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Breastfeeding 101: Find The Perfect Breast Pump For You

Posted on 21 March 2010. Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Breast feeding is said to be the best nutritional choice for feeding your new newborn baby, but it also has proven health benefits for moms as well. You can lose that pregnancy weight quicker by breastfeeding because it burns extra calories and lowers your body fat content – without exercise! Breastfeeding also releases a hormone called oxytocin which will cause your uterus to contract and return to its normal size more rapidly. It reduces the amount of postpartum bleeding and also improves the storage of minerals in your bones which lowers the risk of osteoporosis. Breast feeding can also help in preventing ovarian and breast cancers. And of course, it’s a wonderful way to bond with your new baby.

So if you are a new mom, or mom-to-be who has chosen breast feeding instead of the prepared formula method, you are probably interested in using a breast pump. Breast pumps are especially great for moms who work outside the home or who can’t be available at every feeding time for their newborn. They come in several designs and the two options for usage are either manual or electric.

As in most situations, there are pros and cons each method. Following are some details on these two types of breast pumps to help you make an informed decision and prepare before you buy – or rent.

Manual pumps are preferred by lots of new moms who say that they appreciate the convenient size. They are simple to use because you control the suction manually. Hand pumps are also more affordable, lighter and quieter than electric pumps, and many new mothers say it is a more natural feeling – closer to how it feels when the baby is feeding directly from your breast.

For busier and working moms, an electric pump might be a better choice than the manual kind because they are much faster at pumping and some models even have the option to pump both breasts at the same time.

Breast pumps are widely available for purchase and you might also like to know that many hospitals offer the option of renting a top-of-line model directly from them. You’ll have to estimate the cost per day in comparison to the price you would pay if you purchased your own though to make sure that it will work out for you financially.

Being a new mom can have its share of challenges, so be nice to yourself and look for a breast pump that best suits your lifestyle. By comparison shopping online or polling some moms who have been though the experience, you’ll save yourself both time and effort that you’ll be able to share instead with your new bundle of joy.

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Advice On Buying Maternity Wear

Posted on 18 March 2010. Tags: , , ,

Just because you are 8 months pregnant with a stomach out to there, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t still care about your appearance. In fact, when you’re feeling hormonal and down in the dumps, a good shopping trip for stylish maternity wear may be exactly what you need.

General advice

The first instinct pregnant mothers have when shopping is to go directly for something that is large and baggy. Please avoid this as maternity clothing that is layered or has bold prints or horizontal stripes will only make you seem bigger. Everyone knows that black is slimming so if you want to appear smaller, go for maternity clothing in one solid color. Don’t compromise your style. If you find maternity clothing too plain, try going to plus size stores or shop at your usual haunts but buy a bigger size. This will allow you to go for styles that you would normally have preferred pre-pregnancy.

Maternity wear budget

Be careful with your budget though, as you have to remember you won’t be that big for that long! If you want to save money, borrow other people’s maternity clothing. Most mothers’ keep their maternity clothing in case of future pregnancies or as a keepsake and they’ll probably be happy to let their used maternity clothing be used by you. Or, you could try yard sales or consignment shops for a good bargain.

Shoes

If you are well into your pregnancy, you don’t want to buy high heels. Flat shoes or flip flops are the best way to go. If you must have heels in your shoe, try kitten heels as they are not that high and will be comfortable to wear.

Maternity formal wear

The best kind of formal wear won’t hide your shape. Be proud of your new pregnant shape and show it off. Formal wear for expectant mothers can be found in suits or dresses. The most common colors are black or midnight blue as it is one solid color that is slimming to all shapes. The best maternity dresses are empire cut, which means it is cut right under the bust, to provide maximum room for movement of your growing belly. Maternity suits are also alternative and very flattering to those who are four to five months pregnant.

Maternity swim wear

If you are only four to six months pregnant, you can probably get away with going to plus sized stores and purchasing larger swimsuits as maternity swim wear. In this way, you will get a greater range of swim wear to choose from without having to change your style. Maternity swim wear is not readily available all year round so make sure to head straight to your favorite maternity clothing store when the sun comes out if you’re planning a tropical holiday during the winter.

Whatever your shape or size, you are bound to find maternity wear for any occasion! Don’t just stick to the boring styles you often see in maternity stores; be inventive when mixing and matching to create your own maternity wear style!

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A Quick Guide On How To Get Pregnant

Posted on 18 March 2010. Tags: , , ,

Congratulations! So you’ve decided to take the big step into becoming a parent. While it is one of the most important things a person can do in their life, it is also the most challenging and the first challenge is conceiving. Many people assume that once they stop taking contraception they will immediately conceive. Our bodies are slightly more complicated than that and this guide on how to get pregnant will give you tips on the best methods and the timing to get pregnant.

First things first
The first thing you must do when you make the decision to have a baby is to visit your gynecologist. This is a vital step as you will need a German measles vaccination if you haven’t had one already, and to make sure you are receiving enough folic acid to prevent birth defects. The gynecologist will also answer any of your questions and will provide you with further tips on how to get pregnant.

When to do it
The best time is dependent on your ovulation cycle. Your ovulation period lasts six days – the first five days before and leading up to the sixth day in which you ovulate – and it’s during this time at which you are most fertile. Your ovulation period is usually midway between your menstrual cycles which for most women is about 14 days before their next period is due. This is usually the best time to get pregnant but if it doesn’t work for you, another tip is to wait until days 10 and 18 of your cycle (day 1 as the first day of your period) and have intercourse every other day during this time. This way, intercourse and ovulation are bound to coincide.

At-home ovulation kits
If you want to be more precise and exact, you can purchase an at-home ovulation prediction kit which uses your body temperature to determine whether you are ovulating. It is said that when you are ovulating, your body temperature increases by 0.8 degrees. These kits can give you warning from one to one and a half days in advance as to the best time to get pregnant.

How often?
A frequent concern for those whom want to know how to get pregnant is how often to try. It is a fact that the more frequently a man ejaculates, the lower his sperm count, becomes. So, those who are trying for a baby often have sex every few days to build this sperm count. However, this isn’t necessary. Even though the sperm count may be lower, it is still high enough for pregnancy to occur. The best tip is to make love when you want to. Remember that having a baby should be fun too, so try not to focus too much on how often and when. Of course those who are only having intercourse once a week will significantly lessen their chances.

Not working?
If after a month or two you are still not pregnant, don’t panic! If you were previously on the pill, it can take some time before your cycle is regularized which can delay the conception. It may also be harder for smokers to get pregnant so if you are a smoker, another tip on how to get pregnant is to decrease or stop smoking. If you are very seriously concerned about your inability to get pregnant and these tips on how to get pregnant have not helped, then you may want to consult a gynecologist.

Remember though that you should take your time and have fun! Don’t focus too much on the goal of how to get pregnant and you’ll be unexpectedly surprised.

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Simple Healthy Nutrition Tips for Expectant Mothers

Posted on 08 March 2010. Tags: , , , , , ,

You are beginning the joyful yet anxious journey to motherhood ñ you recently discovered that you are pregnant. Excellent prenatal nutrition is the best foundation for creating a holistically healthy baby. Follow the guidelines below for your own health and your baby’s optimal development ñ and encourage your husband to get on the healthy eating bandwagon as well!

FIRST TRIMESTER

1) Check with your obstetrician and pharmacist about all prescription medicines and over-the-counter medications that you are taking. Many prescription and over-the-counter medications should be avoided throughout the duration of your pregnancy.

2) Eliminate your consumption of alcohol, cigarettes, and recreational drugs.

3) Seek to eliminate, or at least dramatically reduce, your consumption of caffeine from all sources ñ coffee, tea, soda, chocolate and energy drinks.

4) Find a quality prenatal multi-vitamin/multi-mineral and take one every day.

5) Increase your daily intake of the following nutrients:

a) B Vitamins, especially:

  • Folic Acid
  • Biotin
  • Choline
  • B12 (take a supplement if you are a vegetarian)

Nutritional Sources of B Vitamins:
whole grains, salad greens, legumes, whole grain cereals, brown rice, soy beans

b) DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid important for baby’s cognitive development)
*Take a DHA supplement.
*Note: Although fish is a good source of DHA, there are many legitimate concerns about fish containing mercury and other toxins.

c) Vitamin D
Natural Sources of Vitamin D:
sunlight ñ 15 to 20 minutes of sun exposure/day; fortified dairy products

6) Be careful to stay hydrated. Drink six to eight refreshing glasses of water per day.

7) If you are suffering with nausea or have a reduced appetite, then make it your goal to eat smaller amounts of food on a more regular basis ñ such as six mini-meals instead of the traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner.

SECOND TRIMESTER

***Add 200 to 300 extra calories to your daily diet.***

1) Be careful to eat a healthy, balanced diet filled with fruit and vegetables to receive the vitamins and minerals your baby needs.

2) While adding the extra 200 to 300 calories, consider eating a mid-afternoon snack or a small snack before bedtime.

3) Ensure that you are getting adequate amounts of protein to support your baby’s muscle and organ growth. Eat plant protein (especially for vegetarians) and healthy low-fat animal protein.

4) Regulate your portion sizes to minimize your risk of gestational diabetes.

THIRD TRIMESTER

1) As your infant grows, your blood volumes increases, which means that your body requires more iron.

2) Healthy Iron Sources:
seeds, beans, rice, wheat bran, blackstrap molasses, apples, bananas, leafy greens

3) Increase iron absorption by combining iron-rich foods with foods containing Vitamin C, including: broccoli, kale, carrots, sweet potatoes, oranges, tomatoes

4) Concentrate on receiving ample supply of the following nutrients:

a) Calcium
Nutritional Sources of Calcium:
dairy products, tofu, fortified rice and soy milks, beans, molasses, seeds, cooked greens, dried figs

b) Zinc
Nutritional Sources of Zinc:
nuts, seeds, beans, dairy products, spinach, fortified cereals

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How to Have an Environmentally-Friendly Pregnancy

Posted on 07 March 2010. Tags: , , , , ,

The moment that you and your husband have been waiting for has finally arrived ñ you have recently discovered that you are pregnant! Congratulations! Since you seek to lead a green lifestyle, you and your husband are motivated to have an environmentally-friendly pregnancy. You understand that what is healthy for our planet is healthy for your baby, and you want to bring your baby into the world as peacefully and as eco-consciously as possible. Follow the following simple green tips to get you started.

Eat a Green Diet

1) Eat a healthy, balanced, plant-based diet.

2) Buy produce that is in season.

3) Buy fruit and vegetables from local farmers.

4) Purchase organic food.

5) Minimize or eliminate the animal products that you eat.

6) Select foods that have minimal packaging and are minimally processed.

7) Cook more meals at home instead of eating out or getting take-out.

Create an Green Nursery

1) Select a crib that is made from solid, sustainable wood that is treated with non-toxic paint or stain.

2) Purchase a natural mattress that is manufactured without any petrochemicals, such as wool or organic cotton mattresses.

3) Use natural fabrics for your baby’s sheets.

4) Wash all of your baby’s bedding with a natural, gentle baby detergent.

5) Select paints for your nursery that have low VOC’s (volatile organic compounds). VOC’s are emitted into the air as the paint dries, giving off chemicals and gases, and creating a strong smell.

6) Aim to paint your nursery long before the baby is born and open the bedroom windows to air the space out.

7) Purchase an air purifier for the nursery to get rid of household allergens, gases and chemicals.

8) As for flooring, a wood floor, with a non-toxic treatment, is best for your nursery.

9) If you wish to add an area rug for some extra color, choose one made from natural fibers, either wool or organic cotton.

10) Make a concerted effort to avoid carpeting in your nursery. Carpets hold in pollutants, mold, and dust mites. Many carpets also release harmful fumes.

11) Select a changing table made of solid, sustainable wood.

12) Decide upon using either cloth diapers or chlorine-free diapers.

Avoid using hair dyes until after your baby is born.

1) Embrace your natural beauty!

2) Hair dyes often contain lead and chemicals that disturb your hormones.

Avoid chemical dry cleaners.

1) Opt for an environmentally-friendly dry cleaner that does not use the toxic solvent “perc,” which may accumulate in fatty tissue and breast milk.

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