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Breast-Feeding Articles


Other Foods While Breast Feeding

(category: Breast-Feeding, Word count: 296)
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Breast milk is actually the only food your baby

will need until 4 months of age, although most

babies do well on breast milk alone for 6 months

or better. There is really no advantage to

adding other foods or milks before 4 - 6 months,

except under unusual circumstances.

Water

Breast milk is over 90% water. Even in the

hottest days of summer, a baby won't require any

extra water. If a baby isn't feeding well, they

still don't require any extra water - although

they will need the breast feeding problems to

be fixed.

Vitamin D

Although breast milk doesn't contain much vitamin

D, it does have a little. The baby will store up

vitamin D during pregnancy, and remain healthy

without any vitamin D supplementation, unless you

yourself had a problem with vitamin D deficiency

when pregnant.

Exposure to the outside will give your baby

vitamin D, even in winter and when the sky is

covered. An hour or more exposure during the

week will give your baby more than enough vitamin

D.

Iron

Breast milk contains less iron than formulas do,

especially those that are iron enriched. Iron

will give the baby added protection against

infections, as many bacteria need iron in order

to multiply.

The iron found in breast milk is utilized well

by the baby, while not being available to

bacteria. The introduction of iron should

never be delayed beyond the age of 6 months.

Breast milk is the best that your can feed

your baby, as it provides everything he will

need for probably the first 6 months. After

the first 6 months, you can introduce solid

foods to your baby if he is taking an interest

to them.

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Getting Started With Breast Feeding

(category: Breast-Feeding, Word count: 305)
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When you hold your baby for the first time in the

delivery room, you should put his lips to your

breast. Although your mature milk hasn't developed

yet, your breasts are still producing a substance

known as colostrum that helps to protect your baby

from infections.

If your baby has trouble finding or staying on

your nipple, you shouldn't panic. Breast feeding is

an art that will require a lot of patience and a

lot of practice. No one expects you to be an

expert when you first start, so you shouldn't

hesitate to ask for advice or have a nurse show you

what you need to do.

Once you start, keep in mind that nursing shouldn't

be painful. When your baby latches on, pay attention

to how your breasts feel. If the latching on

hurts, break the suction then try again.

You should nurse quite frequently, as the more

you nurse the more quickly your mature milk will

come in and the more milk you'll produce. Breast

feeding for 10 - 15 minutes per breast 8 - 10 times

every 24 hours is an ideal target. Crying is a

sign of hunger, which means you should actually

feed your baby before he starts crying.

During the first few days, you may have to wake

your baby to begin breast feeding, and he may end

up falling asleep during feeding. To ensure that

your baby is eating often enough, you should wake

him up if it has been four hours since the last

time he has been fed.

Getting comfortable

Feedings can take 40 minutes or longer, therefore

you'll want a cozy spot. You don't want to be

sitting somewhere where you will be bothered, as it

can make the process very hard.

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Your Nursing Area

(category: Breast-Feeding, Word count: 468)
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Once you've reached the third trimester, you'll

probably start stocking up on nursing bras, breast

pads, and loose button down shirts for the coming

months ahead. While getting ready to breast feed,

you can also create your personal area, a custom

designed breast feeding area for yourself.

Your nursing area should reflect your personality.

If you like a loud, yet friendly surrounding, you

should consider setting in a corner of the living

room or family room. Keep an extra chair or two

near you so family members or even friends can keep

you company.

If you prefer peace and quiet, a cozy study or

empty guest room would be ideal. You can close

the door, dim the lights down, then take a few

deep, calming breaths while you breast feed.

Your own chair

No matter if it's a glider, overstuffed recliner,

or desk chair with wheels, you should make sure

your nursing chair is very comfortable. You'll

be sitting in the chair for hours each day, so

you'll want it to be very comfortable. You should

always look for one that offers back and shoulder

support, along with arm rests.

Support underfoot

You can use a footstool, low coffee table or a

stack of pillows to elevate your feet as you breast

feed. If you raise your legs and feet to bring

your baby to your breast, you'll avoid possible

backache.

Pillows and more pillows

Your neck, arms, feet, and back will need as

much support as you can give, so don't hesitate

to surround your body with pillows. If you lay

a pillow across your lap for your baby to lay on,

he'll be very comfortable and that much closer to

your nipple. For extra comfort, you can even

purchase a specially made nursing pillow that

will encircle your waist.

Table for one

You should always keep a small table or stand

within arm's length of your breast feeding chair.

What you use should be big enough to hold a

coaster and glass of liquid. Some women prefer

to drink through a straw, while others prefer to

drink from the glass.

You'll also want to keep healthy snacks on hand

as well, such as fresh fruit, nuts, or crackers

and peanut butter to help you replace the

energy you use while you breast feed.

Distractions

If your baby is a slow eater or has a really big

appetite, you may want to keep yourself busy

while he feeds. You can fill the shelves of a

nearby cupboard or bookcase with your favorite

books or crossword puzzles to occupy yourself

until your baby is full. You should also keep

a phone nearby as well so that you can talk to

family or friends to pass the time.

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Breast Compression

(category: Breast-Feeding, Word count: 426)
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The sole purpose of breast compression is to continue

the flow of milk to the baby once the baby no longer

drinks on his own. Compression will also stimulate

a let down reflex and often causes a natural let

down reflex to occur. This technique may also be

useful for the following:

1. Poor weight gain in the baby.

2. Colic in the breast fed baby.

3. Frequent feedings or long feedings.

4. Sore nipples for the mother.

5. Recurrent blocked ducts

6. Feeding the baby who falls asleep quick.

If everything is going well, breast compression may

not be necessary. When all is well, the mother should

allow the baby to finish feeding on the first side,

then if the baby wants more - offer the other side.

How to use breast compression

1. Hold the baby with one arm.

2. Hold the breast with the other arm, thumb

on one side of your breast, your finger on the other

far back from the nipple

3. Keep an eye out for the baby's drinking,

although there is no need to be obsessive about

catching every suck. The baby will get more milk when

drinking with an open pause type of suck.

4. When the baby is nibbling or no longer

drinking, compress the breast, not so hard that it

hurts though. With the breast compression, the baby

should begin drinking again.

5. Keep up the pressure until the baby no

longer drinks with the compression, then release the

pressure. If the baby doesn't stop sucking with the

release of compression, wait a bit before compressing

again.

6. The reason for releasing pressure is to

allow your hand to rest, and allow the milk to begin

flowing to the baby again. If the baby stops sucking

when you release the pressure, he'll start again

once he tastes milk.

7. When the baby starts to suck again, he

may drink. If not, simply compress again.

8. Continue feeding on the first side until

the baby no longer drinks with compression. You

should allow him time to stay on that side until he

starts drinking again, on his own.

9. If the baby is no longer drinking, allow

to come off the breast or take him off.

10. If the baby still wants more, offer the

other side and repeat the process as above.

11. Unless you have sore nipples, you may

want to switch sides like this several times.

12. Always work to improve the baby's latch.

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Reasons To Breast Feed

(category: Breast-Feeding, Word count: 305)
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For many years, scientists have been playing out

the ingredients that make breast milk the perfect

food for babies. They've discovered to day over

200 close compounds to fight infection, help the

immune system mature, aid in digestion, and support

brain growth - nature made properties that science

simply cannot copy.

The important long term benefits of breast feeding

include reduced risk of asthma, allergies, obesity,

and some forms of childhood cancer. The more that

scientists continue to learn, the better breast

milk looks.

In addition to making your baby healthier, breast

feeding may also make him smarter. Many studies

have proved that breast fed babies tend to be

more smarter than babies who were fed with formula

or other methods. Breast feeding does help with

nutrients and the support of brain growth, which

is something every mother should think about.

The benefits for the nursing mom are just as

good as they are for the baby. The hormones that

are released during breast feeding will curb

blood loss post delivery and help to shrink the

uterus back to it's normal size.

Long term, the breast feeding mom will have a

lower risk for premenopausal breast cancer,

which is the kind that strikes before the age

of 50. The benefits will begin to show with

three to six months of breast feeding and increase

the longer that breast feeding continues.

By now, you should realize that breast milk is

one power packed liquid. It offers more for your

baby than formula, or any other scientific

creation for that matter. As you begin to plan

for the future of your baby, make a commitment

to breast feeding him for as long as you possibly

can - as it will do both your bodies good.

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Avoiding Foods While Breast Feeding

(category: Breast-Feeding, Word count: 289)
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Many women find that they can eat whatever they may

like during breast feeding. Even though it's true

that some stongly favored foods can change the

taste of your milk, many babies seem to enjoy the

varieties of breast milk flavors. Occasionally,

your baby may get cranky at the breast after you

eat certain foods. If you notice this happening,

simply avoid that particular food.

The most common offenders duing breast feeding

include chocolate, spices, citrus fruits, garlic,

chili, lime, gassy vegetables, and fruits with

laxative type effects, such as prunes and cherries.

You can have a cup or two of coffee a day, although

too much caffeine can interfere with your baby's

sleep and even make him or her cranky. Keep in

mind, caffeine is found in many soda's, tea, and

even over the counter type medicine as well.

It's okay to have an alcoholic beverage every now

and the, although having more than one drink can

increase your blood alcohol level, putting the

alcohol into your breast milk.

If you are planning to have more than one drink

at a time, it's best to wait two hours or more

per drink before you resume any type of nursing

or breast feeding. There is no need to pump

and dump unless your breasts are full and its

time to feed your baby. While breast feeding,

any type of heavy drinking should be avoided.

Before you actually omit any foods from your

diet, you should talk to your doctor. If you

avoid certain foods and it causes a nutritional

imbalance, you may need to see a nutritionist

for advice on taking other foods or getting

nutritional supplements.

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The First Six Weeks

(category: Breast-Feeding, Word count: 452)
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Breast milk is the best food you can give to your

baby. Breast milk is a complete food source,

containing all the nutrients your baby need - at

least 400 of them to be exact, including hormones

and disease fighting compounds that aren't found

in formula.

The nutritional makeup in breast milk will adjust

to your baby's needs as he or she grows and

develops. Aside from the brain building, infection

fighting benefits of breast milk, which no formula

can match, nursing will also help to build a special

bond between you and your baby. When nursing,

your child thrives on the contact, cuddling, and

holding - which you will as well.

Since breast feedings can take up to 40 minutes or

more, you should pick a cozy spot for nursing. The

atmosphere is very important, even more so in the

early days of breast feeding when you're still

trying to get the hang of it. If you get easily

distracted by noise, go somewhere quiet.

You should always hold your baby in a position

that won't leave your arms or back sore. It works

the best to support the back of your baby's head

with your hand, although which position you choose

depends on what's more comfortable to you.

When supporting your baby, a nursing pillow can

sometimes be a big help. You should never feed

until both you and your baby are comfortable. Pay

attention to how your breasts feel when your baby

latches on, as his mouth should cover most of the

areola below the nipple, and the nipple should be

far back into your baby's mouth.

While some women adjust to breast feeding easily,

other moms find it hard to learn. If you feel

discouraged, always know that you aren't the only

one. Everyone feels different when starting, it

all depends on the mother and the situation.

Breast feeding will take practice. Therefore, you

should give yourself as much time as you need to

get it down to second nature. Always take it one

feeding at a time. If you are having a bad day,

tell yourself that it'll get better. Keep in mind

that any problems are temporary, as you'll be

nursing like a pro by your six week postpartum

checkup.

The first six weeks will be both an adventure and

training. You can't expect to know everything when

you begin, which is where training and practice will

really help you excel. The more you breast feed,

the more you'll learn. You'll also build a bond

with your baby - which is something you'll always

have for the rest of your lives.

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Breast Feeding Adopted Babies

(category: Breast-Feeding, Word count: 284)
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Not only is breast feeding an adopted baby easy,

the chances are that you will produce a large

amount of milk. It isn't complicated to do,

although it is different than breast feeding a

baby you have been pregnant with for 9 months.

Breast feeding and milk

There are two objectives that are involved in

breast feeding an adopted baby. The first is

getting your baby to breast feed, and the other

is producing enough breast milk.

There is more to breast feeding than just milk,

which is why many mothers are happy to feed

without expecting to produce milk in the way

the baby needs. It's the closeness and the

bond breast feeding provides that many mothers

look for.

Taking the breast

Even though many feel the early introduction of

bottles may interfere with breast feeding, the

early introduction of artificial nipples can

interfere a great deal. The sooner you can get

the baby to the breast after birth, the better

things will be.

Babies will however, require the flow from the

breast in order to stay attached and continue

to suck, especially if they are used to getting

flow from a bottle or other method of feeding.

Producing breast milk

As soon as you have an adopted baby in sight,

contact a lactation clinic and start getting

your milk supply ready. Keep in mind, you

may never produce a full milk supply for your

baby, although it may happen. You should

never feel discouraged by what you may be

pumping before the baby, as a pump is never

quite as good at extracting milk as a baby

who is well latched and sucking.

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Breast Feeding Toddlers

(category: Breast-Feeding, Word count: 301)
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Because more and more women are choosing to breast

feed their babies, more and more are also finding

that they enjoy it enough to continue longer than

the first few months they planned on. Breast

feeding to 3 - 4 years of age is common in much

of the world recently, and is still common in

many societies for toddlers to be breast fed.

Because mothers and babies often enjoy to breast

feed, you shouldn't stop it. After six months,

many think that breast milk loses it's value -

which isn't true. Even after six months, it

still contains protein, fat, and other important

nutrients which babies and children need.

The fact is, immune factors in breast milk will

protect the baby against infections. Breast

milk also contains factors that will help the

immune system mature, and other organs to develop

and mature as well.

It's been shown and proven in the past that

children in daycare who are still breast feeding

have far less severe infections than the

children that aren't breast feeding. The mother

will lose less work time if she chooses to

continue nursing her baby once she is back to

work.

If you have thought about breast feeding your

baby once he gets passed 6 months of age, you

have made a wise decision. Although many feel

that it isn't necessary, breast milk will always

help babies and toddlers. Breast milk is the

best milk you can give to your baby.

No matter what others may tell you, breast feeding

only needs to be stopped when you and the baby

agree on it. You don't have to stop when someone

else wants you to - you should only stop when

you feel that it's the right time.

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