Could Breastfeeding be Healthier for Your Baby and You?

Breastfeeding is the natural way to feed your baby, but is it the healthiest? There are a number of health benefits to feeding your baby with breast milk, not just because it is packed with vital nutrients for your child’s development. It keeps their health in check and prevents them from catching illnesses, but it could also be good for you too. Studies show that it could lower your risk of postnatal depression and also prevent some cancers. Here are some of the main reasons why breastfeeding is the best way to nurture your baby, as well as helping you to stay healthy.

1 – You can increase the emotional bond

There is a distinct bonding experience between a mother and child during breastfeeding that can’t really be replicated. It strengthens that natural bond you have with your baby and also increases the closeness between you, both physically and emotionally. Getting your baby to latch on in the early stages can be difficult, but a nursing pillow can help with this.

2 – It can protect your baby from illness

Studies carried out by the World Health Organisation found that in children from around the globe, those who had been breastfed suffered from a reduced number of diseases, such as ear infections, stomach viruses and respiratory infections. The study also found that infants who have been breastfed early show a decreased risk of infant mortality between the ages of birth to one year.

3 – Helps you to lose weight

This is one for the mums – breastfeeding can help you lose your birth weight! This is because breastfeeding releases the hormone oxytocin which helps the woman’s abdomen shrink to its original size that it was before the pregnancy. It even helps you to burn 500 calories a day, helping you to shed those extra pounds you put on when you were carrying your baby.

4 – It increases intelligence

Research has found that there is a strong link between breastfeeding and your baby’s cognitive development. In children who breastfed for longer than six months, the IQ level was 3.8 points higher than a bottle-fed baby. There have also been studies which show that these children also have higher scores on reading and maths. This is thought to be connected to the emotional bond built up between mother and baby, which promotes intelligence.

5 – It lowers stress and the risk of postnatal depression

The breastfeeding technique could help improve the health of the mum as well as the baby, as studies have found that it can lower stress levels and reduce the risk of postnatal depression. This is because it releases hormones which promote a sense of calm and relaxation. Stress can lead to postnatal depression, so breastfeeding could help to reduce this risk.

6 – It may reduce cancer

Alongside the general health benefits to your baby’s health, it could also help to lower the risk of cancer in infants as well as you. Studies suggest that it could lower the chance of developing breast and ovarian cancers, and the longer the women breastfed for, the lower their risk was.

7 – It offers great savings to you and the environment

One of the main blessings to breastfeeding, aside from those to you and your baby’s health, is that it’s free! Formula and bottles add up and can be expensive, so breastfeeding is a great and natural solution to what to feed your baby. It’s also the best way to ensure your child gets all the nutrients they need to stay healthy.

Categories: Baby, Breastfeeding, emotional bond, health, Health Benefits, Postnatal Depression, risk, stay healthy, studies, Women

Breastfeeding Basics: 5 Tips to Getting Your Baby Started

Breastfeeding is the most natural way for a mother to bond with her newborn baby. Because breastfeeding is a natural bonding method, it doesn’t take long for both mother and baby to develop a daily feeding routine.

 

If you are a new mother and this is your first time breastfeeding, then prepare for the many benefits both you and your baby will experience. One of the benefits is health.

 

According to the U.S. Department of Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health (OWH), breast milk carries the nutrients and antibodies that protects your baby’s body. Breast milk also reduces your baby’s risk of asthma, respiratory infections, Type 2 diabetes, ear infections and diarrhea, all common illnesses experienced by formula-fed babies.

 

As for mothers, the OWH has found that breastfeeding reduces a woman’s risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and postpartum depression.

 

How to breastfeed

 

1. Get into a comfortable position. If there’s one thing you don’t want to do, it’s stress out while your feeding your baby. So, relax; sit back or lie back. Find the position that best works for you. In whatever position is comfortable for you, it’s important that your back is supported. Place a breast feeding pillow or cushions near you to help you and your baby feel comfortable.

 

2. Getting your baby into position. Put your baby’s hands at his side. Tilt your baby’s head back (if he’s not already lying on a breast-feeding pillow). You can do this by cradling his head with your hand or holding him by his shoulders with your palm and having your thumb and index finger behind his ears.

 

3. Preparing to latch. Bring your baby to your breast. With his lips on your nipple, your baby should respond by opening his mouth. His chin and bottom lip should touch your breast. Guide his bottom lip away from the base of your nipple so that he can draw in as much of your breast as possible.

 

4. Latching on. When your nipple lands in the back of your baby’s mouth, your baby will work his tongue under your breast to activate the milk ducts. Once the milk begins to flow, keep your breast as still as possible.

 

5. Baby knows when to stop. When your baby’s jaws start slowing down and eventually stop moving, that’s a sure sign that he has had enough milk. When he’s done, lift your breast and your baby should let go, if he has not done so already.

 

When first learning how to breastfeed, you may have to make adjustments during the process to make sure that your baby has latched on correctly and is getting the amount of milk he needs.

 

If you need more help in breastfeeding, feel free to ask for help. Contact your doctor’s office or a midwife center in your area.

 

Mother of four, writer Melanie Fleury has breastfed all her children for various amounts of time. She found that, for her, the key to breastfeeding was to get into a comfortable position before latching her baby on. A good breast feeding pillow was often the key to getting that proper positioning.

 

 

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/motheringtouch/5204672889/

Categories: Baby, Breast, Breast Feeding, breast milk, Breastfeeding, comfortable position, feeding pillow, latching on, milk, nbsp

Myth or Facts: The Truth About Breastfeeding

There is much confusion for new mothers when it comes to breastfeeding. From health care workers and hospital staff to friends and family, everyone seems to have an opinion. Below is some information concerning common myths that have been dispelled so that mothers can better understand the benefits and make an informed decision concerning nursing their baby.

1. Formula is as nutritious as human milk – It cannot be overemphasised how much better human milk is over formula. No formula possesses all of the essential nutrients and antibodies that human milk has. These nutrients are critical to the physical, mental and emotional development of the baby. For instance, colostrum is the first food for newborns and contains rich nutrients that are concentrated to help the baby pass its first stools. Human milk also contains growth factors while formula has bovine factors. Also, human milk changes as babies grow to meet their changing needs. Since human milk is about 87 percent water, there is no need to provide the baby with additional water.

2. Breastfeeding is uncomfortable – Breastfeeding is not supposed to be painful. Should it hurt, this could be because the baby’s jaws are not correctly positioned. Babies ought not to have to turn their heads to feed. A nursing pillow can be used to properly position the baby so that both infant and mother are as comfortable as possible. It is also a handy travel device, making breastfeeding away from home easier. Additionally, it can be used in a similar fashion as a seat to prop the baby. Mothers can choose products like the Mombo nursing pillows with a variety of features, or something as simple as an actual bed pillow. Regardless of the choice, it can provide ample comfort.

In addition, some mothers might experience nipple cracking in the first few days or until this sensitive area toughens up a bit. However, an application of breast milk to the affected area is the most natural cure for chaffing and cracks. Allowing the applied breast milk to air dry generally does the trick.

3. Formula fed babies usually sleep better – There is no scientific fact that shows that babies on formula sleep more soundly. The fact is that they may sleep longer since formula is much harder to digest than human milk. However, when nursing a baby, it is much better for the baby to feed every few hours rather than overloading their systems which interferes with their digestion.

4. Nursing babies should not have an occasional bottle or they could stop wanting to feed – By instinct, babies actually know the difference between sucking a nipple and suckling at the breast. The difference rarely confuses babies according to experts. There may be times when it is necessary for a mother to be away during a regular feeding. This is when using a bottle containing expressed breast milk is advisable. A mother can experiment with this before actually having another person feed the baby in her absence.

5. Breastfeeding is tiresome and makes it harder for a woman to return to work – First, mothers can use aids to help keep them from becoming fatigued. For instance, propping the legs and sitting in comfortable chairs or well supported bed helps very much. Many women return to work or school and continue to breastfeed. They usually breastfeed exclusively while on maternity leave and then pump or express milk when they are separated.

Contrary to what some may believe, health care providers are not always very knowledgeable about breastfeeding. This is because the practical aspects of nursing are not always included within the course of their medical training. Therefore, women can learn about how to breastfeed successfully through useful books, by attending classes and joining support groups such as La Leche League.

Jamica Bell is a freelance writer and breastfeeding advocate and contributes this article as a meaningful way to equip new mothers. Bright Starts’ Comfort and Harmony line provides the Mombo nursing pillows for the express enjoyment of breastfeeding mothers and their infants. It’s vibrating feature, two sided surface, and unique designs make it a crucial support for Mommies and babies.

Categories: babies, Breastfeeding, truth

Special considerations

Clopidogrel may not be suitable to take if you have certain health conditions.

When to avoid clopidogrel

Clopidogrel should not be taken if you have:

• an active (bleeding) peptic ulcer


• recently had a brain haemorrhage


• haemophilia or any other bleeding disorder

Clopidogrel must not be given to anyone under 16 years old, unless under specialist advice.

Using clopidogrel with caution

Clopidogrel should be taken with caution if you:

• have liver problems


• have kidney problems


• are at risk of bleeding, for example, if you are at risk of peptic ulcers

Tell your GP if you have had an allergic reaction to any medications before taking clopidogrel.

Some people are advised to stop taking clopidogrel seven days before a planned operation or dental extraction (removal of a tooth). This should always be on the advice of your doctor or surgeon.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Clopidogrel is not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because there is very little information on its use in pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Special considerations

Categories: bleeding, Breastfeeding, caution, clopidogrel, peptic

Things to consider when using antifungal medicines

Before you take antifungals there are a number of things you should discuss with your GP.

Allergies

You are generally advised not to take an antifungal medicine if you are allergic to the medicine or any of the ingredients used in it.

In some cases, such as when treating invasive fungal infections in hospital, your doctors may feel the benefit of the medicine outweighs the risk of an allergic reaction. They may decide to use the medicine and monitor you closely.

Other conditions

Be careful with some oral antifungals if you have problems with your heart, liver or kidneys.

Discuss your condition with your GP or pharmacist to find out which antifungal medicines are safe for you to use.

Topical antifungals

If you are using a topical antifungal medicine, such as a cream, avoid it coming into contact with:

• your eyes


• moist linings (mucous membranes), for example, inside your nose or mouth (unless it is a gel that is supposed to be used in your mouth)

Contraceptives

Some antifungal medicines are designed to be used on a man’s penis or in or around a woman’s vagina. Antifungal creams or vaginal suppositories (pessaries) are sometimes used to treat thrush.

However, these types of antifungal medicines can damage latex condoms and diaphragms, making them less effective. Use a different method of contraception while you are using the antifungal medicine, or avoid having sex.

Some types of antifungal medicines can also interact with oestrogens and progestogens, which are found in some types of hormonal contraceptives, such as the combined contraceptive pill. You may experience some breakthrough bleeding while taking your antifungal medicine, but your contraceptive protection should not be affected.

Only oral antifungal medicines interact with oestrogens.

Pregnancy

Many antifungal medicines are not suitable to take during pregnancy. Check the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine to find out.

However, if you have vaginal thrush during pregnancy, your GP may prescribe an antifungal suppository that can be inserted into your vagina (a pessary) or an antifungal cream.

Breastfeeding

Small amounts of some medicines can pass into your breast milk and may then be passed on to your baby if you are breastfeeding. Check the patient information leaflet that comes with your antifungal medicine, as many medicines should not be taken while breastfeeding.

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Things to consider when using antifungal medicines

Categories: antifungal, antifungal medicine, antifungal medicines, Breastfeeding, information leaflet, medicine, medicines, patient information