Pure and Simple - Breastfeeding Your Baby

I Love to Breastfeed. I have breastfed my son for a year and 2 months and now my daughter is currently breastfed. Breastfeeding really is a lot easier than bottle feeding and it is certainly a lot better for your baby. Companies making milk formula tell us how their formula is ‘the most like breast milk it has ever been’. Maybe this is true, but it never will be as good as breast milk. If you read the ingredients on the side of the tin you will find many of the following: vegetable oils; disodium guanosine-5, monophosphate, taurine, magnesium, sodium citrate, pantothenic acid, potassium chloride, beta-carotene and biotin. What exactly is disodium guanosine-5? Companies have been making formula for only the past century; women have been making breast milk a lot longer than that. Also, formula is made for everyone’s baby, whereas a mother’s breast milk is unique; it’s made only for her child.

Getting up in the middle of the night to feed a baby is incredibly tiring. Why make it even more tiring than it already is by bottle feeding? When you bottle feed, you have to get out of bed and boil water, make the formula and then wait for it to cool before you can feed baby. When you breastfeed you don’t have to even get out of bed, if you child is in a crib beside you. You can feed your child and go back to sleep far sooner than if you bottle feed.

Some other things that make breastfeeding easier than bottle feeding aside from the ultimate thing - gets you back to being skinny or lose weight;

1. It’s cheaper.
2. It’s a lot easier to clean your breasts than a whole stack of bottles.
3. Breast milk doesn’t leave permanent stains on clothes, unlike formula.
4. You can go anywhere, at anytime on the spur of the moment. You don’t have to worry about having enough formula.
5. You also travel light; no need to bring a bag full of bottles and formula

Breastfeeding may be harder to get started than bottle-feeding for a lot of mothers, but the benefits outweigh these early problems. So, if you were thinking of bottle-feeding rather than breastfeeding, think again. Breast milk is pure goodness for your child and breastfeeding makes life a lot simpler for mothers.

Some books to consider:

• I Can Breastfeed;
• Breastfeeding: How-ToThe Better Way to Breastfeed: The Latest, Most Effective Ways to Feed and Nurture Your Baby with Comfort and Ease
• BREASTFEEDING is Best for Babies - New Mom Nursing GuideThe Breastfeeding Mother's Guide to Making More Milk: Foreword by Martha Sears, RN (Breastfeeding Mothers Guide)
• Mother Food: A Breastfeeding Diet Guide with Lactogenic Foods and Herbs - Build Milk Supply, Boost Immunity, Lift Depression, Detox, Lose Weight, Optimize a Baby's IQ, and Reduce Colic and Allergies

Support for breast feeding mothers:

• Bella Materna Women's Full Cup Adjustable Anytime Nursing Bralet #1266,Bare,34G/HMy Brest

Storage supplies:

• Latch Assist

Breastfeeding - what mothers think

Most mothers bottle feed their baby and there is no doubt that breastfeeding can sometimes be difficult to get started, but if a mother persists, she finds that it is a lot less bother than bottle feeding. Breastfeeding is actually less stressful and less work than bottle-feeding.

Mothers who give up breastfeeding, state that it is because of the discomfort or embarrassment they feel. Both of these reasons are understandable, but they can both be overcome. All it takes is patience.

A mother can avoid the pain of sore nipples by making sure that her baby is ‘latched on’ properly. This means that the baby sucks on the breast in the correct position. The nipple should be placed well in to the baby’s mouth. It is the areola (the dark area surrounding the nipple) that the baby actually sucks on; not the nipple. Getting the baby to latch on reduces the baby's chances of becoming "gassy", and also allows the baby to control the flow of milk - something that is easier for the baby to do when breastfeeding rather than bottle feeding.

Also, the mother can take some general steps to avoid painful nipples. Nipples should be exposed to air as much as possible. If this isn’t possible, then plastic dome-shaped breast shells (not nipple shields) can be worn to protect your nipples from rubbing by your clothing. Don’t over wash the nipples; bathing once a day is more than enough.

Engorgement of the breasts usually occurs 3 to 4 days after birth but can be avoided by getting the baby to latch on correctly. However, if your breasts become engorged to the point of severe discomfort or if the baby is not able to suckle, cabbage leaves seem to help decrease the engorgement more rapidly than ice packs or other treatments. If you are unable to get the baby latched on, start cabbage leaves, start expressing your milk and give the expressed milk to the baby by spoon, cup, finger feeding or eyedropper. If it persists consult your midwife or health visitor.

Embarrassment of breastfeeding is something that Western society seems to condone. It was not always so. If you feel this way you should discuss this with your partner and family. If the support is not forthcoming, then try to educate them! Finally, use your doctor or midwife as a support. Attitudes in the medical profession have changed drastically in recent years and you should find a lot of support at your local clinic. If you don’t then change clinic, midwife or doctor.

Hib Vaccine Protects Against Dreaded Disease

We want to give our child the best shot at a long, healthy life. A key to ensuring your child's well- being is on-time vaccination against devastating but avoidable diseases.
One such disease is Haemophilus influenzae type b, commonly referred to as Hib. Hib disease usually occurs in infants and preschool children and is caused by bacteria. Hib can develop into a serious, often life-threatening illness. Most children will survive a Hib infection, but they may experience a number of potentially life-long complications. A disease called bacterial meningitis, which causes swelling of the protective covering of the brain and spinal cord, is the most common Hib infection. Survivors of Hib meningitis may suffer mental retardation, deafness, learning disabilities, motor abnormalities or seizures.

Prevention Is Key

The good news is that prevention is available. "Hib vaccination in this country has been so successful that many parents and pediatricians have never even seen the disease, much less the permanent damage it can cause," said David Greenberg, M.D., Director, Scientific & Medical Affairs, sanofi pasteur. "As long as parents and health care providers continue to vaccinate infants and children on time, we can prevent the return of this disease. Even one case is too many."
Amazingly, just two short decades ago, about 20,000 people-most under the age of 5-suffered from Hib infections each year. But today, thanks to the introduction of ActHIB (Haemophilus b Conjugate Vaccine [Tetanus Toxoid Conjugate]) and other vaccines that protect against the disease, fewer than 100 cases are reported annually.
While the number of Hib cases is currently low, health experts caution parents that they shouldn't let their guard down and remind them that the best protection is through on-time immunization. Your child can get Hib by being around children and adults who may be carriers of the bacteria and not know it. Day care attendance, having school-aged siblings and living in a large household each increase the risk for disease.

On-Time Vaccination Is The Goal

Since the late 1980s, immunization during infancy has been the most effective way to prevent Hib. Protection starts with a series of vaccinations between 2 and 6 months of age, followed by a booster dose between 12 and 18 months of age. The injections should be received at these specific ages, so no matter how busy you are, be sure to bring your child in for all scheduled vaccination visits.
Today, Hib is rare, but it is still a threat. That is why it is important that babies receive recommended immunizations on time. Talk to your health care provider or local health department about Hib vaccination, or go to http://www.hibdisease.com/ or http://www.hib.com/ for more information about Hib and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

Safety Information

There are risks associated with all vaccines. Local and systemic adverse reactions to ActHIB vaccine may include injection-site redness, swelling and tenderness, as well as fever, irritability and drowsiness. Other local and systemic adverse reactions may occur. ActHIB vaccine is contraindicated in children known to have experienced a severe allergic reaction to any vaccine component or following a prior dose of the vaccine, as well as in children who are less than 6 weeks of age because of the potential for development of immunologic tolerance. Because intramuscular injections can cause injection-site bruising, if it is determined that the potential benefits clearly outweigh the risk, intramuscular injections should be given with caution to persons with any bleeding disorder. Vaccination should be delayed in children with moderate or severe acute illnesses; however, minor illnesses (such as mild upper respiratory infection) are not contraindications to vaccination.

Essential Supplies for your New Baby

When the baby is nearly ready to come out, you are never quite prepared for the arrival of your new baby.  No matter how much time and effort you might put into preparing yourselves and your home for your new arrival, there are always a few things that tend to get overlooked.  This is not without good reason, mind you.  It is such a wonderfully exciting time for expectant parents, so naturally you are going to be less focused on trivial day-to-day matters.  For all of the expectant parents our there, this article is for you!

The Nursery
The nursery is the first place to start when you are preparing your home for your new baby.  The crib is likely the first major piece of furniture you will purchase for your child.  Be sure that the crib you purchase meets all of the mandatory and voluntary safety guidelines.  You will also want to invest in a quality crib mattress, as your baby will be spending upwards of 70% of his or her first year on it.  Bedding is another consideration, and very much a matter of personal preference.  Just don't forget to pick up a mattress cover!  A changing table is another option, but not entirely necessary.  Alternately, a baby monitor is an absolute must-have for your child's nursery.

Baby Supplies

The next area to focus your attention on is that of baby supplies.  While most people have a reasonable idea of what their children's needs are, it is a good idea to pause and reflect every so often.  Baby supplies are very popular, and there are so many choices to make.  Be sure you purchase mild baby soap and shampoo, as chemicals and fragrances can have a terrible impact on a baby's fresh skin.  For me, I really do not use moisturizer, but if you would like, please use a high quality, all-natural, moisturizer should also be used.  Some parents are keen on using baby powder to help keep their baby's bottom dry.  although my doctor said not to use baby powder especially baby powder with talcum.  It can be terribly dangerous if inhaled, so be on the lookout for one with a cornstarch base.

Fun and Educational Games
After all of the necessary supplies and furniture have been secured, it is time to think about fun and entertainment for your baby.  While the world itself will provide hours of fun and discovery for your child, certain toys and playthings can considerably enhance their experiences.  A mobile is an excellent toy for new babies, as they spend a lot of time in their crib at that age.  Some soft, fluffy toys are also nice, especially if they are designed to provide some sensory stimulation of some sort.  Teething toys are an absolute necessity as your child grows older.  There are some wonderful toys on the market for young children, just be sure to consult the consumer reports for information about recalls and other possible dangers associated with children's toys.

Give Birth To A Smart Baby

How do I bring up a smart baby? There are a lot of options out there when it comes to helping your baby's development along, including piping Mozart to your child in the womb or teaching her to sign shortly after she's born. But you're still giving your baby a great start just by providing her with the building blocks she'll need to learn to read.

Just about all the important things that modern science suggests when it comes to helping your baby's brain develop have been practiced by parents for millennia. Now as ever, these steps are important:

1. Sing to your baby. Babies and toddlers love rhyme almost as much as they love the soothing sound of your voice.
2. Talk to your baby. Even when your baby is tiny, talk to her as if she already understands what you're saying. Use gestures, body language and tone of voice to keep her attention and dramatize your message.
3. Imitate your baby. When she makes those first experimental sounds, make them back to her. Your baby will feel how important she is to you, and get excited by the effort of language.
4. Play "where's the?" games. Ask your baby, "Where's your toes?" "Find" her toes and touch them, then switch the playing field to her fingers or nose.
5. Touch your baby. Whenever possible, hold your baby in your lap and cuddle her while you talk or sing to her. Even when she's much older, she'll still associate the warmth and coziness of this early experience with language.
6. Start out with books. Even as early as six weeks of age, you can start introducing books to your baby. Pick bright, tactile books with clear pictures of things your baby might recognize, like puppies or cribs. Sturdy books they can touch or pet are ideal; look for classic "touch-and-feel" titles like Baby Animal Kisses or Pat the Bunny. The classic fabric "Quiet Book," with its embroideries, braids, buckles and buttons, is an unbeatable way to interest a slightly older baby. Cuddle your baby in your lap and read for short periods of time, so it never becomes arduous for either you or her.

Some more ideas that I used for my kids came from the book 125 Brain Games for Babies. it is an easy read and it gives the explanation for the why's this is done and why it is important.

We are having a baby!

Congratulations!
However, having said that, there are a few things you need to know – things that people are unlikely to tell you about, but which might worry you if you don’t know about them in advance.

You should know that when your baby is born, there is a high probability that it will look very strange indeed. Babies can often be born blue or grey, and may have a deformed head from having to fit through such a small gap. They are generally bloody and bruised, and may be covered in body hair, especially if they were born prematurely. All this adds up to a very startling sight if you weren’t expecting it.

You shouldn’t worry, though, as the baby will return to normal quite quickly – the skin will go the right colour after a few minutes, when the baby starts to breathe, and any head injuries and odd hair should clear up after a few days. Just realise that it will take a few weeks before your baby starts to look like the cute little thing you were expecting.

Of course, the next thing you need to know is just what you should do with the baby after that. The most important thing is to breastfeed the baby. Baby ‘formula’ is like junk food for babies, and you should avoid it at all costs – it lacks most of the natural nutrients the baby needs, and will instead fill your baby with whatever chemicals you have in your water supply. Babies can see, hear and smell, although not very well, and the most important thing is for the baby to be near its mother – the sight of her, the sound of her voice and the smell and taste of her milk will soothe it better than any toy or gadget ever could. The trick is to drink lots and lots of water or juices to keep the breastmilk flowing. Do not worry if you feel that the milk is not enough especially during the first few days as you will produce what the baby needs.

Advice For New Parents

Newborns do not come with an instruction book so here is some information on some things that you need to know about.

1. Bathing your baby: Your baby’s umbilical cord will fall off in about one to two weeks (sometimes less than 1 week) after they are born. Until it falls out, you should only give your baby sponge baths. You could dampen a cotton ball or cotton swab with alcohol to help dry the umbilical stump or simply follow your pediatrician’s directions. You can give him a bath in a sink or shallow tub after the stump falls off. 
2. Circumcision:  A lot of doctors feel that there are many benefits to having your baby circumcised, but it may not be absolutely necessary.  It may help to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections and eliminates just about any chance of penile cancer.  Circumcision will not cause any long-term emotional problems for your child.  I suggest that you would just wait until your son is ready.
3. Crib death (SIDS):  Many studies have been done regarding SIDS.  Although the cause of SIDS has not been definitely defined, there are some correlations that have been made between SIDS and the following things: 

                 Female babies are less likely to die from SIDS than Male Babies

                 The risk is greater with premature birth

                 Smoking in the home greatly increases the risk of SIDS

                 You should never put pillows, blankets, stuffed animals or anything that might put your baby at    risk in their bed. 
                 Most pediatricians recommend that babies sleep on their back to decrease the risk of SIDS.

• If you have concerns please talk to your pediatrician. There are no dumb questions when it comes to the health and safety of your child, so please don’t be afraid to ask for help.