How to Cope with Afterbirth Pains

You probably feel like you’ve already had more than your fair share of contractions for this month, so why are you experiencing even more when you breastfeed your baby? These contractions, known as afterbirth pains, may be uncomfortable, but they play an important role in helping your baby return to normal after the birth. During pregnancy, your uterus can go to 25 times its original size. The contractions are helping your uterus shrink back down after the birth.

Some moms don’t even notice them, but for those that do, the pains are usually pretty mild after a first baby. Afterbirth pains are typically worst for second-time moms and are thought to be more painful after each subsequent birth. It can take up to six weeks for your uterus to shrink back down to its pre-pregnancy size though most moms don’t feel cramps for that long. For the first couple of days, however, afterbirth pains can feel pretty intense.

The cramps are caused by the love hormone oxytocin, and many moms find the pains appear or worsen during breastfeeds. This is because breastfeeding stimulates oxytocin production, allowing you to bond with your baby, and this can kick start the contractions.

How to cope with afterbirth pains

  • go to the bathroom – a full bladder can restrict uterine contractions, and this can worsen the cramps. Be sure to empty your bladder frequently for the first few days after the birth as this could reduce any discomfort caused by afterbirth pains.
  • deep breathing – just as you used breathing techniques to deal with contraction pain during labor, you can rely on these to help you through afterbirth contractions as well.
  • apply gentle heat – if your healthcare provider gives you the ok, you can use heat to relieve discomfort during contractions. A warm compress or hot water bottle applied to the area can reduce the pain.
  • massage – gently massaging your lower abdomen may help to relieve some of the discomfort during contractions.
  • pain relief – if the above tips don’t help, over the counter pain medication may help to take the edge off. Speak to your pharmacist to find out which pain relief options are safe to take when breastfeeding.

When to seek help

If the pain is unbearable and doesn’t reduce after a few days, it could be a sign of an infection. Contact your healthcare provider for advice if you think this could be the case. Most women find that the contractions are less noticeable after just a few days, if yours aren’t, talk to your healthcare provider.

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

5 Ways to Relieve Breast Engorgement

If you’re currently reading this over a pair of ginormous boobs, you may be wondering how you can relieve breast engorgement. They might look pretty spectacular, but engorged breasts can be tender, sore and downright painful. When your milk comes in, your breasts can change overnight. All of a sudden, they’re huge and uncomfortable. If you’re not enjoying your surgery-free boob job, you can try the following tips to reduce engorgement:

  1. Wear a comfortable bra

As a new mother, comfort is probably quite high on your agenda. A soft nursing bra could be the answer to your problems. Underwired and unsupportive bras could be making matters worse, so invest in a decent nursing bra. Many moms find that sleeping in a nursing bra helps them to get comfortable at night. Don’t worry, the engorgement won’t last forever. As your supply adjusts to the needs of your baby, it will get easier. Until then, a decent nursing bra is your uniform.

  1. Breastfeed your baby

The best and most effective way to relieve breast engorgement is to feed your baby. Newborn babies feed regularly thanks to their tiny tummies. If your breasts feel uncomfortable, try offering your baby a feed. Massage your breast during feeds to help the flow of milk and encourage the breasts to empty effectively.

  1. Avoid formula milk and pacifiers

According to UNICEF, the use of pacifiers and formula milk can reduce the amount of time spent at the breast. Reducing the frequency of breastfeeding can lead to engorgement. It is important to offer your baby the breast regularly during those first few months of life.

  1. Express milk

If your baby isn’t hungry, expressing some milk may help to relieve your discomfort. You should be careful not to over pump because this could lead to an oversupply of milk. Instead, limit yourself to just 10 minutes of pumping or less. You can express milk by hand or with a breast pump. There are plenty of different pumps on the market, so you’ll need to play around with different ones until you find one you like. There are manual pumps and electric pumps, and you’ll need to see which type you prefer. You may be able to borrow a pump from a friend or hire one from your local breastfeeding support group. You don’t have to use an expensive pump, you can hand express to relieve some pressure. If you’re struggling to get the hang of hand expressing, try it in the shower, the warm water is thought to help.

  1. Use a cold compress

Using a cold compress between feeds can help. You can buy specialist breast compresses that can be easily kept in the fridge, or you can create your own by wrapping an ice pack in a blanket. Hold the compress to your breast for up to 20 minutes. Some moms use cabbage leaves as a cold compress. Simply tear off some leaves that have been chilled in the fridge and place directly in your bra for up to 20 minutes.

If the above tips don’t help, contact your local lactation consultant for advice. If you have flu-like symptoms and a fever you could be suffering from mastitis, contact your healthcare provider immediately if this is the case.

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Meconium: Baby’s First Poop

It may be an unfamiliar term, but meconium is the name given to your baby’s first poop. So why the fancy name for poop? After all, there is plenty more where that came from.

Meconium tends to be a little different from subsequent bowel movements. It is green, sticky and has a tar-like consistency. You may also notice, meconium does not smell bad. But don’t get too psyched about odorless poops. It’s only because meconium does not consist of digested food. Instead, it’s composed of mucus, bile and cells that have been shed from the intestinal tract.

When can you expect to see this tar-like poop? In the majority of cases, your baby will have his first bowel movement after birth within the first few days of his life. There is not any special care needed to deal with meconium, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

Since it is very dark, it may be a bit harder to wash out if it gets on cloths. But a presoak before washing clothes should do the trick.  Also, meconium is stickier than subsequent poops, so it may take a few extra wipes to clean your little one.

Keep in mind, the first few bowel movements containing meconium may be a very dark green or even appear black. Usually, most babies continue to pass meconium for the first day or two after birth. After that, it should be business as usually with your little one’s poops gradually turning yellow.

But don’t get too worried about the color. After meconium has completely passed, stool color may be everything from yellow to brown. If you notice your baby’s poop is red or white, it’s best to contact your pediatrician immediately.

Meconium Passage Before Birth

Did you know that in some cases babies pass meconium prior to birth? When this occurs, the meconium is excreted into the amniotic fluid. You may know this occurred because when your water breaks, your amniotic fluid may be a greenish color.

A baby is more likely to pass meconium prior to birth when they are several days past their due date. The main concern when meconium is present is that the baby will inhale it around the time of delivery, which can lead to breathing problems. When a baby inhales meconium it does not necessarily mean there will be complications.

Written by Mary Ann DePietro @ writerlady34

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

5 Things you Need to Know About Colostrum

Colostrum is the first milk you make for your baby and it is incredibly beneficial for your baby. You may not have heard much about this ‘liquid gold’ during your pregnancy, but it’s pretty amazing stuff. Your baby will benefit from receiving colostrum, so if you’re struggling with breastfeeding or feel like giving up, learning more about this amazing substance may give you the boost you need to keep going. Here are five amazing things you need to know about colostrum:

  1. You will produce it whether you breastfeed or not

Your body has been producing colostrum from as early as four months into the pregnancy. Whilst you’ve been busy growing your baby, your body has been busy preparing to nourish the baby after the birth. Some women leak colostrum from their nipples during pregnancy.

  1. It’s packed full of antibodies

Colostrum is high in antibodies, allowing your baby to receive some extra immunity from you after the birth. It’s also high in protein, making it a great source of nutrition for your newborn baby. Colostrum is lower in fats and sugars than breast milk, making it easier to digest. Newborn babies don’t need as many fats or sugars in their diet during the first few days of life, so colostrum is perfectly tailored to your baby’s needs.

  1. You might not know it’s there

Your breasts won’t feel full until your milk comes in, at this point you’ll feel more like Pamela Anderson than a new mom. Until then, however, your breasts are still producing and storing colostrum for your baby. You breasts may not feel engorged yet, but they are still full of colostrum to nourish your baby.

  1. Your baby doesn’t need much

Your baby’s first feed may be as little as 2 ml of colostrum, but that’s plenty for his tiny tummy. By the end of day three, he may be having as much as 60 ml in one feed. Some mothers worry that they’re not producing enough milk for their babies, but don’t worry, you don’t need to produce much colostrum to be able to fill that little tummy. The more you feed during the early days, the better this will be for your milk supply when it does come in.

  1. It won’t be there for long

Just a few days after the birth you will start producing breast milk. The suckling action of your baby at the breast during colostrum feeds will help to prepare your breasts for breast milk production. Most women find their milk comes in around day two or three, but around a quarter of women find it takes longer. You’ll probably know when your milk comes in, not least because the postman won’t know where to look when you answer the door. Your breasts may feel swollen, tender, engorged and tingly. You may leak milk between feeds as your body produces an excess of milk. You may also find that you feel particularly emotional around the time your milk comes in, many mothers report feeling ‘weepy’ (huge understatement).

Has your milk come in yet?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved. 

Vaginal Bleeding After Delivery; What’s Going on Down There?

Whether you enjoyed your pregnancy or were less than thrilled with your pregnancy symptoms, you have your little bundle of joy to show for it. You also get to say goodbye to the physical changes and challenges of pregnancy. But before you can return to your pre-pregnancy self, there are some post-partum symptoms you will have to deal with.

From your milk coming in, to your uterus contracting, there is a lot going on. For example, one symptom, which occurs after you give birth is lochia. Lochia is the vaginal discharge that occurs after you deliver.

You will have lochia even if you delivered via a C-section. Lochia consists of blood, mucus and small amounts of tissue from the uterus. The bleeding is heaviest for about the first ten days after giving birth. It tends to be dark red at first and will become pink, brown and eventually a yellowish-white discharge.

You may experience the discharge for several weeks after giving birth. Although it can vary, most women experience lochia for about two to four weeks. But the good news is the discharge gets lighter gradually. For example, after about a week, lochia may change to a light, watery, pink discharge. As it tapers off, some women may only have intermittent spotting for a few more weeks before it eventually stops.

Managing Lochia

There is no special management needed for lochia, but there are a few things to keep in mind. During the first few days after delivery when lochia is the heaviest, you’ll likely need a heavy duty sanitary pad. In order to prevent infection and irritation, make sure you change your pad at least every four hours if you had a perineal tear or an episiotomy. Tampons are a no-no since they can introduce bacteria and lead to an infection in your still recovering uterus.

In the first week after delivery, you may also want to skip wearing your favorite undies and outfits even if you fit into them immediately. Lochia can be pretty heavy in the first few days, and leaks are possible.

Also, give yourself permission to take it easy as you are recovering. Pregnancy and childbirth are not always a walk in the park. Doing too much too soon can increase discharge.

Keep in mind, just because you are experiencing vaginal bleeding, it does not mean you are protected from becoming pregnant. Ovulation is possible four weeks after birth. After you heal (in about four to six weeks), if you are up to having sex, be sure to use contraception to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.

How do I Know if There is a Problem?

In most cases, lochia occurs without complications and will gradually taper off. But there may be a problem if you are bleeding excessively. Excessive bleeding may be indicated by soaking a pad every hour or passing large clots. If you have excessive bleeding or pass large clots, always inform your healthcare provider.

If you have foul smelling lochia, chills or a fever, it can be a sign of an infection and requires medical attention. Don’t hesitate to call your healthcare provider if you think something may be wrong. It’s always better to be on the safe side.

Written by Mary Ann DePietro @ writerlady34

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Jaundice in a Healthy Newborn: Should I Worry?

You have just delivered your beautiful baby, and he is perfect in every way. So it may come as a surprise if your healthcare provider tells you your baby has jaundice. But jaundice does not mean anything is seriously wrong. In fact, newborn jaundice is so common, it occurs in about 60 percent of babies.

What is Jaundice?

Being told your newborn has even a minor medical condition can stress out any new parent. But understanding why jaundice occurs and how it is treated can help ease worries.

Jaundice is caused by elevated levels of an enzyme called bilirubin. Your body produces bilirubin as a result of the breakdown of red blood cells. Normally, bilirubin is eliminated by the liver. But in some cases, your baby’s liver is still learning how to do the job. Bilirubin may be produced faster than your baby’s still maturing liver can eliminate it. The enzyme can build up, and a few days after birth, your baby may develop jaundice.

Is Jaundice Serious?

In the vast majority of instances, newborn jaundice is nothing to worry about and resolves within a couple of weeks. In rare cases, levels of bilirubin can become dangerously high and lead to a complication called kernicterus.

Kernicterus can cause hearing loss, delayed development and vision problems. The good news is babies with high levels of bilirubin are usually treated before the condition becomes severe.

It’s normal to wonder if something you did or did not do during pregnancy led to your baby developing jaundice. Rest assured, there is nothing you could have done to prevent the condition.

Spotting Jaundice

If you had a hospital birth, your baby’s bilirubin levels were probably checked shortly after you delivered. But it’s important to understand, bilirubin levels often peak around five days after birth, so you may be discharged before symptoms develop.

Many pediatricians recommend a well-baby visit a couple of days after you and your baby are discharged from the hospital. At your first well-baby visit, your baby’s bilirubin levels may also be checked.

Parents may also be the first ones to recognize jaundice in their newborn. You’re probably spending a lot of time gazing at your little one and may be the first to notice a change in her coloring. A baby with jaundice will develop a yellow discoloration of their skin. At first it may just involve the face, but the yellowing may spread to the chest, stomach and legs. In some cases, the whites of the eyes will also become yellow.

If you think your baby may have jaundice, call your pediatrician. You can’t gauge how high your baby’s bilirubin is just by looking at her, so she needs to be evaluated by her pediatrician.

Treating Jaundice

In many cases, babies do not need treatment for jaundice. They’re just monitored to make sure levels decrease on their own. If treatment is needed, phototherapy usually is effective. Phototherapy involves placing your baby under special lights called bili lights. The light transforms bilirubin into a form, which can be eliminated easily through urine. Phototherapy is considered safe and usually does the trick to reducing bilirubin levels.

Written by Mary Ann DePietro @ writerlady34

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Simple Tips for Umbilical Cord Care

It supplied oxygen, nutrients and was the lifeline between you and your baby throughout your pregnancy. But once your little bundle makes her debut, she no longer needs the umbilical cord. After you deliver, the cord is clamped and snipped close to your baby’s body. What’s left is a small umbilical cord stump, which is connected to your baby’s navel.

Keeping the Cord Clean

This strange little stump attached to your baby may look a little intimidating, but umbilical cord care is actually quite simple. First, don’t be freaked out if the stump changes colors. While it typically starts out a blueish white, as it dries, it often changes colors and becomes black. In most cases, the stump shrinks, dries out and eventually falls off around two to three weeks after birth.

In the meantime, you just need to keep the area clean and dry and allow nature to take its course. For example, it’s best to stick to sponge baths instead of tub baths until the cord stump drops off. A sponge bath helps the cord stay dry, which may accelerate how fast it falls off.

In most cases, there is no special cleaning required. Doctors used to recommend cleaning the area with alcohol after diaper changes. But the American Academy of Pediatrics changed that recommendation since research indicates the cord falls off and heals faster if left alone.

If the area around the stump becomes dirty due to a diaper blowout, just wipe the area clean with mild baby soap and water. (If you’re not sure what a diaper blowout is; just wait.)

You’ll also want to avoid covering the cord stump. When you diaper your baby, fold the front of the diaper down to allow air to circulate, which helps dry out the base of the stump. Folding the diaper also prevents the cord from becoming soaked with pee. You can also buy diapers, which already have a cut out for the cord stump.

It’s a good idea to skip the onesies, which may irritate the area. Instead, dress your little one in a diaper and a t-shirt, which helps expose the cord to air and promotes healing.

Lastly, allow the cord stump to fall off naturally. The little bugger may be barely hanging on, but resist the urge to pull it off. Once the stump falls off, you may notice a few drops of blood on your baby’s diaper. A little blood is no biggie and considered normal. If the bleeding is any more than a few small drops, call your healthcare provider immediately.

Watch for Signs of Infection

In most cases, caring for the umbilical cord is pretty easy. But in rare instances, an infection can develop. Spotting signs of an infection quickly are important to keep your newborn healthy and happy.

If pus or a foul-smelling discharge is coming from the cord, contact your baby’s doctor right away. Also, if you notice the base of the cord is swollen and red, it may also indicate an infection.

An infected cord may be painful. If your little one cries when you touch the skin around the cord, it may be hurting her. Contact your baby’s doctor immediately if you suspect the cord is infected.

Written by Mary Ann DePietro @ writerlady34

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.