Foods That Make Breastfed Baby Fussy

In general, breastfeeding mothers can eat a normal diet without any specific eliminations. However, it is possible that some babies may be more sensitive to certain items in the mother's diet. Also, some babies may have allergic reactions as a result of certain food components passed on through the breast milk.

Food Sensitivities

Some babies may have sensitivities to certain foods. Symptoms of a food sensitivity include fussiness after feedings, inconsolable crying and trouble sleeping comfortably. Food sensitivity symptoms may occur anywhere from 4 to 24 hours after the baby has been exposed to the food through breast milk.

Food Allergens

Mothers who have a family history of food allergies may want to avoid eating foods which have caused other family members to have allergic reactions. Cow's milk and peanuts are two of the most common food allergens. Other possible allergens include wheat, eggs, corn, soy and fish. An allergic reaction may cause the baby to develop a rash, hives, breathing difficulties, ear infections or stomach upset.

Gassy Foods

Certain foods produce gas that may cause breastfed babies discomfort. Breastfeeding mothers who have extremely fussy babies may want to eliminate these foods from their diet. These foods include turnips, peppers, cucumbers, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, onion, cabbage, broccoli and garlic.

Citris Fruits

Citrus foods may also irritate a breastfed baby. Breastfeeding mothers may want to avoid tangerines, limes, oranges, lemons and grapefruits.

Chocolate

The chemical theobromine is present in chocolate. This chemical may lead to diarrhea and fussiness in breastfed babies.

How to Flatten Your Postpartum Stomach

Most women will agree that there is no greater joy than having a baby. The growing belly of pregnancy is welcome evidence of the miracle of life. Once the baby arrives, it can be very challenging to get your stomach back to its pre-pregnancy size. I have a few tips to share that worked for me and they can easily fit into a busy schedule.

Instructions

1

Lie down on your back, place your hand directly on your uterus and gently massage it in a clockwise rotation. You can begin to do this while you are still in the hospital a few hours after you have given birth. This will help get your uterus back to its normal shape and position.

2

Contract your stomach in as far as you can and hold it. This one can be done in the shower. Try holding your stomach in during the entire shower or for as long as you can. This will help tighten and your muscles.

3

Breastfeed your baby. This is of course very beneficial to the health of your baby but it will also help flatten your stomach since breastfeeding causes the uterus to contract which will help your uterus eventually get back to its normal size.

4

Drink plenty of water. This helps get rid of any unwanted weight and post pregnancy pounds are no exception.

How to Diagnose Thrush

Thrush is a yeast infection most common in babies, older adults and other people with compromised immune systems. It can also occur during a round of treatment of antibiotics or inhaled steroids. The overgrowth of the yeast, Candida, is recognizable by the white furry patches on the tongue and inside the mouth. Read on to learn more about how to diagnose thrush.

Instructions

Diagnose Thrush in Babies or Children

1

Look for the characteristic white patches inside a child's mouth. Since thrush can look like milk curds, it's sometimes overlooked in children. However, if you try to wipe away the patches, the skin underneath will be red, raw and sometimes even bleed.

2

Watch out for an unhappy baby who refuses to breastfeed or suck on a bottle. Because thrush can be painful, babies will often try to avoid sucking or eating, and sometimes even exhibit increased gassiness.

3

Look out for a characteristic painful diaper rash that is also associated with thrush. The same overgrowth of yeast that causes the white patches in the mouth can cause a yeast infection. The rash is often red, itchy, raised and patchy, and looks very different than a typical diaper rash.

Diagnose Thrush in New Mothers

4

Pay attention to new and unusual pain when breastfeeding. Mothers who experience burning, itching or shooting pain in the breast or nipple accompanied by bright pink or flaking skin may have thrush.

5

Diagnose symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection, which may often accompany thrush.

6

Ask your doctor to take a culture of your breast milk. Though the presence of yeast in the milk is not a definitive indicator of thrush, a positive culture in addition to the presence of yeast in a urine sample is a fairly reliable diagnosis.

Treat and Manage Thrush

7

Use a prescribed topical oral anti-fungal medication, like nystatin, directly on the thrush patches in the mouth. The medication comes in liquid form for children and babies and is available as a lozenge for adults. Some adults will need to take an anti-fungal pill in addition to the topical medication.

8

Apply topical anti-fungal ointments to diaper rashes or affected nipples. Some medications are available over-the-counter, while others are available by prescription only. It's best to check with your doctor before using a medication, in order to use the one that will be most effective for you and your baby.

9

Treat yeast infections with an over-the-counter remedy. However, since some strains of yeast are resistant to some medications, you may have to speak to your doctor about a more powerful prescription medication if the over-the-counter one doesn't seem to be working.

10

Clean bottles and pacifiers frequently in very hot water, and wash and dry your nipples after breastfeeding. Likewise, if the affected person wears dentures, they should be cleaned thoroughly and frequently.

How to Get Rid of a Plugged Milk Duct

Breast tenderness, hard lumps, a wedge-shaped red area and warmth and inflammation-and you thought breastfeeding was going to be a wonderful experience! Don't panic, breastfeeding is a wonderful experience. You could have plugged milk ducts. While tight clothing, skipped or infrequent nursing, stress or illness may cause the condition, the root problem is poorly drained milk ducts for which there is no known cause.

Instructions

1

Call your physician. She can confirm if what you are experiencing is a plugged duct. Rest; treat your plugged duct like an illness. Stay in for a few days and cancel all appointments and activities until you get rid of the clog. Doing so will can help to avoid infection.

2

Apply moist heat by using hot packs or by spraying the affected area with hot water in the shower. Doing this prior to nursing aids in milk flow and may enable the mother to pass the plug.

3

Gently massage the area; you may be able to squeeze the plug out of the nipple pore. Use a breast pump. Try pumping for a few minutes after each nursing session if your baby was unable to relieve the plug.

4

Check for a milk blister. If there is a small white dot on your nipple, it could be a milk blister. This clogged nipple pore restricts milk from flowing freely and adds to the discomfort.

5

Nurse frequently and in different positions. Repeated nursing-through all the discomfort and pain-is the best thing you can do. Try nursing in various positions, too.

How to Keep Milk Production After Weaning

As a breast feeding mother, you could find yourself in a situation where you must wean your child from your breast. The end of your maternity leave could mean your child must stay with a nanny during the day and drink from a bottle. if you still want to breast feed when you are home with your child you must make sure your breast continue to produce milk while you are not physically with your child. Fortunately, it is not difficult to keep your milk production up while weaning your child.

Instructions

1

Wean your child from breast feeding in the days leading up to your return to work or whatever situation you are in that has you wanting to wean your baby. The process of weaning should be done slowly to get your child used to drinking from a bottle more often.

2

Pump your breasts when you are not breast feeding. Because you are weaning your child from the breast does not mean that you have to lose your milk supply. Pumping regularly will keep your breasts producing milk at a regular pace.

3

Take your pump to work, or wherever you are, so you can pump every few hours, even if you only have a few moments in the restroom or your office to do so. Keeping your breasts stimulated and empty helps them to refill with milk and increase your production.

4

Freeze breast milk in breast milk bags, which you can buy in the baby feeding section of any store with baby food and formula, with the date written on it so you know when the milk was originally frozen. Use frozen breast milk by thawing it and placing it in a bottle; place the bottle in a warm bowl of water for a few minutes to warm it up before feeding your baby.

Drinking White Wine With Breastfeeding

Some organizations recommend not drinking alcohol while breastfeeding, though most health care professionals agree that drinking in moderation on occasion is acceptable. If you were looking forward to that glass of white wine and the little one has already had her breast milk, enjoy.

Significance

Alcohol enters the bloodstream rapidly and can be found at the same levels in breast milk as in blood. There is no safe amount of alcohol in breast milk. Generally, one or two drinks on occasion is not a contraindication to breastfeeding.

Timing

According to Judith Lauwers and Anna Swisher, co-authors of Counseling the Nursing Mother, a mother can resume breastfeeding as soon as she feels normal again or when the effects of alcohol have worn off. The authors quote the group Motherisk, a Canadian maternal health program, which recommends lactating mothers wait two hours per drink before breastfeeding.

Pump and Dump

If you have heard the saying "pump and dump," it holds no medical benefit. According to La Leche League pumping and dumping your breast milk, resting, drinking lots of water or consuming caffeine will not speed up the process of alcohol leaving your body or your breast milk.

Milk Storage

Gini Baker, who is a lactation consultant and teaches lactation educators and consultants at the University of San Diego in California, recommends that if pumping breast milk is required after drinking alcohol, you should write the letter A on the storage container and freeze it for six months. At that time your child will be older and better able to handle the alcohol content in your breast milk.

Considerations

Too much alcohol can inhibit your breast milk from letting down by blocking the release of oxytocin. If you plan on drinking white wine or any other alcohol every day or on a regular basis, you should speak with a lactation consultant or health care provider to make sure breastfeeding your child is the best option for you both. A pregnant woman should never consume alcohol.

Foods That Lower Prolactin

Infant Allergies & Breastfeeding

Many new moms who want to breastfeed their babies worry that their infants may have allergies to something that they have ingested, which may been passed to their babies through breast milk. The Healthy Children Website of the American Academy of Pediatrics states that, in fact, this is uncommon, affecting only two or three out of 100 children who are exclusively breastfed. More often, allergic babies have an allergy to milk protein.

Symptoms

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics' Healthy Children Website, the symptoms of allergies to something in breast milk in infants include "severe colic, abdominal discomfort, a skin rash such as eczema or hives, or may react with vomiting, severe diarrhea (often with blood in the stool), or difficulty breathing that lasts up to several hours after breastfeeding." If your baby exhibits any of these symptoms after breastfeeding, you should call your pediatrician as soon as possible.

Milk Protein

Most often, allergies in breastfeeding infants are to cow's milk protein in the mother's diet. The allergy occurs when the baby's immune system incorrectly detects the milk protein as something it should ward off. An allergy to cow's milk protein often goes hand-in-hand with allergies to goat's milk and sheep's milk, and the allergy is sometimes connected to the protein in soy milk.

Time Frame

Researchers are not sure why some babies develop allergies, while others do not. There is likely a genetic link. In most cases, babies with a milk protein allergy will outgrow the allergy by the time they are between three and five years old. However, some children never outgrow their allergies.

Prevention/Solution

If you are breastfeeding a baby who has an allergy to milk protein, you should speak to your child's pediatrician or a nutritionist about limiting your dairy intake. There are a number of other sources of calcium that you can consume to replace the loss of milk. Food packaged as of 2006 must, by law, clearly state on its packaging whether it contains milk or milk-based products. This makes it easier to monitor your diet for possible allergens.

Considerations

An important consideration for moms to make when debating whether to breastfeed in light of the potential for allergies is that exclusively breastfeeding a baby for the first six months has been proven to "significantly lessen the risk and severity of food allergies in families with a strong history of them," according to the Healthy Children Website of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Mothers are encouraged to consider limiting their intake of dairy products, fish, nuts and eggs during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, if there is a family history of severe food allergies.

Feeding Problems in Babies

One of the scariest issues for new parents is when their baby is unable to get enough of the nutrients he needs to grow and develop. Babies intuitively suckle on their mother's breast or a bottle, but sometimes other factors interrupt this intuition. Whatever feeding problem your baby is facing, be sure to work closely with your baby's health professional to overcome these challenges.

Breastfeeding

The first problem in breastfeeding for some mothers and babies is latching on. Breastfeeding is simply a new skill that both baby and first-time mom must acquire through practice. A lactation consultant from the local La Leche League can gently coach the mother in ways to help her baby latch on and breastfeed well. These professionals will also help with more serious issues, like inverted nipples or inadequate milk supply.

Bottle Feeding

Some parents are either unable to breastfeed or choose to use bottles with their child. This introduces an entirely different group of potential feeding problems. A bottle's nipple must allow milk or formula to escape into the baby's mouth, while simultaneously allowing air into the bottle---all without spilling. Most bottle manufacturers do this by creating tiny air holes in the nipple. If a baby's mouth covers the nipple's air hole or if the nipple is malfunctioning, the baby will not be able to extract milk, and thus become frustrated. The more frustrated a baby becomes, the more difficult it is to feed her. Lactation consultant at Breastfeeding.com, Jeanne Cygnus, suggests purchasing many different nipples to find the right fit for your baby.

Spitting Up vs. Reflux

Some parents fear that spitting up is a feeding problem and should not occur, however it is both common and normal. According to Children's Hospital Boston's website, spitting up is the result of an immature digestive system, where the sphincter muscle that sits between stomach and esophagus is not fully-developed. This means that even if the baby is receiving proper amounts of breast milk or formula, he is not physically able to keep it in his stomach. As your baby grows, this muscle will develop and spitting up will decrease until it stops, usually between 7 and 12 months.

Reflux is similar to spitting up, but the baby does not outgrow it. During reflux, stomach acid and contents come up into the esophagus and mouth, deteriorating the esophagus' lining. Reflux is dangerous because it can cause aspiration, but there are easy ways to help if your baby has reflux. For example, do smaller, more frequent feedings while the baby is sitting up with a diaper that's not too tight. Be sure to consult your baby's doctor to determine if your baby is spitting up or has reflux.

Vomiting

When a baby is very forcefully spitting up his entire meal, this is called vomiting. Vomiting is serious and parents should consult the child's doctor to determine the cause and a course of action. According to Merck Manuals Online Medical Library infantile vomiting's most common cause is gastroenteritis. It can also be caused by infections elsewhere in the body, such as ear and urinary tract infections. The good news is, once the baby has overcome whatever infection he had, the vomiting should stop as well.

Castor Oil Uses for Babies

How to Make Your Own Nursing Tank Top

Once you have a baby, you realize that all of the things you will have to buy for yourself and your child can be very expensive. If you plan on breastfeeding, a nursing top will be a necessity. Although nursing is perfectly natural, many people are uncomfortable seeing a mother nursing a child in public, especially when her is skin exposed. The new nursing tops are made to cover the mother and make nursing easy with quick access. Using these ideas, you can make your own nursing tanks and shirts out of clothing you already have on hand.

Instructions

1

Go through your closet and find as many old tank tops as you can. Choose three or four, each in a different color. These will be the basis of your nursing top wardrobe. Each of these tanks can be worn under shirts with a contrasting color or under another tank. Choose outer shirts that are loose and comfortable to avoid wrestling with a tight shirt when your baby is hungry.

2

Try each one on and mark the areas on the tank where your nipples are.

3

Take the shirt off and lay it flat on a table or other surface. Using the marks on the shirts as a guide, center the shot glass over each one and draw around the outside of the glass. You should have two circles where the breasts will be.

4

Cut out the circles. Put on the tank top with another loose fitting top over it and you now have a nursing top. When the baby is ready to feed, simply open the clasp on your nursing bra under the tank and raise the bottom of the outer shirt to feed your baby. Your tummy is covered and the top of the outer shirt will come to the top of the baby's face.

Turmeric Precautions

Turmeric, or Curcuma longa, is an herb with a 4,000-year history of medicinal use. Its active substance, curcumin, is a strong antioxidant. Turmeric shows promise for the treatment of digestive ailments, lowering cholesterol, reducing inflammation, preventing blood clots and fighting some cancers and infections, but further testing is needed to determine turmeric's effect in humans. Turmeric and other herbs are best taken under the supervision of a medical professional. Turmeric and curcumin are generally considered safe at the recommended dose. However, there are precautions to keep in mind if you are planning to use them.

Blood Thinners and Bleeding Disorders

If you have a bleeding disorder you should not use turmeric because of its blood-thinning properties. It can raise risk for life-threatening internal bleeding, including bleeding in the brain. Turmeric may intensify the effects of blood-thinners, such as warfarin, clopidogrel and aspirin. Turmeric can interact with non-steroidal inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Turmeric may increase your risk of bleeding and bruising when taken with other herbs known to slow blood clotting, such as angelica, clove, danshen, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, Panax ginseng, red clover and willow.

Stomach Acid Medications

Large amounts of turmeric taken for a prolonged period may lead to stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea or ulcers. Turmeric can increase the production of stomach acid when taken with cimetidine, esomeprazole, famotidine, lansoprazole, omeprazole and ranitidine. If you have gallstones, gallbladder disease or obstructed bile ducts, consult a doctor before taking turmeric.

Turmeric and Diabetes

If you have diabetes to your doctor before taking tumeric because this herb has hypoglycemic properties, meaning it lowers blood-glucose levels. When combined with diabetic medications that lower blood sugar, turmeric can intensify the effect of these drugs.

Turmeric During Pregnancy/Breastfeeding

The amount of turmeric commonly used in foods is generally considered safe, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not use turmeric supplements. Turmeric has not been proven either safe, or unsafe, to unborn children and breastfeeding babies.

Skin Reactions

Turmeric can cause contact dermatitis. It also may lead to the severe, life threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis if it touches the skin, though this is rare. It can also cause a yellow discoloration of the skin if applied topically for a long period of time.

How to Stop Breast Milk From Leaking

Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to meet your babys needs while connecting with your baby on a physical and psychological level. It is a bodily process, however, and your body must adjust to producing the right amount of milk for your baby. You may produce too much milk at first or later find that your breasts are leaking for other reasons. There are a few simple things you can do to effectively stop breast milk from leaking.

Instructions

1

Apply direct pressure to the nipple itself if your breasts start leaking. Do this inconspicuously in public by folding your arms and pressing them against your breasts. If you continue to leak, go to a restroom and pull up your shirt to gain direct access to the nipple to apply pressure. Do not push against the fatty tissue of the breast, just on the nipple part of the circular areola.

2

Feed your child regularly and, if possible, at the same times each day. Do not miss feedings. If you pump your milk while you are at work, then pump at the same times as you would feed your child on the weekend. If you miss feedings or pumpings, your milk will let down in anticipation and may begin to leak. It also can cause pain if your breasts are full and you do not release some of the milk.

3

Feed or pump from both breasts each time unless you are feeding with very little time (an hour or less) in between feedings and need to alternate breasts. As your body gets used to producing the right amount of milk for your baby, you will leak less or not at all.

Newborn Weight Loss During Breastfeeding

Sometimes breast-fed babies lose weight. Although this can be scary, it often is normal and almost always treatable.

Normal Weight Loss

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), during the first week after birth, it is normal for a breastfed baby to lose 7 percent to 10 percent of his birth weight. He should gain the weight back by the seventh or 10th day after birth (or, for a premature baby, by the end of the second week). A breast-fed baby should not lose any weight after the first week. If this occurs, consult your pediatrician.

Causes of Normal Weight Loss

The AAP notes that most of your baby's lost weight simply is excess fluid. Additionally, your milk production is not yet established during the first few days after birth, and the baby only consumes about 1 tbsp. of colostrum, or your early milk, at each feeding. After your milk comes in, weight gain should begin.

Signs of Abnormal Weight Loss

After the first week, if a baby won't eat for longer than 10 minutes, or if she produces fewer than four wet diapers a day, then she probably isn't drinking enough milk and may be losing weight. Yellow skin also is a possible sign of weight loss. Furthermore, if the mother's breasts are not full at each feeding, the baby may not be consuming a sufficient amount.

Causes of Abnormal Weight Loss

Your baby might be a sleepy or inefficient nurser, or you might be switching him from the first to the second breast too quickly. A baby must feed at one breast for a while in order to reach the hind milk, which contains more fat and calories. Your milk supply also may be insufficient.

Treatments for a Sleepy or Inefficient Nurser

Don't let your baby suckle on a pacifier. At each meal, check her latch and positioning to make sure they are correct. To keep her awake and alert, rub or pat her tummy, feet or cheeks; caress her with a wet washcloth; burp her several times throughout every meal; change her diaper; talk to her encouragingly while she eats. Compress your breast to help the milk flow.

Treatments for Inadequate Milk Production

Breastfeed frequently, including at night. Let your baby feed for as long as he wants before you switch breasts. Use a breast pump after each meal to ensure that each breast is drained (this will stimulate milk production). You also should increase your fluid intake, avoid caffeine and get plenty of rest. If necessary, supplement with formula and/or talk to a lactation consultant.

Nursing Goals for a Newborn's Mother & Father

Having a baby involves making many decisions. One choice parents have to make is whether to formula-feed or breastfeed their newborn. It's a personal decision that the mother has to make and, with the father's support, that choice will be the best for their family. According to the World Health Organization, it is recommended that mothers breastfeed exclusively for the first six months of their newborn's life to achieve optimal growth, development and health.

Prepare Yourself

If you have decided to nurse your newborn, it's a good idea to prepare yourself to meet that goal. Both mother and father should consider attending a breastfeeding class before the baby arrives. Check to see if the hospital where you plan to deliver your baby offers such a class. The hospital may even have a lactation consultant on hand after the delivery. Inform yourself on the subject prior to delivery. Any questions you may have should be addressed to either your practitioner or your pediatrician.

Get Comfortable

Find a quiet, comfortable area of your home -- along with something to drink and a healthy snack -- when first getting started nursing. Avoid noisy areas with visitors until you are at ease with breastfeeding. A good nursing bra, pillows and loose clothing can make you feel more comfortable. If you have sore nipples, ice packs and ointment, such as lanolin, can ease any pain or discomfort you may encounter.

Take Care of Yourself

When nursing, continue eating a healthy diet and taking your prenatal vitamin supplement. Increase your caloric intake and calcium intake appropriately and drink eight glasses of fluids every day. Getting as much rest as possible and staying calm will help you focus on achieving your nursing goals. Avoid doing too much too soon. Don't concern yourself with cooking, cleaning or laundry right away, until you've got the hang of nursing. Ask for help with these household duties.

Find Support

WomensHealth.gov published a report about breastfeeding goals in the U.S. Dr. William Dietz, director of the CDC's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity said, "We need to direct even more effort toward making sure mothers have the support they need in hospitals, workplaces and communities to continue breastfeeding beyond the first few days of life, so they can make it to those six- and 12-month marks." Surrounding yourself with supportive people will help you achieve your nursing goals. Your baby's father can support you by bringing the baby to you, making sure you're comfortable and offering you positive encouragement. The La Leche League is an international organization offering support, information and advice to nursing mothers. If you're feeling discouraged, try arranging for a specialist to come to your home and provide support, advice and experience.

Breast Problems After Weaning

The process of weaning a child after breastfeeding can be emotionally and physically difficult. After weaning their babies, many women find they experience pain and other issues with their breasts. Here are some common side effects of weaning as well as insight into how serious the issues are and when a trip to the doctor is warranted.

Engorgement

The breastfeeding site Kellymom.com suggests that the most common side effect of weaning, especially if it happens abruptly, is engorgement of the breasts. This is when breasts feel uncomfortably full of milk, and it can be a painful condition. In order to alleviate the pain of engorgement, you can hand express just enough milk to help you feel more comfortable. Remember, you do not want to completely drain your breasts since this will indicate to your body the need to make more milk.

Plugged Ducts and Mastitis

Engorgement can lead to serious side effects such as plugged ducts, mastitis and occasionally even breast abscesses. Women usually first notice a plugged duct as a small lump that is painful to touch and might appear red or swollen. A plugged duct generally will clear up on its own, but it can lead to mastitis.

Mastitis is an infection of the breast and its initial symptoms are similar to those of a plugged duct, but women often also develop a fever and might see red streaks throughout the infected area. You must seek a doctor's advice for mastitis since it sometimes requires antibiotics to treat the infection.

A rare but serious complication for women would be the development of a breast abscess. Abscesses are not common but can occur after a bout with mastitis. Women develop a large pus-filled area in their breast that must be either aspirated or surgically drained.

Continued Milk Production

It is not uncommon for women to continue to produce small quantities of milk after weaning their babies. According to Breastfeeding and Human Lactation, "Small amounts of milk or serous fluid are commonly expressed for weeks, months or years from women who have previously been pregnant or lactating."

You should schedule an appointment with your doctor if you are still producing milk six months after weaning just to ensure it is normal or if you have discharge that doesn't appear to be milk.

Misconceptions

Binding your breasts will not help your milk supply decrease and instead can cause plugged ducts, mastitis and abscesses. According to lactation consultant Becky Flora, this is an outdated practice that is quite painful for the nursing mother with no real benefits.

There are very few reasons for weaning to take place abruptly. Even if the mother has to have some type of surgery or hospital admittance, there usually are medications she can be given that can safely allow her to continue breastfeeding. Many doctors might not know which medications are safe, so if you are in this position, make sure you check with a lactation consultant or your local La Leche League leader for advice. They can often offer you some helpful advice on medications compatible with nursing that you can share with your doctor.

Prevention/Solution

By weaning your baby gradually over a span of several weeks or months, you can eliminate many potential problems. La Leche league recommends dropping one feeding every three to four days and slowing down even further if the process seems extremely upsetting or uncomfortable for either mom or baby.

How to Bond With a Newborn When Bottle Feeding

Whether bottle feeding or breastfeeding, the most important factors when feeding your baby are love and tenderness. It is very important that you communicate this love to your baby. It is important to have eye and skin contact with your baby when you are feeding her. This happens naturally and automatically with breastfeeding; it takes a bit more effort with bottle feeding.

Instructions

1

Avoid propping up the bottle when you feed your baby. For babies, being cuddled and loved is just as important as being fed. Besides not receiving the emotional support that he needs, propping the bottle can lead to choking and even ear infections.

2

Switch arms when bottle feeding your baby. Switching arms in the middle of feeding will allow your baby to see you and the environment from a different perspective. It will also help you to relieve any aches or stiffness from holding your baby in one position for an extended period of time.

3

Place your baby next to your skin when you feed her. When possible, open your shirt and nestle your baby close to you when you feed her. Skin to skin contact will provide your baby with the warmth and closeness that she needs.

4

Set aside plenty of time for each feeding session. If your baby doesn't fall asleep during feeding, take the time to socialize with him after he has finished eating.

5

Have a positive attitude about bottle feeding. If you really wanted to breastfeed but were unable to for any reason, don't feel guilty about about bottle feeding. Your baby will be able to pick up on any frustrations or negative feelings that you may have and it may cause difficulties during feeding sessions. Think of these feeding sessions as time to bond with and cuddle your baby.

Symptoms of Pregnancy While Nursing

Although it is true that you are less fertile when you are nursing, you are not infertile. You will ovulate about two weeks before you begin your period. This means that you can become pregnant again before your period even starts.
The more that your baby nurses, the longer it will ;likely take for your period to return. However, this is not a foolproof method of birth control, especially once your baby starts nursing less, eating solids, or sleeping for longer stretches at night. Most pregnancy symptoms are the same whether you are nursing or not. However, there are some special considerations for woman who may be pregnant while they are still nursing.

Breast Tenderness

Typically, one of the first signs of pregnancy while you are nursing is nipple tenderness. Breast sensitivity is a normal pregnancy symptom. However, if you are nursing at the time of conception, you will experience sudden changes in your breasts. These changes can lead to soreness and extra irritation while your baby is nursing. If you decide to continue nursing, the tenderness will gradually decrease as your pregnancy progresses.

Milk Supply

When you become pregnant, your milk supply will decrease. This is a reaction to the many hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. The decrease typically begins about 2 to 8 weeks after conception and will continue to decrease throughout your pregnancy.

Milk Consistency

Besides changing in supply, the consistency of your milk will also change. The taste of your breast milk will change as it transforms into a substance more like colostrum. The milk will also look different and will look less white and more watery. These changes will not affect the nutritional composition of the milk. but your baby may not like the changes and will likely begin to wean herself.

Fatigue

Fatigue is a typical sign of pregnancy during the first trimester. If you are nursing and pregnant, the level of fatigue that you experience may be extreme. This is likely due to the fact that your body is contributing nutrients and resources to two sources, your nursing baby and your unborn baby.

Considerations

If you are still nursing when you become pregnant, you do not necessarily have to wean your baby unless you are at a high risk for miscarriage or preterm labor. Talk with your doctor if you want to continue breastfeeding during your pregnancy. If you do fall into a high risk category, your doctor may want you to wean. Nursing can cause uterine contractions, which may put your unborn baby at risk if you are already experiencing a high risk pregnancy.

How to Wean an Infant From Breastfeeding

Weaning an infant from breastfeeding is an important milestone for both mother and child. Since breastfeeding is a habit and a bonding experience for an infant, weaning is the process of introducing the child to new habits for feeding.. Weaning must be done gradually so as not to be a traumatic experience for the baby.

Instructions

1

Gradually reduce the time of each breastfeeding session over the course of one week. If the infant is still hungry, offer baby formula or solid food depending on the age of the baby. Breastfeeding sessions can be gradually reduced over a longer period of time than just a week if needed. The idea is to get the infant used to eating a little bit of baby formula or solid food at each meal.

2

Replace one breastfeeding meal with baby formula or solid food. This should be done only after the infant has gotten used to shorter breastfeeding sessions combined with baby formula or solid food.

3

Replace another breastfeeding meal with baby formula or sold food. This should only be done after the infant has gotten used to the first meal replacement.

4

Replace all breastfeeding meals with baby formula or solid food.

How to Recover From a Cesarean Section

Most mothers and babies are kept in the hospital for up to 3 days following a cesarean section. This is necessary for pain management and adequate fluid intake immediately following the surgery.

Instructions

Review Steps to Recover After a Cesarean Section

1

Expect to be up walking with assistance soon after delivery by Cesarean section. Moving around will help reduce constipation and encourage blood circulation to reduce the chance of forming blood clots.

2

Anticipate the removal of the urinary catheter and any IVs within 12 to 24 hours, as soon as fluid intake and urinary function are sufficient.

3

Expect fatigue and incisional discomfort for up to 6 weeks.

4

Take it easy during the first few weeks following a Cesarean section. Avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby, and keep diapers and other baby necessities close at hand until you have your 6-week checkup.

5

Maintain good abdominal support. Using a pillow against your abdomen will help with pain when you sneeze or cough. It is also a good idea to use it for support when breast-feeding.

6

Drink plenty of fluids to recover fluid loss while breast-feeding. Drinking fluids also helps prevent urinary tract infections following the insertion of a catheter.

7

Avoid sex until your doctor releases you. The typical amount of time to wait is 6 weeks.

8

Let someone else drive until you can comfortably handle sudden movements without incisional pain. You must also be able to easily manage bending and lifting to place your infant in the car seat or carrier.

Learn Symptoms to Report

9

Notify your doctor immediately if you recognize any signs of infection. Symptoms may include fever, severe abdominal pain, redness or discharge at the incision site, and abdominal bloating or swelling.

10

Understand that a certain amount of fatigue is normal during the weeks following delivery. If fatigue lingers, or if you find your level of happiness is declining to the point of not wanting to move, call your doctor immediately. You may be suffering from postpartum depression.

11

Realize that symptoms such as numbness and itching may be present for several weeks. This is common following a Cesarean section. If the numbness spreads, or the itching increases, notify your doctor.

Are There Any Spices That Are Dangerous for Women to Take?

Spices generally are not dangerous in normal use. But some spices ingested in great quantities can be injurious or even fatal. Furthermore, for women, spices can pose some health risks during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

What Are Spices

Spices are the aromatic seeds, bark, fruit, buds, roots or stems of a plant. Common spices include pepper, cinnamon, allspice, cloves and nutmeg. Herbs are usually classified as the leaves of the plant.

Spice Dangers

Some spices are dangerous for both men and women to take in high doses. For example, you should not take great quantities of cinnamon, allspice or nutmeg. Cinnamon can cause increased heart rate, flushed skin, shortness of breath and stomach upset in the form of gastric reflux ("heartburn") and diarrhea. Allspice overdose symptoms are nausea, vomiting and convulsions. Using too much nutmeg can be fatal. An overdose of nutmeg can cause hallucinations, a stupor that may last from two to three days, shock, seizures and death. Urgent and immediate medical attention is necessary with a nutmeg overdose. Keep this spice out of the reach of children and pets.

Spices During Pregnancy

Many spices can cause miscarriage during pregnancy. These spices are allspice, nutmeg, anise seed, fennel seed, caraway, celery seed or oil, chili, cinnamon, cumin and saffron.

Spices During Nursing

A woman can pass spices into her breast milk and to her baby. Avoid nutmeg due to its potential to cause seizures. You should avoid capsaicin or red pepper because it can cause infant dermatitis and rash. Chili, cinnamon and pepper can cause gas problems for babies.

Caution

Do not use herbs or spices to deliberately induce miscarriage. Using herbs or spices may create an incomplete miscarriage that leads to uterine infection. Furthermore, ectopic pregnancy, a pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, can go undiagnosed and lead to injury and death.

How to Nurse a Toddler and Infant Simultaneously

When a new baby enters your life, there are major changes on the horizon for your toddler. If your toddler is still nursing when you become pregnant, there is no need to wean. Nursing both children (known as tandem nursing) is safe and provides important nurturing and nutrition. It may also ease sibling rivalry and the adjustment period for your nursing toddler.

Instructions

1

Continue breast feeding your toddler throughout your pregnancy. This is often difficult because of tenderness, decreased supply and feelings of agitation. Knowing that these problems are common and temporary may help overcome them.

2

Establish a good latch and nursing position with your newborn. It is important that your new baby learn to latch and suck with your full attention. Introduce your nursing toddler to your nursing relationship with the baby after these important things are in place.

3

Find a comfortable place to nurse. Nursing two at one time takes quite a bit of space. A sofa or love seat with plenty of pillows might be the best bet.

4

Latch on the infant in a comfortable position. The infant is less accustomed to nursing so his latch needs the most attention.

5

Invite your toddler to latch on the other breast. She should not need much assistance getting in place. Once the toddler is latched on and nursing, you can adjust the position of both children.

6

Position the children so that they both maintain a good latch and you are comfortable. Some mothers use the football hold for one child and the cradle hold for another. Others stack the children with the infant basically in the toddler's lap. Still others have the toddler sit facing the mother while the infant is in a more traditional position. Determine the position that is most comfortable for you and your children.

7

Encourage your toddler to treat your nursing infant tenderly. Many siblings automatically hold hands or pat one another as they nurse. By establishing a gentle nursing relationship between your two nurslings, you can avoid territory battles and jealousy.

What Type of Flea Medicine Can You Give a Breastfeeding Cat?

Most flea medicine is not safe for use on pregnant or breastfeeding cats; even flea collars can cause potentially deadly problems. Finding out what medicines you can use on your cat to eradicate these parasites saves your pet the itching and discomfort associated with fleas.

Types

There are three specific flea control medications approved for use in nursing cats. Capstar manufactured by Novartis Animal Health, is an oral medication. Frontline, manufactured by Merial, is a topical solution. Revolution is a topical medication manufactured by Pfizer Animal Health.

Identification

Capstar contains the active ingredient nitenpyram. Revolution contains the chemical selamectin. Frontline uses the active ingredient fipronil.

Time Frame

Capstar is administered on an as-needed basis. Revolution and Frontline require once-a-month treatments.

Considerations

None of the chemicals or flea control medications used for breastfeeding cats work on flea larvae. They are only effective against adult fleas and flea eggs.

Warning

Side effects from these medications are rare but potentially deadly. Speak to an emergency veterinary medical care provider if you suspect your cat is having an adverse reaction.

Diarrhea in a Five Month Old Baby

Most infants experience bouts of diarrhea from time to time. Most times diarrhea does not cause any lasting harm to an infant. However, young infants around the age of five months should be closely monitored for dehydration when diarrhea occurs. Dehydration in infants can become serious if not treated effectively.

Significance

Infant diarrhea may indicate the presence of a viral or bacterial intestinal infection. Also, diarrhea may occur as a result of a food intolerance or food allergy. Caregivers should consult a physician any time diarrhea lasts for more than a week.

Features

Infant diarrhea typically appears runny and may be greenish-brown in color. Also, often times infant diarrhea smells foul. An infant may have diarrhea if bowel movements occur about two times more often that usual.

Considerations

Diarrhea may accompany an ear infection. Also, antibiotics often cause diarrhea in young infants.

Caregivers should be careful to monitor the infant's diaper area for signs of irritation. Diarrhea often causes painful rashes which can be treated with diaper rash ointments.

Prevention/Solution

When diarrhea occurs, caregivers may want to eliminate dairy products and juice for a short time and offer either soy-based formula or an electrolyte solution until the diarrhea subsides. Breastfeeding mothers should continue to breastfeed normally. Some 5-month-old infants may be eating solids foods. In this case, caregivers can continue to offer the infant bananas and rice cereal. Parents may also want to keep a chart detailing the number of stools along with a description of each and also note any other symptoms. This chart will be beneficial if a doctor evaluates the infant.

Warning

In young infants, diarrhea may lead to dehydration, which may be serious. Vomiting along with diarrhea increases the risk of dehydration even more. Signs of dehydration include the absence of wet diapers, dry eyes, dry mouth and weight loss. Other signs that warrant a doctor's appointment include blood in the stools, unresponsiveness, lethargy, a fever higher than 101 degrees and continual crying.

An infant should never be given an anti-diarrheal medication. These medications may be harmful to infants.

How to Slim down like a Celebrity Post Pregnancy

It is a celebrities job to look good and they spend a lot of money for the best help to get their pre-baby body back within 2 months. Be grateful you don't have the same kind of pressure and scrutiny to slim down that fast. But here are some tips to getting your ideal post baby body.

Instructions

1

Hire a chef to provide all your healthy, low fat meals. Hire a personal trainer to whip you into shape during and after your pregnancy. Have an elective C-Section and Tummy Tuck a couple weeks before you due date to keep from gaining those extra pounds. Hire a great hair stylist and personal stylist and makeup artist to get you looking amazing for you first photos with baby.....
But you know what? Luckily we aren't under the same scrutiny and spotlight and don't have to go through the same extremes. We can enjoy our newborn infant and just focus on bonding with the new baby and enjoying the transition to motherhood without having to worry about eating perfect and straining our already strained bodies trying to shed the pounds fast. For a more realistic approach, see the following steps.

2

9 months. It took 9 months to put on the weight, give yourself 9 months to lose it all in a realistic time frame. However, it is possible for some women to lose the weight sooner.

3

Once you are given the okay by your doctor, begin exercising. Make sure you get a good cardiovascular work out at least 4 times a week. Try swimming, jogging, skipping, or spinning.

4

You will also need to do strength training to tone your body. Not only have you gained weight while pregnant, but have probably lost muscle tone. Cardio will help you lose pounds but strength training will give you that tight look. Try using resistance bands.

5

Eliminate all junk food from your diet. Focus on eating foods that contain plenty of protein and fiber. Eat plenty of vegetables. This is also important if you are breastfeeding. But don't restrict your calories too much or it may affect your milk supply.

6

Breastfeeding your baby will help you burn an extra 500 calories a day.

7

You will probably lose the pounds faster than you get your tummy firm and tight again. Just stick in there and enjoy getting the activity.

8

To include your baby, check for a local mom and baby fitness class at your community center or join a stroller strides group.

Gas-Relieving Remedies for Newborns

Crying and pain from gas is a common problem in infants. Gas is sometimes confused with colic, a condition in which an infant may cry for up to five hours three or more times per week. Colic can cause gas pain, however, and infants may appear to be in great pain as they try to expel the gas. Physicians and baby-care experts recommend several ways to help relieve newborn gas pains.

For Breastfeeding Moms

Foods that breastfeeding moms eat can find their way into breast milk and cause tummy troubles for newborns. The Mayo Clinic advises breastfeeding moms to try eliminating dairy products, spicy foods or caffeine from their diet to see if it makes a different in their newborn's gas problems. They also advise breastfeeding mothers to empty one breast completely before offering the other, to give the infant "hindmilk" that is richer than the "foremilk" that first comes out of the breast. Mothers should also try offering smaller amounts more frequently.

For Bottlefeeding Moms

Moms who bottlefeed their newborns should try changing the bottle to one with a softer nipple that has greater flow and to use bottles with liners that deflate as the newborn feeds. You may also need to change formulas to one that is more easily digested and produces less gas.

Extra Burping

If gas causes abdominal pain for your newborn on a regular basis, you should take extra time for burping to help relieve the gas. You may need to burp the infant, set the baby down for 5 to 10 minutes and then try burping again. This can give the newborn time to bring up the gas so it can be burped out.

Tummy Massage

Targetwoman.com recommends a very gentle tummy massage to help move the gas in the newborn's intestinal tract so it can be more easily expelled. An alternate method is to place the newborn on his or her back and move the legs gently in a "bicycling" motion to help the gas to be relieved. When old enough to hold up his head, you can try placing the infant on a blanket on the floor for "tummy time," which will help compress the intestinal gas so it can be expelled.

Medications

You may wish to talk to your pediatrician about simethicone drops for infants. Simethicone helps the small bubbles join into a larger bubble that can be expelled more easily. Probiotics, substances that promote "good" bacteria in the intestines, are also sometimes prescribed for newborns with severe gas problems. There are also "natural" drops containing dill that can help reduce gas in infants. Consult with your pediatrician before using any of these products.

About Breast-feeding

We have all heard that "breast is best" when it comes to feeding babies. This is because breast milk is Mother Nature's perfectly designed food for babies. But many women are surprised to know that breast-feeding doesn't always come naturally and in fact, it can be a hard skill to learn. While most women who give birth do nothing but wait for their milk supply to come before they nourish their baby with breast milk, other mothers have a hard time learning how to breast-feed or despite all attempts, simply can't. Then there are still other moms who want to breast-feed, but don't know enough about it to get a successful start. Here are a few helpful tips.

Benefits

Breast-feeding has many benefits for both the mother and the baby. In addition to promoting bonding, breast milk is more easily processed by a baby's delicate digestive system than formula. Breast-feeding also reduces the risk of allergies and asthma is children and promotes optimal health. Breast-feeding can also prevent some type of cancers in the mother and helps the uterus return to its original size after giving birth. It also increases the levels the hormone prolactin that help with weight loss. Breast-feeding is also virtually cost-free and eco-friendly, which is important for many families. See the Resources section for links.

Time Frame

The best time to begin breast-feeding is immediately following birth. If possible, try to feed your baby as soon after she is born as possible. Immediately after birth, most babies show a strong desire to suck and are awake enough to nurse (see Resources). The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be exclusively fed breast milk for the first six months of life and encourages breast-feeding for the first year and as long after that as both the mother and baby want (see Resources).

Misconceptions

Many people think working mothers can't breast-feed, but they can. With a little planning and support, moms can still nurse their babies when they return to work. Some working mothers leave work to nurse their babies at home or have the caregiver bring the baby to her workplace for feedings. Other mothers are fortunate enough to have childcare at their workplace and simply coordinate their breaks with their baby's need to be fed. Still other working mothers express their milk into bottles for the caregiver to feed the baby during the day and nurse in the mornings and evenings. Some people also think you have to give birth to be able to nurse a baby. While this is most common, even mothers who adopt babies can breast-feed. While this requires medication to boost milk producing hormones, adoptive mothers sometimes choose to go this route so that they can breast-feed.

Prevention/Solution

Occasionally breast-feeding mothers will have dry, cracked nipples or engorgement. They may even develop infections in the ducts of their breasts. To prevent issues while breast-feeding, you'll need to be sure that you baby has a proper latch. You'll also want to express a small amount of milk onto your nipples and massage it in after each feeding. Letting your breasts air dry can also help. If you feel encouragement coming on, place a warm compress on the breast. Feeding your baby often and allowing your baby to empty one breast before starting on another can also help prevent engorgement. Wearing a supportive bra can also help reduce the likelihood that your breasts will become engorged.

Considerations

If you're feeling self-conscious about the prospect of having to breast-feed in public, don't. There are many fashionable nursing covers that allow you to discretely feed your baby. Some women also wear nursing tops that allow you to easily expose one breast while keeping your stomach and chest covered. There are even thick belts of fabric that can be worn around the waist and pulled up to your breasts that provide coverage for your entire belly when breastfeeding. Many malls and stores will have women's lounges or nursing rooms that provide a comfy place for breast-feeding your baby.

Mini Electric Breast Pump Instructions

The benefits of breastfeeding have been well proven, and most doctors and other health care professionals encourage mothers to breastfeed their new babies for as long as possible. The most difficult part of breastfeeding past the first few weeks of baby's life is the logistical challenge it presents. Unless a breastfeeding mom plans on being with her baby every minute of every hour, there will come a time when a breast pump becomes necessary. A pump like the Mini Electric from Medela is intended for moms who occasionally need to pump a bottle for their babies.

Assembly

The Mini Electric pump has several parts including the motor, breast shield, plug, valve and a stand for holding the bottle. First, screw the breast shield into the motor. Next, the valve with plug attached should be positioned at the bottom of the breast shield so that it sits in the bottle neck when the bottle is screwed onto the breast shield. Once the parts are placed in the correct order, the pump can be used with batteries or with a wall plug.

Using the Pump

Each woman requires a different level suction for comfort and effectiveness. If it is your first time using a breast pump, try it on the lowest suction level first just to get used to the feeling. Many women find this setting to be too low to get milk production to begin. As you begin to feel comfortable, slowly raise the suction level until you can feel a pull, but not pain. You may feel a warm sensation as the milk lets down, just as with directly feeding the baby. Once you find a setting that allows letdown, keep note of the strength level and keep it set there. Increasing suction will not make the milk come any faster and could make the process painful. Most women will produce a single feeding bottle in as much time as it takes to feed the baby. Some may find that they under- or overproduce when using a pump. In the case of underproduction, try increasing the amount of time you pump per day. If you find you are making too much milk, consider yourself lucky and keep in mind that the milk can be frozen for use at another time. Check with your lactation consultant for tips on the best way to freeze milk. Once a bottle has been filled, turn the motor off and carefully extract the breast from the shield. Usually, it will release comfortably. Occasionally, the breast may be suctioned into the shield and a finger can be inserted to break the seal and prevent injury to the breast.

Cleaning the Pump

After use, the pump needs to be cleaned properly to prevent contamination of future milk. The breast shield, valve, plug and bottle should all be cleaned. These parts are all dishwasher safe and fit nicely inside a sterilizer. At the very least, they need to be cleaned with warm soapy water and allowed to air dry.