How to Maintain Good Health and Nutrition During Breastfeeding

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants should be breastfed during their first year of life. Breastfeeding brings many benefits to both mother and their newborns. Maintaining good health and nutrition during breastfeeding is extremely important. This article provides a few tips on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle during breastfeeding.

Instructions

1

Reduce or eliminate alcohol intake. Alcohol gets into your breast milk within one hour after drinking. Alcohol also disturbs the production of milk and may even stop the milk production completely. Furthermore, the presence of alcohol changes how breast milk tastes. Consequently, your baby may refuse to be fed. Quit smoking. Smoking also affects milk production. Milk from smokers has fewer nutrients. Smoking also affects baby's health directly, and increases the risk that of developing asthma. Avoid illicit drugs. Infants might become addicted through breast milk. Consult your doctor about medication.Drink coffee moderately, only one or two cups a day.

2

Eat nutrient-rich food such as whole-grain breads, cereals, rice, beans, pasta, vegetables and fruits. These foods are good sources of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Breastfeeding mothers need an additional 500 calories everyday. Calculate the nutrients in your food to make sure that you get enough calories. Eat a wide variety of foods to make sure that you have all the nutrients that you need. Try to maintain a low-fat diet. Follow FDA recommendation regarding consumption of fish to minimize exposure to mercury.

3

Avoid garlic and onion. Garlic and onion affect how the breast milk tastes. Your baby may refuse to be fed. Pay attention to what you eat and see whether there is a connection between your food and your baby's illness. For instance, colic has been linked to diary products, caffeine, and onion in the mother's diet for some babies.

4

Exercise moderately. Studies show that combination of healthy diet and regular exercise will help breastfeeding mothers to lose weight faster during the first few months right after labor.

5

Get enough sleep and rest. In the first two months, you need to wake up several times at night to feed your baby. Try to take a nap when your baby is asleep. Sleep deprivation can have devastating consequences and slow down your recovery. Enroll your partner to feed the baby at night. Hire a night nurse if necessary.

How to Lose Weight After You Stop Breastfeeding

According to Breastfeeding.com, the average mom burns about 600 calories each day just from breastfeeding. Mother Nature gives women an innate ability to burn extra calories, which naturally stimulates weight loss. Unfortunately, some moms aren't able to breastfeed for a variety of reasons. Other moms use over the counter formula as a supplement for breast milk. Motherhood takes a toll to a woman's body, especially once she stops breastfeeding.

Instructions

1

Count your calorie intake. According to Babycenter.com, your body needs a minimum of 1,200 calories a day. Nursing moms need between 1,500 and 2,200; eliminating 500 calories a day could help you lose about 1 lb. a week.

2

Prepare light, healthy and balanced meals rich in vitamins and antibiotics. Eat lean protein, whole-grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products such as yogurt and cheese. Avoid refined flour and foods with high sugar and fat content.

3

Drink lots of water. According to Mayoclinic.com, the average physician recommends drinking a total of 8 to 9 cups a day.

4

Strengthen your muscles by doing push ups, Kegel exercises and stretching. Babycenter.com advises moms to wait at least six weeks after baby is born before beginning a workout routine and start slow.

5

Do cardiovascular exercises. Consider a routine that incorporates taking your child along for a stroll or light jog through the neighborhood. According to the American Council for Exercise (ACE), an hour of exercise each day contributes to successful weight loss.

6

Network with moms in your area to start your own fitness support group. Join a club such as Stroller Strides, a workout group of moms with infants and toddlers. Visit its website for class information.

7

Get an adequate amount of sleep and rest. Not only is your body changing, you will need the energy to keep up with baby and your new weight loss plan.

How to Induce Lactation So You Can Breastfeed an Adopted Baby

Many mothers choose to breastfeed their baby. Breastfeeding offers a number health benefits, including decreased illnesses in babies and decreased risk of depression in moms. While you can certainly bond with your baby if you bottle feed, breastfeeding can enhance the bonding process as well. Many adoptive mothers don't realize that they can breastfeed their babies, but they usually can if they are willing to work at it.

Instructions

1

Rent or purchase a hospital-grade electric breast pump. Manual pumps are not as effective as electric ones. Plan to obtain a pump about one month prior to adopting your baby, though this may be difficult because adoptive parents sometimes do not have much advance notice before a child is placed in their home.

2

Begin pumping your breasts with the breast pump every three hours. You'll need to set an alarm clock so that you wake up at night to pump. You'll also need to take breaks to pump when you're at work. Pump for 15 minutes or so on each side. Be consistent if you hope to induce lactation.

3

Freeze breast milk in labeled containers for up to six months so that you have a supply of breast milk to get your baby started just in case you don't yet produce enough milk to breastfeed exclusively.

4

Supplement breast milk with formula or donated breast milk if necessary. Baby Center recommends using a supplemental nursing system such as the Medela Supplemental Nursing System, which allows your baby to nurse at your breast while receiving formula at the same time through two narrow tubes attached to your areolas with surgical tape.

Breastfeeding and Weight Loss

After having a baby, many women want to lose the baby weight. Breastfeeding will help you lose the baby weight, and there are ways to breastfeed and lose weight that are safe for both you and your baby.

Wait Awhile

Wait about two months before dieting. Give your body some time to heal and for you and your baby to get into a routine. Your body is already producing milk, and in those two months your baby and you will begin to develop a regular feeding schedule, which is important for both of you. Also, you want to make sure you are fully healed from child birth before starting strenuous exercises and changing your diet.

Do Not Restrict Breastfeeding

When you do begin exercising, do not restrict your breastfeeding routine. Breastfeeding will help you lose weight and get back into shape. Breastfeeding shrinks your uterus and helps you burn calories and fat. Breastfeed as you normally would and schedule your exercise and dieting around those times. This is healthiest for your baby as well as yourself, restricting your breastfeeding will lower your milk supply and you could become engorged as well from missed feedings.

Avoid Crash Diets

Crash diets are never a good idea, but they are an even worse idea after you have had a baby and you are breastfeeding. Crash diets limit vitamins, minerals and nutrients that you need while nursing. You need to eat normally while nursing to make sure your baby is receiving all the important vitamins and minerals that your baby needs. Using a crash diet will lessen your milk supply as well as drain your energy. Your body uses a lot of energy to produce milk, which is why eating right is so important while breastfeeding.

Exercise Moderately

Start with moderate exercise while breastfeeding. The foods you eat are being turned into milk for your baby. When you begin exercising, your body absorbs those foods to fuel your body with energy instead of creating milk for your baby. Moderate exercise will get your body moving and help to lose the baby weight, while at the same time still allowing your body to produce enough milk for your baby while breastfeeding.

Do Not Decrease Your Calorie Intake

Your body needs calories while nursing because much of the food and nutrients you take in are being turned into milk. Lowering your caloric intake will reduce your milk supply, as well as leave your milk with fewer nutrients for your baby. Your body is burning calories while breastfeeding so there is no need to lower the number of calories you eat daily.

How to Eat Right While Breastfeeding

When you breastfeed, you pass on your nutrition to your baby. If you have a tendency to eat a lot of junk food, you need to drastically change your diet. In order for the baby to have good nutrition, the mother needs to eat right.

Instructions

1

Eat regularly. It is important to not skip meals when you are breastfeeding. Ideally, you should eat several small meals over the course of the day.

2

Add in plenty of fruits and vegetables to your meals. Breastfeeding moms should consume five portions of fruits and vegetables daily.

3

Consume high fiber foods. Wholegrain breads and pastas will provide you with the extra energy that you need to breastfeed.

4

Get enough protein. Fish, chicken and lean meats will help you maintain a well balanced diet.

5

Drink at least eight glasses of water a day. This will help prevent dehydration since you are losing fluids during breastfeeding.

6

Watch out for foods that can cause allergies in your baby. Peanuts are known to cause reactions in breastfed babies; mothers often choose to avoid them while breastfeeding.

How to Use Camphor to Dry Up Milk

When you are ready to stop breastfeeding your baby, just stopping without taking any precautions could result in painful swelling and clogged milk ducts. After weening your baby off the breast, there are ways you can dry up your milk naturally, including camphor oil compresses. Because camphor is poisonous if consumed, you should not be weening while following this process, otherwise you could poison your baby.

Instructions

1

Bring approximately one pint of water to a slow boil on the stove top. Remove the water from the stove.

2

Drop four to six drops of camphor oil into the heated water and stir it slowly with a spoon to evenly disperse the oil throughout the water.

3

Immerse a washcloth in the heated water and camphor oil mixture, saturating the cloth. Wring the washcloth out to get rid of excess water.

4

Lay the wet washcloth over the breasts.

5

Wrap the compress tight to the body, using an elastic bandage or plastic cling-wrap to hold it in place.

6

Change the compress once it reaches body temperature, keeping compresses on for at least an hour. Do this both in the morning and evening for one week.

How to Bottle Feed Using Playtex Drop in Nurser Bottles

If you are ready to bottle-feed your baby, you may feel overwhelmed by all the different bottles available to choose. If you choose to bottle-feed your baby using the Playtex drop-in nursing system, you will find a variety of accessories available to help you in this process. Using Playtex drop-in nursers is easy and convenient.

Instructions

1

Purchase a selection of bottles and accessories. Playtex nurser bottles come in four- and eight-ounce sizes and a variety of colors and patterns. Make sure you purchase drop-in liners in a size that matches the bottles you choose. Remember that while four-ounce bottles may be convenient when baby is little, she will need the larger size as she grows. Save money by purchasing only eight-ounce bottles--you can always fill them with less milk in baby's early stages, and they will be ready to fulfill her feeding needs when she gets bigger.

2

Sterilize the bottle nipples. You can sterilize the nipples either by placing them in a dishwasher basket on the top rack and running them through the wash cycle, or simply by placing them in boiling water for 10 or 15 minutes. Purchase a few extra nipples in case one gets lost or damaged. The bottles will each come with one nipple in the packaging.

3

Add the drop-in liners. Playtex sterilizes their drop-ins before packaging, so you don't have to worry about cleaning or sterilizing them before use. The bottle itself will not come into contact with your baby's milk, so you don't have to clean those before using them, either. The liners simply drop into the bottle, so put one in each bottle to have it ready when you need it.

4

Add the milk. If you formula-feed your baby, you can simply mix the formula in these bottles as you would with any other brand. Scoop the formula into the liner, add water, put on the lid and shake it up. Your bottle is ready to go.
If you breastfeed your baby, you can purchase breast milk storage bags from Playtex that will drop into your bottles just like the regular liners do. This way you can pump, store, and feed your baby his milk all in one container. Or you can pump into a regular container and pour it into the traditional Playtex liners.

How to Purchase the Correct Nipple Shield

Nipple shields have been used since the 16th century to assist new mothers protect their sore nipples while breastfeeding or to assist in drawing out inverted nipples. These are placed over the nipple while breastfeeding and should be used with the assistance of a qualified lactation consultant.

Nipple Shield Sizes

Nipple shields are available in newborn small and newborn regular sizes. It is important to choose the correct size for your baby's mouth to ensure that the baby does not gag and can adequately feed from the breast.

Types of Nipple Shields

Nipple shields are available in regular-type and contact-type. Regular-type covers the majority of the areola and limits skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby. The contact-type of shield has a smaller base and allows for increased contact between mother and baby.

Lactation Consultants

A lactation consultant can assist in choosing the correct nipple shield.

Nipple shields can be incorrectly recommended for breastfeeding difficulties when practice and patience can alleviate the problem. Contacting a qualified lactation consultant will allow them to determine if the issue can be resolved without using the nipple shield. If a nipple shield is recommended, the lactation consultant can assist in determining the best fit for you and your baby.

Feeding Problems in Infants

Newborn babies need few things: food, sleep and protection. But feeding your newborn can be more complicated than you anticipate. Both breast-feeding and bottle-feeding babies sometimes have problems maintaining proper nutrition and healthy growth.

The Facts

Newborn infants need to eat regularly and frequently. Their fast growth rate--an average of four to seven ounces a week during the first month--means they need to take in a lot of nutrition, but their small stomachs mean they can only eat a little at a time. Problems in infant feeding need to be diagnosed quickly before they escalate and lead to dehydration, low weight gain or failure to thrive.

Types

Most breast-feeding problems are related to the baby's latch, or the way the baby attaches its mouth to the breast. Latch problems can lead to the baby not getting enough milk or to the mother experiencing discomfort. An infant can also have physical abnormalities, such as a cleft palate or tongue-tie, that create breast-feeding difficulties. Bottle-feeding problems include problems with air and nipple flow in the bottle due to incorrect usage and allergies or intolerances to formula. Both breast-fed and bottle-fed babies can also experience problems with thrush, reflux, teething and poor weight gain.

Identification

The most obvious way to identify feeding problems is by watching a baby's weight gain and diapers. Newborns should gain weight steadily and should have at least six to eight wet diapers per day. Most newborns will also have at least one dirty diaper per day, but breast-fed infants may go as long as 10 days without a dirty diaper without having problems.

Discomfort can also indicate a feeding problem. If a baby seems very uncomfortable or has allergy symptoms such as bloody stool, diarrhea or dry skin, this can indicate an allergy to formula or to something in the mother's diet. White spots in the mouth can indicate thrush, which can make sucking painful. For a breast-feeding mother, any nipple pain during nursing indicates a problem. A clicking sound while the baby is nursing or a lack of swallowing while breast-feeding can both be indications of a poor latch, or the attachment of the baby's mouth to the breast.

Effects

Feeding problems in infants can lead to poor weight gain and failure to thrive. They can also cause discomfort and fussiness in babies, resulting in frequent crying and sleeping problems. For mothers who are breast-feeding, problems often result in early weaning from the breast. Most feeding problems can be overcome with the right treatment, but if a problem is misdiagnosed or not properly treated, it will often result in the mother stopping breast-feeding earlier than she had planned.

Prevention/Solution

You should have any suspected feeding problem evaluated by your pediatrician as soon as possible. For a breast-feeding baby, have the baby's latch evaluated by a lactation consultant. Poor latch can be treated with practice and with tools such as nipple shields. Sometimes poor latch is caused by physical problems such as a tongue tie, or short frenulum. The frenulum is the membrane that attaches the bottom of the tongue to the mouth. If it is too short, it can make it difficult for the baby to thrust its tongue forward enough to get a good latch. Sometimes, this condition needs to be treated by a simple surgery in which the frenulum is clipped to allow the tongue to be more mobile. Thrush is treatable with several over-the-counter and prescription medicines; if your pediatrician diagnoses your baby with thrush, he can advise you about the best treatment. If your formula-fed baby seems to have a milk allergy, you can switch to a soy- or rice-based formula. For problems with reflux, burp the baby frequently, keep the baby upright while feeding and don't overfeed.

How to Make a Baby's Hair Grow

Some babies are born with a full head of hair while others are nearly bald. Other babies have a lot of hair when they are born only to soon fall out. While bald babies are adorable, sometimes parents (particularly of baby girls) want their baby's hair to grow more quickly so that it seems thicker and longer. There are a few things you can do to assure that your infant's scalp is healthy which will allow her hair to grow more quickly.

Instructions

1

Gently brush your baby's hair. This will stimulate the scalp and keep the blood flowing to the hair follicles.

2

Assure good nutrition. Hair growth is dependent on good nutrition. If you are breastfeeding, make sure you are getting a balanced diet.

3

Treat for cradle cap. Cradle cap can occur in a baby and can leave scales on the scalp which can hinder hair growth. You can treat cradle cap with a little dandruff shampoo (careful not to get it in baby's eyes) and by brushing your baby's hair with a soft brush.

4

Avoid damaging your baby's hair. Although little hair clips are cute, they can damage a baby's fine hair and cause it to break off.

5

If your baby is African American, massaging a little natural oil (such as jojoba or olive) can keep the hair moist and will encourage it to continue growing.

6

Oftentimes trimming the wispy ends of your baby's hair will make it appear thicker, even if it does not help it grow.

Uses for Boppy Pillows

A Boppy pillow is part of the Boppy line of baby products that includes changing pad covers, infant car seat covers and crib slip covers. Boppy pillows offer a variety of uses for both baby and mother during pregnancy and the first year of a child's life that promote comfort and gross motor skills.

Play

Boppy pillows can give young infants an area to play. The "U" shape of a Boppy pillow enables a child to sit over the top of the pillow while the sides of the pillow support his body. While most infants spend the majority of their time on their backs or in a sitting position, it is important for young children to have some time on their tummies each day to develop the skills needed to crawl. The Boppy pillow can be used as a safe, soft place for children to practice pushing up with their arms and holding up their necks.

Nursing

Newborns who are breastfed tend to spend much of their time nursing, which can be exhausting for a new mother. A mother can fit a Boppy pillow snugly around her waist and lay her infant close to her body on top of the pillow. This lifts the child closer to the mother's breast, which gives the mother a chance to relax her arms from holding the baby up while nursing.

Sitting

Newborns and young infants can lounge around in a Boppy pillow and practice their sitting skills. Simply place the infant with his back to the "U" portion of the Boppy pillow. The sides of the pillow should hold the child in place while he relaxes in this new pose.

Pregnancy

While pregnancy is a special time of excitement and new experiences, many new mothers also feel discomfort during this time. Use a Boppy pillow as a pregnancy sleep pillow to help a mother-to-be get much-needed rest before the baby arrives. Moms can use the Boppy pillow for extra neck support or wrap it around their body to hug during sleep.

Radiation Effects on Baby Milk

Breast-feeding is the healthiest way to feed a baby. One concern for mothers who want to breast-feed is whether radiation will go through the breast milk and harm the baby.

Risks Versus Benefits

According to La Leche League International, the health benefits of breast-feeding can last well past infancy and through adulthood. Babies who are breast-fed as infants have lower risks of conditions such as obesity and diabetes even as adults. Therefore, if you are considering breastfeeding but are concerned about radiation, you need to weigh the risks and benefits.

Low Levels Are Safe

Low levels of radiation, such as that caused by occasionally X-rays and flying, are generally safe for breast-feeding mothers. Low levels of radiation will not affect breast milk, according to the Health Physics Society.

High Levels Potentially Harmful

If a mother is going to have nuclear medicine injected into her body or is having continual radiation therapy in high doses, it is not a good idea to breast-feed, according to the Health Physics Society. This is because the radioactive isotopes may go into the breast milk.

Decreased Breast Milk Production

According to the British Journal of Radiology, breast-milk production may actually be decreased in a woman receiving radiation. It is still possible for a woman to breast-feed, but she may need to breast-feed more often or pump in order to produce enough milk.

Other Unknown Effects

All of the possible effects that radiation has on breast milk are still unknown. Breast-feeding while under the exposure of radiation is an individual decision because its effects are not fully determined.

Infant Staph Infections

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), staph infections are one of the most common causes of skin infections in the United States. Although similar to the staph infections that adults develop, infant staph infections present special considerations that you should be aware of as a parent in order to best protect your baby's health.

The Facts

Officially called Staphylococcus aureus, staph is a bacterium frequently found on a healthy person's skin or nose. Statistics from the CDC indicate that this germ resides in the nose of up to 30 percent of healthy individuals without causing them to develop an infection, a condition called colonization. Usually staph bacteria cause minor skin infections in infants, but staph can also cause other more serious health risks, including wound infections, blood infections, urinary tract infections and pneumonia.

Types

Infants can develop two main types of staph infections: those caused by regular staph and those caused by methocillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSRA). Regular staph infections are caused by staph bacteria that can be treated with most types of antibiotics. The CDC states that MSRA infections are caused by varieties of staph that have developed a resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, a group of commonly-used antibiotics that includes methicillin, penicillin and amoxicillin. According to the Mayo Clinic, close to 50 percent of staph bacteria located in hospitals are resistant to methicillin.

Symptoms

Although staph infections range in severity and can affect infants in different ways, the most common type of symptoms that accompany infant staph infections are skin-related, including boils, impetigo and scalded skin syndrome. Red or swollen boils filled with pus may develop anywhere on an infant's body but occur most frequently under her arms or on her bottom. Impetigo, a contagious rash of crusty, fluid-filled blisters, may occur around your infant's nose and mouth. The Mayo Clinic states that newborns could also show signs of scalded skin syndrome, a condition characterized by a rash, a fever and blisters that peel to show the appearance of scalded skin.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you suspect that your infant has developed a staph infection, arrange for an appointment with your baby's pediatrician for diagnosis. Typically, your baby's doctor will take a tissue sample or collect nasal fluids to check for the presence of the staph bacteria. Once your baby has been diagnosed with a staph infection, the doctor will determine the type of staph infection causing the problem in order to select the most appropriate antibiotic for treatment. Follow the doctor's instructions exactly when giving your infant the medication in order to eliminate the staph infection completely.

Prevention/Solution

Practicing good hygiene is the key to preventing infant staph infections. Washing your hands and keeping your baby's body clean reduce the likelihood that these germs will invade your little one's body. Try to avoid using changing stations in public restrooms, or sanitize and cover them before laying your infant down; this can lower your baby's chances of catching a staph infection from an infected infant that used the changing station. Lastly, wash personal items such as towels and sheets regularly with hot water and detergent, and keep your own wounds and your baby's cuts covered with a sterile bandage until healed.

About Losing Weight After Childbirth

A woman only wants to hear: "When are you due?" prior to giving birth. When the baby arrives, some of those pregnancy pounds will drop but not all of them will instantly melt away. With weight gain of 20, 30, 40 pounds or more, shrinking back down to a pre-pregnancy size may take just as long as it did to gain the baby weight in the first place. Losing weight after childbirth requires goal setting, eating balanced meals and regularly performing calorie burning physical activity.

Time Frame

Although some lucky mothers may drop much of their pregnancy weight soon after delivery, many can take nine months to a year to lose what's left after the initial weight loss of their bundle of joy, placenta and amniotic fluid. Shortly after childbirth, the enlarged uterus will weigh less as it shrinks and other tissues will shed during the process of lochia, or postpartum bleeding (Verrilli, M.D., 2002). After this initial loss is when the real weight loss challenge needs to be addressed.

Warning

Determining when postpartum exercises and sensible dieting should occur is different for every new mother. Although there may be a strong desire to lose weight rapidly, neither crash dieting nor extreme fasting are recommended. After childbirth, a new mother needs to maintain her strength to remain healthy for both her baby and herself. Allowing adequate time for a woman's body to complete the healing process is essential to a mother's ability to care properly for her infant. This may take between four and five months (Birch, M.D., 1999).

Considerations

Approaching weight loss differs depending on whether a mother will breast or bottle-feed her baby. If breastfeeding, a higher caloric intake may be required to produce an adequate milk supply for the baby. Nursing mothers experience contracting in their uteruses because of a hormone associated with breastfeeding; this helps with the uterus returning to its pre-pregnancy state more quickly. Nursing mothers often notice a plateau with five to 10 pounds of unwanted weight that will not budge. The body instinctively holds onto these extra pounds as a reserve for milk production. Rapid weight loss can expose an infant to weight loss induced toxins released in breast milk (Iovine, 1995).

Reshaping

After a woman has consulted with her physician and feels comfortable with exercising, she should begin gradual emergence into a fitness plan consisting of healthy eating and calorie burning. Ridding the cabinets and fridge of fatty junk foods and sugary drinks will eliminate some of the temptation and likelihood of self-sabotaging weight loss progress.
Staying well hydrated while exercising by drinking 64 to 80 ounces of water a day will help flush the fat and fluids retained that a mother wants to lose after childbirth. According to the makers of Poland Spring, each 12 ounce can of soda replaced with water eliminates 3,650 teaspoons of sugar from a woman's diet in one year. Complete elimination of soda can result in weight loss of up to ten pounds in one year.

Get Moving

According to mother and certified Personal Trainer Becky Youman, incorporating basic heart healthy exercises such as walking, biking, rope jumping or dancing are physical activities that promote getting a postpartum body in shape. A new mother's ultimate weight loss goal may be more easily attained if the focus is on increasing physical activity and scheduling time dedicated to reshaping her body.

Potential

Set realistic goals that pertain directly to what physical activity is chosen for weight loss. Something as simple as continuing dance movements for 30 minutes before breakfast or taking a long walk around the neighborhood for an hour after dinner, are examples. According to Dr. Apovian, author of "The alli Diet Plan," simple walks, several times weekly for 30 to 60 minutes burns calories and promotes weight loss. Don't underestimate the small steps.

Effects

Determine inches lost with a tape measure rather than pounds dropped with a bathroom scale. Actual lost weight may not appear as significant as the amount of lost inches. A body's subtle changes and reshaping may otherwise go unnoticed. Celebrate the small feats while working toward larger weight loss goals.

How to Eat Healthy When Breastfeeding

As a nursing mother, you don't have to be as concerned about your diet as you were when you were pregnant. You will have much more leeway. However, there are still things that you should cut back on and even avoid while you are breastfeeding. Follow these tips to eat healthy when you are breastfeeding.

Instructions

1

Cut back on caffeine. One or two caffeinated beverages a day will not have a negative impact on you or your baby when you are nursing. However, more than that is not a good idea. Too much caffeine can make you and your baby jittery and make it more difficult for you both to sleep.

2

Avoid nicotine. Many of the toxic substances in tobacco products will work their way into your breast milk. Smoking can also decrease milk production. It can also cause your baby to vomit, have diarrhea and an increased heart rate.

3

Avoid alcohol. Alcohol will end up in your breast milk. Alcohol can make your baby sleepy, lethargic, unresponsive and unable to nurse effectively. Too much alcohol will also impair your ability to care for your newborn.

4

Be careful with herbs. Although natural, many herbs are not safe for your baby. There are no rules for selling and distributing herbs and they are not monitored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Be sure to talk with your doctor before using any type of herbal treatment when you are breastfeeding.

5

Use safe sweeteners. Avoid saccharine and use aspartame on a limited basis. Only very small amounts of aspartame pass into your breast milk. However, the long term heath effects are not yet known. Splenda is considered to be safe because it is made from sugar.

6

Eat foods that are organic. This will help to protect your baby from pesticides. If you cannot afford organic produce or it is not available to you, be sure to thoroughly clean all of your fruits and vegetables.

7

Eat a low-fat diet. This will make it easier to loose weight after pregnancy. Pesticides and other chemicals that are ingested by animals are stored in their fat. Eating low fat and lean meats will eliminate many chemicals that farm animals are exposed to.

What are the Seroquel Breastfeeding Dangers?

Seroquel is FDA-approved to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia according to MED tv. It is unknown if Seroquel passes into breastmilk, and doctors and nursing mothers must weigh benefits and risks to the mother and infant.

Expert Insight

Seroquel passes through breast milk in some animals, yet doctors do not know if Seroquel passes through breast milk in humans. Watch for any side effects in your child while taking Seroquel, states MED tv. Also, speak to your doctor about switching medicines.

Significance

Seroquel most often treats depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia according to Seroquel Consumer Information. It is important for mothers to receive treatment for their mental illness because babies' early experiences with a mother suffering from severe mental illness "may affect their future health and development" according to Medical News Today.

Benefits

Mothers who do receive diagnoses and treatment are more engaged and able to care for their children. Medical News Today states that "observational studies show that women with severe mental illness often have problems in relating to their new babies." Mothers are remote and babies react by crying excessively or becoming passive.

Effects

"Early experiences with mothers suffering from severe mental illness may interfere with the infant's regulation of emotion and attention, with cognitive and memory function, with the ability to distinguish the self from other people, and with the security of his/her attachment relationship to the mother" states Medical News Today. Proper drug treatment in mothers improves their children's lives.

Warning

Although many studies and sources may state differently, the actual patient pamphlet, Seroquel Consumer Information, states that "you should not breast-feed while taking Seroquel."

How to Use Cupping

Cupping is a healing art first used by ancient Chinese practitioners who called it "horn therapy." The process is simple. Glass cups are heated from the inside and placed above different muscle areas to form suction. This is said to stimulate circulation and suck out toxins, allowing the body to heal from anything from colds to back pain. The use of cupping is said to be safe and noninvasive.

Instructions

1

Learn the difference between the two different kinds of cupping, wet and dry. Wet cupping involves bloodletting, which is not the focus of this article and is a whole different therapy unto itself. Dry cupping involves placing the cups over unbroken skin.

2

Consider the two different ways the cups are used, stationary and moving. Stationary is the technique most used by Chinese practitioners and involves placing the cups on the skin and leaving them for 5-15 minutes in one location. Moving, also known as "massage cupping," is the choice of today's therapists. Before the cups are used, oil is rubbed onto the skin to help identify areas of tension or congestion, the cup is then placed, the vacuum is created and the cup is slid over the surface of the affected area.

3

Note that glass or bamboo are the preferred materials for the cups. The cups are placed on the skin with suction, which is said to influence the flow of energy and blood in the body, particularly the affected area needing treatment.

4

Experience cupping for yourself if you are having problems with your neck, shoulders, back, hips, abdomen, thighs, upper arms or calves. There is a specific pattern to the cups depending on the condition involved. For example, the cups are placed in rows down the back next to the spine to help relieve colds and the flu or to suppress pain.

5

Understand the vacuum in the cup brings blood and lymph to the area which is said to promoting circulation and healing. In addition, the suction will help disrupt adhesions between the skin and underlying connective tissues, assisting with range of motion issues.

6

Contact licensed massage therapists in your area to see if they offer cupping.

How to Naturally Improve Breast Milk

Breast milk is very important for any nursing mother because it nourishes an infant and keeps him healthy. There really is no substitute for good breast milk, no matter how well and artificial formula may be marketed. If you have decided to breastfeed, you should know that there are a number of natural home remedies to make your breast milk more nutritious and also more plentiful. You're going to need as much healthy milk as possible to make sure your infant grows up strong.

Instructions

1

Boil about one cup of water or however much you are likely to drink at one time. More is better!

2

Grind up some fennel seeds into a fine powder.

3

Saturate the fennel seeds in the boiling water for a few minutes.

4

Let the water cool, and then drink this down. Fennel seeds are linked to women producing more breast milk. Drinking this a few times a day will lead to better breast milk production.

5

Consume almond oil daily. Weather you buy the extract or simply eat almonds, the result is the same. Almonds are some of the best nuts around and are full of healthy antioxidants. They will not only make the breast milk you produce healthier, but they will also make you healthy as well.

6

Mix together some eggs and milk. This will be a high combination of proteins and calcium, perfect for making healthy breast milk.

7

Soak some buckwheat in the egg and milk mixture. Buckwheat is a potent grain that is great for a healthy heart.

8

Eat this mixture once per day so that your breast milk can increase its volume of protein and calcium. Along with the almond oil's antioxidants, it will make for very healthy breast milk.

Gentian Violet in Infants

Gentian violet has been used for generations as an over-the-counter treatment for oral thrush, a common yeast infection in infants and young children. It can also be used as a topical treatment for yeast infections of the nipples by lactating mothers which, if left untreated, can be passed on to breastfed infants during feeding.

Gentian Violet

Gentian violet is an antiseptic dye. Classified as an antifungal drug, it is used to treat fungal skin infections. It also has antibacterial properties and can aid in infection prevention. Gentian violet is used topically for the treatment of thrush in infants as well as breastfeeding mothers. Thrush is a fungal infection known to infect moist, warm areas of the body. Thrush is an overgrowth of candida albicans, a yeast normally found in the human body.

Use

Gentian violet can be purchased at pharmacies and online. To use gentian violet as a treatment for oral thrush in infants and children, use a Q-tip to apply a small amount of 0.25 percent or 0.5 percent solution to the affected area of the childs mouth once a day, or as directed by a pediatrician. If using to treat yeast infection of the nipples, it can be applied topically to the nipple and areola with a Q-tip twice a day. This will also treat the babys mouth during breast feeding.

Benefits

When a thrush infection is caught early on, the dye can be used effectively as the only means of treatment. For more severe infections, gentian violet can be used in conjunction with prescription antifungal medications. It can often be a less-expensive alternative to prescription medications. Gentian violet is easy to use and has few side effects, although, as with all drugs, it should be used with caution and only with approval from your pediatrician.

Side Effects

Common side effects include swelling, redness and irritation of the affected area. Rarely, the use of gentian violet can cause skin sores at the site of application or an allergic reaction such as itching, difficulty breathing, dizziness or swelling. A 2008 research study by P. Drinkwater published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology showed a link between the use of gentian violet and oral cancer.

Considerations

One of the biggest problems with using gentian violet to treat infant thrush is how messy it can be. The dye is bright purple, hence the name, and will stain clothing as well as the skin. Your childs lips may be stained purple for several days until the dye fades. There are several prescription medications frequently ordered to treat oral thrush in infants, such as Nystatin or Diflucan, which your pediatrician may prefer.

Breastfeeding with Comfort & Joy

Imagine nuzzling your baby's soft head and inhaling her sweet scent, all while giving her the nutrition she needs. On paper, breastfeeding sounds like a new mom's dream activity. In real life, the process isn't always a smooth one. Feeling stressed and pained by this ritual isn't healthy for you or your little one. While her needs are most important now, it's worth making the effort to make breastfeeding a nurturing time for you, too.

Be Flexible

You and your baby will both find breastfeeding unsatisfying if your baby can't nurse successfully. Try out different positions at each feeding. The classic cradle hold, in which you hold your baby across your body with her head resting on your elbow, might be perfect for one mom but not for another. Try the clutch hold, too, which many women find easier than the cradle hold, according to HealthyChildren.org. Your baby's body is positioned at your side, with her bottom near your back and her face at your breast. Lying down on your side with your baby lying next to you might be your favorite position, since it gives your arms a rest. Alternating positions within a feeding, and alternating breasts every few minutes, ensures that your breasts are evenly emptied by the time your little one is full.

Involve Loved Ones

Despite the sleep in your eyes, you might find a 4 a.m. feeding one of the most joyful because it's a time for you and your baby to be completely alone in a peaceful space. During other feedings, however, involving other family members includes them in the bonding process and provides you with comfort. Invite other children to snuggle up next to you and sing lullabies to the baby, or ask your partner to sit behind you on the bed with his legs spread so you can recline against him. If you're comfortable, you might even set up a video chat program (or speakerphone) with a distant friend or relative so you can chat while the baby nurses -- and share your amazement at how quickly she's growing.

Pamper Yourself

Cracked nipples and an aching back are never mentioned in those ads that feature serene breastfeeding moms. Delivering crucial nutrients and establishing a bond with your baby doesn't come without consequences, so anticipate that your nipples may be occasionally painful. Nurture them carefully to make future nursing sessions as pain-free as possible. Let breast milk dry on your nipples, suggests MayoClinic.com, since it might soothe sore spots. The site also recommends applying lanolin or hydrogel dressings to dry nipples at the end of a feeding, though it's always wise to check with your doctor first. Pamper yourself during long feedings by tucking heating pads between your pillows and back, and use the occasional nursing as a chance to soak your toes in a bubbling foot bath.

Additional Tips

There's always be something to worry about where your little one is concerned. Breastfeeding is not the time to think about how you'll pay for college or whether the laundry is done. In fact, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine's Medline Plus website, stress and anxiety can prevent milk from flowing into the milk ducts. Create a mantra, like "be present," and repeat it to yourself before each nursing session. Focus on your baby's face and the subtle cues she gives you. You might even use this time to record yourself sharing your thoughts and feelings for her and save these messages to play for her in years to come. And remember, though breastfeeding might feel overwhelming at first, help is always available. Hospital staff should help you learn the basics before you check out, and a lactation specialist can help you troubleshoot breastfeeding issues once you're home.

How to Stop Breastfeeding & Ease Breast Pain

Making the decision to wean your baby is fraught with complications, not the least of which is easing breast pain. Being prepared for weaning and taking the process slowly will help to make the transition smooth for you and your baby.

Instructions

1

Decide if weaning your baby will be a gradual or abrupt process. This decision sometimes hinges on medical reasons, work issues or other personal factors. The La Leche League advises against abrupt weaning if it can be avoided as it results in engorgement of the breasts, unnecessary pain and can increase the risk for infection.

2

Reduce feeding by either taking away the least important daily feedings or by reducing each feeding by a few minutes. Weaning gradually reduces the amount of breast pain involved in the weaning process.

3




Providing a bottle or snack will reduce weaning anxiety for your baby.

Provide your baby with substitutes for usual feeding times such as a bottle, sippy cup or acceptable snack, depending on the age of your child. Acceptable snacks may include baby food, finger foods designed specifically for babies or diced or mashed vegetables or fruit.

4




If you are experiencing fever or chills while weaning you should call your doctor to check for infection.

Reduce breast pain by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever and using warm compresses or taking a hot shower. You can also express a little milk to reduce the pressure using either your hands or a breast pump.

5




Nursing is just one aspect of the relationship with your child.

Give your baby extra reassurance during this time of transition. Making sure your baby is happy will make stopping breastfeeding easier for you, too.

How to Ease Afterpains After Giving Birth

After giving birth, the uterus must return to its pre-pregnancy size. To do this, the uterus contracts and causes cramps that can vary from mild to very strong. These uterine contractions are known as afterbirth pains. The first few days after birth are when most mothers feel them. Afterpains have the potential to become worse with each subsequent delivery. There are several things you can do to lessen the discomfort of afterpains.

Instructions

1

Try to prevent afterpains. Urinating frequently can help prevent or lessen afterpains. As with contractions, a full bladder can make the afterpains hurt worse.

2

Increase pressure. You can use any type of support garment like an ace bandage or a belly wrap to snuggly wrap your abdomen. This will sometimes lessen the intensity of the afterpains.

3

Try using heat. Use a heating pad or a warm rice sock over your belly to reduce the afterpains. You can also try lying in a warm tub. For really intense afterpains you can lie on your belly with a heating pad or warm rice sock underneath you. The pressure and the heat can sometimes work together to relieve severe cramps.

4

Try relaxation methods. If you used breathing in labor and it worked you may want to incorporate it again. You can also use massage techniques or perhaps even take a mind journey to a beautiful place.

5

Try herbs or tinctures. There are certain herbs and tinctures that are specifically made to decrease afterbirth contractions. Of course, make sure that it is safe to take if you are breastfeeding.

6

Call your physician. If the afterpains are too intense you can call your physician to see what he recommends. He can advise you of what to take over the counter or prescribe pain medication.

What Medications Can a Nursing Mother Take

Since all medications come with different risks, it is important for mothers and doctors to carefully examine what drugs are both safe and harmful for a nursing mother and her child. Drugs that may have been safe for a fetus may not be safe for an infant while he is breast-feeding.

Pain Medication

Pain medicines--such as Ibuprofen (Motrin), Morphine and Acetaminophen (Tylenol)--are recommended for nursing mothers. Nursing mothers should use Naproxen or Meperidine (Demerol) with caution.

Depression Medicine

Common anti-depression medications--such as Zoloft and Paxil--are less harmful than Prozac.

Allergy Medications

Doctors recommend that nursing mothers with allergies take Beconase, Flonase or Nasalcrom.

Diabetes

For nursing mothers with diabetes, Insulin, Micronase, Glucotrol and Orinase are the recommended types of medication. Mothers should avoid Glucophage or Thiazolinediones while nursing.

Birth Control

For mothers interested in taking birth control, barrier methods are recommended over contraceptives containing estrogen.

Warning

The effect a drug has on a nursing baby is determined by how much of the drug is transferred into the breast milk. The transfer occurs when the drug has a high concentration of serum. Some mothers prefer to avoid any medications while nursing. However, if that is impossible, know that there are many options.

How to Give Your Baby Gas Relief

Chronic gas, also known as colic is causes sleepless nights for many new parents. It can be a very painful condition for a newborn, who swallows a lot of air during feeding. The good news is that there are a few ways that you can give your baby gas relief.

Instructions

1

Reduce the amount of air that your baby swallows. You can accomplish this by making sure your baby is positioned the correct way during feedings. Breastfed babies should latch on to the areola of the breast rather than the very tip portion of the nipple. This will reduce the amount of air your baby takes in. Bottle fed babies should suck on the wide base portion of the nipple. Hold the bottle at a 45 degree angle. This will send the air to the bottom of the bottle.

2

Avoid foods that can cause your baby to have gas. This is one of the easiest ways to give your breastfed baby gas relief. Foods such as wheat, raw vegetables, dairy products, and cabbage can upset a baby's stomach. Also, peanuts, and drinks that contain caffeine can cause infant gas.

3

Limit the amount of milk your baby gets during feedings. This applies to both breastfed and bottle fed babies. Feed your baby smaller amounts, but make the feedings more frequent. Hold your baby up in a sitting position for at least 30 minutes after each feeding. This will help the baby digest the milk or formula better. Lactose that is not properly digested can cause gas.

4

Help your baby get rid of gas. Give your baby gas relief by burping him or her. This can be done by placing the baby on your knee or shoulder. One method that works really well is to lean the baby forward on your lap. Rest the baby's stomach on one of your hands and pat the baby's back with the other. Use a glycerin suppository to see if your baby is constipated. Place it inside the baby's rectum. This can help ease the constipation and release gas from the intestines.

How to Prepare for Birth & Bringing the Baby Home

The birth of a new baby is an exciting time, but it can also be tiring, overwhelming and stressful. As parent educator Joan Sheingold Ditzion said, "This [new] period of parenting is an intense one. Never will we know such responsibility, such productive and hard work, such potential for isolation in the caretaking role and such intimacy and close involvement in the growth and development of another human being." By putting some effort into planning and preparing for childbirth and your new baby, you can help this intense and demanding period of your life go as smoothly as possible.

Instructions

1

Attend a childbirth class. Taking a class in your third trimester can teach you about the signs of premature labor, how to recognize when labor begins, the stages of labor and breathing techniques. Classes also often cover information about breastfeeding, caring for your newborn and adjusting to parenthood.

2

Make important decisions for your baby's care. Choose a pediatrician you feel comfortable with. Decide if you want to breastfeed or formula-feed, use cloth or disposable diapers and circumcise your baby, if you are having a boy. All of these decisions require some research and forethought and should be thoroughly discussed with your partner until you reach a satisfactory decision together.

3

Write a birth plan to encourage yourself to think about the kind of labor you hope to have. Research information about pain relief, various labor interventions and finding labor support. It's a good idea to review examples of birth plans -- but don't simply copy wording from sample plans. Your birth plan should be personal. Make sure you understand and can explain all of the preferences you include.

4

Create a space in your home for your baby. Set up a crib or bassinet where your baby can sleep either in your bedroom or in a nursery. Purchase baby supplies you will need in the early weeks, such as diapers, baby wipes, burp cloths, towels, washcloths, nursing bras (if you plan to breastfeed), and formula and bottles (if you plan to formula-feed). Make sure to have a lined garbage can or diaper pail for disposal of dirty diapers.

5

Prepare your car for your trip to the hospital. Pack a hospital bag by the beginning of your last month of pregnancy and keep it in your trunk. Install a rear-facing infant car seat in your car's back seat. Make sure you always keep enough gas in your car to reach to the hospital, and ensure that you -- and anyone who may drive you during labor -- knows the best route to get there.

6

Focus on relaxing and taking care of your newborn during his first weeks. Cook and freeze extra meals so you won't need to cook right after bringing your baby home. Keep disposable plates and cups on hand so you don't have to wash dishes. Ask friends and family members to help with cleaning and child care for older siblings if you need the assistance. Limit the number of visitors and phone calls if interacting with too many people would make you feel stressed. Keep all of your baby's supplies in one place, so you don't have to run all over the house when your baby needs a diaper or clothing change.

How to Fight Postpartum Depression With Vitamins

Postpartum depression can paralyze a normally caring mother and halt the enjoyment of raising a newborn. Women who seek medication or counseling are often relieved of the illness but some are disappointed or would feel comfortable with a more natural approach. Without many options, it's easy to despair even further. Some have turned to vitamins with great success.

Instructions

1

Increase Omega 3 fatty acids. A Harvard study showed that bi-polar patients stayed in remission longer and had less depression when taking higher doses of Omega 3's. You can purchase supplements and also eat more tuna, salmon, and walnuts.

2

Take a Vitamin B-3 supplement for more energy. Vitamin B-3 is necessary for the energy conversion. Many women feel sluggish during postpartum depression. Stay away from alcohol as it can cause Vitamin B-3 deficiency.

3

Use Vitamin E daily for immune system function and chronic fatigue.

4

Purchase some folic acid. Low levels of folic acid have been linked to depression in studies. Studies have shown that people recover from depression more quickly when they supplement with folic acid.

5

Incorporate more iron and calcium into your diet either with food an vitamins. Iron deficiency contributes to fatigue and calcium deficient people may have problems sleeping. Eat more whole grains, broccoli and dairy products.

6

Use zinc to fight loss in appetite or irritability. Foods with higher levels of zinc in them include wheat germ, whole grains and meats.

When to Wean a Baby From Breastmilk to Cow's Milk?

Generally babies can begin drinking cow's milk after their first birthday. Although milk may be introduced at this age, weaning the baby completely from breast milk or formula may take some time.

When to Introduce Cow's Milk

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against offering cow's milk to a child younger than 1 year to reduce risk of allergies and difficulty with digestion. In the first year, babies should only be fed breast milk, iron-fortified formula and age appropriate solid foods. After the child's first birthday, parents may begin transitioning their toddlers from breast milk or formula to cow's milk.

Making the Transition

According to Doctor Laura Jana, M.D, most babies will do well if their regular amount of breast milk or formula is completely substituted with cow's milk the first time it is offered. However, some babies may be reluctant to accept cow's milk. In these cases, parents should mix formula or breast milk with cow's milk and gradually decrease the amount of formula or breast milk until their baby is fully transitioned to cow's milk.

Special Considerations

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to give their babies whole milk between 1 and 2 years of age. However, if there is a risk of obesity or heart disease in the family, parents should opt for 2% milk instead. Babies with milk allergies should drink soy milk or other substitutes, as advised by their pediatrician.

How to Naturally Get Rid of Gas in Babies

Having a gassy baby is hard on the baby and you. Gassy babies tend to cry because gas causes abdominal discomfort. Gas can be caused by certain foods they eat or food eaten by a breastfeeding mother. Feeding babies incorrectly can also cause gas. While medicated drops can help, naturally treating babies' gas can be gentler on their sensitive systems.

Instructions

1

Lay your baby flat and face up on a soft blanket or baby mat. Grasp her ankles and gently begin moving her legs back and forth into her chest slowly.

2

Fill a baby bathtub with warm water and a teaspoon of lavender-scented baby soap to give the water a calming scent. Lay the baby in the tub and allow the faucet to gently pour warm water over her stomach to relax her stomach muscles.

3

Purchase baby-formulated all natural gripe water from a local health food or natural food store. Administer it to your baby according to the directions on the bottle. Gripe water is an all-natural formula that eases a baby's sensitive digestive system while relieving gas.

4

Keep a log of the foods your baby eats. Mark any foods where gassiness follows consumption and cut them out of your baby's diet for the time being. Speak with your doctor about these foods to ensure your baby doesn't have a food intolerance.