Reglan to Increase Breast Milk

Some mothers who attempt to breastfeed struggle with low milk supply, which can be the effect of multiple issues by either mother or baby. Doctors can prescribe Reglan to increase milk supply if other attempts to solve the problem have failed.

Low Milk Supply in Nursing Mothers

Milk supply can cause disappointment and depression in mothers. Breasts feeling emptier than usual, the behavior of the baby, amount of nursing, length of nursing sessions and amount a mother is able to pump are common worries but not always signs of milk supply issues. If a baby is not gaining enough weight, or not having enough wet and dirty diapers a mother should then be concerned about milk supply. A doctor can help mothers decide whether supply is a problem and how to help.

Causes of Low Milk Supply

Low milk supply can be caused by supplementing the nursing baby's diet with bottles. It is recommended that mothers only offer the breast, especially during the early weeks while the milk supply is being established. Pacifiers can cause nipple confusion and lead to a baby not nursing enough to increase the mother's milk supply. Frequent nursing is important in establishing breastfeeding with a newborn. Short nursing sessions or too much time in between nursing can also reduce supply. Breast milk is made on a supply-demand basis, meaning the more a baby nurses the more milk is produced. Trying to keep babies on a strict nursing schedule can interfere with the body's ability to produce enough milk. Problems with the baby's tongue or latch can cause inadequate nursing and lead to lowered supply.

Information about Reglan

Reglan is a medication commonly used for reflux and diabetic gastroparesis. This medication increases the muscle contractions within the digestive track. Reglan is also commonly prescribed by doctors to increase milk supply in nursing mothers. This is because Reglan increases prolactin, the hormone in the brain that causes milk production.

Reglan Side Effects

Common side effects of Reglan include drowsiness or insomnia, headaches, nausea, diarrhea, breast swelling and changes in menstruation. The rare but more serious side effects include muscle tremors, stiff muscles, depression, hallucinations, anxiety, water retention, jaundice and seizures. Any of these side effects are serious and mothers should seek immediate medical care. No side effects have been reported in infants of breastfeeding mothers, but moms should watch for drowsiness and poor feeding.

Tips for Increasing Milk Supply

Before prescribing Reglan, doctors may recommend other methods for increasing milk supply. One method is to make sure that the baby is nursing often and efficiently. Moms should make sure that the baby is not falling asleep at the breast. This can be done by tickling a baby's chin to encourage sucking, or changing the diaper of a sleepy baby before nursing. Some mothers may need to spend a few days laying in bed with the baby all day and offering the breast constantly. Not supplementing is a great way to promote a healthy milk supply. Pumping between nursing sessions can signal the body that it needs to produce more milk. Mothers should stay hydrated, and avoid giving young babies pacifiers or bottles.

How to Get Your Kid to Sleep Through The Night

Often, the one thing keeping your child from sleeping through the night is YOU, not the child. Find out why.

Instructions

1

So you think your baby is ready to sleep through the night? First, you should have an infant at least 1-2 months old. A newborn shouldn't sleep through the night that early since they need to feed so often. Your child should be able to nap for 3-4 hours at ANY time during the day. If your child still wakes up like clockwork every two hours, day and night, they may not be ready.

2

Knowing your child is very important. After about 6-8 weeks, babies typically do NOT need to feed so often, as their intake with each meal has increased. If you are breastfeeding, this may be harder, as babies tend to feed more often with breast milk. It just doesn't last.

3

So, to start, you must get your babies feeds as high as possible. I tended to breastfeed during the day and then at night, I would top off with formula. My husband would try to crank down as much milk as possible, which I don't recommend. I typically tried a two ounce bottle of formula after breastfeeding, though the baby rarely finished all two ounces.

4

The other step is to make sure your baby's sleep cycle is set to night time, as when they are first born, it is totally random (they've been in the dark for nine months, remember?). A quick way to ensure this is to try and keep the baby awake as long as possible during the daytime, slowly extending the time between naps.

5

Now there is another type of baby who doesn't sleep through the night. We'll call this the older type of baby...typically months old, or even more. It is obvious that the child SHOULD be able to sleep through the night, but for whatever reason, they don't.

You know which ones I'm talking about. They already eat solid food and may not be hungry but attention seeking. These kids typically start in their bed, in their room, and then end up in your bed.

6

To "wean" them from your attention, this takes tough love, so it is important to set aside a weekend (or long weekend) where you and your spouse have no other responsibilities, because you may not sleep much.

7

Once your child goes to bed, you sleep until they wake up in the middle of the night, typically after 3-4 hours. Then, you go into their room (if they are still in your room, you move them out if possible) and you pat them on the back and comfort them. DO NOT pick up your child! Sounds harsh, but you have been training your child to respond to your picking them up (and THEY have been training you with their crying)

Remedies for Infant Gas Pain

Gas discomfort can occur in infants of any age, but according to Parents Magazine, it appears to peak at three to six weeks. The cause of gas may be swallowing too much air during crying, difficulty processing formula or difficulty with something the mother is eating (if she is breastfeeding). Methods such as infant massage, tummy time and diet changes in the breastfeeding mother may help relieve infant gas pain.

Tummy Time

Pressure on the stomach appears to help gas pass through the digestive system, according to Parents Magazine. Even if the baby is a little fussy at first, allow several minutes on the tummy to give the gas an opportunity to find its way out. Always supervise tummy time sessions, which are healthy for a child's development but need to be monitored until the infant gets older.

Bicycle Legs

Put your baby on his back and gently bicycle his legs. This appears to encourage the gas to move through the digestive track. Babies who are fussy might not like this movement at first, but doing it several times a day can help relieve infant gas, according to Parents Magazine.

Diet Changes

Mothers who are breastfeeding can make diet changes that may reduce infant gas pain. Eliminating products containing caffeine, such as coffee, teas and chocolates, may help. Also, for some infants, cutting dairy and nuts out of your diet (and their breast milk supply) can make a difference.

Warm Baths

According to the Mayo Clinic, heat and touch may help relieve stomach pains in infants. Give your infant a warm bath and gently massage around his tummy. This can help move gas through the digestive system and relax a stressed-out infant.
Infant massage may also help some children, according to the Mayo Clinic. Join an infant massage class in your community or purchase an inexpensive DVD to learn techniques. Most techniques focus on massaging the stomach and legs to promote passing of gas.

Infant Gas Drops

Ask your infant's pediatrician about using anti-gas medication such as Mylicon drops. Another over-the-counter medication is Little Tummys Gas Relief. This medication is free of saccharin, preservatives and artificial flavors, according to Medtech Products, the manufacturer.

How to Know When Baby Is Ready to Sleep Through Night?

Babies can be so unpredictable. Some babies may go right to sleep on their own while others may make more of a fuss at bedtime. Young babies do have a harder time staying asleep all night because they have more needs than an older baby. There are some signs and a few ways to assist your baby in sleeping more, to where gradually their sleep should become an all night pattern. Heres how:

Instructions

1

Activity will increase during the day. Naturally the older babies get, the more alert and active they will become during the day. They may not skip all naps, but if your baby refuses to take one nap, this is all right because the more they stay up during the day; the more they will want to sleep at night.

2

When the baby on his/her own decides to skip a nighttime feeding. After the last feeding before bedtime, babies will begin to go longer and longer before awakening.

3

As your babies' stomach gets bigger. The older your babies get, the more food they can consume at once because their stomachs are growing. Obviously it takes more food for you to be full than it does for a baby but as their stomach grows it will be able to hold more at each feeding. This will also start spacing feedings further apart.

4

Breastfeeding and formula feeding differences. Generally, if you are breastfeeding, your baby will need more feedings than in a formula fed baby. Formula is known to sit in a babies stomach for a bit longer. Also, giving your baby cereal can make him/her more full. Some people feed babies (baby) cereal before bedtime because of this reason. Eventually your baby will start more solid or baby foods with breast milk or formula, thus filling their stomachs better.

5

When satisfaction and comfort is achieved. If your babies is satisfies, he/she will not wake up crying during the night. Feeding is not the only reason babies awake during the night. They may wake up because they are feeling sick, are in a noisy environment, need a diaper change or they want to be consoled. If all these areas are taken care of, your baby should be able to sleep through the night possibly between two and three months.

How to Convert a Bra to a Nursing Bra by Sewing

Breastfeeding is the favored method for moms to feed their infants. There are many advantages to breastfeeding, including the health benefits to the child as well as the added convenience to the mother. Special clothing is needed to enable nursing your baby quickly and conveniently. Along with a nursing shawl to preserve modesty, the nursing bra is a necessary item for nursing moms. Nursing bras have cups that unfasten easily. Although nursing bras can be purchased, you will find it less expensive and have greater variety if you convert a regular bra into a nursing bra.

Instructions

1

Select a comfortable bra that fits well, preferably not underwire as it is seldom used in nursing bras because of concern it might constrict the breast and cause blocked milk ducts.

2

Cut the front of the bra strap about 1 inch above the bra cup.

3

Fold the short piece of the strap that is attached to the cup through the bottom of the "S" hook. Thread about a 12-inch length of the matching colored thread through a sewing needle. Insert the needle into the short end of the strap and take several stitches from the back of the strap to the front of the strap, in the same spot, to secure the end of the thread.

4

Hand-sew along the cut edge of the strap to secure the fold and to affix the strap to the bottom of the hook. Take several stitches in place at the end of your sewing line to secure the stitches. Clip the thread close to the strap.

5

Fold over about 1/2 inch on the cut end of the longer piece of the bra strap, forming a loop that will be threaded through the top portion of the "S" hook when fastening and unfastening your nursing bra. Stitch this fold in place using the same process of stitching in Steps 3 and 4.

6

Cut a piece of ribbon or 1/4-inch-wide elastic to a 6-inch length. Stitch one end of the ribbon to the longer end of the bra strap, close to the folded edge sewn in Step 5. Stitch the other end of the ribbon to a place inside the bra cup. Do not stretch the elastic if using elastic. Use this ribbon to keep the top end of the bra strap accessible when you unfasten it when nursing.

What Can Black Mold Do?

Mold in a home often leads to concern about its effects, but few molds cause as much anxiety about its appearance as black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum). Sometimes misleadingly called toxic mold, black mold grows in homes with sufficient levels of dampness, such as water leaks, flooding damage or high humidity levels. This mold causes several different effects in people and pets alike.

Health Effects

In general, mold has no effect on average people with healthy immune systems. People with sensitivity to mold, however, experience several effects from exposure to black mold or other types of mold. Mold sensitivity may exist in people with asthma or allergies, as well as those with compromised immune systems, such as people with HIV, the elderly, organ-transplant recipients or chemotherapy patients. When people with a weaker immune system have exposure to black mold, symptoms resemble an allergic reaction to dust or animal dander. Sneezing, difficulty breathing and coughing all stem from mold exposure. The mold itself lacks toxicity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; instead, black mold can produce toxins known as mycotoxins, which then get into the atmosphere. When humans with mold sensitivity breathe these spores in, they experience allergic reactions.

Black Mold and Children

Parents often worry that black mold exposure can seriously harm their children. In many cases, children's exposure to black mold leads to similar symptoms as adults -- coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath and other symptoms. Infant exposure to black mold, however, may produce a more severe result known as pulmonary hemosiderosis. Pulmonary hemosiderosis is bleeding in the lungs, and infants diagnosed with this cough up blood or have blood coming from their lungs. According to Case Western Reserve University's Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, several infants died from pulmonary hemosiderosis in the Cleveland, Ohio, area and were thought to have been exposed to black mold. The CDC, however, notes that no definitive link between black mold exposure and pulmonary hemosiderosis has been made.

Pregnant Women

Pregnant women and breastfeeding women may also experience respiratory trouble, sneezing, stuffy nose, itchy and watery eyes, rashes and occasionally a fever, all caused by black mold. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that not enough studies have been performed on pregnant and breastfeeding women and their exposure to mold. However, studies noted that some molds raise the risk of birth defects in animals. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should limit their mold exposure as a preventive measure to ensure the health and safety of their children.

Pets and Mold

A case reported in 2007 revealed two cats that experienced acute pulmonary hemorrhaging during routine anesthesia for dental cleaning had been exposed to black mold. One of the cats died about 30 hours after initial treatment. The other cat responded to treatment and was released but subsequently died as well. The cats' home was found to be severely contaminated with black mold because of storm damage. A co-author of the report, Douglas Mader, DVM, states it's likely that dogs can experience the same reaction to severe mold exposure.

How to Switch From Breast to Bottles

While the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breast milk throughout the first year, breastfeeding your child for this length of time may prove difficult. (source 1) Most mothers do not have the option to stay by their child's side 24 hours a day. Furthermore, there are occasions when a mother may not want to breastfeed her child or the father may want to share in the experience of feeding his baby. Accordingly, at some point or another, every mother must introduce her baby to bottle feeding.

Instructions

1

Substitute breastfeeding with occasional bottle feedings. Begin by changing the baby's midday feedings from the breast to the bottle.

2

Choose a bottle with a nipple that is similar to your baby's pacifier. Heat the nipple with warm water to make it more appealing. Allow your baby to play with the nipple before feeding so that she can familiarize herself with it.

3

Allow someone else, such as the father, to feed the child the first bottle. Leave the area, or home if possible, while your baby is being given the first bottle. Allowing someone else to bottle feed the baby for the first time will create less confusion for the child.

4

Offer the baby the bottle slightly before his regular feeding time. Offer the bottle when the baby is hungry enough to be interested but not frustrated by the cold nipple.

5

Hold the baby in her normal feeding position while bottle feeding. Switch the hold if the baby seems uncomfortable. Experiment until you find a hold that works.

6

Continue changing one feeding at a time every two to three days until you have reached the desired number of bottle feedings. Stop all breastfeeding with two weeks of beginning the weaning process if you are completely eliminating breastfeeding.

How to Fight Thrush While Breastfeeding

Thrush can be a very painful condition for the breastfeeding mother. Thrust is caused by an overgrowth of Candida Albicans (yeast) and often affects the nipple and milk ducts as well as the mouth and diaper area of the baby. You might be more susceptible to developing thrust if you recently took antibiotics (maybe during labor), you have cracked nipples or you are taking oral contraceptives. Thrush is very difficult to treat and you must be persistent.

Instructions

1

Know the signs of thrush. It is very easy to have thrush in the early weeks of breastfeeding because of the sore, cracked nipples caused by the mother and baby learning to breastfeed. The pain is often described as a severe burning sensation in the nipple and sharp, shooting pains deep in the breast after the feeding is over. The nipples may also be itchy, red and shiny, flaky, or present a rash with tiny blisters. If you experience these symptoms after many weeks or months of pain-free breastfeeding, it it likely that you have acquired thrush. If you have rechecked the baby's latch and pain is still persisting beyond two or three weeks after birth, then you should consult your doctor or a lactation consultant to get diagnosed.

2

Signs of thrush in the baby include white patches in the mouth and/or a diaper rash that is patchy red with lots of little red bumps.

3

Cut back on refined sugar and eat yogurt with probiotics (or take probiotics in capsules). If the baby is old enough (8-9 months), he or she should also eat yogurt. Yeast thrives on sugar so don't give it an opportunity to keep spreading and get worse.

4

Change your breast pads/bras often to prevent the spread of the thrush.

5

Wash and boil bottles, pacifiers and breast pump parts thoroughly after each feeding or pump session.

6

Use gentian violet, which is an over the counter anti-yeast treatment. You can swab the baby's mouth with gentian violet or use it directly on your nipples. See the resource article for more about gentian violet.

7

You can also use Lotrimin or Monistat (both sold over the counter) on your nipples but make sure to wipe it off before breastfeeding your baby.

8

If you get no relief after trying these home remedies, then you will probably need to see your doctor and get a prescription to really attack the thrush. The good news is that the thrush usually goes away by the end of a two week treatment.

How to Treat Psoriasis While Pregnant

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by red, scaly lesions and periodic outbreaks. Psoriasis causes skin cells to grow and mature in three to four days, rather than the normal 30-day cycle. The excess skin cells builds up on the skin surface, causing lesions most often on the scalp, elbows, knees and trunk. The cause of psoriasis is unknown but it is hereditary. Effective topical and systemic (oral or injected) treatments are available, but caution must be used when pregnant and nursing to avoid harm to the developing fetus.

Instructions

Topical Therapies

1

Steroids: Safety during pregnancy has not been proven, so topical steroids should be used only when the benefit outweighs the potential risk. Because steroids may be absorbed through the skin if used on large areas, do not use steroids under wrappings (occlusive dressings) unless you consult a doctor.

2

Anthralin and calcipotriene: No studies have been done on the use of these medications by pregnant or nursing women.

3

Tazarotene: Avoid using tazarotene, a topical retinoid, while you are trying to conceive and through pregnancy and breastfeeding. Stop using tazarotene immediately if you become pregnant while using it.

Systemic Therapies

4

Biologics (etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade) and adalimumab (Humira): Avoid all biologics while trying to conceive through pregnancy and breastfeeding. There is only limited information about the effect of these medications on the fetus, so they should be used only if there is clearly a medical need.

5

Cyclosporin A: No associated birth defects have been observed, but cyclosporin is associated with low birthweight and premature birth. Use only if there is clearly a medical need.

6

Methotrexate: Methotrexate may cause miscarriage and birth defects. Both men and women should not take methotrexate for at least 12 weeks before trying to conceive through pregnancy and breastfeeding. There is no risk after methotrexate has been discontinued.

7

Oral retinoids: Associated with a high risk of birth defects. Do not take oral retinoids while trying to conceive through pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Phototherapy

8

Psoralen plus ultraviolet A light (PUVA): Both psoralen and UVA cause genetic defects in the developing fetus and should be avoided by men and women while trying to conceive through pregnancy and breastfeeding.

9

Ultraviolet B light (UVB): Safe during conception, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.

10

UVB plus tar or anthralin (Goeckerman regimen): Safe during conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Postpartum Anxiety Medication

Postpartum anxiety may occur alone or in conjunction with postpartum depression. In most cases, anxiety accompanies depression, and treatment will address both conditions. Most commonly, antidepressants will be recommended.

Significance

According to askdrsears.com, 10 to 15 percent of all women experience postpartum depression. Pregnancy-info.net notes that postpartum anxiety affects between 4 and 6 percent of all women who have recently had a baby.

Effects

Symptoms of postpartum anxiety may include excessive worry about the baby's welfare, and may cause new mothers to become fearful about accidentally or purposefully causing harm to their infant. Other symptoms include memory and concentration difficulties, insomnia, exhaustion, inability to relax, poor appetite, suicidal thoughts and panic attacks.

Antidepressants

Women with both depression and anxiety can be treated with antidepressants. According to the National Institutes of Health, breastfeeding moms may choose to take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as paroxetine and sertraline, or a tricyclic antidepressant called nortriptyline. Women who are not breastfeeding can use whatever medication their doctor recommends.

Anti-Anxiety Medications

Women with severe anxiety may need a benzodiazepine to reduce anxiety. Medications such as lorazepam or diazepam may be prescribed temporarily.

Warning

When postpartum depression and anxiety does not respond to medication, it may become a more serious illness known as postpartum psychosis. Postpartum psychosis symptoms may include hallucinations, delusions, suicidal thoughts, homicidal thoughts and inability to function. Inpatient treatment is needed when postpartum psychosis occurs.

Hiccups After Breastfeeding

Hiccups are a common problem for babies, particularly after eating. Some babies may get the hiccups every day; some even multiple times per day. Hiccuping happens when air is trapped under the diaphragm, which is often the result of gulping or drinking hungrily during breastfeeding. Bottle-feeding can also cause hiccups in babies, and most of the time hiccups are nothing to worry about. If your baby's hiccups cause him discomfort or scare him, you can work to reduce their appearance.

Causes

The diaphragm is the muscle that moves when you breathe in and out deeply. The diaphragm spasms when it has air trapped underneath it; this causes the hiccups to occur. Trapped air gets under the diaphragm when baby swallows a lot of air while she eats; this most often occurs when babies gulp down their milk. Hiccups can also occur when the stomach becomes too full, because the stomach is right next to the diaphragm.

Smaller Feedings

William Sears, a pediatrician at parenting.com, recommends feeding a baby twice as often but half as much at each feeding to reduce the appearance of hiccups. Feeding baby smaller quantities of milk will help his stomach stay down at a normal size, which means the stomach won't push against the diaphragm. If this doesn't happen, then the diaphragm won't spasm and the baby won't hiccup.

Frequent Burping

Another way to prevent hiccups during breastfeeding is to burp a baby more frequently in the middle of a breastfeeding session. This will help her get rid of the air she has swallowed, so it will be less likely to build up in her diaphragm and cause hiccups. Keep baby in an upright position for at least 20 minutes after feeding, which will help the air in her stomach rise to the top and come out as a burp rather than a hiccup.

Other Remedies

Pediatrician Diane Sacks advises at todaysparent.com that a few spoonfuls of water may help baby's hiccups go away if he gets them. She also recommends feeding baby when he is calm, rather than when he is starving. An agitated or extremely hungry baby will be more likely to gulp his milk quickly and swallow air in the process. Sacks does acknowledge, however, that sometimes feeding an agitated or overly hungry baby is unavoidable.

It is also perfectly fine to continue to nurse a baby while he hiccups, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics; the hiccups will eventually go away on their own.

Link to Reflux

According to parenting.com, if your baby has persistent hiccups she may also have gastroesophageal reflux, or GER. Other symptoms of this temporary condition include abdominal pain after feeding, general fussiness, painful night-waking, and spitting up. Parents who suspect their child might have GER should consult with a pediatrician about diagnosis and treatment options.

How to Heal Sore Breasts

Sore breasts can range from mild discomfort to disrupting your entire day. There are a variety of reasons for sore breasts such as a pulled muscle, hormone fluctuations, and cysts. Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause, and include icing, medications, diet modifications, and massage. Incorporating one or all of these can relieve sore breasts.

Instructions

1

Talk with your doctor to determine if you need a mammogram or an ultrasound to find the cause of your sore breasts. These procedures will show if the pain is associated with cysts, stretched fibers or something else.

2

Take birth control pills for sore breasts associated with hormone fluctuations. Birth control pills contain a combination of estrogen and progesterone that help to balance out the body. There are a variety of choices such as pills or injections. Talk to you doctor about prescription options.

3

Avoid salt and caffeine to ease breast pain. Salt and caffeine can dilate vessels and stretch nerves, causing pain and discomfort. Consider eating more green leafy vegetables and fiber to aid in flushing out the body's estrogen.

4

Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling associated with sore breasts. Wrap the ice pack in a towel and put on sore area for 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid putting ice directly on skin; it can burn you like frostbite.

5

Take ibuprofen for pain and swelling. Ibuprofen works to reduce breat pain and inflammation. Follow the instructions on the bottle for dosing, and talk to your doctor before taking if you are on any other medications.

6

Give or get a massage to relieve painful breasts. Focus on the upper and outer areas of the breast, where the bra hits. Massage releases toxins via the lymphatic system, which can ease pain.

How to Use a U-Shaped Pillow While Breastfeeding

Research shows that a nursing pillow can help ease the strain of holding a nursing baby. It also makes it easier for the baby to latch on correctly. This day and age, a nursing pillow is considered essential for new moms who plan to breastfeed. And with their u-shaped design, they're very easy to use.

Instructions

Cradle Hold

1

Wrap the pillow around your waist. The pillow should fit around you so the ends of the pillow are at your sides. That way, your back can rest up against the back of the chair.

2

Bring your baby into your arms and place the back of his head in the crook of your arm. Allow the baby to lie naturally, with his back against your forearm.

3

Position your nipple using your opposite hand.

4

Bring the baby to your breast and relax while you nurse. Use the pillow as an armrest so you don't get tired.

Football Hold

5

Sit in a tall chair or on the sofa, and wrap your nursing pillow around your waist. Because the football hold is popular among women who had a c-section, take care to keep the pillow from rubbing up against your incision.

6

Lie the baby along the side of the pillow. The baby's head and back should be supported by the nursing pillow, and his legs will be behind you.

7

Use your opposite hand to position your nipple and bring your baby to your breast.

Side Lying Position

8

Lie down in a place that is comfortable. Use the nursing pillow to support your head and your neck.

9

Bring your baby next to you, placing his stomach next to your stomach. Your baby will likely be laying on the nursing pillow to help him reach your nipple.

10

Bring your baby to your breast.

Extended Breastfeeding & Weight Loss

Many women wonder about extended breastfeeding and weight loss. It is common for many nursing moms to lose weight from the extra calories burned by producing breast milk. Some mothers have trouble losing weight while breastfeeding and are curious about how to effectively achieve weight loss without affecting their milk supply.

Breastfeeding Burns Extra Calories

Breastfeeding burns 500 extra calories each day

Many expectant mothers are happy when they learn that breastfeeding burns an extra 200 to 500 calories each day. This makes it easy for some mothers to lose weight in the postpartum period. It only takes a deficit of 500 calories a day to lose one pound each week, so for some mothers all it takes is breastfeeding and eating well.

Dieting While Breastfeeding

Nursing mothers should never consume fewer than 1500 to 1800 calories a day, with most doctors recommending women stay at the higher end of this range. Fad diets, diet pills and fasts are never recommended during breastfeeding as they can cause a drop in milk supply and quality. The best bet for nursing mothers is to eat healthy, unprocessed foods, limit sugar intake, drink lots of water, take a multivitamin and exercise. This, along with breastfeeding, will ensure that mothers are healthy and will contribute to weight loss.

Exercise While Nursing

Exercise can be healthy for nursing moms

Some myths about exercise and breastfeeding may make mothers cautious. Many women are told that exercise will cause a buildup of lactic acid in breast milk and cause the baby to refuse the breast. Recent studies at the Department of Animal and Nutritional Sciences University of New Hampshire has shown that this is untrue, finding that even after intense exercise, lactic acid levels are only moderately increased and babies do not nurse any differently. Other times, mothers are told that exercising will cause their milk to dry up. There is no evidence to support this myth. As long as a mother is eating well and drinking enough water, milk supply should not change.

Extended Breastfeeding Helps Weight Loss and Health

Studies at the Centre for Health and Society, Institute of Preventive Medicine have shown that mothers that breastfeed longer than six months lose more weight than mothers who formula feed. On top of that, mothers who practice extended breastfeeding have a decreased risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer. Mothers who breastfeed longer than eight months also benefit from bone re-mineralisation. A 2009 study at the University of Pittsburgh showed that breastfeeding at least two years lowers the risk of coronary heart disease by 23 percent.

Diet Suggestions for Nursing Moms

Along with the 1500 to 1800 calories required by nursing mothers, there are some other important diet guidelines to follow. It's recommended that breastfeeding mothers continue taking a prenatal vitamin after pregnancy. Nursing moms need 25 extra grams of protein per day and should drink more than eight glasses of water daily. Mothers should limit caffeine intake and avoid alcohol. Nursing mothers should educate themselves on which types of fish are safe or unsafe during breastfeeding. The following fish are low in mercury and can be eaten freely: salmon, shrimp, prawn, rainbow trout, Atlantic mackerel and sole. Other fish have moderate amounts of mercury and should be consumed only once or twice a month: canned tuna, Albacore tuna, cod, bass, halibut, lake trout and sablefish. Fish that should be avoided in nursing mothers are bigeye tuna, shark, marlin and swordfish.

Foods to Avoid Gas When Breastfeeding

Each and every baby is different, and for this reason what may cause gas in one breastfed baby may not cause it in another. In general, a mother need only concern herself with eating a healthy, balanced diet while she is breastfeeding. That being said, if you notice your baby is gassy there are some foods that are more likely than others to be causing the gas. Avoiding these foods may eliminate the problem.

Produce

Certain vegetables are known for causing gas in some individuals. Broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, corn, onions and red peppers can cause gas. Certain acidic fruits can also cause gas in breastfed infants such as tomatoes, oranges and lemons.

Dairy

Dairy products can also cause gas in some babies. This includes cheese, yogurt, milk, cream and ice cream. If you have a family history of lactose intolerance you may want to try lactose-free dairy products while you are breastfeeding. Many people are also allergic to eggs, so if your baby is having a problem with gas you may want to cut them out of your diet as well.

Beans and Nuts

Beans and nuts may cause gas in breastfed infants. They may also be a source of allergens which can also contribute to gas. Try avoiding soy, tofu, peanuts and other nuts, as well as beans such as kidney and pinto beans.

Spicy Foods

Spicy foods can cause gas in some breastfed infants. This would include foods cooked with garlic, pepper, red pepper and any spice that adds heat to a dish.

Iron Supplements

Breastfeeding moms often take vitamin and mineral supplements to ensure that their baby is getting a nutritionally complete diet. Iron supplements can cause constipation in breastfed babies, which contributes to gas.

How to Fix Infant Sleep Problems with Night Weaning

Nursing is a strong bonding experience for you and your baby. The time and effort you put in to breastfeeding your little one pays off in the long run because you are giving your baby important nutrients that are easily digestible. But there comes a point when you'll want to start night weaning to improve your baby's sleep patterns. Doctors generally recommend that mothers nurse their babies for at least 12 months. With frequent sleepless nights, it could be time to wean your little one from night feedings much earlier than that.

Instructions

1

Create a bedtime routine for your baby. Give him a bath, feed him until he is full, read him a story, then dim the lights in his room and keep the house quiet. Your little one needs to associate these rituals with bedtime. Once your baby is calm and tired, put him is his crib awake but sleepy. He may protest the first few nights, but eventually he will learn to fall asleep on his own. The key is patience. Once he learns how to fall asleep on his own, when he wakes up in the middle of the night, he will also learn how to fall asleep without being nursed.

2

Get Daddy (or your partner) involved. Bedtime for a nursing mother is usually all about you and the baby. Your breastfed baby tends to fall asleep while nursing and then you lay her in her crib, only to have her wake up a few hours later wanting comfort. After going through your nighttime routine, let Daddy put the baby to bed. Babies smell the milk on their mothers and think they are hungry. Fathers bring something new to the equation, while eliminating the smell of milk. When your baby wakes up in the middle of the night, let Daddy check on her. Eventually, your baby's sleep problems will resolve on their own.

3

Increase the distance between you and the baby. If your little one sleeps in your bed, or even shares the same room, it is time to switch him to his own room. Being close to you at night encourages the baby to wake up and want to nurse. Whether he is awakened by your snores or just smells your milk, he will continue to nurse at night if you share the same room. The distance between you will stop your little one's dependence on nursing, which in turn eliminates the sleep problems.

How to Help a Newborn With Gas

Almost half of newborn babies will experience gas pains during the first few months of life. Some babies will continue to experience gas for the entire first year of life. You may feel helpless and frustrated when your newborn is crying in pain from gas cramps. There are, however, steps you can take to reduce or eliminate your newborn's gas pains.

Instructions

1

Apply gentle pressure to your newborn's abdominal area. Hold your baby face down across your lap, placing her head on one knee and her belly on the other. Gently rub your newborn's back while using soothing, comforting words.

2

Lie your newborn on the floor and massage his belly. Take his legs in both hands and gently push his legs up until his knees touch his abdomen. Hold his legs there for a few seconds, and then gently bring them back down. Repeat this step several times to help expel any excess gas from his system.

3

Burp your newborn frequently during feedings to expel excess air. Control the amount of air your baby takes in by minimizing air intake during feedings. Be sure your baby has latched on properly during breastfeeding or use the right size nipple for a bottle-fed newborn. Change your position or the size of the nipple if you notice your newborn gulping air during a feeding, which can lead to gas and crying.

4

Change your diet if you are breastfeeding your newborn. Foods that will cause gas in an adult will also cause gas in a newborn. Avoid beans, broccoli, onions and other gas-inducing foods while you are breastfeeding to eliminate or decrease gas in your newborn.

5

Talk to your doctor about food allergies or intolerance, which could be causing gas for your newborn. Your doctor may recommend switching to a lactose-free or soy-based formula.

6

Use over-the-counter infant gas drops to relieve the pain your newborn is experiencing if nothing else seems to work. You can give these drops directly to your newborn or added to her bottle at each feeding.

Breastfeeding a Baby With Disabilities

If your baby is born with a disability, whether it's a developmental or physical issue, he still will benefit from breast milk. Breastfeeding a baby with disabilities requires patience, extra time and sometimes modifications in positioning, but you can, in most cases, still nurse your baby. A lactation consultant can help you work through problems and can also put you in touch with support groups of other parents dealing with the same issues.

Oral Malformations

If your baby has a cleft lip, palate or other oral malformation, breastfeeding can present a challenge. It's usually possible to breastfeed with just a cleft lip, although you might have to adjust your baby's position, depending on how extensive the cleft is. Nursing with a cleft palate poses more problems. The cleft makes it difficult to create the suction needed for breastfeeding. If the cleft is located at the back of the palate and isn't too large, breastfeeding might be possible, but you may need to supplement with bottles for your baby to get the nutrition he needs. Limit nursing sessions to no more than 10 minutes to avoid tiring your baby, Children's Hospital St. Louis advises. A good-quality pump can help you keep your milk supply up until after your baby's surgery, when the odds of successful breastfeeding increase.

Cardiac Defects

Breastfeeding makes feeding simpler for your baby than bottle feeding, which requires more effort to coordinate sucking, swallowing and breathing, according to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Babies with congenital heart defects who breastfeed gain weight better than bottle-fed babies and have the added benefit of antibodies that help them fight infection. If your baby has a severe defect that needs immediate surgery, pumping will help keep your supply going and also provide milk for tube feeding until your baby is strong enough to nurse.

Developmental Disabilities

Developmental problems such as Down syndrome can cause your baby to breastfeed slowly and inefficiently. Many infants with developmental disabilities have low muscle tone and are often lethargic and also have trouble coordinating the suck-swallow-breathe reflex. Your baby might choke easily when feeding or not suck hard enough to get enough calories. Holding your baby in the dancer hold position can support his jaw and help him feed more efficiently. If feeding from the left breast, support his body with your right arm and cup his head in your right hand. Use the left hand to support your breast with three fingers, and use the index finger and thumb to support his lower jaw.

Preemies

A baby born five weeks or more before his due date often doesn't feed well, or at all, by mouth for several weeks. Getting your baby to nurse after a prolonged hospitalization will require frequent pumping to keep your milk supply up until he's able to coordinate his suck-swallow-breathe reflex. Many preemies also have low muscle tone and can benefit from positioning techniques such as the dancer hold position. Because your baby may tire easily, you may have to supplement breastfeeding with tube feedings until he's strong enough to suck well.

Signs a Baby Needs Burping

Babies drink milk or formula, and then they burp. It seems simple enough. Yet, for new moms who question and worry about everything, don't worry. That's natural. How and when to burp their baby is a question worth pondering. Babies don't move around like kids and adults do. When they swallow air during feedings, it stays trapped in their tummies. Burping gets rid of this air, so it doesn't end up in the intestines, causing gas pains for the baby. Most babies swallow air while eating, and then they often show signs that let their mothers know it's time to burp them.

Signs That Baby Needs to Burp

When a baby has air in her tummy, it should not cause pain, but it may create a feeling of fullness, just enough that she will offer her mom some signs that she needs to burp. If she stops eating or begins to fidget, squirm or fuss while she is still feeding, she may have some trapped air that needs to come out. Sometimes, she will bring her legs up to her chest to signal distress, but this does not mean she is in pain. If the baby gulps her feedings or spits up a lot after eating, this may also be a sign that she needs to be burped more often.

How to Burp Baby

You'll need a cloth diaper or a small clean rag, as burping babies often spit up a bit. Try one of the burping techniques for three to four minutes. If he hasn't burped by then, stop. Popular positions for baby include holding him over your shoulder while you pat his back, placing him on his tummy on your lap while you rub or pat his back or holding him in a sitting position while you support his head with one hand and pat his back with the other. You'll get to know your baby and which position works best after a little trial and error.

Breastfeeding and Burping

If your baby is breastfed, she will give the same signs as a bottle-fed baby when she needs to burp. Babies might swallow air during the beginning of a feeding, while the mother's milk is letting down. If your baby doesn't latch on well or gulps her milk while breastfeeding, she may need to be burped as well. If a breastfed baby doesn't bring up air after trying to burp her, she may not need burping. Breastfed babies tend to eat more often and in slightly more upright positions than bottle-fed babies, reducing their air intake during feeding.

According to by Debbi Donovan, a lactation consultant, if a breastfed baby seems overly gassy and burps a lot after feedings, the mother can try altering her diet. For instance, she may try cutting down on--or eliminating--dairy if there is a family history of allergies.

How to Stop a Teething Baby From Biting

When a baby has sore teeth or gums, she will gnaw on just about anything to help relieve the pain ' even people. Biting doesn't have to be a fact of life, though; it's actually fairly easy to deal with.

Instructions

1

Treat the teething pain. Whether you use homeopathic teething tablets, natural teething gels, or pharmaceutical teething pain relievers, find something that will help ease your baby's discomfort. For severe teething pain, children's acetaminophen may help.

2

Take away things that shouldn't be ingested. Some toys have paint that may come off in your baby's mouth if she chews hard on them; other objects may break into pieces and become choking hazards. Put these objects away until your baby's teething episode has subsided.

3

Be consistent and firm without frightening your baby. If she bites you or someone else, say "Don't bite!" or "No biting!" firmly, and put her down gently for a minute if you are holding her. She should realize fairly quickly that biting is not OK.

4

Provide alternatives. Teething rings, teething toys or bagels you can freeze or refrigerate, and dampened, frozen washcloths are all appropriate objects for your baby to bite or chew on.

5

Keep these alternatives close at hand so that you can do a quick switch. When you put your baby down, hand her a teething toy immediately ' this will send the message that some things are OK to chew on, while others most definitely aren't.

Peer Counseling Certification

Peer counselors provide guidance to people dealing with the same problems that they have struggled with themselves at some point in their lives. Peer counselors work over the phone and in individual or group settings. Certification training and requirements vary by organization and location.

State Requirements

Some states such as Washington require peer counselors to complete state-approved training before beginning work. Training covers topics such as the mental health system, helping clients set and realize goals, how to share your story and encourage clients to do likewise, referrals, documentation and confidentiality.

Training by Organization

Requirements for peer counseling certification vary by organization but cover several similar training topics. These include counseling basics, awareness of local resources for clients and sensitivity training. Other training is specific to the organization or the problem being addressed, such as unemployment or cancer.

Examination

An examination follows training requirements and is the final step in many certification programs. Examinations may be available for retake if you do not pass on the first try. The examination ensures a thorough understanding of the counseling process and the delivery of professional services to clients.

Additional Requirements

Peer counselors must identify themselves as belonging to the group with which they wish to work, be in recovery from their own experience and demonstrate coping skills in their own lives. This enables them to provide satisfactory help to people seeking their services. Background checks or shadowing may be required.

Diet for Pregnant & Nursing at the Same Time

If you are still breastfeeding your infant or toddler when another pregnancy begins, you and your child may wish to continue the nursing relationship throughout the pregnancy and beyond. La Leche League, the breastfeeding support group, asserts that breastfeeding remains safe for most mothers and unborn babies during pregnancy. With your doctor's support and proper nutrition, both you and your child can continue to benefit from nursing while your unborn baby grows. A healthy diet and sufficient calorie intake aid a healthy pregnancy.

Calorie Intake

A nursing mother needs to gain the same amount of weight during pregnancy as a non-nursing mother. Since milk production burns calories, you may need to increase your daily calorie intake to keep gaining weight. If you are breastfeeding while pregnant, you are eating for three rather than two. A nursing mother needs approximately 500 to 650 additional calories per day during milk production, depending on how frequently her baby breastfeeds.

Eat whenever you are hungry. Fatigue can be a signal that your body is not getting enough calories, so eat more if your energy wanes. Snack frequently; small meals may be easier for your body to digest.

Eat a varied diet rich in vitamins and minerals that includes vegetables, fruit, meat, dairy products and whole-grain carbohydrates. Choose foods high in calories and healthy fats like avocado and olive oil. Try sauteing vegetables in olive oil and drizzling olive oil over whole-grain pasta. Full-fat dairy products and cheeses are healthy choices during pregnancy.

Avoid junk food that fills you up with empty calories. If you have trouble getting enough calories or nutrition, consider supplementation or consult a dietitian for advice.

Vitamins and Minerals

Consider taking a vitamin D supplement while you are pregnant and nursing. Your vitamin D stores will determine your unborn baby's vitamin D level, and many Americans do not get enough vitamin D.

Eat foods high in iron such as red meat and baked potatoes in their skin to prevent anemia. Organ meats are good iron sources, but eat them in small quantities during pregnancy to avoid an excess of vitamin A. If you do become anemic, consider taking iron supplements. Zinc helps your body absorb iron, so a zinc supplement can also help; be sure to take it several hours before or after you take your the iron supplement. If you do not eat animal products, you may need vitamin B-12 supplements in addition to iron.

Nursing mothers may need additional calcium while pregnant. Eat yogurt and cheese and drink cow's milk to obtain this mineral. Eat several portions of dark green vegetables like broccoli or kale, which contain calcium, each day. If you do not include dairy in your diet, drink orange juice fortified with calcium or take a calcium supplement.

Fluids

Milk production requires your body to be adequately hydrated, and pregnancy increases your blood volume. Drink plenty of fluids to make sure your body can accomplish these two tasks simultaneously. Drink any time you are thirsty, and every time you sit down to breastfeed. Avoid coffee and tea, which act as diuretics, taking fluid from your body.

Other Considerations

If you have a history of miscarriage or preterm labor, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of continuing to nurse your baby during your pregnancy. Some factors like sore nipples or a decreased milk supply may encourage you or your nursing child to wean. If you do wean during pregnancy, it's not unusual for the weaned child to begin nursing again once the new baby comes. This is known as tandem nursing.

Breast-Feed a Premature Baby

A premature baby may be too tiny and weak to latch onto a mother's breast at birth, but it is still possible to build a successful nursing relationship and to provide the baby with many of the benefits of your milk from the first day of life.

Instructions

1

Start pumping as soon as your baby is born. Your colostrum (the milk you secrete for a few days after your baby's birth) can be fed to your baby through a tube at the first feeding, followed by feedings of your fresh milk. The colostrum is important because premature babies are extremely vulnerable to infection.

2

Buy or rent a hospital-grade electric pump; this will help to build your milk supply so that you have enough milk to nurse your baby when it becomes possible.

3

Fortify your milk if medically necessary - ask about this option before agreeing to formula supplements.

4

Try to avoid artificial nipples when your baby is ready to make the transition to your breast. Feeding the baby your expressed milk by gavage tube rather than by bottle will help to prevent nipple confusion.

5

Try tickling your baby's lips and chin and expressing a few drops of milk onto the tip of your nipple to get her interested, since a premature baby may need extra encouragement to open her mouth wide and latch on.

6

Follow your baby's cues when she's nursing well, and let her nurse as long as she wants to. If her suck still is not strong, she may need extra time at the breast to stimulate the letdown and get the milk flowing well.

7

Build and stabilize your milk supply with the help of a breast pump until your baby is able to maintain the supply on her own.

8

Contact a lactation consultant and your local La Leche League for support. You may be able to arrange both hospital visits and follow-up home visits.

9

Place a breast pad soaked with your milk next to your baby, even when you can't hold her; this will familiarize the baby with the smell of your milk, and may make her more willing to breast-feed when she is able to do so.

10

Enlist the assistance and support of neonatal nursing staff. Try to let them know in advance when you plan to be with your baby.

How to Use a Breastpump

When you breastfeed your baby, chances are, you will have to use a breast pump. You may need to pump to relieve engorgement, collect milk for feedings while you are at work or away from home, or to maintain your milk supply when you are ill or taking medication that prevents nursing. There are several different types of breast pumps, including electric pumps, battery-operated pumps, and manual pumps. No matter what type of pump you choose, there are some basic steps that you should take in preparation.

Instructions

1

Wash your pump and hands before use. Also be sure to wash your pumping equpment in warm, soapy water after each use.

2

Choose the right time. Pump at a time of day when your breasts are usually full. If you are away from your baby, try to pump at the same time that you would typically nurse. If you are with your baby and you are pumping in order to stockpile milk, pump an hour after your baby nurses in the morning.

3

Choose a quiet, comfortable environment to pump. Find some place where you will have some privacy and where you won't be interrupted.

4

Get comfortable. Relax for several minutes before pumping and put your feet up. Enjoy the quiet time to watch TV or read a book.

5

Keep hydrated. Drink juice, water, or milk right before pumping.

6

Encourage let-down. Think about your baby nursing or look at or cuddle your baby. You can also apply a warm cloth to your nipples for a few minutes or take a warm shower before pumping.

Labor Laws for Nursing Mothers

Around the United States, the decision to breastfeed is on the rise among a diverse amount of mothers. Nursing mothers that decide to return to the workplace require adequate support and resources to enable the continuance of breastfeeding. Labor laws for nursing mothers are in place at national and state levels.

National

In 2010, Section 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act was amended with a law regarding break time for nursing mothers. The law was put into practice in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The law requires employers to enable nursing employees to take suitable break times throughout the day to express breast milk for their infants that are under 1 year of age. The amount of break times will vary on an individual basis depending on the needs of the mother and child. Employers must also provide a clean and private area, other than a restroom, for nursing employees to express breast milk. The area must be functional for nursing mothers and available when needed. Only nursing employees that are not exempt from overtime pay standards established by the Fair Labor Standards Act are allowed the allocated break times. Employers do not have to provide compensation unless the break times are taken during other compensated breaks, such as lunch hours. Employers that have less than 50 employees are not required to provide break times.

Colorado

In 2008, Colorado passed a Workplace Accommodations for Nursing Mothers Law. The law states that Colorado employers of public and private organizations with at least one employee must provide reasonable break times to nursing mothers for up to two years following the birth of a child. The break time can be unpaid or paid using other paid break time, such as meals. The law also states the employer must make rational attempts to accommodate nursing mothers by providing a nearby space other than a stall of toilet for employees to privately express breast milk. The attempts are considered reasonable if they do not cause undue hardships to the organization, such as significant expense and disruption of operations. If a disagreement occurs between employers and employees, the law states that a nonbinding mediation meeting will take place before an employee can pursue litigation efforts.

New York

Also in 2008, the state of New York enacted a law regarding the rights of working nursing mothers under its Labor Standards. The law states that all employers must provide nursing employees with reasonable break times to express breast milk for up to three years after the birth of a child. The breaks can be unpaid or employers can enable employers to use paid break times. The law also states employers must reasonably attempt to provide a space close to the work area to enable nursing employees to express their milk. The law prohibits employer discrimination against nursing employees who decide to express breast milk during the workday. The law applies to all New York State employers no matter the size and type.