right elbow, and your right knee with your left elbow as you alternate your legs. Do two sets of 10 to 12.

7

Develop a good sleep pattern. Being stressed after the birth of your child can increase the production of cortisol (a stress hormone). An increase in cortisol plays a role in weight gain. Adequate sleep can relieve stress. Get plenty of rest and ask for nighttime help with the baby in order to allow yourself some extra sleep.

Foods That Cause Gas in Babies

Hearing your baby cry or whimper in pain is tough for every parent. One of the most common causes of pain and discomfort in babies is gas. Make life a bit easier for your child--and for yourself--by learning which foods cause gas in your baby and then avoiding them.

Gas in Babies

It is normal for babies to have gas. As with adults, gas is caused by the body's failure to entirely digest certain foods. The undigested food passes to the large intestine, where bacteria breaks it down into various gases. The gas then exits through the rectum. Babies are especially prone to gas because of their immature digestive systems. However, sometimes babies can produce excessive gas, in which case you should consider the foods she is eating. It's also a good idea for the mother to avoid these foods if she is still breastfeeding the baby.

Dairy Products

Both breastfed and formula-fed babies can suffer from excessive gas. Certain enzymes are needed in the stomach to properly break down milk proteins, and many babies don't have enough of these enzymes. If you are breastfeeding and have eliminated other possible sources of excessive gas in your baby, consider limiting the amount of milk, cheese, yogurt, butter and ice cream in your diet. If you believe your baby is having a reaction to the cow's milk in formula, consider switching to a soy-based formula. But speak with your child's pediatrician first.

Fruits

The acid in citrus fruits can be hard on a baby's digestive system. If you notice a connection between feeding your child citrus fruits and an increase in gas, ease up on feeding him oranges, lemons, grapefruits, strawberries and tomatoes.

Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables are believed to be more likely to cause gas than other vegetables. These vegetables include broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, kale and bok choy.

Other Foods

You may want to avoid foods containing caffeine, such soda and chocolate. Garlic, onions, peppers and spicy foods are also common gas inducers.

Warning

Many of these foods are healthy and should only be eliminated from your or your baby's diet if it is almost certainly disrupting her digestive system. Babies are fussy for many reasons--not everything can be attributed to gas. To determine whether a particular food is causing a problem, eliminate it from your or your baby's diet for at least one week and see whether it makes a difference. Eliminate only one food at a time so that you'll know which food is making a difference, if any.

Diet and Health Tips for Mothers After Cesarean Delivery

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 30 percent of births take place by cesarean section surgery. This means that each year over one million women deal with recovering from major surgery. Diet and nutrition play a vital role in the health of a cesarean mother. Getting adequate rest, healthy food, and keeping the immune system strong are important in the months following a cesarean.

Features

It is important to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet which includes all four food groups. Particularly important to post-cesarean health are fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy foods and protein.

Considerations

Since a woman who delivered via C-section will probably experience increased gas after the procedure, limiting foods which produce gas, such as fried foods and carbonated drinks, is highly recommended.

Time Frame

The World Health Organization (WHO) reviewed six clinical trials designed to study the effects of early versus delayed eating post-cesarean. WHO found that there are no compelling factors to delay eating a diet of normal food following cesarean surgery.

Types

Women who have undergone a cesarean section should take care to get adequate vitamins from food and supplements, especially vitamins E and C as these promote health and healing and help the body resist infection.

Expert Insight

The International Cesarean Awareness Network recommends increasing your activity slowly and only taking care of your baby and yourself for the first few weeks at home. Get help with household chores and taking care of your other children.