Can a Nursing Mother Take Aspirin?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued a policy statement recommending that nursing mothers should take the safest possible drugs when there are alternatives. As an example, AAP lists acetaminophen (Tylenol) as a better option that aspirin.

Identification

Aspirin is a salicylate drug that is used for pain relief and as a blood thinner. According to the Drug Safety Site, it is excreted into breast milk in low concentrations.

History

Sodium salicylate, a drug closely related to aspirin, was first detected in human breast milk in 1935.

Time Frame

When a nursing mother takes aspirin, either in a single dose or in repeated doses, the concentration of the drug in her breast milk peaks nine hours later.

Potential

Aspirin in human milk could potentially impact platelet function in the nursing infant. This can cause blood thinning, rashes, and bleeding.

Expert Insight

AAP includes aspirin in its list of "drugs that have been associated with some significant effects in some nursing infants and should be given to nursing mothers with caution."

Breast Infection in Non Nursing Women

Mastitis, or breast infection, occurs when bacteria invade the fatty tissue of one of your breasts. Breast infections are most common in nursing women, but also occur in women who are not breastfeeding.

Causes

Breast infections develop when Staphylococcus aureus bacteria enter the breast tissue through a crack in your nipple. In non-nursing women, cracks sometimes result from dry skin or eczema.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a breast infection in non-nursing women include breast tenderness, warm breast tissues, malaise, swelling, skin redness and a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 degrees Celsius) or higher.

Treatment

Treatment usually requires oral antibiotics. Applying warm compresses to your breasts also eases the swelling, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Time Frame

With treatment, breast infections in non-nursing women usually clear in 10 to 14 days, though your symptoms could subside in as little as 24-48 hours, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Warning

A rare and rapidly-spreading cancer known as inflammatory breast disease mimics the symptoms of breast infections. Because inflammatory breast disease progresses quickly and often is fatal, consult a doctor if you are not nursing and you develop symptoms of a breast infection.

How to Buy Fenugreek

Fenugreek is derived from the Greek word "foenum-graecum," meaning "Greek hay." Fenugreek seeds are used in curry and other recipes as a spice. Fenugreek is also used to increase milk production in breastfeeding women and as a natural expectorant to help clear mucous from the body. Fenugreek is available at most grocery stores as a spice and at most health food stores as an herbal supplement.

Instructions

1

Determine how you are going to use fenugreek. If you are using fenugreek for flavor in recipes, purchase it as a spice, which will be in seed form. If you are purchasing it to help or heal an ailment, purchase fenugreek in a capsule form, which can be taken with water during meals.

2

Purchase fenugreek seeds at the grocery store. Most grocery stores that have a large spice section will carry fenugreek seeds.

3

Purchase fenugreek supplements and seeds at your local health food store. Most health food stores with a large vitamin section will carry fenugreek supplements and often carry fenugreek seeds in the spice section.

4

Purchase fenugreek supplements at your local vitamin store. Most vitamin stores like GNC and the Vitamin Shop will carry fenugreek supplements.

Smothering During Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding can trigger anxieties, especially for first-time mothers. Concerns may arise about latching, weight gain and the mother's own breast pain. Some mothers may also wonder whether they can accidentally smother their infants while nursing. The good news is, infants are not at risk for suffocation during breastfeeding as long as parents take proper precautions during feedings.

Breastfeeding in Bed

Many mothers breastfeed in the side-lying position in bed. This position may be most comfortable for a sore, tired mother who needs to relax. It can also help a new baby fall asleep more easily. Despite these benefits, the side-lying position can become dangerous if mothers fall asleep themselves. According to the March of Dimes article "Co-sleeping," co-sleeping can put your infant at risk for sudden infant death syndrome. An adult can easily roll over onto the infant, smothering her. If she falls asleep on her side, the infant can roll onto her stomach with her face pressed into the mattress. Blankets and pillows in the bed can also cover the infant's face and block her airway. For all of these reasons, mothers should be cautious when breastfeeding in bed. Always be sure loose bedding is far from your infant's head, and avoid dozing off.

Finding a Good Position

Breasts come in many shapes and sizes, and women with larger breasts may worry that they will cover their infants' noses while nursing. If your infant has latched properly, only the tip of the nose will touch the breast, leaving room around the nostrils for breathing. If you do happen to notice your her face buried too deeply into your breast, you can lightly press on the breast with your finger to make space near the nostrils. Supporting your breast while nursing will help the infant latch correctly so that she can breathe easily. Women can try different positions until they find the best position for their own bodies and their new babies. In the Parents article "The Best Breastfeeding Positions for Mom and Baby," Tricia O'Brien describes multiple positions mothers can try -- the cradle, in which the mom lies baby lengthwise across her abdomen and supports baby's head with her elbow and her breast with her hand; side-lying, in which the mom lies baby on his side facing her, and the football hold, in which the mom holds baby perpendicular to her side, face up, supported by pillows.

Nursing a Congested Baby

If your baby is congested, she may have more difficulty breathing during breastfeeding. Talk to the pediatrician about your baby's congestion to see if she needs to be treated. You can also try different positions to help her breathe more easily. Try sitting your baby on your lap facing you to help drain congestion. Support your breast with your hand. Do not stop nursing just because your baby is sick. In fact, the KellyMom breastfeeding support website suggests that this is one of the most important times to keep nursing. Breastfeeding will calm your baby, and the milk contains antibodies to fight infection.

Clothing Complications

In the middle of the night, sleepy mothers may not be as alert while breastfeeding. It is important to pay attention while your baby feeds at any time of day or night. Make sure your own clothing does not get in the way. Try wearing a nursing bra or shirt with detachable straps for easy access. Do not let a shirt or sweater fall around your baby's nose and mouth while she is feeding. Some mothers may choose not to wear any shirt at all while breastfeeding. Skin-to-skin contact with an infant has many benefits. According to experts at the GroupHealth website, "Babies held skin to skin cry less, are calmer, and stay warmer."

How to Help the Letdown for Lactation

Whether you are pumping your breast milk or letting your baby latch onto your breasts, the letdown reflex is essential during both of these processes. During the letdown of breast milk, the hormone oxytocin stimulates milk-making cells to contract and eject milk from the breasts. Some women have an overactive letdown of breast milk, which may result in their baby gagging or pulling away due to the abundance of milk. When the letdown is slow, babies may become fussy and impatient and it may affect the mother's self-esteem. To avoid this, incorporate methods to stimulate the letdown of breast milk.

Instructions

1

Avoid alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs because these may adversely affect the letdown of your breast milk.

2

Get in a relaxed state of mind. Take a warm bath or shower and take acetaminophen if your breasts are painful, because pain can distract you while nursing your baby and affect the breast milk letdown.

3

Sit or lie down in a comfortable position in a quiet room. If you are uncomfortable, it may interfere with breastfeeding and the letdown of your breast milk. Sit in a rocking chair that has sufficient arm and back support or lay down on a bed. Nurse your baby in the same room every time, because simply walking toward the room may stimulate breast milk letdown.

4

Massage your breasts lightly to stimulate the letdown of breast milk. Gently roll your nipples between your fingers and lightly pull on them. Have your partner massage your back or shoulders while you breast feed, because this may also stimulate the letdown.

5

Stimulate your senses because they directly influence the letdown of your breast milk. Listen to soft music while breastfeeding and drink water or herbal tea. Visualize your milk flowing or think of relaxing thoughts to take your mind of the task at hand. Some women prefer to think of their babies or look at photos of their babies, while others prefer to think about tropical beaches. Experiment with different types visuals and thoughts to see which best stimulate your letdown reflex.

6

Read a book, watch television or talk on the phone while breastfeeding your baby. By taking your focus off nursing, the letdown of your breast milk may naturally occur.

7

Wear a nursing bra so your breasts are comfortable in between feedings. Nursing bras offer support and stretch as your breasts fluctuate in size during your breastfeeding stage. Improper breast support may result in painful breasts, which may inhibit the letdown of your breast milk.

Natural Ways to Fight a Cold During Breastfeeding

Not only is keeping up with the demands of a baby hard enough when youre a healthy breastfeeding mother, when you get a cold it can really take its toll. Since most foods and beverages that you consume make their way into your breast milk, you need to be careful with what you take to battle your illness. By finding natural ways to fight a cold during this time, you can keep your little one safe while you nurse your own body back to health.

Saline

Saline is a salt-water mixture that is an inexpensive, non-prescription method to help you safely battle the nasal congestion associated with a cold. Saline is available in spray or drop form, as well as dry salt packets that can be mixed with sterile water and administered with a Neti pot. This salt-water solution is safe for anyone, including breastfeeding mothers and small children, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Simply read the products instructions and apply the solution as recommended. Saline solution helps to thin mucus and flush out nasal passages. It has no side effects, and you can use it as needed.

Fluids

According to MayoClinic.com, its vital that you get enough fluids to keep hydrated while your body fights a cold. Get at least eight glasses of water, clear broth, herbal tea or warm water with fresh squeezed lemon juice and a squirt of honey. One-hundred-percent fruit juice, such as orange juice, can help, too. MayoClinic.com advises you to stay away from fluids that will make you dehydrated, such as coffee, caffeinated soda and alcohol, as dehydration will only make matters worse. These you should limit or eliminate altogether while youre nursing anyway.

Chicken Soup

It may seem like an old wives' tale, but according to MayoClinic.com, theres some validity to the claims that homemade chicken noodle soup with vegetables helps you safely combat a cold. First off, it acts as an anti-inflammatory by inhibiting your bodys natural inflammatory response to this illness, which causes stuffiness, pain and pressure. This warm comfort food also helps relieve congestion by temporarily increasing the movement of mucus, moving the gunk out so the virus doesnt have as much contact with the lining in your nose. Although its not an all-out cure, it can help you feel better as the cold runs its cycle.

Rest

Not only does producing breast milk affect your energy level, so does an illness. Help your body reserve its energy for fighting the cold by making sure you get enough rest. When you feel tired or fatigued, lie down to rest or take a nap. Its alright to take it extra easy while youre a sick nursing momma. Dont be afraid to ask for help during this time. Fathers, your parents, friends or babysitters can take over on the baby front for a bit so you can rest.

How to Use a Nursing Supplementer

When faced with lactation problems, you feel helpless. The little newborn needs to eat and the nursing just isn't working like it should. A solution to increase your milk supply is to use a nursing supplementer. This useful device not only increases milk supply, but encourages improved suckling and enables adoptive mothers to nurse their baby. Here is how to use a nursing supplementer.

Instructions

Determine the Kind of Supplementation Your Baby Needs

1

Notify your pediatrician and obstetrician about your lactation difficulty. Most pediatricians will want to weigh the baby every 3 to 5 days in the beginning and check for dehydration. Your obstetrician can prescribe certain drugs or may recommend certain herbal tinctures that may help you increase your milk supply.

2

Contact a lactation consultant. Ask her for a recommendation of what type of supplementer to get. The two popular brands available are the Lact-Aid and Medela's SNS.

3

Read the directions thoroughly. Each supplementer works in basically the same way, but each will have its own quirks to get it to work right.

Set Up the Supplementer

4

Fill the bag or bottle with pumped breast milk or formula. Set it on a paper towel or in its filler stand to keep it clean.

5

Select the size tubing right for your baby. The tubing comes in three sizes, small, medium and large diameter. The supplementer directions may tell you to start with the largest tubing and work down to the smallest, but ask your lactation consultant which is the best size for your situation.

6

Tighten the tube cap on the bottle or bag and, if the bottle has more than one tube, tape one tube to the bottle. This will leave you with only one rubber tube to wrestle away from your baby.

7

Secure the string attachment around your neck. The bottle or bag should rest slightly above your breasts on your chest with the tube end at about the midline.

8

Tape the other tube just beyond the tip of your nipple on your nursing breast using gentle paper tape. You might find it easier to tape down the length of the tube rather than across the tube like some supplementer's directions. Do not put tape beyond the edge of your areola because this skin is very sensitive.

Latching On and Nursing With the Supplementer

9

Bring baby to your breast. Keep the baby's nose even with your nipple.

10

Latch baby on while trying to keep the tubing even with your nipple. The tube sometimes slips out and some babies even spit out the tubing but have patience, this is the most difficult part of the whole process. With a little practice both of you will know what to expect.

11

Keep an eye on the supplementer for air going into the bottle. If air is not going into the supplementer, it will create a vacuum and the baby can't get any formula or breast milk out.

12

Let the baby lead the feeding. Don't be alarmed if your little one doesn't take as much as you think he should. He is getting some breast milk and your body should be producing more.

13

Remove the tape gently and if any seems to be stuck, rub some olive oil on it to loosen it. Wash the oil off before nursing again.

How to Use a Nursing Pillow

Holding your baby in the proper position is integral to ensuring he can comfortably feed. Holding the baby too low can make it difficult for him to feed and can cause nipple discomfort. However, supporting your baby in your arms as he feeds can cause your arms to tire and your shoulders and back to hurt. Using a nursing pillow provides a simple solution to both issues. Nursing pillows are designed to help mothers comfortably hold their babies in position while breastfeeding. Using the pillow does not require much effort or preparation.

Instructions

1

Position yourself in the location you wish to feed the baby. Choose a location that is comfortable and provides back support such as a chair or bed with pillows placed behind your back.

2

Place the pillow in the correct position according to its design. Some nursing pillows are U-shaped and designed to wrap around the mother's body; others are simply placed in the lap. Position the pillow under your arms so that both of your elbows can rest on it. This ensures your arms are supported and will prevent them from tiring while holding the baby.

3

Ask the person assisting you to hand you the baby. Position your baby on his side on the pillow. Place the baby so that his mouth and nose face your nipple without having to turn his head. Bring the baby in toward your breast and allow him to latch on to begin feeding.

Techniques for Feeding Newborns

Now that your bundle of joy is home with you, it's essential to know how to feed her so that both of you are comfortable and she's receiving the nutrients she needs. The right techniques -- whether or not you choose to breastfeed -- can make feeding time the perfect opportunity to form a bond with your little one.

Proper Positioning

Rest your baby comfortably in your arms, so that there is no strain on your arm, and your infant can reach your nipple easily. The right position will also ensure that your baby is getting enough milk with each feeding. Let your baby "tell" you which position she prefers. For example, if she seems fussy when you cradle her, switch her to the "football" hold so she can feed while lying flat on her back. The crossover hold may prove to be comfortable for both mother and baby as well. This position involves holding the baby's chest toward you, while she nurses at the breast opposite of the arm you're holding her with, meaning nursing at the right breast while you cradle her head in your left hand or vice versa.

Switching Breasts

It's important for breastfeeding moms to remember to switch breasts during infant feeding times. About 15 minutes at each breast is sufficient. This will keep the breasts from becoming too sore or swollen and also prevents nipple strain. Switching the baby to the other side of your chest may make for a more comfortable feeding position as well, or move the baby slightly to help relieve gas or bloating.

Formula Feeding Frequency

For mothers who choose to use formula or have health complications that prevent breastfeeding, it's essential to have a regular feeding schedule for your baby, starting right after birth. According to the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford, infants need at least 400 international units (IU) of Vitamin D each day, which is available in formula. In the first 30 days of life, newborns should receive six to eight feedings of 2 to 4 oz. formula each in a 24-hour period. In the second month of life, feeding times are reduced to five or six a day, with each feeding consisting of 5 to 6 oz. formula.

Breastfeeding Frequency

Your newborn will be ready to breastfeed right after the delivery, and it's important to feed skin to skin in the first few days after birth to establish a bond. During the baby's first 24 hours out of the womb, he will be keenly interested in feeding. It's normal to breastfeed your infant several times in an hour, particularly in the late-night and early-morning hours. For women who have had a c-section, the medications used in the process can cause significant fatigue and discomfort, when can make immediate breastfeeding challenging. However, regular feedings increase the milk supply in mothers who had a cesarean birth, making breastfeeding easier. Newborns should be breastfed between eight and 12 times in the first 24 hours.

How to Do Tandem Breastfeeding

Tandem breastfeeding, or tandem nursing, is the breastfeeding of two children at the very same time. You can tandem breastfeed twins, or children of different ages, such as a newborn and a toddler. Tandem breastfeeding takes some patience and practice, but lets you feed two children at once. Follow these steps to breastfeed your babies.

Instructions

1

Eat a highly nutritious diet. In order to provide adequate nutrition for two breastfeeding children, you need to make sure that you fill your diet with healthy foods, including lean meats, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dairy products. Try to incorporate foods into your diet that provide high levels of protein, iron, calcium, folic acid and zinc. Junk foods will have to be limited in order to successfully tandem breastfeed.

2

Think about the order in which you will breastfeed your children. In the first few days of your newborn's life, you will want to make sure that you breastfeed the newborn first so he will get the nutrient rich colostrum from your breast milk. After your milk comes in, however, you can breastfeed your children in any order or even breastfeed them simultaneously. The way in which you tandem breastfeed depends on your children's feeding schedules and on your own personal preferences.

3

Consider positions for tandem breastfeeding if you choose to breastfeed your children at the same time. You can use a variety of positions to accomplish this. You may choose to hold both children in a cradle hold or both children in a football hold. You can even do a combination hold, with one child in a football hold and one child in a cradle hold. You can also tandem breastfeed in a semi-reclined position or while lying down. Utilize the holds and positions that work best for you and your children.

4

Understand the advantages of tandem breastfeeding. When you're nursing children of different ages, tandem breastfeeding can help eliminate the jealousy that the older child feels towards her younger sibling. With the older child allowed to still nurse at the breast, she will continue to get the many health benefits of breast milk. The mother also will get rest, relaxation and quiet time if she chooses to breastfeed her children simultaneously.

How to Thaw Frozen Breast Milk

Breast milk is one of the most complete foods on the planet. It provides your baby with natural antibodies and immunities in a perfectly balanced meal. Studies have shown that breast milk is much better for infants than formula, and might even help keep breastfed babies healthier. Breast milk can be pumped and stored for families that need to bottle feed their babies occasionally. It can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, and still retains all of the nutrients of fresh milk. The following guidelines outline the proper thawing procedures.

Instructions

1

Remove your breast milk from the freezer. Keep in mind that breast milk can be safely frozen for four to six months without losing any nutritional value.

2

Place your frozen milk in the sink and run hot water over it. Turn the bag while the water runs over it to thaw the milk evenly. Your milk might take a while to thaw this way depending on the temperature of your faucet.

3

Set a bag of milk in a pan and fill it halfway up with water. Place the pan on the stove. Turn the stove on to medium heat to warm the milk. This is a quicker way to heat your milk than running it under water.

4

Check the temperature of your milk. You do not want to boil the milk, as this will ruin it. Only warm it to body temperature to avoid burning your babys mouth.

5

Feed the thawed milk to your baby immediately. Thawed milk should be fed as soon as possible to avoid spoilage.

How to Assemble the Medela Mini Pump

According to "Facts for Life," breastfed babies are typically healthier than bottle-fed babies. Women who want to breastfeed and still live active lives including going back to work, rely on breast pumps. The Medela mini breast pump offers mothers a simple, light and portable tool to express milk for the baby while away. The Medela mini breast pump assembles easily and quickly. When you are away from your infant, you can use the Medela mini to pump milk discreetly and then store the milk until you need it.

Instructions

1

Wash your hands with soap and water before touching breast-pump parts. Push the pump membrane labeled part "B" into the pump's valve labeled "C." Run a finger across the inserted membrane to ensure the part is completely inserted. The membrane surface should be flat across the valve piece.

2

Insert the assembled valve into the back side of the breast shield, labeled "A." Check the insertion of the valve to ensure that it is facing sideways or flush with the side of the breast shield. The membrane should not face directly up or down when the breast shield is sitting on a flat surface.

3

Screw the Medela bottle into the base of the breast shield. Medela offers bottles free of bisphenol A or BPA. The chemical BPA has been linked to health concerns such as changes in the reproductive systems or hyperactivity in mice, according to Daniel DeNoon, who writes for Mindfully.org.

4

Grasp the breast shield by the base. Line up the elevated edges of the back of the breast shield to the underside of the battery cover of the motor. Insert the motor into the back side of the breast shield. Lock the motor in place by turning the breast shield clockwise.

How Much Weight Should a Baby Gain Each Week?

Every baby is an individual with her own growth pattern. Still, steady weight gain during a baby's first few months is an important indicator of overall health.

Initial Weight Loss

Babies normally lose several ounces of their birth weight in their first few days--about 5 to 7 percent, according to the book "Great Expectations: Baby's First Year."

Overall Weight Gain in Babies

According to standards developed by the National Center for Health Statistics, a typical baby will regain his birth weight by two weeks postpartum, double his birth weight by six months and triple it by his first birthday.

Average Weekly Weight Gain

--First four months: 4 to 7 oz. per week

--Four to six months: 3 to 5 oz. per week

--Six to 12 months: 3 oz. per week

Breastfed and Formula-Fed Babies

Many breastfed babies gain weight less quickly than their formula-fed counterparts, especially after the first six months. The World Health Organization has developed a growth chart for breastfed babies. Other infant growth charts are based primarily on formula-fed babies.

Babies and Measurements

Weight gain is only one factor in evaluating a baby's health; length, head circumference, alertness, demeanor and the achievement of developmental milestones are also considered.

How to Avoid Engorgement After Childbirth

Bringing a life, a new little bundle of joy, into this world can be an exciting time, but physical discomfort is part of childbirth, and can continue to affect you afterward. One discomfort you might experience is breast engorgement, or swelling of the breasts from the pressure of milk production. Engorgement can be painful and can even make breast-feeding difficult for your baby, who might have a difficult time latching on to an engorged breast. There are steps you can take to relieve and avoid engorgement.

Instructions

1

Breast-feed your baby often. If your baby is emptying your milk supply every couple of hours, your breasts cannot become engorged. Feed your baby from both breasts to relieve pressure equally.

2

Massage your breasts lightly as you breast-feed to help stimulate the flow of milk. This will help your baby get more milk per feeding and will relieve extra pressure.

3

Use a pump or manually express milk if you can't breast-feed at regular intervals throughout the day. This is a possible solution for working mothers or for mothers who can't breast-feed regularly for other reasons. Drain each breast with a pump or manually to relieve pressure and prevent engorgement.

4

Take hot showers to reduce swelling and relieve pressure. The heat will facilitate letdown and make it easier for your baby to get milk from your breasts. Warm, moist towels can also help.

5

Reduce the number of times you breast-feed per day as you wean. Do this over a period of several weeks. Your breasts will gradually respond by reducing milk production.

6

Avoid pumping or expressing if you don't plan on breast-feeding. Pumping or expressing encourages milk production. Instead, use cold compresses on your breasts to reduce swelling or inflammation and wear a supportive bra. Your milk supply will dry up if it is not being used, and engorgement will cease to be a problem.

How to Wean a Baby Off Breastmilk

Caring for your baby involves the marking of a multitude of milestones, some of which are challenging. If you have been breastfeeding, you'll eventually reach a point where you need or want to wean your baby. This can be an emotional time for both mother and baby, but it can also be a rewarding bonding experience. Weaning is a sign that your little one is growing older and entering an exciting new phase of life.

Instructions

1

Watch for signs of readiness from the baby. Usually around 6 months, your baby will start to show less interest in breastfeeding. If she stops breastfeeding completely, this may be due to external factors, such as stress or an ear infection. After you rule out any external factors, try different feeding positions or frequent feedings to see if the baby returns to breastfeeding. If you have been thinking about weaning, you can also use this opportunity to transition to bottle-feeding.

2




Working moms may need to wean sooner.

Examine your lifestyle. Some babies will not show signs of being ready to wean, leaving you to choose the timing. Many pediatricians recommend breastfeeding for the first six months of the baby's life, according to Baby Center. However, you might need to return to work or have other obligations that limit your availability for "on demand" feedings. If so, you can decide to wean sooner.

3

Choose a pace. Gradual weaning takes more time, but it is often recommended by experts and is often easier for you and the baby. The other option is abrupt weaning. This might be necessary, for example, if you have a sudden lifestyle change.

4

Withhold feedings. When the baby is hungry, don't offer the breast. Instead offer a bottle or cup, or use an eyedropper, depending on the baby's age. Some mothers pump breast milk and put it in a bottle at the beginning of weaning; others immediately begin using formula. If you choose the latter, consult with your pediatrician to find the right iron-fortified formula for your baby.

5




Babies need support and nourishment as they wean.

Substitute other forms of nourishment for breast milk. To make the weaning process easier, don't merely offer a bottle of pumped breast milk or formula. Also offer cuddling, playtime or favorite toys to ease your baby's possible feelings of anxiety or loss.

6

Replace breast milk with cow's milk or solid food. If you have been pumping breast milk for bottle-feeding and now wish to wean your baby entirely from breast milk, gradually replace the breast milk with pediatrician-approved formula, baby-appropriate solid foods or cow's milk. Solid food or cow's milk are usually appropriate after the baby reaches age 1.

How to Breastfeed while Pregnant

If you are pregnant, but still have a breastfeeding toddler, you may be wondering how to breastfeed while pregnant. Many women successfully breastfeed their toddlers throughout their pregnancy and then tandem feed; breastfeed both children successfully. But there are some things you should keep in mind if you want to breastfeed while pregnant.

Instructions

1

Prepare for sore nipples, even if you've never had sore nipples. The hormones in pregnancy make a woman's nipples more sensitive. Consider using Lasinoh or leave a drop of breastmilk to dry on your nipples after breastfeeding to help deal with soreness. If the soreness is extreme, talk to your care provider, a La Leche League leader or a lactation consultant for suggestions.

2

Remember, your toddler may refuse your breastmilk. Pregnancy seems to change the flavor of breastmilk. While some toddlers don't care, others will actually refuse the breast. Continue to offer breastmilk to your toddler so he gets used to the new flavor or consider weaning.

3

Experiment with positions. As your belly grows, you may have to work with your toddler to find comfortable positions to breastfeed in. Luckily, toddlers are good at finding positions that allow them to get the milk they want, while making allowances for their mother's growing belly.

How to Get Skinny After Having a Baby

Of all the side effects of pregnancy, one that many moms-to-be fear is the inevitable weight gain. For the health of mom and baby, pregnant women who start out at a normal weight should gain 25 to 35 pounds, according to a 2009 report from the Institute of Medicine. As the number on the scale creeps upwards, women may worry that they will never get back to their pre-pregnancy weight. Even though fitting back into your skinny jeans may take some time, it can be done with effort and determination.

Instructions

1

Breastfeed your baby exclusively for six months. Exclusive breastfeeding burns an extra 300 to 500 calories per day, which translates into quicker postpartum weight loss for many women. A 2008 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that the more frequently women breastfed during the first six months, the greater the amount of weight they lost. The Journal's results also predict that women who started at a normal weight pre-pregnancy, will gain 26.4 pounds or less during pregnancy and, if they breastfeed exclusively, will lose their pregnancy weight by the time their babies turn 6 months.

2

Cut 500 calories from your daily calorie intake, consuming at least 1800 calories if you are breastfeeding and 1500 calories if you are not.

3

Begin an aerobic exercise program. Choose an activity that raises your heart rate, such as walking briskly, swimming or biking; and aim to exercise three days a week, keeping your heart rate in the target range for about 20 to 30 minutes during each workout.

4

Get seven or more hours of sleep a night. While it can be difficult to get enough sleep with a baby, sleep deprivation can negatively affect your weight. A 2008 study in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that women who averaged five or fewer hours of sleep a night six months after giving birth were 2.3 times more likely to still be hanging on to 11 pounds of pregnancy weight at 12 months postpartum. Women who continued getting less than five hours of sleep a night between 6 and 12 months after their baby's birth had three times the risk of carrying an extra 11 pounds of pregnancy weight at 12 months postpartum.

Breastfeeding & Menstrual Cycle

Mothers who nurse their babies often enjoy the fringe benefit of not having a menstrual cycle for a few to many months. The effect breastfeeding has on the menstrual cycle offers a natural method to prevent pregnancy, as well as using the body the way it is designed to nurture offspring. Once a mother knows the factors that influence the return of ovulation and menses she can depend on breastfeeding to delay the menstrual cycle during the early months of her babys life.

Variance

Each mother's experience with breastfeeding is unique.

Each mother is unique as is her experience of breastfeeding and the menstrual cycle. While some nursing mothers may not experience a menstrual cycle for three months, others will have a lack of menses for two years or more. The act of breastfeeding releases the hormone prolactin which suppresses ovulation. According to La Leche League International certain factors, such as frequency of feedings, introduction of solid foods, artificial nipples and supplementation influence the return of the menstrual cycle while breastfeeding and contribute to the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) of birth control.

Frequency

Breastfeeding a baby on cue, when she is hungry and not on a schedule contributes to a delayed menstrual cycle. Babies who are kept close to mother to feed during the day and night, as well as allowed to nurse for comfort, often breastfeed frequently enough to suppress ovulation.

Solid Foods

Delaying solid foods until a baby is ready supports breastfeeding.

A mother who is breastfeeding her baby under the age of six months exclusively without any solid foods is likely to experience a delayed return of the menstrual cycle. Solid foods often replace breastfeeding and in effect reduce babys time at the breast, which ends up in less prolactin to suppress ovulation. A breastfeeding mother can feel confident in waiting to introduce solids until the baby shows signs of readiness, such as sitting up, interest in food and ability to grasp small objects between the forefinger and thumb.

Artificial Nipples & Supplementation

Young babies up through toddlers have the need to suck for proper jaw development and comfort. Sucking at the breast stimulates the release of prolactin-suppressing ovulation. If a baby uses a pacifier the time sucking at the breast may be reduced, and the menstrual cycle may return more quickly than if the baby is allowed to satisfy the sucking need at the breast. Breastfeeding with supplementation of water or formula can reduce the time the baby nurses, also resulting in the return of the menstrual cycle.

Birth Control

Breastfeeding can be an effective method of birth control.

The LAM of birth control has been found to be 98 percent effective, according to kellymom.com. Mothers who are exclusively breastfeeding a baby under six months of age without the return of the menstrual cycle, allow baby to nurse on cue and have not started solid foods can depend on this method of birth control as much or more than other conventional methods. While a woman can ovulate before her menstrual cycle returns the chances is less than two percent when all factors are considered. Some mothers experience this benefit for two years or more while breastfeeding.

Postpartum Weight-Loss Diet

Though a postpartum body will rarely go back to its pre-pregnancy shape, exercise and a healthy diet will help you slim and tone. Being healthy after a pregnancy is more important than being the same shape you were before you were pregnant. So set realistic goals, and you will attain successful results.

Breastfeeding

Mothers who nurse their babies will burn more calories and find that losing weight is easier. But remember to eat enough calories and healthy foods to produce enough milk for your baby. For most mothers, breastfeeding will burn from 200 to 500 calories a day.

A doctor can prescribe a list of healthy foods for optimum milk production. But in general, you should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and drink lots of water.

Breastfeeding does not always signal weight loss. Some will find that the weight drops once the breastfeeding has stopped.

Exercise

Exercise not only aids in postpartum weight loss, it also helps alleviate postpartum depression. But an exercise program should not be started until after your six-week checkup and your physician has given the all-clear. And if you had a Caesarean section, exercise may be delayed for eight to 10 weeks due to the longer healing process required for surgery.

Start slowly with an exercise program. Walking is a good low-impact activity that is easy to do with the baby. Don't over-exert; it is best to gradually increase the time you spend walking and the speed at which you do so. As your fitness level improves, you can add aerobics, biking and swimming to your regimen.

Videos showing yoga and Pilates exercises you can do at home make it easy for you to be near the baby but still get back in shape. You may, however, have to break the exercise routine into 10-minute sections so you can catch your breath and tend to your infant's needs.

Kegel exercises will help strengthen the pelvic wall, which was stretched during childbirth. You may notice some urine leaks after childbirth, and these squeezing exercises will help with that. In fact, pretend you are stopping the flow of urine to work this muscle.

Diet

If you are breastfeeding, dieting postpartum is not recommended. Focus on eating healthy foods and dropping 500 calories from the maximum calories allowed for your weight and size. Don't restrict yourself too much, as this may lead to postpartum depression and irritability.

A healthy diet consists of eating the daily requirement of five to seven fruit and vegetable servings a day. Always eat a healthy breakfast and drink plenty of water. The rule of thumb for water is eight 8-ounce glasses per day.

How to help nursing mothers

Nursing a baby has tremendous benefits for both mother and infant. Women who nurse face lowered risks of certain types of cancer. Babies who are nursed have increased protection against illness and may do better academically. Nursing can be tough to master initially and a nursing relationship can be difficult to sustain under certain circumstances. There are a number of steps you can take if you want to provide a nursing mother with additional support.

Instructions

1

Offer as much liquid as possible. A nursing mother needs more fluid to help make the right amount of milk. She should drink at least eight ounces of fluid each day. Doing so helps her avoid dehydration. If a nursing mother is visiting your house or working for you, make sure you have enough fluid on hand. Water is ideal, but juice, milk and tea also works.

2

Pay for lactation consultant help. A lactation consultant is a breastfeeding specialist. Many lactation consultants are nurses and midwives who have studied the needs of nursing mothers. A lactation consultant can help a nursing mother overcome a variety of issues, such as a baby who won't latch properly or a mother who is trying to nurse twins. A few sessions with a lactation consultant can help a nursing mother address most problems.

3

Offer to watch the baby. Nursing can be exhausting and promotes the emission of hormones that make women sleepy. In addition, many young babies nurse as often as 10 times a day. As a result, a nursing mother may be deeply sleep deprived. If you are a trusted caregiver, you can watch the baby several times a week, letting the mother catch up on some much-needed rest.

4

Feed the baby with a bottle. A newborn infant should take a mother's breast solely initially to establish the breastfeeding relationship and avoid nipple confusion. For most babies this takes about six weeks. A bottle can be introduced once the baby has learned to successfully nurse. A nursing mother can then pump milk into the bottle. A father or other trusted caregiver can give the baby the bottle instead of the breast. The mother can then run errands or even get in additional sleep as someone else feeds the baby.

5

Provide a pumping area. Nursing mothers who go back to work often want to continue providing their babies with breast milk. These nursing mothers will need a pumping area where they can pump and store breast milk. The pumping area should be private and able to accommodate a breast milk pump and a place to refrigerate the stored milk until a nursing mother leaves for the day.

How to Shape up Breasts After Breasfeeding

Your bundle of joy is born and after some time breastfeeding, you decide to stop. Your breasts, which were once perky and firm, now look like deflated balloons on your chest. Breastfeeding along with pregnancy changes a woman's breasts. Lactation makes the fatty tissue in your breasts dense and therefore your breasts may appear saggy. There is no need to let your droopy breasts get you down because there are things you can do to firm and shape up your breasts.

Instructions

1

Eat a healthy diet that contains plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and lean protein. Avoid going on a crash diet to lose any excess baby weight. Eat no less than 1,200 calories daily and avoid losing more than 2 lbs. per week. Cosmopolitan.com states that weight loss greater than 2 lbs. per week breaks down breast-essential elastin and collagen.

2

Wear a properly-fitted bra to enhance the shape of your breasts. Have your bra size measured by a professional bra fitter since after breastfeeding and pregnancy, breasts change in size. Purchase a bra with adjustable straps and look for underwire support if you have a B-cup size or larger. Choose a padded bra if you desire to create more volume and enhance your cleavage.

3

Go swimming. Swimming conditions your whole body, especially your chest muscles. Because breasts are made of fatty tissue, toning them is impossible. The next best thing is to work the pectoral muscles below the breast tissue to help shape your breasts. Training the pectoral muscles creates a firm foundation for your breasts.

4

Target your pectoral muscles with exercises such as push ups, chest presses, dumbbell flyes and palm presses. Perform palm presses by sitting straight up in a chair. Bring your hands together in front of your chest. Point your fingers upward. Elevate your elbows so that they are parallel to the floor. Push your palms against each other and hold this tension for five to 10 seconds before releasing. Repeat the exercise 10 times.

5

Bathe your breasts with cold and warm water to promote blood circulation and help shape them. Alternate between sprinkling cold and warm water on your breasts.

6

Undergo breast lift or breast implant surgery. During breast lift surgery, excess tissue is removed from your breasts and the nipple is positioned higher. Breast implant surgery adds volume to your breasts so they look bigger and more shapely. You can also combine the two surgeries for lift and volume.

Causes for Abnormal Lactation

While lactation is a completely normal process, it can be a bit disconcerting when you begin to lactate when you shouldn't--for instance, when you aren't breastfeeding, have never been pregnant or are post-menopausal. Abnormal lactation can be described as the leaking of fluid or discharge from the nipple at either an unexpected time or in a manner that is unusual or a cause for concern. Some cases of abnormal lactation involve the leaking of fluid that looks like milk; however, other cases involve discharge containing blood or pus. The reasons for abnormal lactation vary, so it is important you see your doctor should you experience this condition.

Breast Abscess

One common reason for lactation that falls outside the realm of the normal is an abscess in the breast. Often referred to as mastitis, this condition is an infection of the breast tissue or milk duct. Usually, it is caused by a milk duct getting clogged in a woman who is breastfeeding. Treatment usually involves a round of antibiotics and creams to soothe the inflamed breast tissue.

Breast Injury

A recent injury to the breast can also be to blame for abnormal lactation. Being struck in the breast tissue can cause fluid to leak from the nipple. However, this is not milk, and is usually just a result of irritation.

Medications

Some medications actually can cause abnormal lactation. Examples of these drugs include birth control pills, methyldopa, phenothiazines and tricyclic antidepressants. Of course, even if you think your lactation is being caused by one of these drugs, you should still see your doctor.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer can sometimes cause lactation in non-pregnant or nursing women. This is usually due to an overall irritation of the breast tissue or the presence of a tumor in a milk duct.

Intraductal Papilloma

You may also lactate in an unusual manner if there is something called an intraductal papilloma in your breast tissue. This is actually a growth or tumor, but it's benign. Such growths often need to be surgically removed, but they are generally not harmful, other than the irritation they cause.

Prolactinoma

A rare cause of abnormal lactation is something called a prolactinoma, which is a benign tumor located on the pituitary gland. This tumor secretes prolactin, a hormone that causes the body to begin lactating as it accumulates. Efforts will be made to reduce the size of the tumor and to drop the levels of prolactin in the blood back down to normal as a course of treatment; however, surgery is sometimes required.

Can I Test My Hormone Levels While Breastfeeding?

Breast milk is undoubtedly the best food for human babies. The quality of a mothers breast milk, much like the milk of any mammal, is affected by what the mother eats and the medication she takes. Check with your doctor to ensure that any drug you may take during the course of hormone testing is compatible with breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding and Hormones

Much like pregnancy, breastfeeding is made possible by a dramatic shift in hormone levels. In particular, a dramatic increase in the hormone prolactin makes it possible for the mothers body to make milk. Generally speaking, the more a mother nurses, the higher her prolactin levels will be. In most women, high levels of prolactin will prevent ovulation and menstruation from occurring and therefore will prevent her from becoming pregnant. Even if a nursing mothers menstrual cycle returns, she may find it remains irregular until her child begins to nurse less frequently. This can be a sign that she is having a cycle in which an egg was not released. In a few cases, the mother may have to wean completely to become pregnant. Its important to note, however, that studies show breastfeeding is only a reliable form of birth control if the mother exclusively nurses, her baby is 6 months old or younger and her period has not yet returned.

Fertility

If a mother suspects she is having difficulty becoming pregnant again, she may want to undergo fertility testing. In most cases, this involves using blood samples to measure a mothers levels of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinzing hormone, which tell the womans body to produce and release an egg. A simple blood test of these hormone levels will not affect the quality of the breast milk a nursing mother makes.

The woman may also take the drug Clomid, which is used to induce ovulation, to either test her fertility or to help her to become pregnant. There currently is no data that indicates that Clomid is unsafe for breastfeeding mothers and their infants, according to Dr. Tom Hale, author of Medications and Mothers Milk. The less often a mother nurses, the lower the likelihood that her child will be exposed to the drug. The manufacturer of Clomid, Merck, has indicated that the drug could impact a mothers milk supply, however.

Thyroid Testing

Similarly, a woman have to undergo several blood tests if she suspects she is an under or overactive thyroid. Simple blood screens are compatible with breastfeeding, and several thyroid medications, when monitored by a doctor, are compatible with breastfeeding. This includes Synthroid, one of the more commonly used thyroid drugs.

However, a radioactive thyroid scan is not compatible with breastfeeding. Depending upon the type of drug used to do the scan, the mother may be asked to stop nursing anywhere from six hours to two weeks. In some cases, the mother may have to wean completely.

Tips for Breastfeeding & Pumping

Although breastfeeding is the natural way to feed your baby, it is not an instinctive process for either mother or baby. Both must learn the ins and outs of nursing. This process can be frustrating for the mother, but pumping can help make this an easier task. Once mother and child are in the swing of things, breastfeeding is a rewarding and healthy experience.

Stay Relaxed

Sit in a comfortable chair while you nurse.

Whether you are nursing your child or pumping milk, one of the most important things to do is relax. If you are tense, your milk will not flow as easily. In addition to this, babies pick up on their mothers' attitudes, and a tense mother will make the baby uneasy.

Feed on Demand

Don't let the clock determine your feeding schedule.

When you are with your baby, breast-feed whenever the child shows signs of hunger. The more you nurse, the better your supply will be. While away from your baby, pump at the times he would normally nurse, so that you can continue to increase your milk supply.

Stay Hydrated

Keep a drink with you while you nurse or pump.

Drink plenty of water, juice and milk. Your breasts are producing milk with the fluids in your body. Keep a large mug of your preferred healthy beverage beside your nursing or pumping chair. Without drinking extra fluids, you can easily become dehydrated and possibly develop a urinary tract infection.

Avoid the Pill

The pill can interfere with milk production.

Birth control pills contain estrogen, a hormone that interferes with milk production. If possible, use an alternate form of birth control while you are breast feeding your child. Spermicide and barrier methods are suggested during breast feeding.

Eat Well

Fruits and vegetables provide good nutrition.

While nursing, you should eat about 300 more calories than when you are not. However, these calories should be from a balanced diet rich in grains, fruits and vegetables and an extra serving of protein. Eggs and beans are good sources of protein and, depending on their preparation, low in fat.

Proper Latch On

Teaching your baby to latch on is the most important first step in successful breast feeding.

Sore nipples are the bane of the breast-feeding mother. One of the main causes of sore nipples is not having a proper latch on, meaning the baby's mouth is not positioned properly. The key to a proper latch is hold your baby touching tummy to tummy and chest to chest. His nose and chin should touch your breast. Should you experience sore nipples, medical grade lanolin is recommended to keep them from drying, cracking and bleeding.

Natural Nipples

Pacifiers should not be given to newborn breast-feeding babies.

Bottles of either breast milk or formula should not be offered until your baby is an expert at nursing from the breast. Artificial nipples, including pacifiers, can teach the baby a different way of sucking than is needed for breast feeding. The term used for this is "nipple confusion." If you plan to work and pump, make sure your baby is ready before you start giving bottles of breast milk.