How to Make Fenugreek Tea

Fenugreek is an aromatic herb with a taste resembling maple syrup or licorice. It can be brewed to make a mild and flavorful tea for a variety of medicinal purposes. Some of the most common uses of fenugreek are increasing milk supply in breastfeeding mothers and controlling blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Whole-herb fenugreek may have powerful medicinal effects; fenugreek tea delivers milder, lower doses of the herb. If you take medications for any of these conditions, you should consult a doctor before beginning regular consumption of fenugreek tea. In most cases, fenugreek tea is safe and also has a tradition of culinary use.

Instructions

1

Purchase fenugreek seeds online or at your local health-food store. Grocery stores may not carry fenugreek seeds, unless they have an extensive natural-foods section.

2

Boil water and remove from heat. Steep whole fenugreek seeds in the hot water for five to 20 minutes. Use about 1 teaspoon of whole fenugreek seed per cup (8 ounces) of boiling water. Do not use ground fenugreek seed.

3

Pour fenugreek tea through a fine colander or strainer to remove the seeds. Drink immediately, or store in the refrigerator to drink later.

4

Drink fenugreek tea at least two to three times daily. Fenugreek tea can be consumed hot or cold. Sweetening is not necessary because the tea is naturally very sweet.

How to Exercise While Breast-Feeding

Regular exercise can help you to get back in shape after your baby arrives. In fact, some studies have shown that physically active mothers produce more milk volume than their sedentary counterparts. Here are some general guidelines for exercising throughout your breastfeeding relationship, whether you're a triathlete or just a weekend warrior.

Instructions

1

Wear a good sports bra that fits well but doesn't constrict your breasts too much. A bra that is too tight can lead to plugged ducts and mastitis.

2

Get back into your fitness routine slowly. Your breasts will be larger and fuller than they were before you became pregnant, and you will have to get used to your new physical dimensions as you get back into shape.

3

Lose weight gradually. Try to keep weight loss to no more than a pound a week, or four pounds a month, after your baby is born.

4

Drink extra fluids during and after exercise. If you get dehydrated, your milk supply may be affected.

5

Eat lots of nutritious snacks to refuel your body. A breast-feeding mother requires extra calories to make enough milk, and may need to replace the calories burned during exercise by snacking regularly on healthy foods.

Home Remedies for Infant Gas Problems

Infant gas may be a sign of colic. This is defined as constant crying for three hours a day at least three days a week. Babies also develop gas while digesting lactose and proteins found in formula or breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, you may also be passing your intestinal problems to your baby through your breast milk. If your child has regular gas problems, there are several home remedies you can use to alleviate the problem

Eliminating Foods that Cause Gas

Eliminate foods from your baby's diet that cause gas. Speak to your doctor to find out if your child has a milk allergy or is lactose intolerant. If you are breastfeeding, you should also not consume gassy foods or drinks such as spicy foods, cruciferous vegetables, legumes, citrus fruits and juices, strawberries, tomatoes, caffeine and alcohol. Try cutting out a few of these items at a time to see if your child reacts differently when certain foods are eliminated from your diet.

Replace Your Baby Bottles

Choose baby bottles that are specifically designed to reduce excess air intake.

Some baby bottles let in more air than others. This allows your baby to gulp air, which results in gas. Look over your bottles and make sure that the holes are not too big. You can also purchase bottles that are specifically designed to reduce excess air intake or that prevent air bubbles from forming in the milk or formula.

Herbal Tea

Fennel tea is a traditional gas and colic remedy because it helps to relax the gastrointestinal tract. Add fennel seed to boiling water and let it cool completely. You can then give your infant 1 teaspoon before and after each feeding. If you are breastfeeding, you can drink one cup, three to six times per day. Other herbal teas that are known to reduce gas include peppermint, dill, anise, slippery elm bark and chamomile. If you're considering chamomile tea, speak to your doctor first because some people may be allergic to chamomile.

Massage

Massaging or rubbing your baby's abdomen can help relax his intestinal tract and help him get rid of gas. Massage oil made with a tincture of catnip and almond or olive oil can help increase the effects of the massage. Laying your infant on his back and moving his legs in slow cycling motion may also help move the gas through his system. You can also lay your child on his tummy and rub his back to alleviate any pressure on his digestive tract.

Heat

Heat can help ease some of the discomfort your child is experiencing. Give your infant a warm bath but make certain to check the water first so that it is not too hot for your baby's skin. Placing a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel on your baby's tummy will have similar effects.

Breastfeeding & Breast Implants

Breast implant surgery is a cosmetic procedure that many women undergo who aren't satisfied with the size of their breasts. While there are a number of different types of implants (saline and silicone implants are most common), and a number of different places that incisions can be made (via the armpit or under the fold of the breast, for instance) the purpose of the surgeries are all the same. One of the notable side effects of breast augmentation surgery, though, is that it could affect how a woman breast-feeds--or even if she can breast-feed.

Possibility

Most of the time it is still possible for a woman who has undergone breast augmentation surgery to breast-feed if she has children later. This is especially true if her incision was beneath the fold of her breast or in her armpit, since neither of those incisions would interfere with the mammary gland, which produces breast milk.

According to Babycenter.com, women who had implants due to underdeveloped, or hypoplastic, breasts sometimes have trouble producing enough milk, so they might need to supplement their baby's diet with formula to ensure proper nutrition.

Risk

There is a breast augmentation procedure that may inhibit a woman from breastfeeding. Commonly called a "smile" procedure, this surgery involves making a small incision around the areola--the darker area around the nipple--in the shape of a smile, and the implant is put in that way. This type of procedure runs the risk of cutting or damaging the sensitive nerves in the nipple and of damaging the actual gland in the breast where milk is produced.

Nerves

The nerves in the nipple can become either more or less sensitive after a breast implant operation. This is the main problem with breast-feeding after augmentation surgery. The sensitivity in the nipple is what triggers the milk duct, and if the breast can't feel the baby suckling at the nipple, then there won't be any milk released.

If the nerves are intact, though, and the breast is producing milk normally, then there's usually no reason a woman can't breast-feed. Enhanced nipple sensitivity from implants is also possible, though, which could make breast-feeding and engorgement decidedly uncomfortable for some women.

Silicone and Breast Milk

According to BabyCenter.com, there is no evidence that silicone from a breast implant can leak into the mother's breast milk during breast-feeding. However, even if the implant could, in theory, leak into and contaminate the breast milk, it likely wouldn't harm the baby. The silicone used in breast implants is similar to the material used to help treat a baby's stomach gas.

Benefits

Breast-feeding a baby has a number of benefits, according to CareFair.com. A mother's natural breast milk has more health benefits than baby formula, for instance. Additionally, the mother can share her immune system antibodies with her baby, helping to prevent the child from getting sick. Even women who've had breast implants should keep this in mind if they have children after the procedure.

How to Make Mother's Milk Tea

Breastfeeding delivers the best nutrition to your newborn baby. Unfortunately, many women have problems with milk supply and search for ways to increase it. A common way to increase a nursing mother's breast milk supply is by taking different herbs, such as aniseed fruit and fenugreek seed. Mother's Milk Tea, made by Traditional Medicinals, combines a variety of herbs to increase a nursing mother's milk supply. However, there is a special way to make this tea. You do not make Mother's Milk Tea the way that you would make a regular cup of tea, and many nursing moms do not realize this. Follow these instructions and drink a cup of Mother's Milk Tea at least three times per day in order to increase your milk supply.

Instructions

The Best Way to Make Mother's Milk Tea to Increase Breast Milk Supply

1

Place the Mother's Milk Tea teabag in your cup.

2

Add sugar or sweetener if desired.

3

Pour eight ounces of boiling water into the cup over the teabag and sweetener.

4

Immediately cover the cup so that no air or steam can escape.

5

Let the tea stand covered for ten minutes.

6

After ten minutes, uncover and pull the teabag from the cup.

7

Squeeze the teabag into cup, then discard the teabag.

8

Stir the tea with the spoon.

9

Drink the tea quickly.

10

Repeat the regimen at least twice more throughout the day.

Babies & Divorce

Divorce is a difficult experience to go through. When divorcing with children, the difficulties are compounded. Not only are there custody and parenting decisions to make, but the feelings and emotions of the children must be attended to and watched. Divorce is also difficult if the baby is still breastfeeding or is used to spending the majority of her time with one parent.

Breastfeeding

If the baby is breastfed, there can be issues with maintaining that during the divorce. Breastfeeding is a bonding experience for mother and baby. The primary goal of the courts during a divorce is to keep the bond between the child and both parents. While breastfeeding is officially recognized as best for the baby, it will not be considered over the bond of the father. In order to continue breastfeeding, and make sure that all needs are met, work to show how the baby's bond with the father can be promoted, without interrupting the breastfeeding process.

Young Infants -- Birth to 8 Months

Babies are able to recognize changes in their parents behavior, stress-levels and behavior. Divorce often inspires anger and sadness in the parents. While an infant does not know why, he may feel more anxious during and after a divorce. If one parent does not see the baby often, such as only for weekly visitation, it is hard for him to build a strong bond and connection with that parent. Another factor is that babies develop stranger anxiety between six and eight months.

Older Infants -- 8 to 18 months

Separation anxiety goes into overdrive between eight months and one year of age. Not only will the baby feel anxiety, but she may cling and scream when going to overnight visits with a parent that she does not live with. A baby at that age does not know what divorce means and why she can not spend time with the custodial parent.

Easing Adjustment

There are ways to ease the adjustment and prevent challenges with your baby. Be more aware of stress in the baby. Signs of stress include additional crying, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping and being more withdrawn. Keep regular routines with the baby, at both households. This helps him feel more secure as he knows what will happen and what to expect. Keep bath time and bed time at the same times each day.

How to Use a TENS Unit to Aid in Lactation

Aided lactation becomes an issue for families adopting newborns and who want to breastfeed the adopted child. Since mother's body has not gone through the hormonal changes of pregnancy, she must artificially stimulate lactation through manipulation of the nerve endings around the nipple. Breastfeeding an adopted child brings the mother and baby closer with natural bonding, and breast milk offers a host of health benefits to a newborn, even without the colostrum produced by pregnancy. Aiding lactation with a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation unit (TENS) is a discreet way to aid lactation for women who are in the workforce every day.

Instructions

1

Wear the TENS unit around your neck or waist in a small bag for easy access. The unit is small, about the size of four stacked Popsicle sticks.

2

Attach the electrodes to your breasts on either side of the nipple and in line with the nipples. Attach a red pad and a black pad to each breast.

3

Set the TENS unit to muscle stimulation. You are attempting to stimulate the nerves in the breast to imitate a baby suckling, which will cause your body to produce Prolactin, the hormone required for lactation.

4

Turn the unit on for 15 minutes every two hours around the clock. A mild tingling sensation should be all you feel.

5

Check for lactation periodically. Once milk appears and you are not yet nursing a child, use a hospital grade breast pump to empty the breast after you use the TENS unit. Emptying the breasts helps you lactate more.

How to Use Playtex Drop-Ins Bottles

The Playtex Drop-Ins bottles mimic a baby's natural breastfeeding rhythm of suck, swallow and breathe. The Drop-Ins system uses a sturdy plastic liner that collapses as the baby withdraws liquid, preventing air from entering into the formula. This in turn helps prevent gas and colic. In addition, the Drop-Ins system incorporates the NaturaLatch nipple, whose size encourages the baby to open her mouth and latch onto the nipple the same as she would the breast. The combined system allows for a smooth transition between breastfeeding and bottle-feeding.

Instructions

1

Warm the formula in a separate container before placing it into the bottle.

2

Slide a Playtex Drop-Ins liner into the body of the bottle. The open end of the liner has a lip that rests on the edge of the bottle, preventing it from sliding straight through.

3

Hold onto the edge of the liner as you slowly pour the warmed formula into the liner. The Playtex Drop-Ins bottle is premarked with ounce measurements for easy filling.

4

Place the NaturaLatch nipple through the retainer ring and screw the nipple onto the bottle.

5

Hold the baby in a semi-upright position for feeding. This helps reduce the amount of air the baby sucks in while feeding and prevents the formula from backing up into the baby's ears and sinuses.

6

Allow the baby to feed normally. The liner visibly compresses as the baby takes in the formula.

7

Burp the baby every five minutes.

8

Dispose of the Drop-Ins liner once the baby is finished feeding. Do not wash and recycle liners.

9

Hand-wash the nipple in warm, soapy water. All other bottle pieces are dishwasher-safe if placed on the top rack.

How to Make Breast Pads

Breastfeeding mothers often tuck breast pads inside the cups of a nursing bra to absorb milk that sometimes leaks between feedings. Some mothers prefer disposable breast pads and others prefer cloth breast pads. Although you can purchase cloth breast pads readymade, making your own is a simple little project that you can start and finish in very little time. When you finish, you will have a collection of breast pads ready to use.

Instructions

1

Place the fabric pen into the geometry compass and set the compass to make a 3.5-inch or 4-inch circle.

2

Make circles for the breast pads along the thick center area of the cloth diapers, making as many circles as will fit inside the thick center of the diaper.

3

Cut out the circles you drew with the scissors. As you cut out the thick fabric in the center of the diapers, you will be cutting through several layers of fabric.

4

Thread the serger with white thread or contrasting thread and serge around the outer perimeter of each circle to finish each breast pad. Cut off the threads with the scissors to finish each breast pad.

Hyperbilirubinemia Treatment

Hyperbilirubinemia is known as newborn jaundice, which is a condition caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is created when the body recycles old red blood cells. The liver removes bilirubin from the body in the stool. High levels of bilirubin in a newborn causes the skin, and/or the whites of the eyes, to look yellow.

Phototherapy

Phototherapy is a treatment that is done by placing a baby under a special light while the baby wears only protective eye patches and a diaper. The light is blue-green in color, and works by changing the molecule structure of bilirubin so it can be excreted in the urine and stool. It is used day and night, with frequent changing of the baby's position to expose all of the skin to the light. The physician will draw blood periodically to monitor the bilirubin levels.

Fiberoptic Blanket

The fiberoptic blanket is another form of phototherapy. The blanket is placed under the baby, and used along with the phototherapy light, or it can be used on its own.

Exchange Blood Tranfusion

The purpose of an exchange transfusion is for babies who have severe jaundice, and do not respond to any other treatments. The exchange transfusion is performed in the newborn intensive care unit of the hospital. The baby's blood is withdrawn through a vein or artery, the bilirubin and antibodies from the mother are diluted, and the blood is transferred back into the baby. This may need to be done several times until the bilirubin levels are normal.

Stop Breastfeeding

According to the University of Virginia Health System, about 2 percent of babies who are breastfed will develop jaundice after the first week of life. Some babies may develop jaundice in the first week of life if their calorie intake is inadequate, or if the baby is dehydrated. Breastfeeding is stopped for a day or two, and fed formula. Once the bilirubin levels are normal, breastfeeding can be resumed.

Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg)

Intravenous immunoglobulin is a protein in the blood that reduces the level of antibodies. Newborn jaundice may be caused by the difference in blood type between the mother and baby. Transferring immunoglobulin decreases the level of bilirubin in the baby's blood, and may also prevent the need for an exchange blood transfusion.

Natural Ways to Lower Prolactin

How to Clean Medela Tubing

The Medela Co. manufactures a variety of health care products, but may be better known for its commercial line of breast-feeding equipment and supplies, including breast pumps and breast milk collection, storage and feeding tools. Electric Medela breast pumps connect two suction cups that attach to collection bottles through tubing that connect to the power unit. The power from the main unit activates the suction that helps stimulate the breast milk production. The removable parts of the breast pump should be cleaned after use. The tubing can be cleaned if it becomes dirty or moisture accumulates inside the tubing.

Instructions

1

Remove the tubing from the collection bottles and disconnect from the main unit by pulling gently until the tubing pops off of the main unit.

2

Hold the tube vertically under lukewarm water so water runs through the tube.

3

Add a drop of dishwashing liquid into the tube if the tubing is dirty or breast milk has accidentally entered the tubing. Hold the tube vertically under running water until the water runs clear.

4

Hang the tubes in a vertical position for several hours to allow to air-dry. If moisture remains inside the tubing, connect the tubing to the main unit, but don't connect the other end to collection bottles. Turn on the main unit and allow the pump to run for one to two minutes to pull excess moisture from the tubing.

5

Connect the tubing to the collection bottles.

Breastfeeding When Hungover

No one ever said new moms can't have a few drinks once in a while -- even when breastfeeding. But if you've had enough to have a hangover, you might worry about the effects on your nursing infant. The alcohol content in your breast milk will drop as your blood alcohol drops. The side effects of a hangover normally appear when your blood alcohol level drops to or near zero, MayoClinic.com explains. How rapidly this occurs depends on several factors, but once your blood alcohol level drops to near zero, it's safe to breastfeed.

Amount

The more you've had to drink, the higher your blood alcohol content will rise, and the longer it will take for your levels to fall to normal. Drinking more water, exercising, drinking caffeine or pumping and discarding breast milk won't affect the amount of alcohol that accumulates in your breast milk, lactation expert and member of the La Leche League International Advisory Council Dr. Thomas Hale reports.

Timing

It takes about two hours to metabolize the alcohol in each drink for a 180-pound woman, according to a January 2002 article published in the "Canadian Family Physician." If you had four drinks, it take eight hours for all the alcohol to leave your system. If you weigh just 125 pounds, it would take you 9.5 hours to completely metabolize the same amount of alcohol. The amount of alcohol in breast milk peaks 30 to 60 minutes after consumption if you didn't eat and 60 to 90 minutes if you drink with a full stomach, Breastfeeding Basics reports. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting at least two hours after your last drink before breastfeeding.

Storage

If you do pump while drinking because you're uncomfortable, discard the milk. Alcohol remains in pumped milk. Alcohol isn't stored in breast milk that stays in the breast. This means that the breast milk you produced while drinking won't remain tainted by alcohol. Instead, the alcohol will pass out of the breast milk over time as it passes out of your blood. Because of this, it's not always necessary to "pump and dump" after drinking, Dr. Hale notes. If enough time has passed that the alcohol has passed from the breasts, there's no reason to dump the milk. However, if you're concerned about the effects, there's no harm in pumping a bottle's worth of breast milk to use for the first feeding before you start drinking and saving it for use the next morning.

Effects on Your Baby

Feeding your baby before the alcohol leaves your system can affect the amount of breast milk he takes; a Monell Chemical Senses Center study published in the April 2001 issue of "Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research" found that babies whose mothers had 0.3 grams of alcohol per 2.2 pounds of body weight prior to their feeding drank considerably less. Alcohol can disrupt your baby's sleep or make him weak or overly drowsy. Although only around 2 percent of what you drank enters your breast milk, according to lactation consultant Kelly Bonyata, a baby metabolizes alcohol at only half the rate that you do, so the effects can be more pronounced.

How to Use a Baby Boppy

The Baby Boppy is a pillow designed to help support babies. It is frequently used by breastfeeding mothers to position their babies more easily. It also eliminates the need for mothers to hold their babies while nursing or bottle-feeding, which can become tiring and stressful on the arms, back and neck. The Baby Boppy can be used to support babies' upper bodies during playtime on their stomachs. As babies develop, it can be used to help support them in sitting positions.

Instructions

Feeding

1

Sit in a comfortable chair. Place the Baby Boppy on your lap so the sides curve around your waist.

2

Lie your baby on the Baby Boppy. Place him on his back, with your arm cradled under his head if you are bottle-feeding. Use your other hand to hold the bottle.

3

If you are breastfeeding, place your baby on the Baby Boppy on her back or side. Curve one arm around your baby to keep her in position.

Lying Down and Sitting

4

Place the Baby Boppy on the floor. Position your baby on his tummy with his arms extending over the pillow. The sides of the Baby Boppy should be curved around his body.

5

Position your baby on her back by placing her head and neck on the Baby Boppy. Her body should be centered between the sides of the Baby Boppy.

6

Place the Baby Boppy on the floor when your baby is ready to sit with assistance. Position him in the center of the "U" shape, with the Baby Boppy supporting him from behind and curving around his waist.

The Best Diet for Breast-Feeding Moms

Maintaining a healthy diet while you are breast-feeding is important, not only for your own health but for that of your child as well. As well as eating a healthy diet, know that certain medications and stimulants must be avoided.

Significance

A healthy diet is important for a baby's development.

While breast-feeding, the food you consume is feeding two people, you and your baby. Everything you eat gets passed through your breast milk and into your child. Maintaining a healthy diet will ensure that your breast milk is truly the best choice for your baby.

Diet

Fruits are a great source of vitamins.

Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is a great way to pass along vitamins and minerals to your baby. Meats provide fiber and protein. Eating a complete diet helps to ensure that you and your baby both are receiving good nutrition. Avoid eating too many processed foods or too much fast-food, as they do not provide a lot of nutrition.

Warning

Smoking is not recommended during breast-feeding.

Medications that you take can harm your baby. since they pass through your breast milk. Talk to your doctor prior to taking any new medications. Also, avoid smoking and drinking in excess while breast-feeding, as nicotine and alcohol pass through your milk.

Feeding Habits for Preemies

Giving birth to a pre-term baby is a terrifying experience for most mothers. Preemies are small and frail-looking, and generally require intensive care until they reach the gestational age at which they should have been born. In addition to needing help with breathing and maintaining their body temperatures, preemies have special nutritional and feeding needs while they're in the hospital and after they come home.

Instructions

1

Begin pumping breast milk as soon as you're able, even if you don't plan to breastfeed your baby when you leave the hospital. Breast milk is the most digestible food for babies, and the milk and colostrum contain the nutrients and antibodies they need most. Pumping your milk is the best way to develop and maintain your supply. Preemies born before 31 weeks of gestation are fed by feeding tube, so your stored milk can be given to the baby, often with other vitamins and nutritional supplements.

2

Pump your milk on a regular schedule, as recommended by the staff at the hospital. This is usually every three to four hours, for 15 minutes at a time. The hospital will store the milk for you.

3

Try breastfeeding or bottle feeding your baby when her sucking and swallowing reflexes have developed, usually between 32 to 34 weeks. A doctor or nurse will help you with this in the beginning because babies have to learn how to latch on and suck a nipple, and some preemies can take awhile to learn. At first, the baby will be fed with the breast or bottle along with a feeding tube, and then slowly weaned off the tube.

4

Plan to feed your baby every three to four hours, or more often if he wants it. Most babies eat eight times in every 24-hour period. Preemies don't scream like full-term babies when they're hungry, so you'll have to learn your baby's signs. Often, being awake or restless is the only sign of hunger a preemie gives. If your baby hasn't eaten for four hours, you might have to wake him up to feed him.

5

Stimulate your baby's desire to suck by undressing her part way, and holding her against your bare skin to feed her. Making her want this comfort from you will make her want to stay awake and eat. If the baby drinks all the milk from both breasts, supplement the feed with formula or expressed breast milk in a bottle.

6

Express more milk after each feeding. In the beginning, preemies often fall asleep before they have eaten their fill, and you can use the stored milk later if you need to supplement a feed. If your baby falls asleep while feeding, you can try to wake her by stroking her cheek with her finger or stroking her lips with your nipple, but this doesn't always work.

7

Be persistent in teaching your preemie to breastfeed, especially if she has only been given bottles. Breastfeeding is more work for a baby and it can sometimes take weeks for her to learn how to do it properly. Give her bottles until she learns how to nurse from your nipple, but don't get discouraged and give up. Continue expressing your breast milk even if your baby never takes to the nipple because you can still give her your milk from a bottle.

8

Feed your baby about 12 to 15 oz. of milk or formula every three to four hours when she's big enough to take home. It's not really possible to measure the amount of food a breastfed baby is getting, so you should feed her on demand every time she acts hungry, which might mean more frequent feedings. If your baby takes more than 15 oz. in a feed, offer her more.

9

Keep careful track of your baby's weight after you take him home because this is the only way of knowing if he's eating enough. A healthy baby should gain about 5 oz. per week.

Can Comfort Breastfeeding Be Bad for Toddlers?

Moms who breastfeed their children past age one often keep it a secret from anyone outside the family because the practice is perceived as unusual or even taboo. However, the objections to late breastfeeding may have more to do with cultural attitudes than scientific fact.

Stigma

Mothers who breastfeed in public often face hostility or criticism from disapproving strangers, especially when the child is older than the age of one. Many moms even ask their toddler to use a special word such as "num nums" so other people don't realize he's asking to nurse. The stigma against nursing toddlers usually takes two forms. Some people see it as potentially harmful to the child's development and independence while others see it as somehow indecent.

Objections

In an article on the ABC News website, moms who continued to nurse their toddlers or preschoolers argued that the biological purpose of breasts is for nursing children, and there is nothing indecent about that. According to ABC, moms around the world nurse for four years on average, so American mothers who stop nursing at age one or earlier are the exception rather than the rule. Toddlers usually get most of their nutrition from solid food or bottled milk, so they often nurse more for emotional comfort than nutrition.

Comfort Nursing

Child psychologist Will Braun, in an interview with ABC News, expressed concern that breastfeeding toddlers for emotional comfort could delay their ability to develop independence and emotional self-sufficiency. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that toddlers need to be comforted several times every day and that there is little difference between comforting a toddler with breast milk and comforting her with a pacifier or a security blanket. The AAP advises mothers to breastfeed for a long as they like or until their child is ready to stop, whichever comes first.

Weaning

The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that there is no scientific evidence that late breastfeeding can delay a child's emotional development. However, one reason to consider weaning your child earlier is that children tend to resist weaning more the older they are. Many children decide to wean themselves as they get used to solid food, but some do not. A toddler or preschooler can feel rejected by your attempts to wean her and may put up a determined fight against it.

Can Women With Inverted Nipples Use a Breast Pump?

Inverted nipples can make breastfeeding your baby challenging; the brushing of the erect nipple against the hard palate of your baby's mouth stimulates the sucking reflex. If the nipple retracts instead, the baby might not suck effectively or get much milk. However, you can use a breast pump if you have inverted nipples to feed your baby breast milk from a bottle or to help prevent nipple inversion.

Why Nipples Invert

Congenitally short milk ducts or scar tissue, also called adhesions, can cause inverted nipples as the milk ducts, which connect to the nipple, pull it inward, according to Manhattan Aesthetic Surgery. Inverted nipples often improve during pregnancy, so if you're one of the 33 percent of women who experience nipple inversion or flatness before getting pregnant, according to international board certified lactation consultant Anne Smith, it doesn't mean you can't breastfeed. Skin changes during pregnancy make breast tissue more elastic, which can cause the nipple to evert normally. Around 10 percent of women have inverted nipples, or nipples that don't protrude from the breast tissue, after giving birth, according to Smith.

Using a Breast Pump Before Nursing

You can use a breast pump even if your nipple inverts. Breast pumps don't fit around the nipple only, they apply suction to the areola, the brownish area around the nipple. This compresses the tissue and stimulates milk flow. Pumping for a few minutes will help draw out the nipple so your baby can latch on more easily, so pumping for a few minutes before feeding can improve your baby's latch-on.

Breaking Up Adhesions

Breast pumps can help you to permanently prevent nipple retraction. Using a breast pump can help break up adhesions under the nipple that are making the nipple draw inward by applying uniform pressure from the center of the nipple, Smith explains. Pumping both breasts for 15 to 20 minutes every two hours can help break up the adhesions, La Leche League International suggests. As the adhesions decrease over time, your baby's vigorous sucking might be all you need to draw out inverted nipples and prevent them from inverting again.

Pumping Breastmilk

If your baby can't latch on despite your best efforts, you can pump breast milk to bottle-feed him if you have inverted nipples. Sometimes the adhesions won't break up; nursing in this case can cause pain and your baby won't get much milk, La Leche League International explains. In this case, you could choose to breastfeed your baby just from one breast if you have more severe nipple inversion on one side than the other. Use a high-quality breast pump to pump supplemental milk from the other side or to continue to try to break up the adhesions.

How to Care for a Newborn Baby

Caring for a newborn baby is a challenging task, but also incredibly rewarding. Even if you are nervous around other people's children, it's entirely different once you have your own. While there is much to be said about caring for a newborn baby, here are the basic things you need to do as a new parent...

Instructions

1

Newborns need to eat frequently, roughly every 2-3 hours.

Breastfeeding is generally considered the healthiest method of feeding a newborn baby. In this case, most advocate feeding the baby on demand, whenever he/she cries.

Formula may also be given to a newborn if mother's milk is not an option. Use clean, sterilized bottles, and cooled previously boiled water. Follow the instructions on the container, and be sure to use exact measurements. Typically, in the first two weeks a newborn should have 6 bottles per day, with each bottle including at least 3 ounces of formula. Between 3 and 4 weeks, the baby will need at least 5 bottles per day, with each bottle including at least 4 ounces of formula. From around 1 month old, a baby will need 5 bottles a day, with each bottle including at least 5 ounces of formula.

NEVER give a newborn baby regular cows milk or soy milk. These are not an appropriate food source for a newborn, since they lack the nutrition needed for human growth.

2

Newborns poo - A LOT. Expect a dirty diaper after every feeding in the first few weeks. It's important to keep the baby clean to prevent diaper rash.

Formula fed babies make greenish poo, while Babies who are breastfed tend to make loose, yellow poos. This is normal.

In the first few days, the stool is mostly meconium, which is a thick sticky poo that's difficult to clean. Here's a tip - apply some petroleum jelly to the baby's bottom after a change, and it will make the baby easier to clean next time.

3

Be sure to clean the umbilical cord with every change. You can use a bit of surgical spirits on a cotton ball, and rub this on the cord. Never pull or press it, and contact the doctor if it becomes red or bleeds. It will fall off in anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks.

4

In the first two weeks, newborn babies should typically wear one layer more than an adult would wear in the same temperature. This is because their temperature control is not as good.

After that, you should dress the newborn the same as you would dress an adult for the temperature. Overheating increases the risk for SIDS, so don't overdo it.

Keep clothing restricted to basic cotton. Simple is good - ribbons and buttons and lace can be uncomfortable, and also dangerous.

5

Newborns sleep quite a lot. Unfortunately, this sleep isn't sequential. Rarely will a newborn sleep more than 3-4 hours at a time. It's very important to allow the baby to sleep.

To reduce the risk of SIDS, babies should be placed to sleep on their backs. Use a new, firm mattress that fits snugly in the crib, with no blankets or pillows. Nothing should be in the crib except the baby. If it's winter, you can buy a sleep sack for baby which will keep him/her warm.

Make sure the crib is safe. The bar slats should be no wider than a soda can apart.

6

In the early days, you don't need to fully bathe the baby. You can give the baby a sponge bath with a warm washcloth. It is a good idea to use cotton balls with warm water to wipe the baby's eyes and clean under the neck and around the face.

7

Don't forget the love. Newborn babies love to be held, especially with the baby's head laying on an adult's chest.

Be sure to always support baby's head and neck, as they don't have the neck muscles to keep their own heads supported.

That's the basics of newborn baby care!

How to Treat Breast Milk Jaundice

Breast milk jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and is identified in breast fed babies who are at least one week old. It is typically diagnosed after other more serious causes of jaundice are ruled out. Start to treat breast milk jaundice by understanding what causes jaundice in newborns. Read on to learn how to treat breast milk jaundice.

Instructions

1

Know that jaundice is caused by a build-up in the blood of bilirubin, which is made up of old blood cells usually processed by the liver. The liver enzyme that metabolizes bilirubin has sometimes not matured yet in newborns, which leads to jaundice.

2

Relax in the knowledge that breast milk jaundice usually is not a cause for concern. If the baby is at least a week old, otherwise healthy, gaining weight, having plenty of bowel movements and clear urine, breast milk jaundice will probably be identified. However, it is important to have the level of bilirubin in the blood checked; while rare, extremely high levels of bilirubin can lead to tragic circumstances.

3

Treat breast milk jaundice by continuing to breastfeed. Breast milk jaundice is sometimes seen in babies who aren't getting enough breast milk. Bowel movements are less frequent, so the bilirubin is re-absorbed into the baby's system instead of being eliminated, causing the bilirubin build-up. Nursing your baby more frequently may cure the jaundice without any other intervention.

4

Find that by continuing to breastfeed, breast milk jaundice will usually correct itself in three to 10 weeks. Some doctors recommend supplementing with formula for one to two days to more quickly correct the jaundice, while others feel that it isn't necessary. Pump to keep your supply of breast milk at an adequate level, and do what you are most comfortable with along with the advice of your doctor.

Prescription to Help the Sleep Deprived Mothers Feel Refreshed

Along with the precious new baby, new mothers also get a not-so-precious lack of sleep. New babies want to be fed and changed every few hours, and in addition to caring for your newborn, you have other responsibilities that need to be done every day. So ask your significant other to listen for the baby and get yourself the much needed sleep you deserve.

Ambien

There are three different doses of Ambien available. It comes in a 5-, 10-, and 6.25-mg tablet. You need to read all the instructions that come with the prescription to be aware of possible side effects. Take your pill with a full glass of water to reduce the risk of stomach irritation. You will need to be able to get a full eight hours of sleep when you take the pill. If you are breastfeeding, you can not take Ambien, as it will be in your breast milk and can be passed on to the baby.

Lunesta

Lunesta is a fairly new sleeping pill on the market, available only by prescription. It comes in three doses of 1 to 3 mg. Make sure that you understand all the instructions and you have talked to your doctor about side effects before taking Lunesta. Lunesta has been known to cause allergic reactions in some patients, so if you are prone to allergic reactions don't take Lunesta. Do not take Lunesta with a meal; it should be taken on a empty stomach. Make sure you can devote at least eight hours to sleep. Do not take Lunesta if you are breast feeding.

Sonata

Sonata is also available under the generic name of zaleplon. It comes in two doses--5 and 10 mg. It is available only by prescription and works to make your body relax so you can get much-needed sleep. As with all sleep medication, you need to start with the lowest dose and see how that works for you. Sonata has been known to cause sleepwalking and very vivid dreaming. You need to able to have at least eight hours to devote to the medicine or you risk being very sluggish when you wake up. As with all sleep medication, do not breastfeed while taking this drug.

Lifestyle Changes

In addition to medications, you can make some practical changes to improve your energy and focus. Limit your caffeine intake--this drug makes you feel buzzed for a time, but you will feel worse when the high subsides.

You can also take catnaps throughout the day while the baby is asleep; even 30 minutes at a time will help. Find ways to reduce your stress; bring in some outside help or take the time to get a massage or take a long, hot bath.

Finally, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and avoid heavy, fatty foods that make you feel uncomfortably full or significantly affect your blood-sugar levels.

Medication Usage Tips

Only take sleep medication when there is someone to look after the baby, because you will likely sleep deep enough that you wont be able to hear the baby. Do not attempt to drive after you have taken a sleeping pill and do not attempt to stop taking the sleeping pill without contacting your health care professional. Some sleeping pills are habit-forming, so talk to your doctor if you think you may be becoming dependent on them.

How Does Newborn Constipation Occur?

Stool Staying in the Colon Too Long

The colon's job is to dehydrate the stool. The water removed from the stool gets reabsorbed into the blood. If the colon removes too much of the water, the stool can become very hard and dry. This can make the stool very difficult for a newborn baby to pass. Stool can end up in the colon too long for a bunch of reasons. These include having a naturally slow colon, a lack of stimulation to the colon and a blockage to the colon. While many parents may think a lack of expelling feces is constipation, constipation actually describes the characteristics of the stool rather than the frequency of them. See the Resources section for a link.

Inadequate Nutrition

If a baby is not taking in enough he can become constipated. A baby's body needs water to fuel the breakdown of food and to help pass the stool. If a baby is dehydrated from not getting enough breast milk or formula, a newborn can become constipated. Most doctors will tell parents to increase the amount of liquids (breast milk, formula or in some cases diluted juice) to help relieve their baby's constipation. Check with your pediatrician before feeding your baby anything besides breast milk or formula.

Change of Diet

A newborn baby's digestive system is sensitive. A baby can become constipated if he is switched from breast milk to formula. A baby can also become constipated if his formula is changed. Infant formulas can leave residue in the colon making stools hard to pass. While it is unlikely for a breastfed baby to become constipated, formula fed babies may experience constipation. Babies who eat soy-based formulas may experience more constipation than babies who eat milk-based formulas because of the increased residue soy formulas leave behind. A baby's digestive system wasn't designed to process formulas and the residue left behind. Adding cereal to baby formulas can increase the residue and make constipation even worse.

How to Find a Wet Nurse

Breastfeeding is nature's way of providing milk for a baby, and experts agree that it's the best nutrition an infant can receive. If you'd like your baby to have the benefits of breast milk, but you face breastfeeding obstacles, you might want to discover how to find a wet nurse. A wet nurse is a woman who can provide breast milk for your baby. Whether your baby is adopted, has feeding issues due to prematurity, or you simply don't make enough milk, your baby can still enjoy the benefits of breast milk.

Instructions

1

Post an ad in your local community. Women in search of a wet nurse can post ads in online parenting communities or even in your local paper. Try to find locations where breastfeeding women might see the information. Your local hospital or breastfeeding clinic may allow you to post want ads in their offices to help you find a wet nurse.

2

Ask your pediatrician. Your local doctor may have insight about women willing to be a wet nurse. You can ask for references of wet nurses, or you can ask your pediatrician to contact you if she hears of anyone offering these services.

3

Confide in a friend. If you have a baby close in age to a friend's baby, your friend may be willing to serve as a wet nurse. Breastfeeding a baby, especially a baby that's not your own, is a personal issue, so not every friend will be willing.

4

Consult your hospital. Milk banks work with hospitals nationwide to provide them with human breast milk for hospitalized babies. If you need human breast milk for medical reasons, and your baby is in the hospital, your hospital may be able to help you obtain it.

5

Find your nearest milk bank. There are 11 milk bank locations in the United States and Canada where you can gain access to human breast milk for your baby.

How to Remove a Pinworm

The pinworm is the most common worm infection in the U.S. with the highest number found among school-age children. The white parasite lives in the large intestine and grows to about 0.5 inch in length. Pinworms can spread through touch or inhalation. Pinworm infection is treatable with over-the-counter or prescription medication. You must prevent reinfection, as adult pinworms can survive up to two weeks within your home.

Instructions

1

Call your pediatrician, physician or both. If the infection has affected your entire family, you must treat them simultaneously.

2

Use clear cellophane tape to take samples around the anus first thing in the morning. The doctor will analyze the sample under a microscope to see if eggs are present. He may take more samples in the office.

3

Fill the prescription or buy the recommended over-the-counter medication. Although most pinworm medications have few side effects, pregnant or breast-feeding women should consult with a physician about the risks and benefits. There are also concerns about children younger than 2.

4

Take the medication orally two weeks apart. The separation is necessary because the medication does not kill eggs. After the eggs hatch, the second dose kills the new batch. If reinfection occurs, the doctor may prescribe four to six treatments spaced two weeks apart.

5

Reduce the eggs around the anus by showering each morning. You can take a bath alone but it is less effective. Thoroughly disinfect the region. Pat dry. Rough drying makes the eggs airborne.

6

Cut your fingernails and keep them trimmed short. Cut your children's nails also. Discourage them from nail-biting or picking.

7

Wash your hands, including under the fingernails, thoroughly. Remember to do so often and teach your children to follow your example.

8

Discourage children from scratching to avoid reinfection. Ask your doctor for a cream if there is severe itching to ease your child's discomfort.

9

Change the underwear, clothes and pajamas of all infected family members each day and wash them in hot water. Handle them carefully.

10

Remove sheets and blankets daily. Machine wash them, along with the towels, in hot water and dry them at high temperature to destroy the eggs. Avoid shaking the laundry.

11

Expose as many rooms as possible to bright sunlight. Pinworm eggs are sensitive to sunlight.

12

Use an oiled cloth to dust your home to prevent scattering the eggs. Slowly use your vacuum and avoid using a broom. You can boil your dusting cloth or throw it away when you complete your cleaning.

What Are Some Methods to Increase Breast Milk Production?

According to Breastfeeding Basics, a site maintained by professional lactation consultants, it is not uncommon for infants to nurse 10 to 12 times per day. However, if your child's pediatrician is concerned about your child's nutrition, there are some methods available to increase your milk production.

Diet and Hydration

While nursing, it is important to consume 1,800 calories per day in order to produce adequate milk. In addition, your body needs six to eight glasses of water per day to maintain hydration levels necessary for milk production.

Nursing Frequency

It is important to nurse frequently in order to maintain milk supply. Try to feed your baby at least eight times per day, and try to utilize both breasts while nursing.

Positioning and Massage

Rubbing your breasts while nursing will help your breasts fill with milk. Also, check your baby's positioning to ensure that he has your aureola far enough into his mouth for the compression necessary for successful nursing.

Pumping

Utilizing a hospital-grade electric breast pump for 5 to 10 minutes after each nursing session on the highest setting will help to stimulate milk production.

Supplements

You may wish to ask your doctor if you can try any natural supplements that increase milk production, such as Fenugreek, red raspberry or Brewer's Yeast. The prescription drug Reglan is another alternative to discuss with your doctor.

Considerations

If your production problems continue, consider speaking with a professional lactation consultant.

How to Prevent Thrush

Thrush is basically a yeast infection in the mouth. It can occur in people of all ages. This condition is commonly found in nursing infants, and when those infants are breast-fed, the infection can spread to the mothers breasts. Thrush infections can be sudden, but there are steps people can take to avoid them. If you are at risk for developing thrush or have frequent problems with yeast infections in general, consider taking these steps to prevent the development of the painful thrush infection.

Instructions

How to Prevent Thrush

1

Keep your diet balanced. This helps prevent thrush outbreaks in adults. Add yogurt to your diet if you feel a thrush outbreak coming on. The acidophilus in the yogurt helps to restore the natural bacterial balance in the body.

2

Seek the advice from a dentist if you have any sores caused by dentures or other oral devices. These can eventually lead to thrush infections.

3

Avoid smoking. Nicotine can cause additional problems with oral thrush.

4

Make a mixture that is equal parts white vinegar and water. When treating infants who might have oral thrush, wash all bottle nipples and pacifiers in this mixture and rinse thoroughly. Oral thrush in an infant looks like drops of milk in the mouth that you cannot wipe off.

5

Wash your bra frequently if you are breast-feeding a baby. Thrush can be transmitted from your bra to your breasts. Also, allow your breasts to air dry after feedings if at all possible, as this can prevent the build up of yeast, which love to live in warm, moist places. Wipe out your baby's mouth after feedings.

6

Practice good oral hygiene and rinse your mouth frequently. Remember to floss every day.

7

Limit the amount of sugar you eat if you are prone to thrush infections. Yeast needs sugar to live and thrive, so starving them of this will help keep thrush infections at bay.

How to Get Newborns to Finish a Feeding

Whether nursed at the breast or the bottle, newborns are notorious for falling asleep without finishing a feeding. Although you shouldn't overfeed a baby if she's genuinely full, you may need to encourage your sleepy little one to wake up and eat, particularly if she isn't gaining weight well. There are plenty of strategies you can use to get your baby to stay awake long enough to eat her fill.

Instructions

General Strategies

1

Remove a layer of your baby's clothes before the feeding. Although you shouldn't strip him down enough to make him truly cold, removing a single layer of clothing will keep him from getting so cozy he falls asleep. You may also try stripping him down to his diaper and nestling him against your bare chest, as skin-to-skin contact not only awakens your baby but also increases a breastfeeding mother's milk supply.

2

Feed your baby in a dimly-lit room. Bright lights may cause a newborn to close his eyes, which will encourage him to fall asleep.

3

Touch, kiss or sing to your baby when he starts nodding off. Gentle stimulation can wake up a baby just as it does an adult. Tickle his feet, walk your fingers up and down his spine, or lightly rub the crown of his head in a circular motion, taking care to avoid the soft spot.

4

Remove the baby from your breast or the bottle when he starts to fall asleep, then burp him or change his diaper.

Breastfed Babies

5

Support your breast with the hand that isn't holding the baby. Your baby will become tired more quickly if she has to hold the entire weight of your breast with her mouth.

6

Massage your breasts during the feeding. This stimulates your let-down reflex and lets milk flow into your baby's mouth even when she isn't actively suckling, which encourages her to stay awake and eat.

7

Nurse your baby in the clutch or football hold, holding her at your side rather than across your body. This puts the baby in less contact with your body, which may make her less comfortable and more alert. If you are unfamiliar with the clutch hold, La Leche League International has diagrams of various breastfeeding positions.

8

Watch your baby as she nurses. When her sucking slows and her eyes begin to drift shut, remove her from the breast, burp her, and switch her to the other breast. Continue switching her between breasts until she is no longer interested in nursing.

Bottle-fed Babies

9

Hold the bottle upside-down before offering it to the baby to make sure the formula is flowing at the correct rate. The formula should drip out at about one drop per second. If it flows more slowly, the baby will become tired trying to suck it out and may not finish the feeding.

10

Listen for your baby's swallows as she feeds. Watch her cheeks to see whether they seem to be caving in. If your baby isn't swallowing or her cheeks are caving, she isn't getting enough milk, indicating that the nipple may be clogged or the hole may be too small for your baby.

11

Watch the bottle as you feed your baby. If you are using a bottle with a disposable liner, it should collapse as he eats. If not, you should see air bubbles appear in the formula. If no bubbles appear or the liner does not collapse, a clump of formula may have clogged the nipple, which will encourage your baby to simply pacify himself to sleep on the bottle rather than actually eating.

Breastfeeding Safety With Zyrtec

Zyrtec is a brand name for the prescription medication cetirizine hydrochloride. Doctors commonly prescribe Zyrtec for relief from allergy symptoms, but the drug is not safe for everyone.

Clinical Evidence

FDA research published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine shows that when taken by nursing mother dogs, cetirizine causes puppies to grow more slowly. The dosage used in the study was 96 mg of cetirizine for each kg the mother dog weighed.

Features

In breastfeeding humans, Zyrtec passes into your milk supply, reports the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Expert Insight

Because of the effects of cetirizine upon the development of puppies whose mothers were given the medication, the U.S. National Library of Medicine recommends that breastfeeding women not take Zyrtec.

Considerations

There are no studies about the safety of Zyrtec's use in nursing humans, reports the U.S. National Library of Medicine, and the dosage given to the dogs in the FDA study was more than 40 times the recommended daily dosage of cetirizine. Because of this, the safety of Zyrtec while breastfeeding is unknown, but still discouraged my medical professionals.

Solution

Talk to your doctor about a different allergy medication for use while breastfeeding, such as triprolidine, which is considered safest amongst antihistamine drugs, reports KellyMom.com.

How to Wean the Baby to Sleep Without Breastfeeding

According to BabyCenter, starting at around 4 to 6 months of age, babies should be getting enough calories during the day to sustain them for five to six hours of sleep at night. They should not wake up to breastfeed during this time and they should also be able to soothe themselves to sleep when laid down to rest. If you are breastfeeding, chances are your baby has fallen asleep at your breast, which is not a good habit if you want her to go to sleep on her own. There are ways to wean your baby to sleep without making her dependent upon breastfeeding.

Instructions

1

Give your baby a full breastfeeding right before his scheduled nap or bedtime. This will ensure he isn't hungry.

2

Create a sleep routine for naps and bedtime. A nap-time routine could include a feeding followed by soft music or story time. A bedtime ritual could include a warm bath, followed by a massage and story time.

3

Lay your baby down on her back to help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, also referred to as SIDS. According to KidsHealth, most deaths due to SIDS occur between 2 and 4 months of age. Also remove all fluffy bedding, stuffed animals and pillows from the crib to ensure that your baby doesn't get tangled in them or suffocate. Put the baby to sleep in his own bed instead of with you. This will decrease the urge of him to breastfeed if he wakes back up.

4

Allow your baby to cry for about five minutes to see if she can fall asleep on her own. This method of parenting is known as "Ferberizing," after its creator, Dr. Richard Ferber. The period of time Dr. Ferber's method recommends you should wait before responding depends on your comfort level, how long you have been using the method and how many times you have already checked on your child in the same evening. Some parents feel this controversial method creates emotional scars and may prefer the "Attachment Parenting" method, in which parents immediately respond to their baby's cries. Whether you respond immediately or after a few minutes, do not turn on the lights, as this can overstimulate her.

5

Enlist the help of your partner to help with putting the baby back to sleep if he wakes up during the night to breastfeed. Have your partner get up and check the baby to see if he is wet, change him and then rock him back to sleep. Oftentimes the smell of mommy and breast milk will make the baby want to feed instead of sleep.

Breastfeeding & NSAIDs

NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to reduce pain, fever, swelling and inflammation. WebMD explains that some NSAIDs work by blocking enzymes and proteins in the body such as those that cause heavy menstrual bleeding that a woman may endure post-partum and throughout the time that she breastfeeds her baby.

Types

There are two types of NSAIDs a breastfeeding mother could take, over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription. OTC NSAIDs include Advil and Motrin (ibuprofen,) Aleve (naproxen sodium) and Bayer and Bufferin (aspirin.) Prescription NSAIDs include but are not limited to Celebrex (celecoxib,) Naproxen (naprosyn) and Clinoril (sulindac.)

Safety

In a peer-reviewed journal of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), "American Family Physician," doctors state that short half-life NSAIDs, such as Aleve, Advil and Motrin are safe for use by breastfeeding mothers. Ibuprofen (Motrin) is the doctors' first choice however as clinical studies have proven that an insignificant amount of the medication transfers from the mother to the baby through the breast milk. While a doctor may safely prescribe prescription NSAIDs to breastfeeding woman, the long half-life of the medications puts them on a list of drugs to use with caution.

Dosing

It is recommended by the American Academy of Family Physicians to take NSAIDs before your baby's longest sleeping period so that the medication has time to exit your system. Additionally they suggest that you feed your baby just before taking NSAIDs if you must take them multiple times a day, so that the concentration of the medicine in your breast milk is at its lowest point.

Complications

As with all medications, even those passing through in low concentrations through your breast milk, it is possible for your baby to suffer from adverse side effects. Keep a close eye on your baby when taking NSAIDs, which the AAFP says could include a rash or troubles with breathing. If you notice any symptoms that your baby did not have prior to taking the medication, you should contact your health care provider or call 911 in the case of an extreme reaction.

Warnings

Since the concentration of medicine consumed in the breast milk is different for each baby, those with premature babies or unhealthy babies should consult with their health care provider before taking any medication. They may have an adverse effect on the baby that would not normally happen with an average size healthy infant. Do not take any prescription NSAIDs without consulting your doctor first if you are breastfeeding.

How Much Water Should One Drink?

The body is made primarily of water, and all body systems depend on it in order to function properly, but how much water is enough--and how much is too much? The answer is: it depends. Your health, environment and activity level all determine how much water you should be drinking.

General Rule

According to the Mayo Clinic, the general rule for water intake is referred to as eight-by-eight. This means drinking eight glasses of water a day, each consisting of 8 oz., spread out over the course of the entire day.

Fluid Replacement

The fluid replacement method refers to drinking enough water to replace the amount of fluid your body excretes. This is especially true for athletes who need to drink an extra 1 to 3 cups of water to compensate for fluid lost through perspiration.

Weather

According to the Mayo Clinic, those who live in higher altitudes urinate more and breathe faster, and require extra water intake. Individuals who live in hot, humid climates sweat more and need to drink more water than the recommended eight-by-eight.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding need more water, due to the body's increased demand for fluids. Pregnant women, according to the Mayo Clinic, should drink 10 cups per day, and breastfeeding women should drink 13.

Illnesses

Illness affects the amount of water an individual needs to drink. Those with colds or conditions like diarrhea need to increase their fluid intake, while those with certain heart or kidney conditions may need to restrict their fluid intake.

Too Much Water

Drinking too much water results in a condition where the kidneys can't excrete water as fast as you drink it. This causes your blood's mineral content to become diluted in a rare condition called hyponatremia.

How to Wean Off the Breast

Breastfeeding can be an important feeding and bonding experience for both mothers and children. The Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding a baby until at least the first birthday, and the World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding a baby for two years or longer. When the time comes to discontinue breastfeeding, wean off the breast gently -- and with love -- to ensure a positive transition for both the child and the mother.

Instructions

1

Determine what will replace the breast milk in the baby's diet. If the baby is less than one year, you will need to replace breast milk with formula in a bottle. If the baby is over one year, you can replace breast milk with whole milk in a cup. Get the necessary supplies and foods to feed baby, as you begin making the transition away from breastfeeding.

2

Decrease the number breastfeedings with the baby by one, per week. For example, if you normally breastfeed a baby four times in 24 hours, reduce this to three times for one week. KidsHealth.org recommends dropping the midday feed first, because this feed may be one of the most inconvenient feeds -- especially for moms who work.

3

Replace the dropped feeding with formula from a bottle or a light meal and milk from a cup.

4

Watch for engorgement, as your body adjusts to the dropped feeding. You may notice that you feel slightly fuller, but as long as you only reduce breastfeeding by one feed over the week, your body should adjust without difficulty.

5

Give your child additional love and snuggle time to help the child accept the weaning without stress.

6

Decrease the daily feedings by one more over the following week, following the same process of replacement with formula or food and milk.

7

Continue decreasing one feeding per week, until you have one feeding per 24-hour-period left. Many moms choose to eliminate the bedtime feeding las,t because this feeding is often a special, cuddling feeding that children and moms enjoy. Replace this feeding with a special activity that helps your child over the adjustment -- sit in a rocking chair and read a special book or sing a sweet bedtime song before you tuck your child into bed.

How to Treat an Abscess With Home Remedies

An abscess is a pus-filled recess in the skin. They can occur anywhere on the body, but they most often present on the face. If you have an abscess, there are some very effective basic steps you can take to treat it with home remedies.

Instructions

1

Use heat, the number one home remedy to treat abscesses, to bring the abscess to a head. Place a clean, warm face cloth over the boil for 20 minutes at least three times a day. Rotate face cloths to maintain consistent heat. Warm compresses will bring the abscess to a head.

2

Lance the abscess once it has formed a head. While not the most appealing home remedy, lancing an abscess, or boil, is simple. Simply sterilize the head of a pin or needle with alcohol or a flame, poke a hole in the head of the abscess, and allow the pus to drain. You may need to apply pressure to get the pus to drain.

3

Apply antibiotic ointment once the pus has drained, and bandage the abscess. Bacitracin ointment is commonly used as a home remedy and works well to treat lanced abscesses.

4

Continue using warm compresses a couple of times a day for at least three days to ensure all the pus drains from the abscess. Apply a clean bandage each time you finish using a compress.

Breastfeeding & Chicken Pox

Chicken pox is a virus affecting the skin and mucous membranes, which causes itching and blisters on the skin that can erupt and spread when scratched. Many mothers may wonder whether breastfeeding and chicken pox can mix in any way or whether there are contraindications they need to know about. Breastfeeding a baby with chicken pox in the home can seem worrisome, yet it can actually confer benefits for both mom and baby in most cases.

Immunity

Breastfeeding a baby when the mother has had either the wild chicken pox virus or the vaccine does pass immunity to the infant. While the amount of immunity may be less than is created with a vaccine, the baby receives and benefits from the mother's already developed immunities while breastfeeding and is less likely to get chicken pox when exposed. In addition to actual immunities, the baby's immune system is further protected with nutrients and healthy fatty acids present in breast milk.

Exposure

If another member of the family gets chicken pox, try to keep physical contact with baby to a minimum.

If someone in the family is exposed to chicken pox, the incubation period is between seven and 21 days. During this time it is advisable to keep the breastfeeding infant away from the exposed person as much as possible. A mother who has been exposed does not need to quarantine herself since it is likely the baby has already been in contact, and continued breastfeeding will help keep the baby healthy. After scabs have healed and the family member is determined healthy to be around people again, it is fine to have him around the baby as well.

Shingles

If the mother experiences chicken pox or shingles while breastfeeding, she will be passing along the immunities her body develops. In the event sores or blisters are present on the nipple the mother may need to pump her milk from the affected breast until the sore heals to prevent nipple-to-mouth transmission and to allow her nipple to heal. Seeking professional assistance from a board-certified lactation consultant, breastfeeding peer counselor or La Leche League Leader can provide the information and support a mom needs to continue breastfeeding safely.

Vaccination

Chicken pox or varicella vaccine is available to mothers and infants. The vaccine creates some immunity for the person receiving it and is considered relatively safe to be given while a mother is breastfeeding. While no vaccine is 100 percent effective, medical professionals recommend this vaccine to all healthy people of the appropriate age. Alternatives to vaccination can be found through naturopathic or homeopathic health care professionals.

Professional Help

Mother-to-mother support can help with the challenges of breastfeeding and chicken pox.

If a mother has concerns about breastfeeding and chicken pox, she can contact her family health care professional or breastfeeding specialist. Some health care professionals may have limited information, but organizations such as La Leche League International can provide information, support and often connect the mother with other members of her community who can help her.

Do Bottle-Fed Babies Gain Weight Faster Than Breastfed Babies?

The average baby has tripled his birth weight by the time he celebrates his first birthday. However, a breastfed infant gains about one pound less than a formula-fed baby during the 12 months, according to website AskDr.Sears.com. Both breast milk and formula provide adequate nutrition for your baby, despite the relatively modest difference in weight gain.

Significance

Bottle-fed and breastfed babies grow at about the same rate during the first few months of life. As mid-year approaches, formula-fed infants often start to gain weight at a more rapid pace than babies who breastfeed. It is believed that excess water retention is largely responsible for the extra weight in formula-fed babies. Formula contains more salts and minerals than breast milk so giving your bottle-fed baby water can help the kidneys excrete the extra sodium. Bottle-fed babies also tend to have more body fat than breastfed infants after the first six months, notes AskDr.Sears. Formula-fed infants tend to take in more calories than their breastfed peers.

Feeding Patterns

Although some formula-fed fed babies may be a little chubbier than babies who nurse, breastfed infants usually eat more often than babies who drink formula, explains HealthyChildren.org, the official website of the American Academy of Pediatrics. It takes longer to digest formula, so a bottle-fed baby tends to eat less often than a breastfed infant. Newborns nurse every two to three hours, while bottle-fed babies start out eating every three to four hours. All babies need fewer feedings as they become older, because their stomachs become large enough to hold greater quantities of milk or formula.

Hunger Signals

Be on the lookout for signs that your formula-fed or breastfed baby is hungry. Sucking motions, smacking his lips, sticking out his tongue or sticking fingers in his mouth, and in the case of nursing infants, moving his mouth or head in search of mother's breast are common hunger cues, notes HealthyChildren. A baby cries as a last resort to express his need for food. Contact your doctor if your baby is fussy or cries after a feeding, instead of seeming full and content.

Considerations

Examine factors other than breastfeeding versus bottle-feeding when you look at why one baby gains more weight than another. A baby may have inherited a particular metabolic rate that burns calories faster or slower than another infant. An infant with a laid-back disposition may not burn as many calories as a more active baby who wants to get his body moving as soon as possible.