Being a new mom is wonderful, special, exhausting and unlike anything else. You are probably still walking on air from the intense power of the love you feel for your newborn. Whilst at the same time, you are tired to the point of breaking, and feel like emotional wreck.

Here are seven tips for new moms, to make those first few weeks more manageable:

1. Rest when you can – everyone says this, but not all new mothers do it. You should try to rest as often as you can. There is no shame in daytime napping, in fact it’s pretty much mandatory during maternity leave. The most important thing is that you and baby are healthy, so stop worrying about the laundry, and get yourself tucked in. Can’t sleep? At least get horizontal!
2. Eat healthily – for the first few days at least, this means eating as much fibre as you can stomach. Dried apricots, high bran cereal, and plenty of fruit and veggies to help you avoid the postpartum curse of constipation. Constipation can soon lead to hemorrhoids, neither of which are what you want when you’re trying to adjust to motherhood, breastfeeding and sleep deprivation. It’s easy to snack on biscuits throughout the day, and neglect eating full meals as a new mom. If you’re struggling to find the time to cook, try snacking on nuts, fresh fruit and vegetables instead of reaching for unhealthy convenience foods.
3. Quench your thirst – water will help to fight constipation, and will keep you hydrated. If you’re breastfeeding, you may find yourself feeling especially thirsty so be sure to increase your water intake.
4. Ignore the housework – obviously you don’t want to raise your newborn in a pigsty, but that doesn’t mean the house needs to be spotless. It doesn’t matter if you have a few dirty dishes waiting in the sink, a few loads of laundry waiting to be done or a bit of clutter in the living room. What matters is that you’re making the most of this time to bond with your baby. You won’t look back in the future and regret taking time out from real life to cuddle your newborn baby.
5. Ask for help – asking for help doesn’t mean you’re a failure, or lazy or struggling to cope – it means you’re normal. Ask your mother-in-law to bring a precooked meal over, ask your brother to clean the bathroom and see if your best friend would pick up some groceries on her way over. There’s a reason people keep offering to help, it’s because they want to make your life easier – so let them.
6. Give yourself a break – you’ve just created the most wonderful person ever to exist, don’t beat yourself up too much about the house being a mess or about being in your nightgown at 3pm. Don’t waste time feeling guilty or worrying, just enjoy this once in a lifetime period with your teeny tiny newborn.
7. Capture it – take as many videos and photos as you can, you will love looking back on them in years to come. Even the mundane moments will be special to look back on; the cuddles, the giggles and the little smiles. Capture as much of their childhood as you can.

Do you have any words of advice to help new moms settle into their new roles?

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.

Someone you know has just had a baby, and you are about to get all of the cuddles and cuteness without any of the hard work (read: pushing). To cement your special place in the baby’s heart, you first need to win over the parents. Whether they’re close friends or family, you’ll still need to prove yourself as a guest worth inviting over again.

New parents have a lot going on. Of course, they want you to come and visit their new baby, and they want to hear how gorgeous and perfect she is, but they also want to feel human. New parents don’t get much sleep, that’s a fact. They also struggle to eat three balanced meals a day, keep the house tidy and drink a cup of tea whilst it’s hot. This is where you come in – SuperGuest. All you need to do is follow the simple instructions below, and you’ll guarantee yourself a second invite round for more adorable cuddles and finger grabs.

1. Stay away if you’re ill – ok, you really want to see the baby while she’s still tiny; that’s only natural. But sometimes you have to say no. If you are feeling unwell, have a cold, or have recently come into contact with an unwell person (and could therefore be carrying the illness), you need to stay away. Far from being offended, the new parents will be grateful that you didn’t risk contaminating their new baby. You can get in touch as soon as you’re feeling better, and say you’d like to meet the newborn. If you go when you’re ill, and make the baby poorly, you’ll never live it down (and probably won’t get invited round again any time soon).

2. Bring food – new parents might be struggling to find the time to make it to the supermarket, so take them some supplies. You could cook them a nice meal to stock up their freezer, treat them to some fruit, or buy them some biscuits, anything will be appreciated during a 3am feed.

3. Make the tea – your hosts are probably too exhausted to play the perfect host, so why not look after them? Offer to make the tea, grab the biscuits and get anything else that might be needed. Save your friends the hassle of running round after you. It might not be the most exciting visit you’ve ever paid to their house, but it will make their lives much easier.

4. Let them drink tea – offer to hold the baby at an opportune time so that the new parents can enjoy a warm drink. Most new parents end up missing out on warm drinks for at least a few weeks, so will really appreciate the timing of your cuddle. Don’t drink your hot drink over the baby though – wait until you’ve given the baby back before having a sip.

5. A quick tidy up – if you don’t know the new parents that well, it might be weird to start cleaning their bathroom, but if you’re good friends, it’s a great way to show you care. New parents want to spend their time bonding with their newborn, not scrubbing the toilet bowl, so if you can help tidy up at all then please do. If you’re a particularly close friend, they may even ask you to do it.

Is anything missing from this list? What did your friends and family do to help out during early visits?

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.

Birth is a mystery – mainly because we rarely get to be a part of it. Throughout history, women shared birth by supporting each other through it. Young girls were exposed to birth – it was just another part of life. They knew what to expect and had seen how to cope. When their own labor started, they had at least some notion of what to do. Today, though, we rarely get to see birth. When we do, it’s a sanitized Hollywood version or a caricature of reality with grossly stereotyped actors and actions.

Storytelling has traditionally been the way that knowledge is passed on. And modern researchers suggest it’s because stories help our brains make sense of abstract thoughts and events. Stories help our brain make connections between reality and thought. Stories make us human.

Sharing your own birth story is a way you can help other women prepare for the births of their babies. Your experience will not only aid others in knowing the unknown, but will help you, as well. When you write about your birth experience, you preserve those special memories, you help your children understand where their own story started, and you may even be able to heal yourself if your birth was less than you expected.

Writing your tale doesn’t need to be complicated. You can choose to write longhand in a special journal, or type it all out at a keyboard. You might even use a voice recorder or dictation software if writing isn’t for you.

Start with the physical facts. Jot down everything you can remember. Ask your partner or any other support people who were present if they can remember details you may have forgotten.

Don’t judge your experience. Add emotions – consider how you felt at different times from the first contraction to the weeks following the birth. There’s no right or wrong – only what you know to be true.

Go back after a few days and edit. Add more details as they come to you. This is the opportunity to take your memories and smooth them out into a cohesive story.

Finally, share your story. You might decide to save it for your child’s eyes only. You might share it with family and friends. Or you might share it with a much wider audience by choosing an online resource publishing women’s birth stories.

Every woman has a story to tell – and her story is important to the preservation of women’s ways of knowing. The value of this knowledge connects one generation to the next through the tales we tell our daughters, nieces, friends, family, women we might not even know.

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 2016. All rights reserved.

Dehydration is never a good thing, and baby dehydration can be even scarier. That’s because your baby is relying on staying hydrated for appropriate weight gain and development, but also because babies are sometimes more susceptible to getting dehydrated as a result of diarrhea or vomiting.

Obviously, catching your baby’s dehydration as soon as possible is the first step to treating it. So how can you tell if your little one is lacking in fluids?

1. Diapers: If it has been more than six hours since your baby’s last wet diaper, or if he or she isn’t producing between five and eight wet diapers in a 24-hour period, they are likely dehydrated. Another indicator might be the color and smell of the urine they are Darker, stronger-scented urine is a surefire sign of baby dehydration.
2. Sunken Eyes and Fontanel: If your little one’s eyes appear sunken in, check to see if the fontanel is as well. This is the soft spot on your baby’s head that you have probably caressed a hundred times before. When both the eyes and fontanel are sunken in, it can be a sign of a lack of fluids.
3. Dry Mouth: Just like you, your baby relies on hydration to keep their lips and mouth from becoming chapped and dry. So unusually chapped lips, or a mouth that seems to be absent of much saliva, can be an indication that your little one needs hydration.

If you suspect that your little one may be suffering from baby dehydration, one of the first things to do is call your pediatrician. They will likely ask you a few questions to determine just how dehydrated your baby is. Depending on the reason for dehydration, and how extensive the issue is, they may want to see your baby right away. Or, they may make some suggestions for trying to rehydrate your baby at home first.

Obviously, attempting to feed your baby breast milk or formula is probably the first thing to try, assuming he or she is not suffering from some type of stomach virus that led to the dehydration in the first place. Your doctor might also prescribe a special liquid to help replenish electrolytes.

If your baby is starting to appear lethargic or is exhibiting more serious signs of dehydration (excessive vomiting or fussiness, or crying without tears) skip the pediatrician and go straight to the emergency room. A severely dehydrated baby needs to be treated right away.

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.

Now that you are a few months into parenting, you probably feel like a baby bath time professional. You’ve likely tried the smaller tubs in the sink, and have graduated to a larger baby tub placed in your actual bathtub by now. But every day your little one gets stronger and moves around more, and that squirming can create a few extra challenges for bath time!

It is also around this time that babies might start protesting a little more in the tub, especially when it comes to water around their heads and faces. But you still have to wash their scalps, so what can you do?

Some parents find that bathing with their little ones can alleviate a lot of these problems. Babies who are a few months old are simply more secure in Mom or Dad’s arms, and Mom and Dad usually feel a bit more comfortable with the hold they have on baby when they are in the tub too. Plus, little ones can still benefit from skin to skin contact at this age, and getting in the tub with your baby can be a great bonding experience.

But even if bathing with your little one isn’t your thing, there are still ways to make bath time more fun for you both.

For starters, make sure you have everything you will need (baby friendly soap, a towel, a washcloth, etc.) within arms reach before you start the bath, so that you won’t have to leave your baby’s side at all. This is important both for safety (never, ever leave the room when your baby is in the tub) and for your little one’s security.

Make sure the water is warm, but not hot, and have a few toys in the tub for your baby to start grasping at and playing with. It’s normal for some little ones to start exhibiting a fear of the water, so your role is simply to keep a smile on your face and to demonstrate to your baby how fun the water can be. Laugh when he or she splashes and talk to them throughout the bath.

Babies only need to be bathed two or three times a week, and using a baby friendly lotion or oil immediately after the bath can help to prevent and treat dry skin.

One thing to keep in mind during baby bath time: little “surprises,” otherwise known as baby poop and pee, are routinely deposited in the tub by little ones. Think of this as a parental rite of passage, and be sure to get your little one out, lotioned, and safely put in their crib or baby swing before you start in on the cleaning duty.

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.

What is thrush?

Yeast is a normal part of the body that can get out of control. When you develop a fungal infection caused by yeast, it may be called thrush. Since yeast flourishes in dark, moist areas and feeds on sugars, it’s not surprising that breastfeeding moms and babies are predisposed to this infection.

What are the symptoms for mom?

You may have a thrush infection if you are experiencing stabbing or burning pain in the breast (which may happen during feeding or between feedings). Most moms with thrush have a red, shiny, itchy rash on the areola that may include peeling skin or small blisters. Nipple soreness is another common complaint.

Some women experience a vaginal yeast infection at the same time. If you have a history of mastitis or plugged ducts, this may increase the likelihood of thrush. In addition, if you’ve recently had a course of antibiotics, your natural balance can be shifted allowing the overgrowth of yeast.

What are the symptoms for baby?

For babies, the hallmark of thrush is white patches in baby’s mouth that don’t easily wipe off. These may be on baby’s gums, tongue or the insides of baby’s cheeks. Baby’s saliva may also look pearlescent. Gassiness, fussiness and refusing the breast can all happen with a thrush infection. A red, shiny diaper rash may happen along with the other symptoms. Even if you have clear thrush symptoms, your baby may not show any signs of the infection.

How is thrush treated?

Both mom and baby should be treated, even if only one has thrush symptoms. The chance of reinfection is increased when only one member of the dyad is treated, prolonging the discomfort of the infection.

Antifungal creams are the most commonly prescribed treatment. Your doctor may also recommend an antibiotic cream (for mom’s breasts) or suspension (for baby’s mouth). Oral antifungal medication can also be used, though a longer course is usually needed than is typical for a vaginal yeast infection.

Taking probiotics along with other treatments can be a useful adjunct. Baby can be given probiotic powder diluted in milk or rubbed inside the mouth. Other home treatments include a vinegar rinse (1 tablespoon of vinegar to 1 cup of water) or grapefruit seed extract (GSE) dabbed on the breast after each feeding. In addition, coconut oil (which is a natural antifungal) may be soothing when applied to mom’s itchy breasts.

Because yeast thrives on sugars, eliminate those from your diet during treatment (include natural and artificial sweeteners). Cut back on carbs and caffeine. Add yogurt and kefir (with their natural probiotics) to your diet.

Only your healthcare provider can diagnose nipple yeast and thrush. If you think you may have a thrush infection, contact your physician or other healthcare provider.

What can I do to keep it from returning?

It might be useful to treat the whole family (including dad and other children) when one person has obvious thrush symptoms. That way you’re not passing the infection back and forth! Be sure you are cleaning anything that comes in contact with mom’s breast and baby’s mouth or diaper area.

• Wash bras, breast pads, underwear, cloth diapers, etc. in hot water (consider adding vinegar to the wash)
• Wash your hands often with soap and hot water
• Boil pacifiers, bottle teats, teethers, toothbrushes, etc. for 20 minutes every day
• Wash baby’s toys in hot water daily
• Sterilize all pump parts if you are pumping (Keep in mind freezing does not kill yeast, so any milk pumped during infection will need to be used during treatment and discarded once the infection clears.)

Written by Michelle, Lamaze 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 2016. All rights reserved.

While mom may be the one with the goods, dads and partners can be an integral part in supporting breastfeeding. Research shows that the support of her partner is one of the strongest predictors of whether or not a mom starts breastfeeding and keeps going with it as baby grows.

The early days and weeks of initiating breastfeeding can be the hardest for a new mom. But, as far as long term milk supply, those first experiences are essential. Babies need to feed early and often, and they need to learn to latch and transfer milk well. And moms need to learn to get baby positioned and latched for the most productive feeding. As her partner, you may feel out of the loop. The mother-baby dance is happening without you.

So, how can you help? If you can’t feed the baby what can you do?

• You don’t need to feed your baby to bond with him: Find ways to care for your baby that don’t involve feeding. Take care of diaper changes and bathing, burping and comforting. Your baby will love to cuddle to sleep on your chest, too.
• Take on other tasks: Do the shopping, cooking and cleaning so mom can focus on the feeding. Freeing her from these responsibilities allows her to focus on the physically demanding aspects of feeding a newborn often.
• Learn about breastfeeding: If you know the basics about how a woman’s body makes milk and how to tell if the baby is getting enough, you’re less likely to suggest formula as the first solution. You’re much more likely to find ways to fix breastfeeding. But keep in mind you don’t need to know everything – there are trained lactation professionals who can help mom with any breastfeeding concerns.
• Take care of mom: Bring her a snack or a glass of water when she’s nursing. Care for your baby while mom takes a break to shower or nap, especially in those early days at home with a new baby. Bring the baby to her when he wakes to feed at night.
• Find ways to support her emotionally: Tell her she’s doing a great job – be specific in your praise – “Look how the baby is growing on your milk alone,” “You are really learning our baby’s cues,” etc.
• Turn away the naysayers: Be an advocate for breastfeeding and a gatekeeper for commenters. When someone raises doubts about your partner’s ability to breastfeed, kindly tell them “this is what our doctor has recommended” or “this is what works for our family.”
• Help her find the help she needs: If she is having breastfeeding problems, find a lactation consultant or breastfeeding counselor she can call. If she seems to have symptoms of postpartum depression, help her reach out to healthcare providers for treatment. If she just needs a shoulder to cry on, be her rock.

If you’re a mom reading this, be sure to share it with your partner. If you’re an experienced parent – mom or partner – let us know what you found most valuable in the early weeks of learning to breastfeed.

Written by Michelle, Lamaze 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 2016. All rights reserved.

Isn’t everything about a new baby wonderful? The snuggles, their perfect baby smell, and the baby crying.

Oh… wait… maybe the crying isn’t so wonderful.

But in case you hadn’t realized it yet, babies cry. Sometimes for reasons that are completely beyond your comprehension, and sometimes for extended periods of time without any indication of letting up.

Babies cry. And knowing it’s normal doesn’t make it any easier to endure.

It’s said that most babies start to cry more around two weeks of age, with those uncontrollable, un-soothe-able bouts of crying peaking at about six weeks. But for some babies, that can continue on through the third or fourth month, and it can last for hours at a time.

These more extreme baby crying fits are sometimes a sign of colic, which is just the name given to babies who cry even when they otherwise seem to be healthy, happy, and fed. If your little one cries more than 3 hours a day, mostly at night, and seemingly without reason, he or she may have colic. And unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do about colic besides being there, attempting to comfort a baby who may not want to be comforted.

If you’re still hoping to somehow soothe those cries, try skin to skin contact while swaying back and forth. You may also find that dimming the lights or taking a warm bath could help. And some parents find that strapping their little ones into the car seat and going for a drive can provide relief.

The good news is, this is all within the range of normal, and it tends to subside by the third or fourth month. Which means getting through the tears is possible. But that doesn’t mean it’s not stressful. If you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed by the baby crying, put your baby down someplace safe and go to another room where you can have a chance to breathe. Call a friend or family member for help if you need it. Having someone come sit with your baby during the hardest hours for even just one night could be exactly what you need to refresh and recharge.

Most importantly, don’t ever hesitate to take your baby to the pediatrician if you fear that something just isn’t right. While colic can absolutely be normal, there can also sometimes be an underlying cause contributing to those tears. Food allergies, for instance, could result in one very unhappy baby. So trust your gut and ask questions if the tears feel outside the range of normal to you.

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.

Around the world, across cultures and throughout time, mothers have shared sleep with their babies. Co-sleeping facilitates breastfeeding, helps babies sleep better, and gives moms more rest.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, among other healthcare organizations, recommends that babies sleep in close proximity to mom for the first months of life. While they do not advocate sleeping on the same sleep surface (bedsharing), they do suggest that babies should sleep in the same room as mom. Sleeping near an adult caregiver lowers baby’s risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Many moms find, though, bedsharing is preferable. In fact, a recent survey found that almost half of all parents admitting to sharing a bed with their baby on some or most nights. If you plan on co-sleeping, make sure you have created a safe sleep space first.

Avoid bedsharing if:

• Either parent smokes
• Either parent is under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• One partner is not in agreement about bedsharing
• You are so fatigued that you may not be able to respond to your baby’s needs
• Older siblings or pets share your bed

Consider separate sleep surfaces if:

• Your baby is a preemie or is low-birth-weight
• Your baby is ill

Safe co-sleeping guidelines:

• Always place your baby on his back to sleep
• Make sure the mattress is firm (e.g. no memory foam or waterbed) without any loose sheets or fluffy blankets and pillows
• Be sure your baby can’t fall out of bed, or become trapped between the bed and it’s frame or the bed and the wall
• Keep baby from overheating by dressing him lightly for sleep
• Move the pillows up and away so they’re nowhere near the baby
• Keep the duvet under the baby so he can’t be smothered

Never leave your baby alone on an adult bed – even very young babies can scoot to the edge and fall. Avoid sleeping on a sofa or recliner with your baby. This increases the risk of infant death from suffocation or entrapment. Some experts recommend that if your baby is bottle-fed rather than breastfed he should sleep close to mom on another sleep surface, i.e. a cot or crib in mom’s room.

Whether or not you are co-sleeping, babies thrive on routine – so create a restful sleeptime ritual for your family, and adjust as your baby grows. Parenting doesn’t stop at night, so find ways for all family members to have their needs met while everyone still gets enough sleep.

Written by Michelle, 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 2016. All rights reserved.

When helping women with breastfeeding problems, I often hear from moms who say they can’t pump enough. When I ask questions about why they’re pumping, I often hear that they just want to have a bottle with them when they are out and about.

Your baby has a right to eat when he’s hungry no matter where you are. But you may feel unsure about breastfeeding in public – especially if this is your first baby. But breastfeeding wherever you happen to be can be simple and discreet.

Some tips may help increase your comfort level so you can feed your baby at the breast while running errands, sitting at the café, or enjoying time at the park:

• Practice in front of a mirror: Sit down at home and feed your baby in front of a mirror. Notice how little you can see of the process after the initial latch (and even then!).
• Dress the part: Wear two-piece outfits or dress in layers, wear clothes you’re comfortable in, and wear a bra that’s easy to use. If you’re wearing a button front shirt, unbutton from bottom rather than the top. If you’re wearing a cardigan, the sides will likely hide your latching baby. There’s no need to buy specialty clothing – though many options do exist. If you want to have a nursing tank top or t-shirt to layer under you other clothes, you can make a homemade version by cutting slits in the front of an old camisole or t-shirt. If you’re wearing a scarf, you may be able to use it as a convenient cover – while latching or throughout the feeding.
• Wear your baby: If you’re using a sling or a wrap, the material from the carrier will cover your body and will make latching a little easier.
• Use a blanket or a ready-made breastfeeding cover: Sometimes just having something covering you will increase your comfort, though don’t feel obligated to cover yourself. Having a blanket thrown over your cradled baby is sometimes like a neon sign saying ‘Hey! I’m breastfeeding!’ Also, covers may work for newborns, but after a couple of months, your baby may resist being blocked from the world.
• Find a comfortable place: You’re going to be sitting there for as long as it takes your baby to finish, so you likely don’t want to be delicately perched on a low wall. While it doesn’t necessarily need to be someplace secluded, if you’re seeking privacy you might choose a fitting room or your vehicle. But the park bench is fine, too! Just don’t choose the bathroom – would you want to eat in there? Consider using your diaper bag or handbag to pillow your elbow while you’re feeding.
• Follow your baby’s hunger cues: It’s easier to latch a baby when he’s showing early hunger cues. A ravenous, screaming baby calls attention to you, and makes latching more difficult.
• Practice: If you’re especially nervous, get comfortable nursing in front of others at home or at a mother-to-mother breastfeeding support meeting. Ultimately, you could nurse right before you leave the house and, if you get your timing right, you may be home before baby is ready to nurse again.

Most of all radiate confidence! You’re doing the absolute best for your baby. Smile and keep feeding 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 2016. All rights reserved.

We all know that babies spit-up. This is a normal fact of life with a little one, and while it can be less than fun (after all, who wants to constantly smell like baby spit-up?) it’s not usually a big reason for concern. Babies spit-up. It happens.

Still, sometimes a baby will spit up more than what might be considered “normal.” Maybe they are spitting up regularly between meals, or perhaps they seem to be spitting up everything they just ate. Mommy usually knows best, and if you think your baby may be having more trouble with spitting up than most, it is fair for you to be concerned.

But is there anything you can do about it? And could your bottle choice be contributing to the problem? Will the wrong bottle make reflux worse?

The answer is, yes and no.

In most cases, babies who are fed at the breast are going to be sucking in less air than those who are bottle fed. So it is possible that a bottle fed baby, even those drinking pumped breast milk, may be experiencing more issues with trapped air in their bellies than a baby who is fed at the breast. And that trapped air can lead to more spit-up in some cases.

Which means that your baby may find some relief if you ditch the bottle altogether.

But does the type of bottle itself matter?

In most cases, no. Yes, there are some bottles that are designed to reduce the amount of air your baby swallows, and those certainly can’t hurt. Having the appropriate nipple size for your baby’s age is also important, because a nipple that allows your baby to drink too quickly may contribute to spitting up.

But the truth is, actual reflux is a medical condition, not something caused by anything you are or are not doing with the bottle. Proper feeding techniques can help to reduce general spit-up, but if you think your baby has full-blown reflux, a visit to the pediatrician is in order.

There are a lot of things that could be causing the reflux, and most of them can be treated fairly simply. For instance, your baby may have food allergies that indicate he or she would do better if you avoided those foods in your own diet while breastfeeding. But regardless of what the reason may be, reflux is a physiological problem—not one caused by how fast your baby is drinking or what type of bottle he or she is drinking from.

So if you have concerns, make a visit with your pediatrician before you go through the house replacing all the bottles.

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.

When you’re caring for a newborn – or even chasing after a toddler – maternal nutrition may be the last thing on your mind. But taking care of yourself needs to be a priority so you can in turn care for your family. Good nutrition can help moderate some of the fatigue new moms feel, and can help you keep up with the demands of being a mom.

Instead of three meals a day, try for five or six smaller meals and snacks to keep your blood sugar steady and your energy up. This will also keep you from getting overly hungry and binge eating whatever you can get your hands on!

Make every food count nutrient-wise. The most filling meals and snacks will be a combination of a protein, a carbohydrate and a fat. Choose fresh foods with little processing, if possible.

Keep your cupboards and refrigerator stocked with foods that you can grab and go (bonus points if you can eat them one-handed while holding a baby in the other arm). Consider these convenient, yet healthy, choices:

• Yogurt: The probiotics in yogurt will improve your gut health, and the protein will fill you up. Opt for low fat and organic without added sugar, if you can. Pre-made smoothies are a great convenience food to invest in for the early days at home with a newborn.

• Fruits, such as bananas, apples, pears, grapes: Keep a bowl of cleaned fruit within reach on your table. Having it in sight makes it more likely you’ll grab a piece when you’re feeling hungry. The fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants will provide you with a nutritional boost.

• Nuts: Almonds, walnuts and other tree nuts are nutritional powerhouses, full of healthy fats, protein and heart-healthy minerals. Add some dried fruit and seeds for trail mix goodness. Breastfeeding mothers whose children have a high risk of developing an allergy, may want to discuss with their healthcare provider about eliminating foods such as dairy, nuts, eggs, and fish from their diet. However, so far there is no clear evidence that a breastfeeding mother’s diet will have any effect on whether her baby develops an allergy.

• Vegetables like baby carrots or celery sticks: Just like fruits, the added vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables will keep you healthy and the fiber will keep you feeling full. Having pre-cut choices in the crisper will make it more likely for you to grab a handful when you’re hungry.

• Cheese sticks / string cheese: Cheese makes a fantastic snack, and the ease of prepackaged cheese sticks or string cheese make them a likely choice for a busy mom. A part-skim mozzarella stick contains protein and calcium while limiting calories – grab some whole-grain crackers to go along and you’ve got a complete snack.

• Granola bars / whole grain cereal bars: While these easy snacks come in an amazing variety of choices, be sure to choose brands with less sugar and more fiber. Protein bars also make a good choice for moms who are having difficulty fitting in meals.

In addition, keep water by your side throughout the day, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches and more. Make sure you’re drinking about eight 8-ounces glasses of water each day to feel your best – more if you’re breastfeeding.

What are your favorite snacks to have on hand?

Written by Michelle, 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 2016. All rights reserved.