“I’m going to breastfeed”, is a common refrain amongst pregnant women. But what many women don’t do is to prepare for breastfeeding beforehand. They simply make the statement and then put it to the back of their minds. The next time the issue arises is often in the delivery suite when the new mum has just gone through the ordeal of childbirth.
When presented with her newborn, the new mum may be exhausted and the last thing she wants is to have anyone else poking at her. The result? All her good intentions to breastfeed become overshadowed when a bottle is produced and the exhausted mum is told that she can try to give a breastfeed later on in the day!
To stand the best chance of successfully breastfeeding, pregnant women need to prepare during their pregnancy.
Successful breastfeeding results from careful planning. And the most important way to successfully breastfeed is to give the newborn baby a breastfeed within half an hour of her birth! Not later on!
Being committed to breastfeeding, but not placing too much pressure on oneself, can work wonders! If a new mum pressurises herself she is likely to end up feeling stressed and, as a result, will be more like to give up breastfeeding early. Having a new baby is stressful enough! By preparing to breastfeed whilst you are still pregnant, you will feel more relaxed about it when the baby is born.
The following will certainly aid you in your breastfeeding experience:
Join a Breastfeeding Support Group to chat to new and experienced breastfeeding mums. Ask questions about breastfeeding and enquire if you can watch some babies being offered the breast.
Observe how each baby is put on the breast.
Look at how different mums hold their babies. Getting the right position is essential to avoid early problems.
Also ask for advice about breastfeeding friendly shops and changing facilities!
Read books, magazines or online articles, to find out as much as you can about breastfeeding successfully.
Get measured for a nursing bra when you are around 38 weeks pregnant. Many baby stores now offer this service. Try a few different styles to find one that is comfortable. Also purchase a couple of night-time nursing bras.
Nursing pads are essential for absorbing leaks and avoiding embarrassing stains!
Nursing shells can be very useful on nights out, as they will catch leaks. Or you can use them during breastfeeding to collect milk from the breast not being used, storing the milk for later use.
Nipple Creams can help soothe sore nipples.
Front-opening or Nursing Nightdresses or Pyjamas can make it easier to breastfeed at night.
Loose- fitting tops can be comfortable during the day. Try layering so that your back is not exposed when you are feeding. Or use a poncho or wrap if you feel anxious about breastfeeding in front of other people.
A Breast-pump is a fantastic investment as it can be used to collect milk for bottle feeds, making up first solids or when you are away from the baby to prevent engorgement or ease mastitis. Ask other mums to recommend one they liked.
A V-shaped Cushion can make breastfeeding more comfortable as it offers good support for mums back. Or a Nursing Pillow can be used to raise the baby up to a more comfortable height for mum.
A Steriliser is a compact way to keep baby utensils and breast-pump attachments clean and sterile.
Some mums find a Gliding chair very useful, particularly for night feeds.
If you are well prepared for breastfeeding there is no reason why you should not succeed.
Breast-milk is nature’s diet for babies; perfectly balanced for a great start to life!
Sinead Hoben runs her own website, http://www.breastfeedingmums.com offering breastfeeding support and advice to pregnant and breastfeeding mums. Or visit BreastFeedingMums Blog http://breastfeedingmums.typepad.com
Monday, October 08, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Torticollis
Anyone heard of torticollis? My son Isaac at 2.5 months old we realise he's head tilt to the left and we brought her to see pediatric. Doc mention that his head tilted to the left and it's call torticollis. He recomended us to go for therapy and he say no big deal as he doens't feel any lump on Isaac's neck.
My answer :
Errmm...not meaning to scare you but usually, it is something that we should take serious notice. I guess you have read enough to know that these are part of the signs of children with disabilities. My premature baby had it and my doc told me it is part of the signs of cerebral palsy. (cacat anggota)
Of course, there are just those habits but how do we break a habit of a small child? Isn't there something like a neck brace or something to make sure that it is straighten out?
Do find a paediatrician who makes you assured of their decision. Try DSH Dr. Musa Nordin. He is an expert with this area.
My answer :
Errmm...not meaning to scare you but usually, it is something that we should take serious notice. I guess you have read enough to know that these are part of the signs of children with disabilities. My premature baby had it and my doc told me it is part of the signs of cerebral palsy. (cacat anggota)
Of course, there are just those habits but how do we break a habit of a small child? Isn't there something like a neck brace or something to make sure that it is straighten out?
Do find a paediatrician who makes you assured of their decision. Try DSH Dr. Musa Nordin. He is an expert with this area.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Some Preventive Measures Of Allergies At Pregnancy
Heredity is one of the major factors in determining whether a child has an allergy. Tendency of a child towards allergy could be while being breastfed, during the mother’s pregnancy and while being introduced to foods. One can find out how allergies may be the cause of a child's health problems.
Preventive measures during pregnancy:
Breastfeeding - Feeding babies with solid foods during their first six months of life could increase their risk of developing allergies. is The best way to prevent allergies later in childhood is to breastfeed them during the first six months.
Avoid unnecessary medicines - Unless and until it is absolutely necessary, a pregnant women should not risk taking any allergy medications. DO not take anything without your doctor's permission.
Avoid herbs during pregnancy - Pregnant must avoid several herbs as they tend to cause skin allergies.
Special Formula May Reduce Allergies in Infants - By means of some of the same ingredients that are found in breast milk scientists have developed a new formula. This formula helps in preventing allergies in infants. The infants who are at high risk for developing the allergic condition are helped through this formula by reducing their eczema.
Over breastfeeding invite allergies:
A study on 200 mothers for a period of 20-years at the Helsinki Skin and Allergy Hospital in Finland, indicates that breastfeeding a child for nine months can increase the food sensitivity and the risk of allergies.
Peanuts during pregnancy - Peanuts are believed to cause allergies. They are avoided during pregnancy and lactation.
Avoid tobacco - Avoid tobacco and its products at the time of pregnancy.
Physical Exercise - Consult your doctor whether its OK to do some mild exercise as it has been observed that exercise at the later part of pregnancy can cause allergic reactions.
I hope you will find this information helpful. Needless to say, always consult your doctor before following these advices.
Justin Foss is the proud owner of the site http://www.mymedicenter.com where he spends most of his time to make better. You can get more articles on at http://www.mymedicenter.com/allergies.
Preventive measures during pregnancy:
Breastfeeding - Feeding babies with solid foods during their first six months of life could increase their risk of developing allergies. is The best way to prevent allergies later in childhood is to breastfeed them during the first six months.
Avoid unnecessary medicines - Unless and until it is absolutely necessary, a pregnant women should not risk taking any allergy medications. DO not take anything without your doctor's permission.
Avoid herbs during pregnancy - Pregnant must avoid several herbs as they tend to cause skin allergies.
Special Formula May Reduce Allergies in Infants - By means of some of the same ingredients that are found in breast milk scientists have developed a new formula. This formula helps in preventing allergies in infants. The infants who are at high risk for developing the allergic condition are helped through this formula by reducing their eczema.
Over breastfeeding invite allergies:
A study on 200 mothers for a period of 20-years at the Helsinki Skin and Allergy Hospital in Finland, indicates that breastfeeding a child for nine months can increase the food sensitivity and the risk of allergies.
Peanuts during pregnancy - Peanuts are believed to cause allergies. They are avoided during pregnancy and lactation.
Avoid tobacco - Avoid tobacco and its products at the time of pregnancy.
Physical Exercise - Consult your doctor whether its OK to do some mild exercise as it has been observed that exercise at the later part of pregnancy can cause allergic reactions.
I hope you will find this information helpful. Needless to say, always consult your doctor before following these advices.
Justin Foss is the proud owner of the site http://www.mymedicenter.com where he spends most of his time to make better. You can get more articles on at http://www.mymedicenter.com/allergies.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Bottle Feeding
Don't feel guilty if you have decided to go down the route of bottle feeding. Making the decision to bottle feed is never taken lightly and if you have decided that bottle feeding is the right decision for you and your child than follow your instincts and go for it, don't worry what other people have to say.
In some instances bottle feeding can be better for your newborn than breastfeeding particularly if you are a smoker, drink alcohol of take unprescribed drugs (certain drugs, alcohol and nicotine can be transmitted to your baby through your breast milk). Also, it is better to bottle feed if you are HIV positive or have other serious illnesses such as severe anaemia, turberculosis or kidney disease. If you are taking certain medications you may be advised not to breastfeed your baby.
Bottle feeding formula milk provides all the vitamins a minerals that your baby needs, it's nutritional qualities are close to breast milk and, in most cases, is made from cows milk which has been specially treated to ease digestion.
There are now alternatives to regular formula's (usually soya) specifically designed for lactose intolerant babies or for those babies where there is family history of allergies. If you are bottle feeding only use standard formula unless your doctor has advised otherwise.
It is important to follow all manufacturers’ instruction when making up the formula milk. Bottle feeding can cause colic if you make up the formula milk either too weak or too strong or feed your baby milk that is at the wrong temperature.
Buying ready made milk in cartons or bottles is really useful if you are out and about but is a far more expensive way to bottle feed your baby.
You can prepare 24 hours worth of formula in one go and store it in the fridge until required. Dispose of any unused formula after the 24 hour period and never re-use and milk left over after bottle feeding, bacteria love it!
The temperature at which a bottle should be offered to your baby varies from child to child with some babies preferring their milk at room temperature and others preferring their bottle feed warm. To warm the milk just drop the full bottle into a jug of boiling water and then test the temperature against your wrist before bottle feeding your baby.
Some babies need to be persuaded to take the teat and feed so try stroking the teat across your baby’s lips which should encourage him to open his mouth and grab hold of the teat.
If you find that your baby is gulping his milk down too fast then you probably need a smaller teat and likewise if your baby is finding bottle feeding really hard work then a larger teat may be required.
One thing that shouldn’t need to be said but I will say it anyway is never leave your baby alone to bottle feed, if you need to leave your baby even for a split second take the bottle away. A baby left alone to feed could end up vomiting and choking.
When bottle feeding always tilt the bottle as this will make sure that the teat remains full to prevent air from getting into the teat which can cause wind. If your baby is prone to suffering from wind then try winding half way through feeding and then again at the end of the feed. To wind your baby, lay him across your shoulder of on your lap and rub his back.
It is quite normal for babies to sometimes bring back up small amounts of milk during or after feeding (called possetting) and sometimes babies will bring up the entire content of their stomach in a forceful way which is called projectile vomiting. Possetting is not unusual neither should occasional projectile vomiting be cause for concern but if your baby is throwing up too frequently or forceful vomiting is occurring too often consult your doctor.
Terry Ross is the author for and the creator of: http://www.1st-4-baby.com/Breastfeeding.html, a site dedicated to pregnancy, babies and baby care.
In some instances bottle feeding can be better for your newborn than breastfeeding particularly if you are a smoker, drink alcohol of take unprescribed drugs (certain drugs, alcohol and nicotine can be transmitted to your baby through your breast milk). Also, it is better to bottle feed if you are HIV positive or have other serious illnesses such as severe anaemia, turberculosis or kidney disease. If you are taking certain medications you may be advised not to breastfeed your baby.
Bottle feeding formula milk provides all the vitamins a minerals that your baby needs, it's nutritional qualities are close to breast milk and, in most cases, is made from cows milk which has been specially treated to ease digestion.
There are now alternatives to regular formula's (usually soya) specifically designed for lactose intolerant babies or for those babies where there is family history of allergies. If you are bottle feeding only use standard formula unless your doctor has advised otherwise.
It is important to follow all manufacturers’ instruction when making up the formula milk. Bottle feeding can cause colic if you make up the formula milk either too weak or too strong or feed your baby milk that is at the wrong temperature.
Buying ready made milk in cartons or bottles is really useful if you are out and about but is a far more expensive way to bottle feed your baby.
You can prepare 24 hours worth of formula in one go and store it in the fridge until required. Dispose of any unused formula after the 24 hour period and never re-use and milk left over after bottle feeding, bacteria love it!
The temperature at which a bottle should be offered to your baby varies from child to child with some babies preferring their milk at room temperature and others preferring their bottle feed warm. To warm the milk just drop the full bottle into a jug of boiling water and then test the temperature against your wrist before bottle feeding your baby.
Some babies need to be persuaded to take the teat and feed so try stroking the teat across your baby’s lips which should encourage him to open his mouth and grab hold of the teat.
If you find that your baby is gulping his milk down too fast then you probably need a smaller teat and likewise if your baby is finding bottle feeding really hard work then a larger teat may be required.
One thing that shouldn’t need to be said but I will say it anyway is never leave your baby alone to bottle feed, if you need to leave your baby even for a split second take the bottle away. A baby left alone to feed could end up vomiting and choking.
When bottle feeding always tilt the bottle as this will make sure that the teat remains full to prevent air from getting into the teat which can cause wind. If your baby is prone to suffering from wind then try winding half way through feeding and then again at the end of the feed. To wind your baby, lay him across your shoulder of on your lap and rub his back.
It is quite normal for babies to sometimes bring back up small amounts of milk during or after feeding (called possetting) and sometimes babies will bring up the entire content of their stomach in a forceful way which is called projectile vomiting. Possetting is not unusual neither should occasional projectile vomiting be cause for concern but if your baby is throwing up too frequently or forceful vomiting is occurring too often consult your doctor.
Terry Ross is the author for and the creator of: http://www.1st-4-baby.com/Breastfeeding.html, a site dedicated to pregnancy, babies and baby care.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
What A Mother Should Eat During Breast Feeding
It is very important for a breastfeeding mother to have a healthy and balanced diet. A variety of foods are required during this period including:
Get lots of vegetables and fruits – try and have an intake of 5 portions a day of fruit and vegetables.
For additional energy try and take in starch rich foods such as bread, pasta, potatoes, pulses and rice – this will provide a good source of energy.
Foods such as whole meal bread, vegetables, pulses, cereals and pastas will provide fibre – women occasionally experience bowel problems after childbirth and an intake of fibre on a daily basis will help with this.
Proteins such as lean meat, fish, eggs and poultry.
Try and get two portions of fish per week (including some oily fish). Do not exceed 2 portions of oily fish per week.
Dairies such as cheese, milk and yoghurt are an excellent source of calcium and should be included in a breast feeding mother’s diet.
Some doctors advise taking vitamin supplements such as Vitamin D (10 mcg per day). Your doctor will be able to advise which supplements will be right for you.
In addition to the foods that you should eat above there are certain food types that you should steer clear of at this time.
As above you should restrict your intake of oily fish to two portions per week but you should also avoid eating more than one portion of swordfish, marlin or shark per week as these fish contain high levels of mercury.
You should also be careful with your intake of caffeine and alcohol. It is true that some breast feeding babies react to the foods that their mother has consumed.
Some doctors believe that it is wise to lay off peanuts during this stage as well – approximately 2% of the population is allergic to peanuts – however your baby may have a higher chance of being allergic if the mother/father/brothers/sisters have problems such as asthma, eczema or hay fever. If you believe your baby may be at risk due to these factors it is worth consulting your doctor.
Lisa Lee
Get lots of vegetables and fruits – try and have an intake of 5 portions a day of fruit and vegetables.
For additional energy try and take in starch rich foods such as bread, pasta, potatoes, pulses and rice – this will provide a good source of energy.
Foods such as whole meal bread, vegetables, pulses, cereals and pastas will provide fibre – women occasionally experience bowel problems after childbirth and an intake of fibre on a daily basis will help with this.
Proteins such as lean meat, fish, eggs and poultry.
Try and get two portions of fish per week (including some oily fish). Do not exceed 2 portions of oily fish per week.
Dairies such as cheese, milk and yoghurt are an excellent source of calcium and should be included in a breast feeding mother’s diet.
Some doctors advise taking vitamin supplements such as Vitamin D (10 mcg per day). Your doctor will be able to advise which supplements will be right for you.
In addition to the foods that you should eat above there are certain food types that you should steer clear of at this time.
As above you should restrict your intake of oily fish to two portions per week but you should also avoid eating more than one portion of swordfish, marlin or shark per week as these fish contain high levels of mercury.
You should also be careful with your intake of caffeine and alcohol. It is true that some breast feeding babies react to the foods that their mother has consumed.
Some doctors believe that it is wise to lay off peanuts during this stage as well – approximately 2% of the population is allergic to peanuts – however your baby may have a higher chance of being allergic if the mother/father/brothers/sisters have problems such as asthma, eczema or hay fever. If you believe your baby may be at risk due to these factors it is worth consulting your doctor.
Lisa Lee
Monday, December 18, 2006
Questions mama asked
This is a place for all the questions moms asked.
Over here, I will put lots of useful articles, posts I had written in forums and also whatever parenting tips I can find to help other mothers.
Over here, I will put lots of useful articles, posts I had written in forums and also whatever parenting tips I can find to help other mothers.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
8 Simple Easy Ways On How To Potty Train Your Child
How on Potty Training Your Child
Is potty training your child not going well? Some children are very interested in being potty trained while other children will fight you all the way. You will know when your child is ready to start potty training. Hopefully these tips will help both you and your child make potty training easier.
1. Around the age of two start introducing your child to the potty. Buy a potty chair or a potty seat that will fit over your normal sized toilet. Make sure it has a shield in front if you are potty training a boy so you do not end up with urine everywhere. Pick a weekend that you will have lots of extra time and move the potty chair into the room where the child will primarily be. If the child wants, let them run around in just a shirt and leave the diaper off. You can put underwear on the child if they feel more comfortable that way. The child will never catch on if you keep them in a diaper. They need to feel the urine running down their legs see that they are making a mess.
2. Your schedule needs to be cleared before the child has started the potty training process. When you know that you don’t have any upcoming trips, houseguests, or a move to a different house planned then that would be a great time to start potty training your little one. Consider starting the training process on a long holiday weekend when you are able to clear all other plans.
3. Knowing what words you are going to use with your child when describing their body parts, urine and bowel movements is important. Using words such as “dirty”, “unclean” or “naughty” can have a negative effect on your child. You don’t want them to feel bad or ashamed. Use matter-of-fact terms when talking about urine and bowel movements.
4. Explain “the baby is going to use the potty” by using your child’s favorite action figure or doll on a make believe potty chair. Use diapers on a stuffed bear they really like and then use underwear when the bear has graduated to that level.
5. Help your child understand the positive things about being potty trained. Explain how they won’t have diaper rashes any longer, they will not have to lose any playtime to have their diaper changed and how great it will make them feel to be dry and clean all the time. Potty training is an important part of growing up and you need to help your child realize that.
6. Potty training can be better understood by your child if you use videos and books to help explain the process. Use the internet as a tool to find one of the many books or videos out there. To help pass the time let your child look at their favorite book while using the potty chair.
7. A positive way to start potty training is to declare a potty day. Your child has chosen this day to start being potty trained. Circle that day on the calendar with marker and keep letting your child know that “potty day” is coming soon.
8. Do you have problems with your little one unrolling the toilet paper? It is suggested that you crunch the cardboard inside so it is not longer circular. This prevents your child from unrolling the toilet paper so easily.
It will take several tries for your child to get the hang of what they are supposed to be doing. Don’t get frustrated and know that your child will soon successful at the potty training process.
Robert Michael is a writer for http://hbbabies.com which is an excellent place to find babies links, resources and articles. For more information go to: http://www.hbbabies.com.
Is potty training your child not going well? Some children are very interested in being potty trained while other children will fight you all the way. You will know when your child is ready to start potty training. Hopefully these tips will help both you and your child make potty training easier.
1. Around the age of two start introducing your child to the potty. Buy a potty chair or a potty seat that will fit over your normal sized toilet. Make sure it has a shield in front if you are potty training a boy so you do not end up with urine everywhere. Pick a weekend that you will have lots of extra time and move the potty chair into the room where the child will primarily be. If the child wants, let them run around in just a shirt and leave the diaper off. You can put underwear on the child if they feel more comfortable that way. The child will never catch on if you keep them in a diaper. They need to feel the urine running down their legs see that they are making a mess.
2. Your schedule needs to be cleared before the child has started the potty training process. When you know that you don’t have any upcoming trips, houseguests, or a move to a different house planned then that would be a great time to start potty training your little one. Consider starting the training process on a long holiday weekend when you are able to clear all other plans.
3. Knowing what words you are going to use with your child when describing their body parts, urine and bowel movements is important. Using words such as “dirty”, “unclean” or “naughty” can have a negative effect on your child. You don’t want them to feel bad or ashamed. Use matter-of-fact terms when talking about urine and bowel movements.
4. Explain “the baby is going to use the potty” by using your child’s favorite action figure or doll on a make believe potty chair. Use diapers on a stuffed bear they really like and then use underwear when the bear has graduated to that level.
5. Help your child understand the positive things about being potty trained. Explain how they won’t have diaper rashes any longer, they will not have to lose any playtime to have their diaper changed and how great it will make them feel to be dry and clean all the time. Potty training is an important part of growing up and you need to help your child realize that.
6. Potty training can be better understood by your child if you use videos and books to help explain the process. Use the internet as a tool to find one of the many books or videos out there. To help pass the time let your child look at their favorite book while using the potty chair.
7. A positive way to start potty training is to declare a potty day. Your child has chosen this day to start being potty trained. Circle that day on the calendar with marker and keep letting your child know that “potty day” is coming soon.
8. Do you have problems with your little one unrolling the toilet paper? It is suggested that you crunch the cardboard inside so it is not longer circular. This prevents your child from unrolling the toilet paper so easily.
It will take several tries for your child to get the hang of what they are supposed to be doing. Don’t get frustrated and know that your child will soon successful at the potty training process.
Robert Michael is a writer for http://hbbabies.com which is an excellent place to find babies links, resources and articles. For more information go to: http://www.hbbabies.com.
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