Pregnancy & Sore Breasts

Breasts become sore and tender early in pregnancy because increased hormones prepare the breasts for breastfeeding. First-time mothers are usually more aware of breast soreness.

Significance

Sore breast may indicate your pregnancy is progressing normally and hormone levels are rising as they should.

Time Frame

You may notice increased tenderness and sensitivity in your breasts and nipples shortly after conception and even before you miss your first period. You may still notice increased sensitivity in your nipples throughout your pregnancy and breastfeeding, but generally breast soreness lessens in the second trimester.

Effects

Your breasts will typically increase about one cup size in the first three months and grow one additional cup size during the remaining months.

Considerations

You may notice tender lumps in your breasts during pregnancy; these may be milk glands, but let your health care provider know in case additional evaluation is needed. Most breast lumps in pregnant women are not cause for concern.

Misconceptions

The breast changes that many women attribute to breastfeeding occur because of pregnancy, not breastfeeding.

Prevention/Solution

Wear a bra with good support, even when you sleep if it helps. Use warm compresses to help reduce soreness, and treat your breasts gently.

How to Eliminate Foot Odor With Alternative Remedies

Foot odor is a condition that most people get on occasion. In some cases, however, there are individuals who may find that their foot odor is more chronic. This can cause a degree of social embarrassment. Contributing factors to foot odor include diet, personal hygiene, perspiration, wearing "non-breathing" shoes, fungal infections and bacteria. If you desire to get rid of the problem, you might want to give some alternative remedies a chance to find out if they can provide a fix for stinky feet.

Instructions

1

Cut back on "smell-inducing" foods. If you enjoy eating foods like onions and garlic, be aware that your sweat glands can absorb their odors and cause your body, including your feet, to have an unpleasant smell.

2

Think about taking zinc supplements, as your foot odor may indicate that you are zinc-deficient. Before taking zinc, you need to speak with your doctor, if you take immuno-suppressant medications, antibiotics, ACE inhibitors, penicillamine, hydralazine, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are on hormone replacement therapy or are pregnant and breastfeeding.

3

Boil some regular tea bags and, afterwards, pour the tea you made into a foot tub and soak your feet for a half an hour. Repeat this once every day, until you notice an improvement and reduction of foot odor. Tea contains tannic acid, which works as a natural deodorizer and aids in getting rid of smells.

4

Wear cotton socks instead of synthetic ones. Synthetic socks make your feet perspire more, which contributes to foot odor. Cotton socks make your feet feel cooler and your feet sweat less. Before putting on your socks, sprinkle cornstarch inside the feet of them, as an added help for reducing perspiration and odor.

5

Get out the apple cider vinegar and add 1/3 cup of it to a foot tub of warm water, then soak in the solution for at least 20 minutes. Do this daily to help eliminate smelly feet.

6

Use liquid chlorophyll, which is helpful in eliminating most types of body odor. Follow the dosage instructions on the product you use. Chlorophyll has Vitamin K, so some caution may be warranted. It is important that you consult with your doctor before taking chlorophyll, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or taking prescription drugs, such as orlistat, warfarin, phenytoin, antibiotics or doxorubicin. If you are being treated for a serious illness, you should also speak with your doctor before using chlorophyll.

Is it Safe to Tan While Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding mothers can obtain a tan, either naturally or artificially, without worrying about any risks that the tanning will have on their child. A mother will still produce the same amount of breast milk whether she is tanning or not.

Tanning Beds

While tanning beds pose no threat to the child, tanning beds can increase the mother's chance of skin cancer.

Suntanning

Like tanning in a tanning bed, a mother tanning in the sun will cause no harm to the breastfeeding child.

Extra Precautions

While tanning in a tanning bed, nursing mothers should take extra precautions to protect their nipples. While nursing, their nipples are more sensitive than usual and can easily become irritated by the ultraviolet (UV) lights in a tanning bed.

Child Safety

While tanning is okay for a mother, newborn babies should not be present while a mother is tanning in a tanning bed. If in the direct sunlight, the baby should be shaded with a hat or umbrella. Always use infant or baby sunscreen on a child when out in the sun.

Consult Your Physician

If you are nervous about tanning while breastfeeding, consult your physician. They know your situation best and will be able to help you with any problems or concerns that you have.

Benzoyl Peroxide & Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is making a comeback since medical science has shown the health benefits associated with it. A new mother should investigate all medicines, including benzoyl peroxide, in light of nursing her child.

Indications

Benzoyl peroxide is used to treat acne. It can be obtained over the counter, and is sometimes prescribed.

Formulation

This medication is available in strengths of 5% and 10% without a prescription.

Delivery Method

Benzoyl peroxide is available in cream and gel form. Only use this medicine topically, but avoid applying on or near your breasts where your baby can ingest it directly.

Transfer

According to KellyMom.com, Thomas Hale, MD states in his book that topical benzoyl peroxide does not transfer to human milk and is safe for breastfeeding mothers.

Considerations

Benzoyl peroxide is sometimes mixed with other ingredients for a stronger effect. Do not take any mixture that contains clindamycin because oral clindamycin does transfer to breast milk and may have an adverse affect on your child.

How to Potty Train a Toddler While Breastfeeding a Baby

Potty training can be a stressful and challenging time for both parents and children. If you have also have a baby who is breastfeeding, potty training your toddler can be even more challenging. It is difficult to help your toddler with potty training if you're in the middle of breastfeeding a younger child. Here are some tips to keep your sanity and successfully potty train your toddler while breastfeeding your baby.

Instructions

1

Make sure your toddler is ready to potty train. Some children take longer than others when it comes to potty training preparation. Both of you will be stressed if your toddler is not ready for potty training.

2

Place the potty chair in the living room, play room, or other room where you spend most of your time. This will allow both you and your toddler easy access to the potty chair when she needs to go to the bathroom. It will be easier than hauling your baby along with you to the bathroom.

3

Buy a sling and use it for breastfeeding your baby. If your toddler suddenly needs to use the potty chair, your baby can continue eating in the sling without being disturbed. Your hands will be free to help your toddler with the potty training.

4

Dress your toddler in sweatpants or other loose pants. If you have a girl, you can put her in a dress or nightgown that she can easily lift herself. This way your child can get undressed easily when the urge to go potty strikes. Your toddler won't have to wait for you to help with this step.

5

Practice getting dressed and undressed. This practice will enable your child to handle this step on his own when potty training.

6

Encourage your toddler to use the potty chair frequently while you are not breastfeeding your younger child. Have your toddler use the potty right before you plan to breastfeed so she'll be less likely to need to use the potty during the breastfeeding session.

Is Salicylic Acid OK During Nursing?

Salicylic acid is a medication that is used to treat skin conditions such as acne, warts, eczema, dandruff, corns or calluses. It can be found as a topical cream and in a number of other skin products like peels, soap and washes. Nursing mothers should exercise caution, as the effects of the medication on infants are unknown.

Pregnancy

According to Drugs.com, "It is not known whether salicylic acid topical will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use salicylic acid topical without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment."

Nursing

The Mayo Clinic says, "There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding." According to Babycenter.com, nursing mothers should avoid uses of salicylic acid that require the skin to be soaked for an extended period of time as this allows for it to absorb into the body and possibly pass into breast milk.

Side Effects

Some common side effects of salicylic acid are skin irritation and stinging. These are usually minor and should go away.

Serious Side Effects

If you experience any of the following side effects, contact your health care provider immediately: dizziness, fast breathing, headaches, ringing in the ears, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and/or confusion.

Tips

If you are a nursing mother it always best to speak to your doctor before taking any medication, especially if the potential effects it can have on your child are not known.

Signs of Mastitis in Dogs

Female dogs have 10 breasts located on their bellies in between the forelegs and the hind legs. Male dogs also have breasts but rarely get mastitis. Mastitis is an infection of the breasts that usually happens to nursing mother dogs. Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook says that one type of mastitis can happen to female dogs experiencing false pregnancy.

Types

The two types of canine mastitis are galactostasis or "caked breasts" and acute septic mastitis. The first type is caused by milk leaking out over the breasts and drying on until it turns into a crust. The second type occurs when a cut or scratch on the breast has not healed properly and bacterial infection has lodged itself in the breast. Both need prompt medical attention.

Identification

In both types of canine mastitis, the breasts will be swollen and hot to the touch. The dog may wince or yelp when the breasts are touched. Milk will be still be flowing, but may be discolored yellow or contain flecks of blood or pus. Sometimes the milk will look like solid threads and sometimes the milk will look normal. Female dogs with false pregnancy often lick their breasts, which stimulates milk flow.

Time Frame

Signs of caked breasts in dogs can start late in pregnancy or during a false pregnancy if the breasts fill up with milk and drip. It can happen whenever the dog's milk begins to flow and there aren't any puppies to drink it. Mother dogs with small litters may develop caked breasts. Acute septic mastitis can happen any time after the puppies are whelped.

Other Symptoms

If the dog has caked breasts, she will usually show no other symptoms. But the dog will show other symptoms if she has acute septic mastitis. According to The Veterinarian's Guide to Your Dog's Symptoms, these signs include reddening of the breasts, fever and lethargy.

Misconception

According to Dr. Douglas Brum, who writes on PetPlace.com, the symptoms of mastitis in dogs are similar to symptoms of canine breast tumors. Dr. Brum adds that breast tumors are more common in dogs over 6 years old. Both conditions are serious and need prompt medical attention. The dog may be first tested for breast tumors before being tested for mastitis.

How to Control a Gastric Problem in Newborn Babies

Newborn bodies, being so tiny and so new, often have some issues to work out before they start to work like clockwork. A gastric problem is a problem related to the stomach, but some people use this word to describe anything related to the digestive system. Before using any type of home treatment with your child, consult his physician. Medical advice on the Internet cannot be substituted for professional medical treatment. Keep in mind that sometimes, time is the only thing that will help your child, and despite your best efforts, your child might have to grow out of this phase.

Instructions

Treatments

1

Consult your baby's doctor. This step is crucial in controlling your baby's gastric problems because a doctor can diagnose the problem and prescribe treatment.

2

Breastfeed your baby if possible. Research shows that breastfed babies have fewer episodes of gastroesophageal reflux disease (also known as reflux and GERD). Breast milk is more easily digested than other types of milk and empties from the stomach quicker, which reduces the amount of time the milk can irritate the babys stomach.

3

Try an over-the-counter colic or anti-gas treatment like Gripe Water, Colic Calm or Mylicon drops upon your babys doctors approval. These treatments can be found in the baby section of a drugstore or grocery store.

4

Massage your baby. Place your baby on his back and run your hands from the top of his chest down towards the top of his diaper and repeat with the other hand, and keep repeating as long as your child is comfortable. Your pressure should be firm, but smooth and not hard enough to cause pain. Alternatively, you can run your hands clockwise around his belly button to encourage digestion.

5

Bicycle your babys legs. While she is lying flat, take her feet and one at a time, gently bring her knee toward her chest. Repeat with the other leg, and keep repeating as long as your baby seems comfortable.

6

Keep your baby in an upright position as much as possible. You can do this by holding him or putting him in a safe baby sling or carrier like the Ergo Baby Carrier or Moby Wrap. The upright position will work with gravity to keep digestion flowing in the right direction.

If You Breastfeed

7

Contact a certified lactation consultant. Most hospitals have lactation consultants available for you. Discuss the digestion issues with your lactation consultant; she can advise you on certain issues like your breast milk letdown, which may be causing the problem.

8

Try eliminating certain foods from your diet that may be causing gastric upset for your baby. There is no list of foods that always cause digestive problems for babies, so you need to analyze your own diet. One of the more common types of food that causes problems is dairy. However, dairy is not always the culprit. Also keep in mind that the problem might not be related to the mothers diet at all.

9

See your doctor, midwife or lactation consultant if you are experiencing any type of breast pain. Thrush, which is a yeast infection in both the nursing mother and baby, can cause gas and fussiness in a baby. Thrush symptoms vary and you might not see any noticeable symptoms on the surface.

How to Dry Up Breast Milk With Sage Tea

Sage is more than a common kitchen spice. It is used in herbal medicine for various conditions including mood enhancement, cognitive improvement, sore throat and upset stomach. Sage is a flowering perennial shrub that grows in many areas worldwide. There are many different species of sage; Salvia Officinalis is the most commonly used medicinally. Sage is most frequently used as a tea or extract, and is widely available in health food stores and from online retailers. When using sage for lactation suppression, it is best used when weaning the child or for extreme cases of oversupply.

Instructions

1

Drink tsp. of dried sage in vegetable juice three times per day to dry up breast milk. You may also take it in food if you prefer. Continue this dosage for three days. Compounds in sage mimic natural estrogens which decreases your milk supply.

2

Use a commercially prepared sage tea product. Place the tea bag in your cup and pour 4 to 6 oz. of boiling water on top of it. Allow to steep for three to five minutes. After steeping, press the tea bag between your fingers as you remove it from the tea. You need to drink 1 cup two to six times per day to dry up your breast milk production. To create your own tea from dried sage, infuse 1 tbsp. of dried sage in 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for five to 15 minutes before drinking the infusion. Sage has a very bitter flavor; add honey, stevia or another natural sweetener if desired.

3

Take a tincture of sage to promote lactation suppression. Add 30 to 60 drops of the tincture to a small amount of water and drink three to six times daily. A sage extract may also be used. Add 1 ml, approximately 1,000 mg, to a small amount of water and drink three times per day. Tinctures and extracts are more readily absorbed and may be more efficient than tea in suppressing lactation. Extracts are more potent than tinctures, so don't overdo it.

How to Calculate Due Date of Pregnancy

Not only is the expectant couple excited to find out about their pregnancy and know exactly when the due date is, but knowing the age of the fetus is important for proper management of the pregnancy. In fact, one of the most important questions that your health care provider will seek to answer is, "How old is the fetus?" Or "What is your due date?"

Your due date is known as the estimated date of delivery, or EDD. At one time it was known as the estimated date of confinement (EDC). And others may refer to it as the estimated date of birth (EDB). You may also hear it referred to as gestational age of the fetus. This date is important in maintaining the health of the pregnant woman and also helps to ensure optimum care of the fetus.

Instructions

1

Calculate your due date so you can prepare for your baby's arrival. The information is also important for your health care provider, especially in cases where women develop complications of pregnancy. Examples of complications include diabetes or preeclampsia. Knowing your due date can help your health care provider manage the care of your pregnancy. For example, the management of preeclampsia (high blood pressure of pregnancy) will differ depending upon the age of your fetus. If you were to develop preeclampsia at 38 weeks gestation, frequently the treatment will call for delivery. However, if the gestational age of the baby is only 28 weeks, your health care provider will most likely manage your pregnancy more conservatively in an attempt to delay delivery until the gestational age of the fetus has progressed further.

2

Start with the date of your last period or the date of conception. The more you know about your monthly cycle, the more accurate will be the estimation of your due date. On average, pregnancies last about 267 days from the date of conception. So if you know your date of conception absolutely, then you can simply add 267 days to it to figure out your due date.

3

Use the following formula to help you figure out your EDD:

Naegele's rule adds seven days to the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). Then three months are subtracted from that date.

It is easier to use this rule if you substitute numbers for the months and days. One precaution: use the actual numbers of the days in the month of the LMP when you cross over to another month, as the actual number of days in a month will vary. An example of the use of Naegele's rule follows:

5/28 (LMP of May 28)
+7 days
-----------------
6/4 (June 4 -- May has 31 days)
-3 months
-----------------
=3/4 (March 4 of the following year, as nine months have been added)

4

Add 281 days to the first day of your LMP, to figure out your due date.

Both of these methods are based on an average menstrual cycle of 28 days. If your periods are irregular, if you conceive while breast-feeding and ovulating but without an actual period, or if conception occurs before your regular menstruation has been reestablished after you have either had a termination of a pregnancy or have discontinued birth control pills, then it will be useless to attempt to calculate your EDD using these methods. In these cases, your health care provider will use other methods to determine an approximate EDD.

How to Use an Evenflo Electric Breast Pump

Doctors say that breast milk is the best thing you can feed your newborn baby. However, breast-feeding can be time-consuming and you will not always have the time or be in the right place to do so. Breast pumps allow new moms increased flexibility with their decision to breast-feed their babies, as breast pumps are portable and give women the option of storing breast milk for later use. Evenflo's electric breast pump lets you pump both breasts at once, saving you valuable time.

Instructions

1

Wash your hands with warm water and a gentle hand soap.

2

Massage your nipples gently, stimulating your let-down reflex. Continue until your breast emits a few drops of milk.

3

Put the horn of the breast pump against your nipple. Your nipple should be in the exact center.

4

Wet the horn with a few drops of breast milk to keep it adhered to your breast most effectively.

5

Twist the vacuum dial to the setting that reads "MIN."

6

Push the "ON/OFF" button. This will initiate pumping.

7

Twist the setting toward "MAX" if you need or prefer more suction.

8

Hold your breast pump and the bottle vertically, so that the milk will flow easily from the horn to the bottle.

9

Pump until the breast milk has all come out, and then push the "ON/OFF" button to turn the pump off.

10

Remove the bottle from the breast pump and put a lid on it.

11

Label the bottle with the date and the time that you pumped the milk.

12

Chill the breast milk immediately. Otherwise, the milk may spoil.

How to Take Care of Nursing Cats

Theres nothing quite like a newborn litter of kittens, with their tightly-closed eyes and their tiny bodies snuggling up to their mother for warmth and nourishment. Although this stage passes quickly, you can help the mother cat through it with some basic animal care techniques. The mother will be more at ease and you will too, knowing that youve done everything you could to provide her offspring with a good start in life.

Instructions

1

Provide a safe place for your mother cat and her kittens. The best way to do this is to put a cardboard box with soft rags in a room where you can close the door. Mother cats will move their kittens if there is too much traffic in a room or if they sense a danger to their newborns. For instance, place a cat bed or box in the closet of a spare room or in the bottom of a large drawer where the mother can jump in and out easily.

2

Place a litter box within easy reach of the nursing area. Your cat will feel secure if she knows she can relieve herself while her kittens are nearby and safe.

3

Offer plenty of good food and water to a nursing cat. For the first few days, she may eat little, but when the kittens are 4 or 5 days old, the mother cat will develop a ravenous appetite. At this point, feed her three or more times a day and ask your veterinarian whether he recommends a vitamin supplement.

4

Increase your nursing cats food value by giving her some raw hamburger or meat. Resist giving her any breads or scraps of baked goods.

5

Check for fleas on the mother cat and her kittens. During the time the mother cat is nursing, there is an increased risk of a flea infestation. Although cats can carry fleas at any time, they often lick and bite them, removing the fleas before they become a problem. However, when the cat is nursing, the fleas will travel back and forth from the mother to the kittens, multiplying, and there is little the mother can do. Before using any flea treatment, consult your vet because an over-the-counter treatment might harm the kittens or make the mother quit nursing them.

6

Check the mother cats nipples every two or three days. If you find a swollen nipple and no milk comes out, she may have mastitis, an inflammatory condition that is painful. If left untreated, it can spread and the mother cat will refuse to nurse her kittens. Call your vet for medication to clear up the problem.

7

Speak in soft tones when you enter the kitten nursery, encouraging the mother cat to stay in the box with her kittens and petting her to keep her calm.

The Law in California on Breastfeeding

The California Breastfeeding Coalition advocates breastfeeding. There are different laws for breastfeeding that address the right to breastfeed in public, at work and in other common situations.

Public Breastfeeding

California Civil Code allows a mother to breastfeed her child in any location, public or private. The only exception to this is if the mother is in a private home. Then the homeowner can request that she not breastfeed in the private residence.

At Work

The state of California encourages and supports mothers that breastfeed. Employers are required to provide employees with facilities that are adequate for breastfeeding or pumping breast milk. An employer should also ensure that a mom who is pumping milk has adequate break times so that she may pump, unless it would disrupt the operations at the place of employment.

In Hospitals

All hospitals in California that provide maternity care must make available a breastfeeding consultant, or lactation consultant, if the mother so requests. The consultant should be available while the mother is still in the hospital after delivering a baby. The mother has the option to decline these services.

How to Treat a Baby's Yeast Infection

Babies are prone to several types of yeast infections, usually caused by Candida albicans. Babies often develop thrush, an infection of the mucus membranes in the mouth, which can spread to your nipples if you're breast-feeding. Both breast and bottle fed babies can get a yeast diaper rash. Baby girls might also develop a vaginal yeast infection. The warm, wet, dark environments in all three areas -- the mouth, diaper region and vagina -- favor yeast growth. Simple measures help treat or prevent a yeast infection. In some cases, prescription medications might be necessary.

Treating Thrush

Candida is a common fungal problem that can grow out of control in infants because of their immature immune systems. Thrush, the name for a yeast infection inside the mouth, can affect your baby's ability to eat by causing pain during nursing. Sometimes, thrush will resolve on its own within a few weeks, but if your baby won't eat, your doctor will need to prescribe treatment immediately. Thrush looks like little pieces of cottage cheese clinging to the inside of your baby's mouth. If you try to remove them, they might bleed. An anti-fungal medication you paint onto the inside of your baby's mouth can clear the infection. If your baby is eating solid foods, yogurt containing live cultures of bacteria can help prevent yeast infections.

Treating Nipples When Breast-feeding

A nursing mom can develop a yeast infection on her nipples if her baby has thrush. This creates a self-perpetuating problem of re-infection. Treating both your baby's mouth and your nipples is essential to prevent recurrence. If you take antibiotics while breast-feeding, both you and your baby have an increased risk of developing a yeast infection. Antibiotics kill off the "good" bacteria and allow opportunistic infections like yeast to proliferate. Adding probiotics such as acidophilus when you take antibiotics mights help prevent yeast infection. An anti-fungal ointment or cream applied to the nipples helps prevent a vicious cycle of yeast infection between you and your baby. Exposing your nipples to air and keeping them dry also can help defeat a yeast infection.

Treating Diaper Rash

A yeast diaper rash often looks different than regular diaper rash and won't respond to regular over-the-counter diaper ointments.The diaper area might turn a raised, bright, beefy red with well-defined borders; small red pimples might develop. The area also might feel scaly. Small rash patches could appear a short distance away from the affected area. The rash might be more prevalent in the skin creases, which stay moister longer. Keeping your baby's diaper off and exposing the rash to air can help clear it up. Leave the diaper slightly loose so air can circulate under it. Applying prescription anti-fungal ointments also help heal the area. If your baby takes antibiotics, he has an increased chance of developing a yeast diaper rash.

Treating Vaginal Infections

Yeast growth in the diaper area can spread to the vagina in baby girls. A vaginal infection can cause pain, burning, itching and a thick white discharge. Vaginal yeast infection can also cause painful urination. Keeping the diaper area clean and dry, changing diapers frequently, watching for signs of vaginal yeast infection and using an anti-fungal cream when necessary can help prevent and treat yeast infections.

Women & Belly Fat After the Baby

Women should balance exercise and a healthy diet postpartum to loose the pregnancy pounds safely. Loosing weight after delivery starts with an understanding of pregnancy weight gain and staying healthy throughout the pregnancy. To regain your pre-pregnancy figure, you should alter your diet and exercise routine slightly to not hinder the recovery process, especially if you are a breast-feeding mother.

Postpartum Weight Loss

WebMD.com notes that the average weight gain in a healthy pregnancy should be 25 to 35 pounds. This is calculated by adding the approximate weight of the baby, placenta, amniotic fluid, breast tissue, blood supply, uterus increase and the fat stores for the delivery and breast-feeding. After delivery, you will immediately lose approximately 12 pounds. Over the next few weeks, your will lose 5 more pounds because of the loss of excess water. After that, you will loose another 4 to 5 pounds per month if you breast-feed. You may lose up to 20 pounds--almost all the weight gained during your pregnancy--within the first month of delivery without burning fat.

Minimizing Stress and Maximizing Rest

Effectively minimizing stress is a key to loosing weight after delivery. Maintain a healthy diet, allow time to recuperate before becoming active again, set aside short periods of alone time to recharge and enlist the help of friends and family to reduce stress.

Adequate sleep is also an important part of stress management, the postpartum recovery process and weight loss. Nurse practitioner Diane E. Judge, writing in the Women's Health section of "Journal Watch" on Jan. 10, 2008, asserts that inadequate sleep after delivery is directly correlated with weight retention. However, sleep is one of the hardest things to get enough of while caring for a newborn, especially for nursing mothers. If you are tied to the breast-feeding schedule, take naps while your newborn sleeps.

Exercising

It can be tempting to burn postpartum belly fat quickly after giving birth. According to MyStomachExercises.com, there are several ways you can loose weight postpartum: Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly throughout the pregnancy and "pull in" the abs as though sucking in to button a tight pair of jeans shortly and periodically after delivery to help reduce the uterus to its normal size.

However, you should not begin to walk or use machinery for weeks, even months, after delivery. Such premature, postpartum exercising slows the recovery process, prevents incisions from healing, often results in dangerously low iron levels and is especially harmful for breast-feeding mothers because it can affect lactation.

Dieting

Generally, during pregnancy and after giving birth, women need to supply their bodies with fatty acids, antioxidants and fiber, and avoid sugars and flour. It is ideal to consume whole, organic foods. If you are breast-feeding, you must consume more calories to balance the calories that are burned during lactation.

Breastfeeding

Breast-feeding contributes greatly to postpartum weight loss. Lactation burns more calories than are generally taken in and uses the body fat stored during pregnancy. If you nurse frequently and for longer periods, you will loose weight quicker than women who nurse sporadically.

Medications to Treat Human Worms

Many people become infected by parasitic worms each year. There are more than 100 varieties of parasitic worms. Some can be seen with the naked eye and others are microscopic. There are four main drugs that are used to treat parasitic worms: albendazole, pyrantel pamoate, mebendazole and niclosamide. These are classified as anti-helmintic medications, (anti-worm drugs).

Types of Parasitic Worms

There are four different types of parasitic worms that infect humans: Protozoa, Trematoda, Cestoda, and Nematoda. The more common worms, roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, pinworm, heart worm, are classified as Nematodas. They can live in the stomach and digestive tract as well as tissues of muscles, the vascular system (blood stream), heart, brain and other organs.

Albendazole

Albendazole prevents newly hatched worms from growing or multiplying in the body. It also kills the adult worms. Treatment should be given once a year after an infection to prevent reinfection. Pregnant women should not be given this medicine during the first trimester. Those with chronic illnesses such as sick cell anemia or liver disease should not be given this medication. This medicine should be taken for the entire length of time that it is prescribed, even if symptoms subside.

Pyrantel Pamoate

Pyrantel pamoate kills parasitic worms such as pin worms and hook worms by paralyzing their nervous system. When the worms are dead they pass into the stool and are emptied from the body. Before taking pyrantel pamoate tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, if you are breast feeding, if you take any prescription or herbal medications, if you are allergic to medicines or foods.

Mebendazole

Mebendazole keeps worms from growing in your body and to treat infections caused by whip worm, pin worm, round worm, and hook worm. It can treat more than one worm at a time. Be sure to tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have before taking mebendazole, including if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Do not take mebendazole if you are breast feeding. Children under the age of two years should not take mebendazole unless recommended by your doctor.

Niclosamide

Niclosamide is prescribed to treat infections from broad or fish tapeworm, dwarf tapeworm, and beef tapeworm. Niclosamide should not be used for pin worms or round worms. But it may be used to treat other tapeworm infections. Niclosamide kills the tapeworms on contact and the dead worms pass into the stool. Be sure to tell your doctor is you have an allergy to this medicine, if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, or if you are breast feeding. It should not be used in children under two years of age unless recommended by your doctor. Do not give to elderly patients unless recommended by the doctor. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking other medications or herbal remedies to prevent interactions.

Postpartum Joint Pain

There's so much information out there on what your body might be going through during your pregnancy. There's considerably less information on what your body might be going through after giving birth. After delivering their babies, many women are surprised and confused to find that their hips still hurt and their knees still feel wobbly. Postpartum joint pain can leave you feeling like you're decades older and wondering whether you'll ever fully regain the body you once had.

Why Your Joints May Be Hurting

Your body has been physically stressed by the additional weight it has been carrying around for the past few months. If you had an epidural, you may have sprained your tailbone during the delivery without even knowing it. Anything from chronic fatigue syndrome to rheumatoid arthritis may be the culprit. The most common reason, however, has to do with a pregnancy hormone called relaxin.

The Relaxin Hormone

During pregnancy, your body releases relaxin, which loosens your ligaments to help you carry the baby as it gets heavier and helps to prepare your body for the delivery. After birth, it takes awhile for your ligaments to retract to their original positions, and you may be in pain or feel like your joints are weaker until they do so.

How Long Does the Pain Last?

In general, postpartum joint pain can last anywhere from six weeks to six months. The pain can be exacerbated by new chores brought on from caring for your baby. For instance, carrying the baby in your arms can worsen arm, wrist and hand pain. Breastfeeding can cause you to further strain your back if you are not positioned properly during the feedings.

What to Do About the Pain

While you are waiting for your body to heal, it is important to avoid straining yourself, especially during the first few weeks after delivery. Neglecting to take care of your body can prolong any joint pain that you may already be experiencing. It is not recommended that you exercise immediately after giving birth; improperly exercising your body could make the situation worse.

Pain After Six Months

If you are still experiencing postpartum joint pain six months after giving birth, bring the problem up with your doctor. He or she may prescribe physical therapy for you. A physical therapist will be able to tell you what exercises you'll need to do to heal your body properly.

How to Diagnose a Plugged Milk Duct

Breastfeeding (nursing) your baby can be a comfortable and relaxing experience, though some problems can be expected, especially during the first weeks of breastfeeding. Although most problems can be treated at home, proper diagnosis is important so professional help can be sought if required.

Instructions

Symptoms and Causes

1

Check the symptoms. More than likely, if you have a plugged milk duct the symptoms will find you so they're not hard to look for. Usually the breast will feel very sore, have a tender spot, or a lump that is extra sore. Redness of the skin often accompanies the lump or tender spot.

2

Review the history. Plugged milk ducts can be caused any number of ways. Some include incorrect positioning of the baby while feeding, extended amounts of time between nursings, giving supplementary bottles, overusing a pacifier, or wearing a nursing bra or other clothing that is too tight and inhibits milk flow.

3

If an older baby suddenly starts sleeping through the night, or nurses often one day and cuts way back the next day, a plugged milk duct may occur. Periodically a plugged duct may also be caused by dried milk secretions covering one of the nipple openings. If any of the aforementioned situations apply to you and your baby, a plugged milk duct is likely.

Treat the Problem

4

Apply heat (wet or dry).

5

Get plenty of rest. Spend the day in bed if at all possible.

6

Nurse and nurse again. The more frequent the nursings on the affected side, the more empty the breast so milk will flow more freely.

7

Also, wear looser clothing and bra (or ditch the bra for a day or two). Check the baby's position while nursing or try nursing in a different position.

8

The sooner you take precautions toward treatment, the better your chances of preventing mastitis (or a breast infection).

Do Breast Shells Help Cracked Nipples Heal?

Breastfeeding is a natural process for a new mother. Many mothers are surprised when they have problems with breastfeeding, such as latch problems, that result in cracked nipples. Taking the proper steps to heal cracked nipples early is important to continue breastfeeding and for the comfort of the mother.

Cracked Nipples

Cracked nipples are the result of a poor latch (the way the baby's mouth is latched on to the mother's breast). Seeing a lactation consultant when a problem arises is important. The lactation consultant can help mother and baby have a proper latch so breastfeeding is an enjoyable experience for both. It is important for the mother to unlatch the baby and then latch again if there is pain while breastfeeding. Continuing to breastfeed while it is painful can result in more trauma to the nipples.

Healing

It is important to take necessary steps to heal cracked nipples before the problem gets worse. After seeing a lactation consultant, it is a good idea to soak cracked nipples in salt water. When the nipples are cracked it is important to air dry them after feedings. Using breast shells in a bra also helps your nipples air dry to help them heal. A lanolin ointment can also be used between feedings to soothe cracked nipples after the nipples are dry.

Breast Shells

Breast shells are made up of two parts. A ring with a hole for the nipple to go through and a domed top that goes over it. The dome area protects the nipple from contact with the fabric of the bra, which could irritate a cracked nipple. Ventilation holes in the breast shell allow air to pass through to dry the nipple. The bottom of the breast shell collects any milk that leaks.

Considerations

Using a breast shell allows the nipple to dry by collecting leaking milk in the shell rather than having a breast pad against the skin keeping the nipple moist. Discard the milk collected in a breast shell. Bacteria can grow in milk that is stored against a warm body. It is important to wash breast shells with soap and warm water between the baby's feedings. This eliminates the risk of growing bacteria. A breast shell only works if the problem causing the cracked nipple has been resolved. Having a proper latch with the baby is essential.

How to Exclusively Pump Breast Milk

Many women who plan to breastfeed are unable to nurse their child due to illness or premature birth. Other women cannot or choose not to nurse due to physical or work limitations but want their baby to receive the nutritional benefits that breast milk provides. For these women, exclusive pumping is an excellent option. The baby receives all the nutritional benefits of breast milk without nursing. Exclusive pumping is demanding, but it is also rewarding and will provide your child with the best nutrition possible during the first year of his life.

Instructions

1

Purchase or rent a double electric breast pump. These pumps are the most efficient and comfortable. If you cannot afford a double electric pump, try a single electric or hand pump.

2

Pump within a few hours of giving birth, if possible. This is when your baby would begin nursing, so you should mimic what he would do.

3

Pump every two to four hours to establish and maintain an adequate milk supply. This means you will pump eight to 10 times every 24 hours, which is similar to how often your infant would nurse.

4

Pump each breast for about 15 minutes before your milk comes in.

5

Pump each breast for two to three minutes after you have emptied your breasts.

6

Pump five to seven times a day after you have established a full milk supply. If your supply goes down, return to pumping eight to 10 times a day.

7

Drain your breasts each time you pump. This will signal your body to produce more milk.

8

Drink plenty of fluids. Drink enough to quench your thirst. Proper hydration helps maintain your milk supply.

9

Consume enough protein, dairy and carbohydrates to keep your milk supply up and energy level high.

10

Feed your baby a bottle of formula if you do not produce enough breast milk to meet her nutritional needs. Most experts agree that exclusively feeding a baby breast milk is best, but it is fine to supplement with formula if necessary.

Diet for Breastfeeding & Reflux

What a breastfeeding mother eats and drinks directly impacts her baby. At times, what she eats can cause her baby discomfort or excess gas. Some infants have a condition called gastroesophageal reflux (GER), more commonly known as heartburn. Pay close attention to your diet to stay healthy, keep your milk supply up, and help your baby to be healthy, satisfied and comfortable. Identifying food allergies also is helpful because GER is occasionally caused by allergies.

An Ideal Diet

Town and Country Pediatrics recommends that breastfeeding mothers take in an additional 500 to 600 calories. Choosing nutrient-rich foods, such as dairy products, vegetables, fruits and lean meats, helps keep your body healthy and produce enough milk for your baby. Eat foods with excess fat, sugar, salt and cholesterol rarely or not at all to supply your baby with the healthiest breast milk possible. These things also impact your well-being, so if you avoid them, you will find yourself healthier as a result.

Additionally, being well-hydrated is important, especially during breastfeeding. You will probably find yourself thirsty much of the time, so simply listen to your body to determine how much water you should have.

Because alcohol passes through breast milk, feed your baby before having an alcoholic drink. La Leche League (LLL) of Northern Arizona says that it takes an average of two to three hours for the alcohol to leave your system, so after consuming one alcoholic drink, wait at least three hours before nursing again. After moderate or heavy drinking, do not breastfeed your baby; rather, pump and dump out the breast milk.

What is GER?

The LLL explains that "GER occurs when the muscle at the entrance to the stomach fails to keep the stomach contents in the stomach." Common symptoms of GER include fussiness, sudden and inconsolable crying, pain, trouble swallowing, frequent spitting up and slow weight gain. This diagnosis is usually based on the parents' description of the baby's symptoms. According to pediatrician Dr. William Sears, GER is less common in breastfed babies, and reflux occurs more when babies are crying.

Allergies Linked to GER

Reflux.org reveals that allergies can be a cause of GER. According to LLL, babies have a 30 percent chance of having the same allergies as their parents. The best treatment for food allergies is to avoid the consumption of foods containing allergens. Mothers should avoid foods she and the father are allergic to while she is pregnant and breastfeeding.

If neither the mother nor father have known food allergies, an elimination diet may be necessary to determine what is causing the baby's allergic reactions. Eliminate the suspected foods for two to three weeks and watch to find out if the GER symptoms go away. If this seems to help, reintroduce suspected food(s), one at a time. Wait at least two weeks before adding a new food, as it can take up to 10 days for a reaction to occur.

According to Reflux.org, "Foods which may cause allergic reactions can include eggs, dairy products, oranges, tomatoes, fish, peanuts, corn, wheat, and soy. Some mothers have also found that eliminating caffeine, nicotine, and artificial flavorings and preservatives is helpful."

Baby's Position

How the baby is positioned makes an impact in her GER symptoms. Place the baby in a sling or a front carrier when possible. Keep her upright to lessen her discomfort. Dr. Sears says, "Babies with severe reflux sleep best on their stomach and propped up at a 30-degree angle by elevating the head of the crib." He also recommends keeping the baby upright for at least 30 minutes following a feeding.

Other Health Issues Related To GER

Dr. Sears considers GER one of the most common causes of colic. It may also cause coughing or wheezing in infants and young children for which there is no other obvious source.

How to Build Up Breast Milk Supply

Although breast feeding is a natural instinct, it may take babies a bit of time to learn. Hence, it's sometimes necessary to build up your breast milk supply so that you can sufficiently train and feed your baby. As your baby sucks milk from your breast, your body releases hormones that instruct your brain to prepare more nutrient-rich milk for your baby. Frequent and unrestricted breast feeding, incorporating natural milk-producing agents in your diet and avoiding milk-restricting herbs are your best bet to build up your breast milk supply.

Instructions

1

In the initial weeks after delivery, squeeze out as much milk from your breasts as possible, as often as you can. Use a breast pump to pull out the maximum breast milk, as this triggers the body to increase milk production

2

Breast feed as often as your baby will eat. This is essential to a good nursing relationship. A good latch will help your baby gain weight, ensure sufficient milk supply and ease your discomfort.

3

Switch sides only after one breast is fully empty, and always offer the second breast for feeding. Let the baby decide whether he or she wants more.

4

Compress your breast to squeeze out more milk when your baby is latched to your breast and is sucking but not drinking. This technique will also help a sleepy baby squeeze the most milk out of your breast. Practice this technique from the first day of your baby's life to give your baby maximum colostrum.

5

Drink mother's milk tea to boost your milk production. Maintain a healthy diet and ingest fenugreek, alfalfa, blessed thistle, fennel seed, oatmeal and stinging nettle to stimulate milk production.

6

Ask your doctor about medical galactogogues like Domperidone, Metoclopramide, Chlorpromazine and Oxytocin.

How to Transition Baby From Nipple Shield to Bare Nipple

When a baby has trouble latching onto your breast to breastfeed, you can try wearing a nipple shield to help the baby latch. When you then want to transition to your bare nipple, the baby may have trouble making the transition because the bare nipple feels different and may even be shaped differently, creating confusion for the baby. Because wearing a nipple shield during breastfeeding can affect milk supply and the overall experience of breastfeeding, it may be preferable to transition the baby from the nipple shield to the bare nipple over time to continue the nursing relationship.

Instructions

1

Attempt to feed your baby without the nipple shield at every feeding. Be patient and persevere without frustration, even if the baby never chooses to latch without the shield. Consistency may lead to a breakthrough.

2

Remove the nipple shield quickly during a pause in the feeding, after your baby has already started to receive milk from you initial let-down, or milk ejection reflex. Trying to transition the baby from the nipple shield to the bare nipple while the milk already flows may help encourage the baby to latch on.

3

Create a relaxing atmosphere for you and your baby to bond. Take a bath with your baby or spend a day in bed getting as much skin-to-skin contact with him as possible. Closeness with your baby may help encourage him to nurse from the bare nipple, and relaxing with him helps release any tension or anxiety that might accompany the transition.

4

Transition your baby from a regular nipple shield to a smaller, more fitted variety. Use a shield made from silicone that does not add extra bulk to the nipple, but rather helps shape it, as an interim solution between the regular nipple shield and bare nipple.

5

Consult a lactation expert if you need additional help. General practice physicians or pediatricians may not be able to give specific advice about breastfeeding problems. Lactation consultants specialize in helping mothers and babies enjoy and succeed at nursing.

How to Dry Up the Mammary Glands of Dogs After Pregnancy

When the mother dog begins the process of weaning her puppies, it is time to begin introducing the puppies to solid food and helping the mother dog recover from lactating. Most likely, while she was nursing, the veterinarian recommended to feed the mother dog puppy food. As the weaning process begins, the mother dog should gradually be switched back to adult food. This change in nutrition signals to her body that nutrition is decreasing and it's time to stop producing milk. Allow several weeks for the weaning process.

Instructions

1

Change a quarter of the mother dog's diet back to adult dog food on the day you begin offering the puppies mush. This usually occurs when the puppies are about four weeks old.

2

Change half of the mother dog's diet back to adult dog food a week later.

3

Change three-quarters of the mother dog's diet back to adult dog food three weeks after the puppies begin to eat mush.

4

Feed the mother dog only adult dog food by the time the puppies are eight weeks old.

5

Fast the mother dog on the day the puppies are weaned completely. This will be when the puppies are separated from their mother completely. For large dogs, a 24-hour fast is acceptable. For smaller dogs, reduce the amount of food to half of what the mother dog would normally be fed.

6

Resume the mother's pre-pregnancy diet the next day.

How to Ensure the Mommy Rabbit Is Feeding Her Babies?

Caring for baby rabbits can be an easy task if the mother plays her part in their feeding and care. In a lot of cases, rabbits leave the nest quickly and only nurse them once after birth, leaving rabbit owners in charge of the care and feeding. Ensuring that the mother is close by and nursing her babies can help to prevent the need for bottle feeding.

Instructions

1

Provide the mother with plenty of healthy food to ensure that she is producing a good quality and quantity of milk for the babies. Her food should include extra kale, broccoli and spinach to provide her with plenty of vitamins.

2

Keep the mother with her babies in a nest box so that she is close by when they are hungry. A nest box should be a small cardboard box lined with hay or shredded newspaper.

3

Listen to the babies for the first two days. If they are quiet, the mother is feeding them properly. Noisy babies are hungry and not being fed.

4

Watch the babies to make sure that they are growing well. Having a veterinarian involved in their care can help you to ensure that they are being fed and cared for properly by their mother.

How to Supplement Breastfeeding With Formula

While everyone knows breast milk is much better for your baby than formula, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends infants get nothing but breast milk for the first 6 months of life, sometimes life requires us to supplement breast milk with formula. If you need to start giving your baby formula rather than breast milk, there are some things to keep in mind.

Instructions

1

Start with one feeding a day, if possible, and work your way up to more feedings if you have to. Few babies refuse formula due to the taste or consistency, but if you're concerned, feel free to mix your breast milk with the formula. Continue to give your baby breast milk for the other feedings if possible.

2

Do not suddenly stop breastfeeding if possible. This will be hard on your body, if your body is producing breast milk. Suddenly stopping breastfeeding can lead to painful engorgement, plugged ducts and mastitis. It's better for you and your baby to gradually start supplementing breastfeeding with formula.

3

Ask yourself why you need to give your baby formula. If it's because you can't pump enough breast milk, talk to a lactation consultant about increasing your milk supply. If it's because breastfeeding is going poorly, pump your breasts and feed your baby the expressed breast milk rather than formula.

4

Make sure you're feeding your baby correctly with formula. New research shows the importance of holding babies upright and holding the bottles horizontally while giving them bottles.

How to Find Good Nursing Clothes

Comfortable clothes are important for nursing mothers ' and so is looking good!

Instructions

1

Check out local maternity shops. Many stores offer a selection of garments that can be worn after your baby arrives.

2

Hunt through the maternity section of a major department store or a discount fashion store. You'll probably find a small selection of practical, comfortable nursing wear.

3

Make your own nursing clothes. Most major pattern companies offer some nursing-wear patterns.

4

Convert a regular pattern into a nursing pattern by adding openings for nursing. Conceal the openings with fabric overlays.

5

Re-examine your wardrobe. Overalls, jumper-style dresses with deep armholes, comfy T-shirts and anything that buttons down will be easy to nurse in. A twinset is great for nursing, since the cardigan can also be used as a cover-up.

6

Shop through mail-order catalogs or online. Many online companies offer nursing clothes, including a number of companies that will make custom outfits or even matching outfits for mother and baby.

Breastfeeding Etiquette While in Mixed Company

Doctors tend to tout breastfeeding as best for babies, and for the most part, breastfeeding is a convenient alternative to bottle-feeding. Some mothers may feel embarrassed to breastfeed while in mixed company -- say, at a family gathering or out in public -- for fear of what others might think. According to Parents Magazine, 44 states, as well as the District of Columbia, have enacted specific laws to allow mothers to breastfeed in any public location. Regardless of the laws concerning breastfeeding in your state, practice breastfeeding etiquette to make yourself and others feel more comfortable when its time to nurse your baby.

Wear the Proper Clothing

During the time youre nursing your baby, dress in a way that it is easy for you to get baby on the breast. Start off by wearing a nursing bra. Unlike a regular bra, nursing bras are specifically designed for nursing mothers and are equipped with latches or flaps that can easily be opened to expose the nipple. If you know youre going to be in the company of others, choose an outfit that allows for easy access to the breast. A loose-fitting top works well so you can lift it up from the bottom to feed the baby, and the extra fabric can drape slightly to help cover exposed skin. If you have on a shirt that buttons, unfasten the buttons from the bottom up instead of the top down for less chances of exposing the breast.

Position Baby Properly

Your baby provides a lot of the cover you need while nursing, so properly positioning him while nursing around others can help to lessen your exposure and make people around you feel more comfortable. The hardest part about breastfeeding without offering too much exposure is getting him to latch on, especially for newborns. Turn your back away from the people you are with or leave the room briefly until he latches. If your baby is more accustomed to nursing, the latching may not be such a problem. Position the baby so that he is at breast level for nursing. If necessary, use a diaper bag or jacket on your lap to bring the baby up to breast level. Hold the baby close to your body with his body lying across your mid-section and his head snugly covering your breast. Depending on the type of clothing youre wearing, you can easily lay the extra fabric from your shirt near his head to help cover up the breast area. A baby sling is another ideal way to breastfeed in mixed company. It provides adequate coverage and allows baby to nurse comfortably.

Keep a Cover Handy

Babies often move around while breastfeeding, so its a good idea to always keep a cover handy while youre in the presence of other people. A blanket, burp cloth or even a light jacket can easily be used to cover up. Drape the item lightly over babys head or just keep it nearby in case he pulls off of your breast and leaves you exposed. You can easily grab the cover up and place it over your breast.

Diffuse Uncomfortable Situations

Try as you might to be discreet while breastfeeding, you still may get comments or stares from people nearby. As tempting as it might be to lay into the person whos questioning your decision to breastfeed your baby in public, there are tasteful ways to handle such situations. You can simply ignore the comment or stare, especially if youre in public or around strangers, or you can choose to inform the person about the many benefits of breastfeeding for babies. You can empathize with the person, letting them know you understand theyre uncomfortable but this is a choice youre making for your child and you will not apologize for it.

How to Use Fenugreek for Breast Milk Supply

Called "hairs of the earth" in ancient Egypt, and used throughout the world to increase breast milk supply in lactating women, the fenugreek plant has been used for thousands of years for its various medicinal properties both as an herb and as a spice. Besides increasing breast milk supply, crushed fenugreek seed appears to lower blood sugar and has been used as a treatment for diabetes in Ethiopia. Fenugreek is also a common ingredient in curry powder and adds a maple syrup flavor to artificially flavored maple syrup.

Instructions

1

Try fenugreek, rather than automatically giving up on nursing or switching to formula when you experience low milk supply. You'll probably be as astonished as I was at how well it worked.

2

Buy fenugreek capsules at a natural health store, natural supplement store, or drugstore. Or purchase loose fenugreek spice from a reputable herbalist. Good, fresh fenugreek should smell somewhat like maple syrup and not smell acrid.

3

Take fenugreek seed capsules in sufficient quantity to have an effect. Following the general dosage recommendations on the supplement bottles will generally not suffice, unless they specifically mention the dosage for using fenugreek for low milk supply.

4

For dosage: Take 4-7 grams a day. This means 2-4 610 mg capsules three times daily OR 1/2-1 teaspoon of the spice (powdered fenugreek seed) dissolved in water, juice or milk three times daily OR 1 cup of fenugreek tea 2-3 times per day. You may start at the lower dosage for a few days and then work up to the maximum dosage if called for.

See Warnings for a notice about dosages.

5

Notice results within 1-3 days. Continue to take fenugreek seed for several days. Nurse or pump or express breast milk, eliminating as much milk from your breasts as you can to build your milk supply.

6

You may try going off the fenugreek when you feel your milk supply has increased sufficiently to feed your baby. If your breast milk production lowers again, even with the baby draining your breasts completely, resume taking fenugreek seed in the same dosage as before and keep taking it (see Warnings section).

How to Treat a UTI While Breastfeeding

While it's important for a woman's health to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), it's also important for nursing mothers to not pass powerful antibiotics to their babies, whose systems may not be able to handle them. The alternatives are to treat UTIs with safe, natural cures or to use less-powerful antibiotics that are known to be safe for infants. In cases of serious UTIs, however, women may need to stop nursing a baby in order to aggressively treat the UTI. Prepare for this eventuality by pumping and storing breast milk throughout these steps.

Instructions

Treatment of UTIs

1

The best choice for breastfeeding women is a natural treatment. Do the common-sense things first: increase your intake of water, make sure your undergarments are not tight, and urinate frequently to flush out bacteria.

2

By itself, simple flushing will probably be inadequate, so you'll need to make your system more alkaline and antibiotic. Calcium citrate and magnesium citrate, both available in the supermarket vitamin aisle as mineral supplements, will safely make your urine more alkaline as well as add calcium and magnesium to your diet. Don't overdo them; take tablets as directed on the package.

3

Drink cranberry and/or blueberry juice, without sugar, and avoid all sugary drinks. Both these fruits have antibiotic properties that can be very effective against UTIs, and limiting your sugar intake robs bacteria of nutrients.

4

Do not take other natural remedies, like goldenseal, without talking to your doctor first. While many herbal remedies are safe and effective, they can interact with current medications, and some can pass through breast milk to your baby.

5

If you've tried natural treatments for a week and you still have a UTI, it's time to talk to a doctor about pharmacological treatment. Fortunately, there are many drugs today that work quickly and well on a UTI but that do not pass through breast milk, or that pass through but are safe for your baby.

6

Ultimately, there will be some UTIs that do not respond well to either natural treatments or to safe-for-baby antibiotics. In this case, ask your doctor for the quickest-acting treatment so you won't use up your stored breast milk too quickly.