“Ten fingers and ten toes!” You most likely heard those words yourself shortly after your little one was born. Next to announcing a baby as being a boy or girl, the finger and toe count is usually right up there on the list of things doctors and nurses gleefully exclaim at a healthy delivery. And if they don’t, Mom or Dad will as soon as they have that baby in their arms. Because it’s just what you do… you count the fingers and toes.

What might take a little longer to pick up on is if your baby has an extra bit of skin elsewhere. We’ve all heard the expression “tongue-tied,” referring to those times when nerves or anxiety may have you stumbling over your words. But what you probably don’t realize is that the expression itself comes from an actual condition.

It is estimated that 4 to 11 percent of newborns have a birth defect known as being “tongue-tied.” Basically, that means the skin under their tongue, known as the “lingual frenulum,” is thicker, tighter, and may extend further than it would in a baby without this defect. The result is a tongue that is “tied” more tightly to the bottom of the mouth, preventing as much freedom and movement as there might otherwise be.

If you work with a lactation specialist, he or she may be the first to notice your baby’s condition. That’s because being tongue tied can make it harder for a little one to latch properly, in some cases making breastfeeding very difficult and more painful for Mom than it should be.

The good news is, not all tongue-tie cases are so severe. In fact, some children may grow into adults with only an inability to whistle to show for being tongue-tied.

But for those whose feeding is severely restricted, or who grow to have speech issues because of their tongue-tie, a procedure known as a tongue-tie division may be necessary. In infancy, this procedure can be completed without anesthetics or anesthesia. In fact, some babies will sleep right through it as a doctor uses sterile scissors to make a quick snip through the extra skin. They are able to eat immediately afterwards and are fully healed within two days.

For older children and adults, the procedure may be more involved, requiring general anesthesia and stitches. This is most likely to take place if the tongue tie causes enduring issues with speech and eating.

If you have questions or concerns about your baby’s tongue tie, don’t hesitate to talk to your pediatrician. In most cases, this is an easy fix and your baby won’t even remember having had that extra bit of skin at birth!

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

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.

Picture for a minute what sleep positions you default to at night. Are you someone who curls up in the fetal position? Do you like to sprawl out and take up most of the bed? Are you the little or big spoon in your relationship? And have you ever been accused of stealing the covers and kicking in your sleep?

Okay, that last one was mostly just for fun—it really has nothing at all to do with how you put your baby to sleep. But surely those questions got you thinking about how you’re most comfortable sleeping, which may have you reflecting on your baby’s sleep positions as well. Should you just let him or her curl into whatever position is comfortable? Or is it your job to make those decisions for your little one?

In the beginning, the first several months at least, that choice is all on you; your baby has very little control over how he or she sleeps. But the way you position them can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Back is best, which means that no matter what your parents say about how you slept as an infant (they probably put you on your stomach, but we know more now), your little one will be safest if you put him or her on their back to rest. Not on their stomach or side; remember, back is best.

Now, as they get a little older, babies will start shifting and moving themselves into the sleep positions they prefer. Once rolling starts up, there is only so much you can do to keep them on their backs. But you can follow these other tips to keep the risk of SIDS down.

1. Put Out the Cigarettes: Smoking during pregnancy puts your baby at a three times greater risk of SIDS, and smoking around your infant can be just as damaging. So if you haven’t quit yet, now is a great time to start working towards that goal!
2. Keep the Bedding Safe: Sure, bumpers, stuffed animals, and big, frilly blankets all look great in a crib—but they aren’t safe. Keep bedding simple and tight; nothing that your little one could get wound up in or suffocate as a result of. Sleep sacks are a great alternative to blankets for keeping your baby both warm and safe.
3. Breastfeed: Breastfed babies appear to have a 50 percent reduced risk of SIDS.
4. The right mattress: Don’t use mattresses made from foam rubber or memory foam.

Don’t buy products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS, such as wedges, home heart or breathing monitors. Research shows that these monitors that claim to be able to detect SIDS and other life-threatening events are not effective at detecting or reducing SIDS. Only use them when prescribed by healthcare providers.

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

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 informational basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Your breasts may have been achy since the day you found out you were pregnant. Now that you had your baby and your milk came in, it may be more of the same; swollen, sore breasts. But how do you know when painful breasts are more than typical postpartum aches?

Mastitis occurs when breast tissue becomes inflamed and painful. It can develop due to an infection or from a blocked duct. An infection can occur when bacteria from your baby’s mouth enters your body through a cracked nipple. Mastitis from a blocked milk duct may develop if there is a build-up of milk. It can occur if your breasts do not empty fully during feedings.

Up to about 1 in 10 women who breastfeed develop mastitis. Although mastitis can develop anytime during breastfeeding, it’s more common during the first month after you deliver.

Symptoms of Mastitis

One of the first symptoms of mastitis is feeling a little rundown. In fact, you may feel flu-like symptoms several hours before you notice breast changes. Mastitis often only affects one breast not two, and additional symptoms include breast swelling and tenderness.

You may also notice a small, hard lump that hurts when you touch it. The affected breast may be red and warm to the touch. Fever and chills may also occur in some women with mastitis.

It’s important to contact your healthcare provider if you think you have mastitis. It is usually treated easily without an interruption in breastfeeding. In most cases, mastitis clears up in a few days.

How do I Treat Mastitis?

If you have mastitis, you might wonder if it’s OK to continue to breastfeed. Rest assured, breastfeeding is still recommended while you have mastitis. In fact, frequent emptying of your breasts may help clear the inflammation.

In some instances, your health care provider may prescribe antibiotics. Although medication prescribed may enter your breastmilk, in most cases, antibiotics used to treat mastitis are not harmful to your baby. But speak to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Mastitis can make breastfeeding somewhat painful. But it’s important to continue to keep milk flowing and prevent a buildup. Applying a warm compress to your sore breast a few minutes before you breastfeed may help reduce discomfort. In addition, applying cold packs for about twenty minutes at a time on and off throughout the day may decrease discomfort. Talk to your doctor about taking over the counter anti-inflammatory medication, which may also reduce pain.

There are a few things you can do to decrease your chances of developing mastitis in the future. For example, make sure your baby is latching on correctly during each feeding. Also, it may help to vary breastfeeding positions from one feeding to another to promote complete emptying of the breasts. If your baby does not empty each breast while feeding, use a pump to express leftover milk. Don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor or a lactation consultant if you have any breastfeeding concerns.

Other notes

If you have a red sore, don’t automatically assume it’s Mastitis. If your symptoms don’t go away with antibiotics, you should follow up with your doctor. Trust your gut, especially when it comes to your health. It can be so easy to fall into such a pattern of taking care of everyone else that you forget to pay attention to what is going on with your own body.
You can read Heidi’s story here: Inflammatory Breast Cancer: What You Need to Know

Written by MaryAnn 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.

From grandparents to friends, everyone around you is excited about the birth of your baby. You love your baby and expected to feel nothing but joy. So you may be surprised to find yourself feeling a bit down or maybe even worse.

According to research, up to 80 percent of women experience the baby blues a few days after they give birth. Symptoms may include moodiness, trouble sleeping and feeling weepy. Usually, symptoms of the baby blues go away in a few weeks.

But some women experience more severe symptoms known as postnatal depression. At first it can be difficult to distinguish between the baby blues and postnatal depression.  But symptoms of postnatal depression tend to be more severe, and they often last longer than a few weeks. It is estimated that about ten percent of women experience postnatal depression.

Symptoms of postnatal depression may include:

• Depressed mood
• Excessive crying
• Withdrawing from loved ones
• Panic attacks
• Intense irritability or mood swings
• Loss of interest in activities
• Trouble concentrating
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

Am I at Risk for Postnatal Depression?

Postnatal depression may develop due to a combination of factors. For instance, hormonal changes occur after you have your baby. When levels of estrogen or progesterone drop, so can your mood. Also, caring for a newborn is a lot of work. No matter how much you love your baby, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Add sleep deprivation into the mix and you can see how emotional issues can develop.

Although any woman can develop postnatal depression after giving birth, there are a few things that increase your chances. Risk factors include having a difficult pregnancy, relationship problems and a weak support system.

Help for Postnatal Depression

Some women hesitate to seek help if they feel depressed after giving birth. They may feel ashamed or guilty. But postnatal depression is not anything to feel embarrassed about, and it does not mean you are a bad mommy. If you think you may have postnatal depression, talk to your doctor.

There are lifestyle changes, which can help. For example, although it can be a challenge, make time for yourself. Eat well and slowly ease back into exercise with your doctor’s OK. Also, make sleep a priority. Have someone watch your little one so you can rest, and nap when your baby naps. Having support can also make a big difference. Consider sharing your feelings with your partner. Join a support group for new moms.

Professional treatment is also recommended in some cases. Talk therapy is sometimes used to treat postnatal depression. Antidepressants may also be an option in some instances. But be sure to only take antidepressants with your doctors consent.

Post-natal depression left untreated can interfere with your ability to bond with your baby. Keep in mind, the best way to take good care of your little one, is also to take care of yourself.

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.

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural things in the world, but that doesn’t mean it comes naturally to all moms. Breastfeeding is a skill you need to learn, and it won’t always be easy. It may take you a while to get the hang of it, but once you know what you’re doing, breastfeeding will be second nature to both you and your baby.

Sore nipples are one of the most common complaints from new moms. Your nipples may be sore, cracked and bleeding. It’s not pleasant and it can leave you dreading the next feed, but don’t worry, you can get through this. This breastfeeding barrier can be overcome with a little bit of determination, some good information and help of breastfeeding support.

What causes cracked nipples

Just as you’ve been thrown in at the deep end with this whole parenting malarky, so too have your nipples. They weren’t gently eased into breastfeeding, instead they went from 0 to 60 without so much as a rest. Newborn babies have small tummies and breastfeed frequently to make sure they get enough food. This means your poor nipples are suddenly in constant use.

You and your baby are both new to this whole breastfeeding thing, and there is a learning curve involved in mastering the technique. There are a number of problems that can cause sore nipples including an improper latch, poor positioning and tongue tie.

Seeking help

Most women will experience tender nipples as they adjust to life as a breastfeeding mother. If your nipples are sore, cracked or bleeding, however, there’s probably a problem. Don’t worry, it doesn’t mean you need to stop breastfeeding, just that you might need a little support to get your breastfeeding journey off to a good start. Pop along to your local breastfeeding support group, make an appointment to see the lactation consultant at your local hospital, or call a breastfeeding support helpline for advice.

In the meantime, try the following tips to allow your nipples time to heal:

• breastfeed from the affected side last – babies often feed from both breasts during one feed, but are often gentler with the second breast. If one nipple is suffering, offer your first feed from the other breast.
• allow your baby to self-latch – instead of trying to latch your baby onto your breast, let him do some of the work. Recline in a comfortable position, and enjoy some skin-to-skin time with your baby on your tummy. Your baby may find his own way to the breast and even latch himself on.
• experiment with different breastfeeding positions – you may find breastfeeding more comfortable in certain positions so experiment with how you hold your baby during feeds to see if this helps.
• air your nipples – air plays an important role in helping your body to heal. Try to enjoy some bra-free time to expose your nipples to the air and encourage healing.
• hand express – if you are unable to breastfeed from one side temporarily because of the pain, gently hand express to relieve engorgement and prevent mastitis.
• apply breast milk or cream – there are creams you can buy to encourage healing, these can be applied between feeds. You could also try expressing a little bit of breast milk and applying that to your nipples to encourage healing.

Are you suffering from sore nipples, and if so, do you have any self-care tips to share with other moms?

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.

Your little bundle may have weighed seven or eight pounds when he was born. But don’t be surprised if he loses a little bit of weight within the first week or two. Your baby is supposed to gain weight. Right? So is weight loss after birth something to be concerned about?

It’s fairly common for babies to lose weight within their first week or so of life. When you took your baby for his well-baby visit at one week, you might have been told he lost a little weight. A weight loss of five to ten percent is common. Formula fed babies tend to lose a little less than breastfed babies.

There are a few reasons why your baby’s weight may have taken a downturn at first. When you were in labor, you may have been given fluids intravenously. Your baby could have also retained some of the fluid, which made her weight at birth a few ounces more. But over the next several days, your baby starts regulating her fluid balance and may lose a little weight.

Plus, newborns typically don’t eat a lot during their first few days, so your baby may not have gained anything the first week or so. But by your two-week well-baby visit, your baby may have gained what he lost and have returned to his birth weight or beyond. A healthy baby regains weight within 10-12 days and will be back to his birth weight. But don’t panic if it takes your little one a bit longer to gain the weight back. It does not necessarily mean he is not getting enough nutrients.

One way to determine if your baby is getting enough milk is by counting his wet and poopy diapers. If you are breastfeeding, seven to ten wet diapers a day and four or five poopy ones are a good gauge that your little one is taking in enough milk. As always, if you have any concerns that your baby is not getting enough milk or is losing weight, talk to your pediatrician.

So once your baby is back up to his weight at birth, what can you expect? A weight gain of about six to eight ounces a week for the first month is typical. From age one to four months of age, a one and half to two-pound weight gain a month is average. By about six months, your baby may have doubled his birthweight.

Keep in mind, babies don’t always gain weight according to the textbooks. The amount of weight your little one gains each month may vary depending on how much he is fed and whether you are breastfeeding or formula feeding. Genetics may also play a role in how fast he puts on the pounds.

Written by MaryAnn 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.

Newborn babies are pretty amazing, yours in particular, right? It can be pretty hard to believe that the baby in front of you was snuggled up happily in your belly just a few short weeks ago. You’ve probably already lost hours just staring in wonder at your baby’s perfect little fingernails, eyelashes and lips.

Your baby was born with the ability to recognise your scent, latch onto your breast for feeds and communicate her needs. Newborns are undeniably talented, so it’s no wonder you feel totally overwhelmed with love and amazement for the little lady in your arms.

Babies are born with a set of survival skills to ensure the world is a little bit safer for her during those first few months of life. Though she is completely and utterly dependent on you, these nine newborn reflexes exist to keep her safe and sound. These newborn reflexes will disappear in just a few short months, but you may notice them in these early days of parenthood.

1. The rooting reflex

This important reflex enables your baby to find food. If you stroke your baby’s cheek, you’ll notice she opens her mouth wide and begins moving her head from side to side to search for a breast. You can utilize this reflex to teach your baby how to latch on during feeds.

2. The sucking reflex

Your baby is hardwired to feed because that’s how she’ll grow and develop. When something touches the roof of her mouth, your baby will instinctively start to suck.

3. The startling reflex

This one may make your baby seem a little on edge, but it’s a totally natural reflex. If your baby is startled by a loud noise or movement, she will instinctively throw back her head and extend her limbs making her look a little startled. She may even be startled by the sound of her own cry (join the club, baby).

4. The tonic neck reflex

This one should probably be known as the superhero reflex. When your baby’s head is turned to one side, she will instinctively raise that arm above her head and bend the opposite arm at the elbow. This will almost certainly make her look like Superbaby about to take flight to rid the world of evil villains.

5. The stepping reflex

When the soles of your baby’s feet touch a hard surface, she will instinctively make a stepping-like action with her feet.

6. The grasp reflex

If you place your finger in your baby’s open palm, she will instinctively grab your finger. You might be impressed at just how strong her grip is, good luck getting your finger back! Not that you’ll want it back, you’ll be too busy posting a photo of the heartwarming moment to Instagram.

7. The Babinski reflex

If you firmly stroke the bottom of your baby’s foot, her toes will splay outwards.

8. The righting reflex

If you drop a light blanket over your baby’s face, she will instinctively shake her head from side to side and flail her arms until it falls off. This reflex exists to help your baby protect herself.

9. Tongue-thrust reflex

If a foreign object enters your baby’s mouth, she will automatically push the tip of her tongue out to remove the object. It is thought that this reflex exists to reduce the risk of choking by preventing foreign objects from entering your baby’s mouth.

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.