Archive for July, 2010

Breastfeeding – Importance and Tips

Importance

Parents across the world prefer bottle-feeding their babies over the highly beneficial breastfeeding. One of the most important reasons for their inability to breastfeed is their hectic schedule and changing lifestyle. As a parent, each one of us needs to know that a breastfed child is healthier than a bottle-fed child is. If you have a newborn baby, you need to give your baby proper nutrition care.

Generally, a mother feeds her child for one year. However, you can even find mother’s breastfeeding their babies for a few more months, after the completion of one year of breastfeeding. You need to breastfeed your child until he/she is not ready for consuming solid food. You cannot compare the human milk to any source of milk. You can find some companies launching products related to baby milk, but these products cannot even come close to the value of mother’s milk.

Human milk is capable of providing benefits such as immunological, nutrition and proper development. Numerous researchers across the world say that the babies who have never been breastfed are more prone to infections of ears, respiratory problems, diabetes and obesity.

A child with lower immune system has higher probability of contracting different diseases. Therefore, it becomes very essential for women to breastfeed their babies to provide him/her ability to fight the diseases. You can find numerous health programs that highlight the importance of breastfeeding of child through educational programs across different cities.

The reason for this is that breast milk contains immunologic agents and a wide range of compounds that assist the baby to fight against diseases, bacteria and viruses. It is clear that a breastfed child has excellent learning ability. Mothers can breastfeed their babies and by doing this they can curb their expenses on different products related to child nutrition care.

Tips on Breastfeeding:

Breastfeeding is the most essential thing for a new a born child. It helps the child to deal with various diseases. The following are few tips on breastfeeding:

• You need to place the baby near your breast at the earliest after his/her birth. Generally, you may perform this activity in the delivery room. You need to ensure that your practitioner does not have any problem, with you nursing the child in the delivery room.

• You may even find that babies tend to crawl from abdomen to breast for breastfeeding, just minutes after their birth. Doctor needs to give some amount of time for both the mother as well as the baby to understand each other. This sort of body contact may keep the child warm.

• You need to take help of some expert for learning different effective methods of breastfeeding. You need to take proper guidance from the nurse about child nutrition care and breastfeeding before leaving the hospital after the delivery.

• You may find that if the baby has been crying for some time, then he/she may refuse to come near breast even if starving. At that point of time, you need to be patient and do not force the child.

• You need to avoid putting any restrictions on the duration of breastfeeding. A baby does not require any breastfeeding for several hours if he/she drinks well. However, there are instances where babies ask for more breastfeeding within a matter of few hours. Once you find such a case, you need to understand that either he/she is not able to latch on properly or is not getting the required amount of milk.

• Try positioning yourself comfortably with a back support of pillows. You need to position the baby close to your body and the same time, try flexing his/her hips. This may assist the baby to easily come close to your nipple.

• Ensure that your breast does not press the baby’s chin. Otherwise, it may dissuade the baby from consuming milk.

• You need to avoid breastfeeding if you are having some pain. Detach the baby from your breast in a gentle way.

• It is very essential to bring the baby at the level of your breast. If you lean to breastfeed, you may get back pain or shoulder ache.

Learning proper tips for breastfeeding is very essential for proper and effective breastfeeding. How to stop breastfeeding is very important topic and it needs to be understood with utmost sincerity. The following are few steps to stop breastfeeding:

1. Initially, you need to start eliminating breastfeeding one time a day. You need to provide your child with a nipple shaped bottle, because he/she is acquainted with the shape of the nipple.

2. You need not confuse both yourself and your baby. If you start nursing baby at usual place, then at that point, do not insist the child to consume milk with the bottle. This may confuse the baby and may start crying, and you may have to give in for keeping him/her quiet.

3. You need to stay comfortable and ensure that you do not accumulate lots of milk in your breast. If you feel that, your breast is getting heavier, leaky or hard, then you can pump some milk or you can even breastfeed your child.

When To Start Eliminating Breastfeeding?

Experts call the process of stopping breastfeeding as weaning. Generally, it is up to the mother and baby to decide when to stop breastfeeding. As per the recommendations of World Health Organization (WHO), a child needs to be breastfed for six months and only then you can gradually reduce the breastfeeding and finally stop it.

There are instances where babies start digesting solid at an early age, but you can also find babies, who are very slow at this process. Your main goal needs to breastfed the child for six months.

Finally, after the completion of six months, it is up to you to decide whether to breastfeed your baby or not. If stopped, then you need to consider the above-mentioned ways to stop breastfeeding. A mother is the only person, who is aware of her baby’s needs and thus, she needs to take proper decision taking her personal as well as child’s health into consideration.

Baby Nutrition Care Tips With Ideas…

How to Induce Labor Naturally

The most difficult stage of the entire pregnancy is the advanced stage of pregnancy. During this stage, the pregnant women experiences pain, aches, frustration and exhaustion. However, with the help of a gynaecologist, one may use the different ways of inducing labor naturally. This article focuses on the ways to induce labor naturally.

Ways of Inducing Labor Naturally

Ways of inducing labor naturally are the best ways as it is safe and does not contain any side effects. They do cause any harm to the mother and to the child.

Following are the natural ways to induce labor:-

Walking:-In the advanced stages of pregnancy, walking induces labor due to gravitational force. In order to increase the pressure on the vaginal, some women are asked to climb the staircase. Walking also helps in speeding up the labor suggested by many health experts. In order to put pressure on the vaginal, stand in upright position. In order to start contractions, do pedalling using a stationary bike. Drink a lot of fluid in order to induce labor naturally.

Castor Oil:- Usage of Castor oil induces labor naturally and it is a Egyptian method. You may feel nauseous after using this oil, however it is recommended to take 60ml of dosage.

Herbs and Spices:- Avoid eating spicy food. Eating a lot of spicy food result in an upset stomach. Herbs which can be used in order to induce labor naturally are oregano and basil.

Tropical Fruit:-
Fruit such as kiwi, mango, papaya and pineapple contains enzymes in it which helps in inducing labor naturally.

Acupressure:- Pressuring certain sensitive parts of the body induce labor. Acupressure is the safest method which can be performed at home.

House Cleaning:-
Cleaning the house means involving yourself into squatting, bending and walking. Squatting is one of the best ways to stretch pelvic area. In order to start the labor process, you can lift things while cleaning the house.

Relaxation:- Warm water bath, meditation and yoga are some of the ways in which you can relax. Relaxation is one of the best ways to induce labor naturally.

It is always recommended to consult to doctor before you opt for any of the techniques in order to induce labor naturally.

Pregnancy

Do Children Outgrow Their Bedwetting Problem?

Children Bedwetting Problem. Your child may stop wetting as he grows older, even without treatment. The great majority of bedwetters stop gradually between ages eight and twelve. According to some researchers, about 15 percent of bedwetters stop by themselves each year. In general, you can expect an untreated child who wets at age five to [...]

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Baby Development Milestones

Watery Discharge During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, watery discharge is a matter of great concern for many pregnant women. However, experiencing watery discharge during pregnancy is very normal. During the later stages of pregnancy, watery discharge increases. Watery discharge is produced by the vagina which is very odorless or sticky fluid. During pregnancy the amount of watery discharge increases and it also becomes visible. This article focuses on the causes and how to deal with watery discharge during pregnancy.

Watery Discharge During Pregnancy – Causes

  • Increase in the estrogen
  • Flow of blood towards the vagina
  • Red color is visible in watery discharge.
  • Appearance of egg white in the water discharge.

Watery Discharge During Pregnancy – How to Deal

  • No medical treatment can cure watery discharge during pregnancy. However, one can maintain hygiene and cleanliness in order to prevent yourself from watery discharge.
  • You may use sanitary pads or panty liners in order to deal with watery discharge during pregnancy.
  • Avoid using tampons as it may annoy your private parts.
  • Keep your genital area clean and dry
  • Wipe your genital area from back to front.
  • Do not wear tight undergarments
  • Avoid using scented pads, feminine hygiene sprays and deodorant soaps as it may increase the risk of genital infection.
  • Wear cotton garments in order feel comfortable during water discharge.
  • Do not opt for douching as it may disturb the balance of vaginal flora.
  • Seek immediate medical help whenever required.

When to Call a Doctor?

  • After 28 weeks of pregnancy, if you observe excessive watery discharge, consult to doctor.
  • Experiencing discomfort in the genital regions such as burning, itching and tingling.
  • Change in the color an odor of watery discharge.
  • The color changes indicted premature delivery or vaginal infection.

During pregnancy, your body goes through a number of changes which are normal. All these changes are essential for the development of the fetus. You can always consult to doctor in case you are having any doubt.

Pregnancy

Over 10,000 Diapers Donated to HPP from Help A Mother Out

 

Help A Mother Out Founder Lisa Truong with a group of volunteers and supporters

As the saying goes, holy diapers batman! Over 10,000 of this basic baby essential was donated to HPP on June 30 by Help A Mother Out (HAMO), a nonprofit focused on improving the lives of mothers and families in need by coordinating a network of diaper donation drives throughout California. For over a year, HAMO has generously partnered with HPP through multiple diaper drives. The stellar organization has also donated gift baskets for our prenatal class baby showers, as well as new toiletry items for the Wellness Center.

“We need to have an HPP in every city!” exclaims HAMO Co-Founder & Executive Director Lisa Truong. “We’ve chosen to support and partner with HPP because it truly is a one-stop shop center that offers so many different services for families. HPP is not just about providing shelter for families; it is a holistic approach.”

HAMO’s own efforts are impacting organizations focused on alleviating family poverty and homelessness all over the state. Formed in the spring of 2009 in reaction to media reports about the effects of the economic crisis on young children, families, and mothers, co-founders Lisa Truong and Rachel Fudge reached out to San Francisco Bay Area shelters. They discovered that the number one need was diapers, which are not covered under social-safety net programs like WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Program) or food stamps. With an initial investment of 0, HAMO has mounted a campaign that has distributed thousands of diapers for families in need. Their success has inspired the creation of diaper bank drives nationwide from Chicago to Kansas City.

“HPP is so fortunate to have a friend like Lisa Truong and HAMO! Without their continued support, HPP would not have been able to provide this essential and costly item to our many mothers and families. A heartfelt thank you from all of us!” HPP Volunteer Coordinator Sharon Bechtol expressed.

Ditto Sharon! Thank you so much HAMO for your partnership and amazing work in our community!

Community Health Worker Alma Vasquez smiles in front of a stack of 10,000 diapers donated to HPP from Help a Mother Out (HAMO)

Homeless Prenatal Program

Types of Rashes During Pregnancy

It is very normal to experience rashes during pregnancy. However, the skin rashes during pregnancy are harmless for the mother as well as for the child. Rashes are caused due to stretching of the skin and hormonal changes. These rashes are very congenial for both the mother and the child, though they cause a lot of irritation and discomfort to a pregnant woman. This article focuses on the types of rashes during pregnancy.

Rashes During Pregnancy – Types

PUPPP:- PUPPP is referred as pruritic urticaria papules and plaques of pregnancy. One of the rashes observed during pregnancy is PUPPP. Out of hundred expected women, this rash affects only one expected woman. Within the stretch marks on the abdomen, this rash appears as a small elevated papules. It also lead to itching and can also spread to buttocks and arms. It never appears on the face and occurs after thirty-four weeks of pregnancy. It disappears after childbirth. In order to get rid of PUPPP, apply corticosteroids. It is absolutely harmless to both mother and child.

Prurigo of Pregnancy:- Prurigo of pregnancy causes itchiness and spots. It usually appear on arms and legs and on the upper trunks. However, it is rarely seen on buttocks and it appears on stretch marks. It usually occurs on last trimester of pregnancy. These rashes spread to the entire part of the body and vanishes within three weeks. You may take anti-histamine medication in order to get rid from prurigo of pregnancy.

Pruritic Folliculitis of Pregnancy:- Pruritic folliculitis of pregnancy is similar to PUPPP. It affects the trunk of the pregnant women. This type of rash is very rare.

Popular Dermatitis of Pregnancy:-
Popular dermatitis of pregnancy is caused due to hormonal imbalance. It usually occurs due to lower levels of cortisol and estrogen. Among three hundred pregnant women, it affects only one pregnant woman. It cause a lot of itchiness and reddish spot all over the body. It can appear at any trimester of pregnancy. However, it is not at all harmful to the mother and to the baby.

Rashes during pregnancy is completely harmless. In order to avoid complications, seek immediate medical help.

Pregnancy

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF A CHILD

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF A CHILD. To give the child a great start in life, you need to lay a healthy foundation in the first few years. Ensure that your child will be given proper nutrition, getting immunized and lots of tender loving care. Children are the hopes for the future, and they deserved the [...]

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Baby Development Milestones

Drying Up Breast Milk

Drying up breast milk is one of the common problems experienced by most breastfeeding mother. At times, a new mother avoid breastfeeding her child. However, there are various reasons behind a mother weaning her child from breast milk. This article focuses on the causes and tips of drying up breast milk.

Drying Up of Breast Milk

  • It is not important how long the mother has been breastfeeding the child when she is trying to dry up breast milk.
  • The procedure for drying up of breast milk after breastfeeding is the same throughout.
  • In order to dry up breast milk, the most important technique is to prevent the body from feeding. Do not dry up breast milk fast as it is not advisable.
  • Express minimal amount of milk. It will increase the supply of breast milk if your expressing excessive amount of milk. In order to dry up breast milk, make sure that there is no stimulation in your nipples otherwise it may reactivate milk production.
  • Do not use hot packs if your observe swelling and engorgement on your breast. It may increase the supply of milk.
  • Instead of applying hot pack, apply ice packs on the affected area. Do not place ice pack directly on your skin. Keep a towel between the ice pack and the skin.
  • You may take anti-inflammatory medicines in order to reduce the pain and discomfort.

Drying Up of Breast Milk – Tips

  • Cabbage leaves stops the production of breast milk. Place some cabbage leaves on your breasts for sometime. Replace the leaves only when it is wilt.
  • Drink a lot of water. Reducing water consumption results in dehydration.
  • Drink sage tea in order to dry up breast milk.
  • Wear snug fitting bra as it helps in drying up breast milk.

It is very important to observe your breasts when you are in the procedure of drying up breast milk. Always consult to doctor if you have any doubt regarding lactation. The whole process of drying up of breast milk takes about ten days.

Pregnancy

Food Allergies in Babies

Allergies occur in humans at frequent intervals and it has severe reactions on the body. The digestive system of a baby is very weak as compared to well-built adult. You may stress the immature system of the baby, if you start feeding him/her at very early stages of life. You need to prepare yourself for dealing with different types of allergies in your baby before introducing him/her to solid foods.

In recent years, there has been a rise in the awareness of various harmful effects of allergies in babies. Many researchers state that numerous babies across the world suffer from food allergies.

It is essential to know what allergy actually is, as this may enable us to prepare ourselves to fight against it effectively. Allergy means altered reaction and you may find an individual suffering from allergy experiencing headaches, vomiting, rashes and asthma. When we introduce solid foods to a baby, he/she can get an allergic reaction to any food item and this may result in diarrhea, crankiness and even slight ear infection and asthma.

There are certain cases, where you may require consulting a doctor, because certain symptoms are persistent and can have serious affects on the baby and toddler. If you withdraw the food, which your baby is allergenic to, the prolonged illness may cure within a matter of few days. There are instances, where it takes more than three weeks for the baby child to recuperate from the infection completely.

You need to have complete knowledge of the symptoms of allergies in babies. The immune system of a baby is responsible for highlighting different symptoms of allergy. The following are few symptoms of allergies in babies:

• Itchy mouth
• Rashes, eczema and hives
• Continuous crying
• Sneezing, coughing and running nose
• Sleeping disorder

In fact, many symptoms of allergies in babies require instant medical attention. You need to also know food that is highly responsible for allergies in child. Some foods that cause allergy in babies are cane, beet sugar, wheat, rye, oats, barley, maize, chocolate, fish and shellfish.

You need to also know that what you can to do to curtail the chances of your baby contracting the allergies. Here are two things that you can do for safeguarding your baby from allergies:

• You need to wait for at least six months before introducing solid foods to your baby, because babies are not capable of digesting solid foods at the initial stages. In addition, the mother needs to breastfeed the baby for at least six months.

• Follow the technique of 4 days wait when you desire to introduce a food of different variety to your baby. When you begin with introducing any new food item, make sure it does not cause any reaction to the baby. There are certain reactions that take a few days to show up. Therefore, you need to be patient before introducing any new food to the baby.

You need to have in-depth knowledge of the food item before introducing it to your baby. Ensure that you give ample time to your baby’s digestive system to develop for digesting solid foods.

Baby Nutrition Care Tips With Ideas…

Induce Lactation

There are number of children who do not belong to their respective mothers and their are various causes behind why a woman is not able to give birth. This may happen because a woman can suffer from hysterectomy or there can be several other reasons. However there are various ways in which a woman can induce lactation. This article focuses on the different ways of inducing lactation.

Induce Lactation

  • Milk produced by lactation is the same breast milk produced by a biological mother ten days after the delivery.
  • A mother is able to produce colostrum but she is not able to produce placental lactation.
  • Throughout the lactation process the amount of antibodies and immune factors remain the same.
  • Due to the increase of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy the breasts are not able to lactate. However, there are several ways in which one can induce lactation.


Ways of Inducing Lactation

Nipple Stimulation:-One of the ways to induce lactation without using any medication is nipple stimulation. It does not have any side effects. In order to stimulate milk production it is very necessary to increase prolactin secretions. You may stimulate your breasts on your own or you can ask your partner. Sucking of the nipples by your partner is the best method to stimulate your nipples. You may also give a hand massage to the breast along with nipples. In order to stimulate nipples you may also use breast pump.

Herbs:
- In order to induce lactation, there are some herbs which can help you. Herbs such as fenugreek, anise seed, blessed thistle, hops and fennel are some of the herbs which helps in inducing lactation. Consult to doctor before eating these herbs in order to induce lactation.

Medication:- There are several medications which can be used in order to induce lactation. These medications increases prolactin which is necessary for the lactation. You may also use birth control pills in order to induce lactation.

Warm Compress:-
Warm compresses such as heat lamp or sunlight helps to induce lactation. You may also take warm water bath in order to induce lactation. These methods will increase circulation in the milk ducts.

In order to induce lactation always remember the rule of demand and supply – more the demand for milk, more will be the supply. The best method to induce lactation is nipple stimulation.

Pregnancy