No sooner have you birthed your new little bundle, but there’s someone hollering in your ear to get off your duff and walk, walk, walk. Those are the same people who proffered advice during your pregnancy about eating right, not eating too much, and the need to continue exercising until the day you check yourself into the hospital. As far as I can tell, those people have never had morning sickness around the clock for four–yes, four–months! When the only things that would push the nausea back down to a bare-able queasiness for a little while were heaps of mashed potatoes (the dehydrated version work the best, by the way) and the saltiest saltines you could wrap your chubby, little, toxemic fingers around. Nor have they felt the back pressure and overall discomfort that comes at about 6.5 months. Lots of people, especially those who have not had a baby themselves, will tell you that you need to get back to your regular exercise routine immediately after you’ve delivered. Speaking on behalf of my wife and many of my female patients, I will tell you that you need to give your body a chance to rest and recover from the most exhausting and traumatic ordeal it has ever (and probably will ever) go through. You also need to give your mind and body a chance to get used to around-the-clock feedings and caring for a brand new baby. When you do begin exercising, be sure to check with your Obgyn to find out if you are physically ready. Any Obgyn worth her salt will tell you to take it slowly because your ligaments are still loose due to the hormones that flooded your body to enable your hips, pubic bone, and associated ligaments and muscles to expand enough to allow the birth to happen. Those loose ligaments are everywhere in your body (not just in your hip and pubic areas). You probably felt them when your knees sometimes hyper-extended while walking or when you stepped up onto a curb and felt a rubberiness from ankle to knee to hip that reminded you of the last time you stepped off of a fast-moving teacup ride. Loose ligaments (or “ligamentous laxity”, as it is called) can also cause instability in your back and (believe it or not) flattening of your feet. And if you leave them to heal on their own, you could be left with permanently flat feet, and a painful back out of alignment. One thing is for sure, the longer it takes you to heal, the longer it will take you to lose those extra pounds and get back to being the strong, active woman you want to be. So besides rest (when you can get it), what can you do to help your body heal faster and offset some the of the strange and unexpected side effects of pregnancy and birth? Three Ways to Heal Faster and Get the Spring back in your In-Step If you want to speed the healing process, feel stronger and stand on your own two feet sooner, try these three things. 1. Sleep on a firm mattress and use a pillow that is just thick and pliable enough to support the natural ark in your neck - anything softer (in a mattress) of thicker (in a pillow) will put added pressure on your back and neck, and will slow healing of your ligaments and joints. 2. Where supportive footwear - until you lose the extra weight from pregnancy, the combination of extra weight and ligamentous laxity will continue to put pressure on the ligaments in your feet and may make flat feet a permanent state. Flat feet can lead to ongoing pain in knees, heels and balls of feet, and so on. So don’t let it go. 3. Visit a Structural Integration Rolf Practitioner - During the healing process for any musculoskeletal change (from displaced disc to post partum healing), it is important to make sure the body heals in a way that brings you back to the strong, upright person you were prior to the trauma. As your SI body-worker, I use body alignment techniques established by Ida Rolf (Ph.D.) in the 1950s and practiced for more than 50 years. I free restrictions in the pelvis caused by the trauma of birth. I slowly, ever-so-gently tip the back and spine into alignment. And I balance the arches of the feet and ease feet into alignment with knees and ankles. All this together will lessen the burden on your weakened, lax ligaments and allow your body to heal itself. Before you know it you will be able exercise in ease and comfort. And those pregnancy pounds will begin to fall away.

Feelings about how to parent seem to shift with every generation. A new way of parenting, sometimes called attachment parenting, has emerged and it challenges many of the rigid teachings of our mother’s generation. Although breastfeeding is on the rise now, women are still dealing with the repercussions of previous generations.

Not too long ago mainstream women did not breastfeed at all and the ones that did were taught to follow strict schedules. Some thought of breastfeeding as primitive. Formula was touted as being equal to or superior to breast milk. Only recently, has the fact that “breast is best” been acknowledged. Other women were in the workforce. They may have felt that breastfeeding was not an option for them.

They did not have the modern breast pump available to them. The medical community may not have encouraged breastfeeding at the time. It is not hard to imagine. After all, even with all the knowledge about the benefits of breastfeeding there are still many health professionals today that are uneducated and unsupportive of breastfeeding.

With all the challenges in the way of breastfeeding, it is understandable why many women of yesterday did not choose to breastfeed.

Breastfeeding has come a long way but still many of the old thinking still carries on. Women are more educated on the subject; however, even with the many books and other information available, people are often most influenced by their immediate family and friends. Having the support of friends and family can boost the chances of having a successful breastfeeding experience. On the other hand, having to deal with criticism and misinformation from the people you are close to can sabotage a new mom trying to breastfeed.

There are many ways to deal with the negativity of others. One of the best things you can do is to try to understand why the person feels the way they do. Is it because they were taught differently about breastfeeding? Were they indoctrinated with the ideas that breastfeeding is primitive or inferior? Or is it that they feel breasts are a sexual object? Maybe they have never seen someone breastfeed and it makes them uncomfortable.

This is the case with a lot of people. Once breastfeeding in public becomes more commonplace, perhaps, this will become less of a problem. Whatever the case, finding out the root of the person’s issues with breastfeeding may help to resolve the tension.

Here are some things you can do to deal with criticism.

Be positive: It is hard for someone to argue with a happy, positive person. If you are excited and enthusiastic about breastfeeding it can be contagious

Try to educate them: Find information on the benefits of breastfeeding to mom and baby and share this with them. You don’t have to “push this down their throat”. Just be enthusiastic about your decision to breastfeed and share with them why you decided to.

Be sympathetic: A lot of times women are defensive because breastfeeding did not work out for them. If you sit and talk with any woman that really wanted to breastfeed, you can hear the sadness in her story. Try to be sympathetic and non-judgmental. Don’t say things like “you could have or should have”. Share your experience, be positive, and let them know you care.

Try not to get angry: Breastfeeding conversations can get very heated. Getting angry with someone is not likely to change her feelings. It will just make you and her upset. If you don’t feel like you can talk about breastfeeding with this person change the subject or avoid talking about it.

Use your doctor as your advocate: Sometimes the best thing you can do is tell someone that this is what your doctor recommends. What you think means very little to some people but a doctor’s word carries weight.

Don’t be sarcastic or insulting: Belittling someone is likely to make someone defensive. It is not a good approach to winning someone over. You may turn an opportunity to educate someone into a personal attack.

Stand your ground: Do not let someone else decide how you are going to parent. If they are uncomfortable then they will have to come to terms with it. You do not have to change the way you parent to suit someone else.

If nothing is working then you may just let the person know that you do not want to discuss the issue with them any more. Hopefully, it doesn’t come to this.

When you choose to bottle fed your child your need to be extra vigilant in taking care of your baby’s teeth. Study after study has shown that babies that are bottle-fed suffer more dental problems than those that are exclusively breastfed. The following are two reasons why this should be so.

Infant formula typically contains more sugar than does breast milk. This is a contributing factor in something called ‘baby bottle tooth decay’. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that eat into the tooth’s enamel. Bacteria require three things to flourish; water, warmth and sugar. All of these are plentiful when bottle-feeding.

But it isn’t only the sugar that is present in baby formula that causes more tooth decay than breastfeeding does: it’s also because of the way some parents feed their child. Many parents are guilty of putting baby to sleep with the bottle left in the child’s mouth. The bottle is used much as one uses a pacifier. This is, too say the least, detrimental to a child’s teeth. As the baby sleeps, warm, sugary milk flows over the teeth and gums, which is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

So, if you do feed your child infant formula you must ensure that you clean you child’s teeth regularly. Brushing teeth should begin as soon as the first teeth emerge. Don’t use regular toothpaste - your child will swallow this and it can be harmful- instead, use a baby toothpaste.

When you are trying to lose the weight that you gained during pregnancy, you will come across all sorts of weight loss tips. Some tips will work for you, while others will not. The important thing is to remember that no matter which tip or tips you follow, losing all your pregnancy weight gain is going to take some time. Some women will hang on to the last few pounds they have to lose until they stop breastfeeding. Eat smaller portions. Don’t skip meals or limit your intake of fruits and vegetables. Do not fret about weight loss or regaining your figure. If you focus on eating healthily, your body will respond by losing any excess weight.

Try not to be tempted by empty-calorie-foods like ice-cream. Most women will be back to their pre pregnancy weight within nine months of delivering IF they follow a regular exercise program and eat healthily after delivery.

Tips For Losing Weight After Pregnancy

It is a widely debated topic amongst health professionals that people do not consume enough water. As a result, most people walk around mildly dehydrated most of their lives. Water is vital for life and energy, and if you are busy mum the chances are you will be neglecting your intake of water. I can’t stress enough the importance of drinking water throughout your day.

A drastic weight loss after delivery is not normal. The safest range of losing weight is between 0.5 and 2.0 pounds per week. It should not be more than this. Normally, you gain about 30 pounds on an average during the nine months period. After giving birth, you lose 13 per cent of the weight automatically. The remaining weight requires some effort to be kicked out.

Cut out sodas. These are unneeded calories.

Make your food interesting. Don’t just have a salad – spice it up with some chicken. Buy a healthy eating cookbook and try a few different recipes. Yoyu’ll soon falter if you’re eating the same old thing day in day out.

Eat slowly. Be relaxed and chew thoroughly

The best and most easy form of exercise is “walking”. It is so simple; all you need is a comfortable pair of shoes! You may also take your little bundle of joy along with you.

Wake up half an hour earlier and join in with the exercise class on morning television. If nothing else, it will get your blood pumping and get you awake.

Beginning exercise - It’s a good idea to start taking short, easy walks as soon as it feels comfortable for you. If weather permits, simply load up the baby in the stroller and take brisk walks to the park, library, neighborhood coffee shop or anywhere that makes the exercise walk enjoyable. If you have a reliable baby sitter, joining a local gym would be an excellent idea.

Pamper yourself: - Be good to your self. You have just come out of the difficult pregnancy period. So take time to care about your health. You are an extremely busy and important person now. You are a Mother. Allow yourself to be in shape and get comfortable with your body, don’t do it for the rest of the world.

Is it possible to lose weight and regain your figure after having a baby?

Yes, it is! Having a baby does not mean you have to be fat. Lots of new moms regain their pre-pregnancy figure within 8-12 months. True, it takes time for your body to get back to normal, but don’t despair. Eat properly, get active and let nature do the rest.

Remember, slow and steady wins the race with regard to weight loss.

Reward yourself for each “baby step” you take, and remember to pamper yourself on occasion during the post partum period. Before you know it, you will recover your figure and feel great, without suffering in the process!

Nursing Tank 

Breastfeeding is a fantastic time for moms to bond with their newborn babies while giving them vital nutrients essential for their growth. It is important that you prepare yourself for breastfeeding before giving birth to make the transition to your nursing role as smoothly and painlessly as possible. Here’s a couple of breastfeeding gear a nursing mom must have: - A bottle of Lansinoh Lonolin lotion to heal sore and cracked nipples. - Nursing bras for the support of your enlarged and heavier breasts. - Nursing tops for quick access to your breasts via discreet flaps for your baby to feed. - Breast pads in your bra to keep your breasts dry and prevent unwanted leaks. - A baby sling for hands-free support of your baby while you are breastfeeding. How To Position Your Baby During Breastfeeding The most common breastfeeding position is the cradle position. Other positions include the cross-cradle (transverse), tailor, lying down and clutch (football) positions but I cannot cover all of them in this article due to the restrictions on the article length. You can do the cradle hold on a chair or bed in a sitting posture.
You might want to place a normal pillow or nursing pillow on your lap to make it more comfortable for you and your baby. Straighten your back and ensure there is sufficient support for your arms and back because you will be in this position for quite a while. Place your baby on your lap or pillow in such a way that your bellies touch each other. Rest your baby’s head on either of your elbow bends depending on which nipple you wish to start nursing from and ensure his/her mouth is directly in front of your nipple. Use one of your hands to support your baby’s head and spine while your other hand may be used to hold onto your breast if required. How To Get A Good Latch On A good latch on will ensure a pleasant breastfeeding experience for you and your baby. Contrarily, an improper latch on will cause you a lot of distress and result in inadequate milk to your baby. Breastfeeding should be a comfortable process even though there may be discomfort at the beginning. Hold your breast with one hand and brush your nipple on your baby’s lips to entice him/her to open wide. Bring your baby towards your nipple and make sure he/she has a large portion of the areola in his/her mouth. Remove your baby if you feel the latch was not done properly and repeat the process till you get a good latch on. Frequency and Duration Of Breastfeeding A newborn baby requires breastfeeding every 2 hours during the day and every 3 hours at night, which adds up to roughly 8 to 12 feedings per day. It is important that you ensure your baby does not go beyond 3 hours without breastfeeding. Be alert for any baby hunger signs like increased activity, sucking, rooting or mouthing in between feedings to keep your baby well fed.
The average time of each nursing session varies and it usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes or however long your baby takes to be full. It is highly recommended to begin breastfeeding as early as possible after child birth and maintain an exclusive breastfeeding diet for a minimum of 6 months. On average, a child will usually breastfeed till they are 2 years old. Use a Nursing Tank also!

About The Author: Please visit Natalie Williams’s web site at http://Pregnancy101.net

The good people over at Comfy Kangaroo today launched an affiliate program allowing websites that are related to Mothers or Babies to sell there totally amazing Nursing Tank product.  This is a great chance to help spread the word about a great product and also at the same time earn some extra money! Stop by and check it out!

Babies are notorious for fooling their moms into thinking they’re weaning. Beginning at around three to five months or later, some babies abruptly refuse to nurse. Known as a “nursing strike,” periods during which babies stop breastfeeding for several days can be caused by any number of factors, all temporary and surmountable:

• A cold or stuffy nose, which inhibits breathing while nursing

• An ear infection, which causes pressure or pain while sucking and swallowing

• Discomfort from teething, a cold sore, or an infection (such as thrush)

• A fever or a heat wave that makes bodily closeness less appealing

• Fear that Mom may yell as she did last time he tested those new chompers on her

• A newfound preference for bottles (if your child is given frequent bottles, he may like the faster milk flow, have nipple confusion, or be reacting to a reduction in Mother’s milk supply)

• Overuse of a pacifier, which may meet some of his sucking needs but leave him uninterested in the breast

• A major disruption in routine, such as moving or your returning to work after a maternity leave

• An unusually long separation from Mom (a business trip or a weekend away)

• Reduced milk supply - if you’ve been stressed out, your supply may be reduced

• A change in the taste of Mom’s milk, caused by the resumption of your periods, spicy or unusual foods, a vitamin or drug, or a new pregnancy

• A new deodorant, soap, or perfume applied on or near the breasts

• Strong let-down - the milk may be letting down too quickly for Baby’s liking, which may make him frustrated and refuse to latch on

• Poor nursing habits - at around four months, when a baby begins to realize life is happening around him while he nurses, he may be squirmy or position himself awkwardly at the breast

• Too much to do - busy six- to nine-month-olds are easily distracted and often opt to “snack” at the breast over settling down for a full meal

• And sometimes for no perceptible reason at all!

Nursing strikes can be trying to say the least. Mothers feel understandably anxious, rejected, and panicky about whether their babies are starving themselves. It’s easy to jump to the conclusion that a baby who doesn’t want to nurse is weaning himself. But if the refusal to nurse is sudden, it’s not a sign of readiness to wean. A baby who is itching to wean will almost always do so gradually, over a period of weeks, months, or even years. And it is highly unlikely that a baby under a year old will self-wean.

If your baby is on strike, now is a good time to reaffirm your commitment to breastfeeding. With patience and support, you can overcome the setback within five or six days: Offer the breast frequently and give your baby lots of skin-to-skin contact. If you suspect strong letdown is the culprit, try expressing some milk before feeding; Visit the pediatrician to rule out any medical causes (such as an ear infection or thrush); Express your milk by hand or pump as often as your baby had been nursing, which will help prevent plugged ducts or engorgement, and will provide your baby with the milk he needs; Don’t be tempted to supplement (baby won’t starve himself-really!) and do keep him nourished by offering expressed milk in a cup, a spoon, or an eyedropper (if you must use a bottle as a last resort, opt for a slow-flow nipple); Relax-it’ll help maintain or build up your milk supply and calm your baby; Try nursing when your baby is sleepy and in an environment free from distraction (a quiet, dimly lit room); Vary your nursing position; Try nursing in a rocking chair or while walking around, as the movement may be soothing to your baby; And see your lactation consultant or contact La Leche League for advice and support.

Keep in mind that your nursing relationship will evolve over the months. It’s natural for babies to have hungry phases and less hungry phases just as you do. And breastfeeding patterns change as babies move into various developmental stages (remember back when your now grinning, kicking, busybody of a nurser barely opened an eye when at the breast?).

Reprinted With Permission from Author: Alisa Ikeda

When I initially began to read up on the pro’s & con’s of breastfeeding I initally found an article very interesting. I found it on the national cancer institute website, it stated that breastfeeding for an extended period of time (for example a year or longer) slightly reduces the risk of contracting postmenopausal breast cancer. 

Then after doing more research I found that studies had been conducted at the University of California, Berkley, by Marilyn Kwan;  The meta-analysis from these studies was published in the 2004 Public Health Report (the official journal of the US Public Health Service). The data that was collect suggest that children who are breastfed for 6 months or more had a 24 percent reduced chance of developing acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and a 15 percent reduced chance of developing acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML). These are the who most common forms of childhood leukemia & could all be reduced by nursing!  Those who breastfed for less then 6 months also had lowered rates of developing either leukemia.   Granted these are all still studies and nothing has been 100% proven yet, but I feel it is possible that protection from cancer will become one of the greatest benefits of breastfeeding that we will see!

Let me also remind you that our friends over at Comfy Kangaroo, makers of the Nursing Tank, are holding a contest for the mother of the year.  Where the winner will receive $2500.00! $1250.00 for themselves and $1250.00 to be donated to the breast cancer research foundation of their choice!

Teething can start to occur when your baby starts to near the 6th week of his or her life.  Yes it is rare to start that early, most babies usually start to teeth around the end of the 5th month,  this is not the time to become discouraged from nursing. During these months the baby is starting to grow more rapidly, you will notice that him or her will start to have their own personality, this is a vital time to be giving your infant nutrients from breast feeding. Some teeth can be “cut” over night, others can sometimes take weeks or month to push through.  When your baby is “cutting” their first set of teeth there is a possibility that he or she will nibble or bite on you as they feed.

There are a few tricks that mothers have used to try and avoid this problem all together, one of which is to have a good cold teething toy on hand & if you feel a nibble begin try and do the switch-a-roo with the teething toy, this could take a little practice at first. When perfected the coldness of the toy should numb the hurting gums of the baby enough so when he or she feels content you can begin to nurse again.

The other trick is to attempt to nurse when the baby seems ready to fall asleep.  Usually a sleepy baby will nurse without any fuss, the baby’s sleeping like trance will basically put the child onto “feeding auto-pilot”.

No matter what do not give up! Nursing is so healthy for your growing child!

Here is what wikipedia deams the history of the nursing bra.

The first US patent for a bra was granted in 1913 to Mary Phelps Jacob. Her invention is most widely recognized as the predecessor to the modern bra and consequently the nursing bra. Building on Jacob’s design, Ida Rosenthal and Enid Bisset, co-founders of Maidenform in 1922, designed the first modern bras. Maidenform’s innovations included adjustable straps, maternity bras, nursing bras and standardized cup sizes.

Many bra manufacturers have since built on Maidenform’s designs, aiming to improve fashionable and functionality of nursing bras.