Breast Feeding

Some breast feeding mothers do not need much to feed their babies. They will use burp cloths, breast pads, either re-usable or disposable, Lansinoh nipple treatment, and gel packs to be either chilled in the refrigerator or heated in the microwave to soothe engorged breasts. Other mothers may need those items plus a few more, such as bottles, a breast pump, and a bottle warmer. A rocking chair with footstool is essential for nursing comfort, and a nursing pillow such as a Boppi or MyBrestFriend will provide support. A ring sling is a great item for both carrying the baby and nursing on the go. Pop a baby in the sling, and they can recline comfortably and nurse while the mother shops or visits with friends and family.

Breast Feeding Your Baby

New mothers have to make the personal decision to either feed their baby formula or breast milk. Breastfeeding has phased in and out of popularity throughout the years based on the ever changing lifestyles of mothers and families. When choosing whether or not to nurse your new baby, consider the pros and cons of breastfeeding regarding your the needs of your baby and yourself.

The pitfalls of breastfeeding occur during the days and weeks after the birth of your baby. During this time, some mothers struggle with getting their baby to latch, discomfort during feedings and keeping up with the demanding schedule of nursing. Due to these challenges, some women don’t make it past the early stages of breastfeeding. By finding ways to overcome these obstacles, you can continue nursing your newborn and eventually feel very comfortable with the process.

While still in the hospital, lactation consultants can assist you in finding a comfortable latch for you and your baby. For new mothers who still can’t get their babies to latch, lactation consultants show them proper holding techniques and even offer rubber nipple shields that facilitate the latching process for babies. The nurses at the hospital will also give you pain medication to relieve the uterine and nipple pain associated with nursing.

Breastfeeding gives new mothers the opportunity to spend quality time bonding with their new babies. Immediately after the birth of your baby, nursing provides skin-to-skin contact, giving him feelings of warmth, comfort and security. If you commit to… Read the rest

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Baby Feeding

When you think of feeding your baby, you are likely thinking of two things: healthy food and convenience. One of the biggest trends in baby foods in the past few years has been the ready availability of organic baby foods. Just 10 years ago these were a specialty item that could be hard to find. Today, every major baby food company has an organic line, and some companies make nothing but organic baby foods.

Buying the organic foods mean less exposure to pesticides for babies. Studies have shown that pesticides have a heavier impact on children than they do adults, making many parents concerned about the long-term damage of pesticides. With organic foods, there is one less worry for new parents who likely have plenty of worries about their new bundle of joy.

Meals and Convenience

One of the reasons that those little glass baby food jars have remained so popular over the decades is that they are incredibly convenient to use. Just pop a few into your diaper bag and you have a few meals ready just in case they are needed.

One way to make sure that you are always ready for a feeding on the go is to use a travel baby spoon case in your diaper bag. These hold two or three travel spoons, depending on the design, and keep them clean and ready for use. With a case, your spoons are also easier to find in your bag.

When at home, popping open a jar… Read the rest

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Breast Feeding

Breastfeeding is one of the best gifts you can give to your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of your baby’s life. They also recommend that breastfeeding continues until at least your baby’s first birthday.

Breast milk is nutritionally rich. It is perfect balance of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins. One fascinating aspect of breast milk is that it contains leukocytes. Leukocytes are living cells that are found exclusively in breast milk. They help fight infection to keep your little one healthy. Your milk contains the exact balance of antibodies and nutrients that your baby needs. As your baby grows, your breast milk will adapt to meet your baby’s changing nutritional needs.

Breastfeeding also has health benefits for you, the mom. Breastfeeding reduces your risk of postpartum depression and anxiety. It also has long-term health benefits. By breastfeeding, you reduce your risk of uterine, ovarian, and breast cancer. Breastfeeding moms also lose their baby weight more quickly.

Breastfeeding is natural, but that does not necessarily mean that it is easy. Let’s discuss some tips to help make your breastfeeding relationship a success.

To get off to a great start, nurse your baby as soon as possible after birth. In many instances, you and your baby can experience your first nursing session just minutes after delivery. Many hospitals have a lactation consultant on staff. Your lactation consultant can be an invaluable source of nursing information and encouragement. She can help assure that… Read the rest

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