Monday, June 9, 2008
Breastfeeding with Implants
According to the Baby Center Medical Advisory Board, the chance of breastfeeding of a women who has breast implants depends on what kind of incision was done. The most popular incision is done around the areola, and according to experts women who have it can have more problems breastfeeding.
Experts say that moms with breast implants may be able to breastfeed if there was not damaged to the nerves around the areola. Nerves play an essential role in breastfeeding, because they send the brain the message of releasing two hormones (prolactin & oxytocin) that affect milk production. http://www.babycenter.com/search/showResultsForContent.htm?queryString=breastfeeding
While the milk is coming down, breast engorgement, pain, fever & chills may be more intense for women who have implants than for those don't, according to experts. However, experts still recommend for women with implants to breastfeed. The only way to know if they can do it is trying.
in addition, there is not evidence that silicone leaks into the breast milk. Furthermore, if it did it is not likely to harm babies. There is a substance similar to silicone and is used to treat babies' gas pain.
Experts recommend to moms who have implants and want to breastfeed to tell the pediatrician about the surgery. The doctor will watch the baby's weight and determine if a formula supplement is needed.
Experts say that moms with breast implants may be able to breastfeed if there was not damaged to the nerves around the areola. Nerves play an essential role in breastfeeding, because they send the brain the message of releasing two hormones (prolactin & oxytocin) that affect milk production. http://www.babycenter.com/search/showResultsForContent.htm?queryString=breastfeeding
While the milk is coming down, breast engorgement, pain, fever & chills may be more intense for women who have implants than for those don't, according to experts. However, experts still recommend for women with implants to breastfeed. The only way to know if they can do it is trying.
in addition, there is not evidence that silicone leaks into the breast milk. Furthermore, if it did it is not likely to harm babies. There is a substance similar to silicone and is used to treat babies' gas pain.
Experts recommend to moms who have implants and want to breastfeed to tell the pediatrician about the surgery. The doctor will watch the baby's weight and determine if a formula supplement is needed.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Losing Weight While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can help to lose the pregnancy weight . This happen because the body naturally burns calories while producing milk, according to Lactation Consultant Susan Condon.
However, experts recommend to lose one to tow pound per week at most, because fast weight lost can release high levels of toxins into the breast milk, which can pose a danger for babies.
Nursing women should eat when they are hungry and drink plenty of liquids. Also small snacks throughout the day such as, fresh fruits or crackers can help to reduce the hunger at meal times.
Although many moms easily lose the pregnancy weight while breastfeeding, others don't. Studies showed that 22 percent of women gain weight while breastfeeding. It hasn't being scientifically supported that breastfeeding alone is a successful method of weight loss.
I think everyone has a unique metabolism; therefore, some women are able to shed the extra pounds just breastfeeding, others have to also exercise and diet, while the rest of us just can't get rid of it.
However, experts recommend to lose one to tow pound per week at most, because fast weight lost can release high levels of toxins into the breast milk, which can pose a danger for babies.
Nursing women should eat when they are hungry and drink plenty of liquids. Also small snacks throughout the day such as, fresh fruits or crackers can help to reduce the hunger at meal times.
Although many moms easily lose the pregnancy weight while breastfeeding, others don't. Studies showed that 22 percent of women gain weight while breastfeeding. It hasn't being scientifically supported that breastfeeding alone is a successful method of weight loss.
I think everyone has a unique metabolism; therefore, some women are able to shed the extra pounds just breastfeeding, others have to also exercise and diet, while the rest of us just can't get rid of it.
Eating Right
Although breast milk will provide babies with all the right nutrients despite moms' eating habits, according to the Baby center Medical Advisory Board. Moms can be deprived of their energy if they are not eating right and getting the calories they need.
In the past experts recommended breastfeeding moms to intake an extra 500 calories, but recent studies showed they don't need it. Experts still recommend for nursing moms to get enough vitamins and nutrients to keep their energy level. It is important for them to continue on the prenatal pills while breastfeeding and up to three months after having completely stopped.
Nursing moms should limit the amount of junk and spice foods, peanuts, beans, caffeine, etc. These foods can cause colic to babies. Nursing moms should eat more whole grains, cereals, fruits, vegetables and oily fish, which contains Omega 3 and is good for brain and muscle development. Foods high in proteins, fiber and iron are ideal, according to experts.
Experts advise to limit the portions of oily fish to two times a week, because a pollutant was found in oily fish such as, salmon, fresh tuna (not canned) .
Experts suggest to avoid the consumption of shark, swordfish, king mackerel, white snapper, tuna steak (fresh or frozen), orange roughy, Spanish mackerel, and Marlin, because they contain high levels of mercury. Also, albacore tuna should be limited to one can a week, because it is also high in mercury.
Although nursing moms should watch their diet, experts do believe that limited choices during the first weeks can limit milk supply.
Nursing moms should also drink a lot of liquids such as, natural juices, milk, and water to satisfy thirst (not too much because experts believe that too much water can dilute breast milk.)
Alcohol beverage should be avoid, because it can irritate or harm babies. Also it can decrease your milk production.
In the past experts recommended breastfeeding moms to intake an extra 500 calories, but recent studies showed they don't need it. Experts still recommend for nursing moms to get enough vitamins and nutrients to keep their energy level. It is important for them to continue on the prenatal pills while breastfeeding and up to three months after having completely stopped.
Nursing moms should limit the amount of junk and spice foods, peanuts, beans, caffeine, etc. These foods can cause colic to babies. Nursing moms should eat more whole grains, cereals, fruits, vegetables and oily fish, which contains Omega 3 and is good for brain and muscle development. Foods high in proteins, fiber and iron are ideal, according to experts.
Experts advise to limit the portions of oily fish to two times a week, because a pollutant was found in oily fish such as, salmon, fresh tuna (not canned) .
Experts suggest to avoid the consumption of shark, swordfish, king mackerel, white snapper, tuna steak (fresh or frozen), orange roughy, Spanish mackerel, and Marlin, because they contain high levels of mercury. Also, albacore tuna should be limited to one can a week, because it is also high in mercury.
Although nursing moms should watch their diet, experts do believe that limited choices during the first weeks can limit milk supply.
Nursing moms should also drink a lot of liquids such as, natural juices, milk, and water to satisfy thirst (not too much because experts believe that too much water can dilute breast milk.)
Alcohol beverage should be avoid, because it can irritate or harm babies. Also it can decrease your milk production.
Clarifying the Myths
According to an article wrote by pediatric Jack Newman available at www.breastfeeding.com, the reason why babies don't get enough breast milk is because poor latching on, and not because the mother doesn't have enough amount of milk. Therefore, it is important for mothers to get the help they need to properly latch on their babies.
Also Newman says that is not true that bottle feeding is easier than breastfeeding, but mothers often have that misconception because of not having proper help from professionals or relatives. I think this inefficiency comes from the variety of information out there about breastfeeding, which can be confusing to new parents and often contradicts with the opinions of professionals.
Another myth is that pumping shows how much milk mothers have. According to pediatrics, pumping is not a good indicator of how much babies get, because they get much more from the breast than the pump does. In addition, there are factors such as stress that can affect the amount of milk that is pumped. Although breast milk can't be measured, mothers can know when babies are getting enough. They should look for wet pampers and the stool should be loose and yellowish.
I think many mothers turn to formula instead of breast milk because they were not breastfeed themselves and they believe formula is good for their babies. Advertising also plays a role in this decision. For Ex Enfamil Lipil is advertised as being the closest formula to breast milk.
Mothers should interpret that ad as formula is a copy of the original thing. They should question themselves why to give their babies what is good when they can give them what is best. After all, don't all mothers want the best for our children? I think we do, but the key is to know "the best"
One that I find funny is that breastfeeding mothers will end up with hanging breast. There isn't a won battle against gravity, but women aren't the blame for this. I think advertising makes us want to look like people whose sizes can't be found at stores. Therefore, don't let negative remarks to stand between you and your baby. Looks don't last what they should, but having healthier babies staying as healthier adults sure last us a lifetime. Breastfeed! you owe it to your child.
Also Newman says that is not true that bottle feeding is easier than breastfeeding, but mothers often have that misconception because of not having proper help from professionals or relatives. I think this inefficiency comes from the variety of information out there about breastfeeding, which can be confusing to new parents and often contradicts with the opinions of professionals.
Another myth is that pumping shows how much milk mothers have. According to pediatrics, pumping is not a good indicator of how much babies get, because they get much more from the breast than the pump does. In addition, there are factors such as stress that can affect the amount of milk that is pumped. Although breast milk can't be measured, mothers can know when babies are getting enough. They should look for wet pampers and the stool should be loose and yellowish.
I think many mothers turn to formula instead of breast milk because they were not breastfeed themselves and they believe formula is good for their babies. Advertising also plays a role in this decision. For Ex Enfamil Lipil is advertised as being the closest formula to breast milk.
Mothers should interpret that ad as formula is a copy of the original thing. They should question themselves why to give their babies what is good when they can give them what is best. After all, don't all mothers want the best for our children? I think we do, but the key is to know "the best"
One that I find funny is that breastfeeding mothers will end up with hanging breast. There isn't a won battle against gravity, but women aren't the blame for this. I think advertising makes us want to look like people whose sizes can't be found at stores. Therefore, don't let negative remarks to stand between you and your baby. Looks don't last what they should, but having healthier babies staying as healthier adults sure last us a lifetime. Breastfeed! you owe it to your child.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Benefits for mother and baby
During decades it has been known that human milk is better for babies than cow's milk. There are many studies to support this theory. Those studies have revealed that breastfed babies develop a much stronger immune system than bottle-fed babies.
According to the consultants for the food and nutrition service for women, infants and children (WIC), which is under the umbrella of the United States Department of Agriculture, breast milk contains all the right ingredients and nutrients in the exact needed amount. It is the only food a baby needs for the first six months of their lives. Here are some of the benefits for the physical and emotional health of both, mother and baby, according to breastfeeding consultants.
For baby:
According to the consultants for the food and nutrition service for women, infants and children (WIC), which is under the umbrella of the United States Department of Agriculture, breast milk contains all the right ingredients and nutrients in the exact needed amount. It is the only food a baby needs for the first six months of their lives. Here are some of the benefits for the physical and emotional health of both, mother and baby, according to breastfeeding consultants.
For baby:
- Breast milk is easily digested; therefore, babies are less likely to suffer from colics. Although, mothers will have to stay away from foods that can cause colics such as, beans, peanuts, caffeine, etc.
- Breastfed babies are less likely to develop allergies, asthma, ear infections, diaper rash, or become obese.
- Breastfeeding helps in the development of brain cells, stronger teeth and eye coordination.
- Studies have revealed that breastfed babies will have a higher eye cue, because of specific nutrients found in breast milk, which help to develop brain cells.
- In addition to make them stronger, breastfeeding also makes babies more secure and helps them to feel more protected.
- Breastfed babies will also become more attached to their mothers and will recognize their smell better.
- Researches have found that the index of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is less among breastfed babies.
- Breastfeeding allows for a special bond between mother and baby.
- It helps the mother to relax, distress and meditate while doing it.
- losing the pregnancy weight is faster while breastfeeding, although, dieting is NOT an option.
- It offers the convenience of not needing bottles, bottles warmers or bibs while traveling.
- It saves money on formula and feeding supplies.
- At night time, breastfeeding is easier because there are no bottles to warm.
- Studies revealed that breastfeeding can help prevent breast cancer.
- I believe that breastfeeding women might feel more useful to their babies and society. As one myself, I can say I feel accomplished as a mother because I'm giving my daughter a better start.
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