Pros and Cons of Sleeping With Your Baby

Co-sleeping is often confused with bed sharing.

As a definition, co-sleeping is defined as the infant sleeping in the same  room as the parent.

Bed sharing is defined as the parent and infant sharing the same sleep  surface such as a mattress or bed.

It is an individual choice as to what you do in regard to sleep and your  baby.

Some of the common arguments against co-sleeping  include:

Baby learns to be dependent on a parent and will not be able to sleep on  their own even as they mature into young children.

Parent does not get therapeutic sleep.

Partner sleeping in another bed due to disturbed sleep, thus causing  relationship difficulties.

Baby is more noisy at night and parents have disturbed sleep.

Other children feeling left out or jealous with new baby sleeping in parents  room.

Some arguments in favour of co-sleeping  include.

Baby is more settled at night and sleeps better due to close proximity of  parent.

Parent has less disturbed sleep in that they do not have to go far to respond  to infants' needs during the night.

Breastfeeding is enhanced due to close proximity to breast.

Infant-parent bonding is enhanced with close proximity and prompt response  enabling infant to learn trust.

Reduced incidence of SIDs

Commonly co-sleeping is promoted for the first 6-12 months of your  baby's life.

The guidelines include:

Sleeping your baby on their back

Ensure the surface your baby is sleeping on is firm. No sagging mattress,  couch, bean bag.

Ensure the bedding and clothing is unable to cover your baby's face.

Ensure your baby is not sharing a sleep space with soft toys, pets or other  children.

Do not push the mattress /sleep surface against the wall where there is a  risk that your baby may roll between it and the wall. Babies have suffocated  this way.

If you do choose to share a sleep surface with your baby the  following guidelines are encouraged.

If you are taking drugs that make you drowsy at all both prescribed, over the  counter (including alcohol) or illicit- Do not share a sleep surface with your  baby. This is because you may not be alert enough to respond to your baby and  ensure they are kept in a safe place with you. This includes the risk of rolling  on them, your baby rolling off the sleep surface, or under bedclothes.

Also if you are a very deep or restless sleeper it is also discouraged to  share a sleep surface with your baby for the same reasons as above. If you are a  smoker it is also discouraged because of the toxins on your breath.

Ensure your baby is always on the outside of the bed and not between you and  your partner. If one person is solely responsible for your baby that person is  more likely to respond to your baby and ensure their safety. If you both take  responsibility the risk is that you both could subconsciously think oh it's ok,  my partner is aware and will respond to our baby- I don't need to check on  him/her.

Ensure your baby has their own bedding. Do not put them under your bedding  because of the risk of them suffocating.

Do not wrap or swaddle your baby so arm and leg movement is not restricted. A  sleep bag for infants may work better or their own blankets with warm clothing.

Of interest is that primitive cultures often will share a bed  surface with young babies. They instinctively employ the majority of guidelines  outlined above.

Where your baby sleeps for both day and night sleep is an individual choice.  Some parents feel that co-sleeping is not for them for different reasons. If you  are concerned or confused with the options available to you find someone with  expertise in this area to run your thoughts by.

Leisa Breed has been assisting and supporting women and families in caring  for their newborns and up till the age of 4 years since 1993. She is a  registered nurse, midwife, child health nurse and lactation consultant.

She has a successful home visiting consulting business assisting families in  all aspects of newborn and toddler care. She is based in the beautiful area of  Brisbane's bayside suburb of Redland Bay. To find out more visit http://www.insyncwithinfants.com
©Leisa Breed- Insync with  infants

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6203248

Being Comfortable with Breastfeeding In Public

Breastfeeding in public has long evoked a great deal of debate and even controversy.  The Equality Act passed in April 2010, has meant that mums cannot be discriminated against in England and Wales which includes being asked to leave a venue or be unfavourably treated because they are breastfeeding.  Whilst this is supportive, there is still a significant resistance to breastfeeding in public.  In Scotland, the right to breastfeed in public has been part of their legislation for more than a year.

Mothers have to endure a great deal of pressure to breast feed, with numerous articles in the media promoting the benefits of breastfeeding.  There is also a lot of help and advice on breastfeeding, particularly from the National Childbirth Trust who actively promote breastfeeding.  NCT also introduced the ‘Booby Awards' to praise those establishments that encouraged breastfeeding with their attitude and facilities, whilst also listing some businesses that seemed to have a poor track record.   However, I believe that it should purely be a mum's choice on how she feeds her baby and as a company; Freedom Babe does not promote either way.

If a mother decides she wants to breastfeed, then breastfeeding in public will be a necessary part of her regime.  However, it is clear from a recent survey of 1200 new mums conducted in conjunction with the NCT, that many mums fear the public reaction; with a staggering 65% of respondents saying that they would not even attempt breastfeeding in public.  Many new mums had found the whole experience of breastfeeding in public to be a very stressful process and over half of them said they had been asked to leave the premises.  On many occasions, mums have had to disappear into the toilet to breastfeed, with establishments unable to provide any more suitable facilities.

There are obviously many mothers who need support in order to breastfeed in public.  Locking herself and her baby away in a toilet for 20-30 minutes is not the experience she wants.  However, the unease felt by many mothers breastfeeding their baby in a public area is an unacceptable situation. 

There are fortunately alternatives available which can support new mothers.  There are specific clothing items that can make it easier to breastfeed including nursing bras and specially adapted tops.  Many mums struggle with using blankets or cloths to cover up during feeding but these are often awkward and clumsy.  Purpose made clothing accessories such as nursing aprons or breastfeeding covers; provide a much needed aid to new mothers.  They have the advantage that they can be used in conjunction with everyday clothing.  Not only do they provide a secure and discreet cover, they also allow the baby to have a cocooned environment; without the distractions of other children or activity within the establishment.  It also means that there is less pressure on mums trying to feed quickly.

Breastfeeding should be a choice for new mothers and one that is freely made with knowledge of the benefits without the pressures currently inflicted by the whole experience of breastfeeding in public.

By: Dawn Callery  -   About the Author :
  Dawn Callery is a mother who understands the pressure on mothers to breastfeed.  As owner of Freedom Babe, she strives to offer innovative, tried and tested products designed to make life easier for new mothers. The breastfeeding cover is the first in a planned range of products available from Freedom Babe.

A Journey Through Infant Development: The Ninth Month

It is the dance of life, the basis of human interaction. It’s about moving fluidly through our interactions. It’s not about an outcome, but the process in which we get there. It’s about doing it together. It’s the give and take. It’s the responses given to our actions and/or words. It’s co-regulation. By 9 months of age, a child spends a majority of the day engaged in co-regulation. My son is now 9 months old, and our interactive dance is becoming more fluid as we continue this journey.

You are the joy of our lives, the spark in our day. The joy you bring to our family is indescribable. Unlike when your sisters were babies, we are trying to slow down how fast you are growing. We want you to remain a baby forever, as you are the final baby of the family; and yet you seem to be growing twice as fast as your sisters. You have so many games that you love to play. You’ll crawl (yes, you are crawling now!) behind a chair, and then peak your head out when you see that I’m looking. I smile, then you smile back and hide again. It’s only a moment later when you slowly peak your head back out, and start to giggle as I give you a funny face. You are eating more and more foods! You make so many people laugh as you take a bite, and then quickly open your mouth for another bite. You’ll sit there with your mouth open staring at me until I get that spoon filled with more food back to your mouth. It can’t come fast enough! If I stand up to go get something, you scream like you are going to starve. I know you are about done eating when you grab at the spoon as though it’s a toy and not a shoveling device. If there is a ball around, you will find it. You love playing with balls! I’ll hand it to you, and you’ll throw it back. Sometimes it comes to me, but your hands don’t always throw in the same direction you’re looking. Then as I hold the ball you look at me with anticipation, wondering if and when I’ll throw it back; often times your hands and feet are moving with your excitement. Once I roll it back to you, you smile and scream in delight! If it bounces off you, you’ll race after it. You already know that we both have a responsibility in keeping the ball in play. Your sisters still love to torment you. They’ll climb in your face, and try to tickle you or tackle you. You are learning to defend yourself by clawing them in the face or pulling their hair. They get upset; but I defend you, and tell them that they deserved it. There is nothing better than coming home after not seeing you all day. When you see me, you light right up and come crawling to me as fast as you can. If you can’t get to me or I don’t pick you up right away, you’ll sit there and scream until I give you attention. It can be a bit annoying, but I love the attention and the immediate hugs!

The interactive dance of life is established, and relationships are beginning to flourish. Isn’t it amazing how early on in life this begins to happen? This is a topic I discuss early and often with families who have a child with autism: What does co-regulation look like; when is it established; when does it break down; and how is it repaired? Co-regulation is the basis for all human interaction, essential for developing relationships. Watching this form between the parents and children I work with is an amazing experience. What are you doing to initiate this dance?

By: Michelle Vanderheide, BSW  -   About the Author :
  About the Author: Autism specialist Michelle VanderHeide, of the Horizons Developmental Remediation Center, provides practical information and advice for families living with autism and other developmental disabilities. If you are ready to reduce your stress level, enrich your child’s development, and improve your family’s quality of life, get your FREE reports now at ==> www.HorizonsDRC.com

Helping local communities in raising breastfeeding awareness

But there are still a number of reasons why breastfeeding take-up is low in many areas and these are the areas that need the help and support to raise the awareness of breastfeeding amongst the local mums. 

What’s the challenges that communities face raising awareness of breastfeeding:

the mental block of mums of finding breastfeeding intrusive on themselves and the unwillingness of feeding in public Lack of education/information for mums to make them aware of the benefits of breastfeeding lack of funding to hold events to raise awareness for breastfeeding or provide support to mums

These challenges large as they are can be overcome which is why Milkbug offers local communities support in raising awareness of breastfeeding. Already we have donated breastfeeding clothes to support a number of events and have offered advice to local communities on how breastfeeding clothes can help overcome some of the perceptions that breastfeeding is impossible in public. 

Supporting community projects is an important part of our business and is where we invest a large part of our time to help. If together we can help to raise the awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding, we are empowering women to make informed decisions on how to care for their babies as opposed to taking on others views on breastfeeding. 

At www.milkbug.co.uk we work with a number of local communities to help them in raising awareness for breastfeeding and to help them raise the levels in their local areas. We believe that as a business we have the ablity to help local communities to encourage mums to learn more about breastfeeding and therefore make an informed decision.

We offer mums who are conscious about feeding in public a large range of breastfeeding clothes which suit all shapes and all occasion. These breastfeeding tops and breastfeeding dresses help in half the battle of overcoming the anxiety of having to feed your child in public when you are feeling conscious about your own shape. 

Have a look at the projects we have helped so far with more in the pipeline:

http://www.milkbug.co.uk/MILKBUG-in-the-community

By: taj  -   About the Author :
  Taj owns and manages www.milkbug.co.uk and works closely to help local communities across the UK to improve breastfeeding awareness.

Breastfeeding Benefits And Tips For Successful Breastfeeding

Despite being a natural progression of life, there still appears to be an enormous lack of awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding today.  Often with the combined negativity towards breastfeeding and lack of support, it is common for first time mothers to be dissuaded from persisting with this beneficial practice.

Unfortunately, breastfeeding is not necessarily as instinctive as one would expect it to be. However, the common fallacy that seems to persist that a mother might not have sufficient milk supply is unfounded.  Although possibly, it is a very rare occurrence.  For such a condition to be a rampant problem would have been evolutionary suicide back in the days where baby formulas did not exist.  In most cases, it is usually a lack of support and understanding that prevents a mother from breastfeeding.

Breast milk is produced on demand and the best way to increase milk production is to allow the baby to suckle directly from the breast. It is the baby's suckling action that encourages further milk production. No suckling, no milk.  Often, because of the "apparent" lack of milk in the early days of nursing, well-intentioned relatives encourage the new mother to supplement the feeds with formula - just until the milk comes.

Although well-intended, this flawed recommendation often sabotages the new mother's milk supply because it reduces the frequency with which the baby takes the breast.  Since breast milk is produced on demand, the reduced suckling means less milk is produced.  This then lends itself to the fallacy that the new mother "doesn't have milk".

In the first two days after delivery, the breast does not produce milk. It produces a substance called colostrum. Colostrum is rich in all the necessary nutrients required by a newborn and is very easy to digest. It offers protective antibodies for the newborn and also helps prevent jaundice.

A common concern among parents during this early stage is that the baby may not have enough to eat. However, we should be mindful that the size of a newborn's stomach is about the size of a grape. It is important for the baby to have frequent feeds during the early days as it sets the stage for normal milk production. Generally, the more often you feed, the better your milk production. By about the third to fifth day (there is a variation among mothers), colostrum will be replaced with regular breast milk.

To encourage breast feeding, it is advisable not to offer the baby any artificial pacifiers for the first six weeks (there is some variation to the timing between sources), therefore, no bottle feeding of any sort. At this time, the baby is also learning how to breast feed. The introduction of pacifiers can cause confusion because the suckling action is different from that of the breast.

There are additional issues with the introduction of a bottle too early. Babies are intelligent and they soon discover that it is far easier to retrieve milk from a bottle than it is to suckle from a breast. This is the fastest way to destroy a mother's milk supply. Although there are cases where babies happily interchange between bottles and the breast, this is not always the case, especially when the baby is very young. Where bottles are concerned, it is best to proceed cautiously, especially if continue to breastfeed is what you desire.

A baby that is exclusively breastfeeding has no need for water, because breast milk provides all the necessary fluids. The initial part of the feed is called the foremilk which is good for quenching thirst. If the baby is hungry, it will stay on the breast for longer to get the hind milk which is fatty and more filling. On the other hand, a baby that is consuming formula requires water to prevent constipation.

Most of the information on breastfeeding encourages mothers to breastfeed exclusively for at least the first six months - that means that the baby takes no other forms of nutrition except for breast milk.  Beyond six months, solids may be introduced, but it is still advisable to continue breastfeeding as there is a lot of evidence pointing to continued benefits for babies who breastfeed up to one or two years of age and beyond.

Here is a summary of the benefits of breastfeeding:

It's nutritional - with the right constituents for human development

The babies have fewer illnesses because of the mother's antibodies being passed through the milk

Breast fed babies are less likely to develop allergies later in life

Breast fed babies have less risk of developing obesity later in life

More research is demonstrating that breast fed babies have more optimal brain development

Breast feeding lowers the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome)

Breast milk contains lots of good bacteria

Breast milk straight from the breast is sterile

Breast milk contains at least a hundred additional ingredients that formula does not

No baby is allergic to their mother's milk (although they may be allergic to some of the foods she eats, but this is easily rectified if the mother eliminates that food)

The suckling action allows the baby to develop strong jaw muscles that encourage the growth of straight and healthy teeth

Breast fed babies are also less likely to develop tooth decay compared to bottle fed babies

Babies who are premature or born with medical problems have also been shown to benefit from breast feeding

Babies who are breast fed have a stronger bond with their mothers. Some studies have shown that breast fed babies grow up to be socially more independent than their formula fed counterparts

Babies who are breast fed tend are generally held more closely than bottle fed babies. The skin to skin contact between mother and baby provides comfort for the baby that has just been removed from the protective environment of the womb.

Although breastfeeding is not without it own difficulties (mostly in the initial stages as it gets easier with time), I would think that given the overwhelming benefits, it's worth any inconvenience.

Additionally, we should not neglect the fact that breastfeeding is also beneficial to the mother - even more reasons to breastfeed:

The suckling action of the baby indirectly results in the contraction of the uterus, protecting the mother from post-partum bleeding

Exclusive breast feeding is 99% effective in preventing a second pregnancy the first six months post delivery

Decreases the risk of developing iron-deficient anemia

More rapid and sustained weight loss (milk production uses 200-500 calories a day)

Decrease the risk of developing breast, ovarian and uterine cancers

Current literature suggest that breast feeding may help protect against osteoporosis

It is also found that breastfeeding helps strengthen the maternal instinct.  From the scientific perspective, the psychosocial benefits are a little more difficult to analyse, however one particular study found that mothers with a history of abandonment are less likely to abandon their babies if they breastfeed the baby.

The recommended duration for breastfeeding

Currently, the general recommendation is to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months, and to continue breastfeeding with other sources of nutrition up to 1 year.  However, more and more research shows that it may be worthwhile to extend breastfeeding beyond the first year and that the benefits of breastfeeding continue even before the first year.

Breastfeeding.com stated that: "in comparing humans to other primates, research showed that humans' natural age of weaning is a minimum of two and a half years and a maximum of between six and seven years."

Current guidelines:

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first four to six months of life and continued breastfeeding until at least two years.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months and continued breastfeeding for a minimum of one year, but offers no upper limit.

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.

How Breastfeeding Benefits Mothers

With numerous guidelines being written on the importance and benefits of breastfeeding, more and more mothers are becoming aware of how beneficial it is to nurse their babies.  However, it seems that the benefits of breastfeeding to a mother isn't as well publicised, for many mothers still view breastfeeding as a sacrificial practice almost akin to martyrdom.

Far from it, mothers stand to gain just as much from breastfeeding their babies.  Breastfeeding is beneficial to mothers as it reduces their risk factors for developing certain medical conditions and diseases later in life.  It is beneficial for helping mothers regain their pre-pregnant figure more quickly - something that is bound to attract the attention of many post-partum mothers.  Breastfeeding also has psychological and financial benefits.

Here are the 17 benefits that breastfeeding offers to nursing mothers:

The baby's suckling action triggers the release of the hormone oxytocin which produces the letdown reflex (a process whereby the breast releases its stored milk to the baby). Oxytocin also causes contraction of the uterus which is important during postpartum healing as it reduces the risk of bleeding and promotes the return of the uterus to its original shape and size.

Breastfeeding delays the return of menstruation. Mothers who formula feed their babies usually observe a return of their periods within 6-8 weeks postpartum. A breastfeeding mother can expect to delay the return of her period for months up to a year and beyond. This helps a mother maintain her stores of iron and helps to reduce her risk of developing iron deficient anaemia.

Breastfeeding reduces a mother's fertility by preventing ovulation. This can help delay further pregnancies and allow her body to recover before being taxed again with another pregnancy. It is important to note, however, that the period of reduced fertility depends on the mother, her baby and their nursing patterns.

There is evidence that breastfeeding may provide a mother protection against breast, uterine and ovarian cancers.

A common misconception is that breastfeeding increases a mother's risk of osteoporosis, however, studies have found the converse to be true. While a mother's stores of calcium are reduced during breastfeeding, it was found that bone density return to normal levels and even increased after weaning, thus providing extra protection against osteoporosis.

Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce a mother's risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Some studies also show that breastfeeding helps to reduce a mother's risk of developing heart disease, heart attacks and stroke.

Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Breastfeeding releases the prolactin - a hormone responsible for milk production. Prolactin also has a calming and sedating effect on a nursing mother. This relaxes the mother, helps her get back to sleep quickly after a night-time feed and may be helpful in combating the baby blues and potential postnatal depression. Studies show that mothers who breastfeed are less likely to suffer from postpartum anxiety and depression.

It has been shown that breastfeeding strengthens the bond between a mother and her baby. This can help first time mothers adapt to the role of motherhood more easily. Studies have also shown that mothers with a history of abandonment are less likely to leave their babies if they breastfeed them.

Breastfed babies are less likely to fall ill which offers mothers greater peace of mind. Something must be said about the benefit of not having to deal with the added stress of living with a child with recurrent illness.

Breastfeeding can consume an extra 200-500 calories a day (the equivalent of swimming 30 laps or riding a bicycle up a hill for an hour). This helps a mother return to her pre-pregnant weight more quickly and easily.

During pregnancy, fat is stored around the waist and hip areas to protect the baby and womb. This fat is utilised in the production of breast milk after birth, which helps a mother return to her pre-pregnant size more quickly than a mother who formula feeds her baby.

It has been estimated that breastfeeding can save parents an average of US$400-800 a year since there is no need to purchase expensive infant formulas.

Breastfeeding directly also means there is no need for baby bottles, sterilizers and other fancy equipment required with bottle feeding.

Breastfeeding is a lot more convenient, especially for night feeds as Mum does not have to get up to prepare formula.

A nursing mother can also rest while she is nursing the baby (utilising the lying down position).  She doesn't have to stay awake to hold the bottle which allows her to get more rest.

The benefits of breastfeeding for mothers are many and should not be overlooked.  They are also equally valid factors that mothers should take into consideration when deciding whether or not to breastfeed their babies.  Even if some mothers might not want to breastfeed their babies for the benefits that it offers to the baby, I'm sure knowing a little more about "what's in it for me" might change their perspectives.

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.

Breastfeeding with Raynauds Nipple Vasospasm

A customer at our Breastmates store recently shared her story about her breastfeeding journey and Raynaud's Syndrome. I want to raise awareness about its treatment, because diagnosis is only the first hurdle.

“When my first child was born after a traumatic labour I found breastfeeding incredibly painful - sharp, burning pain. As the days went on, the pain got worse and continued even when the feed had finished. The medical professionals had no answers because I had "beautiful attachment". Finally a lactation consultant diagnosed me with Raynaud's.

The telltale sign of Raynaud's is blanching of the nipple: the nipple turns white because of a constriction of the blood vessels, which causes pain. The nipple blanching can be hard to spot and unfortunately most medical professionals will miss it. I could hardly see it myself! (I have since heard of women who can see the blanching when they are cold, but this was not the case with me.)

To treat the condition, my GP prescribed me the medication Nifedipine (a 10mg tablet). Within a couple hours, the tablet gave me a migraine. After 3 months of stress I was forced to formula feed. This was agonizing for me - I had always wanted to breastfeed.

After the birth of my second child, I was incredibly lucky. The pediatrician who did my baby's routine check at the hospital knew about Raynaud's and suggested I take Nifedipine. When I told him about the headaches, he said the dose was too high. He told me to get a pill cutter, chop the tablets in half and take one half in the morning and one at night. The outcome was amazing! No headaches, and the breastfeeding pain was considerably reduced.

I have to add here that the pain was not completely gone. Perhaps if I could have taken a higher dose it would have been. So it still took perseverance.

But I found out how much the medication helped when I forgot to take it one day and the pain returned!

I have now successfully breastfed my daughter for a year. I was very lucky to chance that doctor. The doctor himself urged me to tell everyone, since the condition - and worse the treatment - is not widely understood in the maternal health sector..."

Of course, as with everything, you need to discuss with your doctor to make sure it's right for you.

A breastfeeding story as told to “Breastmates”

By: Breastmates  -   About the Author :
  Frances McInnes is the owner of Breastmates Maternity Store, which is a website dedicated to maternity and Breastfeeding products. http://www.breastmates.co.nz