Sleep builds Sleep

 
I’ve been helping a few people this week to help get their baby to sleep.  When we are discussing what is happening or not  happening for sleep so we can work out what steps to take, the knowledge that sleep builds sleep often takes people by surprise.

To get good quality sleep, you need to be relaxed.  When any of us are overtired, we tend to have more difficulty going off to sleep. The same is true for your baby and toddler.

When this idea is new to you , it can take a little while to get your head around.  For a lot of us it doesn’t seem to make to make sense.  Most people think that if any of us are over tired we will just go to sleep because we are exhausted.

At times this may appear true. Certainly there are many, many babies who do this every day.  They are so beyond overtired that they just crash, often after being awake for hours on end , beyond what they can cope with.  Most times, they are cranky and not  happy when awake.

When I am talking about babies and sleep  remember  that we need to feel relaxed to go to sleep and when your baby is not feeling relaxed,  they feel “yukky”, they need you to help them feel better so they can go to sleep. When your baby has not had quality sleep for an extended period of time, it can be harder for him or her to go to sleep easily because of feeling yukky.

The solution is to build good quality sleep first and then work through any other challenges with sleep and your baby.  Sleep builds sleep and has a positive effect on your baby as a result.  For all of us, we are much happier and calmer when we are feeling relaxed and well rested.

 

Who is in your community?

 
“It takes a community to bring up a child”.  This is repeated by so many.  I have heard it so often I don’t know where it originated from.  I think even my grandmother said it at some time in one of her moments of wisdom sharing.  She doesn’t say much of those things but having had 12 herself – she would know!! It is true though.  We do expect a lot from mothers, particularly new mothers.  Not only do they have to perform well in their new “job” of being a mother, they have to do it on interrupted  and often very little sleep.  What if you went to a new job and did this?  You probably wouldn’t last very long. Luckily you can’t get sacked from being a parent. Babies are very forgiving and as long as you are there  and trying they are pretty happy.  As things fall into place, you get more sleep and your baby gets more sleep, things start to come together.  Suddenly or most times, slowly, you can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel. Or at least a glow of light. Okay, for some it is a glimmer for a while, however, for most it does work out and wha la- there is light!! Having a community to help you can bring the light quicker. Your community can be large or small, friends, family or even hired help. Even though we live in a privileged time in history particularly in western countries, we still need that support. That is one thing that will not change as long as we are human. Your community is important for sharing experience, listening ear, giving you a break and any number of practical things like food. Getting your needs met means your baby has a better chance of getting their needs met.  Particularly the big things like your baby getting more sleep  or even at all.

So who is in your community??

Managing Sore Nipples From Breastfeeding

There are a number of reasons for developing sore nipples during breastfeeding and each can be easily managed and treated.  However, before treating the pain, it is important to determine the cause of the soreness and to treat the root of the problem first or the soreness will keep recurring.

Here are some reasons why your nipples might be sore from breastfeeding and what you can do about it. It is important to note that many of these reasons can overlap, for instance having a cracked nipple and a blocked duct at the same time.

1. When your baby hasn't latched on properly.

When you're new to breastfeeding, it can be difficult to tell what a proper latch should be like. To top it off, there are many other factors that can compound the problem, such as short nipples, inverted nipples, breast engorgement, etc.

The best thing you can do to identify whether your baby has correctly latched on is to check with a lactation consultant, a hospital nurse or another mother who is experienced in breastfeeding. Ask for advice and get them to check your technique when your baby is nursing.

One way to tell if your baby has a proper latch is to look and see how much of the areolar (the dark-skin area of your breast) is covered by your baby's mouth. Ideally, it should be most of the areolar, leaving only a thin ring of darkened skin visible. Another way (although I didn't find this particularly useful for me) is to check the shape of your nipple after a feed. It should still be relatively rounded after your baby comes off. A flattened nipple is potentially a sign of an incorrect latch.

To ensure your baby gets a correct latch on your breast, make sure that your baby's mouth is open wide with the tongue down before putting your baby on the breast. If the latch is incorrect, break the seal and try again. It is important to make sure your baby learns to latch on correctly because an incorrect latch will be the source of continued nipple soreness.

2. Cracked nipple

This is usually an indication of poor breastfeeding technique. In most cases, your baby isn't taking in enough of the areolar and is only suckling on the nipple. Sometimes it might be due to unusual anatomy within your baby's mouth, for instance a tied tongue. Getting someone experienced in breastfeeding to check will help you determine the exact cause if you aren't sure.

The first step is to correct the source of the problem, for instance, correcting your breastfeeding technique. To help your cracked nipples heal faster, applying a little breast milk onto the nipples after every feed can be helpful. Alternatively, you can apply a breastfeeding ointment like Bepanthen which promotes healing.

If nursing is too uncomfortable, try expressing the milk from the affected side until it heals sufficiently. You can also try nursing on the unaffected side first before switching your baby to the affected side as your baby usually suckles less vigorously on the second breast which shouldn't hurt as much.

Another option is to use nipple shields.  These are plastic coverings that cover your nipples and provides a barrier against the friction of baby's tongue on raw nipples.

3. Blocked duct

This is usually due to your baby not "milking" your breasts effectively. Your milk is being produced faster than your baby is consuming it. As a result, the milk travels back along the milk ducts and is forced into the surrounding breast tissue causing swelling, tenderness and pain.

Blocked ducts usually affect only one side and are localised. There is a hardened lump in the area of the breast associated with the blocked duct. Aside from the tenderness you feel, the skin in the area is usually reddened and feels warm to the touch. Blocked ducts can appear similar to mastitis with the main difference being the absence of fever and the fact that usually only one side is affected.

Managing blocked ducts:

Keep feeding your baby frequently on the affected side even though it hurts as this is the fastest way to clear the blockage. This is also the most effective way to clear the blocked duct above and beyond all the other measures listed below. With frequent feeds, a block duct can be cleared within 24 hours.

Vary your feeding positions as this will help your baby clear the milk more effectively.

Taking ibuprofen can help to reduce the inflammation and manage the pain if you find it unbearable.

You can also try expressing the milk with a breast pump or by hand, although I believe that no pump will be quite as effective as your baby.

Applying warm or cold compresses directly onto your breast, taking warm baths and massages can also be helpful.

4. Mastitis

Similar to the symptoms of a blocked duct, mastitis usually affects both breasts and is accompanied by flu-like symptoms. There may be an infection present which will require antibiotic treatment, though not always. If you suspect you have mastitis, consult your doctor for the best course of treatment. Aside from antibiotics, there are additional things you should do which will help to resolve the condition more quickly. Most of these are similar to what you would do if you had blocked ducts.

Rest with your baby and continue nursing regularly and frequently, especially on the affected side. Do not stop nursing as it can increase your risk of developing a breast abscess.

Nursing at this point will be painful so taking ibuprofen can help to alleviate the pain. Ibuprofen also helps to manage the accompanying fever.

Vary your nursing position to help baby empty your breasts more effectively.

Sometimes, though rarely, your baby may object to nursing because of the increased sodium content to your milk resulting from the inflammation. In this case, you will have to express your milk. However, your baby is still the best breast pump you have on hand so it is best to try persisting with nursing. As the inflammation begins to clear, the taste of your milk will return to normal.

Applying warm and cold compresses to the affected areas, taking warm baths and gently massaging the affected area.

5. Infections

Infections such as thrush can also cause sore nipples. Thrush is a yeast infection (caused by Candida) that causes the nipples to become red and tender, and may be accompanied by a burning sensation. If your breasts are infected by Candida, you will also notice white plaques inside your baby's mouth. Thrush is not an indication to stop breast feeding, however, both you and baby will require antifungal treatment for it. Your doctor can prescribe the appropriate medications.

6. Initial breastfeeding soreness

During the first couple of weeks of breastfeeding, there will be some soreness of the nipples - this is due to the friction of your baby's tongue against your nipples which can leave them feeling raw. As long as you are breastfeeding with good technique, this tenderness will eventually fade on its own as your nipples toughen up. In the interim, applying a little breast milk or breastfeeding ointment after every feed can help your nipples to heal sufficiently between feeds to reduce the sensitivity during nursing.

7. Teething

When your baby begins teething, you may experience something similar to the initial soreness you felt when you first started breastfeeding. This only occurs with the eruption of the upper front teeth since the lower front teeth are covered by your baby's tongue during breastfeeding. The sensitivity usually goes away quickly as long as your baby isn't using your nipple as a teething ring.

At this point, it is important to educate your baby that biting is not acceptable. If your baby bites, simply put away your breast and stop the feed. Your baby will soon get the message. Usually when your baby starts biting your nipple, it is a good indication that the actual feeding part is over and that your baby is just nursing for comfort or playing. A baby that is still actively suckling will be biting his or her own tongue if he or she attempts to bite the nipple.

Conclusion

There are several reasons why your nipples may be sore during breastfeeding. It is important to identify the cause of the pain and treat the underlying problem before applying methods to relieve the pain and sensitivity. Without treating the underlying problem, the pain and soreness of your nipples will continue to persist.

By: Shen-Li Lee  -   About the Author :
  Shen-Li is a stay-at-home-mum dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in parenting. She has a formal educational background and former work experience in healthcare. If you enjoyed this article, visit her blog Babylicious and follow her as she learns how to raise a happy, confident and successful person.

Pilates for new mums

Pilates for new mums

Specialist in pre and postnatal pilates for new mums

Hi my name is Wendy Levy. I am a new mum and understand how your body can feel after having a baby.

What is Pilates? Pilates is a program that improves muscle control, flexibility, co-ordination, strength and tone through physical and mental conditioning. When we adopt poor posture we get aches and pains in the body because of muscle imbalance. Some muscles will tighten while others lengthen causing undue strain and pull on our joints.

Pilates will correct any bad posture and movement habits that you may have and with gentle exercises condition the core and stability muscles so that tension can be taken away and give you relief from pain.

There are many changes that occur in the spine and pelvis in pregnancy, they are:
Increased lumbar (lower back) extension
Increased pelvic diameters
Increased ligament laxity (due to the hormone Relaxin that can remain for some time after birth)
Increased mobility of the symphysis pubis and sacroiliac joint
Instability around the pelvis and spine

So the time has come and your new baby has arrived into the world, what a magical time.  With everything that happens you are unaware of the stresses placed on your body and It is not until baby is a few months old that you start to feel pain generally in the back, neck or shoulders.

Some examples of the activities that cause the pain are:

1. Feeding baby with a poor sitting position.
Make sure your hips are level, do not cross your legs. Have arm propped up by a pillow or cushion allow arm to rest and shoulder to relax down.  Try not to twist or lean forward. Look up from baby regularly to prevent neck strain.

2. Standing holding baby.
Keep shoulders relaxed and down away from your ears. Avoid rounding your shoulders. Keep up straight as leaning back will compress the vertebra causing back ache and further weaken abdominal (tummy) muscles.

3. Lifting things such as the pram in and out of the car.
Position pram near the boot of the car before folding it up. Bend from your legs (a squat position) to pick up the pram from the ground and gently draw your lower tummy muscles in. Do not twist your back.

When it comes to exercise and awareness of movement the small changes that you make will give you greater results long term and allow you to have a better quality of life.

I have over 11 years experience specialising in Pilates - pre and post natal. I will help you feel re-energised again.

Book a consultation - come and see me at Aquatic Natural Therapies,

Corner of Bluebell and Abelia Street, Alexandra Hills. Telephone: 3207 5088

Safety Guidelines For Infant Sleep

Room sharing with your baby.

If a crib or newborn bassinet fits in your room, go for it. Having baby’s crib in your room may be protective against SIDS. Several studies gave shown that baby who died of SIDS were less likely than other babies to gave slept in a crib or bassinet in their parents’ room on the night they died. And since, unlike bed sharing, the idea of room sharing is not controversial, it was easy to advise parents to have babies in their room for the first six months.

Back to sleep.

Research shoes that this sleep position for babies dramatically reduces the incidence of SIDS. The only reason for a baby not to sleep on her back would be due to certain health, or when she gets to the age when she can roll over onto her tummy by herself and seems to prefer that. Once your baby can roll over easily, you can let her choose her own sleep position.

Firm mattress.

Avoid pillows, puffy bedding, stuffed toys and bumper pads in the baby’s crib as these could prevent proper air circulation around your baby’s face.

Smoke free environment.

Research clearly shows the single most important modifiable SIDS risk factors are now parental smoking. If you or your partner is smokers, get help to quit. Second hand smoke is harmful for anyone, particularly young children. If you are unable to quit, at least don’t smoke in your house or in any room where the baby is. Don’t let anyone else smoke around the baby either.

Breastfeeding.

It has many health benefits and probably gives some protection against SIDS. For a small number of babies, breastfeeding probably does reduce the risk of SIDS, but there are more important reasons to breastfeed.

Avoid overheating your baby.

A room temperature that would be comfortable for you should be fine for your baby. Earlier studies showed an association between overheating and risk of SIDS, but temperature is no longer considered a particularly important risk factor, partly because manufacturers are making lighter crib duvets. If the room temperature feels comfortable to you, it’s fine for your baby.

Bed sharing controversy

Lots of parents share a bed with their babies. For some, it’s part of their parenting philosophy. For others, it’s a convenience. The truth is that the risk factor is not bed sharing but how it’s done. Some cultures where co-sleeping is very common, like Japan, China, and the Ind0-Pakistani community in England, have some of the lowest SIDS rates in the world.

If you’re a non-smoking, sober breast feeder with fairly firm mattress, and you take sensible precautions to make sure your baby is protected from falls, getting her head covered by baby blankets or pillows, and getting wedged between the mattress and bed frame or walls, whether or not you share a bed with your baby is your call.

The most important risk factors are smoking during pregnancy, sleeping on the stomach and co-sleeping in certain situations- on a sofa, if the parents have been drinking or using drugs, or on a makeshift bed with pillows and cushions. None of the other risk factors are nearly as important.”

SIDS – Sudden infant death syndrome

By: Camber Lea  -   About the Author :
Camber Lea is an experienced business owner who specializes in baby products. She regularly writes articles about baby gifts and baby cares which are inspired by her clients and experienced parents. Check out unique baby gift baskets, diaper cake, personalized baby gifts today.

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The most important things you need to know for successful breastfeeding.

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How to Feel Confident Breastfeeding in Public

Breast milk is the ideal baby food, and many new mothers choose to breastfeed their babies.  Breastfeeding has all the nutrients your baby needs to thrive for the first six months of life, and research shows breastfeeding has many health benefits for both mother and baby. The best preparation for breastfeeding is good information – the more support and encouragement you have during the early days, the more likely you are to succeed in breastfeeding for as long as you choose. Breastfeeding works best when mums are feeling relaxed, so it’s important that you feel at ease nursing when away from home so you can enjoy being out in the world with your nursling.

When you have a baby you will find you spend a lot of time out of the house meeting up with friends, clinic appointments, baby activity classes and playgroups. Feeling that you have to hide away to nurse your baby will make it difficult to go out and breastfeed whenever your baby demands. It is very natural to feel a little hesitant about nursing in public, particularly when you have a hungry baby ready for a feed and you’re not used to using a nursing bra! The key to breastfeeding your baby whilst out is to practice feeding at home in the early days, until you feel comfortable and confident that you can settle your baby for a feed fairly quickly. Meeting up with other breastfeeding women, perhaps through an postnatal class or NCT group, gives you the support of other nursing mums, before trying trips out on your own.  In the early days you might also feel more confident going out with someone who boosts your confidence like your partner, mum or a friend.

Many new mums use a muslin cloth, shawl or pashmina to provide extra cover whilst they are breastfeeding in public. Nursing covers are especially popular in the USA, and are quickly becoming an essential for nursing mothers in the UK too. Whether you prefer a patterned or plain cover, cotton or jersey fabric, a traditional “apron” cover or a poncho, there are lots of options available. Baby Bubu offer a wide range of traditional covers and modern ponchos, in a gorgeous variety of fabrics and patterns giving you the confidence to feed your baby wherever you like whilst ensuring that you are fully covered whilst doing so. The adjustable necklines of these designs allows you to maintain eye contact with baby as you feed. Another wonderful new accessory for breastfeeding mothers is the Mamascarf. Designed by a nursing mother, the Mamascarf provides support whilst feeding your baby, as well as ensuring that you are covered as your baby feeds. The Mamascarf folds neatly, is lightweight and can easily be slipped into a bag so you can take it out with you.

There is now some wonderful nursingwear available for new mums. Nursing tops offer you quick and easy access to the breast for nursing your little one, whilst keeping your chest, tummy and back covered.  Many designs work well during pregnancy and afterwards for nursing, giving you fabulous value for money.  These dual purpose tops (“transition clothing”) ensure you look fabulous from your first trimester to your fourth. Well designed nursing tops really help with feeling confident nursing in public. With a little practice you simply pull aside the nursing opening and feed your baby, without anyone being any the wiser.  Different tops give different access – from pull over crossover fronts, double layers with vertical nursing openings to simple modesty panels – there is something to suit every nursing mother. Details like ruching and flowing fabric give a flattering fit on post-natal figures. Each type of nursing access has been skilfully designed and the nursing openings in the clothing are well disguised so you really cannot tell they are nursing tops at all.

Confidence is a major factor in ensuring you are able to breastfeed wherever you are. If mothers feel comfortable nursing whenever and wherever they choose, they will breastfeed for longer. Many new mums feel well designed nursingwear and breastfeeding accessories have made a real difference to their experience breastfeeding in front of friends, family and whilst out and about. Stylish nursingwear and accessories helps challenge the perception of breastfeeding as frumpy, and ensures breastfeeding stays fashionable.

By: Kirsten Baxter  -   About the Author :
  The author Kirsten Baxter is Director of UK based online maternity and nursingwear store Bella Mama ( http://www.bellamama.co.uk )

Bella Mama is a stylish Breastfeeding and Maternity clothing boutique offering a fabulous range of stylish maternity and nursing dresses, chic breastfeeding tops, pretty nursing bras, gorgeous baby bags and other accessories.