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Breastfeeding Your Toddler – Benefits Unlimited

admin — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 13:49:23 +0000

It used to be that mothers would only choose to breastfeed their infant children at their first few months or six months at the most. Yet nowadays, an increasing number of women has chosen to continue doing so far longer than six months or even more than they have planned.

Recent years have shown that more and more mothers in most countries around the world have chosen to continue breastfeeding their young children from infancy until 3 to 4 years old. This is now becoming a common sight in most societies where toddlers, as much as their own mothers, enjoy the breastfeeding habit. When mothers and their young children, toddlers in particular, are seen still enjoying this habit, one must not try to stop it.

Before, it was widely believed that after six months of breastfeeding a nursing mother loses her milk’s natural nutrients and should begin to wean her baby from breastfeeding. This is not true at all. Even beyond six months, a mother’s milk still has the valuable protein, fat and other essential nutrients which babies or even toddlers need.

Breast milk, unlike processed milk found in commercial and drug stores, contains natural immune compounds or elements that can protect infants and young children from infections. These elements assist the immune system and other vital organs of a growing child to develop and mature fully well.

Studies among children in day care centers showed that breastfeeding children were proven to suffer significantly decreased levels of severe infections or diseases as compared to those who have since stopped breast-milk feeding. Also, a lactating mother stands to lose a smaller amount of work time if she prefers to continue her breastfeeding once she gets back to her regular work schedule.

So if you are a mother with an infant, it will be one very smart decision if you continue nursing your baby even past his or her six months of breastfeeding. Although many people believe that this is not necessary, breastfeeding will continue to be the best and most natural growth and development supplement for your baby or toddler. There is no better substitute for the health benefits breastfeeding can give you and your child. It is only when you and your child both agree to stop can you then begin to wean your child. No one else has to or can stop you from nursing your child for as long as you both want and enjoy it. The right time can tell you both if and when you feel that you have to stop breastfeeding. For now, just do it – for both your and your baby’s sake.

About the Author:

Abhishek is an expert Baby Shower organizer and he has got some great Baby Shower Secrets up his sleeve! Download his FREE 117 Pages Ebook, “How To Have A Roaringly Successful Baby Shower!” from his website http://www.Childbirth-Guru.com/121/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Breastfeeding Your Toddler – Benefits Unlimited

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Secret Breastfeeding Benefits – What Infant Formula Companies Don’t Want You to Know

admin — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:03:30 +0000

You’ve read the breastfeeding books and browsed the breastfeeding websites. You know that breastfeeding is good for your baby and for you. But don’t think you know all the breastfeeding benefits just yet. Below are little-known breastfeeding benefits that infant formula companies hope you never learn about.

1. Exclusively breastfed babies have pleasant-smelling poop

Think changing your baby’s diaper is awful? Try changing the soiled diaper of a formula-fed baby! The difference is enormous and you will realize that your exclusively breastfed baby’s poop isn’t bad at all. The breastfed baby’s poop and spit up wash out much more easily, too.

2. Traveling with a breastfed baby is much easier

First of all, you don’t need to pack bottles and rubber nipples or worry about sterilizing them or bringing enough infant formula. So not only do you worry about fewer things but you can travel much more lightly. Secondly, it’s easier to soothe a breastfeeding baby who becomes cranky and fussy while traveling. For example, if baby has stuffy ears in an airplane, simply breastfeed and the ears will clear up right away.

3. More sleep for Mommy

It’s a myth that breastfeeding Mommies are more sleep-deprived than formula-feeding Moms. Breastfeeding Moms who know how to nurse while lying down and keep their babies close hardly need to wake up in the middle of the night. When baby wakes up, the breastfeeding Mommy only has to lift up her shirt, latch baby on, and both go back to sleep. Sometimes Mommy wakes up so lightly that she doesn’t remember waking up at all.

4. Mother and baby have to stay together

Believe it or not, this is a benefit. Mother and baby belong together and breastfeeding makes sure that this happens more often than if the mother is formula feeding. If the family is serious about making breastfeeding successful, they can come up with creative ways to keep Mommy and baby together. For example, they can find ways for Mommy to stay at home or delay going back to work. Or they can figure out how to bring baby to Mommy’s workplace or bring Mommy’s work to the home. These are just some ways that Moms have made breastfeeding possible in their own special circumstances. And as long as Mommy and baby are together, then…

5. The breastfeeding Mommy and her baby are disaster-proof

Did you hear about the family whose car got stuck in the snow for days? Their infant survived on Mommy’s breastmilk alone until rescuers found them. In an emergency, even if the mother is traumatized or starving, she can continue breastfeeding her child. In contrast, formula-fed children who do not receive a steady supply of formula will starve. If clean water and sterilizing equipment are not available – and they usually are not – then the formula-fed baby will be prone to life-threatening diseases.

There are breastfeeding benefits that few people know about. Above are five little-known benefits of breastfeeding. These benefits show how breastfeeding can make life so much more pleasant, convenient and safer than formula-feeding. Remember these breastfeeding benefits when considering how you will feed and nurture your baby.

Alexis Rodrigo is a Mom of 3 and certified childbirth educator. Currently breastfeeding her third child, she is passionate about helping other Moms breastfeed successfully. Learn the secret benefits of breastfeeding beyond one year and other breastfeeding tips at http://www.naturalmomsblog.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alexis_Rodrigo

Author: Alexis Rodrigo

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My Favorite Breastfeeding Accessories

admin — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 03:23:06 +0000

I have been breastfeeding for about 6 months now and thought I would share a few of my favorite accessories.

If you are going to use nursing pads, I found a much better option than the disposables. A friend of mine gave me her left over box of disposable nursing pads. I used them until they were gone, however I just did not feel right throwing away a pair every day (and sometimes more!). So I looked online and actually found organic, reusable nursing pads. There is a wide variety including organic cotton and bamboo. They are both good for your delicate skin and the environment!

An item that I found that absolutely saved me are hot/cold gel packs. I chose the ones that have a hole in the middle. When I first started breastfeeding we were having some latching problems. Needless to say, I was pretty sore after feeding my son on several occasions during the first three months. So I would keep a pair of these in the freezer to soothe myself immediately after feeding. I kept another pair handy to heat up before feeding. Heat helps the ‘let down’ occur much faster which makes it easier on you and the baby. After getting mastitis twice, I found that heating before feeding kept me from having pain as well as clearing up any clogged ducts which kept me from getting mastitis a third time! Applying heat before pumping also helps you get the process started much quicker! I believe I purchased mine at Target, but you can find them online. There is a brand called “BustBuddies” that offers hot and cold pads.

Here is my advice on Nursing Bras: Don’t waste your money.You might find it useful to have one or two, but I much preferred buying the “Essential Basic Bra” from The Gap. There are no hooks or adjustable straps. I purchased them in size XL and found them to be very comfortable (and wireless!) and made feeding very easy whether coming from the top of my shirt or underneath. If you are going to buy a nursing bra, I love the “Bravado! Designs” line. They have many wireless options and the material is very light and comfortable.

My last favorite breastfeeding accessory is my pump. It is the Ameda “Purely Yours” Breast Pump. It is a double pump that is easy to use and completely BPA free. I even loved the little bottles that come with it. They are BPA free as well. I have the one that came with a tote which is convenient for travel or taking to work.

Kelly Carlsen is a breastfeeding mom and entrepreneur. She currently has a six month old son. Her goal is to improve the world by educating new parents on important modern considerations regarding raising a happy, health baby. For further education, please consult her blog at http://rokuban.wordpress.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelly_Carlsen

Author: Kelly Carlsen

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How Breastfeeding Benefits a Daddy

admin — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:28:09 +0000

You know that breastfeeding is best for mother and child, but what’s in it for Dad? Isn’t he going to miss out by not getting to share in the joy of feeding the baby? Let’s see how Dads benefit when a Mom chooses to breastfeed their child.

Cost Savings

This is a big one for Dad! Whether he’s the sole income provider or not, adding a new member to the family can be a source of worry for him. Let him in on the fact that one year of breastfeeding can keep over $1,000 in the family budget. That’s just for bottles and formula, that doesn’t include extra Doctor visits and prescriptions that happen when baby is formula fed.

More Sleep

Let’s face it. He doesn’t have the equipment to handle the job of night feedings. While some Moms choose to pump and let Dad offer a bottle at night, for many Moms, snuggling up with baby at night to nurse is the norm. In a lot of families, this means Dad can head off to work with a full night’s rest.

Proud Papa

When Dad sees how baby’s cheeks and thighs are filling out on Mom’s milk alone, he tends to view her as some kind of Dairy Queen. What an amazing capacity she has to help his child grow and thrive! Many Dads become huge proponents of breastfeeding when they see how healthy their babies are.

Health Benefits

Dads are especially impressed by the fact that breastfed babies gain an average of 8 IQ points over their formula fed counterparts. Breastfeeding also means that Mom is less likely to get ovarian or breast cancer. The extended nonfertility that many nursing Moms experience is also a plus in Dads book.

Focus on Mom

Since Mom is breastfeeding, Dad can find other ways to bond with baby and be a support to Mom. Some ideas: take baby for walks, burp and bathe baby, sing baby to sleep, massage baby and read to baby. He can also be in charge of helping Mom stay fed and hydrated in the early weeks while she recovers from the birth. And since Mom is handling the “input”, Dad can be in charge of “output”. Dads are far more likely to be willing to change diapers since a breastfed baby’s poop doesn’t have an unpleasant odor (until solid food is added!).

Bio: Motherhood is too short to wear an ugly nursing bra! Find one that even Dad will love at: http://www.SexyNursingBra.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carrie_Lauth

Author: Carrie Lauth

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Why Breastfeeding Benefits the World

admin — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 04:26:03 +0000

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breast milk helps protect your baby from:

Allergies – Eczema Bacterial Meningitis – Juvenile Diabetes Crohn’s Disease – Respiratory Infections Diaper Rash – Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Diarrhea – Urinary Tract Infections Ear Infections (American Academy of Pediatrics, 1997)

Benefits to Baby

Mother’s milk provides complete and valuable nutrients for baby’s ideal growth and development. It’s rich in antibodies for protection against diseases, proteins for growth, and carbohydrates, fats, and minerals for brain and nervous system development.

Some studies even indicate mother’s milk enhances cognitive development (American Academy of Pediatrics, 1997) and reduces the risk of childhood obesity (von Kries, 1999).

Since its inception, the American Academy of Pediatrics has been a staunch advocate of breastfeeding as the optimal form of nutrition for infants, with artificial milk (formula) a very distant second alternative. The American Lung Association states that babies who are breastfed for at least four months are less likely than formula-fed babies to develop asthma, the leading cause of childhood hospital stays in the United States and Australia (Kaufman, 1999).

Benefits to Mother

Babies aren’t the only ones who benefit from breastfeeding. Mothers who breastfeed lose weight more quickly after giving birth and their postpartum bleeding is usually lessened when compared to mothers who do not breastfeed. Oxytocin, a hormone released during breastfeeding, helps shrink the uterus and return it to pre-pregnancy size. The hormones released with breastfeeding act as a type of contraceptive to delay ovulation and fertility (American Academy of Pediatrics, 1997). In addition, breastfeeding activates a calming effect through the release of the hormone prolactin, which increases mother-baby bonding while initiating and maintaining milk production.

Some studies even indicate that breastfeeding may reduce the incidence of breast, uterine and ovarian cancers (Radetsky, 1999) and in the long term may reduce a woman’s risk of osteoporosis by increasing bone strength.

Benefits to Society

Because breastfed babies are generally healthier than formula-fed babies, they require fewer expensive medications, doctor visits, medical tests, and hospital stays. Costs to the federal and state governments could be reduced by billions of taxpayer dollars if we had more breastfed babies-and this estimate does not factor in "lost work time" by parents who stay home to care for a sick child (Riordan, 1997).

From an environmental standpoint breastfeeding requires fewer natural resources in the form of glass, aluminum, paper, and plastic for packaging plus the products required to prepare and provide baby formula.

A special Time

This is a very special time for you and your baby. You’re forming emotional bonds that will last a lifetime and offering your baby the healthiest combination of nutrients possible-an ideal way to start life. Although you’ll be very focused on your newborn, it’s also important that you consider your own needs. In the long run, that will benefit both you and your baby. For instance, try to rest when your baby rests rather than catching up on housework or laundry. The extra rest will help elevate your attitude, complete your postpartum recovery, and help establish your milk supply. Limit visits from neighbors and friends and simplify the activities of daily living as much as you can to reduce the stress level. Although you’re thinking of your child’s nutrition, don’t neglect your own. Eat a well-balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids. If possible, try to take a walk or occasionally schedule some stretching or aerobic exercises-with your doctor’s approval. It’s amazing how much better you’ll feel with a little time to yourself. If you experience mood swings, which are normal after giving birth, reach out for support. Call another mother, join a peer group of new, breastfeeding mothers, or talk to a lactation consultant or member of La Leche League International (LLLI).

Visit Quick Medical – http://www.quickmedical.com – for an extensive collection of health and fitness information designed to inform the consumer on many of today’s most talked about health topics. Shop online for thousands of professional and home health products, from medical equipment to home medical supplies and fitness products.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_Mackie

Author: Ian Mackie

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Breastfeeding – Health Benefits for the Baby and the Mother

admin — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:40:42 +0000

Breastfeeding is now accepted in our communities. The problem remains that most women who intend to breastfeed will give-up in the first six months. There are tangible measures we can take to help and support breastfeeding mothers.

Breastfeeding would be made easier for new mothers if there were more private areas where they could nurse their baby. Support groups and forums devoted to breastfeeding mothers have proven to encourage mothers to nurse longer.

More clinics solely devoted to breastfeeding mothers and their babies are needed countrywide.

Most women are convinced of the benefits of nursing their babies, they just give-up when faced with challenges they are not prepared or equipped to deal with. Among the many benefits for the baby to be nursed, there are: Breastfed babies are less sick, have fewer ear and pulmonary infections and are less hospitalized.

One of the greatest benefits of breastfeeding is the special bond it provides both the mother and the baby.

Breastfed babies have fewer allergies and are less prone to the dreaded sudden infant death syndrome. On the overall, breast milk provides the baby with the proper nutrients to its developing brain and is easily digested. It needs no preparation and is very economical.

For the nursing mother, there are also health benefits such as lowering their risk of post-partum hemorrhages, fewer risk of developing breast cancer later on in life and some types of ovarian cancers.

Our society needs to take tangible actions to facilitate breastfeeding and improve the long term persistence. Fathers can play a crucial role in supporting the breastfeeding mother by taking over the other tasks like preparing meals, changing the baby’s diaper or giving the baby a bath, etc

A long term plan is well needed is governments really want to help new mothers continue breastfeeding for longer periods and diminish the important drop rate after a few months.

Support groups and complete information web sites on breastfeeding and solutions to the usual problem encountered by breastfeeding mothers are a must. Such information as what to do if baby seams not satisfied? How to deal with sensible skin in the first few weeks of breastfeeding? The proper positions while breastfeeding, etc would be of great help to nursing mothers.

The overall benefits of breastfeeding are tremendous for the baby and the mother. By encouraging and supporting breastfeeding mothers, society would insure a healthier and happier generation of developing babies.

For more information now go to: http://www.hypno-beginning.com/your_pregnancy.htm http://www.hypno-beginning.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathalie_Fiset

Author: Nathalie Fiset

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A Humorous Look At The Benefits Of Breastfeeding

admin — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:14:51 +0000

More than a few heated discussions have broken out between mothers who breastfeed and those who have chosen the bottle over the breast. While there are documented physical and emotional benefits of breastfeeding, bottle feeding mothers contend that the benefits of breastfeeding can be reproduced during bottle feeding sessions and breastfeeding is not worth the inconveniences and discomfort.

A mother’s personal choice ultimately decides if her child will be bottle or breast fed. Rather than argue the facts, let’s take a humorous look at some of the benefits of breastfeeding your baby.

One great perk of breastfeeding is that you get to wear sexy, easy access, nursing clothes. Most nursing clothes are designed to allow your infant easy access to the breast.

This feature is a great convenience, but it also can lead to inadvertent breast flashes in public if your nursing clothes are not properly secured after feeding your infant. If you find people following you around while out in public, check your shirt.

You get to join the stylish trend of baby wearing. Breast fed infants often nurse more frequently than bottle fed infants. This can lead to the feeling that your child is always attached to your breast.

Baby wearing can be seen in malls, grocery stores and parks across the nation. Baby slings, swaths and holsters are sold that encourage a nursing mother to flaunt her baby wearing style. Some even offer anytime access to the breast- a very nice perk for the infant.

Another wonderful benefit of breastfeeding is the delightful experience of public breast feeding. Curious onlookers and the not-so-subtle glances of those hoping to catch a glimpse of an exposed breast add to the excitement and tension of trying to nurse your hungry infant in public.

Many women cringe at the thought of public breast feeding, choosing instead to nurse their infants in bathroom stalls and the back seats of cars. Public breastfeeding for some is an invitation to be free and let it all hang out. Heaven help the poor soul who makes a snide comment or stares too long at this hormonal, sleep deprived mother.

This brings us to the classic sore nipples. There is just no other experience that compares to allowing a hungry infant to chomp, suck, chew and grab a breast that is plagued by bruised, cracked and sore nipples. No amount of prenatal education or coaching by the La Leche League can prepare you properly for sore nipples- it must be experienced to be appreciated.

Viewing the unpleasant aspects of breastfeeding with a little humor can help breastfeeding mothers cope. Breastfeeding is a wonderful experience and has documented health benefits for both mother and baby.

The potential pain and humiliation of breastfeeding an infant are endured with a smile by those women who choose to breastfeed their baby for the wonderful physical and emotional benefits of breastfeeding.

Breast feeding is an important aspect of your new born baby. Mike Selvon’s portal will keep you educated on the benefits of breast feeding. Visit our portal and leave a comment at our breast feeding blog.

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Author: Mike Selvon

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Latest breastfeeding benefits news – The Business Of Breastfeeding

admin — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:01:43 +0000

Ok so 3 more posts today that I’ve dug up – I’m an information JUNKIE on this stuff lately. Give em a browse and let me know what ya reckon. They’re just from a few different sites I’ve been surfing lately that are generally good for information like this…

The Business Of Breastfeeding

… was more than surprising–her employer, the World Bank, has long been vocal in its support of breastfeeding and its benefits around the globe. … Read More…

Birth drugs ‘cut breastfeeding’

The Department of Health recommends children are breastfed for the first six months, because of the health benefits it can provide for both mother and baby. … Read More…

Parents and kids: Sept. 16

Its goal is to keep pregnant and breast-feeding women and kids under 5 healthy by providing nutrition consultations and vouchers to buy healthy food. … Read More…
That’s all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.

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4 Reasons Why Breastfeeding is Beneficial

admin — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:56:20 +0000

New mothers face many decisions when it comes to having a baby. While every little or big decision may seem to share the same level of importance, a mother knows what’s best. For all mothers, the choice to breastfeed or use formula is an important and personal decision, and only a mother knows which is best for her and her baby. If you’re considering breastfeeding, here are some valuable reasons why breastfeeding could be beneficial to you and your baby:

Healthy Baby Nourishment.Often referred to as the “perfect food,” breast milk has been proven to be the perfect recipe for a hungry baby. Research has proven that breast milk is loaded not only with essential vitamins and minerals, but also with precious antibodies that protect a baby from illness. These infection-fighting antibodies help increase the strength of a baby’s immune system to help fight bacteria and viruses that may cause diarrhea, ear or respiratory infections, gastroenteritis, necrotizing entercolitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, kidney infections, septicemia, botulism, childhood lymphoma, crohn’s disease, and even meningitis – just to name a few. Especially beneficial to premature babies, research has also shown that breastfeed babies have decreased risk of allergies, childhood obesity, childhood asthma, decreased tooth decay, SIDS, acute appendicitis, rheumatoid arthritis, inguinal hernia, vitamin E and Iron deficiency anemia, pyloric stenosis, and diabetes – once again, just to name a few. As far as recipes go, a mother’ breast milk is the healthiest food a baby could consume. Unlike formula fed babies, breast fed babies have an easier time with digestion, resulting in fewer incidences of constipation or diarrhea, which means less problems for you too.
Baby Einstein While breast milk can’t guarantee that your baby will be the next Albert Einstein; research has shown that babies fed breast milk generally have higher IQ’s. Specific proteins in breast milk improve a baby’s brain and nervous system development – bonus.
Bonding It is often noted by doctors and mothers, that breastfeeding helps form a special bond between mother and child. During breastfeeding, oxytocin, often referred to as the love hormone, is released and encourages the bond between mother and baby.
Healthy Mommy Like the baby, a mother can enjoy several breastfeeding benefits. For one, breastfeeding helps shrink the uterus, helping you regain your pre-pregnancy body. (As mentioned earlier, when a mother breastfeeds, the pituitary gland releases oxytocin, which contracts in both the breasts and uterus.) Breastfeeding also helps you burn more calories (breastfeeding mothers need an extra 500 calories), thus letting your body bounce back to its former shape quicker. In addition to these little perks, studies haven shown that breastfeeding helps decrease the risk of breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers, as well as lower the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, anemia, and cardiovascular disease.

In general, breastfeeding offers several healthy perks, plus the benefit of convenience and zero cost. It is important to realize that every woman’s needs or experience may be different. While some mothers may breastfeed for a year or more, others simply choose to breastfeed for a few months.

This article brought to you by Scarlett Jewel – Designer Baby Clothes – Adorable Baby Shoes.

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Breastfeeding Baby Help » breastfeeding benefits

Breastfeeding Your Toddler – Benefits Unlimited

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