Pregnancy and breastfeeding, both are the wonderful experience for a woman. They give the feeling of satisfaction and completeness to the woman. But breast care is important during pregnancy and lactation in order to keep it healthy. Here, in this article you will find some useful tips on breast care during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

First let's know the period of pregnancy and lactation. Pregnancy refers to the period beginning from the moment the woman conceives till she gives birth to the child. Lactation refers to the period during which a woman is breastfeeding her baby.

Normally, after pregnancy and delivery there is a danger of the breasts becoming loose and drooping. There are certain pills and massage oils, which help the breasts to come to their normal form and shape and regain firmness and roundness. Physical breast care is very important. Active and regular participation in sports helps a woman to maintain a distinctive and smart look. Youthful breasts not only add to the grace of the woman but also enrich her sex life as well.

In order to breastfeed the baby successfully, a pregnant woman should be prepared for it mentally as well as physically. It is also useful to seek the guidance of a person who has successfully breastfed her baby. Such person can give good practical advice. It is also advised that a woman should share her thoughts on this topic with her husband, or with any other women close to her.

During pregnancy eat more than the normal diet roughly eat equal to one extra meal in a day. This will help build enough energy, to be used when you start breastfeeding your baby. Pregnant women should eat foods which are rich in iron and assist in producing more blood. This will help to prevent anemia. Do not exhaust yourself physically (especially during the last three months) when you are pregnant. A nap or rest in the afternoon is essential during the last three months.

Many women ask a very common question - Is suckling of breasts by the husband during pregnancy harmful? No. If the husband wishes to suck the breasts, he should not be discouraged. This is a natural and helpful exercise for the nipples and the breasts.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

Copyright © Nick Mutt, All Rights Reserved. If you want to use this article on your website or in your ezine, make all the urls (links) active.

If you are having a baby soon, the subject of breastfeeding has certainly come up. There are many advantages that should be considered before you make a decision. Knowing how best to provide for your infant is of the utmost importance. Breast milk is specifically designed to provide the exact nutrients your baby needs. Nature designed mother's milk to be the most nutritious source of food for your growing baby. Although modern formula is a good substitute for those mothers's who can't breastfeed, nothing will ever be as good as the real thing.

Breast milk contains antibodies that help babies fight not only infections but things like diabetes and SIDS, A recent study shows that out of 87 deaths from SIDS only 3 of those deaths were breastfed babies. The antibodies in breast milk also protect against allergies, prevents ear infections and respiratory illnesses.

Nursing promotes natural growth of facial features, promotes better speech and helps encourage the developing teeth to come in straight. The risk of tooth decay is lessened because the sugar content of breast milk is lower and does not adhere to the teeth in the same way formula does.

Breastfed babies bond with their mothers in a special way. The emotional connection established between a nursing baby and its mother is extraordinary.

Studies show that breastfed babies are at a lower risk for childhood obesity. It has been shown that the amount of fat cells formed in infancy have a direct correlation to obesity later in life. Breastfed babies tend to develop fewer fat cells and maintain a healthy weight.

Breastfed babies are hospitalized as much as 10 times less then formula fed babies. Because of the antibodies passed on thru the mother's milk, breastfed babies are less prone to develop serious infections or catch viruses that cause vomiting and diarrhea necessitating hospitalization.

Breastfed babies tend to have higher IQ's because the specific proteins in mother's milk promote brain development. The proteins in formula are not specific to the human infant like those contained in breast milk.

Breastfeeding also has many advantages for the mother. Breastfeeding immediately after birth causes contractions that control postpartum bleeding, reduces the risk of breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers and reduces the risk of anemia. Mothers who breastfeed return to their pre-pregnancy weight faster because their bodies burn more calories in the production of milk. Breastfeeding is economical because it eliminates the need to buy expensive formula and bottles.

Breastfeeding has many advantages to both the mother and child. If you are pregnant or plan to be in the future, breastfeeding is an option to be seriously considered.

Some breastfeeding mothers avoid chocolate. Other moms avoid garlic. So how do you learn which foods to avoid when breastfeeding?

The answer is to pay attention to your baby. Your baby will let you know which foods to avoid when nursing and which are fine. If certain foods that you eat seem to send your child into fits a few hours later, you may want to avoid it for a while.

Nursing mothers normally eat a variety of foods while breastfeeding. These foods will result in different flavors that change the taste of your baby's breast milk. Most children actually enjoy the variety.

However, if your baby is particularly resistant to nursing one day, try to remember what you may have eaten. If she reacts the same way every time you eat that particular food, it could be one of the foods to avoid when breastfeeding.

Most children will let you eat what you want while nursing. There are, however, some common foods that many nursing moms try to avoid. They are:

* spices such as garlic, chili, cinnamon, and pepper

* chocolate

* vegetables such as cabbage, onion, garlic, broccoli, cauliflower, and cucumber

* fruits such as prunes, cherries, orange, lemon, strawberry, grapefruit, pineapple, and kiwi.

Just don't avoid all those really good foods for no reason. Learn what your baby can tolerate and what he or she can't. Through this trial and error, most mothers find that there are very few foods that they really have to avoid while breastfeeding.

For any woman, finding the stylish solution to occasion wear is a tricky one but for new breastfeeding mums the search is even harder. High-street selections for nursing mothers are predictably dull, or non-existent. Now is the time to search on-line for the best breastfeeding clothing available. Christenings, parties, weddings, Christmas and New Year's events are all wonderful occasions to dress up in your finest and celebrate. As a new mum you want to wear something girlie and glamorous, that makes you feel fabulous but also allows you to breastfeed your little one easily. You want to wear your beautiful dress and you don't want to leave the party to sit in another room when your baby is hungry! Trying to breastfeed in a non-nursing dress is always tricky, involves pulling acres of fabric over your head and you usually end up exposing more of yourself than you would like. We are frequently asked about dresses which are suitable for wearing when you want to feel chic and stylish, but are easy to nurse in.

The perfect solution to breastfeeding at special occasions with confidence is a dress which has been specially designed to provide easy nursing access. Nursingwear designers have risen to the challenge of providing fabulous nursingwear for new breastfeeding mothers, and there really are some deliciously chic nursing dresses now available. Halter necks, scoop necks and deep v-necks flatter new mum decolletage, whilst elegant ruffles, shirring, pleats, ruching and pretty detailing give a foxy, fashion-forward look. Many new mamas have found fabulous nursing dresses perfect for special events and occasions, and here is a selection of our favourites:

Milk Nursingwear's fabulous Keyhole dress is stylish and elegant - wonderful for wearing for special occasions, or anytime when you want to feel chic. The black stretch fabric falls beautifully and the fashionable keyhole design detailing gives a lovely twist to this classic dress. This dress looks beautiful accessorised with sparkly earrings or chunky bracelet - the simple design is a perfect foil for some fabulous jewellery. Nurse effortlessly by pulling up the dress at the empire band to access nursing openings beneath.

The divine Mayreau Cowl neck dress is one of the most luxurious breastfeeding dresses available. Made from the softest modal fabric, the fabric feels buttery soft on the skin and gives a real feeling of luxury. The cowl neck cleverly conceals the nursing access, and the gathered sleeve detail is just divine. Wear dressed up with jewellery and heels, or down with leggings and flats, this dress is incredibly versatile and looks great whatever the occasion.

For special occasions, Milk Nursingwear's Flirty Halter Neck is perfect. This sexy halter style for nursing mamas ensures you look effortlessly fabulous. Milk have magically added a built-in shelf-bra and place to hold your nursing pads - meaning you can strut your stuff in style! Gorgeous ruffles add a flirty fun edge to this pretty little dress, whilst the adjustable tie allows for a more customized fit. Nursing Access is simple, just lift up the empire layer to access openings.

Dote's Black Noir dress is a firm favourite for nursing style, this stylish Singaporean label has been a huge best-seller with nursing mamas in the UK, and now wonder, as it is simply divine! The dress has a gathering across the neckline and skirt, disguising any post-baby tummy. It can be accessorised with a belt or sparkly scarf, giving an edgy fashionable look. Nursing access is innovatively through the oversized armholes, ensuring this dress looks high-fashion all the way!

So whether you are looking for a stylish dress to wear to a Wedding, a figure-flattering dress for a special occasion or an elegant dress for your little one's Christening, there are some great choices available. Knowing you are wearing a stylish nursing dress which will enable you to feed your baby quickly and with no fuss will go a long way to making your special occasion more enjoyable.

Pumping breast milk at work is a way to produce more breast milk for your baby. Breast milk is the best gift from a mother to her baby. Breastfeeding is one of the best actions to take to ensure the good health of a baby. Therefore, as a breastfeeding mother, you shall continue to breastfeed and stimulate your body to produce more breast milk all the times. One of the ways to ensure you have enough breast milk for your baby at the same time taking care of your career is to plan how to pump your breast milk during work.

Besides playing a role as a mother, a lot of women are also having a successful career. It is not easy to balance the role of being a mother and at the same time success in career. However, at least you could provide your breast milk to your little one to ensure the good health and the best benefits for your baby and yourself. How do you coordinate your breast milk pumping at work in order to continue your breastfeeding?
Firstly, you need to have a well planned nursing and pumping schedule to ensure you can continue to produce more breast milk. The nursing and pumping schedule is totally depended on the nature of your job. My job requires me to spend most of my time in office; therefore, it is not a problem for me to plan my nursing and pumping schedule. Here is my nursing and pumping schedule for reference:

6.00am - wake up in the morning to nurse my baby
8.00am - pump at home before leaving home to work
10.00am - first pumping break in the office
12.00pm - lunch and second pumping break in the office
Between 2.00pm and 3.00pm - third pumping break in the office
6.00pm - arrive home after work and pump at home

Above is a standard schedule. Sometimes, schedule will be adjusted according to different situation. Normally, I will have another two rounds of breastfeed during night time.

Secondly, you need a clean and private place for you to carry out the pumping. Breast milk is the food for your baby, you would not want to settle your pumping in the rest room or toilet. Some of the organizations / companies might not provide a place for breastfeeding mothers to pump breast milk. Hence, you might need to settle yourself in a changing room, locker room, storeroom, or a meeting room. If possible, try to request a private room with at least an armed chair, table with fan or air conditioning system. If you have a room for yourself, that will be a lot easier to solve the problem. The important thing is to ensure you cover your room window with blinds and your room is locked when you are pumping. You would not want the embarrassment of having somebody steps into your room when you are pumping breast milk. If you have a private workstation, in which you feel that it is secure enough for you to pump your breast milk, you could do so, but need to ensure you do something to avoid others to enter your workstation, like putting up a sign, move something to block the entrance etc. If your company already has the facilities for breastfeeding mothers to pump breast milk, then it is lucky that you could fully utilize those facilities.

Thirdly, You might face a lot of difficulties for carrying out milk pumping at work. There might be complaints and criticism from those who does not support breastfeeding. Your superior and your colleagues might feel not comfortable for you having frequent break, and unattended moment when they need you. Therefore, you need to try your best to adjust your pumping schedule to suit your work. There might be unavoidable time in which you have to skip your pumping break, in order to get your job done or meet certain deadline. Therefore, you need to try your very best to let the people around you to understand the purpose and reason of carrying on breastfeeding and the necessary of pumping at work. At the same time, you shall also keep your work in priority to minimize the pumping affects your performance.

Lastly, get the pumping done in the shortest time possible. You are at work, so try not to give a bad impression to your employer that you are using too much of your working time to carry out your pumping, and you need to ensure your employer that your action of pumping breast milk at work does not affect your work performance. In order to get the pumping done fast, you need to have a good and effective breast pump. There are different brand and selection of double breast pumps in the market which allow you to complete your each pumping session fast and easy.

It is not a simple job for breastfeeding mothers to continue stimulate breast milk for baby, and at the same time success in career. However, there is nothing could not happen if you put your best foot forward.

Did you know that breastfeeding enhances the contraction of the uterus and helps it return to its normal pre-pregnancy state more rapidly? This is another benefit mothers will enjoy from this healthy habit.

Experts say there is less blood loss after delivery and nursing mothers lose weight more quickly after having their first child. More importantly, breastfeeding delays menstruation and postpones fertility. As long as she continues nursing, a woman is less likely to become pregnant again. On its own, however, breastfeeding is not a reliable means of birth control.

"Fat is deposited during pregnancy as a reserve for lactation. If the mother nurses for a significant period of time this fat is easily used up. But if she fails to nurse, it is far more difficult to get rid of. Lactation may even be a good time for an overweight woman to lose weight. Energy expended by lactation is like performing vigorous exercise all day long. By moderate dietary restriction and by ensuring the availability of adequate amounts of essential nutrients, a nursing mother may lose significant weight and still provide adequate amounts of high quality milk to her infant," said Dr. Myron Winick in The Columbia Encyclopedia of Nutrition.

There's more: breastfeeding is economical. There's no need to worry about sterilizing bottles, the right formula to buy or how to prepare it. Even if your baby cries in the middle of the night, you don't have to grope in the dark for her bottle. That's convenience and it comes only with breastfeeding.

To produce more milk for her child, all the mother has to do is to eat a well balanced diet, especially foods rich in calcium, iron and water-soluble vitamins.

"If the mother is anemic this will certainly affect the iron content of the milk. In order to safeguard against such a situation, foods high in iron should be included in the diet in good amounts," Winick said.

"The vitamin content of breast milk is extremely sensitive to the maternal vitamin status, especially with regard to the water-soluble vitamins. For this reason, plenty of citrus fruits should be eaten for their vitamin C supply and plenty of fortified and whole grains for the B complex vitamins. In addition, most physicians recommend the nursing mother continue the prenatal vitamin supplement," he added.

All other things considered, perhaps the best thing about breastfeeding is the special bond that develops between mother and child. Researchers believe this special relationship gives a great deal of emotional satisfaction to both parties and may, in fact, contribute to the child's development.

Finally, certain hormones are released as a result of suckling and some women have described the experience of breastfeeding as similar to sexual orgasm.

"Many women who have successfully breast-fed describe nursing as the most pleasurable experience of their lives -an experience that cannot be duplicated and should not be missed," Winick concluded.

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Drinking alcohol can be dangerous when you have a child as it can cause many problems not only to your health but the childs as well. When breastfeeding it is strongly recommended that you do not drink alcohol. Breastfeeding requires a different and balanced diet which enables your child to get the best out of your breast milk. However if you mix alcohol you can make it not only an unpleasant situation for you, but more importantly for your child also. It is extremely important that you do not drink alcohol during this upbringing period, here is why.

Alcohol is okay in moderation, but it is not suggested at all when it comes to breastfeeding. It is well known that you need to intake a lot of liquid and fluid when it comes to breast feeding, but if you drink a lot of alcohol you are in fact going to put your child at risk by feeding it your breast milk.

By exposing your child to your breast milk that contains traces of alcohol you will in effect giving it a certain amount of alcohol, it will only be a small amount but it all compiles in your breast milk and by feeding it to your child you could cause your child serious damage. Alcohol can in effect a young baby much differently to a full grown adult. You see, alcohol can damage a childs brain even in small doses, and I am sure that you do not want anything bad to happen to your child.

So when you put your hands round a bottle of alcohol, think twice before drinking it, it may seem like it will make no effect to you, but by allowing it to be stored as part of your breast milk it can make the milk taste not only disgusting but it can also leave a baby vulnerable if you were to feed it with this particular breast milk. If you feed your child regular breast milk via breastfeeding then you will not want to upset the balance since it could leave you without breast milk for your child which then means you would have to seek an alternative.

Depending on how much alcohol you drink you will find that it can alter the effect on your breast milk. It is common that if you drink less alcohol it will often make the breast milk distasteful and sometimes even sour. It's always important to be giving your child the best intake of food, so take some responsibility and do not drink.

If you do have alcohol problems and are planning to have a baby, I strongly recommend that you sort out your problems before hand and then proceed. At the end of the day it is your responsibility to look after your child, and by drinking alcohol you are in effect being selfish and giving a certain percentage to the baby which as discussed above can lead to devastating results. What may seem alright for you may not be alright for your baby, think before you drink.

Breastfeeding can simultaneously be one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences new mothers go through. The bond that grows between moms and their babies while nursing is unique and irreplaceable. Sadly, due to soreness, latching problems, severe engorgement, and other issues, many new moms abandon the effort before it truly pays off.

Those who are willing to endure some of the obstacles to breastfeeding will eventually enjoy a plethora of benefits. Below, we'll describe five of the most significant. You'll learn how nursing speeds up your metabolism, improves your baby's health (yours, too!), and lays the groundwork for a stronger, more intimate bond with your little one.

Tip 1 - Accelerates Your Metabolism

The process by which your body produces milk increases your metabolic rate. While estimates vary, many experts suggest this process burns several hundred calories each day. You've spent the last several months in a body that was larger, more sluggish, and less energetic than normal. Given that a lot of new mothers struggle to shed the pregnancy pounds, this nursing effect on your metabolism may be a welcome advantage. And the best part? It happens while you sleep and rest.

Tip 2 - Improved Health For Your Infant

While breastfeeding, your baby will enjoy several benefits related to her health and development. For example, she'll need to put more effort into drawing your milk than she would from a bottle. Not only does that influence the development of her jaws, but it also helps to ensure her teeth are aligned properly.

Breast milk is easier for infants to digest than formula because it contains less protein. Easier digestion means less gas and thus, less discomfort (and by extension, less fussing from an upset stomach).

Many experts also suggest breastfeeding leads to better eye development, coordination, and even a higher IQ for your baby.

Tip 3 - Improved Health For You

When it comes to the health benefits of breastfeeding, most of the attention has traditionally been directed toward the infant. However, research shows that nursing moms might also enjoy improved health. For example, the hormone oxytocin (the same hormone that stimulates contractions during childbirth) is released while nursing. That causes your uterus to shrink and heal after having been stretched while giving birth.

Another health advantage involves the return of your menstrual cycle. Breastfeeding can postpone its return by up to several months.

Tip 4 - Closer Connection Between Mom And Baby

There are few opportunities to better strengthen the bond you share with your baby than the time spent nursing. You're unlikely to multi-task by sending emails, returning calls to friends, and preparing dinner. Instead, this is the time during which your infant has your full attention. As she nurses, she'll be looking at the features of your face; she'll be gazing into your eyes.

The intimacy forged from this connection becomes unbreakable over time. Moreover, it helps your infant develop emotionally, secure in the safety she feels when lying next to you.

Tip 5 - Perfect Source Of Nutrition

Your breast milk contains an abundance of important nutrients for your baby. Most notably, it includes colostrum, a low-fat, protein-rich ingredient that resists infection. Colostrum contains carbohydrates, vitamins, and other essentials. Nature has equipped your body with a mechanism that automatically limits the amount of colostrum in your milk after a few days. That helps your infant make the transition to milk that contains higher levels of fats and carbohydrates.

To be sure, some new mothers confront breastfeeding challenges that are insurmountable. These challenges can be severe and make nursing far less rewarding - sometimes, even impossible. Fortunately, those are exceptions to the rule. Most women can take advantage of one of the most gratifying experiences of motherhood.

Breastfeeding is a natural process which most mothers enjoy and look forward. However, there are many myths associated with breast feeding. Some of them are listed below along with what is a fact pertaining to each misconception.

1. If a woman does not produce enough breast milk it is bad. In fact, the amount of breast milk is produced by mothers is sufficient to satiate the hunger of new born babies and infants. Most of the times, the milk is produced in surplus. Babies tend to lose weight in spite of abundance in breast milk due to the fact that mothers do not have knowledge about proper breast feeding techniques.

2. Breastfeeding is a painful experience. In reality, breastfeeding mothers derive a pleasurable experience while breastfeeding their child. Mild pain occurs in breasts and nipples during breastfeeding that lasts only for few seconds. Infection causes soreness of nipples and also continuous pain.

3. The first milk should be fed to the baby. The truth is that the first milk or colostrums produced immediately after birth is vital for baby's health. Baby should be properly latched on to breasts in order to stimulate milk production.

4. A baby must be fed for hours at end. Actually 10-20 minutes of proper breastfeeding on one side of the breasts is sufficient to satiate baby's hunger. Milk from the breasts flows gradually and needs to be constantly stimulated.

5. Babies must be fed water because it is important for them. Breast milk contains enough water for the baby. There is no requirement for any additional water.

6. Babies should not be exposed to sunlight as it is harmful to them. Actually babies need to be exposed to sunlight in order to process vitamin D.

As I think about the topic of herbs and breastfeeding, I realize that the breastfeeding years are perhaps one of the most important times to call on the nourishing qualities of the plants.

Our bodies are working to feed our babies and ourselves at the same time, and will take what's needed to feed the babe from the most available source, depleting our own bodies if necessary. So as we engage with the herbs during this time it is important to ask how we can keep our babies and ourselves healthy and thriving.

What herbs to use when breastfeeding and how to use them

My daily practice throughout my pregnancy and breast-feeding years has been a to drink a standard brew of nettle leaves, oatstraw and red raspberry leaves.

I simply take one handful of each dried herb (enough to make up about one ounce total) and put them in a quart mason jar.

Then I fill the jar with boiling water, cover it and let it steep for at least four hours before straining it and drinking it.

You can drink it at room temperature or ice it in the summer or warm it in the winter. If you don't love the taste like I do, you can also mix it with fruit juice.

I choose these three herbs for breastfeeding because they are nourishing, abundant herbs that are as easy on our bodies as the food we eat.

Nettle leaves are high in iron and help give me energy for happy days with a baby, even if I haven't had much sleep.

Oatstraw is high in calcium and helps calm frazzled nerves and take the nervous edge off my days.

Raspberry leaves are great for milk supply and toning the female system in general.

Really, this brew is great any time, but as a breast-feeding mom, I swear by it, and look forward to drinking in its goodness every day.

Other herbs for breastfeeding...

I can think of two other specific times when herbs and breastfeeding go together.

o One instance is when you want to increase the supply of milk you have available for your baby.

o The other is when you are weaning and want to decrease the flow of milk.

In the first case you will be looking for galactagogues (herbs that encourage and increase the milk flow). In addition to the nettles and raspberry leaves I suggested above, Susun Weed recommends using comfrey, alfalfa, and borage leaves and red clover flowers as herbal infusions to help increase milk flow.

Tinctured blessed thistle leaves (up to 20 drops 2 to 4 times a day) can also be used to increase the milk available for the baby.

You might also consider adding more leafy greens, carrots, and sweet potatoes to your diet. In our family we have come to think of food as medicine, and usually start addressing any situation through our diet, then adding nourishing herbs. We use tinctures or pills only very sparingly. The results might not be immediate, but this kind of medicine works slowly with your body and produces positive, sustainable results.

Now, for the other specific instance when you might want to seek out herbs for a breastfeeding issue...weaning.

Of course, weaning gradually is optimal so that you can slowly decrease the flow of milk and reduce the discomfort of engorgement. However, for a variety of reasons, you may decide to wean more quickly. (In my case, my son breast-fed avidly until he was four. At that time I made the choice to wean. We created a weaning ceremony for him, and he went from breastfeeding often during the day and night to nursing only once in the morning the next day. I definitely found myself dealing with engorged breasts!)

Herbs that reduce milk flow include herb robert, red sage, and periwinkle. Adding garden mint, sorrel and sage to your meals and drinking a glass of carrot juice first thing in the morning can also help to dry up your milk and reduce discomfort.

When I weaned Rowan, a friend suggested drinking infusions of sage. I happened to have a large and healthy sage plant in my garden at the time, and have to say that this strategy worked rapidly and beautifully.

I wish you a healthy, nourishing experience with herbs and breastfeeding!

The common concern for mothers with babies nearing the 6-month-old mark is not really on how to stop breastfeeding, but on what food should be fed to baby. This mostly wouldn't be a problem for 2nd or 3rd time moms. But first timers are usually protective of their children so they research and ask around as to what the best food to feed would be.

Now, don't retort, I had been a first time mom too. Actually, I feel I am worse than most mothers because I have two kids, and I am overly protective of both of them when they were babies. So I'm guilty of all the research and the information gathering too.

When you wean off of breastfeeding, you are taking him off of his source for most of his daily nutritional needs. While it is recommended that the baby be breastfed for as long as 2 years (and beyond), sometimes specific circumstances doesn't allow the breastfeeding relationship to last that long. When this happens, you can check with your pediatrician to find out what formula you can use as a substitute.

When introducing baby to solids, one tip would be to introduce each new food four days apart from each other. This is to give your baby time to react to the new food - either in a good way (that he really, really likes it) or in a bad way (he develops a rash or an allergy to it).

To help you out, here are some foods which are recommended for baby's first food:

- Iron-enriched infant rice cereal or dry baby rice. Dry cereal should be mixed with breast milk or formula to make a runny solution. About one to two teaspoons would do for the very first feeding; you can lessen the milk after a couple of days for the mixture to become thicker and for the baby to feel some texture in his mouth. This would allow baby to practice getting food off a spoon, which involves a different reflex from drinking milk from the breast or the bottle.

- Pureed vegetables. Carrots, parsnips, sweet potato, courgettes and squash are great for pureeing. Plus, it introduces baby to the wonderful world of new tastes. When baby is used to the baby rice mix, you can give him a new way of enjoyment by adding this puree to the mix for added flavor.

- Pureed fruits. These can be served on a bowl with accompanying rubber tipped spoon, or you can give this as a juice. Apples, pears, mangoes, papayas or mashed bananas are some safe fruits to give.

Feeding your baby will be another fun activity you can do with your growing baby.

Happy weaning!

You know that breastfeeding is best for mother and child, but what's in it for Dad? Isn't he going to miss out by not getting to share in the joy of feeding the baby? Let's see how Dads benefit when a Mom chooses to breastfeed their child.

Cost Savings

This is a big one for Dad! Whether he's the sole income provider or not, adding a new member to the family can be a source of worry for him. Let him in on the fact that one year of breastfeeding can keep over ,000 in the family budget. That's just for bottles and formula, that doesn't include extra Doctor visits and prescriptions that happen when baby is formula fed.

More Sleep

Let's face it. He doesn't have the equipment to handle the job of night feedings. While some Moms choose to pump and let Dad offer a bottle at night, for many Moms, snuggling up with baby at night to nurse is the norm. In a lot of families, this means Dad can head off to work with a full night's rest.

Proud Papa

When Dad sees how baby's cheeks and thighs are filling out on Mom's milk alone, he tends to view her as some kind of Dairy Queen. What an amazing capacity she has to help his child grow and thrive! Many Dads become huge proponents of breastfeeding when they see how healthy their babies are.

Health Benefits

Dads are especially impressed by the fact that breastfed babies gain an average of 8 IQ points over their formula fed counterparts. Breastfeeding also means that Mom is less likely to get ovarian or breast cancer. The extended nonfertility that many nursing Moms experience is also a plus in Dads book.

Focus on Mom

Since Mom is breastfeeding, Dad can find other ways to bond with baby and be a support to Mom. Some ideas: take baby for walks, burp and bathe baby, sing baby to sleep, massage baby and read to baby. He can also be in charge of helping Mom stay fed and hydrated in the early weeks while she recovers from the birth. And since Mom is handling the "input", Dad can be in charge of "output". Dads are far more likely to be willing to change diapers since a breastfed baby's poop doesn't have an unpleasant odor (until solid food is added!).

An infant pillow is created with the idea to make breastfeeding fun and comfortable, and to make it a convenient time for both mother and baby. It's well known to be quite complicated for the new moms to sit up and breastfeed the baby, as her body feels sore and tired. Most moms have many troubles while breastfeeding their babies. The major one might be their aching back, which prevents them from enjoying the precious moments of tenderness, while bonding with their newborn baby. This is when a gift such as a nursing boppy is appreciated.

These nursing pillows are usually designed in a "U" shape. These infant pillows fit snugly around the mother's waist. During nursing, the baby is placed on the nursing pillow, which greatly reduces the strain on the mother's aching back, shoulders and arms. Breastfeeding pillows offer such an essential relief for all moms, young and mature.

This considerable relief is taken from back pain and other such pregnancy symptoms that trouble a woman for long. However, the rounded U-shaped nursing pillow may be absolutely uncomfortable if you insist on feeding your baby by sitting in a rocker.

As soon as an infant pillow is designed to make breastfeeding a great fun and an enjoyable time for both mother and baby, a nursing boppy is meant to be used by the mother, who prefers sitting on a bed or a couch. Moreover, those wishing to bottle-feed the baby, can use the benefits of nursing pillows too! So it might be the best time for you to experience the comfortable feeding with specially designed infant pillows.

You may have been told by a friend or medical professional that breastfeeding is better than bottle feeding and just accepted the statement at face value. You should understand just how much better it is for both you and your baby as initially breastfeeding is hard work and can be very tiring. Without proper understanding of the real benefits you may be tempted to give up nursing your child quite quickly when your baby could receive a real helping hand by you continuing.

Research has shown that babies fed on HMR (Human Milk Replacement) formula are generally sicker more often and more seriously than those children that are breast fed. They have also been found to suffer more from ear and respiratory infections. This can be especially true if your family has a history of allergies as when you breastfeed your baby antibodies are passed on through your breast milk which help to protect against illness and allergies. Initially your newborn child is incapable of producing his or her own antibodies which is one of the reasons that breastfeeding early on is absolutely crucial.

An added bonus of breastfeeding is that this will help keep your bills down. To start with you won't need to buy formula and due to the increased health of your child you should be able to avoid expensive medical bills.

When your baby sucks on your breast this helps with the development their jaw alignment and the development of their cheekbone. Obviously this means that there is likely to be a requirement for orthodontic work for your child when he or she is older.

Breast milk is really an amazing substance. It contains exactly the right amounts of vitamins and minerals that your growing baby needs and unlike formula, breast milk is always ready, always available, convenient, and always the right temperature for feeding.

You'll be glad to know that choosing to breastfeed your baby will also offer a number of benefits to you as well. Your baby sucking at your breast will cause contractions right after birth which should mean less bleeding for you and this will also help your uterus regain its shape more quickly.

Most moms are anxious to lose the extra weight gained during pregnancy as quickly as possible. Breastfeeding actually burns calories so you'll be delighted to hear that you should lose weight much faster than if you feed your baby with formula.

Breast feeding will also create a special bond between you and your baby - which is one thing formula simply cannot do.

As well as breastfeeding being advantageous for the baby, there are many advantages of breastfeeding for the mother. Regarding breastfeeding, mothers often think about what is best for their baby, however below are the main advantages to the mothers themselves.

The hormones involved with breastfeeding enable the womb to more quickly return to its original size and the normal bleeding after childbirth (lochia) stops sooner.

The mother burns off more fat, 500 k calories per day, providing the milk, and so gets back to her pre-pregnancy weight and shape more quickly.

It is convenient and always available where ever you are. No equipment is necessary by way of bottles, teats etc. and no sterilizing procedure is necessary.

It is more convenient during the night not having to get up to prepare and warm bottles of formula milk.

Wherever the breastfeeding mother and her baby are, the milk is there at the right time and at the right temperature.

The knowledge and satisfaction for the mother knowing that she is providing her baby with what nature intended.

It can help to space pregnancies as when a mother is fully breastfeeding she is less likely to ovulate and have periods.

Breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer and some reduction in the rate of ovarian cancer. This effect increases with an increase in the total time in life, that the mother spends breastfeeding.

It is an ideal way for the mother and baby to bond. The baby at birth can only focus on things 10 inches away from himself, which is in fact the distance between the mother's eyes and the baby's eyes whilst he is being breasfed. Nature has got it right!

For women who are concerned about the environment, breastfeeding reduces the demands made on it by the reduction of waste and pollution.

It is generally more economical as it can be unnecessary to purchase formula milk and bottles. The calories used in producing breast milk usually come from the reserves that the mother has laid down during her pregnancy, though she may need to eat more.

If breastfeeding gets underway successfully, and with the right knowledge and support most mothers can breastfeed, then these are the many advantages of breastfeeding for the mother.

Food is vital for child development, especially in the first year of life. Pediatricians emphasize the nutritional benefits of breastfeeding in the first six months of baby's life. Breast milk is specially formulated for baby's digestive system and is rich in antibodies, which are designed to fight against bacteria and viruses. In the course of child development, mother's milk changes its composition to suit baby's nutritional needs.

Breastfeeding should be continued even after the baby starts eating solid foods, usually at six months. Doctors believe that child health has won if the baby gets a mixture of breast milk and solid foods between 6 months to a year.

Although mother's milk is considered the best option for the child's health, not all mothers can/or will - to feed babies in this way. Option available is to use formula milk.

But while the formulas are created to mimic breast milk in terms of composition and nutritional value, they do not have all its qualities. The milk formulas contain vitamins, minerals and iron. Consult your doctor to find out which is the recommended formula for your baby.

Cow's milk is not recommended for children under 12 months because it is difficult to digest and does not provide sufficient nutrients.

Breastfeeding is a learning process that takes time, for both you and your baby. Although in the first days of life the infant seems more interested in sleep than sucking, do not let this discourage you. The first days of breastfeeding are just beginning a great experience for you and baby.

First steps in breastfeeding are more difficult for some mothers than for others, but the joy it brings this experience is worth every effort.

In conclusion, breast milk is ideal food for infant feeding, covering all energy needs in the first six months of life.

It is very important to focus on your nutrition while breastfeeding, both for your health and your baby's! Here are my top 4 tips to follow while breastfeeding your baby:

1) Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables

2) Take a whole food prenatal vitamin (I take "Super Nutrition" Simply One Prenatal)

3) Drink enough fluids so that you are never thirsty

4) Avoid caffeine and alcohol

You should build your own nutritional plan based on the tips above, however here is an idea of what I eat. You will see that I follow a mostly raw vegan diet.  If you are not currently raw and vegan, it is not really a good time to switch to this diet while you are breastfeeding. This is because your body may go through detox and you want to avoid releasing any of these toxins through your breast milk. It won't hurt to add extra fruits and veggies to your current diet though!!  My average daily menu is below. 

My Mostly Raw Vegan Breastfeeding Meal Plan

Upon waking (in this order)

Tall Glass of Lemon Water (with stevia)

Fruit (usually some papaya)

Bowl of Raw Granola (Sprouted and Dehydrated Buckwheat Groats and Sunflower Seeds, almonds, walnuts, and whatever else I crushed up and threw in that batch)

About 2 hours later

Big green smoothie - frozen bananas, leafy greens (I mix this up but a combo of spinach, kale, celery, sprouts, or any leafy green), chia seed gel, stevia. Those are the standard, but sometimes I will add raw carob, dates, blueberries, or some spices)

About an hour later if I am hungry

Fruit (usually an apple or some mango) and/or some dehydrated buckwheat groats

Around Lunch Time

A Salad (I usually have some sort of chopped salad prepared; if not, a greens with carrots, celery, asparagus, tomatoes and nutritional yeast)

About 3 hours later

Another Green Smoothie or Sprouted Buckwheat with a little granola depending on my mood

Around dinner time

Something more substantial like a nori or flax wrap sandwich full of sprouts and veggies or a raw burger.

I have recently started to eat cooked grains like quinoa, brown rice, and kasha. I season them with Himalayan Sea Salt.

Dessert

I know you should eat your fruit before anything else, but I like to finish off my dinner with a sweet treat like frozen banana ice cream. If you look at one of my earlier blog posts you will see that I have a recipe for this with carob powder. Sometimes I will sprinkle granola over it with some raw agave nectar for a heavenly treat!

Snacks

Yes! I eat all day so sometimes I am snacking on Raw Brazil Nuts, Frozen Grapes, a dehydrated bar that I might have made, carrot and celery sticks dipped in guacamole.

It is perfectly natural for mothers to want to breastfeed their children. Many new mothers swear by it for their children, but when is it time to stop breastfeeding your child? Are there any long-term effects for breastfeeding a child into early childhood?

Each baby is different, and depending on the situation, many mothers breastfeed their child into 5 or 6 years old. The common age to begin weaning them away from the breast and over to the bottle is about 2 ½ years old. However, some babies will wean faster and take a bottle sooner than 2 ½ years. Some may take longer, even up to 7 years. When nursing, studies have found that the baby's heart rate and stress levels drop, as they are close to their mom and feel safe. So it may be difficult to have your baby adjust from being away from their comfort zone to a bottle. The older the child, the longer it will take to wean them away from breastfeeding.

With that in mind, you also do not want to stop breastfeeding when the child is too young. Studies have found that this could have long-term health effects on the child including leukemia, juvenile diabetes, lower IQ, SIDS, ear infections, and more.

Because every situation is different, and every child is different, it's important to understand that determining the right age for your child to stop breastfeeding is not an exact science, and every child should be handled differently. Consider speaking with your physician for further advice.

Many breastfeeding moms have concerns about exercise. Sadly, these concerns may prevent them from working out and enjoying a big advantage in shedding postpartum pounds, building functional strength and accelerating their postnatal recovery. Here are some common issues for breastfeeding moms and what to do about them.

Sleep Deprivation

Breastfeeding mothers are usually sleep deprived, from having to feed their newborns every 3 to 4 hours. This fatigue may lead to a decreased desire to exercise. When you're getting a few hours of sleep a night who feels like exercising?

Janet Currie, Ph.D. recommends exercising in the morning. She states that it may be more convenient for the mother to exercise before a regularly scheduled feeding. Sleep is also recommended for the new mother to properly recover from workouts. Short naps taken during the daytime while the child naps can offset the nightly sleep interruptions.

Fall Asleep Fast With "Triple Four" Breathing
Moms who are trying to cram in 15 minute naps need every second asleep. Here's a technique to put you on the fast track to dreamland and make every nap second count. It's called Triple Four breathing.

Get comfortable, close your eyes, relax and slowly inhale for a count of four - 1...2...3...4... Then hold for a count of four - 1...2...3...4... now exhale slowly for a count of four - 1...2...3...4... Repeat a few times and you'll improve your odds of falling asleep fast. Even if you don't fall completely asleep, your brainwaves will move closer to a theta pattern leaving you refreshed and energized when you open your eyes.

Top Heavy

Breastfeeding moms may find an increased weight in their breast tissue due to the hyper-activity of the mammary glands and production of milk. This may cause discomfort while exercising.

It's extremely important to wear a supportive bra when exercising. During the breastfeeding period, a specially fitted sports bra is recommended to prevent over-stretching of the breast ligaments. Nursing sports bras designed specifically to meet the needs of nursing mothers are a good choice.

Sour Milk?

One concern of breastfeeding mothers is that the lactic acid produced during exercise may affect the quality of their breast milk. They fear their breast milk may have a sour taste and that the child may reject it.

A study conducted at the University of New Hampshire examined the effects that both a maximal and moderate intensity bout of exercise has on the amount of lactic acid in the milk and the infant's acceptance of the breast milk.

The study found the amount of lactic acid in breast milk did increase with maximal exercise, but did not increase in with moderate exercise. In both cases the child accepted the mother's breast milk one hour after exercise. It is recommended that breastfeeding mothers wait 30-60 minutes after exercise before breastfeeding. However, if this is not possible you still have options.

Use RPE to insure quality breast milk.

The key to insuring your breast milk is not affected by exercise is to workout at a moderate intensity level. An easy way to measure this is by using a Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale.

Here's how it works. The difficulty level of an exercise can be given a number between 1 and 10. 10 being exhaustion or maximal intensity (you can barely breathe and are close to having to stop the exercise). The scale then drops as you lower the intensity. It ultimately ends at 1 or an exercise effort you can barely feel.

To ensure your breast milk is unaffected by exercise, your workout intensity should be no greater than a 7 on an RPE scale of 10.

So to wrap things up - if you're breastfeeding and have your doctor's approval, please start or keep exercising. To make the fitness development process easier for you - remember to keep your workout intensity at a moderate level, wear the proper breast support and try to steal naps at every opportunity.

You may also consider the following recommendations from the American College Of Sports Medicine's Health and Fitness Journal with regard to breastfeeding moms:

1. Participate in moderate exercise 3-4 times per week

2. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after to maintain fluid for milk production

3. Weight loss recommendations for the first 6 months

a. normal weight mothers = 2-2.5 lbs/ month (1 kg)

b. overweight mothers = 4-4.5 lbs/ month (2 kg)

References

1. Currie J. and Rich M. Fit and Well: Maintaining Women's Participation in Pre- and Postnatal Exercise. ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal. 2004: 8(4): 12-15.

2. Quinn TJ and Carey GB. How Do Diet and Exercise Influence the Amount of Lactic Acid in Breast Milk? Nutrition Research Newsletter. March 1999.

3. Wright KS, Quinn TJ, and Carey GB. Infant Acceptance of Breast Milk After Maternal Exercise. Pediatrics. 2002: 109(4): 585-589.

It can happen when a Mom least expects it: a nursing strike. One day baby is nursing happily and the next day, baby is fussy and refusing the breast. What happens?

Breastfeeding strikes can be caused by a number of things: illness or teething pain in the baby, change in routine such as while vacationing, a shock such as a move or sudden change of caregivers, a reaction from Mom when baby bit, or even a reaction to perfume or laundry detergent Mom is using. A nursing strike is not weaning. Weaning is gradual, strikes are sudden. The baby wants to nurse but something is stopping her, and baby and Mom are both miserable.

Here's a typical scenario:

Day One

Your 9 month old baby wakes up from a nap feeling feverish. She is refusing food and also won't breastfeed. It takes Mom several hours to realize what is happening since baby is busy playing and being distracted by family members. By this time, Mom realizes she is engorged and uncomfortable. Her attempts to get baby to take the breast end in frustration. Baby is obviously in discomfort but won't be comforted by the thing that usually makes her feel better. Mom uses a hand pump or hand expresses for comfort, but not before she begins to feel the tell-tale beginning signs of mastitis: a slight fever, soreness in the breasts and a "clumpy" feeling like grape clusters in her chest. Mom takes a dose of an over the counter pain reliever and takes a hot shower to help with the discomfort.

Day Two

Baby is still acting ill and unhappy. By this time Mom has taken her to the Pediatrician, who diagnosed Tonsillitis. Mom realizes that the nursing strike is probably caused by the pain she's experiencing from sucking and swallowing. Mom does her best to get baby to take fluids and has to experiment with many different things. She finds that baby will accept refrigerated, cold expressed breastmilk in a cup. She concludes that the cold milk must feel better to baby's throat. Mom is still attempting to woo baby back to the breast with lots of skin to skin contact, wearing baby more in a sling, offering the breast at naptimes and bathing with baby. She is able to latch baby on a couple of times when baby is sleeping. Mom and baby are both comforted!

During this time Mom finds herself a bit sad and weepy due to the hormonal changes this partial weaning has brought on. She contemplates her feelings about breastfeeding the baby and concludes that she is not ready to wean, at least not in this abrupt fashion. She realizes how breastfeeding has become a large part of how she mothers her baby and an important tool in her mothering toolbox.

Day Three

By this time Mom is feeling better since baby nursed some through the night. Baby is acting like her old self again and latches on like a champ. They go on to have a happy breastfeeding relationship for many more months!

Many mothers wean before they and baby are ready because they don't know the signs of a nursing strike. A breastfeeding strike can be difficult but it can be overcome. It doesn't have to mean the end of breastfeeding.

Denmark is a relatively small Nordic country with 5.5 million habitants. It's a modern country with a high standard of living and a high level of education. Breastfeeding is seen as a necessity to newborns, yet hardly appropriate in public places.

The Danish Board of Health recommends that the infant is fed milk from the mother exclusively from the mother for the first six months. 98% of all new mothers that leave the maternity ward are breastfeeding, while only 60% continue breastfeeding after four months.
Up until 2002 The Danish Board of Health recommended mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding until the child's fourth month. While they have now changed their statement, following the trend of other leading health organizations, many mothers still in their daily lives, feel pressured into feeding their baby pap and porridge long before baby has lived a full six months.

The pressure stems from relatives, friends, misinformed health personnel and even mother-to-mother support groups. Many new mothers believe, that their milk is simply not enough to fill the tiny tummy of their infant, and others fear that a too dependent relationship to their child, will make it difficult if not impossible for them to enjoy other child-free activities. I have witnessed and witness these cultural and attitudes first hand as a new mother, and these opinions can easily be observed in current books in use about breastfeeding, and in internet forums mother-to-mother or health personnel-to-mother Q&A's.

Two bottle feeding mothers spurred a debate in the Danish media recently, when they on their website flaskebarn (bottlechild) for "women who can't, wont or can't cope with breastfeeding", started accusing the leading breastfeeding advocates in Denmark- Videncenter for Amning - for running a "campaign of fear" while encouraging breastfeeding through the Baby Friendly initiative presented by WHO and UNICEF in 1991, and for "pressuring (breastfeeding) mothers to endure long, painful course with starving children, painful breasts and massive stress".

This debate coincides with another debate about whether or not it is appropriate to breastfeed in public places. Many cafés in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, have recently prohibited breastfeeding on their premises, although this is against the law. Breastfeeding mothers often feel intimidated and humiliated and forced to stay at home in order to breastfeed their child appropriately.

A danish web forum - ammenet - for "you who loves breastfeeding", has written an online petition to members of the Danish Parliament to accept and install a law allowing mothers to breastfeed in all places where small children are allowed to be. So far only 2676 individuals have signed the petition.

A very common question during cold and flu season.

When you become ill many people head to the medication isle at the drug store for relief. But when you are breastfeeding you must consider all medications potential effects on you, your milk supply and the baby.

Most cold and flu medications contain antihistamines and decongestants. Antihistamines are the medications that will remedy a runny nose. Decongestants are medications that remedy sinus or nasal congestion. Unfortunately for cold and flu sufferers, neither of these medications are recommended while breastfeeding. Why you ask? Because, they have both been known to negatively affect your milk supply. Your runny nose may dry up, but your milk may too.

So what can you take? Over the counter analgesics: acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain. Zinc supplements to help shorten the duration of the virus. Guaifenesin (cough suppressant) is safe to use while breastfeeding. Use if the cough is not allowing you to sleep. Saline or Afrin nasal spray for nasal congestion. Humidifier in the room. Drink lots of fluids. Eat a healthy diet.

Some things to consider about cold and flu symptoms. Fever is the body's way to turn on the immune system. Fevers under 104 degrees are not dangerous, they are beneficial, they help to fight the infection. A runny nose is the body's way of cleansing the sinus passages of the virus germs. A productive/wet cough should not be stopped with medications. If you stop the cough, the mucous can get stuck in the lungs and could develop into a bacterial infection. Most cold viruses cause a fever for 2-3 days, nasal discharge for 7-14 days and a cough 2-3 weeks.

What about the flu vaccine and Tamiflu while breastfeeding? Both are considered safe while breastfeeding.

Is there anything you can do to prevent getting sick?

1. Get plenty of rest.
2. Wash your hands frequently; refrain from touching your face with dirty hands.
3. Blow your nose often. (this is often where the viruses first enter)
4. Gargle with salt water and wash nasal passages with salt water. (consider using a asana irrigation system to wash your nasal passages)
5. Eat a healthy diet, choose foods rich in Vitamin C and zinc which are natural immune system boosters.
6. Drink warm fluids; wash those germs right into your gastrointestinal tract where they don't stand a chance!

In summary, prevention will save you much discomfort with a cold or flu. But if you do develop a cold or flu, remember to check all over the counter medications with a lactation consultant or physician. Many moms assume over the counter medications are safe while breastfeeding. This is not the case. It is recommended to check with your lactation consultant or pediatrician before ingesting any medication.

Liz Pevytoe, RN, IBCLC is a board certified lactation consultant. You may submit medication questions to her through the link below.

There is a general understanding that breastfeeding helps new moms to lose their baby weight faster than non-nursing moms. The underlying concept to this idea is that nursing burns enough calories to effect weight loss. Is there any truth to this?

Myth #1 - Breastfeeding burns fat faster than regular exercise.

Fact: While body composition changes quickly after a mother gives birth, the extra fat gained during pregnancy does not disappear any more quickly for women who nurse, as opposed to those who don't. Studies show that fat is gained by moms that nurse in certain areas of the body where non nursing moms don't gain. Overall, moms in both groups lose weight at approximately the same rate with body composition become more toned for non-nursing moms a little faster.

Myth #2 - Breastfeeding moms burn more calories than non-nursing moms.

Fact: More active mothers burn more calories than more sedentary moms. Breastfeeding moms are less likely to be active. Allowing your body to recover from childbirth is necessary, but there is evidence that smart exercise enhances recovery and restores your body to a pre-pregnancy state faster than remaining sedentary. While all new moms should ease into diet and exercise to allow time for their bodies to recover from childbirth, non-nursing moms can start to diet earlier than nursing moms. As early as three months after birth, non-nursing moms can begin to restrict calories to facilitate faster weight loss.

Myth #3 - Breastfeeding replaces exercise.

Fact: An appropriately rigorous exercise program and judicious diet helps new moms to lose the extra 25 pounds that most women gain during pregnancy. Exercise also has the benefits of reducing the chances of developing post-partum depression. Exercise after pregnancy boosts your mood and increases confidence. These are important factors when taking into account the stress of caring for a newborn. The fact that exercise also increases energy is important as new moms face fatigue. Breastfeeding should be carefully considered by every new mom but deciding to nurse based solely on the hope to lose weight faster is not advised.

Myth #4 - Nursing moms can eat whatever they want and not gain weight.

Fact: Only a balanced diet can help you to lose or maintain weight. Junk food, excessive calories and too much sugar will cause you to gain weight, whether you are breastfeeding mom or not. While nursing does burn calories, it is still true that you must burn more calories than you take in to lose weight.

Breastfeeding is the best gift a mother can offer her newborn baby. The benefits of breastfeeding are numerous. Among others, breastfeeding have the advantages of: contributing to baby's brain development, is easier to digest, provides powerful antibodies and stimulates the baby's own immune system, favors bonding with the mother, etc

Breastmilk is also very economical, always ready and has the perfect composition for the developing baby. Breastfeeding is also environmentally friendly as it does not require bottles and does not create wastes of any kind.

Breastfeeding does require a more important involvement from the mother as she is the only one who can provide the baby's milk. New mothers are often discouraged by the amount of time breastfeeding requires from them and tend to abandon breastfeeding in the first week after birth.

There are many tricks that can make breastfeeding a lot easier. Here are the top ten secrets to a successful breastfeeding experience:

1) Breastfeeding when seen as an occasion to spend quality time with the baby becomes easier and a joyous moment in a new mother's day.

2) There are many other tasks the father can help with besides breastfeeding thus relieving the mother. The father can prepare meals, change diapers, burp the baby, go for a stroll with the baby while the mother rests or takes a nice shower, etc

3) A sure way of not feeling overwhelmed by breastfeeding is to give up on trying to have the perfect house and letting go of the obsession to dust or vacuum.

4) A breastfeeding mother should rest as much as she can and enjoy a well-deserved nap whenever her baby is sleeping.

5) A breastfeeding mother should keep herself well-hydrated and drink plenty of water. Alcohol and stimulants such as coffee or soft drinks should be avoided as much as possible as they can be passed to the baby through the breastmilk.

6) Learning to understand her baby's feelings will greatly help a breastfeeding mother.

7) Reading the appropriate books and documentation on breastfeeding will help the new nursing mother. Furthermore, taking part in a breastfeeding support group will prove of immense help.

8) A breastfeeding mother should respect her baby's rhythm more than any clock. After all, there will be days when her baby will grow more rapidly and will need more frequent feedings.

9) A breastfeeding mother should always have the support of her entourage in her venture. Having to hide to be able to breastfeed or defend one's choice to nurse her baby can drain a lot of energy from the new mother.

10) A nursing mother should trust her capacities, accept all the help and support people are offering and know that she is giving her newborn baby the best possible gift.

Modern women are being made to believe that pumping is a necessary part of the breastfeeding experience. This has not always been the case. At one time, these were expensive and large electric machines that were rented out to mothers who had sick infants or medical conditions that prevented them from breastfeeding for an extended period of time. Human milk was obtained and fed to these premature or sick babies and their mothers were able to maintain a milk supply until direct breastfeeding could be done. Milk banks collected extra donor milk to benefit those infants whose mothers were unable to breastfeed them.

Over the past two decades sophisticated and portable devices for removing breastmilk have become widely available. Many Lactation Consultants now actively promote and sell them to breastfeeding mothers. A subtle shift in thinking has taken place which suggests that using a pump is now necessary rather optional to ensure breastfeeding success.

Unfortunately, pumping can have a negative impact upon a mother's experience.

1. It Creates Worry about the Milk Supply. If a mother pumps and gets what she considers to be a small amount, she may be more likely to supplement with formula. Worse yet, she might completely abandon her breastfeeding fearing that she has an insufficient milk supply.

2. Results Obtained will Vary Greatly. Some mothers seem to have an endless supply of milk that they can extract at will. However, the majority of breastfeeding women will get inconsistent results. What they are able to get depends upon whether they have recently breastfed or are even breastfeeding at all. In some rare cases, a mother may get virtually nothing when she pumps, but will be able to fully breasteed. All of this variability is due to design limitations of the machines currently on the market; they only seem to be able to access and extract milk that has already moved forward in the breast.

3. It Removes only a Percentage of the Available Milk. No machine exits that can remove milk as well as a breastfeeding baby. Areas of congestion in the mother's breasts may develop as a result. If actual breastfeeding is being combined with pumping, the storage capacity and comfort of the breasts can be affected.

4. It Ties the Mother Down. The breastfeeding mother is the only one who can pump her milk or breastfeed her baby.

5. It can be Uncomfortable. Most women get used to the way a pump feels. It is significantly more comfortable to breastfeed well, than it is to use even the most deluxe machine. Both the nipples and the breasts feel better when the mother puts the baby to her breast with a deep latch.

6. It is Time Consuming. It adds extra work to an already full day of feeding and caring for a new baby. Breastfeeding well removes milk more quickly and efficiently while allowing the mother to spend quality time with her baby.

7. The Milk is a Pooled Sample. Expressed milk often includes more water than fats and may leave the baby less satisfied if given in smaller amounts. In addition, there is always air in a bottle. Bottle feeding the mother's milk can change the behavior of the baby at the breast; it may impact both the quality and amount of breastfeeding being done.

"Conscious Breastfeeding" moms understand that there is a time and a place for pumping. They have a paced rhythm to their breastfeeding which enables them to be available for feedings and rely less on relief bottles. They can readily see that their baby drives the milk supply and only pump if absolutely necessary. They often do not need to extract their milk unless they are working outside of the home or needing to be away for an extended period during any given day

To learn more about this mother-led breastfeeding approach and to get your free Mini Conscious Breastfeeding Course, visit us at The Breastfeeding Salon. Join our vibrant unique community of moms at the Conscious Breastfeeding Space.

There is only one published hoodia gordonii study at this time. This study was performed at Brown University Medical School in Rhode Island. The participants in this hoodia gordonii study were rats. Questions concerning the safety of using hoodia and breastfeeding have not been addressed by the scientific community. However, it is important for mothers to remember that anything she eats or drinks or allows to enter her bloodstream in any other way will show up in her breast milk and will be passed along to her infant. If the current speculation concerning hoodia gordonii as an appetite suppressant is correct. This could mean that the baby's appetite would be affected as well.

Any reputable manufacture makes the following statements concerning the use of hoodia. Even though there is only one hoodia gordonii study and clinical research has not been completed by Phytopharm, who is licensed to develop the patented p57 molecule, consumers should consult their doctors before use. It is not recommended to combine hoodia and breastfeeding. Dieters should be in reasonably good health. It is not recommended to use hoodia during pregnancy. Drug interaction factors are unknown. Use by diabetics has not been formally studied. In fact the only information that is currently available is a simple statement by Phytopharm which indicated that results of their studies indicate no health risks and confidence in safety is high enough to continue research. Results from Phytopharm research and the other hoodia gordonii study have been promising enough to interest health supplement manufacturers and many hoodia products are available for purchase, but the potential for law suits is not as high in the health supplement industry as it is in the pharmaceutical industry. For this reason and others Phytopharm will not release its hoodia product until clinical research is complete. One hoodia gordonii study is not enough.

Everyone knows that one of the things concerning new mothers is taking off the extra weight they may have gained during pregnancy. But, using hoodia and breastfeeding simultaneously is not the answer. Breastfeeding mothers should not use any form of appetite suppressant. Breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctors before using any over the counter meds or health supplements. Breastfeeding is considered the best way to insure proper nutrition and psychological bonding for infants, but mothers need to be very careful about what they eat or drink. Proper diet and reasonable exercise will have to suffice while breastfeeding. There may never be a hoodia gordonii study involving hoodia and breastfeeding.

For more information about the published hoodia gordonii study, visit the Hoodia Info Blog at http://hoodiainfo.blogspot.com.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding lingerie - was it something you thought about when you first discovered you were pregnant? The list of things you need in preparation for the arrival of your baby, be it the first or not, always seems a little daunting. The good news is there are now breastfeeding bras, which make at least that side of things a little easier. In fact, a lot easier if you choose well!

Why can't I use my regular bra?
Pregnancy is a time of many changes, both physical and emotional. I believe that if you can ensure the physical aspects are as pleasurable as possible, the emotional ones are easier to cope with. Your body does change. Your breasts become fuller at the end of your first trimester in preparation for breastfeeding. Wearing a well fitted, supportive and yet gorgeous breastfeeding bra is very important. The differences from your regular bra are in both the construction, the shape, fabrics and ability to cater for size fluctuation. Look for cotton lining for breathability and no chafing, six rows of eyes at the back, supportive, comfortable and adjustable straps, microfibre fabrics and soft laces and detailing which won't irritate, but will enhance! Most maternity bras are suitable for pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Can I get away with wearing my regular bra?
No. You will probably notice an increase in your bust size at the end of the first trimester. If you wear a larger cup size, you may have a bra with underwire. This is not recommended in breastfeeding bras. The milk ducts can become blocked both during pregnancy and after when you begin to settle in to your breast feeding routine. A lot of improvements have been made to maternity lingerie, which includes the amount of support now possible in non underwired breastfeeding bras. If you have a smaller bust with no underwire in your regular lingerie, you will be needing the support of a beautifully designed and constructed breastfeeding bra as your breasts become fuller.

How many will I need?
On average women buy two to three maternity bras, one at the end of the first trimester and again at the end of the third trimester in preparation for breastfeeding. Regular bras do not cope with the amount of washing and stretching through size fluctuation. In addition is the need for maternity clips to allow ease of feeding. Choose a bra with one-handed maternity clips - you might not always have two free!

Can I still find maternity lingerie which will make me feel gorgeous?
Yes! Just because you're pregnant or breastfeeding does not mean you have to wear dull, beige and un-flattering lingerie! In the past pregnancy and breastfeeding lingerie was an extension of mainstream lingerie brands. These days there are companies specialising wholly on maternity lingerie alone. Some even offer affordable, chic stylish designer collections. These days the choices are diverse and cater for all facets of a woman and her desires. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are the most feminine times in your life - revel in it and wear what suits your mood, your figure and your needs.

If a pregnant woman is thinking about breastfeeding her baby it is helpful for her to have some understanding about the anatomy of the breast and how breastfeeding works. This will enable her to feel more confident about breastfeeding and to trust her body's ability to provide milk for her baby.

The non-pregnant breast is largely made up of fat and it is during pregnancy that the milk producing glands increase in size and a redistribution of the fat occurs. The milk producing tissue is divided into fifteen to twenty lobes in each breast. Each lobe of the breast resembles the leaves, branches and trunk of a tree. Every lobe has the glandular tissue and branching milk ducts which ultimately open at the nipple. The glandular tissue is made up of the alveoli which look rather like a bunch of grapes. The alveoli secrete and store milk until it is ejected out of the breast. Behind the nipple each duct widens to form a kind of reservoir, the ampulla.

From about the third month of pregnancy the breast begins to produce colostrum which is the first milk that flows after the baby's birth and up until approximately the tenth day. Progesterone which is present in large amounts during the pregnancy, prevents the breasts from producing the mature milk through inhibiting the action of prolactin, the milk producing hormone.

After the birth of the baby and the expulsion of the placenta the progesterone levels in the mother's body decrease substantially and the prolactin released by the anterior pituitary can then begin to take effect and cause the milk glands to secrete milk. At this stage the mature milk is produced. The next step is that the milk has to be made available to the baby. When the baby is put to the breast, the stimulation to the nipple causes the release of oxytocin from the posterior pituitary which results in the contraction of the little muscles around the alveoli. The contraction of these little muscles causes the milk to be squeezed and propelled down the ducts and to be made available to the baby. This is called the let down reflex and to a greater or lesser degree the milk will leak or drip from the nipple. The baby at the breast then obtains the milk through a milking action by its tongue and jaw.

The let down reflex may be felt as a tingling sensation inside the breast or the mother may be aware of it by the sound of the contented gulps from the baby as he drinks the milk.

The above is an outline on how breastfeeding works and articles will follow that explain how to position the baby at the breast.

Breastfeeding is good for babies up to six months (for some, even older!). However, most mothers do not know which is proper and not proper for their baby's needs. Well, here are some tips on food types that may cause problems in breastfeeding and jeopardizing your baby's health. The following will inform you about breastfeeding food problems.

1.) Spicy foods

Spicy foods are also transferred to your breast milk. Since you are breastfeeding, this can cause gastrointestinal problems in your child. Anatomically speaking, the GI tract of your child is still immature which can therefore cause discomfort and gastric irritation.

2.) Hyperallergenic foods

These include foods such as freshwater fish, garlic, eggs, chocolate and other products with caffeine. The same with spicy foods, oftentimes, they cause gastric irritation among babies.

3.) Spoiled milk and dairy products

Your breast milk is primarily composed of calcium. Everyday, mothers are giving their babies approximately 250 mg! Since these are drawn out from you, you must therefore compensate for the loss. Daily intake of milk will ensure both your baby as well as yourself. Just make sure that those products are not spoiled. This rule also applies to other food types.

4.) Low oral fluid intake

Water is regarded as the best liquid you could ever drink and be worry-free about. Since you need rehydration every now then due to breastfeeding therefore making you susceptible to fluid loss, you must make sure that the fluid lost in your body is replenished. Never ignore drinking water. Never ignore your thirst. Besides, if you ignore your thirst, it will give you a difficult situation like constipation.

5.) Low intake of vegetables and fruits

Vegetables are not only good, it also gives off the kind of nutrients that your baby needs for bone development: Vitamin D. Let me walk you through it. When your baby takes in calcium via breast milk, your baby cannot convert this calcium for bone storage. Vitamin D will help the conversion of this calcium to an absorbable type which are then stored in the bones. Vitamin D rich foods are fish, milk, eggs and butter. But, the highest content of Vitamin D rich foods are found in fish oil and most of all, good old sunlight. So you better add more veggies and fruits to your grocery list.

To avoid breastfeeding food problems [http://breastfeeding-problems-solution.blogspot.com/2007/09/breastfeeding-facts-and-tips.html], always take note of the things I mentioned above.

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You've read the breastfeeding books and browsed the breastfeeding websites. You know that breastfeeding is good for your baby and for you. But don't think you know all the breastfeeding benefits just yet. Below are little-known breastfeeding benefits that infant formula companies hope you never learn about.

1. Exclusively breastfed babies have pleasant-smelling poop

Think changing your baby's diaper is awful? Try changing the soiled diaper of a formula-fed baby! The difference is enormous and you will realize that your exclusively breastfed baby's poop isn't bad at all. The breastfed baby's poop and spit up wash out much more easily, too.

2. Traveling with a breastfed baby is much easier

First of all, you don't need to pack bottles and rubber nipples or worry about sterilizing them or bringing enough infant formula. So not only do you worry about fewer things but you can travel much more lightly. Secondly, it's easier to soothe a breastfeeding baby who becomes cranky and fussy while traveling. For example, if baby has stuffy ears in an airplane, simply breastfeed and the ears will clear up right away.

3. More sleep for Mommy

It's a myth that breastfeeding Mommies are more sleep-deprived than formula-feeding Moms. Breastfeeding Moms who know how to nurse while lying down and keep their babies close hardly need to wake up in the middle of the night. When baby wakes up, the breastfeeding Mommy only has to lift up her shirt, latch baby on, and both go back to sleep. Sometimes Mommy wakes up so lightly that she doesn't remember waking up at all.

4. Mother and baby have to stay together

Believe it or not, this is a benefit. Mother and baby belong together and breastfeeding makes sure that this happens more often than if the mother is formula feeding. If the family is serious about making breastfeeding successful, they can come up with creative ways to keep Mommy and baby together. For example, they can find ways for Mommy to stay at home or delay going back to work. Or they can figure out how to bring baby to Mommy's workplace or bring Mommy's work to the home. These are just some ways that Moms have made breastfeeding possible in their own special circumstances. And as long as Mommy and baby are together, then...

5. The breastfeeding Mommy and her baby are disaster-proof

Did you hear about the family whose car got stuck in the snow for days? Their infant survived on Mommy's breastmilk alone until rescuers found them. In an emergency, even if the mother is traumatized or starving, she can continue breastfeeding her child. In contrast, formula-fed children who do not receive a steady supply of formula will starve. If clean water and sterilizing equipment are not available - and they usually are not - then the formula-fed baby will be prone to life-threatening diseases.

There are breastfeeding benefits that few people know about. Above are five little-known benefits of breastfeeding. These benefits show how breastfeeding can make life so much more pleasant, convenient and safer than formula-feeding. Remember these breastfeeding benefits when considering how you will feed and nurture your baby.

Most moms don't know when to stop breastfeeding. They have trouble knowing when weaning starts and when they should be stopping breastfeeding. Some moms are confused and scared to even begin.

Why do moms wean baby? Here are three of the usual reasons:

1. Mommy has to go back to work. This is the most common reason why working moms stop breastfeeding. After giving birth, they are usually allowed just a month or two of working leaves before they go back to the office. Some continue by either bringing baby to work or by expressing milk and storing them in baby bottles. But most moms can't take the pressure so they just completely stop lactation.

Now, stopping lactation - if done abruptly - will have possible bad effects not only on baby but also the mother - that is especially so if the mom has excessive milk production. Stopping cold turkey is not advised because if it is not done gradually, the mom may develop mastitis - an inflammation of the breast caused by calcium (from breast milk) deposits that have calcified (hardened) in the milk ducts, causing much pain and suffering.

2. Mommy has a medical problem. After giving birth, there are times that the mother contracts an infection. Sometimes, doctors find a lump on the breast (although it rarely happens). Whatever the reason, if the mother is suspected to have a medical condition, doctors would immediately ask her to stop breastfeeding her child. Breast cancer, HIV infection and even alcohol or drug addictions are possible reasons why breastfeeding is put to a halt. When this happens, weaning to the bottle is imminent, and formula may be given to the infant at an early age. This is to arrest and stop infecting the child with whatever the sickness is.

3. Mommy is pregnant ... again. Sometimes, women come back to their doctors for a regular, routine check-up only to find that they are pregnant yet again. Hence, the third reason why women stop breastfeeding. Although there is no known side effect to breastfeeding while being pregnant, society dictates that it shouldn't be done. Since there are no medical studies showing mother and fetal harm while breastfeeding, then if the mother wishes, she can still continue to do so.

While these are all valid reasons, most women forget that the most important reason why weaning should start is if the baby exhibits signs that he is ready to be weaned to food and substances other then his mother's breast milk. This usually involves a baby's physical development. As long as the baby can hold his head without support, sit down for longer periods of time and develops teeth, then the weaning process can already be tried.

Of course, remember that breast milk is still best for babies. So if you don't have any medical condition, then it is best to wean while still giving baby your breast milk to help him fight off infections and illnesses.

Breastfeeding is a smart choice for several reasons -- for both baby and mom.

Today, I'd like to write about the economical, psychological, and, finally the medical benefits breastfeeding can have for new moms.

Why breastfeeding is a smart option economically

For obvious reasons, one of the primary benefits of breastfeeding is that it is completely free. A well-nourished mother provides a perfect source of nutrition for her baby, and nature's gift is that it comes with no additional cost above feeding the mother.

As if that's not enough, another concern a new mother might have is getting pregnant too quickly. Fortunately, an added benefit of breastfeeding is that it is nature's way of naturally delaying pregnancy. The act of breastfeeding can easily delay a woman's period for six months or more. According to scientists, this effect - referred to as the "lactational amenorrhea method" -- is virtually 100% effective during this time period.

Why breastfeeding is a smart option psychologically

Breastfeeding helps forge a strong bond between a new baby and his or her mother. The body-to-body contact, combined with the mother's peace of mind in knowing that she is the only source of nutrition for her new baby can't compare to any other feeling.

Additionally, while she is breastfeeding, a new mother's body releases prolactin. This hormone brings with it a demeanor of contentment and calmness, which is a helpful source in staving off postpartum depression, which is a notorious problem for new mothers.

Psychologists have also determined that this psychological calmness permeates a breastfeeding mother's entire lifespan. She will have higher levels of oxytocin present in her system through the rest of her life, which keeps psychological issues at bay.

Why breastfeeding is a smart option medically

When a new baby suckles, it releases oxytocin in the mother -- and this initiates the production of breast milk.

This chemical also begins to contract the size of the new mother's uterus. Since it will return the uterus back to its pre-pregnancy size, it also aids in eliminating the risk of hemorrhaging.

As mentioned earlier, breastfeeding also should stave off a woman's period from coming back for a period of roughly six months. This is advantageous from a medical standpoint because it allows a woman's body to keep its levels of iron high, which simultaneously prevents anemia.

One of the most welcoming benefits of breastfeeding is that it also aids in losing weight a woman gained during her pregnancy.

It takes approximately 500 calories per day to produce breast milk.

One medical study recently concluded that women who choose not to breastfeed will, on average, keep an extra 7.5 centimeters of fat on her waist.

Looking more long term, breastfeeding lowers a woman's blood sugar levels. After breastfeeding, many women have better blood sugar levels than she did even prior to being pregnant. Breastfeeding may also lower a nursing woman's chances of catching diabetes when she is older.

Along similar lines, a breastfeeding woman also has higher levels of HDL, which is the good cholesterol. Combined with the lower levels of blood sugar, this lowers a woman's risk of contracting heart problems. This is an important point because one of the leading causes of female mortality is heart disease.

Breastfeeding also lowers a woman's risk of osteoporosis, as well as cancers pertaining to her breasts, uterus, and ovaries.