News

As a baby grows, his or her appetite increases. That means that you’ll need an increase in milk supply to satisfy the child’s needs. If you’re not sure how to get your milk supply flowing abundantly, you’re not alone. Many people are in a similar position which is why we’re including five easy tips to help you get started. Tip #1: Nurse your child regularly Your body keeps up with the demand for milk. That’s why it’s important to nurse often. The more your body receives cues that milk is needed, the more it produces for your child’s growing appetite. This is the most important way to increase your milk supply naturally. Tip #2: Make sure your child is latching properly If the baby isn’t latching properly, you’ll know. It’s something that could hurt you. It can also drain your milk supply so make sure that he or she has the right latch on your nipple and areola. If you’re not sure that your baby is latching successfully, you can usually tell by the placement of the child’s mouth, and if feeding him or her hurts you in any way. Tip #3: Pump after you’re done nursing your baby Getting into the habit of pumping your breasts regularly ensures that your baby always has a steady supply of milk to consume. It’s especially important for women who work or can’t be available to nurse 24/7. You’ll have the nourishment your infant requires on hand in the event of an emergency, too. Milk banks exist for this precise reason as some mother fall ill and can’t nurse. Tip #4: Ditch the pacifier If a baby is busy sucking a pacifier, they’re not helping you with milk production. Instead of using a binky to preoccupy them, use your breasts. It helps your body recognize the need for more milk so that you’ll continue to produce a steady supply naturally. Tip #5: Talk to an expert about the questions that you have If you have questions or need support while breastfeeding, a lactation expert does the trick. The specialist provides sound advice as to what to do to make sure that your baby is getting what he or she needs nutritionally from you. A lactation consultant is someone you need on your wellness team after you’ve had your child. Additional Ways to Produce More Milk are Available This is a sampling of the things you can do to make sure that your baby grows up big and strong thanks to the nourishment your body provides to them. There are other ways to increase your milk supply including taking supplements and even eating lactose cookies which contain special ingredients that stimulate milk flow. It’s up to you to determine which options work best for you and your infant. Keeping Your Supply from Drying Up Now that you know additional ways to increase your milk supply, you’ll have an easier time feeding your baby<. you produce plenty of nourishment to meet their needs as they grow and develop. won have worry about running out milk because done simple things get the flowing once again.> This Article was brought to you in collaboration with Bellefit, the makers of the best postpartum girdles Founded in 2008 Bellefit® is the most mom-trusted and awarded brand of postpartum girdles & corsets for recovery after c-section or natural childbirth. Bellefit® girdles come in five designs made using proprietary compression fabrics. Their unique design features a triple-layered reinforced front and back support panels. As a woman-owned company, Bellefit® is no stranger to the challenges new moms face during and after pregnancy. The company helps women feel supported and confident in their changing bodies. Bellefit Girdles

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages every pregnant woman to protect herself against flu season by getting the flu shot. Influenza comes with severe complications which increases the risk of hospitalization and could even result in death. Getting the flu shot during the last trimester of pregnancy protects your unborn child, too, making it an option for you to consider. How the Flu Shot Benefits You Rather than hide away in your home for the nine months that you’re pregnant, getting a flu shot allows you to be out in public without fear of becoming ill. The influenza has been particularly nasty this year, leading to many deaths. The flu shot protects against serious complications such as pneumonia. Even if you were to get the flu, the shot helps reduce the symptoms you experience. That means that you’re less sick than you would be had you not been vaccinated. It’s a precautionary measure that many women believe in taking while pregnant. How the Flu Shot Benefits Your Baby Babies under six months old don’t get the flu shot themselves. Their mothers get it while they’re pregnant or first breastfeeding. Babies that aren’t protected from the flu are often born prematurely. Infants that have been vaccinated are often bigger and healthier. They’re less likely to be hospitalized with the flu during their first months of life. Stillbirth deaths are fewer, too, in women who have had the flu shot while pregnant. Where to Get the Flu Shot If you don’t know where to get the flu shot or want to make sure that it is administered correctly, ask you OBGYN if they offer it as a service. Even if there is a high demand at your family physician’s office for the shot, you’ll be among the first to receive it because pregnant women are given top priority. You won’t be able to use the nasal spray vaccine because it hasn’t been approved to be given to women carrying a child. When to Get the Flu Shot You should get the vaccination as early as October because the flu season can last through May. The earlier you get it, the better protected you are. Because the shot changes each year depending on the strain of flu that is the most severe. You’ll want to make sure you schedule regular vaccinations even if you were given the flu shot the year before. Risks That Come with Getting the Flu Shot Although some people claim that the flu shot gives children autism, there is no data proving the legitimacy of this. Flu shots are meant to protect not harm children. Still, they’re not 100% effective, so there is a small risk in getting one. Pregnant women should be aware of the benefits and risks that come with getting the flu shot while pregnant. If you believe the reward outweighs the risk and agree with the CDC, schedule a time to get the flu shot during your pregnancy. If you’ve already delivered and are breastfeeding, you can still be vaccinated against influenza without worry that it will harm your baby.

Your child’s first cold will be one of many. How you handle treating cold symptoms with your infant indicates how well you’ll do treating future illnesses. The key to a quick recovery is being prepared. That means that you have the things on hand that you need for your baby. Preparing in advance prevents you from having to make a last-minute run to the pharmacy because you have a sick infant. Stock Up on Must-Have Cold Fighters and Relievers Pay attention to your baby’s symptoms to determine when you should take your baby to the doctor. What you’ll want to have in your home during the cold season include saline drops, a forehead swiping or ear thermometer, a syringe with a rubber bulb, a humidifier, and medication that reduces fever in babies. If the child is younger than three months old, you’ll first want to consult the baby’s physician to make sure that the things that you’re doing aren’t making his or her symptoms worse. Older babies who continue to show signs of fever, dehydration, congestion or labored breathing should be taken to a doctor right away. Suction Mucus from Your Baby’s Nose with Rubber Bulb Syringe Add saline drops and irrigate the nose by removing any build-up of mucus with a syringe with a rubber bulb. It gives you a better grip and makes the process less stressful for the child. You won’t further irritate their delicate system because you’ll be doing what you can to combat the cold. Prop the Child’s Head Up with Towels Placed Under the Crib Mattress Help your baby breath easier by raising the mattress. Roll a towel or two and use them to prop the baby’s mattress some. You won’t want to put the items in the crib with the child because they cause pose safety risks. Instead, use them to raise the mattress so that breathing becomes easier for your little one. Use a Humidifier to Keep Air Moist Dry air makes seasonal colds worse. Give your baby the gift of good health by investing in a humidifier that helps put moisture back into the air. Doing so helps your child say goodbye to a dry, crusty nose and a deep cough. Make Hydration a Priority Hydration is key to help heal your newborns first cold Breastfeed more often or provide your child with a few ounces of water in a sippy cup if they’re old enough to drink that way. It’s imperative that the baby is getting enough liquid because if he or she doesn’t, they’ll get dehydrated fast. Make time for extra breastfeeding or pump a few extra bottles for those just in case moments. Take Charge During Cold Season by Being Prepared Be prepared with the correct tools so that you are in charge of any illness your baby may get as they grow. Handle your newborn’s first cold like a champ. Now that you know what to do to make that happen, you’ll be able to care for your baby as seasoned professionals do. You’ll be better able to handle future illnesses when they occur, and you and baby will sleep better through the night. These are things that make it easier to get through the first cold your baby has. Once you’ve experienced it firsthand, you’ll have no qualms about dealing with the next bout of illness. You’ll know exactly when to treat the child at home and when to take them to the doctor for additional care. You Might Also Like: Body Wraps After Pregnancy: A Great Combination This Article was brought to you in collaboration with Bellefit, the makers of the best postpartum girdles Founded in 2008 Bellefit® is the most mom-trusted and awarded brand of postpartum girdles & corsets for recovery after c-section or natural childbirth. Bellefit® girdles come in five designs made using proprietary compression fabrics. Their unique design features triple-layered reinforced front and back support panels. As a woman-owned company, Bellefit® is no stranger to the challenges new moms face during and after pregnancy. The company helps women feel supported and confident in their changing bodies. Bellefit Girdles

There are many things women who are pregnant need to be wary of. The Zika Virus, caused by a mosquito bite and spread to fetuses, is one very important infection to acknowledge and avoid. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are factors that increase your chances of being infected by the virus including your geographic location, the places you’ve traveled to, and the travel history of your sex partner. Ask your doctor how to prevent getting the Zika Virus while pregnant. You May Not Show a Single Symptom of Zika Virus Symptoms may or may not be present in an infected person. The likelihood of passing it to your child while pregnant, however, is great. Serious birth defects can occur while the fetus is developing which significantly changes both you and your baby’s life dramatically. Zika Virus is spread by mosquitos bites. What to Expect from the Highly Contagious Infection Here are some of the things you should know about the Zika Virus and pregnancy: The infection causes microcephaly and other brain defects in fetuses. It is most often spread by mosquitoes. It can be passed from partner to partner if they choose to have sex without a condom and a person is infected. There is no way to get rid of the virus or treat it. The more you know about the virus, the better prepared you are to avoid getting it. There are some tips that the CDC offers pregnant women and women who are trying to get pregnant when it comes to the infection. The next section addresses these things. Avoid traveling to certain areas of the globe with high risk of Zika Virus. Protecting Yourself from the Zika Virus There are many ways to protect yourself from the Zika Virus. The CDC offers the following recommendations: Refrain from traveling to areas of the globe with high risk for the Zika Virus.Refer to the CDC’s website for more information about countries with high-threat for the infection. Practice safe sex with condoms. Birth control alone will not help prevent the virus. Condoms are not 100% effective in preventing pregnancy, either, so keep that in mind. Prevent mosquito bites. Take the steps necessary to address mosquito populations inside and outside the home. Inform your doctor about your travel plans. See how he or she feels about you traveling while pregnant. Taking preventive measures to avoid getting the Zika Virus is recommended especially while pregnant. These precautionary measures can help you avoid getting the Zika Virus or passing it onto someone else. If you are pregnant or plan to get pregnant soon, you won’t be putting your unborn child at risk. The more you know, the better prepared you are to avoid the Zika virus. Safeguarding Your Pregnancy There are many things that threaten the health and well-being of your unborn child. The Zika Virus doesn’t have to be one of them. Doing your part to avoid getting the infection is the key to preventing brain defects in your baby. Avoiding places where there is a high risk of the virus is highly recommended. Going the extra mile to avoid mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, using pregnancy-friendly insect repellants, and getting rid of mosquito populations outdoors by removing sources of water and keeping screened-in windows and doors in good condition helps tremendously.

As a parent, you’ll make the all-too-important decision to co-sleep with your child or have them sleep in a crib alone. There are advantages and disadvantages that come with both options. Some parents swear by co-sleeping while others prefer that their babies crib-sleep. Whatever your choice may be, know that it’s up to you to make the final decision. A Parent’s Take on Co-Sleeping and Crib-Sleeping The differences in opinion about co-sleeping and crib-sleeping are like day and night. Parents who sleep apart from their children f eel helpless and that they aren’t able to bond as well with the infant. Those who choose to have their baby sleep in a crib, do so because they’re concerned about safety warnings about S.I.D.S. The perfect sleep solution doesn’t exist. Most parents don’t feel well-rested no matter where their child sleeps. If you think that your baby won’t cry when he or she feels startled, scared, wet or hungry because they’re in bed with you, you’re wrong. You’ll find that this hot-button topic gets people arguing faster than political subjects. Some parents feel their way is the best and that parents that don’t show their views are wrong. This is, of course, a matter of opinion and not one based on scientific or medical knowledge. Co-Sleeping Parents who have been there and done that report the following about co-sleeping: The baby’s needs are better met when sharing a bed. A baby cuddled next to you is among the sweetest sights you’ll see. Hearing movement and breathing gives some parents peace of mind. Having the child next to the parent while the other parent is deployed with the military is soothing. These are, of course, statements based on opinion and personal experience alone. There is no proof that this method of sleeping Is better than crib-sleeping. It’s what works for some families with babies and small children. Crib-Sleeping The parents that swear by crib-sleeping state: The look on the baby’s face after sleeping in his or her crib and then seeing mom and dad enter the room is priceless. The baby isn’t disturbed by all the getting up and down the parents do all night. The parents can be intimate and not just caregivers for the baby. It’s one less transition that the child has to make throughout their lifetime. Babies who sleep with their parents often grow into older children who sleep with their children, but crib-sleeping puts a stop to that. Again, if this method of sleeping works best for your family, great! There is no judgment when it comes to how you get your infant to sleep through the night. If monitoring through a baby monitor is a better solution for you and your spouse, by all means, do it your way.It doesn’t matter if your Team Co-Sleeping or Team Crib-Sleeping. The important thing is that your baby is comfortable and safe wherever he or she sleeps. If you have an infant sleeping in a crib in another room in the house, a video baby monitor allows you to check in on them without disturbing their sleep. You Might Also Like: Your Baby’s Gender: to Know or Not to Know

Now that your maternity leave is coming to an end, it’s time to start thinking about how to make the transition from home to work smoother. A little preparation goes a long way in boosting your confidence of how well things will go while you’re away. Whoever will be caring for your baby will do so with greater ease because of how organized you are. Consider this your guide to planning your return to work after pregnancy. It gives you the rundown of the things you need to do after your maternity leave is up. It helps better prepare you and your baby for what’s yet to come with your schedule in the future. Decide Who Will Provide Childcare This is among the most difficult decisions for a mother to make. Deciding who to trust with your baby takes careful consideration. If you have a family member who is willing to provide childcare, it could save you money and give you peace of mind knowing that your little one is with someone who is familiar and loving. If you don’t have the luxury of living close to your parents or siblings, investing in a quality childcare facility is the best option. Stockpile Breast Milk if You Breastfeed If you currently breastfeed your child, you will need to keep an ample supply of milk on hand to nourish your baby. You’ll send it to the family member’s home or childcare facility with your infant. It may take some time for your child to get used to bottle feeding when he or she is used to breastfeeding. You can make it easier on the little one by introducing the bottle before your maternity leave is up. That way, you can see how well they respond to it. If they won’t do anything but latch onto your breast, you’ll need to come up with another solution for feedings. When Going Back to Work Doesn’t Make Sense If you’re paying for childcare and it’s eating into your salary, it’s best to crunch numbers to determine the practicality of keeping your job. Oftentimes, parents don’t realize that keeping a job costs them more than they make. If you’re not offered a childcare subsidy and can’t work from home, it may be best to reconsider your need to return to work. This is a choice that often feels difficult to make. Sometimes, the parent that makes the most money opts to work. While the parent who makes the least amount of money stays home to care for the child. Stay-at-home dads are normal these days, so if you have a well-paying job with amazing benefits, this might be the best route for you and your family to choose. If you’re planning to go back to work after having your baby, you’ll be ready. You’ll have all your to-dos checked off your list. It will be easier for you once you do have to say goodbye to your little one because you know he or she will be well taken care of.

You may be wondering when you should start feeding solids to your baby. It’s a legitimate question that requires a response. Knowing when to start feeding solid food to your child allows you to make the transition from breastfeeding or bottle feeding to eating with their hands or a spoon. The Transition from Liquid Foods to Solid Food When is the right time to introduce solid foods to your baby? So, when should you start introducing solid food to a baby? The answer is whenever the little one shows that he or she is ready. When they start to have interest in the things you eat and are four to six months of age, they’ll be ready to try some solid foods. Signs That Your Little One is Ready to Eat Solids If you want to know if your baby is ready to have a taste of their first solid foods, you’ll be able to tell by looking for specific signs. Here are the things that says you’ll notice in a child that is ready to make the transition from a liquid diet to a solid diet: They can hold their head up on their own. If they can’t, solid food could choke them. They can sit upright without slouching. Again, this is a safety tip. They can help the food travel to the back of their mouth with their tongue. It means they’re able to taste the food and receive the nutrients from it because they’re spitting less out. They’ve gained enough weight to digest the food properly. Babies under four months are too young and still developing. They want to taste the food, touch it or try to feed themselves it. Being curious about the foods they see others eating is a good sign that it’s time to let them start trying new things. What are some safe solid foods for your baby to try first? Now that you’ve identified signs in your child that indicate that they’re ready to move onto the next stage of eating, you’ll want to find some foods that they can try safely. One thing you can do is puree a food and leave it in its natural state without adding salt or sugar. Meat for breastfed babies is an ideal choice because of all the iron they got from breast milk. Beef, chicken, and turkey baby foods found at the grocery store can serve as first foods. You can also make your own: pureed sweet potatoes squash applesauce pears peaches, and bananas These all have the right texture and are foods that babies love. Mealtime for Baby is Easy to Plan as They Grow Because You Know What They Love After you find out what your baby likes to eat, meal time becomes fun. Now that you know when to start feeding solids to your baby, you’ll be more than ready to do so. It’s something that you can prepare for in advance. By weaning your baby off the breast or bottle and introducing them to solid foods, you’ll soon see how many things they truly enjoy eating. You’ll have an easier time planning healthy meals in the future because you’ll know what foods the child enjoys and the ones they prefer to skip altogether. You Might Also Like: The Benefits of Breastfeeding for You and Baby

As a new mother who wants to breastfeed her child, there are some things you’ll need to know to get started. It takes getting used to but once you and your baby have gotten the hang of it, you should have no problem breastfeeding wherever you go. Breastfed babies have an easier time fighting off bacteria and viruses which leads to better health overall. It’s the type of decision that could significantly improve the well-being of you and your child by strengthening your bond. https://youtu.be/vbCKLwNFhDw Ways to Make Feeding Time Easier for You and Your Baby Here are ten breastfeeding tips for new moms: 1. Hello, world! If possible, try to breastfeed your infant within hours of birth because that’s when your body produces colostrum which benefits the baby. 2. Latching experts. With access to a full medical staff, it’s advisable to have a nurse or lactation consultant see how your baby responds to breastfeeding. 3. Nursing bras save you trouble. Make sure they’re comfortable, accessible, and plentiful as your milk supply increases within days of giving birth. 4. Round-the-clock breastfeeding schedule. Prepare to breastfeed eight to twelve times in a 24-hour period while your baby adjusts to his or her new feeding routine. 5. Skip the pacifier. You can introduce it whenever the baby has caught on to breastfeeding and is latching well. 6. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. As with every other system in your body, milk production is dependent on hydration so make sure to sip clear, hydrating H2O whenever you can. 7. Nurse where it is quiet, and when you don’t feel rushed. It takes time for milk to “let down” but once it does, you’ll discover it doesn’t take much to get it flowing. 8. Treat yo’ self. Cracked and sore nipples are the worst so it’s important to give that area of your body some extra TLC. 9. Prepare for an increase of nursing. Your baby is going to need more nutrition as he or she grows so take note that feedings increase as the child ages. 10. Say goodbye to Thrush. The fungal infection that occurs in your baby’s mouth can be controlled by following a diet that decreases the intake of yeasty foods and sugar. Breastfeed the Right Way from the Start to Increase Comfortability As a new mom, you welcome all the help you can get. Since you’re new to breastfeeding, you want to make sure that you’re doing it the right way. So that your baby grows big and strong. You also want to avoid irritations such as sensitive nipples so that you and your child are comfortable with breastfeeding until he or she is weaned. There are many things you can do to ease yourself into a regular breastfeeding routine with your child. Although the idea may seem foreign at first, it takes no time at all before your body produces the sustenance needed for your child to thrive. You’ll find that it’s no issue at all to breastfeed while on the go, using breastfeeding covers. You Might Also Like: The Benefits Of Breastfeeding For Mom And Baby

From the moment you go into labor you want to make sure you’re as prepared as possible for giving birth! Moreover, a great way to make sure you’re ready for the first day is know what to pack in your hospital bag. Follow this checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything for yourself, your partner and your precious new arrival. https://youtu.be/dv6jdEUJhNI Packing Checklist For You Comfortable shoes to wear around the hospital. Flip flops, slip-on flats or sturdy slippers are great choices. Socks to wear in bed and around your room. Warm, cushy and comfortable socks are great for comfort. However, if you can find a pair with some kind of traction on the soles, that may be useful as well. Hospital clothes. This includes pajamas, your own hospital gown, underwear, nursing bra and a robe. Also make sure to bring anything else that might help you feel more comfortable. Personal care items. This includes maxi pads, a hairbrush, lotion, toothbrush and toothpaste. Don’t forget hair ties and other hygiene or cosmetic items will help you feel clean and refreshed. Personal comfort items. This could be your phone or tablet loaded with your favorite music. Also bring important family keepsakes you want to keep with you as you push or have your c-section. Going home outfit. Pack comfortable stretchy pants or skirt, nursing bra, underwear, socks and shoes. Packing Checklist For Your Partner Partner support gear. This includes the birth plan instructions, snacks, a playlist of your favorite songs. Don’t forget phone or tablet chargers and anything else that your partner should take care of. Comfortable hospital clothes. Clothes your partner can feel good in even if it’s necessary to sleep in a cramped hospital chair. Personal care items. Don’t forget the toothbrush and toothpaste, haircare and other items for an overnight trip. Personal entertainment items. Bring books, movies on a laptop, podcasts on a device with Bluetooth speakers . Bring anything else your partner or you may want if you’re waiting a while. Going home outfit. Include a change of underwear, socks, pants and shirt. Cash. It’s always helpful to have an extra stash of cash for cafeteria, vending machine or gift shop runs. Packing Checklist For Your Baby Receiving blanket. Pack a versatile blanket (or two) for your first official swaddling and nursing attempts. Nursing pillow. Bring your nursing pillow so you can get used to using it right away. Hat, onesies and mittens. Bring a warm newborn hat, 1-2 newborn onesies for use at the hospital and scratch mittens. Diapers and wipes, Bring a stash of the diaper and wipes brand you plan to use at home. Going home outfit. Include a fresh going-home onesie and socks plus seasonally appropriate clothing such as a warmer hat and a blanket for the carrier.

There is one in every family, a very picky eater that throws off mom and dad at every meal of the day. It can be very frustrating for any parent when you spend time, love and energy into making delicious meals for their family and their picky eater refuses to eat. Fret not; most children go through lengths of time when they want nothing to do with certain foods, so you are definitely not alone. Read on as we offer some tips and tricks for dealing with the picky eater dilemma. Keep it Positive It is very important for parents to have a positive attitude during meal times. Make sure that you don't show your children when you get frustrated about their pickiness even if it means ignoring some of their bad behavior at times. Try to focus on the positive and celebrate the small milestones when they try new things. Continue to Introduce New Foods Be organized in your weekly menus and continue to introduce new foods so your children can develop a familiarity with new foods. Even if they have no desire to try them at first, when they see the rest of the family eating different foods, they will learn to be more accepting of these new meals. Setup a Reward System Children love rewards. Setup a reward system to encourage your children to try new things with the outlook of a nice reward at the end of the week. Although some parents can find it difficult to budge in rewarding children who are not cooperating, this method can have a very positive outcome in the long run. Know When to Introduce New Foods There are certain times in the day when children are very hungry and are more likely to try new things. Have certain snacks and foods such as fresh veggies or fruits ready to go for these small windows of willingness. Make it Look Fun If food looks fun and delicious, children are more likely to try it. Sometimes going the extra mile in making fun looking food in smaller portions, can encourage children to give certain foods a try. Get Them Involved What better way to get children into food than getting them involved in making it? There are many ways to involve children in the cooking process. If they can see how it's made and be part of the cooking process, then they will be more excited to try the foods that they "cooked themselves". (wink-wink)

In the past decade, information about the benefits of breastfeeding for you and baby have revolutionized the way moms think about how they nurture their babies. ​Benefits of Breastfeeding for Baby Breast milk evolves as your baby grows. For the first 3 to 4 days, your breasts produce a thick yellow milk called colostrum. It’s a concentrated milk with antibodies and proteins to protect your baby’s newborn intestines and provide a natural immunization. Transitional milk occurs after colostrum and lasts for approximately two weeks. The content of transitional milk includes high levels of fat, lactose, water-soluble vitamins, and contains more calories than colostrum. Mature milk is the final milk that is produced. 90% is water, which is necessary to maintain hydration of the infant. The other 10% is comprised of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats that are necessary for both growth and energy. Breast milk has equal amounts of protein, carbohydrates and fats to meet your baby’s needs. The fat in breast milk is good and rich in omega fatty acids, DHA and ARA, which help to support healthy brain and eye development during the first few years of life. The hundreds of nutrients found in breast milk are the healthiest for your baby’s digestive system. Unlike proteins found in regular cow’s milk and most formulas, the proteins in breast milk are naturally gentle for digestion. Breast milk safeguards your baby. Breast milk helps protect babies against food allergies, protein intolerance, and sensitivity. Healthy bacteria (bifidobacteria and lactobacilli)—called probiotics—in breast milk have a positive influence on digestive functions and immune support. Benefits of Breastfeeding for You There is no formula in the world that will ever nourish a baby as well as breast milk does. The benefits far outweigh the challenges that come with it and you could say that breastfeeding is not only natural, but it is in fact necessary. Breastfeeding diminishes future health risks Women who breastfeed have a decreased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, breast cancer and ovarian cancer later on in life. Breastfeeding hormones reduce recovery time. The act of breastfeeding triggers the release of oxytocin, which helps the uterus to contract and return to its pre-pregnancy size in less time. Breastfeeding also triggers improved blood clotting, which reduces the amount of postpartum initial bleeding and decreases menstrual blood loss during the first few months after childbirth. Breastfeeding allows you to bond with your baby. You will find quiet moments and places for a positive experience. Relax with your baby and observe their communication. Skin-to-skin and eye-to-eye contact provides a unique closeness. Inexpensive, Convenient and Naturally Made. Requires little to no equipment. Can be done almost anywhere and anytime. You Might Also Like Belly Bandage vs Body Shaper – Which is Best After Pregnancy?

When the cold season begins, it's easy for adults and children to bundle up and stay warm and cozy, but keeping your baby warm during the winter is a whole other story. Thermal Undies It is important to consider all your options when deciding how to keep your baby warm during the winter without making them too warm. Layering clothing can be a very effective way to retain heat, however, keep in mind that babies need to be cleaned and diapers need to be changed constantly. Avoid using layers that don't allow easy access for diaper changes. There is button down thermal underwear made in a wide range of sizes for babies. These thermal undies are a great way to keep your baby warm while still having the access needed to change their diapers and the freedom to dress them up with their adorable and fashionable baby clothing. Socks and Shoes Maintaining a warm body temperature can be achieved easily by paying attention to your baby's feet. Cozy socks and shoes are a great way to keep those little piggies warm and are crucial in avoiding chills and undesired colds. Baby slip-on shoes make it easy to dress their feet comfortably. Mittens and Gloves Clammy and cold hands will make any baby fussy, avoiding this can be easy with the help of mittens or gloves, which are available in various sizes for babies. If your baby likes to put their fingers in their mouth, it is likely that they will continue to do so even if they are wearing mittens. Be sure to carry an extra pair with you in case they get wet since wet mittens will make their little hands even colder. Hats, Caps & Hoodies A lot of heat is released through our noggin. Retain that precious warmth by covering your baby’s sensitive head with a soft hat or cozy cap. There are many babies who are not big fans of wearing anything on their little heads; a great option is to dress them with cozy sweaters that have a hoodie style cap attached. Scarves Choosing a scarf that is just the right size for your baby can be tricky. Recently the craze has been Ring Scarves. They have no loose ends and stay put no matter what the size of your baby. They keep their little necks nice and warm. Outer Layers For those who live in areas with a very cold climate during the winter, having options for outer layers will be a saving grace. A snowsuit or bunting provides a great buffer against the cold and snow. Dress your baby in the outfit they will be wearing. Then slip on the snowsuit before you head out the door. For added peace of mind, choose snowsuits or buntings that are water-resistant. Pay Close Attention Pay close attention to the temperature of your baby, the color of their lips and their fussiness. These tend to be the best signs that something is wrong. Be sure to make the necessary adjustments by wrapping them in a blanket if they appear to be very cold. (even with all the layers). Also be sure to remove the outer layers and accessories when you go indoors to avoid any over heating.