Nutritional Status of Pregnant & Lactating Mothers

Pregnancy and breastfeeding do not require special diets---everyone should eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthful fats and lean protein, per the Mayo Clinic. Since nutritional status directly relates to pregnancy outcome and baby's growth and development, a few nutrients require discussion with your medical provider.

Energy

Normal weight gain during pregnancy demands an additional 300 calories per day; lactation utilizes an additional 500 calories, according to the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services.

Protein

Most American women consume adequate protein so deficiency is uncommon. The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for pregnant or lactating women is 1.1 grams per kilogram of body weight/day to support baby's growth.

Fluid

Blood volume expansion and milk production increase a woman's fluid needs to three liters per day. Dehydration can contribute to preterm contractions and premature labor in the third trimester, according to University of Illinois McKinley Health Center.

Calcium

Without adequate calcium intake, baby depletes mother's bone stores. Calcium plays a role in maintaining bones, teeth, circulatory, muscular, and nervous systems. RDA recommends 1000 milligrams per day.

Folate

Folate prevents neural tube defects in the developing fetus, such as spina bifida. Deficiencies increase risk of preterm delivery. Daily Recommended Intake (DRI) for folate is 600 micrograms per day for pregnant women and 500 micrograms per day for lactating women.

Iron

Increased blood supply and iron stores for baby require additional iron. A deficiency increases risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight, per the Mayo Clinic. Pregnant women should ensure they obtain 27 milligrams per day. Needs decrease for lactating, non-menstruating women to nine milligrams per day.

How to Make Your Baby Latch-On

Making your baby latch on to your breast correctly can be one of the most challenging aspects of newborn care. If your baby latches on incorrectly, he may not get a good supply of milk and you will end up with sore nipples. Take advantage of all the professional help you can get. Many hospitals provide lactation services to help breastfeeding mothers master the technique. Every baby is different; some may latch on the right way from day one, while others need longer to work out what to do.

Instructions

1

Sit upright in an armchair or rocking chair. Place a pillow behind your lower back and one behind your shoulders. This is the easiest, most comfortable breastfeeding position. If you are in bed, support your back, shoulders and knees with several pillows.

2

Place a pillow in your lap to bring your baby up to breast level. Place another pillow under the arm that will support him as he feeds. Put your feet on a foot stool to raise your lap, preventing you from straining to get your baby closer to your breast.

3

Undress your baby down to just his diaper. Skin-to-skin contact will stimulate him while he is feeding. Hold him in front of you and talk to him in a gentle voice. Make sure he is alert and calm before offering the breast.

4

Nestle your baby in your arm, with his neck resting in the bend of your elbow, his back lying along your forearm and his buttocks supported in your hand. Turn your baby on his side so that his tummy faces yours. Pull him close to encourage his body to wrap around yours. Check that your nipple is right in front of his mouth; he should not have to strain, lift or turn his head to reach it.

5

Tuck your baby's lower arm under his body, and hold his upper arm down with the thumb of the hand holding him. Swaddle your baby in a blanket before feeding if he is particularly energetic.

6

Support your breast with the hand that is not holding your baby. Squeeze a few drops of milk out of your nipple to moisten it. Cup your breast with your hand, placing your palm and fingers underneath and your thumb on top. Leave the areola (the darker area around the nipple) clear.

7

Use your nipple to touch your baby's lips, encouraging him to open his mouth. Tickle his top lip with your nipple to make him open his mouth wide.

8

Move your nipple into the center of your baby's mouth, using your arm to draw him closer toward you. Keep working at it until you get it right; it may take some time before your baby learns to open his mouth wide enough to suck on more than just your nipple. Your baby's mouth should cover around one inch of the areola behind your nipple. Press down on your baby's chin with the index finger of the hand that is supporting your breast, to help him open his mouth as wide as possible.

9

Press down on your breast or place a finger gently into your baby's mouth to release your nipple if he is not latched on correctly and start over.

10

Press down on your baby's chin to turn his lower lip outward if it is inverted. Some babies purse their lips, which makes latching on difficult.

11

Check that your baby's chin is pressed into your breast, with his nose resting on the breast. He should be able to breathe out of his nostrils; if he appears to be struggling, press gently on your breast with your thumb to form an airway.

How to Treat a Vomiting Baby

Many different illnesses can cause vomiting in babies and small children. Fortunately, nearly all episodes of vomiting are caused by self-limited infectious diseases, such as upper respiratory infections, viral infections of the digestive tract and other common childhood illnesses. A few causes of vomiting can be serious and may require prompt medical attention. All episodes of vomiting in newborns should be considered serious, regardless of cause, as newborns can become dangerously dehydrated very quickly. For all other cases of vomiting, home treatment and a little rest are generally all that is needed.

Instructions

1

Give your baby nothing to eat or drink for 30 minutes to one hour following an episode of vomiting in order to rest the stomach and prevent further irritation.

2

Monitor your baby for signs of dehydration, such as less frequent urination, a strong odor or darker color to your baby's urine, increased fussiness, lethargy, sunken fontanels, reduced tears when crying and a dry or sticky mouth. If your infant shows any signs of dehydration, he needs to be taken to the emergency room immediately.

3

Continue breast-feeding your baby, and offer each breast to your infant every 10 minutes. Formula fed babies should be given 0.5 ounces of room temperature oral rehydration solution every 10 minutes after the vomiting has subsided. Gradually increase the amount of the rehydration solution over the next several hours, and continue to check your baby for signs of dehydration. When six hours have passed without vomiting, formula feeding may be resumed.

4

For older babies who are accustomed to solid foods, introduce clear liquids once your child is feeling better and has not vomited in at least eight hours. Chicken broth, gelatin and popsicles are typically well tolerated.

5

Resume a normal diet when 12 hours have passed since the last vomiting episode. Begin with foods such as bread, cereal, pasta, bananas and applesauce. If new symptoms develop, or if the vomiting returns, contact your baby's pediatrician as soon as possible.

How to Lose Weight After Having a Baby

Having a baby is a wonderful time in your life, but the effects the pregnancy can leave on your body may be devastating. We all see how these celebrities lose all the weight and are wearing bikinis weeks after giving birth, and we think why can't that be me? Well, it takes a lot of work and dedication thats for sure!

Instructions

1

Each pregnancy is different and the amount of weight each person gains, and where she gains the weight vary from one to the next.

You want to make sure that you lose the weight a healthy and safe way. Otherwise you may gain it all right back. Crash dieting never works! You lose the weight and then it creeps back up on you, so beware of a quick fix! The best way to lose weight after a baby is the good old fashioned way...Diet and Exercise.

2

Of course you lose weight right away when the baby is born, and a certain amount of weight will normally naturally shed off as well. Breast feeding is a great way to speed up your weight lose as well. It is proven that breastfeeding sends out certain hormones to your body for the first 12 months after giving birth that help your uterus go back to its pre-pregnancy shape.

3

The average amount a woman gains during her pregnancy is between 25-35 pound. When she gives birth the normal amount that is often shed is 12 to 15 pounds. So that leaves the unwanted pounds to struggle with. Although this is just an estimated average for weight gain, that personally I was way over!

There are different programs that you can join for assistance such as Weight Watchers, Nutri-System, Jenny Craig, etc. These programs are helpful for moms that live a busy lifestyle and these days that pretty much includes us all!

4

The best way to lose the weight after baby is to stay healthy throughout your pregnancy in an ideal world! Eat healthy and get in plenty of activities to keep you active. Walking and other exercise that are safe when your are expecting. If you don't gain to much weight throughout your pregnancy there wont be much to lose after baby is here.

Your diet plays an important role in weight lose and weight gain. So here are some helpful tips to help with losing weight and eating healthy....

5

Here are some helpful tips to lose weight the safe way....

* Stop eating sugary foods. Just dropping the sugar from your diet can help you lose weight quickly. Make sure that you stay away from it all together if you want to lose weight quickly. This means no sugar in your coffee, on your cereals, or eating that candy bar!

* Cut the carbs from your diet. Carbohydrates turn into sugar inside our body's and makes you hold onto body weight and fat. Omitting carbs from your diet can help you drastically drop the unwanted pounds. These days there are many alternatives to diets without carbs that are tasty and nutritious.

6

* Increase fiber into your diet.

* Incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet.

* Make sure you eat your dairy items. You can choose to have low fat or even fat free milks and yogurt's.

* Watch your portion sizes! Many people have no concept of the amount of food that hey should be eating. Here are some helpful tips about portion sizes...
3 ounces of meat, fish, chicken, etc. is about the size of the palm of a womans hand or a deck of playing cards.
An ounce of cheese is about the size of your thumb.
A teaspoon of butter is the about the size of your thumb tip.
Learning the correct portions that you should consume can greatly improve your weight lose.

7

* Stay aways from fried foods.

* Watch the calories. They count when you are trying to lose weight. Stick to a diet within a certain range of calories consumption ideal for you.

Of course you want to add exercise to your daily routine whenever possible. It may be difficult in the beginning since having a new baby is so much work, so take it easy and remember to not move it to fast. Listen to your doctors advice and do not overdo it! Take care of yourself and your baby and focus on the health of you guys before anything else!

8

The first year is a big change for you and for your baby, so manage where you can. Take it easy and simply watch what you put into your mouth. Stick to a healthy diet and exercise when you can. Incorporate baby activities that you can do to bond with baby while being active.

Don't stress yourself out about a few pounds here and there. Look at your little baby and see the miracle that your body created. So give yourself a break! You created that little miracle and it was all worth it!

How to Use Domperidone to Increase Milk Supply

Sometimes, nothing seems to increase breast milk supply. If you have already met with a lactation consultant to correct a baby's latch, drank an ocean of licorice-flavored herbal tea blends, eaten enough fenugreek pills to smell like a pancake restaurant and pumped until your breasts hurt, it may be time to try domperidone. Here's how to use it to increase your supply.

Instructions

1

Obtain the domperidone pills from a pharmacy. You can do this online if the prices are better or if your local pharmacy does not stock it.

2

Start taking the pills. Take three 10 mg pills three times a day. Spread the dosages throughout your day, like at mealtimes. There is no need to wake up in order to ensure you take them every 8 hours.

3

Continue to breastfeed and/or pump as you normally do. Some mothers notice a difference within a day, but most do by 4 days of this regimen.

4

Take the pills for 3 to 8 weeks. This will give you a chance to see if the domperidone is having a positive effect on your breastmilk supply.

5

Reduce your pill intake by one per day after the trial period. Wait 4 or 5 days, and drop another one until you are off the medication completely or you notice a drop in your milk supply.

Breastfeeding and B-12 Deficiency

Concerns about proper nutrition often begin even before your pregnancy and continue as you breastfeed your baby. Vitamin B-12 deficiency in nursing mothers leads to low B-12 levels in the breast milk, which may contribute to health and development issues for your baby. If you worry about your B-12 level, you can check it prior to starting nursing and ensure your diet supports healthy breast milk.

Vitamin B-12 and Breastfeeding

Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin, found mainly in animal products, including meat, dairy and eggs, with beef having the highest B-12 content available. Vitamin B-12 is not commonly found in vegan or vegetarian sources, except in fortified foods. Such foods include non-dairy milks and meat replacements, along with nutritional and brewers' yeast. Breastfeeding women need 2.8 g of vitamin B-12 per day during lactation.

Supplementation Potential

If you consume animal products, you typically do not need added vitamin B-12 in your diet. If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, however, ask your doctor about supplements and B-12 enriched foods to ensure you take in adequate amounts of vitamin B-12. Vegan sources of vitamin B-12 include nutritional yeast, fortified non-dairy milks and meat replacements. If you have a vitamin B-12 deficiency or have undergone gastric bypass surgery, you should also talk with your doctor about whether you require supplementation.

Vitamin B-12 Deficiency in Mothers and Babies

If you consume plenty of B-12 during pregnancy, you can expect your baby to have sufficient stores of the vitamin during the first six to eight months of life. In nursing mothers who aren't deficient, breast milk alone is enough to provide the infant proper amounts of B-12. Signs of deficiency in infants typically show up between six and 12 months, and include anemia, lethargy, developmental delays and poor muscle tone. Have your baby's pediatrician assess any signs of vitamin B-12 deficiency in your infant to rule out further problems.

Detecting Vitamin B-12 Deficiency

Consult your doctor if you are concerned about being deficient in B-12. A blood test to check for a deficiency assesses your vitamin B-12 serum levels. The test is fairly quick and determines if you need to supplement while nursing. If you are B-12 deficient, a daily supplement along with foods high in B-12 bring levels back to normal and increases the B-12 content in your breast milk.

Nurse Lactation Consultant Job Description

Nurses are medical health professionals. A nurse may choose to work as a generalist, assisting doctors and working with patients where needed. A nurse may also choose to work as a specialist. Some nurses choose to specialize as lactation consultants. As such, they help new mothers learn proper breastfeeding techniques.

Educational Requirements

Most nursing lactation consultant programs require candidates for admission to be registered nurses (RNs). To become an RN the student nurse must earn an associate or bachelor's degree in the subject. During this time student nurses study subjects such as biology, chemistry and human anatomy. They also spend a term working full time in a hospital caring for patients. Once they graduate they must pass state licensing exams. After RNs have graduated they can apply for a lactation consultancy program. Most programs require candidates to study specialized classes and complete a certain number of hours of on-the-job training. After the candidates have completed this training, they can apply to take the certification exam.

Duties

Nurse lactation consultants work with women who have recently given birth. The lactation consultant demonstrates the many facets of breastfeeding. Such aspects include proper positioning of the newborn, ways to make sure the baby is securely latched to the breast as well as ways to ensure proper milk supply. The lactation consultant also works with the mother if she has problems nursing. A lactation consultant may help her figure out how to increase her milk supply, help her convince a baby to nurse and assist the mom in confronting nursing challenges that may exist after she has given birth to multiples.

Pay Scale

According to the Salary.com, the average annual salary for a lactation consultant is roughly $68,000 per year, as of 2010. A lactation consultant's salary may vary depending on where she works. Lactation consultants may choose to work on staff in the maternity ward of a hospital and thus earn a standard nursing salary. A lactation consultant may also choose to take on private clients in her free time and earn an hourly salary, or she may open her own business and work as an independent contractor. All of these choices will affect her average annual salary.

Working Conditions

Hospital nurses typically take shifts that vary from eight to 12 hours. A hospital nurse may choose to work during the day or night. Some hospitals require all nurses on their maternity wards to be certified lactation consultants as a condition of employment. Other hospitals may designate one or two nurses to work with patients in this area. A lactation consultant can expect to work one on one with clients as well as teach classes on the subject to larger groups.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Lactation consultants get to work directly with newborn babies and nursing mothers. A lactation consultant can help mothers discover the best way to overcome breastfeeding problems and make sure that their babies receive optimum nutrition. However, a job as a lactation consultant may mean working with mothers who are facing postpartum depression. It can also be stressful as lactation consultants may need to cope with fussy babies for long periods of time.

How to Avoid Infections While Breast-Feeding

Breast infections and plugged ducts can be extremely painful, and sometimes even cause a breast-feeding relationship to come to a premature end. Most infections are easily treatable, but many of them can actually be prevented by following a few simple rules.

Instructions

1

Wear comfortable, nonconstricting nursing bras and clothing. Anything that restricts the flow of milk can lead to an inflamed or plugged duct - usually a painful, reddish area, or even a sore lump in the breast.

2

Avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your breasts. Heavy bags with shoulder straps can compress the breast and lead to a plugged duct; so can tight bathing suits - even holding the breast tightly while you nurse can cause problems.

3

Nurse regularly, and try not to give supplementary bottles or use a pacifier during the early weeks of breast-feeding. If your baby skips a feeding, takes a bottle or falls asleep with a pacifier instead of nursing, you may become engorged.

4

Check your baby's latch. Improper positioning at the breast can mean that your breasts are not being emptied effectively; this can also lead to engorgement, as well as dehydration in your baby.

5

Get lots of rest. Although this can be difficult with a newborn around, it's an essential part of protecting yourself from infections and other health problems.

6

Drink lots of fluids. Dehydration can increase the severity of infections.

7

If you experience extreme nipple soreness or burning and find white spots on your nipples or in your baby's mouth, you may have a thrush infection. Contact your doctor or a lactation professional immediately.

8

Keep breast-feeding if you believe that you have a plugged duct or the beginning of an infection. Nursing frequently on the affected side will keep the milk flowing and prevent engorgement; it will also provide your baby with antibodies that protect against bacteria.

9

Vary nursing positions; this will help to relieve plugged ducts, as well as reducing pressure on the affected area.

How to Measure for a Nursing Bra Size

Getting a nursing bra that fits your breasts well and makes nursing convenient is very important. You wouldn't want a tight bra, which would compress your breasts. Excessive compression can increase pressure on your milk ducts, which can result in breast inflammation. A very loose bra also would be uncomfortable. While a professional bra fitter can help you find the right size nursing bra, you can get the measurements yourself.

Instructions

1

Stand in a comfortable posture without slouching. Wear a non-padded bra that you feel comfortable in. Take the measuring tape and bring it around your back under the arms to measure the area just below your breasts. Do not tighten the tape under your breasts while measuring; leave the tape a little loose. The tape should be straight and even on both sides while taking the measurements. You can use a full-length mirror to check tape positioning.

2

Note the measurement. If the number is odd, make it even by rounding it up to the nearest even number, and add 4 inches to it. For example, if your measurement is 29, make it 30. Add 4 inches to this number. This will give you your band size, which is 34, according to the example.

3

Take the tape and bring it around your back and under your arms to measure your breasts where they are the fullest. Do not hold the tape tight around the breasts; let it be a little loose in such a way that makes you feel comfortable. Keep the tape straight around the fullest part of your breasts and take a measurement.

4

Subtract the band measure from the cup measure. Note the difference.

5

Use this final number to find your cup size. Go to Herroom.com, Barenecessities.com or Brasizeinfo.com and use the available charts to find your nursing-bra size.

Pros & Cons of Bottlefeeding

The decision about how to feed your infant can be confusing and daunting. While the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding over bottle-feeding, there are reasons why bottle-feeding can be the preferred choice for some parents.

Considerations

If you plan to return to work after the baby is born, bottle-feeding may be an attractive option because anybody can help feed the baby.

Advantages

There are no maternal dietary restrictions when bottle-feeding with formula, and you can take medication if you get sick. Your baby's nutritional requirements will be met as long as you prepare the formula according to the package instructions. Formula can take longer for a baby to digest, which means your baby may not need to eat as often as a breastfed baby.

Disadvantages

Formula can be expensive, particularly if your baby has certain nutritional requirements. For example, if your baby is lactose intolerant you may need to buy soy formula. You will also need to invest in bottles, nipples and sterilizing equipment. Measuring and heating formula can be time-consuming.

Time Frame

There is no specific time frame during which you need to start bottle-feeding your baby.

Misconceptions

Some mothers feel guilty for bottle-feeding their babies and label themselves as failures for using formula. There is nothing wrong with choosing to bottle-feed your baby.

How to Lose Milk Weight

Losing weight after pregnancy and while breastfeeding can be difficult for some women. Milk weight is hard to lose because the woman is carrying extra fluid in the breasts, and may even experience bodily fluid retention. There are, however, several techniques that a woman can use to lose milk weight and to lose weight gained while breastfeeding.

Instructions

The Process

1

Speak with your doctor about an appropriate weight loss method to lose milk weight or to diet during lactation; devise a plan that will help you lose no more than 4.5 pounds in a month.

2

Talk to your doctor about getting a vitamin supplement so you get enough calcium, B6, folate, zinc magnesium and other vitamins every day.

3

Drink eight glasses of water every day to rid the body of toxins that would otherwise increase fluid retention. Refrain from drinking sodas, colas and beverages high in sugar.

4

Breastfeed regularly to burn up stored fat; use a breast pump to reduce the size of breasts swollen with excessive breast milk.

5

Replace your table salt with a salt replacement to minimize fluid retention and keep your blood pressure at appropriate levels.

6

Exercise three times a week. Go swimming, go for a walk, do aerobics indoors or ride a bike. Alternate your workouts to prevent boredom and to exercise different muscles. Exercise at least three times a week for half an hour.

7

Incorporate low-fat and fat-free foods into your diet. Consume the number of calories daily recommended by your physician. Use a calorie counter and a food scale to make sure you are getting adequate calories and correct food portions.

8

Weigh yourself once a week and track it in a journal or weight-loss log. Don't get discouraged if you do not lose a lot of weight all at one time.

Diet for a Breast Feeding Cat

Pregnancy and breast feeding add a strain to the body of any animal, but nursing cats in particular show proclivities to weight and nutrition issues that can prove unhealthy to both the mother and the kittens. Cat owners need to learn how to adjust their pregnant animals diet prior to birth to provide the best outcome for the new family.

Lactation Diet

During pregnancy, mother cats (called queens) need enough food to allow them to increase their body weight by at least 50 percent because as they suckle their newborns, their weight will drop drastically. According to the National Academies of Science, a pregnant or nursing cat needs approximately 600 calories of nutrients daily for every 10 pounds of weight. In the study Nutrient Requirements of Cats and Dogs, the academy states that lactating mothers with two or more kittens need at least twice as many calories as they were eating prior to becoming pregnant.

Many veterinarians will recommend feeding the queen a prescription diet formulated for nursing mothers and kittens. This diet is particularly high in energy-related proteins, fats, calcium and other minerals. Calcium is necessary for the production of milk, while added phosphorus, magnesium, iron, potassium, and sodium prevents anemia and dehydration in both mother and kittens. Lowered carbohydrates stabilize the new mothers glucose level, preventing the onset of post-parturition diabetes.

Cat owners are urged to begin feeding the diet five to six weeks before their cats due date (gestation is approximately 63 days after breeding), allowing the cat time to gain the weight necessary for a healthy pregnancy and birth. Transitioning the new food into the animals diet over a period of seven days will prevent any digestive upset.

The canned version of a prescribed lactation diet not only adds necessary extra water, but each 14.25 ounce can provides the approximate 600 calories needed daily by a 10 pound mother cat, according to Hills Key to Clinical Nutrition. Owners need to adjust the amount of food they offer to their cat depending on the individuals age, breed, temperament, environment and optimum weight. Veterinarians usually suggest that nursing cats be given access to all the food and water they can eat and drink; increasing the number of meals without increasing the amount in the servings typically supplies the appropriate quantity and calories.

Cat owners may need to supplement the nursing mother diet if the food they offer does not supply all of the necessary nutrients. A consultation with their veterinarian should provide enough information to allow them to choose which vitamins and minerals to add.

Baby Feeding Practices in Ancient Times

Baby feeding practices throughout history provide a window into biological norms for feeding human infants. Although there were probably many different practices in various ancient cultures, several characteristics of feeding babies have most likely been common and regularly practiced throughout most of human history. Understanding those norms is valuable knowledge for parents and experts when making decisions about feeding babies today.

Maternal Breastfeeding

Being breastfed by the mother was the most common way of feeding babies in ancient times. Early medical texts, such as the "Papyrus Ebers" from Egypt dated around 1500 B.C., include information about breastfeeding, such as methods to increase milk supply. Artifacts, such as sculptures, also testify to the practice of breastfeeding in ancient times; pottery sculptures depicting breastfeeding have been dated as early as 3000 B.C., according to Mary Margaret Coates, author of "Tides in Breastfeeding."

Modern Hunter-Gatherers

Although it is difficult to know details about how breastfeeding was practiced by studying archeological evidence, hunter-gatherer societies that still exist today offer a glimpse into breastfeeding practices that have not been influenced by modern cultural norms. According to Coates, many breastfeeding experts today believe that the practices common in such societies are similar to baby feeding practices in ancient times. Mothers in these cultures breastfeed their infants frequently throughout the day and night, averaging four short feedings per hour, and continue to breastfeed until the child is between 2 and 6 years old. The age of weaning to solid foods was probably similar in ancient cultures, since the diet of those cultures -- consisting of fruit, nuts, vegetables and meat -- would be difficult for a baby to eat until after he has grown a full set of teeth around age 2.

Wet Nursing

"Wet nursing" is the practice of one woman feeding another woman's baby. This was the probably the only viable alternative to maternal breastfeeding in ancient cultures, and it was practiced fairly often. The Code of Hammurabi, from approximately 2000 B.C., includes laws for the practice of wet nursing, and Homer mentions wet nursing in his writing. Both the Bible and the Koran also include references to it. A wet nurse usually is a woman who has been breastfeeding her own child, although she can be a woman who has never breastfed but who stimulates milk production for the purpose of wet nursing. In more recent times, such as in the 16th century in Europe, using a wet nurse instead of breastfeeding your own baby became a status symbol for wealthy women, and it is likely that it was also a status symbol in some ancient cultures. The opposite was also true: in 4th century Sparta, for example, mothers were legally required to personally breastfeed their oldest sons, and using a wet-nurse could put his inheritance in jeopardy.

First Solid Foods

Many ancient cultures did not practice breastfeeding from the first day of a baby's life. Ancient physicians such as the Persian Avicenna, in approximately 1000 A.D., and the Greek Soranus, in 100 A.D., recommended that mothers wait a few days, or even a few weeks, before beginning to breastfeed their newborns. Many ancient societies, like many hunter-gathered societies today, believed that colostrum, the liquid produced in a mother's breasts during the first few days of her baby's life, was dirty and should not be fed to the baby. During the first few days of life, infants were fed a liquid such as honey, oil or wine.

Weaning to Solid Foods

As a baby grows, she naturally transitions from breastfeeding to eating solid foods. In ancient cultures, as today, the first foods introduced were probably gruels or mashed foods. Generally, the first food a baby ate as she began to wean was a food that was a staple of the culture where she lived. Because most babies probably continued breastfeeding into toddlerhood, solid food functioned as a supplement to breast milk for several years, only gradually replacing it.

How to Use Black Seed

Black seed has a history of being a beneficial herb. Many individuals use it for its healing properties, while others use it to nourish their skin. Most believe black seed originated in the Mediterranean area, migrated to East Europe, then finally landed in North America. Black seed oil, extracted from the seed, is safe and very effective. The black seed is a versatile item that can help you with many needs.

Instructions

1

Apply a teaspoonful of the oil your chest and back. Rub the oil into your skin; this will help you with your cough. Mix a teaspoon of black seed oil into boiling water to create a vapor. Inhale the vapor twice a day to help alleviate your cough or asthma symptoms.

2

Stop diarrhea by mixing a teaspoon of black seed oil with plain or flavored yogurt. Drink the yogurt mixture twice a day until the diarrhea disappears.

3

Rub black seed oil onto your skin to keep it soft. Positive Action states ancient Egyptians used black seed oil to nourish their skin. Use a tablespoonful to a handful to moisturize different parts of your body.

4

Increase the flow of breast milk by grinding 250 grams of black seeds and mixing it with 250 grams of pure honey. Stir the mixture thoroughly. Take it twice a day with a teaspoon of black seed oil. If you are having difficulty breast-feeding, this a natural way of solving the problem.

5

Gently rub your forehead, the sides of your head and behind your ears with a teaspoonful of black seed oil to stop headaches.

6

Take a teaspoon of ginger juice with a teaspoon of black seed oil, twice a day, to help with vomiting.g.

How to Wash Breast Pump Tubing Before Use

Many nursing mothers rely on breast pumps to help them express milk. An electric or battery-powered breast pump uses clear plastic tubing to transfer the suction from the machine to the breast shields. Only air passes through the tubing. You do not have to wash breast pump tubing before you use the breast pump for the first time. However, if milk backs up into the tubing or if you notice mildew or mold in the tubing, you will need to clean and sterilize the tubing before you use the breast pump again.

Instructions

Instructions

1

Remove tubing from the breast pump by gently tugging on it where it attaches to the pump.

2

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Coil the tubing and place it in the boiling water. Be sure the tubing is entirely covered with water.

3

Boil the tubing for 10 minutes.

4

Let the water cool, then remove the tubing from the water. Shake the tubing gently to drain the water.

5

Hang the tubing over a bar or hanger to air dry. You can also pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol through the tubing to dry it quickly.

How to Stop Lactating in Dogs

Dogs produce milk to feed their puppies in the first months of life. Sometimes, a dog will begin lactating after a heat cycle because of a hormonal imbalance that leads to a false pregnancy. When puppies are weaned or in the case of a false pregnancy, there are some things you can do to help your dog reduce her milk supply until she stops lactating.

Instructions

1

Remove the puppies from the dog during the day to begin the weaning process (usually when the puppies are about four weeks old). Since milk is produced in relation to demand, the dog's supply will start to decrease if the puppies are nursing less.

2

Reduce the dog's food supply slightly when she begins weaning. Her body will respond to the reduction in food by producing less milk.

3

Apply cold compresses to the dog's nipples if they become engorged or if she seems uncomfortable during the weaning process. This will help reduce swelling and relieve pain. If her nipples are red or swollen, she may have a blocked duct, or mastitis. Apply warm compresses to the nipples to relieve pressure and clear blocked ducts, and watch her closely for infections.

4

The dog should stop lactating naturally within 45 days after the puppies are weaned. If she is still producing milk after that time, talk to your vet about hormone treatments to suppress lactation.

5

Refrain from touching or squeezing a dog's nipples if she's having a false pregnancy. This will only make her body think puppies are nursing and cause her to produce more milk.

6

Give a dog with a false pregnancy a little less food and water during the time she's lactating, which should speed the process of her milk drying up. If she's still lactating after two weeks, take her to the vet for further evaluation.

7

Get your dog spayed if you don't want to breed her. This will stop her heat cycles and false pregnancies, and prevent unwanted puppies.

Weight Loss for Breastfeeding Mothers

Breastfeeding is perhaps the only way you can burn calories by simply sitting still. It seems a no-brainer that you will achieve quicker and more lasting weight loss after pregnancy if you choose to nurse. However, the end result depends on your own metabolism.

Calories

Nursing will almost certainly increase your appetite. Try to let your hunger guide your eating. As a rule of thumb, eat an additional 300 to 500 calories per day to maintain an adequate milk supply.

Dieting

If you are anxious about losing your "baby weight," be reassured that dieting during nursing is perfectly acceptable, as long as you are careful to maintain adequate nutrition. The quality of your diet as a nursing mother is more important than the strict number of calories eaten, though your supply will be affected if you restrict your intake too severely.

Drink plenty of fluids, supplement with a multivitamin, eat healthy fats (especially those containing DHA), and get enough calcium and B vitamins in your diet.

Time Frame

Babies increase their milk intake with age until solid foods are introduced between 4 and 6 months. At that point, they drink fewer calories until, ultimately, they are weaned from the breast.

If you supplement with formula, you need fewer calories than you would if you were nursing exclusively. Breast milk is produced in response to your baby's demand. Therefore, if you supplement, you will burn fewer calories and may produce less milk over time.

Weaning

When you wean your baby, be forewarned that you may regain some of the weight lost through breastfeeding, especially if you don't adjust your eating habits to compensate for the decrease in calories burned.

On the other hand, some mothers report that their bodies "hang on" to the remaining weight from pregnancy until weaning is complete, at which point they are finally able to shed those remaining few pounds.

For some, the gradual weaning process means an extended battle with ups and downs in weight.

Considerations

The health benefits to your baby of breastfeeding are indisputable. When it comes to your own health, the impact is less clear, but for many, the result is quicker and sometimes more lasting weight loss.

What Are Breast Cancer Signs During Lactation?

Numerous studies have shown that breastfeeding significantly reduces the lifetime risk of breast cancer. The development of breast cancer during lactation is very rare. When it does occur, diagnosis can be challenging because common warning signs of breast cancer include changes in breast size and shape---changes that also happen in normal, healthy breasts during lactation. A breastfeeding woman should follow regular breast cancer-screening recommendations for her age and recognize signs that warrant a consultation with her doctor.

Lumps

Lumps are often the first sign of breast cancer, but healthy breasts can feel lumpy during lactation. Most lumps in lactating breasts are caused simply by the breast being full or by plugged ducts or mastitis. These lumps disappear after feeding the baby or resolve within a few days of treatment for plugged ducts or mastitis. A breast lump should be examined by a doctor if it does not move or change over the course of time or after treatment for mastitis.

Puckered Skin

Puckering or dimpling in the skin of the breast should be examined by a doctor, especially when the puckering is over a lump that does not move or change.

Discharge

It is common for milk to leak between feedings, especially in the early weeks, so milky discharge is not a cause for concern. Clear discharge from the nipple that is different in appearance from milk should be reported to a doctor. Bloody nipple discharge should also be reported, although this can simply be a symptom of cracked nipples caused by the baby having a poor latch.

Redness

Breast redness is a sign of an uncommon form of breast cancer, but is more likely a symptom of mastitis. Redness is only cause for concern if it does not resolve after treating mastitis or if mastitis symptoms such as plugged ducts, fever and flu-like illness are not present.

Nipple Symptoms

Paget's disease of the nipple is a rare form of breast cancer that affects the nipple. Symptoms include redness, irritation and scaling or flaking of the skin on the nipple. In a breastfeeding woman, these are much more likely to be symptoms of a fungal or yeast infection of the nipple. A doctor can confirm the true cause of these symptoms and treat them appropriately.

Dangers of Hyland's Teething Tablets

Hyland's teething tablets are a homeopathic remedy for irritation and pain caused by teething. Babies often begin teething around six months of age, as the incisors and first molars begin to push through the gums. Teething can be painful, causing irritation and tenderness to the gums. Some babies may also experience low-grade fevers, restlessness during sleep and cold-like symptoms. While Hyland's teething tablets and other homeopathic remedies for teething are sought out because they are thought to be safer, they present side effects and risks.

Usage

Hyland's teething tablets can be administered directly, by placing two to three of them underneath the tongue, or in a teaspoon of water. Tablets can be given up to four times per day to alleviate teething symptoms.

Ingredients

Hyland's teething tablets contain Calcarea Phosphorica 3X HPUS, Chamomilla 3X HPUS, Coffea Cruda 3X HPUS and Belladonna 3X HPUS. According to Hyland's, these ingredients are naturally occurring substances and are used to support dentition and to reduce redness, inflammation, wakefulness, diuresis and irritability.

Side Effects and Potential Dangers

Hyland's reports that there are no side effects associated with the use of their teething tablets, nor is there a risk of overdosing or encountering a drug interaction if taken in conjunction with another pain medication.

However, one of the ingredients found in Hyland's teething tablets, Belladonna alkaloids, is known to cause dry mouth, blurred vision and urinary retention when taken in larger quantities. Hyland's states that one teething tablet contains approximately 0.0002 mg of Belladonna alkaloids, and it would take at least 0.2 to 5 mg of Belladonna alkaloids to cause side effects.

Belladonna alkaloids produce a variety of effects in the body, including reduced muscle spasms in the urinary and digestive tracts, and a reduction in fluid secretions from certain organs and glands. Belladonna alkaloids are often used in conjunction with phenobarbital to treat irritable bowel syndrome and ulcers in the intestine.

Belladonna has the potential to be dangerous, but only if taken in large quantities and if you are taking another medication that Belladonna might interact with. Cold, allergy and pain medications are medications that Belladonna could interact with, causing increased sleepiness. When taken with alcohol, Belladonna can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Because Belladonna reduces fluid secretions, perspiration may decrease, which increases the risk of heat stroke.

Precautions

Hyland's teething tablets are a homeopathic medication, and Hyland's insists that an individual would need to consume multiple bottles of the tablets to overdose. Nevertheless, contact a poison control center if you have taken more than the recommended amount. Also, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use Hyland's teething tablets without consulting a health care professional.

Summary

Hyland's teething tablets should not pose any danger to babies, toddlers or adults. The naturally occurring ingredients in the teething tablets are in low enough doses that it would take a substantial amount of tablets to cause any problems. If you feel that you have a medical condition or are taking any medications that might interact with Hyland's teething tablets, speak to your physician.

How to Avoid Breast Cysts Naturally

If you're plagued by breast cysts, there are ways to avoid them naturally. Between ovulation and menstruation many women develop breast cysts. These non-cancerous cysts are usually tender or painful. Many experts believe that benign breast cysts are caused by too much estrogen. Breast cysts usually clear up on their own within three to five months. To avoid breast cysts naturally, read the following steps.

Instructions

1

To avoid breast cysts naturally, eliminate caffeine including chocolate, tea, over-the-counter pain killers, and diet pills. Research suggests that women who are sensitive to caffeine, have heavy periods, and have severe PMS symptoms are more inclined to get breast cysts.

2

Eat a healthy diet to avoid breast cysts. A low-fat, high-fiber diet high in whole grains, vegetables, beans, and fruit will help keep your estrogen levels stable if you struggle with breast cysts. It is also recommended to avoid dairy products. Make sure to take a calcium supplement.

3

Take vitamins every day. Certain vitamins and minerals are reported to help women avoid breast cysts naturally. Make sure take a daily multivitamin, vitamin E, and vitamin A. Selenium, evening primrose oil, and flaxseed oil are reported to help reduce breast cysts. Take the recommended dosage.

4

Massage your breasts to avoid cysts. Massaging your breasts may help relieve the discomfort of breast cysts. According to some doctors, massaging helps disperse excess fluids from breast cysts out through the lymph glands where it is expelled by the body.

How to Stop Milk Production in a Cat

A mother cat is fully capable of nursing kittens from birth with little or no outside help; however, there may be situations where you need to intervene and stop milk production. Perhaps a kitten is nursing longer than necessary or maybe the mother needs to be prepped for spaying. Mastitis, an inflammation or infection of the mammary glands that is treated as a medical emergency, also requires cessation of milk production. Regardless of the reason, the best way to stop the mother from producing milk is by weaning the kittens.

Instructions

1

Select canned cat food or moistened kitten food for your kittens. The sooner the kittens eat normal food, the sooner the mother cat will stop producing milk.

2

Separate the kittens from their mother and offer the food to them by placing a small amount in front of them. You may encourage them by holding a small piece of the food up to their mouths. Allow them to interact with the food for about 30 minutes, several times a day until they appear full or uninterested in the food.

3

Bottle-feed the kittens a replacement formula in between meals. After 8 weeks of age, feed the kittens solid food only.

4

Monitor the mother cat when she interacts with her kittens to prevent them from nursing. Try to stop the mother from licking her mammary glands as well.

5

Avoid touching, petting or massaging the cat's mammary glands by accident. Milk production should cease after about a week without stimulation.

Breastfeeding and Tanning Beds

Nursing mothers may wonder which activities pose risks to breastfed babies. Young mothers who wish to use tanning beds while breastfeeding can rest assured that this practice will not harm their babies.

Effect on Milk

According to La Leche League International, no evidence supports that a mothers use of a tanning bed has any effect on her nursing baby. Ultraviolet (UV) rays, such as those produced by tanning beds, do not alter the mothers breast milk.

Burns

Nursing mothers should be careful not to burn their breasts or nipples while tanning, as this could cause great discomfort or pain while nursing.

Beta Carotene

Tanning clients may be encouraged or advised to take beta carotene before tanning to enhance their tan. Nursing mothers should avoid taking this supplement.

Other Risks

The Federal Trade Commission warns against tanning salons that advertise safe tanning, because tanning beds do present risks to those who use them. Although they do not affect breast milk, UV rays emitted by tanning beds can cause sagging skin, wrinkles, eye injury and skin cancer.

Safety

Use reputable, clean salons when tanning. Select the minimum light dosage and limit your exposure to prevent risks. Wear protective eye goggles (not sunglasses) and sunscreen.

How to Wean a 1 Year Old From the Breast to Goat's Milk

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that an infant be fed breast milk for at least one year and for as long as both the infant and mother want to continue thereafter. If, however, the breastfeeding relationship no longer satisfies both the mother and the baby, the baby can be weaned at 12 months. Once weaned, cow's milk or goat's milk can satisfy the child's need for dairy nutrients. Since goat's milk more closely resembles human milk in its protein composition than cow's milk, a mother may choose to wean a 1-year-old child to goat's milk instead of cow's milk.

Instructions

1

Introduce table foods to your baby one at a time to help replace the nutrients she receives from breast milk. Although both breast milk and infant formula are nutritionally complete, goat's milk is not and only supplies one food group for your toddler. Introduce single ingredient foods that are unlikely to cause allergic reactions such as mashed banana or cooked sweet potato, and allow your baby to eat each one for up to two weeks before adding an additional ingredient.

2

Eliminate non-nutritive feeds first. Sometimes babies nurse for comfort or out of habit. When your baby is cranky and wants to nurse out of comfort, try hugging him or offering a comfort object instead of the breast.

3

Offer your baby a small amount of goat's milk in a toddler cup or mix it into some rice cereal. A child eating table foods and able to drink from a cup or straw does not need to wean to a bottle. Feeding a child a bottle after the age of 1 year only leads to going through a second weaning later.

4

Supplement your child's diet with vitamin D drops. Although cow's milk and baby formula are fortified with vitamin D, goat's milk typically doesn't contain the vital nutrient.

5

Reduce your breast feedings one per day at a time, no more often than every several days. Replace each feeding at the breast with a cup of goat's milk. Eliminate either the first morning feeding or the last evening feeding each day last. Once your baby is down to one feeding per day, move her to one feeding every other day, then every two days, until she no longer needs the breast.

How to Calculate How Much Milk Your Baby Must Drink

Feeding your baby and ensuring they drink an adequate amount of formula or breast milk can be a stressful undertaking for many new parents. Since the nutritional needs of babies vary depending upon their age, weight and other conditions, parents often wonder how much milk they should offer their babies. By paying attention to your baby's age as well as their feeding cues, and by making sure your baby sees their pediatrician regularly, you can ensure your baby gets the milk they need to thrive and grow.

Instructions

1

Take into account your baby's age. Newborn babies often eat every two to three hours and breastfed babies might nurse even more often since they often suck for comfort as well as nourishment. Very young formula-fed babies might take as little as 1-3 ounces of milk per feeding while most babies older than 6 months drink about 8 ounces per feeding. Breastfed babies usually will drink varying amounts at each feeding, and their intake will remain about the same for the first six months, until they begin eating solid food and nurse slightly less often.

2

Watch your baby's behavior for clues on how much milk they need. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breastfed and bottle-fed babies be fed on demand, which means whenever they display signs of hunger. Pay attention to hunger cues such as crying, sucking on fingers, nuzzling against your breasts or displaying the rooting reflex--turning her face to your hand when you touch her cheek. Make sure your baby displays signs of being well-fed, such as contentment after feedings and a steady weight gain.

3

Multiply your baby's weight times 2.5 ounces to determine his optimal milk intake. According to the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board, most babies who are not eating any solid food should be offered 2.5 ounces of breast milk or formula per pound of body weight within each 24-hour period.

4

Talk to your pediatrician about your child's nutritional needs. Your pediatrician can reassure you that your child is growing at an acceptable rate, and they can offer advice and feeding recommendations specifically tailored to your child.

5

Pay attention to any feeding problems and correct them before they cause more serious issues. By proactively addressing issues such as constant spitting up, vomiting after feedings or diarrhea, you can help ensure your baby gets enough milk to fuel their growth.

How to Do Self-Led Weaning

Self-led weaning is a process where the lactating mother allows her child to stop breastfeeding at his own pace. In the United States, most women cease breastfeeding their babies around six months of age or younger. The American Academy of Pediatrics or AAP, recommends breastfeeding for the first year or more. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for around two years. The world average of breastfeeding is around five to six years.

Instructions

1

Breastfeed your child on demand. Feeding on demand helps ensure your milk production is sufficient and your child is receiving the nutrition he needs for healthy development. Watch for your child's hunger cues. For infants, hands and feet start to move, hands will go to her mouth, crying is the last thing you will hear. You want to catch your baby's hunger before he begins crying. Judith Lauwers and Anna Swisher, co-authors of Counseling the Nursing Mother, suggest that if you wait until your baby is crying to breastfeed, it will be harder to get a good latch. The tongue moves back in the mouth, instead of being relaxed and towards the gums or teeth.

2

Express and store your breast milk. You should plan for times that you may need to be away from your child. You may need to express or pump your breast milk and store it in the freezer or refrigerator. Many freezers can store breast milk for up to six months, if you put your breast milk in the back of the freezer in a freezer safe container. Make sure you label the containers with the date and use the oldest first. There is some debate as to when is an appropriate time to introduce a bottle, generally it is recommended not to introduce a bottle or pacifier before six weeks to avoid nipple confusion. The breastfeeding relationship should be established. If you do not end up using your stored supply, you could add it to toddler recipes, make breast milk soap, cheese, or you could even donate it to a breast milk bank.

3

Dress for the occasion. Make breastfeeding easy on you and the child. Some women wear easy to unsnap nursing bras, breastfeeding tank tops, and special shirts with hidden openings. Others wear layers like stretchy camisoles and t-shirts or crossover tops, button downs, belly tubes, and over-sized shirts. Try out a variety of combinations to see what works for you and makes breastfeeding easiest.

4

Find an infant carrier that can help make breastfeeding hands free. There are a variety of slings and you can even find easy-to-make sling patterns online. There are body-to-body infant carriers like those in the mei tai style, wraps or ones made like the ergo baby carrier that allow you to lower the straps and breastfeed easier. Finding a good carrier allows you to get other things accomplished and still take care of your child's need for breast milk. Some slings and carriers also help breastfeeding be more discreet, if that is a concern for you.

5

Learn about local breastfeeding laws. If you come across anyone who has a problem with you breastfeeding your child, it is beneficial to know you and your child's rights. If you need support, check out a local La Leche League meeting. If you have questions about breastfeeding seek the expertise of a lactation consultant.

6

Introduce healthy foods at appropriate ages. As your child gets older, your breast milk is still as nutritious as it was before. Even so, your child may be curious about what you are eating. Talk with your health care provider about what is okay to eat and about high-allergy foods you may want to avoid introducing until later. The more your child eats food, the less they will want to breastfeed. It will be gradual and you may not even notice. Make sure you are also eating healthy and staying hydrated.

7

Step back and let your child decide when it is time to breastfeed. When your child gets into the toddler years, has words and eats small meals, some breastfeeding mothers decide to only breastfeed when it is requested. Part of self-led weaning is allowing the child to decide when they want to stop breastfeeding. It may be hard for the breastfeeding mother to let go of the breastfeeding relationship. There are many other ways to have that special time with your child, like cuddling up and reading a favorite book or two, or falling asleep nose to nose. Children range in their need to breastfeed, some may seem like they will be breastfeeding until they are adults. Fear not, they will eventually choose to wean themselves, especially as they become more social and independent beings.

Pregnancy After Breast Reduction

There are a number of factors involved in deciding to have breast-reduction surgery. Some of these factors are physical, as the surgery can reduce back pain and make easier simple activities such as shopping. Other factors are psychological; while the surgery might improve self-esteem by eliminating the feeling that everyone is staring, many women may worry that having the surgery will make them less attractive or cause problems should they decide to have a child. Breast-reduction surgery has relatively little effect on pregnancy, though it can have an impact on a woman's ability to breastfeed.

Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction is a surgery in which fat, glandular tissue, and skin are removed from the breasts in order to reduce their size. Reduction surgery may also include a lifting procedure, making the breasts appear more natural after the surgery has been completed. The most common candidates for this surgery are women whose breasts are large enough that the weight of them can cause problems. These women may experience pain in the back, neck, and shoulders, and may even have breathing and circulation problems. Women who are young enough that their breasts have not completely developed are generally ineligible for the surgery.

Effects of Breast Reduction on Fertility

A woman's fertility is unaffected by breast-reduction surgery, as fertility is largely caused by hormones in the adrenal glands and ovaries. Though the breasts are affected by these hormones and do experience additional development during pregnancy, the larger role of the breasts in pregnancy comes after the baby is born.

Breast Numbness

Numbness of the breasts can occur as a side effect of breast-reduction surgery and can be caused by nerve damage or circulation problems. Though the numbness generally goes away within a few months, in some women who have undergone breast reductions the lack of sensation can continue indefinitely. This can make breastfeeding considerably more difficult, since numbness in the nipples and surrounding breast tissue can make it hard to determine whether the nursing child is attached properly or is receiving enough milk for proper nourishment.

Milk Production

Due to the difficulty separating the different kinds of breast tissue, milk ducts often end up being removed along with the fat and glandular tissue during breast-reduction surgery. This can result in a significant decrease in the amount of milk a mother can produce. Women who wish to become pregnant at some point and who plan on breastfeeding should make sure that the surgeon knows this so that he can make an effort to avoid damaging or removing milk ducts, though some loss of milk ducts may still occur. It is recommended that women who have had breast reductions supplement their own breast milk with formula or pumped breast milk from another source.

Swelling and Pain

Swelling and pain are another problem that is often associated with pregnancy after a breast reduction surgery. The hormonal surges of pregnancy combined with the production of milk by milk ducts will generally change the size and shape of the breasts, putting strain on scar tissue and, depending on when the surgery was performed, it may also stretch breast tissue that has not completely healed. Some women may experience swelling that returns them to their pre-surgery breast size, with extreme sensitivity throughout the breasts. After pregnancy, the size of the breasts will reduce once more but the woman may be left with stretch marks or scars.