Maternity and post-partum clothing are not items that typically show up in high-fashion news; because typically they are simply not fashionable. The clothing available for new moms, and specifically nursing clothes and covers tend to be made of lower-end, uncomfortable fabrics meant to serve only one function. Until now, there has not been a fashionable, comfortable, and full coverage nursing cover that has been able to fit the lifestyle of trendy new moms. There is, however, a new solution. Read the rest of this entry

The breast milk has many advantages, such as a great protection against the infections, not to mention the special relationship that it creates between mother and child. Even if the bottle seems more practical, breastfeeding has many advantages for the baby.

It has long been known that breastfed children are more resistant to infections (gastroenteritis, ear infections, etc.) than others. Several immunological and non immunological mechanisms are opposed to microbial growth in milk. The immunoglobulins are proteins endowed with an anti-infectious shield which was identified in the milk of many women. These antibodies are directed against staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci, etc. They are obviously related to infections against which the mother has been vaccinated (polio, tetanus …) or spontaneously immunized. Their action is purely local in the intestine. The lactoferrin is a substance contained in the breast milk that inhibits the growth of several microorganisms, exerts a bactericidal action on certain bacteria and determines the iron essential for bacterial growth. Read the rest of this entry

The regurgitation is very common in babies, since up to 4 babies in 10 regularly experience it. However, there is a difference between the regurgitation and the acid reflux in babies.

Since regurgitation is such common in babies, you should be worried only if it is accompanied by painful events or sleep disorders. In these cases it is probably a gastro esophageal reflux disease which is rather uncommon in infants. A good way to distinguish them is that the banal regurgitation usually occur just after the baby is breastfed or given the bottle and they are completely painless. In the case of acid reflux, the regurgitation occurs several hours and is often painful.

The acid reflux in babies is characterized by the arrival in the esophagus of gastric acid from the stomach. The reflux may or may not externalize in the form of regurgitation or vomiting. The gastro esophageal junction (so-called false-valve) of the infants is immature. It is absolutely normal to observe the acid reflux in infants until the age of 9 months. The gastro esophageal reflux is more common in preterm children who had surgery for abnormalities of the esophagus and ins those who suffer from lung problems (asthma, bronco-alveolar dysplasia, cystic fibrosis) and in children who suffer from hypotonic or psychomotor development problems.

There are several ways of remedy the acid reflux in babies. The non-drug treatments should be attempted first. The anti-reflux can be remedied by elevating the head of bed at about 30 degrees, while maintaining the position of the back. This combined with a dietary treatment may be sufficient to reduce the regurgitation. Decreasing the amount of milk given each time and feeding the baby more frequent would reduce the amount of fluid in the stomach and thus the acid reflux. However, the results of these techniques are mixed and must be approved by a doctor.

Since there has been a dramatic decrease in the risk of sudden infant death syndrome by preventing babies to sleep on the stomach or side, the angle position on the side in case is sometimes indicated. Very often, the acid reflux disappears as the baby makes the transition to upright posture and begins eating more solid food.

Pharmacological treatments are also available for the acid reflux in babies and will be selected accordingly by the physician. In certain rare situations, surgery may be necessary, but it is reserved for children whose lives have been endangered by the gastro esophageal reflux or when reflux causes severe complications, which are persistent and resistant to drug treatments.

Breast milk is the best form of nutrition during early childhood. Breastfeeding protects the infant from a variety of infectious. With few exceptions, the breast milk alone (with vitamin D) fulfills all the nutritional requirements of infants up to six months.

The natural weaning occurs when the infant begins to accept increasing quantities and types of complementary foods while continuing to be breastfed on demand. In case of natural weaning, it usually occurs between two and four years. The planned withdrawal occurs when the mother decides to wean her baby without him/her to give evidence that he / she is ready to stop breastfeeding. Some of the reasons often cited for carrying out a planned withdrawal include a lack of milk or concerns about the growth of the baby suckling or painful mastitis, a return to work, a new pregnancy, the desire that the partner or another adult looks after feedings or teething baby.

These situations may result in premature and full withdrawal, although the mother intended to continue breastfeeding. It’s good that the doctor informs and supports the mother, whether she wants or not to continue breastfeeding. If the doctor is not sure how to provide this support, he may consider directing the mother to a lactation specialist.

The natural weaning should not be confused with a nursing strike. A sudden refusal of the breast may occur at any time and be followed by a full withdrawal if the mother interprets this as a personal rejection. The strikes are temporary and suckling can result from several causes, such as the onset of menstruation of the mother, an amendment to the diet of the mother, using a new soap, a new deodorant or the appearance of the teeth or illness of the child. Simple measures can be adopted to deal with a strike of a feeding, including the following:

• Making the nursing period special and quiet, and reducing distractions to a minimum.
• Increase the amount of petting and coaxing.
• Offer the breast when the baby is about to fall asleep or has just woken up.
• Do not starve the child to force him into submission.
• Take frequent different breastfeeding positions to offer the breast, and offer each breast alternately.

A mother may feel mixed emotions when she begins to wean her baby. She can be pleased with this new-found freedom, but she can also be mourning the end of a phase of intimate relationship with her child. As long as the mother begins the process with flexibility and sensitivity, the experience should be positive. The physician’s role is to support and inform the mother while ensuring that the infant benefits of proper nutrition. Need more information about weaning from breastfeeding – click now.

The baby colic can be easily recognized because he cries much more than other babies. While crying, the baby often brings his arms and legs close to his body. Sometimes, he shrinks, stretches his members and brings them back to him. He seems to suffer and may even become very red from crying.

Crying may be intermittent or continuous in baby colic. When weeping, he is sometimes swallowing air, which will effectively give him gas. His belly gets swelled up and it seems to be hard to touch.

It is not known exactly what causes colic, but it is known that parents are innocent.  Babies with colic seem to need more attention and they are more responsive to their environment than other babies. It would be a form of expression in some normal babies.

The colic usually begins between the second and sixth week after birth. Many babies will stop crying about the age of three months. They usually disappear at the age of six months.  A parent cannot cause colic, so try not to feel guilty, because he or she is generally perfectly healthy.

There are ways to help babies with colic to stop crying. You can, for example, change the way you feed the baby or the way you hold him. You can also try the resources listed below to see which works with your baby. It is important to follow a regular schedule with your baby.

Suggestions to comfort your baby with colics

•  Place a water bottle on your baby’s stomach (make sure the water is not too hot)
•  Gently rocking your baby in a rocking chair or cradle
•  Place the baby in a mechanics swing
•  Get you baby a warm bath
•  Give your baby a pacifier
•  Gently rub your baby’s tummy
•  Wrap your baby in a soft blanket
•  Put your baby in his stroller and walk
•  Walk your baby in a baby carrier
•  Reduce the intensity of noise and light in the baby’s room.

Sometimes, babies with colic respond differently to how to take or hold them and they can respond to too much stimulation. Avoid passing the baby from one person to another. Lay your baby on your lap and massage his back. Place the baby in a car seat and place it on top of a dishwasher, washer or dryer running (but do not leave him unattended). Most of all, remember you should not shake the baby in any case.
 
Baby colic can be very hard to live for parents. It may sometimes be galling to hear the baby crying incessantly. When fatigue or frustration becomes too great, ask someone to take over for a while. If nobody can help, you can settle into another room to watch TV or listen to the radio. Crying will not hurt your baby and it is important that you take a break to avoid getting agitated.

Any mother who works outside the home can tell you that combining the family and work is a challenge every day. However, if you feel ready to return to work, you might be wondering how to continue to breastfeed. Rest assured: with a little planning, it is entirely possible to combine work and breastfeeding.

It is quite normal for a mother who returns to work to feel even more sadness at the thought of seeing an end to this natural act that protected the health of her baby and created a strong affection and tenderness between them. Breastfeeding is beneficial to both you and your baby, regardless of age. You can maintain your milk supply by expressing your milk during work hours, and continuing to breastfeed during the times when you’re with your baby. This transition period will ask you still have a little patience. It is important to choose a pump suitable for your needs, and learn to use it

Medical authorities such as the World Health Organization agree that breast milk provides superior nutrition for your baby, and what, no matter his age. The World Health Organization recommends only breastfeeding until the age of 6 months and continuation of breastfeeding with the addition of appropriate complementary foods until the age of at least two years, and this for as long as the mother and child wish. Nonetheless, it is estimated that less than 10% of American babies are fed according to recommendations of the WHO / UNICEF.

The benefits of breastfeeding and the risks and costs of artificial feeding are the main reasons that determine a woman to continue to breastfeed after returning to work. Some advantages are especially important for the child mainly regarding its immature immune system .

Financially, it is far more economical to continue breastfeeding after returning to work, despite the investment that buying a breast pump can represent. The infant formula in USA costs about $ 40 to $ 60 per week, per child. The purchase of the pump is quickly recovered and you can continue to offer your child the best milk that is absolutely free. Moreover, the benefits of breast milk on the health of your child mean less absenteeism from work, a benefit that relates to both parents and employers.

All this being said, remember that breastfeeding is much more than milk. While it is increasingly possible to define and quantify the benefits of breast milk, the dynamic process of breastfeeding is much more difficult to describe, but it is no less complex and important consideration. Many mothers are happy to be able to continue the breastfeeding relationship when they are at home at night or on holidays. Thus they can continue to enjoy that special bond, which may also facilitate the accepting she needs to return to work instead of spending the entire day with the baby.

The colic is considered these days to be a mystery of nature, since it cannot be said for sure what this is. Usually, it can be described as periods of crying when the infant is two or three weeks, they occur mostly in the evening and they end at the age of three months, sometimes later. When the baby cries, he is inconsolable, but if he is carried, rocked and strolled around in the car, he can calm down temporarily.

The definition of colic has been extended to encompass almost every whim and a crying baby. There is no treatment against colic, a number of drugs and strategies have been tested, proved fruitless.

Aside from the colic that can affect any baby, the colic has bad effects on breastfed babies because it makes them very irritable. Breast milk changes during a feed. One change is the increased concentration of fat as the baby drains the breast milk. If the mother breast changes automatically, before the baby is drinking milk fat end of the feeding, he will receive less fat than if he had “finished” in the first. It follows that the baby consumes fewer calories and therefore asks to drink more frequently. If the baby takes a lot of, he may regurgitate. The milk is relatively less fat, the stomach empties quickly and a large quantity of sugar (lactose) arrives in the intestine. The enzyme that digests lactose, the lactase, is not sufficient for the task and the baby may experience symptoms of lactose intolerance, cry and have very liquid stools.

A baby who gets too much milk too quickly may become very irritable in and he can sometimes be considered “a colic baby.” In such cases, the baby has a very good weight gain. Typically, a few seconds or minutes after starting to suck, he starts coughing, choking and seems to deviate from the breast. If he lets go, the milk flows. He will be irritated when the flow is strong and impatient when it weakens. Feedings become a frustrating experience for both mother and baby. In rare cases, a baby may even refuse the breast after several weeks (usually about three months).
Here are some tips on how to manage colic and breastfeeding:

a) If you have not done it already, try to offer only one breast per feeding. In some cases, you must offer the same breast for two or three feedings before offering another. If the unused breast gets swollen, you should just enough milk to relieve discomfort.
b) Give the breast before the baby is hungry. Do not delay feedings by giving water (a breastfeeding baby does not need extra water even during the hot weather) or a pacifier.
c) Choose a quiet and relaxing place to breastfeed if possible. The loud music, blinding light and a lot of movement are not conducive to a satisfactory feed.
d) Breastfeeding lying down can sometimes help a lot. While lying on your side does not help, try lying on your back and nurse the baby itself, since gravity reduces the flow of milk.

Choosing to breastfeed your baby is the healthiest choice for them as well as the cheapest most convenient choice for you as a mom. Formula is so expensive and added to the cost of diapers it can be a real stress for new moms and dads. Breastfeeding is free and natural and provides your baby with all of the nutrients they need to grow and thrive. You might be concerned about breastfeeding in public or while you are traveling but their are many products today that help self conscious moms such as nursing slings or covers.

There are laws put in place all over the United States that allow mothers to breastfeed in public. It is the healthy natural choice and you should be proud to make this choice and not worry about the very small percentage of people that frown upon this act. Most people accept breastfeeding in public as a natural beautiful event but that being said, there are a few narrow minded groups of people who frown on this event and even make a fuss about it.

If that small group of people makes you uncomfortable but you still want to breastfeed without having to run and hide, there are nursing covers and slings that can help you to be more discreet. A nursing sling is a device that you can use to carry your baby as well as make feeding more secretive when done in public. You simply turn the sling towards your body and cover your breast with it.

It will also help if you are wearing a nursing bra or even better, a nursing tank, which makes it extremely discreet to feed while in public. The nursing cover provides even more cover than the sling as it drapes across your shoulder and covers the entire front of your body and your baby. It works kind of like a blanket in that way. You can feed your baby without anyone being able to see anything.

Breastfeeding is a natural and beautiful event that promotes a special bond between mother and child. There should be no shame in performing this act, with out without sling or cover. You should be proud to breastfeed your child. Breastfeeding is absolutely the healthiest choice for your newborn and most people support this decision.

As a mother, breastfeeding was the most rewarding experience I can remember from those early days after my son’s birth. I fell in love with my newborn while nursing him in the still of the night, after the hustle and bustle of the hospital had calmed. Just the two of us. I am fortunate. The bond we formed from that first feeding just hours after his birth has endured to this day, twenty years later!

Maintaining a healthy diet while breastfeeding is easy, as the same guidelines apply (with 500 extra calories encouraged) as during the pregnancy itself. Milk production burns 500 extra calories for a total of 2,000 to 2,7000 per day. While your diet can be more relaxed, keep in mind that those extra calories shouldn’t be from those potato chips you have been craving!

You are now a pro at knowing what a healthful diet is for pregnancy. When nursing, it is best to add one extra serving of calcium a day. Remember to continue eating DHA-rich foods (such as salmon, sardines and walnuts) to promote baby’s brain growth. Eat iron-rich foods (spinach, kale, liver). Liver pate is a yummy alternative for a snack if you do not care for the traditional liver and onions! Continue to go low on the high-fat foods and remember to take your pre-natal vitamins. Drink plenty of water and juice (8 to 12 cups per day).

Now that you can relax a bit with your diet, remember that what is fine for you may not sit well with baby. Babies taste different foods in our breast milk, so go easy on those spicy foods. Anything too spicy or gassy for you will effect baby as well. If food allergies run in your family, be careful how much you eat of those foods and watch baby for any adverse effects.

A cup of coffee is okay in the morning and a glass of wine is fine (no more for now as more will adversely effect your milk let-down). Food and drink that you ingest, while it may not disturb you, may be too much for your baby’s delicate system. It is a matter of common sense. You are still eating for two.

It’s recommended for mothers to breastfeed because it produces many natural benefits for both mother and baby. Breast milk truly is the best nutrition for infants because it has shown to reduce childhood illness, reduce the risk for asthma and allergies, and may even lower the risk for pediatric obesity. Breastfeeding has shown to assist postpartum women with weight loss and may even reduce a woman’s risk for developing breast cancer. While some women view it as an inconvenience to breastfeed, breast milk really is the best option for a baby.

Even though breastfeeding’s cheaper than formula feeding, many women choose not to breastfeed because of the idea of nursing in public. However, there are ways to make this experience easier. It will ease your mind knowing it’s illegal for a woman to be ostracized for breastfeeding in public. While a few people will give you stares, there are ways to discreetly nurse in public. One option’s to use nursing covers. Nursing covers can be purchased at a low cost and are very effective for covering women while nursing. These covers wrap around the front of the body and allow easy access for nursing, while keeping the mother and baby covered. Nursing covers make breastfeeding in public more of a convenience.

Another benefit of breastfeeding is when you travel you don’t have to hassle with bottles or formula. By choosing to breastfeed, not only will you be giving your baby the ideal nutrients it needs, but you won’t have to deal with a screaming baby as you struggle to make a bottle. Plus, by breastfeeding while traveling you will also have less luggage to carry. You won’t have to load the diaper bag with heavy cans of formula, distilled water, or extra bottles.

It’s a wonderful choice to choose breastfeeding over formula feeding for the numerous health benefits mommy and baby receive. But, it’s also a great choice because now the idea of breastfeeding in public has been made easier by nursing covers, which are also great for traveling. Making the decision to breastfeed is great because if you purchase a breast pump, you’re still able to allow others to assist you with feeding. This means daddy can become involved in the feedings as well, offering ideal bonding time for daddy and baby.