Preparing for Breastfeeding: How much milk will my newborn need?

Did you know at birth your baby’s stomach is the size of a chickpea? By day three, it’s about the size of a walnut, and not until day 10 is it as big as a golf ball. This small stomach size equals small stomach capacity – tiny tummies can’t hold much at once. The good news is that if you’re breastfeeding, your body has made your milk in just the right quantity for a growing baby’s stomach size.

Think of colostrum – your first milk – in teaspoons rather than ounces. It’s just the right amount for baby’s little belly. The nutrients in colostrum are perfect for a newborn, too. Colostrum is low in fat, and high in carbohydrates and protein. The antibodies in colostrum act as your baby’s first vaccine – they keep your baby healthy as his immune system is developing. Colostrum is easy for your baby to digest, and has a laxative effect to help prevent jaundice.

Because breastmilk so easy to digest, babies need to nurse often. Newborn babies typically nurse every 1 ½ to 2 hours. Most of the time, though, the feedings aren’t so evenly spaced. Sometimes baby will want to nurse every hour, and sometimes he will sleep for a longer stretch without waking to feed. Eight to twelve feedings every 24 hours is what you should aim for.

If your baby is having trouble latching in the early days, it’s important to get some nourishment into him. But using a breast pump for colostrum isn’t always effective. Because it is thicker than mature milk, and is produced in smaller quantities, colostrum is more easily hand expressed than pumped. Consider hand expressing colostrum onto a teaspoon, and then dribbling this into your baby’s mouth a little at a time. These calories will help sustain your baby as you work on getting him to latch.

With all of this in mind, here are some tips for successfully starting to breastfeed in the early days after the birth:

  • Plan your birth for breastfeeding success: Pain medications in labor can result in sleepy baby in the early hours and days after birth. A sleepy baby may not nurse very often. This would be a good time to hand express colostrum and spoon feed it to your baby.
  • Spend time skin-to-skin: As soon as your baby is born, ask that they place him skin to skin with you. Stay this way until the first feeding has taken place. Skin-to-skin contact helps baby adjust to life outside the womb and awakens breastfeeding reflexes.
  • Nurse early and often: Most babies are ready to nurse about an hour after birth. Ask for help if you need it. Then continue nursing your baby on cue afterwards in order to bring in a strong milk supply.
  • Room in: Keep your baby with you as much as possible after the birth. You will get to know your baby’s rhythms and hunger cues, which will help get breastfeeding off to a strong start.
  • No supplements or pacifiers (dummies): Unless medically necessary, limit any formula or other supplements. If you do need to supplement, use a spoon, syringe or cup rather than a bottle. Also, try to limit using a pacifier or dummy until breastfeeding is well established. Your baby doesn’t need anything other than your milk at first!

Following some simple steps as you are preparing for breastfeeding will help you set the stage for a strong milk supply and a satisfied and healthy baby. You can also watch some educational breastfeeding videos in our Baby+ App. Click Baby+ iOS or Baby+ Android to install the App, and prepare for the arrival of your little one(s).

What concerns do you have about getting breastfeeding off to a strong start?

Written by Michelle: writer, editor, childbirth educator, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

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 2018. All rights reserved.

Preparing for Life with a Baby

You’ve installed the car seat, and assembled the crib, changing table, swing, stroller, and more. You have washed all of the onesies and sleepers, and have stocked up on diapers. Now what? What else can you do to prepare for your baby’s arrival?

Try this exercise:

Draw a circle on a sheet of paper and divide it into 24 slices. Now think about all the ways you spend your time each and every day. Eight hour workday? Shade in eight slices of pie. An hour of commuting to and from work? There’s another slice. A regular eight hours of sleep – shade it in. Showering, doing your hair and make-up, fixing meals, exercising, housekeeping, etc. Consider all the ways you spend your time and record them on your pie chart. Ask your partner to do the same on his own pie chart.

Now imagine life with a baby. How much time will baby care take? If this is your first baby, you may not have any idea. Take infant feeding, for instance. If you’re breastfeeding, expect your newborn to eat 8-12 times each day (maybe more!). If he’s eating 12 times a day, and each feeding takes on average 30 minutes (and that’s the low end of average), you’ll be spending 6 hours a day on feeding. Even if you’re formula feeding, preparing bottles, cleaning them, and actually feeding baby takes time, too. How will your pie chart need to change to accommodate this? What about diaper changing? Expect to change a diaper with every feeding – if you figure 12 per day at 5 minutes per change (once you get good at it), that’s another hour there. Add in clothing changes, comforting, putting baby to sleep, burping, etc. and add that all to your pie. How will baby care fit into your life?

Discuss this exercise with your partner, and work on a system for who will do what and when. If you’re over your allotted 24 hours for the day, something’s got to give. Can your partner take over some duties? Can you forego some daily activities? Think about what will be essential in the beginning – sleep and food (for baby and for you!). Pare down your day to these activities.

Sleep deprivation is the number one hurdle all new parents face. Babies sleep a lot, but they wake a lot, too, and at the most inconvenient times (like at night when you’re trying to sleep). While you may be mentally prepared for this – everyone tells you it’s coming – the reality can be quite challenging. Try to sleep – or at least rest – when baby sleeps. Limit visitors in the early days, and ask those who stop by to give you a hand with a load of laundry or the dishes in the sink. Eat well, drink enough water, and exercise daily – these will help minimize the effects of the lack of sleep. Most of all, keep in mind that all babies wake often, and that it’s a protective mechanism they will grow out of when they are developmentally ready.

Consider the first three months with a new baby your 4th trimester. Your baby will appreciate a womb-like environment: low lighting, warmth, being near mom, and feeding on demand. By meeting these needs, your baby will have a sense of security. But caring for your baby this way will also help you learn to parent. You’ll learn all of your baby’s subtle cues, his likes and dislikes, and more. You’ll ease into parenting gently. Keep in mind that you will need time to recover, too. So allow the 4th trimester to be your time to recuperate. Lower your expectations, and let go of the to-do list. Enjoy your baby, and be gentle on yourself as you learn to mother.

Enjoyed this article? There are lots more interesting articles and tools in our new follow-on App Baby+ for iPhone / iPad or Android. Click Baby+ iOS or Baby+ Android to install the App, and prepare for the arrival of your little one(s).

What tips do experienced moms have for those who are having their first baby?

Written by Michelle: lactation consultant, childbirth educator, writer, editor, and mother to 4 busy kids

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 2018. All rights reserved.

Understanding Your Baby’s Cries

Life as a new parent can feel pretty hectic. Even if you’re spending most of your time at home, you’ll be busy changing nappies, feeding, soothing, bonding with your new baby, and receiving visitors. This can be a stressful period, as you adjust to life as a parent, while getting to know your newborn. Your newborn, who is also getting to know you, has limited means of communication, and so you are bound to experience some crying once your baby arrives.

Listening to your newborn baby cry can be torturous, and you will be keen to soothe your baby as soon as possible. Here are some of the reasons babies cry, and what you can do to help:

  1. Hunger – this is the most common cause of crying in newborns. Babies have small stomachs and need to eat little and often as a result. If you are breastfeeding, you may notice that you begin to leak a little milk when you hear your baby’s cries –  a great sign that your hormones are working right. If hunger is the cause of the crying, your baby should feel soothed once offered a breast or bottle.
  2. Cuddles – sometimes, babies just want to be held. After nine long months in your uterus, they can get lonely being so far away from you. There’s nothing wrong with soothing your crying baby with a cuddle. If you want your hands free to get on with other things, you may find a sling useful to carry your baby close to you.
  3. Discomfort – this could be down to a dirty nappy, a tag rubbing inside clothing, being too hot, or lying in a funny position, amongst other things. The cry may be whiney and sound like “heh” when your baby is experiencing discomfort. Check for obvious signs of discomfort if you think this could be the problem.
  4. Overstimulated – loud noises, new sights, lots of people – it’s no wonder babies get overstimulated. Your baby may occasionally cry because he feels overstimulated. Take him to a quiet room for a cuddle, or put him in a sling so he can turn away from the world and feel safe against your chest.
  5. Gas – some babies experience gas after feeds, and may need a little help getting rid of the trapped air. Whimpers may indicate that your baby needs help to burp, whereas grunting may suggest the trapped gas is abdominal. There are a number of baby massage techniques that can help to relieve trapped gas.
  6. Pain – this is one of those times you will be amazed at your mothering instinct. Sometimes, the cry seems more desperate, and you’ll know something is wrong. Check for a fever, rash and other obvious symptoms, and call a healthcare provider for advice.

Don’t worry if you can’t tell what your baby is trying to tell you. It will take you a while to begin understanding your baby’s cries. Work through the list above until you find something that soothes your baby, and don’t be afraid to call for help if you think something is wrong.

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 2018. All rights reserved.

Your Newborn: The First Hour After Birth

For 9 months, your baby is kept at a toasty temperature, comfortably protected all around by amniotic fluid, hearing your voice and the metronome of your heartbeat. At birth, this all changes and your baby needs to quickly adapt to the outside world: from weightlessness to gravity, from the warmth of your body temperature to the cooler room temperature, from the constant contact with you to the openness of the world.

One of the most important plans you can make for your birth is arranging to spend the first hour or so after birth skin-to-skin with your newborn. Research shows that babies kept skin-to-skin have a steadier heart rate and temperature, better respiration, normal blood sugar levels, and less crying.

Experts have also found that newborns display a distinct progression of behaviors in the first hour after birth that facilitate adaptation to the outside world, as well as initiation of breastfeeding.

According to Widström and colleagues, here are the 9 stages you can expect when a baby is placed skin-to-skin with mom after birth:

1. The Birth Cry occurs immediately after birth, as your baby’s lungs expand.

2. Relaxation comes quickly in a baby skin-to-skin with mom as the baby reorients. This is a brief period of no mouth or hand movements from baby.

3. Awakening occurs about 3 minutes after birth, when baby will begin to thrust head and shoulder, open his eyes and start making small mouth movements.

4. More Activity starts about 8 minutes after birth with an increase in mouth and suckling movements, including a more pronounced rooting reflex. Baby’s eyes will be open; he will be searching visually and may look at the breast. You may notice him moving his mouth from side to side on mom’s skin, rubbing his cheek against mom, salivating, and sticking his tongue out. He may move his hand to his mouth and even to mom’s breast and back to his mouth. He may massage the breast with both hands, and may lift part of his body off of mom in an effort to get closer to the breast.

5. Periods of Rest typically follow periods of activity throughout the first hour.

6. Crawling motions start about 35 minutes after birth. Baby may use his legs and arms to propel himself toward the breast – this might include leaping, sliding, or crawling.

7. About 45 minutes after birth, a stage of Familiarization starts where baby might lick the nipple, touch or massage the breast, look at mom, or move his hands from mouth to breast and back. This stage might last for as long as 20 minutes.

8. About an hour after birth, the baby begins Suckling – self attaches and suckles at the breast.

9. Finally, baby starts recovery with a period of Sleep. This may start 1 ½ to 2 hours after birth.

Babies will complete these stages at their own individual pace, and shouldn’t be forced or rushed. Mom may need to provide some support so baby doesn’t flop off of her body, and she can guide the breast when baby is ready to begin suckling. If you have used pain medications during labor, it may take your baby longer to complete the stages and start to suckle. If you have had a cesarean birth, this first hour skin-to-skin is still possible, but may take more preparation before the birth to get everyone onboard and a plan in place.

If the facility where you plan to give birth does not routinely practice skin-to-skin at birth, you may need to make arrangements ahead of time. Your time skin-to-skin will work best if:

  • Baby is placed belly-down, directly on your chest or abdomen, right after he is born.
  • Baby is dried while skin-to-skin. Both of you can then be covered with a blanket, if necessary.
  • Baby’s hands are not b wiped, and your breasts are not washed or wiped before feeding.
  • Newborn assessments (such as APGAR scoring) are completed with the baby skin-to-skin with mom.
  • Complete interventions (such as suctioning) while baby is skin to-skin or can be delayed until after the first breastfeeding has taken place, barring any emergency situations.
  • Raise the head to the bed or giving mom extra pillows may help with visual contact between mom and baby and with supporting her as baby begins to move.
  • You continue skin-to-skin contact until the first breastfeeding has taken place.

Have you planned for spending time skin-to-skin with your baby?

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

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 2017. All rights reserved.

The Importance of Skin-to-Skin Contact

As you are planning your birth, have you thought about your baby’s transition to the outside world? How would you like to greet your baby, and how would you like to spend those precious first moments? Recent research shows babies do best when given skin-to-skin contact with mom for the first hour after birth – or until the first breastfeeding takes place.

Amazingly, babies seem to be pre-programmed to expect contact with mom after birth. When a baby is left prone on mom’s abdomen after an unmedicated birth, he begins to use his reflexes to get to the breast. Once there, he will usually latch and begin nursing within the first hour. You don’t need to be that laissez faire about it – you can be more deliberate about snuggling your baby in a cradle hold and offering the breast. But babies know what to do – it’s sometimes our routines and procedures that get in the way!

The Benefits of Skin-to-Skin:
Babies who spend time skin-to-skin with their mothers after birth:

  • Have more regular breathing and heart rate,
  • Cry less (thus conserving energy),
  • Stay warmer than babies in standard care (placed on a warming bed apart from their mothers), and
  • Breastfeed better and longer.

But I’m Having a Cesarean Birth …
Doctors are now recognizing that skin-to-skin time with their mothers is a basic necessity for newborns, and are helping this to happen even when mom and baby need a surgical birth. Sometimes referred to a ‘gentle cesarean,’ baby is placed skin-to-skin on mom’s chest as the surgical repair is made, and remains there as mom is recovering. Let your doctor know ahead of time that skin-to-skin is important to you, and work with your healthcare team to develop a plan for successfully achieving a ‘gentle cesarean.’

Sometimes Skin-to-Skin Can’t Be Done
If mom or baby need life-saving care in the minutes or hours after birth, skin-to-skin will need to be postponed. If mom is ill, dad can take over skin-to-skin duties. If baby is ill, skin-to-skin can be done as soon as baby is stable. Spending time skin-to-skin can sometimes heal the emotional wounds of a traumatic birth – for both mom and baby – even if it’s done months later.

Does it end after that first hour?
Skin-to-skin time is great for baby at any age – whether minutes, days or weeks old. This is especially true for babies who are having breastfeeding difficulties. If you imagine your baby’s first three months of life as a 4th trimester, you can help baby adapt to life outsider the womb by recreating a womb-like environment – constant carrying, skin-to-skin, breastfeeding on demand, etc.

Written by Michelle, lactation consultant, childbirth instructor, writer and editor, and mom to 4 busy kids

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 2017. All rights reserved.

What To Do If Breastfeeding Hurts

A persistent myth about breastfeeding is that it’s normal for it to hurt in the beginning. I often hear moms say they were told to ‘tough it out’ for the first six weeks. But if breastfeeding hurts, something is wrong.

Most painful breastfeeding scenarios start with improper positioning or latch. Sometimes all it takes is a small adjustment to mom’s or baby’s body for a huge amount of relief.

Check Your Positioning

Make sure you are holding your baby tummy-to-mummy, with no space between the two of you. Your baby’s head should be at breast level, and his body should wrap around yours. When you look down at your baby, you should see that his ear, shoulder and hip are nicely aligned, and that he doesn’t need to turn his head to latch. While baby’s hands do sometimes get in the way, allowing your baby to ‘hug the breast’ with hands on either side is sometimes useful for getting a nice close position with your baby.

Learn to Latch

With your baby’s head at breast level, align your nipple with baby’s nose, wait for baby to open wide and tip his head back slightly, then bring baby quickly to the breast. Baby’s chin can be buried in your breast, and his nose may be just touching. His lips should be flanged out, not puckered. If baby keeps letting go, or seems to be holding tight with his gums, be sure you have enough support under the breast so that gravity doesn’t pull it down out of baby’s mouth. You can do this with your hand, or with a rolled washcloth. If your baby’s cheeks are dimpled, you hear a clicking sound, or your nipple is misshapen after a feeding, it’s likely that your baby’s latch needs adjusting. Trying to get an asymmetric, deep latch as described above is the best solution.

Notice Your Nipples

For some moms, mild soreness is normal in the first week of feeding. Your body may simply need to get used to stretching in ways it hadn’t done before (especially every 2 hours!). If you develop broken skin or blisters on your nipples during this time, it may take a while for them to heal, even once positioning and latch are adjusted. You can use lanolin, coconut oil, or olive oil after feedings. Nurse on the least sore side first. Get help so that the damage isn’t prolonged.

Could it be you baby?

Sometimes babies have oral anomalies such as tongue-tie, lip tie, cleft palate, bubble palate, etc. that makes breastfeeding painful for moms. Sometimes the solution is time and patience, and sometimes intervention is necessary. Working with your baby’s doctor and a knowledgeable breastfeeding professional can help you determine the best course of action for your family.

The best thing to do if you experience pain in the early days of breastfeeding is to have a feeding observed by a board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC). She will be able to help adjust your positioning and your baby’s latch for increased comfort, and can help you solve any other issue that may be prolonging the pain you feel with feeding.

Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt – if it does, don’t suffer through continued pain. Get help so you can enjoy a long, pain-free nursing relationship.

Written by Michelle, lactation consultant, Lamaze instructor, writer and editor, and mom to 4 busy kids

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 2017. All rights reserved.

New Baby Checklist

The world seems to be filled with products claiming to be essential items for your newborn. Companies are practically jumping out of catalogues screaming “buy me!”. Nappy (diaper) brands and toy shops seem to be vying for your attention as you sit down to watch TV. You can’t even open a newspaper these days without baby-related coupons falling into your lap. The baby product market is huge, and continues to grow each year.

It won’t surprise you to hear that you don’t really need to buy every single product available for babies, but how do you know which ones to buy? Here’s a new baby checklist for you:

Clothes
This is probably one of the most enjoyable purchases, because the clothes are so tiny and adorable. But – yes, a but – there’s no need to break the bank. Your baby will probably receive lots of clothes from admiring visitors, so you really only need to buy the essentials. You will need:

  • seven bodysuits
  • seven sleepsuits
  • a hat (for warmth or shade, depending on the season)
  • knitwear (cardigans are easy to put on and take off – avoid jumpers for the first few months)
  • socks or booties
  • a few bibs

It’s unlikely that you’ll get through the pregnancy without buying at least one outfit for your unborn child, so do enjoy the odd splurge.

Changing
Now we’re getting to the less glamorous side of parenting – dirty nappies (diapers). During the first year, your baby will require around 3000 nappy changes. Yes, you read that right. For this wonderful pastime, you will need:

  • diapers (cloth or disposable)
  • wipes (washable or disposable)
  • a changing mat
  • nappy rash cream (or coconut oil, if you’d like a natural alternative)

Sleeping
Newborn babies sleep a lot, some up to 18 hours a day, so you want to make sure they’re comfortable. You’ll need to buy:

  • a bed – this could be a side sleeper to attach to your bed, a crib, a bassinet, or a cot. Your baby will probably spend at least the first six months sleeping in your bedroom, so think about this when choosing a bed for your newborn
  • growbags or sleep sacks – these are considered safer than blankets, so it’s worth investing in a couple of these
  • blankets – these are great for when your out and about, or having a cuddle on the sofa
  • bedding – your baby will need a firm mattress and sheets for his bed. Be sure the mattress fits the bed well. Do not use a pillow or blankets for a sleeping baby

Feeding
Your feeding purchases will depend on whether you decide to breast- or bottle-feed your baby. For breastfeeding, you may need:

  • burp cloths
  • a nursing pillow
  • nipple cream
  • breast pads
  • nursing bras

For bottle fed babies, you will need to buy:

  • 4-ounce bottles and teats
  • 8-ounce bottles and teats
  • formula (speak to your healthcare provider for information on deciding which brand to use)

Health and safety
It’s easy to overlook the safety aspects of having a newborn in the house, but you shouldn’t. You will need:

  • a first aid kit
  • a digital ear thermometer
  • baby nail clippers
  • a baby monitor

Toys
For the first few months of life, your baby won’t pay much attention to toys, but you may like to have a few to hand just in case. You may like to purchase:

  • a couple of books
  • a rattle
  • a teether

Remember, your baby will probably receive a few toys as gifts, so you don’t need to buy lots.

The biggies
You will need to buy the following big items in preparation for your baby’s arrival:

  • a car seat – this is a must-have. They won’t let you leave the hospital without it, so make sure you have one before you go into labour
  • a sling – slings are a great way to carry your baby and keep your hands free for other things. Babies love hearing your heartbeat and being close to you, a sling is a great way to offer that while still being able to get things done
  • a stroller – you may like to buy a stroller for out and about too, although you can choose to use the sling full-time, if you prefer
  • a chest of drawers – you will need somewhere to keep all of your baby’s things, so it’s worth investing in some furniture, too.

Have you got all of the above in preparation for your baby’s birth? Do you think this list is missing any essential items?

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

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 2017. All rights reserved.

Easing Into Parenting – There’s an App for that!

When you’re pregnant, it seems like so much of your planning is for the birth. But have you though about what comes next? What do you need to plan for parenting. You’ve stoked up on diapers, you’ve decorated the nursery, you’ve washed all the baby clothes and assembled the crib. But what else might you need?

Consider downloading the Health & Parenting Baby+ App. Sometimes those early days are all a blur – the feedings, diapering, self-care (the brief moments you have for that!), sleep deprivation. The Baby+ App can help you keep track of it all.

Feedings: Newborns eat often. And while you think you’ll remember when baby ate last, you may find yourself thinking “was that the last feeding? Maybe that was yesterday?” Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, you can note the time and amount of the last meal for your baby. And when your baby is ready for solids, there’s space for that, too.

Diaper changes: Diaper changes are as frequent as feedings, if not more so! If you’re tracking the number of wet and dirty diapers each day to be sure your baby is getting enough to eat, the App is a convenient place to note it.

Sleep: Along with lots of diapers and feedings, babies sleep plenty. It’s just not consolidated into one long stretch like most adults. Is your baby sleeping regularly? When was his last nap? How long was it? Is he sleeping too long and missing feedings? How many times did he wake last night? The App allows you to note all this so you can look back when you’re not so sleep deprived! The sleep chart gives you a quick snapshot of when your baby is typically sleeping – so it’s easy to know when you can run to the store without interrupting a regular naptime!

Development: First smiles, rolling, sitting, holding a toy, babbling then talking … so many changes happen so fast. The App’s convenient timelines give you an idea of what to expect each week. And the daily guides will provide even more details about what to expect each week of your baby’s first year.

First smiles: The Face-a-Day feature allows you to take a picture of your baby each and every day, while the diary and memories are a baby book at your fingertips!

Other features include:

  • a white noise generator and a collection of lullabies – in case you’ve got a baby who won’t settle into sleep and you need a little extra help,
  • breastfeeding tips and videos,
  • logs for vaccinations, medications and doctor visits, and
  • tips for your own postpartum recovery.

The App is designed to continue where the Pregnacny+ App left off – at the birth of your new baby. You can continue to track baby’s progress up to his first birthday. The App can be used for more than one child – giving you a handy place to check how often your firstborn fed when you’re trying to figure out if your second born is eating often enough.

Have you tried the Health & Parenting Baby+ App yet? What are your favorite features?

Written by Michelle, writer, editor, childbirth educator, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids.

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 2017. All rights reserved.

Preparing Your Pet for the Baby

Congratulations, you’re expanding your family. You are getting ready to welcome your first child into the home, and while over the moon, you may be a bit worried how your pet will react. Whether you have a dog, cat, rabbit or budgie, your pets are likely a central part of your family.

While on the one hand you may be worried about your baby’s safety around the new pet, you are probably also concerned that your pet will feel pushed out or lonely once the baby arrives. You may worry that you won’t have the time to commit to looking after your pet once you become a mother. How can you go about preparing your pet for the baby?

Firstly, there is no need to get rid of your pet because you are expecting a baby. You can prepare your pet for the arrival of a baby, help them to deal with any stress and uncertainty it may cause, and prepare them for life as part of a larger family now.

How will my pet react?
When the baby arrives, your pet may feel a bit jealous, something similar to the sibling rivalry experienced by older children. It is unavoidable that with the addition of a baby to the family, you will have less time to spend with your pet. One way to make the transition easier, is to prepare your pet for this during pregnancy.

Rather than a sharp decrease in the time and attention your pet receives, try to decrease it gradually throughout the pregnancy. If your pet is particularly attached to you, encourage your partner to build a strong relationship with the pet to compensate for when the baby is hogging most of your attention.

Preparing your pet
The more preparation you do during pregnancy, the easier the transition will be. With that in mind, here are some simple tips to help prepare your pet for the new baby:

  • spay or neuter your pet – sterilized pets are calmer and less likely to bite
  • go to the vets – make sure your pet is up to date with vaccinations and has had a full health check before the baby arrives
  • deal with any behavioural problems – if your pet nips or pounces, now is the time to break that habit
  • keep your pet’s nails short
  • train your pet not to jump into your lap until invited
  • apply double sided sticky tape to any furniture you don’t want your pet to jump on – the crib or changing table for example

When baby arrives
Allow your pet to sniff a blanket or item of clothing with the baby’s scent on. This will allow your pet to become accustomed to the new smell. Introduce your pet to the baby carefully, and be sure to have treats handy to reward good behaviour. Try to make it a positive experience for your pet. Never leave your baby alone with your pet.

Routine is important for animals, and they can easily become stressed by routine changes. If you always walk your dog at a certain time, try to stick as closely to the routine as you can once baby arrives. This even allows you to get some exercise and fresh air each day!

Do you have any tips for how to allow your baby and animal to build a strong bond?

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Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

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 2017. All rights reserved.

The Vitamin K Shot for Newborns

Vitamin K is important because it helps blood clot. Around one in every 10,000 babies is born with low amounts of vitamin K, meaning they are more at-risk of bleeding. If these babies suffered internal bleeding problems, they may not have enough vitamin K to prevent a serious bleed. The risk of internal bleeding problems is prominent during the first 13 weeks of a baby’s life. This is known as vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) or Haemorrhagic Disease of the Newborn (HDN).

Bleeding is a very serious problem for babies. Some babies may suffer bleeding during the first week of life. This could be bleeding from the nose, umbilical stump or bottom, or could even appear as spontaneous bruising. Sometimes bruising is from forceps or vacuum (ventouse) use during the delivery. Some babies experience late onset bleeding which occurs over a week after the birth date. Over half of all babies who suffer a late bleed, will have an intracranial bleed into their brain. This can cause brain damage, and can be fatal for some babies.

Does my baby need the vitamin K shot?

Some factors have been identified as high risk for VKDB, including babies who:

  • were born born prematurely
  • suffered breathing problems at birth
  • were born by ventouse / vacuum, forceps or caesarean surgery
  • were bruised during the birth
  • had liver problems or were poorly at birth
  • breastfed babies who are not feeding well
  • were born to mothers who took epilepsy, tuberculosis or clotting medication during the pregnancy

However, a third of all babies who experience VKDB do not fit into any of the categories above. It is very difficult to tell which babies are most at risk of VKDB. For this reason, experts advise that all babies be given the shot immediately after birth. Without this, a very small number of babies born each year would suffer brain damage or die as a result of VKDB.

How is the shot administered?

Your baby will be offered the shot shortly after the birth, and this is usually something you consent to or oppose in advance. The injection is the most effective and efficient way to increase your baby’s vitamin K levels for a greater length of time.

If you prefer, you can request that the dose is taken orally, and some parents choose to do this instead. If you opt for this method, your baby will be given two doses during the first week of life, and may then be offered a third dose when your baby is a month old.

You can choose not to give your baby vitamin K at all. Whichever decision you make, you should discuss it with your healthcare provider in advance and ensure you are fully informed before making the decision.

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

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 2017. All rights reserved.

Choosing a Baby Carrier

Lots of parents swear by babywearing as a way of coping with life as a new parent. Newborns aren’t keen on being put down. They will scream every time you try to make a cup of tea, and will want to feed as soon as you need to leave the house. Babywearing allows you to keep your baby close (even breastfeeding), while still having your hands free to get on with other things.

If you have other children, you may find that babywearing allows you extra time to spend with your older children. You can feed your baby in the carrier, and play with other children at the same time. That way no-one needs to feel left out, and you avoid the situation of a crying baby and tantruming toddler both vying for your attention.

So, you’ve decided to invest in a baby carrier, but a quick glimpse at the products available sends you into a panic. There are just so many choices available, and you have no idea which one will be right for you. Here’s a quick guide to choosing a baby carrier to help you out:

Stretchy wraps

These are often described as the best way to carry newborn babies. The carrier consists of a long strip of stretchy fabric which you tie round yourself. It might sound scary, but there are loads of instructional videos online showing you how to do it correctly. The wrap is tied first, and then you just pop your baby in. Once in the wrap, the baby will be carried almost weightlessly on your front, and you’ll have your hands free to do other things. You will be able to breastfeed discreetly in a stretchy wrap, and your newborn will likely find it a comfortable place to nap.

Ring slings

Ring slings are adjustable and worn over one shoulder. The ring allows you to adjust and tighten the carrier to suit your child. These carriers can be used from birth to toddler. There are a number of different styles available, and you can choose from padded and unpadded carriers. You can breastfeed in a ring sling. There are plenty of instructional videos online that show how to tighten and adjust ring slings.

Woven wraps

These are long-lasting and versatile carriers that can be used from birth to toddler. There are lots of different ties and carries to try, and although this may make it seem complicated, it does give you greater control. There are plenty of instructional videos online showing the different ties and carries. Woven wraps come in different lengths, and the required length will depend upon your size, and the carries you intend to use it for. Breastfeeding and napping are both popular activities for babies in woven wraps.

Pouch slings

Many people consider pouch slings to be the easiest type of carrier to use. There’s no tying involved, you simply pop the carrier over one shoulder and then place the baby inside. For newborns, the baby will be held across your body by the carrier, but as the baby grows and becomes stronger, he will be able to sit in an upright position. You can breastfeed in a pouch sling, and your little one will easily fall asleep snuggled into your front. Pouch slings do come in different sizes, though, and you want to be sure you get the right one for your baby. Pouch slings can be dangerous for newborns if they’re used or sized incorrectly.

Soft structured carriers

These are sometimes also referred to as “Asian style carriers” because they are based on traditional Asian carriers. These are available with buckles and as tie on carriers. The buckled carriers are arguably easier to use, although some would argue they are more difficult to adjust than a tie on carrier. These carriers can be used from birth to toddler, although many require a newborn insert to provide head support to young babies. Your baby will be able to breastfeed in the carrier, and will be fully supported if he chooses to have a nap.

With any carrier, be sure your newborn is held “close enough to kiss” – meaning high and tight against your body. Be sure baby’s chin isn’t pressed down onto his chest, so that he can breathe freely. Never allow the baby’s face to be covered by the sling fabric.

Babywearing is very popular, and there are new sling libraries popping up across the USA and UK all the time, so do contact your local sling library for more information. They will be able to show you the different types of slings available, as well as teaching you how to get the most out of your sling. Most libraries will allow you to borrow a sling for a short time to decide if it is the one for you. Baby carriers are an investment, so it’s worth doing your researching and making sure you buy the right carrier for your needs.

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

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 2017. All rights reserved.

How to Bond with Your Baby

For some parents, bonding begins in utero, and for some it happens instantly at birth. For others, it can take a few days for things to settle down enough for the bonding process to really begin, and some parents may find it takes a bit longer.

There are plenty of ways you can encourage the bonding process between yourself and your baby, here are a few tried and tested techniques:

  1. Skin to skin – touch is a great way to bond with your baby. Research has found that skin to skin contact helps babies by regulating breathing, stimulating digestion, regulating body temperature, and stimulating feeding behaviour. It has been found to help mothers relax, and to trigger the hormones of breastfeeding. Make sure you spend some time enjoying skin to skin contact.
  2. Alone time – there’s probably a line of friends and family queuing up outside your door, but try to postpone them by a few days. Spend a some time bonding as a new family, and getting used to each other before you invite other people to meet your newborn.
  3. Use your voice – your baby recognises your voice from his time in the womb. You may have noticed that, even at just a few hours old, he will turn his head to you whenever he hears you talk. The sound of your voice might even be enough to soothe him when he cries, so make the most of this ability and chat away throughout the day.
  4. And your ears – talking is great, but listen, too. Your baby might not be able to talk just yet, but that doesn’t mean he’s not communicating. He may smile when happy, shy away when he doesn’t want a massage, or suck his thumb when he’s hungry. Through these actions, he is communicating with you. By learning to interpret your baby’s early attempts at communication, you can help him to learn the value of communicating – something you’ll be thankful of in the future. You may also learn to pick up on his early feeding cues, and be able to feed him before he starts to cry from hunger.
  5. Feeding time – mealtimes are the perfect time to bond with your baby. If you’re breastfeeding, feed as often as your baby indicates he would like to. Feed frequently, and make eye contact with and talk to him as you do. The hormones associated with breastfeeding are said to encourage the bonding process too. If you’re bottle feeding, you can still use feeds as valuable bonding time. Talk to and make eye contact with your baby throughout the feed. Some parents decide that only they will feed their baby, to stop visitors from stealing that valuable bonding opportunity.
  6. Close enough to kiss – you may have noticed that your newborn cries whenever he is put down, that’s because he wants to be close to you. Using a sling is a great way of keeping everyone happy. You’re happy because you have your hands free to get on with other things, and the baby is happy because he knows he’s safe with you. Dad can get in on the babywearing action too – it’s a great way for him to bond with the baby.
  7. Massage – massaging your baby is a great way to promote bonding and closeness. You can incorporate a massage into your daily routine. Baby massage may also help to improve your confidence in your mothering abilities as you learn to communicate with your newborn. Massage is also said to help with colic, sleep and wind (gas) in babies. There are baby massage courses across the country that will equip you with the skills and confidence to massage your baby.

How do you plan to bond with your baby?

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

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.