What can I pack in my bag to bring to the hospital for birth to help get breastfeeding off to a good start?
Planning ahead is definitely a good idea. I do have a list of items that can be taken in your hospital bag that might be handy to have. I call it the Breastfeeding First Aid Kit.
Could CranioSacral Therapy Help Your Nursling?
In recent years, there have been frequent references to CranioSacral Therapy and other bodywork for infants who are having difficulty breastfeeding. John Upledger, D.O., first discovered the craniosacral system with its rhythm unique from other body systems. Although Dr. Upledger was the first to develop CranioSacral Therapy and many therapists have been trained in his methods, other practitioners have developed variations. Any of the methods might be helpful to a baby.
10 Steps for Effective Pumping
Pumping can be a challenge under the best of circumstances. It feels a little strange because of the newness, it’s certainly not as effective as a baby and it can sometimes be frustrating to figure out. Try these tried-and-true tips to help you effectively pump.
Creams and Ointments For Sore Nipples
The best ointment for sore nipples is readily available and free of charge: breast milk! Express a few drops of milk onto your nipples after feeding, and let them air dry before covering them. If your nipples are damaged, moist healing may help.
I think that my 9-month old granddaughter needs more solid foods, and my daughter insists that babies cannot digest food this early. Will more solids help my granddaughter sleep through the night?
How to Find a Breastfeeding Class
About midway through your second trimester, your caregiver will suggest that you register for prenatal classes. Many moms assume that they need childbirth preparation only and that they will learn everything else in the hospital, from books, or “on the job.” This is ironic, because while the labor and birth process is usually over in 24 hours or less, feeding and caring for your baby will take years. Find out what the content is of classes available in your community, rather than choosing the first class that is offered to you.
What exactly is this “La Leche League”?
La Leche League International was formed almost 50 years ago by seven women who knew that breastfeeding didn’t always get off to a good start. They realized that a woman’s chance of success increased if she had access to accurate, current information with a support network. Women often receive conflicting information from well meaning friends, family members and sometimes even health care providers. La Leche League Leaders don’t tell a mother what to do; they merely provide a woman with the information needed to make the best choices for herself and her family. The meetings offered by La Leche League provide a safe, open environment that allows mothers to learn more about themselves.
Milk Supply Articles
View our 2005 series of milk supply articles by Natural Family Online breastfeeding channel editor, Denise Altman of www.feedyourbaby.com, and other milk supply articles published on NFO.
Tiny Babies Bank on Liquid Gold
For the tiniest, sickest babies, the choice between infant formula and breast milk can be much more than a matter of “breast is best” — it can be a matter of life or death. Yet while organ and blood donation programs touch literally millions of lives across the country every year, most families — and many doctors — are unaware that milk banks even exist. One of two milk banks in Texas, the Mothers’ Milk Bank is only the seventh human milk bank in the entire United States.
Tea for Two - Breastfeeding Tea
Nursing is one of the most powerful energy exchanges between two people. Mother and child are connected at a deep soul level. Sometimes, though, busy lives, medicine, myths and measurements seem to sabotage efforts and undermine this powerful relationship. Mothers are often told, "Give the baby a bottle," or "When are you going to stop?" When a nursing mom is feeling run-down, insecure or convinced she is not making enough milk, she can do a few simple things to uplift emotions, increase supply and make time for herself.
Breastfeeding Can Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease
But did you know that breastfeeding might also lower the risk of heart disease for your little one later in life? Research has shown that babies who are breastfed exclusively have lower risk factors for heart disease than those who were formula-fed. These risk factors include lower glucose, cholesterol, C-reactive protein (a marker for heart disease) and adiponectin levels (a protein that affects the body’s processing of fat).
It’s a Strike!
With a healthy, alert baby and a motivated mom, breastfeeding is usually very successful. But what do you do if your baby decides to stop nursing? What if your baby goes on strike?
Where To Turn For Breastfeeding Information
Suddenly, there’s a whole new life that you're responsible for – a grunting, squawking, crying, pooping new life. It’s hard to know where to turn for reliable advice.
I had a really hard time breastfeeding my son. From the start, things just did not work out --
even after hundreds of dollars for a lactation consultant and months of pain, frustration and tears. Now I am pregnant again and am wondering if it will be the same experience as the first. Do you have any advice for me?
Commonsense Answers to Common Breastfeeding Myths
When it comes to breastfeeding, what’s common knowledge is often perfect rubbish. Breastfeeding expert Dr. Jack Newman explodes the most common breastfeeding myths that may surprise you!
I am breastfeeding my son, who has just turned 3 years. I am all for extended breastfeeding, but he seems to show no sign of diminishing interest.
He nurses regularly, day and at night. What would you suggest in order to gently wean him -- or do you think it better to let him be until he “weans himself”?
Doc Said Stop Breastfeeding? Think Again!
Over the years, far too many women have been wrongly told they had to stop breastfeeding. The decision about continuing breastfeeding when the mother takes a drug, for example, is far more involved than whether the baby will get any in the milk.
When It Has to Be Formula
Dr. Linda Folden Palmer reviews the steps you can take to maximize health and minimize risks for your formula-fed baby.
Natural Parenting
Pitching In: Simple Ways to Get Your Family Involved
When Your Parenting Comes Under Fire
Should Both Parents Work? Should One Stay at Home?
Playdates for Parents
Is it ok to spoil your kids?
Unplugging your family
Others...
Articles on Getting Kids To Sleep
My 6-month-old baby wakes up almost every hour to breastfeed.
My baby won't nap! She fights sleep but gets fussier and fussier as the day progresses.
Using White Noise While Babies Sleep
Write a Family Bestseller: “My Sleep Book”
Why Isn't She Sleeping at Night?
Others...
Co-sleeping and the Family Bed
Tips for Successful Family Beds
We’re expecting our first baby soon and thinking about using a family bed.
Using a Family Bed - Co Sleeping
Checklist For Safe Cosleeping
Top 10 Uses For a Crib (other than sleeping!)
Co-sleeping and the Media
Others...
Babywearing - Using Slings
Getting Back to Basics with Babywearing
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Slings
View our February 2004 sling review series
Natural Fathering Articles
10 Reasons to Tell Your Kids Stories
Help Your Hubby Support Breastfeeding
Help For Overwhelmed Fathers
Save Memories of Your Children
Fathers, Tell Your Stories
Top 10 Common Sense Rules for Fathers
Parenting Stress
How to Help Your Marriage Survive a New Baby
When It’s More Than the “Baby Blues”
I Yelled at My Kids
My Kids Are Driving Me Crazy!
Others ....
Positive Parenting Articles
10 Reasons to Tell Your Kids Stories
Getting Kids to Organize Themselves
Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Kids From Fighting
10 Ways to Get Your Kids to Talk to You
Give Your Kids Household Chores!
Encourage Children to Play Naturally
Getting Your Kids to Cooperate
Others..
Attachment Parenting Articles
Create a Peaceful Home Sanctuary
Long Term Attachment Parenting
Can There Be Too Much? - Attachment Parenting
Parenting Style Differences
Caring vs. Caring Too Much
Learning All Day Long
Falling off the AP Wagon
more...
