Milk Bottles For Your Baby

The Bottle-feeding Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Satriani) — Sun, 11 May 2008 06:23:13 PDT

If you choose to bottle feed your baby, you will have to invest in some equipment and learn to use. Here are some helpful hints.

Choose glass bottles or a type of plastic is less likely leaching of chemicals in animal feed.

Carved silicone nipples (nipples) are a better option than latex. Silicone is completely odourless - latex is not - and is more resistant when regularly sterilized. Also, "anti-colic" teats are available. Ensuring the pacifier is good for your baby's age. Most teats are labeled according to age. The movement will then be adapted to your baby. Test the flow holding the bottle upside down - milk should drip at a steady pace. If it drops too slowly, your baby get tired before the transmission is complete. If it pours into a creek, the baby May to splutter and dribble Over the food.

Adjust the flow of milk leaving the bottle, by tightening or loosening the cap. Loosen the cap a little if the pacifier flattens during feeding. The air bubbles should pass through the milk that the baby drinks. The repeated use and cleaning May distort the nipple hole and make it too big or small, May and change the consistency of the nipple. This is why manufacturers recommend that you consider the bottle nipples and often discard them at the earliest signs of wear.

Wash bottles in hot soapy water. Always use a bottle brush to ensure that the bottle is thoroughly cleaned. The use of salt to clean the teats; sure to rinse.

Use a steam sterilizer after you've washed the bottles. A chemical sterilization is free. If you do not or can not afford a sterilization equipment boil for 15 minutes in a covered saucepan. Always wash your hands before touching the sterile equipment. Drain on kitchen equipment sterilized paper. Never use a towel or kitchen drainer that end.

Warm bottles just before use putting themselves in hot water. Never carry a pre-heated bottle when you go. Test the temperature of the milk by putting a few drops on your wrist.

Always use the ball into the artificial formula tin. A ball of another brand of formula May be larger or smaller.

It is preferable to warm up bottles standing by them in a container of hot (not boiling) water. You should never use a microwave to heat bottles. Microwaves heat bottles unevenly and "hot spots" could seriously burn your baby.

It is a good idea to store spare teats in a sterile jar, so that you can use in case of emergency.

Buy the larger bottles, your baby to grow faster small.

Never use mineral water to prepare feeds.

Never, never leave a child with a bottle propped. The suffocation is a serious danger, and after teething, your baby is at risk of "baby bottle tooth decay." More importantly, your baby also needs your closeness and cuddling during these first few months important.

Common Sense Breastfeeding

noreply@blogger.com (Satriani) — Sun, 11 May 2008 06:23:13 PDT

For many, breastfeeding is a very controversial topic. Often parents do not give it any idea until they discover that they expect. Suddenly their whole world is changing and they must make their minds on parenting styles, personal expectations and what they "feel" is good for their offspring. The choice of breastfeeding is a decision which are not easy to find. Parental Choice is generally guided by expectations of themselves and what they think others expect of May. Depending on the level of support staff around them the decision to breastfeed easily come May or May instead be accompanied by a lot of research and information gathering. In other words, infant feeding is mainly influenced by culture and the way society has evolved to understand and accept.

At the end of the nineteenth century when it was common for women to work long hours in industrial plants, artificial formula has found its way into stores. Around the World War I bottle started to become fashionable as it was widely promoted by scientists and doctors. In addition, large firms sold as a safe, nutritious and easy way to feed allegedly infants. In the 1940's only 20 to 30% of breast-fed babies were actually. This practice was questioned in the eighties when a boycott against Nestle has been launched. Today, breastfeeding is actively encouraged by health professionals and organizations such as UNICEF, The League licks, breastfeeding and other networks.

This brief historical overview shows how Western societies have developed what was quite normal, and indeed vital for the survival of humanity to a complete change in human behaviour in order to promote scientific progress. Infantile bottle evolved in practice mode that has proved deadly for thousands of newborns. These scientific tests counted and are still thousands of infant deaths each year worldwide. Unfortunately, the question of what is best for baby has long been set aside to give space to what is more profitable.

However, all information on historical and cultural context of infant feeding does not take into account the importance of how the person feels new mother in today's world when it comes to find the best way for her newborn. Here, support is key to happy parenting. Like many families live outside their parents and close friends, support is often absent. In fact, a study showed that 53% say they do not see enough their families and 58% would like more friends to share problems and experiences. With not only a little baby, but also great personal expectations, new parents face an extreme challenge.

Some parenting is a long life and, therefore, gives ample time for each parent to find their right parenting strategies for themselves. Babies are very strong and responsive to what their parents understand it better for them.

More importantly, new parents have to trust their instincts and common sense to meet the needs of the baby. It may be difficult to navigate through daily life with all the energy and care requires parenting. The choice of breastfeeding or bottle is one of them: we all know that breastfeeding is best for baby, but in our society isolating it may be difficult to overcome the obstacles first, especially when to go it alone. New mothers should not be made to feel guilty if they can not breastfeed or if they doubt their own ability. Similarly, new mothers should not be made to feel guilty if they decide to start bottle feeding. Instead, they should be able to speak to breastfeeding or advisers other mothers who have been in the same situation for advice and support they desperately need.

Doctors Recommend Breast-feeding For Its Convenience, Nutrition and The Prevention of Obesity

noreply@blogger.com (Satriani) — Sun, 11 May 2008 06:22:28 PDT

We tried both breast and bottle and we believe breast milk is the best value and make a serious effort to give them. Unfortunately, breastfeeding has become almost a cult with many women, which is regrettable. Your milk May disagree with your baby digestion (not as often as many doctors would have you believe) to give a formula. We believe that love and nestled give you food is at least as nutritious as milk, and you can do with a bottle and a breast.

The mother who breast-feds her baby is a joy, but there is a risk, so for a failure can have devastating effects. Before you nurse, you must understand that this is not a test of your ability kindergarten, but the completion of a natural cycle, which we believe will perform May the mother. It is also powerful practice.

Unless your doctor advises against nursing for health reasons, we think you'll be glad you tried, even if you return to work faster. Whatever the size of your breasts you can probably good enough and milk it if you relax, take a daily nap and eat well. Avoid all foods said the doctor May cause rashes, constipation or gas in the baby. When you breastfeed, you will need to wear a bra nursing day and night, so that the extra weight does not make you sag. Put cotton balls in the arm to absorb any leakage.

Breasts just do colostrum for the first few days, similar to dextrose and water in view of the adjustment. Your baby custom of starvation. Your milk begins to flow in the third day, with your chest puffed and becomes difficult, but offers to the touch. Theis discomfort ends in about five days and may be relieved with an ice pack. The nurse will show you how to wash their nipples whenever you breastfeed and how to stimulate your baby sucking instinct. You will be awkward at first but will it: furious at its hunger for a moment, losing the other nipple, and then falling asleep in the middle of his meal. You both have much to learn.

Press on his cheeks when he sleeps, but if it finds your breasts are too heavy and difficult to suck, gently some milk into her mouth. If the nipple is too small for her lips to capture, press the areola with your free hand and drag the pacifier in his mouth. When your baby starts to suck well, you think your uterus contract. It hurts, but the pain is mild. When you get home, become a clock Watcher, limit yourself to five minutes on each side to harden nipples can gradually that you bring to a total of thirty minutes from the end of the month.

You have to rub a non-prescription medicines on them after each meal, or May they become cracked and painful.

When your baby sleeps through a feeding May your chest hurt, but it disappears quickly. Use ice to relieve pain.

Just when you think you've changed for nursing, using leaves, confusion and overwhelms you your milk May diminish quickly. To recommend this new short, more frequent feeding, a lot of patience, a little humour and a yeasty, carbonate beer low in the late afternoon.

Once your milk production is stable, give your baby a bottle of opportunity formula so that it could consider accepting the taste of a rubber nipple and you can have more freedom.

Some mothers nurse only for a few weeks, others for more than a year, but we have never been able to return to our normal weight until we stopped. At least you have an excuse.

Breast Feeding Diet For Women

noreply@blogger.com (Satriani) — Sun, 11 May 2008 06:22:28 PDT

Breast feeding is a beautiful and natural thing that allows a mother to provide her newborn baby with everything that is needed for a healthy start to life. Not only does breast feeding provide babies with the nutritional necessities of life, breast feeding provides mothers and babies with a chance to bond and establish a loving relationship. It is very important that a woman has a good breastfeeding diet in order to pass on the most benefit to her baby.

Breast feeding also provides a baby with all the necessary antibodies to fight off several infections and other illnesses in infancy and early childhood. It is essential that a mother has an adequate breast feeding diet so that she can be healthy and strong for her baby.

Breast feeding is an easy way to give your baby the healthy start that he deserves. You are going to want to do it right so that you can pass on the most benefit to your baby. A healthy breast feeding diet is essential.

A nursing mother produces 24 to 27 ounces of milk per day. This burns around 500 calories everyday. The quality of milk depends on the quality of the mother's breast feeding diet. If a woman lacks nourishment, the body makes milk production the highest priority and the mother's own health will suffer.

A breast feeding mother should have up to three quarts of water per day, but should be careful not to overdo it as too much liquid can reduce milk production.

A breast feeding mother's breastfeeding diet should include 2,500 calories per day. Mothers can eat even more than this if they are planning on breastfeeding for many than three months, up to 2,800 calories per day.

Breast feeding mothers should include five small meals in their breast feeding diet. Each meal is an opportunity to drink water, eat low fat dairy products, and a piece of fruit. The caloric intake needs to be regular, so try to keep to a schedule.

Many breast feeding mothers on breast feeding diets will be tempted to consume too many sweets. Try to ignore this impulse.

Breast feeding mothers should avoid alcohol. This passes through the milk in less than an hour, but if the baby consumes it in large quantities, it can retard growth.

Avoid taking any medication during breast feeding without consulting your doctor. Breastfeeding mothers should also beware of pollutants. This includes nicotine and pesticide residue.

When it is time to sit down to dinner, breastfeeding mothers should eat a variety of foods that are low in fat. This means selecting vegetables with a variety of different colours. Remember, your breastfeeding diet is essential to your health and the health of your baby.

Why Your Baby Refuse Breast Feeding And How To Solve The Problem

noreply@blogger.com (Satriani) — Sun, 11 May 2008 06:22:28 PDT

Sometimes, a baby that is breast fed may suddenly decide to refuse breast feeding. The baby will pull away from the breast, then toss his head from side to side. This can happen at anytime, so there really is no way to predict it happening.

Reasons why

Refusal to feed from the breast could occur when the baby is in pain. Normally, this can be due to an ear infection, sore head from vacuum delivery, thrush in the baby's mouth, or teething.

The use of dummies, teats or nipple shields may also contribute to refusal. Some babies actually find it difficult to feed from the breast and bottle as the sucking action is very different. Some become confused, therefore it's always best to avoid using any type of teats or dummies.

Sometimes, the milk just takes bitter. This can be due to antibiotics, if you starting or in the middle of your period, or nipple creams. If the milk tastes bitter, your baby will normally not want to feed.

Solving the problems

First, you should always try to identify what may have caused the breast refusal then begin to treat the cause. Always remain patient and gentle with your baby. Be sure to hold your baby next to you, skin to skin, so that he can take the breast when he wants to, so that he begins to realize that breast feeding is both enjoyable and comfortable.

Older babies may suddenly take shorter and fewer breast feeds, although this can be normal with some babies. Therefore, it's always best not to try and make the baby feed longer, but instead let the baby decide how often and also how long each individual feeding will last.

Sterilizing Your Baby's Bottles

noreply@blogger.com (Satriani) — Sun, 11 May 2008 06:23:13 PDT

Mothers who breastfeed needn't worry too much about contaminated milk. Provided the mother is healthy and bathes each day, the breast milk she gives her baby will always be fresh and, most importantly, contain her own anti-bodies that ward off germs. Mothers who choose to bottle-feed their baby aren't automatically providing this protection against infection. Therefore, cleanliness is paramount when you bottle-feed your baby.

Does this mean a mother who bottle-feeds must be somewhat paranoid; always on the look out for any germs that might be lingering about, waiting to do her baby harm? Of course not. A mother just needs to follow a few basic steps to ensure that bottle-feeding her baby is a happy and safe experience. The most important of these steps is to sterilize your baby's bottles.

Before your child is born you should purchase a good set of bottles and nipples. You should buy the best that you can afford. Remember that the nipple is what your baby will latch on to, so the nipple will experience a lot of wear-and-tear. Also, buy the larger sized bottles; your baby will soon out-grow the smaller ones. The most important item you should buy, however, is a bottle sterilizer.

There are several types on the market. You can buy a cheap and simple model that you just put in your microwave. The advantage with this type of sterilizer is that it is cheap. It also works perfectly adequately. The disadvantages are that you must ensure that you clean your microwave, especially after cooking spicy food; you don't want to upset your baby's stomach. Also portability is limited; it's not always very convenient to travel with bottle, diapers, wet-wipes, formula and a microwave! You can also buy an electric sterilizer.

Another type of sterilizer you can purchase is the electric model. You wash your baby' bottles and then pop them into a plastic tray which is then inserted into the sterilizer. Always read the manufacturer's instructions before use. You'll need to use the sterilizer once, without any bottles when you first use it. Also, only put the amount of water inside the sterilizer that the manufacturer instructs. It's tempting to put in more, but don't. It's important that all the water is turned into steam and evaporates. Any water that's left behind to form a pool at the bottom of the sterilizer can provide a reservoir in which germs can breed. The advantages with an electric model are that is more or less self-cleaning, unlike a microwave – which is also used for cooking. It is somewhat easier to take on a trip. It's not too heavy and you can always find somewhere to plug it in. The main disadvantage is cost.

The third type of sterilizer is an electric/microwave combination. It's basically an electric model but you can take out the inner container and put it into a microwave. The main advantages for this type are those of both the microwave and electric ones mentioned above. The main disadvantage is price. This model tends to be the most expensive.

There are other measures you need to undertake to ensure a germ free feed for your baby, but without doubt, for every day use, a sterilizer will be your most important purchase for safe and healthy bottle-feeding your baby.

Tips To Breastfeeding Success

noreply@blogger.com (Satriani) — Sun, 11 May 2008 06:22:28 PDT

Everybody seems to have an opinion on how to breast feed your baby. This article will serve to give you six good tips to help with breast feeding.

Breastfeeding is considered by many to give your baby the best start in life for both health reasons and also emotional. There are not many people who would disagree with this fact but it has to become a mothers personal choice and popular opinion should not effect that decision.

A new mother is usually emotionally and physically worn out and this is probably not the best time for a woman to be faced with making a choice about whether to breast feed or bottle feed. This decision should be made before the birth and should be actively discussed with the father also if he is present. Here are three tips to ensure successful breast feeding for both mother and baby.

1. A lot of new mums find breastfeeding very painful initially and this is where a lot of times they decide to give up the breast and turn to bottle feeding instead. The pain will very quickly disappear and the whole sensation becomes very comfortable for mum after a few times.

2. To encourage baby to feed at regular intervals, don't wait until baby is so hungry that it becomes difficult for them to stop crying. Actively offer the breast to baby at regular intervals. If the baby is sleepy then offer the nipple to the babies top lip and this will stimulate your baby to open their mouth wide for feeding.

3. If you are worried that your baby is not getting enough milk then try feeding baby more often as this will stimulate more milk to be produced.

4. To express milk, it is best to find the time of day when you are producing the most milk and use that time to express every day. For a lot of mums, that tends to be in the morning.

5. If your baby refuses to feed it is important that you seek advice from your midwife or health visitor. It is important that you do not get stressed out about this because your baby will pick up on this tension and will only serve to compound the problem.

6. Having an occasional small glass of wine is unlikely to do any harm to baby but it is best to avoid alcohol completely, as whatever you digest in your body will be passed onto your baby. If you are going to drink a small amount of alcohol then just make sure you express enough milk on the morning before to last your baby through the night and the next morning.

The blame game and finger pointing culture at women who choose not to breast feed should disappear it just serves to pile guilt onto a new mother's shoulders which is not good for baby. Worse still some mothers physically cannot breastfeed and this can only serve to pile guilt on top of guilt.

The most important thing is to try and enjoy the breastfeeding experience and make sure you and baby are calm and relaxed about the whole thing.

Breastfeeding Pillow Makes Feeding Fun For Both Mom And The Baby

noreply@blogger.com (Satriani) — Sun, 11 May 2008 06:22:28 PDT

A breastfeeding pillow is designed to make feeding times fun and comfortable for both mother and baby. It is rather difficult for the new mothers to sit up and breastfeed her baby, as her body feels sore and tired. Most moms have trouble breastfeeding their baby, as their aching back prevents them from enjoying the precious moments of bonding with their newborn baby. This is when a gift such as a breastfeeding pillow will be appreciated.

Breastfeeding Pillows

They are usually shaped like a "U" and can fit snugly around the mother's waist. The baby is placed on the pillow during nursing time, which greatly reduces the strain on the mother's aching back, arms and shoulders. It offers the lactating mother considerable relief from back pain and other such pregnancy symptoms that trouble a woman for long. A breastfeeding pillow makes feeding fun and enjoyable for both mother and baby.

They are meant to be used by the mother, who prefers sitting on a bed or a couch, as the rounded U-shaped pillow may not be comfortable if you insist on feeding your baby by sitting in a rocker. Parents, who wish to bottle-feed the baby, can use the breastfeeding pillow too. Fathers who wish to bottle feed the baby will find it just as comfortable to use it as mothers.

They are usually about 5" thick and need to be made of a material that is soft and at the same time firm. This is because; it should hold the baby comfortably, instead of causing the baby to sink into the pillow, making it hard rather than easy to feed the baby. Some of them comprises of three separate pillows that can be used as regular pillows after that baby has been weaned. Make sure that the filling is anti-allergic and that you can machine wash and maintain the pillow and cover easily. Getting a couple of spare covers is a good idea, as feeding times can become messy sometimes!

Do not buy a breastfeeding pillow that is rounded at the top or that is angled, as it may not make feeding times comfortable, instead makes it tough for the mother and her baby.

You may shop for a breastfeeding pillow that has pockets or provision for holding items such as a TV remote, burp clothes, diapers etc. If you are hesitating wondering if it will serve any purpose after the few months of breastfeeding, well relax, they can be used to support your baby, while he/she is trying to sit up. They are perfect gifts to give to the new mom or can be welcome gifts at a baby shower. They are inexpensive, but extremely functional accessories.

Most expectant moms shop for a maternity pillow during the third trimester. They do so as they gain considerable relief, as the pillow supports their Buddha belly, taking away the strain from their aching backs. A good night's sleep can help you deal better with the various pregnancy symptoms than after being awake all night long. The maternity pillow can become a breastfeeding pillow after childbirth, making it a very worthwhile investment.

Easy To Follow Breastfeeding Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Satriani) — Sun, 11 May 2008 06:22:28 PDT

Are you a first time mother anxious about how to breast feed and take care of your new born baby? The following article about breastfeeding will help you learn some simple ways about the right ways to breastfeed, how to take care of yourself during that changing phase and some essential guidelines that'll help you take care of your child's requirements during the breastfeeding phase.

Take note of the following mentioned easy-to-follow tips:
- Follow a healthy and balanced Diet: Though there are no rigorous mandates about what to eat and what not to eat, it is still important that you take a balanced diet, comprising of essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins. The use of caffeine and alcohol should be restricted lest it tampers with the child's metabolism and leads to irritability.
- Take breast-feeding lessons: Nowadays, it is very easy to find a doctor or mid-wife who would disperse knowledge about breastfeeding over the weekend. Such classes are of great help to learn what is the right position to hold the bay, frequency of feed, how long to nurse et al.
- Consult a Lactation consultant: It is very important to consult your doctor at regular intervals and get your little one examined to ensure that his overall growth is fine.
- Proper sanitation: It's very important that you clean your nipples and the area surrounding them before you breastfeed your loved one lest he falls sick due to some infection. Also, while feeding your young one from a milk bottle, it's important to wash your hands properly and boil the bottle, nipple and the lid for at least 20-25 minutes. Also, do not check the temperature by dipping your finger into the milk.

Finally, the below mentioned tools that will go a long way in helping you become the best breastfeeding mother
- Nursing cover: It is advisable to have a nursing cover for your child when feeding in public, which will save you from social embarrassment when your child cries for hunger.
- Nursing bras: It is advisable to posses a pair of nursing bras, especially when your child whelps for his feed more often than usual. Also, it will save you the effort of undressing time and again.
- Ointments and soothing gels: Your handbag will never be too heavy to carry a soothing gel and will be of utmost help when your nipples turn sore after frequent feeding.
- Breastfeeding pump: Call it a boon for working mothers but Breastfeeding pumps are of immense help to working mothers who cannot be with the child round the clock. Breast milk can be collected through the pump and the child can be bottle fed as and when required.
- Daily Diet schedule: It's very important to keep a check of your eating habits during breastfeeding phase through the use of a handy diet chart. It will help you keep a check on your eating schedule and will enable you to detect if any particular food item caused allergy to your loved one. It will also help you change your food items to accustom your child to different food items.

After you have given birth to your baby you should seek breastfeeding tips from your doctor or lactation consultant. They could advice you on use of breastfeeding pump if the breast milk supply is inadequate of if you are have breastfeeding problems. It would be a good idea to use nursing bra for this special period of your life. You can use nursing covers to avoid embarrassment of breastfeeding in public. For related articles on breastfeeding, pregnancy and similar subjects log on to pregnancy.

How To Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

noreply@blogger.com (Satriani) — Sun, 11 May 2008 06:23:13 PDT

Despite some recent success with the prevention of tooth decay, it still remains a significant problem in children. Tooth decay can start early; in fact, you need to be able to spot and help prevent it right from the time your baby first starts teething.

So, what exactly is tooth decay and what are its causes? Tooth decay is caused by bacteria (germs) that find a home in the sugars can build up on your child's teeth. Germs need three things t flourish; food, water and warmth – all of which are found in plentiful supply in your baby's mouth. Over time, these bacteria dissolve the enamel, or outer layer, of the tooth. This damaged area is called a cavity.

Primary teeth are usually called baby teeth or milk teeth and first start to erupt through the gums of your baby between 4 to 6 months of age. Teething lasts until all 20 teeth appear, the children being usually around 2 ½ years of age by this time. Teething is a major milestone in the development of your child but it is also, quite often, a painful one. The eruption of primary teeth, or teething, can cause sore and tender gums that appear red and puffy. To help relieve the pain, you can give the baby a cold teething ring or a damp washcloth to chew on. My mother used to give me a cold carrot stick to suck on.

If you're bottle-feeding you need to be more aware of tooth decay - most often called baby bottle tooth decay. One reason bottle-fed babies are more prone to tooth decay rather than those who are breastfed is due to the sugars found in milk formula, although the sugar levels in today's formulas are markedly less then they used to be. However the biggest contributor to baby bottle tooth decay is the practice of putting baby to bed with a bottle, which he can suck on for hours. Yet another cause of decay is the use of pacifiers; a personal hate of mine! Not only does the use of pacifiers dipped in sugar exacerbate decay, it makes babies look most unattractive.

In summary, when you bottle-feed you must be more aware of how your child can contract toot decay and on how to prevent it. The American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry has developed the following guidelines for preventing baby bottle tooth decay:

• Don't allow a child to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juices, or other sweet liquids. Never let a child walk with a bottle in her mouth.

• Comfort a child who wants a bottle between regular feedings or during naps with a bottle filled with cool water.

• Always make sure a child's pacifier is clean, and never dip a pacifier in a sweet liquid.

• Introduce children to a cup as they approach 1 year of age. Children should stop drinking from a bottle soon after their first birthday.

By simply following the above recommendations you'll help prevent baby bottle tooth decay and alleviate a lot of discomfort for your baby. You'll also get the added bonus of making your baby's smile even more beautiful.

How to Avoid and Treat Thrush when Bottle Feeding

noreply@blogger.com (Satriani) — Sun, 11 May 2008 06:23:13 PDT

The presence of thrush in a baby's mouth can be painful for the baby and very upsetting for parents. Babies who are bottle-fed are more likely to develop thrush than those who are exclusively breastfeed. However, steps can be taken to lessen the risk of thrush developing, and treatment is quite easy.

Thrush, or oral pseudomembranous candidiasis, is a superficial yeast infection that is found in about 5% of healthy newborns. Babies usually acquire the yeast from their mothers during passage through the birth canal. You can tell whether or not your child has thrush by looking out for the telltale white patches that can be found of the inside of the cheeks, lips, palate and tongue. Many mothers who bottle-feed their baby often mistake milk residue found on the tongue for thrush. If the tongue is uniformly white, this isn't thrush. The patches of thrush are often described as curd-like. Unlike milk residue, they adhere to the underlying tissue. You can also, test for thrush, by gently touching a patch with a gauze-covered finger. If it is thrush, it probably won't come off very easily, but if it does, you'll find a raw, red area underneath that may bleed. Thrush lesions can be painful and when bottle-fed a child can become fussy and squirm.

Why are bottle-fed babies more susceptible to thrush?

Many babies have thrush, but it is a self-limited condition; it goes away all by itself, without anyone ever knowing the baby had thrush in the first place. However, certain changes in baby or its environment can cause the thrush to be exacerbated. Antibiotics or stress can be to blame. Bottle-feeding often causes thrush because the lining of the mouth becomes abraded with prolonged sucking, such as babies who sleep with a bottle or pacifier - babies who are breastfed don't go to sleep at night still sucking at their mother's breast, unfortunately, many bottle-fed babies do go to sleep sucking on a bottle. Also, dirty nipples and pacifiers can harbour the yeast infection.

How to treat thrush?

First off, prevention is better than cure. Babies should not be put to bed while still sucking the nipple of a bottle. Avoid letting your child suck on a pacifier for long periods of time. Make sure all nipples and pacifiers are washed thoroughly and sterilized.

In most case thrush will disappear all by itself and the only treatment required is to alleviate oral discomfort or to treat (or prevent) painful yeast diaper rashes. You can use an antifungal medicine such as Nystatin suspension. This can be applied, directly to the plaques with a cotton-tipped applicator, or given orally 1-2ml four times daily. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. An old-fashioned, and still affective treatment of baby thrush is baking soda. Use a cotton-tipped bud dipped into a mixture of one-fourth teaspoon of baking soda and one or two drops of mild liquid detergent (without ammonia or bleach) mixed in a glass of warm water. Apply the mixture gently to the affected areas.

If symptoms persist or you have any concerns, seek medical help

Babies who fuss during bottle-feeding, can do so for many reasons. If your baby is fussy when being fed formula, it's worth checking to see if your child has thrush. If your child does have thrush, you need not change milk formula. Just apply a treatment as described above and the thrush should disappear in a matter of weeks.

Purpose of the Baby Bottle Warmer

noreply@blogger.com (Satriani) — Sun, 11 May 2008 06:23:13 PDT

Having a baby is one of the greatest gifts parents can have. A baby is the result of the union of man and woman and it brings so much joy into the parent's lives. A baby is not fun and laughs all the time, as there are things such as crying, changing and feeding which all can make baby raising a harder job than it is. This article will examine an appliance that makes it easier for parents to handle their baby raising, this product is the baby bottle warmer.

A baby bottle warmer is a product that is responsible for heating up a baby's formula, milk or liquid food. It accomplishes this by allowing up to two baby bottles to be placed into the device. Once in there, a heating element warms the liquid up to a temperature that is safe for a baby to handle. The device is designed where it will keep the temperature constant and not make it too hot or too cool for the baby. This optimum temperature makes it a very useful device for parents as it is hard to keep track of a heated bottle in the microwave. The baby bottle warmer is also useful for heating jars and bottles and this makes it a multi-dimensional product.

There are different types of baby bottle warmers aside from the one which you can use in your house. Some companies have made portable ones which can be used if a parent is out on the road and needs to heat the food on the go. There are also warmers that are made specifically for the car. These are extremely useful if you are going on a car trip or some other journey in your automobile. Using both of these products, the car and portable warmer makes it better for the baby as they are able to get their food on the go.

Making sure that your baby is fed is part of the job description when you have a young child. Ensuring that your baby's food is warm and at the correct temperature is one aspect that parents have to be sure that they get right. Luckily the baby bottle warmer exists, that means you will be able to heat the food and keep it at the correct temperature with no problems. There have also been other types of warmers such as car and portable have made it easier for baby's to get their food warm if they are outside of the house.

Care of the Breasts

noreply@blogger.com (Satriani) — Sun, 11 May 2008 06:22:28 PDT

The success and benefits of breast-feeding are dependent mainly on cleanliness and health. Every mother-to-be, especially if it is her first pregnancy, should take taken at the time of delivery. Often cracks develop around the nipples, and sometimes there is swelling too. In some cases the breasts become hard and painful because of the formation of lumps. There is even a possibility of pus formation. Here are some directions to follow in these conditions.

(1) Keep the nipples washed clean. Beginning from around the fifth month of pregnancy, a viscous fluid is secreted from the breasts. If this is not washed away properly, it may form a crust and the surrounding skin becomes reddish. To prevent this, clean the nipples well every day with warm water-occasionally adding boric acid powder to the water-and dry them by rubbing them lightly with a clean piece of cloth. If necessary, Vaseline or sea same oil may be applied to soften up the nipples.

(2) At the time of bathing, the nipples should be pulled outwards with the thumb and the forefinger. But care has to be taken not to hurt the with the nails. This will facilitate sucking by the baby later on.

(3) The pregnancy woman should wear loose-fitting blouses and brassieres, so that the breasts receive adequate support, but are not subjected to too much pressure.

(4) If in spite of all these precautions, cracks are formed a burning sensation is experienced of lumps are formed deep in the breasts causing pain, no time should b lost, but the advice of a doctor should be sought at once.

How long breast-feeding should be continued?

It is natural that this question will pose itself before mothers. There is no single unequivocal answer to this question, as there are many factors inter-related with breast-feeding. The health of the mother, the rate of production of milk, the health and growth of the baby, the nutritive quality of the milk: all these factors have to be considered. Still, it can be said that in normal circumstances breast-feeding may be continued till the baby is nine months old. Wearing must be commenced around this time. There are many erroneous notions about the ‘advantages’ of continuing breast-feeding beyond this time. One such notion is that so long as breast-feeding is continued the woman will not menstruate, and that even if she does normal breast-feeding can continue. Despite the prevalence of this belief, if, as often happens, the mother or the child experiences discomfort on the first or the second day of menstruation. Breast-feeding must be discontinued at once and bottle-feeding substituted.

The best and most convenient time for warning is when the baby is eight to ten months old. Breast-feeding is no longer advantageous beyond that time, as the nutritional requirements of the baby increase and the supply of milk decreases around that time.

Breast Feeding in a Bottle Feeding Culture

noreply@blogger.com (Satriani) — Sun, 11 May 2008 06:00:02 PDT

For some mothers, bottle feeding their babies is something they have always wanted to do as it gives them flexibility and helps them maintain a good level of independence. Artificial infant feeding has been culturally marked as more advanced and is socially more accepted than natural infant feeding.

Fortunately, breast feeding is on the rise as more and more new mothers acknowledge the endless benefits for themselves and, more importantly, for their offspring. Yet, in order for the use of breast milk to become normal again rather than the "alternative", we still have to overcome cultural taboos.

The History of Bottle Feeding

Archaeological findings have shown that breast feeding substitutes were used thousands of years ago. Historically, substitute milk was given to infants whose mothers died or were too sick to feed their babies, usually with limited possibility of wet nursing at hand. Cow's milk or goat's milk were commonly used to replace mother's milk. In addition, babies were sometimes given supplementary solid food, such as a paste made of bread or flour mixed with milk or water. Needless to say that infant mortality rate was extremely high - from 50 to 99% . History and cross-cultural studies have revealed that the increase in bottle feeding resulted in an increase in infant deaths, especially where standards of hygiene were not met. It is a fact, that artificial infant feeding can hold more risks for baby.

During the industrial revolution artificial feeding became popular in Britain as women had to leave their children behind to work in the factories. The first scientific breast milk substitute was invented in 1867 by a German chemist. It was a combination of cow's milk, flour, potassium bicarbonate and malt. However, the popularity of bottle feeding increased when condensed milk was developed in the late 19th century. The social consensus about how best to feed baby in a modern world which was filled with new scientific achievements, changed towards artificial infant feeding. Bottle feeding was sold as nutritious, safe and easy to prepare with no need for refrigeration. More importantly, pasteurization of milk and sterilization of feeding equipment made artificial infant feeding a safer alternative; thus, making bottle feeding more popular. In addition, medical representatives and scientists celebrated this new supposedly convenient way of feeding baby. As a result, breast feeding became comparatively unpopular as figures show that only 20 to 30% of babies were actually breastfed during WWII in the USA. However, the 1980s proved difficult for companies such as Nestlé when their involvement with medical establishments in order to sell formula feeding in the third world was revealed.

Bottle feeding is still the number one choice for many new mothers. This can have different personal or even medical reasons, although modern living standards are mainly to blame for the change in maternal attitude over the past century.

Why is Breast Feeding a Challenge?

Organisations such as the La Lèche League or the Breastfeeding Network help to promote breastfeeding with all its benefits which, as a result, is becoming increasingly popular.

Fortunately, more and more women decide to at least try to feed their newborn themselves. National statistics show that there is a steady increase in initial infant breastfeeding (66% in 1995 to 69% in 2000). However, statistics also reveal that many new mothers give up breastfeeding after only a few weeks: after only one week, 55% of women breastfeed, after six weeks 43% and after 4 months 28% still feed their babies. In our modern culture, natural feeding is a challenge because bottle feeding still tends to be regarded as "easier". Generations of parents who bottle fed their babies pass on what they have been sold decades ago. In addition, new breastfeeding problems arise that find appropriate discussion grounds in our civilisation, such as the "insufficient milk" syndrome. Yet, only about 5% of mothers show real physical difficulty to breastfeed, thus confirming that the idea of not making enough milk is a modern invention. Women may actually feel that they do not have enough milk to feed their baby but the reasons are not physical. It is more likely that the early difficulties mother and baby experience together result from stressful birthing environment, such as the hospital, where unknown staff and routine as well as doubtable reputation feed initial anxiety and thus, can add to the overall picture of the insufficient milk syndrome. Breast feeding can be highly influenced by psychosomatic elements, such as stress, anxiety, worries, depression and much more. Feeding is a natural self-regulating and extremely efficient process which is susceptible to how mothers feel, as much as anything. If a new mother does not receive the support she needs, the let-down reflex (milk flows from the ducts towards the nipple) is more difficult to be stimulated.

Besides the modern argument of "lack of sufficient milk", many more interruptions help reduce the chance of breastfeeding, such as aesthetically motivated breast operations or if a separation of mother and baby after birth is unnecessarily prolonged. In addition, our natural desire for information societies has caused multiple parenting theories to shoot out of the grounds. Instead of helping reduce new parent's fears they tend to increase and even confuse them. One of the often cited parent strategies is "feeding on schedule". However, feeding in intervals causes unnecessary stress because the composition of the milk changes in a way that causes baby to feel hungry all the time. As a result, the mother will think that she does not produce enough milk whereas the truth is that she has waited too long.

Modern ways of living can make it extremely difficult for new mothers to embrace breast feeding. Their cultural background, lack of support within their own family or friends and misleading parenting information facilitate the return to bottle feeding. Moreover, cultural expectations of women who often have to return to work early in order to earn a living or pursue a career do not improve early parenting conditions.

While breast feeding is part of our natural survival strategy, bottle feeding is part of our modern culture. It gives new mothers the chance to cope easier with expectations and to help handle natural infant needs in an over-regulated world. We are aware of the fact that human milk is best for baby. Thus, it is the mother's individual choice of how to feed her infant and to build a strong bond.

Tips For Breastfeeding In Public

noreply@blogger.com (Satriani) — Sun, 11 May 2008 06:21:13 PDT

Breastfeeding in public can be a nightmare for a modest nursing mother. Some women dread the thought of breastfeeding in public so much that they may consider formula feeding their infant to avoid the situation. With a little preparation and practice, breastfeeding in public can be done discreetly. Here are a few tips to help you keep your sanity while breastfeeding your baby.

Nursing clothes with ties or fold over flaps can cause unexpected breast exposures while performing the most mundane of tasks like retrieving a dropped pacifier from the floor or struggling with a jammed shopping cart.

Purchasing nursing clothes with snaps, buttons or hooks will help ensure that your chest remains under wraps when out in public. Nursing clothes are a great convenience for a nursing mother and child but they can also lead to disaster if not fastened securely.

Keeping your breast feeding supplies stocked and ready to go at all times is great way to help discreetly nurse your child in public. Being caught in public with a hungry baby and no cover blanket can lead to disaster for the modest mother.

Keeping extra breast feeding supplies in the trunk of your car in an extra diaper bag will ensure that you are never caught without the items necessary to nurse discreetly. Packing extra breast feeding supplies like an additional blanket, burp cloths and breast milk pads in advance can save you from an embarrassing moment when last minute trips arise and you have little time to prepare.

Breast feeding women can choose to feed their babies in public bathrooms to limit their company to women only. Some breast feeding women choose to nurse in the backseat of the car in a secluded area of a parking lot to provide more privacy.

Another option for breast feeding women is to pump breast milk into a bottle prior to any planned outings. While this option is not helpful for those sudden trips to the store or when a telephone call summons you away from home during a breast feeding session, it can help you avoid many public breastfeeding encounters.

Breast feeding mothers often grow accustomed to the glances of strangers and an occasional snide comment while nursing in public. Some breast feeding mothers do not seem to be affected by the reaction of the public while she feeds her infant.

Other breast feeding mothers learn to be quick and discreet to avoid drawing attention while breastfeeding in public, never drawing a stray glance or awkward stare.

While your baby doesn't notice who's present while he or she is breastfeeding in public or at home, you may be crippled by fear at the thought of exposing your breasts in the company of strangers.

Breastfeeding in public does not have to have to be traumatic. With some practice and advanced planning, breastfeeding in public can be done discreetly.

How to Deal with Problems in Feeding Your Newborn

noreply@blogger.com (Satriani) — Sun, 11 May 2008 06:01:02 PDT

New parents are generally very confused and beset about feeding their baby and care for looking for advice from paediatricians, family, friends, books and articles.

When it comes to feeding your baby, the one of the most researched fact is that the breast milk and/or formula are self-sufficient and are the best forms of nourishment for your baby during the first 6 months of baby’s life.

Both breast milk and formula are easily digested by baby’s immature digestive system and are nutritionally adequate, containing all the nourishment your baby requires for prompt growth during her first 6 months of life. There is absolutely no need of any other form of nutrition.

Concerning feeding your baby with breast milk, check out these tips below about the problems in feeding your newborn and how to deal with them.

1. Problem: A common problem that majority of the moms comes across while breastfeeding is difficulty in positioning the baby and getting the baby to "latch on" to the breast correctly.

Solution: This problem generally arises when mother’s breasts are fully engorged with milk. Engorgement makes the breast hard and flattens the nipples so the baby has nothing to latch on. The methods that help reduce engorgement will soften the breast allowing the nipple to protrude. An easy way to solve to reduce engorgement is to nurse the baby as frequently as possible. You may also consider expressing the milk using electric or hand pumps. The expressed milk can be refrigerated and fed to the baby later on. Wearing nipple shields half an hour before feeding the baby may also make the nipples protrude. If this problem still persists, you may squeeze the end of breast lightly and offer the nipple to baby.

2. Problem: Another common problem is insufficient milk production by moms.

Solution: To increase milk production, you can apply a warm compress to your breasts before feedings. Doing so will make the let down reflex better. You may also massage your breasts during feedings. Another way to increase milk production is by feeding your baby frequently, at least every 2-3 hours. Doing so would stimulate more milk production. You may also consider pumping your breasts for five minutes when you are not feeding your baby to stimulate milk production. Furthermore, drink plenty of fluids, eat a well-balanced diet, and take time to relax throughout the day and night. Lastly, avoid smoking as nicotine also decreases the milk supply.

3. Problem: Fussiness of babies while feeding.

Solution: This is the frequent problem faced by most of the mothers. Your baby may be crying because of many reasons, e.g., a burp ready to come up, you might have no more milk left in your breast or your baby may be full. Thus, stop the feeding and make your baby burp. Thereafter, offer the second breast to your baby if she appears to be hungry. If your baby is bottle-fed, follow the same process, i.e., interrupt feeding and make your baby burp at least twice or thrice while feeding.

4. Problem: Lactose Intolerance (inability to digest lactose) to baby. Some babies are unable to digest the sugar lactose, which is in cow's milk formulas. They are said to be lactose intolerant. Symptoms of lactose intolerance may include excessive gas, abdominal swelling and pain, and diarrhea.

Solution: If you are breastfeeding, alternate it with lactose free formula as breast milk contains appreciable amount of lactose. Secondly, avoid taking dairy products, as they are likely to enhance lactose levels of breast milk you produce. Thirdly, try to finish one breast before offering the second to your baby. By doing so, your baby will get more of hind milk, which is richer in fat and help cure diarrhea seen in lactose intolerant babies. Finally, a potential solution to this problem may also be switching over to soy-based infant formula, or other special lactose-free formula, several of which are commercially available.

5. Problem: Noisy sucking sounds while the baby drinks milk by bottle.

Solution: If your baby is producing a lot of noisy sucking sounds, she may be taking in too much air. You may try holding your baby at 45-degree angle; doing so would considerably prevent your baby to swallow air. Furthermore, remember to tilt the bottle so that the nipple and neck of the bottle are always filled with formula.

Give Breastfeeding A Try

noreply@blogger.com (Satriani) — Sun, 11 May 2008 06:00:02 PDT

We have all seen the lovely oil paintings of a mother nursing a child--none are more popular then the depictions of Madonna and Child, which there are hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of artist renditions. Maybe we've forgotten, in these modern times of fancy baby bottles, that during the time that Jesus was born, mothers breastfed their babies. Our amnesia may be blamed on the fact that in ancient and not-so-ancient times, breastfeeding was so commonplace, it barely receives a mention in writings. Thank goodness that artists like Da Vinci, Raphael, and Botticelli captured the wonderful and natural images of a mother nursing her child.

There is much debate today about if bottle-feeding or breastfeeding is best. This debate may make it difficult for a mother-to-be to decide what to do. Bottle feeding is currently the most popular method for American mothers to feed their children. This is partially due to pressure from companies that manufacture bottles and infant formula, as well as the perception that mothers must bottle feed with formula if they intend to return to work. Some may even argue that bottle feeding is best because it helps teach the infant to be more independent.

Cultural expectations have dictated that mothers should use a bottle, fueling many myths and misunderstandings of breastfeeding. In North America, breasts are considered taboo: naked breasts, whether it's at a topless beach or breastfeeding, is considered indecent and shameful. To many, breasts are sexual objects only, and that breastfeeding allows the infant to do something indecent or perverted when it nurses. Another myth is that a mother may not have enough milk to satisfy a baby. Yet another myth is that a breastfeeding mother will develop sagging or ugly breasts.

All experts agree that breastfeeding is best for not only the health of the baby, but also for the health of the mother. Breast milk offers the most complete nutrition for infants, it contains antibodies that help protect infants from bacteria and viruses, and it is easier for a baby to digest. Breastfeeding helps the mother lose weight after pregnancy and lowers the mothers risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

Breastfeeding is also much easier on your pocketbook. It saves money and time because there is no need to purchase bottles, nipples, formula, nursery water, and you don't have to get up in the middle of the night to mix and warm up bottles. It also saves on medical expenses because breastfed babies tend to not get as sick as much as bottle-fed babies.

If you or someone you know and love is considering whether or not to breastfeed, I urge you to give breastfeeding a try. There are many books and websites devoted to helping make breastfeeding easier. There are organizations available that help new mothers learn to breastfeed. Hospitals offer lactation consultants for mothers to learn, right after the birth of her child, how to breastfeed and are there to answer any questions or concerns a mother may have. Breastfeeding, even if it is for a short time, will benefit both the mother and child.

Some Tips and Advice about Bottle Feeding

noreply@blogger.com (Satriani) — Sun, 11 May 2008 06:00:43 PDT

It is universally accepted that breastfeeding is the best option for babies. But if you've decided - for whatever reasons - to bottle feed your baby, then get on with it and don't feel guilty about your decision. Here are some tips on bottle feeding.

There are many reasons why a mother decides to bottle feed. Here are some of the more common reason why a mother bottle feeds rather than breastfeed her.

1. The mother does not wish to breastfeed. This could be for all sorts of reasons such as, emotional reasons, social reasons, or many other reasons. Whatever your decision, remember: it's your decision, so stick to it and don't pay any heed to what others may say: bottle feeding does not make you a bad mother; breastfeeding does not make you a good mother.

2. Some babies are not able to breastfeeding due to illness or because of a congenital condition such as being allergic to the mother's milk.

3. The mother may be ill and cannot produce enough breast milk.

4. The mother is going back to work and her workplace does not provide facilities for breastfeeding or expressing breast milk. Sadly, this is all too common.

5. The baby may be adopted and the mother may not be lactating.

What equipment do you need for bottle feeding?

Make no mistake; bottle feeding is not a cheap option. You'll need all of the following.

1. Plastic bottles.

2. Nipples - these will wear out and need replacing

3. A bottle sterilizer. A top of the range sterilizer can be rather expensive.

4. The infant milk formula. Choosing which one is often a confusing business.

What baby infant formula milk to use?

1. First off, never feed your child cow's milk - or any other natural milk. Feed your baby an infant milk formula. Any brand is acceptable, as all pass certain standards as set by all government agencies. The following are the main types of formula milk you can buy.

2. Standard infant artificial formula – look out for the label stating: ‘suitable from birth’. This formula milk is for babies up to 12 months of age. Standard infant artificial formula is usually cow’s milk based, but may be soy or goat’s milk based. Soy may be preferred by vegan mothers or if the baby cannot tolerate cow’s milk protein. However, unless there are compelling reasons against using cow’s milk based artificial formula, it is the recommended choice.

3. Follow-on infant artificial formula – the label will say something like: ‘suitable only for babies over six months. This is for babies' over 6 months of age - never give your new born this type of milk.

4. Thickened artificial formula – is sometimes recommended for babies who frequently ‘posset’ or regurgitate large amounts after feeding - this is often called reflux. The idea of thickened formula is that it settles more in the stomach and therefore stays there! However, thickened artificial formula does not always solve the problem. You should consult your doctor before using this type of milk formula.

5. Premature infant artificial formula – is specifically designed for the nutritional needs of a premature baby. Only use this type of formula after medical consultation and it is not suitable for healthy term babies.

How to Bottle Feed a Baby?

1. Always test the temperature of the milk before feeding. The old traditional method of sprinkling a few drops on the under-side of your wrist is still the best method. It should feel slightly warm but never hot.

2. Make sure you are sitting comfortably when you feed your child. Your baby can take some time to finish and a crotchety mother will upset a child.

3. Your baby should be held in a semi-reclining position with their head slight tilted back.

4. Try not to force the nipple into your baby's mouth. Instead, do what breastfeeding mothers are taught to do: stimulate your baby to accept the nipple by gently touching her lips with the nipple.

5. During the feed, make sure that air bubbles are flowing into the bottle, replacing the milk that is drunk. If you can't see any air bubbles, while she's feeding, slowly loosen the nipple ring (the part that attaches the nipple to the bottle) until you can see bubbles. Take care not to loosen it too much, as this will cause the milk to leak all over him.

6. Take your time; allow for 'pit stops'. During these times, gently rub your child's back to stimulate burping.

If you decide to bottle feed, then learn by paying close attention to your baby. By doing so, you will learn all the subtle signals that your baby gives out, making feeding time a beautiful and emotionally rewarding time for the both of you.

How to Bottle Feed a Baby

noreply@blogger.com (Satriani) — Sun, 11 May 2008 06:01:02 PDT

Many bottle feeding problems are directly related to the lack of technique employed by a mother. What can seem insignificant details can actually impact on how your baby feeds. A lack of expertise can lead to stress on your baby and therefore she may not be getting all the nutrition she needs.

Testing the temperature of the milk is vital. Shake the bottle well and put a little of the milk on the inner side of your wrist. It should feel slightly warm but never hot. We've all seen this iconic image many times, amongst family, friends or on television but it really is still the best way of testing for the optimal temperature of bottle milk. If the milk is less than body temperature your baby may feel disinclined to drink it. If the milk is to hot there is a risk of injuring your baby's mouth and gullet.

Are you sitting comfortably? If yes; then good. If not; then why not? Feeding your child can take a long time so you should find a position that is comfortable for both you and your child. Your baby will feel best when you hold her close to you in a semi reclining position. The baby's head should not be titled too far forward or too far back: too far forward and your baby will have difficulty swallowing; to far back and excess milk may run down your baby's face down into its ears or back up its nose.

Don't force the nipple into your baby's mouth. Try to encourage your baby to open her mouth by touching her lips with the nipple (something that breastfeeding mother's need to do also). The baby's tongue should be under the nipple. If not, gently take out the nipple and try again. During the feed, monitor your baby's sucking action and ensure that the tongue is always on top of the nipple: young babies have a tendency to move the tongue on top when they cry.

Breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to get a proper latch; that is the nipple should be well inside the mouth with the nipple at the top and back of the throat (it is the areola the baby actually sucks, not the nipple). It is similar with bottle feeding. Make sure the nipple is well inside. Don't pull back as your baby will not get a good suction.

During the feed, make sure that air bubbles are flowing into the bottle, replacing the milk that is drunk. If you can't see any air bubbles, while she's feeding, slowly loosen the nipple ring (the part that attaches the nipple to the bottle) until you can see bubbles. Take care not to loosen it too much, as this will cause the milk to leak all over him.

You should allow for 'pit stops' during the feed. Your baby will probably stop sucking several times during the feed. During these times you should try to gently burb your child. If she complains then refrain from burbing her until after the feed.

Finally, take your time. Don't try to rush your baby or she will get stressed. Remember, some babies stop and start during the feed. By paying close attention you'll be able to recognise the sign that your baby has finished its feed.

Why Does Extended Breastfeeding Offend People?

noreply@blogger.com (Satriani) — Sun, 11 May 2008 06:00:02 PDT

Why does extended breastfeeding offend so many people in America? Why do people think that the same milk that at one point provided all of your baby’s needs, no longer has any value after 6, 9 or 12 months?

That is, in fact, simply a myth. Breast milk contains valuable vitamins, calcium and antibodies for as long as it is produced by a mom.

Extended breastfeeding is simply nursing a child past Western society’s 'normal' expectations, but that doesn't make it wrong. In fact, it is actually more "normal" than you might think.

In fact, here are some facts that may surprise you:

• In most of the world’s cultures, breast feeding continues for at least 2 years.

• The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that new mothers breastfeed their children from birth until 2 years and then as long as mutually desired.

• Cancer risk decreases the longer a mother breastfeeds.

• Studies have shown that kids who are breastfed grow up to be more secure and self reliant than their bottle-fed peers.

• Although many moms don’t talk about it, extended breast feeding is not a new idea, at all. Moms have continued to feed their babies this way for centuries and new scientific research shows it is a good choice for both moms and their children.

While I will agree that extended breast feeding is not for everyone, it is breast feeding as nature intended…not on someone else’s pre-determined schedule.

So I say—breastfeed as long as the mother wants – and who cares what other people think?

Breastfeeding Information For New Parents

noreply@blogger.com (Satriani) — Sun, 11 May 2008 06:00:02 PDT

Seeking breastfeeding information can help a mother prepare for the arrival of her infant. This information is easy to obtain. The internet, library, local bookstore and nearest playground can all provide a wealth of information.

Pregnancy and lactation are covered in most childbirth preparation classes. Knowing what is normal during pregnancy and lactation can help a mother recognize potential problems and seek the appropriate care should a abnormality arise. Learning about the basics of pregnancy and lactation can help a couple feel more prepared for the arrival of their baby.

Information about the benefits of breast feeding for the nursing mother can greatly influence a woman's decision about breastfeeding. Breast feeding mothers experience fewer complications after the delivery since the hormones released by the suckling of an infant helps a mother's uterus to contract.

Breast feeding mothers also burn more calories during lactation. They also require a higher caloric intake while nursing. Breast feeding can help a mother shed those last few stubborn pounds following the delivery of the baby. Breast feeding mothers bond quickly with their infants because of the frequent intimate contact between mother and child during feedings.

The benefits of breastfeeding are evident in an infant as well. Breast fed infants are reported to have higher IQ's, have fewer digestion problems and have an intense bond with their mothers. Breast fed infants nurse more frequently than bottle fed babies since breast milk is digested more quickly. Breast fed infants with acid reflux or colic may also experience fewer symptoms while breast feeding than when nursing a bottle.

Researching a few baby websites is a great way to learn the basic pros and cons of breast feeding. Advocates and opponents of breast feeding can often be found in discussion forums and chat rooms. Many baby websites offers message boards, discussion groups and chat rooms dedicated to the topic.

If you have a few favorite baby or parenting magazines, chances are that they offer baby websites as well where you can connect with others and find breastfeeding information and answers to your questions.

A lactation consultant can also answer your breast feeding questions and can even visit your home following the delivery of your baby to help you get started should you choose to breastfeed your baby. A lactation consultant is a breastfeeding specialist and is often associated with the local La Leche League in your community.

The La Leche League is a group of breastfeeding advocates who offer support and breastfeeding information for mothers. Contact your local La Leche chapter to get in touch with a lactation consultant in your area.

Breastfeeding information can be summoned with a few keystrokes, a trip to the local library or even with a telephone call to an experienced mother or lactation consultant. New parents can get breastfeeding information from a variety of sources to help them prepare for parenthood.

Breastfeeding information can help parents prepare intellectually and emotionally for the arrival of their little bundle of joy.

Keep it Pure and Simple by Breastfeeding Your Baby

noreply@blogger.com (Satriani) — Sun, 11 May 2008 06:00:02 PDT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some other things that make breastfeeding easier than bottle feeding;

1. It’s cheaper.

2. It’s a lot easier to clean your breasts than a whole stack of bottles.

3. Breast milk doesn’t leave permanent stains on clothes, unlike formula.

4. You can go anywhere, at anytime on the spur of the moment. You don’t have to worry about having enough formula.

5. You also travel light; no need to bring a bag full of bottles and formula

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

The Benefits of Breastfeeding

noreply@blogger.com (Satriani) — Sat, 10 May 2008 07:47:38 PDT

Once you have given birth, breastfeeding is the most important thing you can do to protect your baby and help promote good health. Best of all, breastfeeding is free.

In addition to saving money on HMR (replacement of human milk), breastfeeding may also help you keep your medical bills. Babies who are fed formula get sick more often and more seriously than babies who are breastfed They also have more ear infections, respiratory infections and other problems.

This may be even more true if your family has a history of allergies. When a baby is breast fed, antibodies transmitted from mother to child, helping to protect against illness and allergies. As the baby the system matures, his body begins to make its own antibodies, and it will be better able to manage the sensitivities of food.

The suction breast will also aid the development or jaw alignment and development of the cheekbone. For this reason, there is less need for expensive orthodontic work when the child gets older.

Contrary to the formula, breast milk is always ready, always available, convenient and always the right temperature for food. In addition, it contains all the vitamins and minerals your baby needs more and more, you save a lot of money.

Breast-feeding also provides many benefits for the mother as well. The baby sucking the breast because contractions right after birth, leading to less bleeding for the mother and helping her uterus to its shape before the pregnancy much faster.

Breastfeeding also burn calories, so a mother can lose weight much faster than if she fed her baby with a bottle. Breastfeeding also create a special bond with the mother and baby - which is one thing formula simply can not.

Getting Fathers Involved in Breastfeeding

noreply@blogger.com (Satriani) — Sat, 10 May 2008 07:47:12 PDT

Many fathers feel excluded parenting their children during the earliest stages of life. This feeling of exclusion and powerlessness is exacerbated by the mother breastfeeding her baby. Thus, a father can become more involved when it comes to feeding her baby? The answer is yes.

The number one thing a father can do to participate is to support the mother. Sometimes, both parents feel very tired when caring for newborns, the mother in particular. That is why it is so important for the father to support mother. So exactly how does a father to provide support? The most obvious thing to do is tasks: preparing meals, cleaning house, laundry etc. It can also help to take direct charge of the baby diaper changing, bathing and burbing. But the most important thing he can do is provide emotional support. To listen to what your partner is saying and tell him how he is happy with her as a mother. A new mother needs support at this time of life more than any other time.

A father can also get involved in feeding her child, even if the mother is breastfeeding. A mother can express her milk and store it for later use. The baby can then be fed mother's milk with a bottle at a later date. No reason why Dad can not do so. In fact, it can be a real benefit to the mother at night during these flows, then it can stay in bed and catch up on some sleep while dad does food.

Breastfeeding may be a 'selfish' activity for a mother. A large number of women who are breastfeeding, cherish the intimacy between mother and baby. Breastfeeding may be the most intimate experience for a woman, a physical link between two people where development is a one in the most fundamental. It is therefore understandable that some mothers are reluctant to hand feeding their babies to someone else, even if it is the child's father. But if the father feels a little left of things, then perhaps it is time to let the father bottle feed the baby with mother's milk expressed. The level of intimacy they feel when their baby food most of the fathers of surprises.

A patient to be father. At its first bottle starts to feed her child, it is bound to feel a little doubt about the best way of doing things. Show them how to hold the baby, how to soothe, how signs of notice when the baby is hungry and when it is satisfied. Soon, with a little gentle instruction, it will be baby food as good as mother. And it will probably talk with Mom on the little improvements that the baby is time to food.

A couple raising a child needs to address as a team effort. Sometimes, both mother and father do things and sometimes they exchange their roles. Flexibility is the key. When a parent feels too tired, or enough to take care baby, another step, allowing others a rest. This exchange and sharing of responsibilities may also include breastfeeding.

The Liberation of Bottle Feeding

noreply@blogger.com (Satriani) — Sat, 10 May 2008 07:48:03 PDT

Caring for a newborn child is a full-time job. A human baby is more powerless than almost all other mammals and diligence required by both parents is extremely high, especially the child's mother. A new mother may feel enslaved by her child. It May love for her child but she still wants - and must - a degree of independence. Bootle diet may help you.

After years of planning and nine months of waiting, much loved and wanted baby arrives. The feeling of joy that parents may feel the child's birth can not be truly appreciated by other parents. Many parents, especially mothers, look forward to the responsibility of caring for a baby. The degree of dependence on a baby on its mother is none. The mother has quite often depends totally and do not feel the simplest tasks of feeding, changing diapers, bathing and entertaining her child. In the long term, rewards are obvious to any parent who have grown children.

However, it does come a time when a mother feels completely enslaved by her baby. This enslavement is a natural feeling and is generally accepted. Accepted, with the exception of breastfeeding.

Unlike all the other tasks that the new mother must commit to taking care of her child, breastfeeding also requires a physical link between mother and child. And some mothers can begin to regret this kind of enslavement. In fact, some mothers may be feeling slightly conflicting requirements when their baby mama breasts. This feeling may be exacerbated if the mother suffers from a sore or cracked nipples. Telling a mother that "it does not receive the baby to latch properly" can leave his sense of failure and loneliness. Getting a sense of independence can often help mothers who feel like this. Nurser a child, rather than breast-feeding can help some mothers to get a degree of independence and to eliminate tensions felt to food.

When a bottle mother-son, the physical link remains. The mother can still cuddle and talk to her child because she eats. But the meaning of enslavement physical disappears - and any discomfort experienced mother May. The child is always the attention he wants and, despite what some say May, is the nutrition needs. When a mother is released from his physical enslavement, she relaxes and enjoys feeding her child. Her child will also be more relaxed if Mom is also flexible.

Not all mothers want to be released. Some are quite breastfeed their chid and does not feel physical sense slavery. But if you are a mother who feels enslaved and aspires to be released, then maybe you could try bottle-feeding. It May those around you who will try to convince you to keep breastfeeding. If they give you the support you need, maybe you will breastfeeding. But if you feel perhaps enslaved, it is time to find the release by the bottle.