When thinking about starting baby on solid foods and introducing solids to baby, a good rule of thumb is to "Watch the Baby - Not the Calendar!" This is true when introducing solid foods (complementary foods) for both breastfed and formula fed infants. Just because baby has turned 4 months old does not mean she must be introduced to solid foods.
Start out slowly, preparing a tablespoon sized portion of whatever food you have chosen to begin with. Some parents begin offering their babies solid foods by using their (clean and washed) finger as a spoon! They say that this helps their babies take to solid foods because the "new" spoon and the "new" food all at once seem to confuse baby!
How much will your 4 month - 6 month old baby eat at his first meal?
You will probably only manage to have baby eat 1/2 of the tablespoon sized portion the very first times you begin solids. Don't fret if your baby does not "finish" a meal. Remember this is a new experience for your baby! As your baby becomes accustomed to eating solids, you will gradually increase the portion sizes. Remember, breast milk and/or infant formula are providing for the total nutrition of your baby at this stage!
Many parents find their babies will push the food out of their mouths on the first few tries. This is normal however it may also indicate that your baby is not yet ready for solid foods. Only you know your baby and will be able to decide if baby is truly ready for solids.
Four to Six (4-6) Months old
Try mixing together the foods that you have already introduced without allergies or reactions. Rice Cereal mixed with Bananas for example.
CEREALS
Rice
Barley
Oat
FRUITS
Apples
Bananas
Pears
Avocado
VEGGIES
Sweet Potatoes
Acorn/Butternut Squash
Green Beans
PROTEIN
None
DAIRY
None
Source by:wholesomebabyfood.
Baby so cute....
Friday, November 28, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Development milestones:Your newborn baby....
Week 1
How your baby's growing:
Because he was curled up inside your uterus until recently, your newborn baby will probably look scrunched up for a while, with his arms and legs not fully extended. He may even appear bowlegged.
Don't worry: Your baby will stretch out, little by little, and by the time he reaches 6 months, he'll be fully unfurled! In the meantime, as he adjusts to life outside the warm, safe confines of your womb, he may enjoy being swaddled in light blanket.
Your life: You're a parent!
This week, reality sets in — you have a baby! He's all yours, he's home with you, and he's dependent on you for love, care, and feeding. No doubt you've been reading up on what to do and how to do it. We have plenty of articles and tools to refresh your memory and teach you new tips, but here's our best advice this week: Don't try to master the art of caring for a baby all at once. Take it easy, take it slow. Your newborn is more durable than you might think. He's getting used to you as much as you and your partner are getting used to him. Like all good relationships, this one will take some time.
Week 2
How your baby's growing:
Your baby's eyesight is still pretty fuzzy. Babies are born nearsighted and can see things best when they're about 8 to 15 inches away, so she can see your face clearly only when you're holding her close.
Don't worry if your baby doesn't look you right in the eye from the start: Newborns tend to look at your eyebrows, your hairline, or your moving mouth. As she gets to know you in the first month, she'll become more interested in having eye-to-eye exchanges. Studies show that newborns prefer human faces to all other patterns or colors. (Objects that are bright, moving, high-contrast, or black-and-white are next in line.)
Your life: Breastfeeding discomfort
Two to four days after your baby's birth, your milk "comes in," filling your breasts and causing what's known as engorgement. (Until that happens, your nursing baby is drinking a nourishing pre-milk called colostrum.) This important shift has an unfortunate side effect for some new moms: It can create mild to considerable discomfort. Why? Your body is forcing milk from the glands that create it out to your nipples, and you're also dealing with a postpartum drop in hormone levels and the still-unfamiliar sensation of a newborn's suckling.
Your breasts may feel tender or hard and hot, and they may swell or seem to throb. Don't take this as an indication that breastfeeding isn't for you because it's too painful. Engorgement is a short-lived condition that will diminish as your body adjusts to breastfeeding. Some helpful ways to reduce the pain in the meantime:
•Take a warm shower.
• Apply warm compresses (such as a washcloth soaked in hot water and wrung out) to your breasts before each feeding.
• Express a small bit of milk from each breast before nursing. A full breast can make latching on more difficult, causing your baby to position her mouth in the wrong place. She then has to work harder to get the milk, which translates to tissue pain.
• Wear a supportive nursing bra. Some women prefer to wear one even at night.
• Nurse every two to three hours. Don't avoid feedings because of the pain — the more you nurse, the better your breasts will feel.
• Drink lots of fluids to keep yourself well hydrated and to maintain milk production.
• Alternate breasts.
• Apply a cool compress after you feed. Try a baggie of crushed ice or a sack of frozen vegetables.
Week 3
How your baby's growing:
Your womb was a warm and cozy environment, and it takes time for your baby to adjust to the various sights, sounds, and sensations of life outside your body. You may not be able to detect much of a personality just yet as your baby spends his time moving in and out of several different states of sleepiness, quiet alertness, and active alertness.
The only way your baby knows to communicate is by crying, but you can communicate with him through your voice and your touch. (He can now recognize your voice and pick it out among others.)
Your baby probably loves to be held, caressed, kissed, stroked, massaged, and carried. He may even make an "ah" sound when he hears your voice or sees your face, and he'll be eager to find you in a crowd.
Your life: The baby blues
It seems to make no sense: At a time when you expected to be so happy, you feel down, weepy, moody, or irritable. In fact, there are very good reasons why about half of new moms get the so-called baby blues.
During the first weeks home with a baby, sleep deprivation, recovery from childbirth, the demands of newborn care, lack of experience with babies, and not having enough help can all be highly stressful. The huge hormonal shifts that occur after you give birth can also affect your moods, especially if you have a history of severe PMS. Then factor in modern America's expectations about moms "doing it all" and new moms being "blissed out," and you have the makings of a perfect storm for mild depression.
Knowing that these feelings are normal can help. It's a good idea to confide your feelings to people you love and trust: your partner, your parents, another relative, or a close friend. Connecting with other new parents online or in your community can help you see that you're far from alone.
Carve out time for yourself. Let your partner or a grandparent stay with your baby while you visit a friend, go shopping, or just take a relaxing bath. Even sitting outside or taking a walk with your baby in the fresh air can be beneficial.
Leave work behind. Really! Remember this is maternity leave. Turn off your cell phone and avoid your computer. Use these weeks to nurture your ties with your family.If feelings persist more than a couple of weeks, tell your doctor. You may have postpartum depression (PPD), a more serious condition. The causes of PPD aren't completely understood, but it's not a reflection on whether you're a "good" mom or "coping well." Symptoms of PPD include extreme anxiety, panic attacks, changes in eating habits (overeating or loss of appetite), insomnia, and thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
source by:babycentre
How your baby's growing:
Because he was curled up inside your uterus until recently, your newborn baby will probably look scrunched up for a while, with his arms and legs not fully extended. He may even appear bowlegged.
Don't worry: Your baby will stretch out, little by little, and by the time he reaches 6 months, he'll be fully unfurled! In the meantime, as he adjusts to life outside the warm, safe confines of your womb, he may enjoy being swaddled in light blanket.
Your life: You're a parent!
This week, reality sets in — you have a baby! He's all yours, he's home with you, and he's dependent on you for love, care, and feeding. No doubt you've been reading up on what to do and how to do it. We have plenty of articles and tools to refresh your memory and teach you new tips, but here's our best advice this week: Don't try to master the art of caring for a baby all at once. Take it easy, take it slow. Your newborn is more durable than you might think. He's getting used to you as much as you and your partner are getting used to him. Like all good relationships, this one will take some time.
Week 2
How your baby's growing:
Your baby's eyesight is still pretty fuzzy. Babies are born nearsighted and can see things best when they're about 8 to 15 inches away, so she can see your face clearly only when you're holding her close.
Don't worry if your baby doesn't look you right in the eye from the start: Newborns tend to look at your eyebrows, your hairline, or your moving mouth. As she gets to know you in the first month, she'll become more interested in having eye-to-eye exchanges. Studies show that newborns prefer human faces to all other patterns or colors. (Objects that are bright, moving, high-contrast, or black-and-white are next in line.)
Your life: Breastfeeding discomfort
Two to four days after your baby's birth, your milk "comes in," filling your breasts and causing what's known as engorgement. (Until that happens, your nursing baby is drinking a nourishing pre-milk called colostrum.) This important shift has an unfortunate side effect for some new moms: It can create mild to considerable discomfort. Why? Your body is forcing milk from the glands that create it out to your nipples, and you're also dealing with a postpartum drop in hormone levels and the still-unfamiliar sensation of a newborn's suckling.
Your breasts may feel tender or hard and hot, and they may swell or seem to throb. Don't take this as an indication that breastfeeding isn't for you because it's too painful. Engorgement is a short-lived condition that will diminish as your body adjusts to breastfeeding. Some helpful ways to reduce the pain in the meantime:
•Take a warm shower.
• Apply warm compresses (such as a washcloth soaked in hot water and wrung out) to your breasts before each feeding.
• Express a small bit of milk from each breast before nursing. A full breast can make latching on more difficult, causing your baby to position her mouth in the wrong place. She then has to work harder to get the milk, which translates to tissue pain.
• Wear a supportive nursing bra. Some women prefer to wear one even at night.
• Nurse every two to three hours. Don't avoid feedings because of the pain — the more you nurse, the better your breasts will feel.
• Drink lots of fluids to keep yourself well hydrated and to maintain milk production.
• Alternate breasts.
• Apply a cool compress after you feed. Try a baggie of crushed ice or a sack of frozen vegetables.
Week 3
How your baby's growing:
Your womb was a warm and cozy environment, and it takes time for your baby to adjust to the various sights, sounds, and sensations of life outside your body. You may not be able to detect much of a personality just yet as your baby spends his time moving in and out of several different states of sleepiness, quiet alertness, and active alertness.
The only way your baby knows to communicate is by crying, but you can communicate with him through your voice and your touch. (He can now recognize your voice and pick it out among others.)
Your baby probably loves to be held, caressed, kissed, stroked, massaged, and carried. He may even make an "ah" sound when he hears your voice or sees your face, and he'll be eager to find you in a crowd.
Your life: The baby blues
It seems to make no sense: At a time when you expected to be so happy, you feel down, weepy, moody, or irritable. In fact, there are very good reasons why about half of new moms get the so-called baby blues.
During the first weeks home with a baby, sleep deprivation, recovery from childbirth, the demands of newborn care, lack of experience with babies, and not having enough help can all be highly stressful. The huge hormonal shifts that occur after you give birth can also affect your moods, especially if you have a history of severe PMS. Then factor in modern America's expectations about moms "doing it all" and new moms being "blissed out," and you have the makings of a perfect storm for mild depression.
Knowing that these feelings are normal can help. It's a good idea to confide your feelings to people you love and trust: your partner, your parents, another relative, or a close friend. Connecting with other new parents online or in your community can help you see that you're far from alone.
Carve out time for yourself. Let your partner or a grandparent stay with your baby while you visit a friend, go shopping, or just take a relaxing bath. Even sitting outside or taking a walk with your baby in the fresh air can be beneficial.
Leave work behind. Really! Remember this is maternity leave. Turn off your cell phone and avoid your computer. Use these weeks to nurture your ties with your family.If feelings persist more than a couple of weeks, tell your doctor. You may have postpartum depression (PPD), a more serious condition. The causes of PPD aren't completely understood, but it's not a reflection on whether you're a "good" mom or "coping well." Symptoms of PPD include extreme anxiety, panic attacks, changes in eating habits (overeating or loss of appetite), insomnia, and thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
source by:babycentre
Monday, November 24, 2008
Developmental milestones: Crawling
Crawling
Crawling helps your baby strengthen her muscles enough to walk and is her first way of getting around efficiently on her own. In the traditional crawl, she'll first learn to balance on her hands and knees. Then she'll figure out how to move forward and backward from this posture by pushing off with her knees.
When it develops
Most babies learn to crawl between six and 10 months. But some children never crawl, instead opting for bottom shuffling, slithering on their stomach, or moving directly to pulling up, standing, and walking. It's getting mobile that's important, no matter how your baby does it.
How it develops
Crawling typically comes after a baby is able to sit well without support, which most children can do by the time they're six or seven months old. After this point, she can hold her head up to look around, and her arm, leg, and back muscles are strong enough to keep her from falling on the floor when she gets on her hands and knees. Over the next couple of months, your baby gradually learns to move confidently from a sitting position to being on all fours, and she soon realizes she can rock back and forth when she's got her limbs straight and her body parallel to the floor. Somewhere around nine or 10 months, she'll figure out that pushing off with her knees gives her just the boost she needs to get mobile. As she gains proficiency, she'll learn to go from a crawling position back into a sitting position. She'll also master the advanced technique of cross-crawling: moving one arm and the opposite leg together when she moves forward, rather than using an arm and a leg from the same side. After that, it's just a matter of practice making perfect -- look for her to be a really competent crawler by the time she's a year old. If your baby crawls backward, is a bottom shuffler (scoots around on her posterior using a hand behind her and a foot in front of her to propel herself), or skips the crawling stage in favour of walking, don't worry. As long as she's getting mobile -- no matter how she does it -- she's fine.
What's next
After your baby has mastered crawling, the only thing standing between her and complete mobility is learning to walk. To that end, she'll soon begin pulling herself up on everything she can reach, whether it's the coffee table or grandma's leg. Once she gets the feel of balancing on her legs, she'll be ready to stand on her own and cruise while holding onto furniture, and then it's just a matter of time till she's walking, running, jumping, and leaping.
Your role
As with skills such as reaching and grabbing, the best way to encourage crawling is to place toys and other desirable objects -- even yourself -- just beyond your baby's reach. You can also use pillows, boxes, and sofa cushions to create obstacle courses for her to negotiate. This will help improve her confidence, speed, and agility. Just don't leave her alone -- if she gets stuck under a pillow or box, she'll surely be frightened and may be in danger of smothering. A crawling baby can get into a lot of mischief. Make sure your house is childproofed, and put a special emphasis on stairway gates. Your baby will be drawn to stairs like an explorer to Mount Everest, but they can be dangerous, so keep them off-limits until your baby has really mastered this skill (usually at about 12 months) -- and even then, supervise her expeditions. You don't have to invest in shoes just yet. Your baby won't need to wear footwear regularly until she's mastered walking.
When to be concerned
Babies develop skills differently, some more quickly than others, but if your child hasn't shown an interest in getting mobile by some means (whether it's creeping, crawling, rolling, or scooting), worked out how to move her arms and legs together in a coordinated motion, or learned to use both arms and both legs equally by the time she's a year old, bring it up at your next doctor's appointment. Keep in mind that premature babies may reach this and other milestones several months later than their peers.
source by:babycentre
Crawling helps your baby strengthen her muscles enough to walk and is her first way of getting around efficiently on her own. In the traditional crawl, she'll first learn to balance on her hands and knees. Then she'll figure out how to move forward and backward from this posture by pushing off with her knees.
When it develops
Most babies learn to crawl between six and 10 months. But some children never crawl, instead opting for bottom shuffling, slithering on their stomach, or moving directly to pulling up, standing, and walking. It's getting mobile that's important, no matter how your baby does it.
How it develops
Crawling typically comes after a baby is able to sit well without support, which most children can do by the time they're six or seven months old. After this point, she can hold her head up to look around, and her arm, leg, and back muscles are strong enough to keep her from falling on the floor when she gets on her hands and knees. Over the next couple of months, your baby gradually learns to move confidently from a sitting position to being on all fours, and she soon realizes she can rock back and forth when she's got her limbs straight and her body parallel to the floor. Somewhere around nine or 10 months, she'll figure out that pushing off with her knees gives her just the boost she needs to get mobile. As she gains proficiency, she'll learn to go from a crawling position back into a sitting position. She'll also master the advanced technique of cross-crawling: moving one arm and the opposite leg together when she moves forward, rather than using an arm and a leg from the same side. After that, it's just a matter of practice making perfect -- look for her to be a really competent crawler by the time she's a year old. If your baby crawls backward, is a bottom shuffler (scoots around on her posterior using a hand behind her and a foot in front of her to propel herself), or skips the crawling stage in favour of walking, don't worry. As long as she's getting mobile -- no matter how she does it -- she's fine.
What's next
After your baby has mastered crawling, the only thing standing between her and complete mobility is learning to walk. To that end, she'll soon begin pulling herself up on everything she can reach, whether it's the coffee table or grandma's leg. Once she gets the feel of balancing on her legs, she'll be ready to stand on her own and cruise while holding onto furniture, and then it's just a matter of time till she's walking, running, jumping, and leaping.
Your role
As with skills such as reaching and grabbing, the best way to encourage crawling is to place toys and other desirable objects -- even yourself -- just beyond your baby's reach. You can also use pillows, boxes, and sofa cushions to create obstacle courses for her to negotiate. This will help improve her confidence, speed, and agility. Just don't leave her alone -- if she gets stuck under a pillow or box, she'll surely be frightened and may be in danger of smothering. A crawling baby can get into a lot of mischief. Make sure your house is childproofed, and put a special emphasis on stairway gates. Your baby will be drawn to stairs like an explorer to Mount Everest, but they can be dangerous, so keep them off-limits until your baby has really mastered this skill (usually at about 12 months) -- and even then, supervise her expeditions. You don't have to invest in shoes just yet. Your baby won't need to wear footwear regularly until she's mastered walking.
When to be concerned
Babies develop skills differently, some more quickly than others, but if your child hasn't shown an interest in getting mobile by some means (whether it's creeping, crawling, rolling, or scooting), worked out how to move her arms and legs together in a coordinated motion, or learned to use both arms and both legs equally by the time she's a year old, bring it up at your next doctor's appointment. Keep in mind that premature babies may reach this and other milestones several months later than their peers.
source by:babycentre
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Baby Food Stage 1
What is "Stage 1" baby food?
(4)6-8 Months - Baby Let's Begin to Eat"Baby" cereal and soft cooked thinly pureed fruits and veggies should be baby's first solid food experiences. Single ingredients only and at a space of 4 days apart with introducing each new food. You may skip the cereal and begin with a fruit like avocado or begin with a veggie like butternut squash or sweet potato.
Stage 1 Baby Food is a term that applies to baby foods that are highly pureed and strained. These foods are appropriate for babies who are just being introduced to solid foods. The foods in this range are targeted to babies who are between the ages of (4) 6 to 8 months old.
Stage 1 baby foods are thin and runny and are foods that are the lowest on the allergy scale. Stage 1 baby foods are typically those foods that are also more easily digested by a tiny tummy. Some of these foods include, sweet potatoes, butternut or winter squash and carrots. The term "Stage 1" was introduced by the Gerber Baby Food Company to let parents know that these foods are appropriate for their infants who are just being introduced to solid foods.
There is a growing trend of parents skipping this stage of thin and runny purees. Many parents are turning to a more baby-led weaning approach and are offering soft cooked small bits of age-appropriate foods as they begin to introduce solid foods.
source:wholesomebabyfood.
I LoVe Babies.........
(4)6-8 Months - Baby Let's Begin to Eat"Baby" cereal and soft cooked thinly pureed fruits and veggies should be baby's first solid food experiences. Single ingredients only and at a space of 4 days apart with introducing each new food. You may skip the cereal and begin with a fruit like avocado or begin with a veggie like butternut squash or sweet potato.
Stage 1 Baby Food is a term that applies to baby foods that are highly pureed and strained. These foods are appropriate for babies who are just being introduced to solid foods. The foods in this range are targeted to babies who are between the ages of (4) 6 to 8 months old.
Stage 1 baby foods are thin and runny and are foods that are the lowest on the allergy scale. Stage 1 baby foods are typically those foods that are also more easily digested by a tiny tummy. Some of these foods include, sweet potatoes, butternut or winter squash and carrots. The term "Stage 1" was introduced by the Gerber Baby Food Company to let parents know that these foods are appropriate for their infants who are just being introduced to solid foods.
There is a growing trend of parents skipping this stage of thin and runny purees. Many parents are turning to a more baby-led weaning approach and are offering soft cooked small bits of age-appropriate foods as they begin to introduce solid foods.
source:wholesomebabyfood.
I LoVe Babies.........
Friday, November 21, 2008
Why Babies cry
Babies cry for the same reason adults talk — to communicate. Crying is the only way for infants to tell us when something is wrong. But while the baby may know what’s wrong, it’s often more difficult for new parents to decipher the meaning of their baby’s cries. As your baby grows, you will learn to recognize and differentiate among her various cries.
Newborns sometimes cry up to four hours a day, and each cry can send a different message.
I have gasGas is very common in infants, affecting more than half of all newborns. Gas bubbles can cause discomfort, making baby cry. Many infants with gas will also pull their legs up, lying in a curled position to help relieve their discomfort. Infants' MYLICON® Drops can provide safe, effective relief for your baby by gently breaking up the gas bubbles.
I'm in painGenerally unmistakably loud and sudden, with long high-pitched shrieks followed by a pause and then a wail. If you are unable to find a minor cause, you should call your healthcare provider immediately if this type of crying persists and the baby is inconsolable.
I'm lonely or bored
Often your baby’s coos will turn to a wail if she doesn’t get the attention she wants or needs. Rest assured that no amount of love, cuddling, hugging, and caring will spoil your baby in the first six months, so go ahead and pick her up.
I’m tired or uncomfortable
If your baby’s cries are whiny, nasal, and continuous, chances are she’s overtired, about to have a bowel movement, too warm, too cold, or otherwise uncomfortable.
I just need to cry
If your baby is "good" all day, sometimes she just needs to release energy by crying. This usually occurs at the end of the day, or the "witching hour."
I’m cranky
Some babies are just fussy by nature. Irritable crying varies in duration and occurs randomly, without an apparent cause.
source by :http://www.mylicon.com
Newborns sometimes cry up to four hours a day, and each cry can send a different message.
I have gasGas is very common in infants, affecting more than half of all newborns. Gas bubbles can cause discomfort, making baby cry. Many infants with gas will also pull their legs up, lying in a curled position to help relieve their discomfort. Infants' MYLICON® Drops can provide safe, effective relief for your baby by gently breaking up the gas bubbles.
I'm in painGenerally unmistakably loud and sudden, with long high-pitched shrieks followed by a pause and then a wail. If you are unable to find a minor cause, you should call your healthcare provider immediately if this type of crying persists and the baby is inconsolable.
I'm lonely or bored
Often your baby’s coos will turn to a wail if she doesn’t get the attention she wants or needs. Rest assured that no amount of love, cuddling, hugging, and caring will spoil your baby in the first six months, so go ahead and pick her up.
I’m tired or uncomfortable
If your baby’s cries are whiny, nasal, and continuous, chances are she’s overtired, about to have a bowel movement, too warm, too cold, or otherwise uncomfortable.
I just need to cry
If your baby is "good" all day, sometimes she just needs to release energy by crying. This usually occurs at the end of the day, or the "witching hour."
I’m cranky
Some babies are just fussy by nature. Irritable crying varies in duration and occurs randomly, without an apparent cause.
source by :http://www.mylicon.com
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Herbal safety for nursing moms
It is possible for anyone (mother or baby) to have an allergic reaction to just about anything. Watch your baby closely for any adverse reactions if you take any herb or medication.
Keep in mind that most herbal treatments have not been thoroughly researched, particularly in regard to lactation. "Natural" substances are not automatically safe! Herbs are drugs, so it is necessary to use caution when using them.
Here are some suggestions for nursing moms when considering herbal remedies, from Ruth A. Lawrence, MD (author of Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession):
Avoid the pharmacologically active herbal teas. Drink any herbal teas only in moderation.
Limit intake of any herbal preparation that combines several active ingredients.
Always check the label. Even vitamins and simple echinacea may contain herbs that should not be used by breastfeeding mothers.
Use only reliable brands that have ingredients and concentrations clearly marked on the label, as well as the expiration date and the name of the manufacturer and distributor.
Be sure to check with your physician before taking any natural remedy, since it could interact with other medications you take or need.
Source:Herbs and Breastfeeding by Ruth A. Lawrence, MD
Keep in mind that most herbal treatments have not been thoroughly researched, particularly in regard to lactation. "Natural" substances are not automatically safe! Herbs are drugs, so it is necessary to use caution when using them.
Here are some suggestions for nursing moms when considering herbal remedies, from Ruth A. Lawrence, MD (author of Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession):
Avoid the pharmacologically active herbal teas. Drink any herbal teas only in moderation.
Limit intake of any herbal preparation that combines several active ingredients.
Always check the label. Even vitamins and simple echinacea may contain herbs that should not be used by breastfeeding mothers.
Use only reliable brands that have ingredients and concentrations clearly marked on the label, as well as the expiration date and the name of the manufacturer and distributor.
Be sure to check with your physician before taking any natural remedy, since it could interact with other medications you take or need.
Source:Herbs and Breastfeeding by Ruth A. Lawrence, MD
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Nursing your newborn — what to expect in the early weeks
How often should baby be nursing?
Frequent nursing encourages good milk supply and reduces engorgement. Aim for nursing at least 10 - 12 times per day (24 hours). You CAN'T nurse too often--you CAN nurse too little.
Nurse at the first signs of hunger (stirring, rooting, hands in mouth)--don't wait until baby is crying. Allow baby unlimited time at the breast when sucking actively, then offer the second breast. Some newborns are excessively sleepy at first--wake baby to nurse if 2 hours (during the day) or 4 hours (at night) have passed without nursing.
Is baby getting enough milk?
Weight gain: Normal newborns may lose up to 7% of birth weight in the first few days. After mom's milk comes in, the average breastfed baby gains 6 oz/week (170 g/week). Take baby for a weight check at the end of the first week or beginning of the second week. Consult with baby's doctor and your lactation consultant if baby is not gaining as expected.
Dirty diapers: In the early days, baby typically has one dirty diaper for each day of life (1 on day one, 2 on day two...). After day 4, stools should be yellow and baby should have at least 3-4 stools daily that are the size of a US quarter (2.5 cm) or larger. Some babies stool every time they nurse, or even more often--this is normal, too. The normal stool of a breastfed baby is loose (soft to runny) and may be seedy or curdy.
Wet diapers: In the early days, baby typically has one wet diaper for each day of life (1 on day one, 2 on day two...). Once mom's milk comes in, expect 5-6+ wet diapers every 24 hours. To feel what a sufficiently wet diaper is like, pour 3 tablespoons (45 mL) of water into a clean diaper. A piece of tissue in a disposable diaper will help you determine if the diaper is wet.
Breast changes
Your milk should start to "come in" (increase in quantity and change from colostrum to mature milk) between days 2 and 5. To minimize engorgement: nurse often, don’t skip feedings (even at night), ensure good latch/positioning, and let baby finish the first breast before offering the other side. To decrease discomfort from engorgement, use cold and/or cabbage leaf compresses between feedings. If baby is having trouble latching due to engorgement, use reverse pressure softening or express milk until the nipple is soft, then try latching again.
Call your doctor, midwife and/or lactation consultant if:
Baby is having no wet or dirty diapers
Baby has dark colored urine after day 3(should be pale yellow to clear)
Baby has dark colored stools after day 4(should be mustard yellow, with no meconium)
Baby has fewer wet/soiled diapers or nurses less frequently than the goals listed here
Mom has symptoms of mastitis (sore breast with fever, chills, flu-like aching)
Weeks two through six
How often should baby be nursing?
Frequent nursing in the early weeks is important for establishing a good milk supply. Most newborns need to nurse 8 - 12+ times per day (24 hours). You CAN'T nurse too often—you CAN nurse too little.
Nurse at the first signs of hunger (stirring, rooting, hands in mouth)—don't wait until baby is crying. Allow baby unlimited time at the breast when sucking actively, then offer the second breast. Some newborns are excessively sleepy—wake baby to nurse if 2 hours (during the day) or 4 hours (at night) have passed without nursing. Once baby has established a good weight gain pattern, you can stop waking baby and nurse on baby's cues alone.
The following things are normal:
Frequent and/or long feedings.
Varying nursing pattern from day to day.
Cluster nursing (very frequent to constant nursing) for several hours—usually evenings—each day. This may coincide with the normal "fussy time" that most babies have in the early months.
Growth spurts, where baby nurses more often than usual for several days and may act very fussy. Common growth spurt times in the early weeks are the first few days at home, 7 - 10 days, 2 - 3 weeks and 4 - 6 weeks.
Is baby getting enough milk?
Weight gain: The average breastfed newborn gains 6 ounces/week (170 grams/week). Consult with baby's doctor and your lactation consultant if baby is not gaining as expected.
Dirty diapers: Expect 3-4+ stools daily that are the size of a US quarter (2.5 cm) or larger. Some babies stool every time they nurse, or even more often--this is normal, too. The normal stool of a breastfed baby is yellow and loose (soft to runny) and may be seedy or curdy. After 4 - 6 weeks, some babies stool less frequently, with stools as infrequent as one every 7-10 days. As long as baby is gaining well, this is normal.
Wet diapers: Expect 5-6+ wet diapers every 24 hours. To feel what a sufficiently wet diaper is like, pour 3 tablespoons (45 mL) of water into a clean diaper. A piece of tissue in a disposable diaper will help you determine if the diaper is wet. After 6 weeks, wet diapers may drop to 4-5/day but amount of urine will increase to 4-6+ tablespoons (60-90+ mL) as baby's bladder capacity grows.
Milk supply?
Some moms worry about milk supply. As long as baby is gaining well on mom's milk alone, then milk supply is good. Between weight checks, a sufficient number of wet and dirty diapers will indicate that baby is getting enough milk.
source by kellymom
Frequent nursing encourages good milk supply and reduces engorgement. Aim for nursing at least 10 - 12 times per day (24 hours). You CAN'T nurse too often--you CAN nurse too little.
Nurse at the first signs of hunger (stirring, rooting, hands in mouth)--don't wait until baby is crying. Allow baby unlimited time at the breast when sucking actively, then offer the second breast. Some newborns are excessively sleepy at first--wake baby to nurse if 2 hours (during the day) or 4 hours (at night) have passed without nursing.
Is baby getting enough milk?
Weight gain: Normal newborns may lose up to 7% of birth weight in the first few days. After mom's milk comes in, the average breastfed baby gains 6 oz/week (170 g/week). Take baby for a weight check at the end of the first week or beginning of the second week. Consult with baby's doctor and your lactation consultant if baby is not gaining as expected.
Dirty diapers: In the early days, baby typically has one dirty diaper for each day of life (1 on day one, 2 on day two...). After day 4, stools should be yellow and baby should have at least 3-4 stools daily that are the size of a US quarter (2.5 cm) or larger. Some babies stool every time they nurse, or even more often--this is normal, too. The normal stool of a breastfed baby is loose (soft to runny) and may be seedy or curdy.
Wet diapers: In the early days, baby typically has one wet diaper for each day of life (1 on day one, 2 on day two...). Once mom's milk comes in, expect 5-6+ wet diapers every 24 hours. To feel what a sufficiently wet diaper is like, pour 3 tablespoons (45 mL) of water into a clean diaper. A piece of tissue in a disposable diaper will help you determine if the diaper is wet.
Breast changes
Your milk should start to "come in" (increase in quantity and change from colostrum to mature milk) between days 2 and 5. To minimize engorgement: nurse often, don’t skip feedings (even at night), ensure good latch/positioning, and let baby finish the first breast before offering the other side. To decrease discomfort from engorgement, use cold and/or cabbage leaf compresses between feedings. If baby is having trouble latching due to engorgement, use reverse pressure softening or express milk until the nipple is soft, then try latching again.
Call your doctor, midwife and/or lactation consultant if:
Baby is having no wet or dirty diapers
Baby has dark colored urine after day 3(should be pale yellow to clear)
Baby has dark colored stools after day 4(should be mustard yellow, with no meconium)
Baby has fewer wet/soiled diapers or nurses less frequently than the goals listed here
Mom has symptoms of mastitis (sore breast with fever, chills, flu-like aching)
Weeks two through six
How often should baby be nursing?
Frequent nursing in the early weeks is important for establishing a good milk supply. Most newborns need to nurse 8 - 12+ times per day (24 hours). You CAN'T nurse too often—you CAN nurse too little.
Nurse at the first signs of hunger (stirring, rooting, hands in mouth)—don't wait until baby is crying. Allow baby unlimited time at the breast when sucking actively, then offer the second breast. Some newborns are excessively sleepy—wake baby to nurse if 2 hours (during the day) or 4 hours (at night) have passed without nursing. Once baby has established a good weight gain pattern, you can stop waking baby and nurse on baby's cues alone.
The following things are normal:
Frequent and/or long feedings.
Varying nursing pattern from day to day.
Cluster nursing (very frequent to constant nursing) for several hours—usually evenings—each day. This may coincide with the normal "fussy time" that most babies have in the early months.
Growth spurts, where baby nurses more often than usual for several days and may act very fussy. Common growth spurt times in the early weeks are the first few days at home, 7 - 10 days, 2 - 3 weeks and 4 - 6 weeks.
Is baby getting enough milk?
Weight gain: The average breastfed newborn gains 6 ounces/week (170 grams/week). Consult with baby's doctor and your lactation consultant if baby is not gaining as expected.
Dirty diapers: Expect 3-4+ stools daily that are the size of a US quarter (2.5 cm) or larger. Some babies stool every time they nurse, or even more often--this is normal, too. The normal stool of a breastfed baby is yellow and loose (soft to runny) and may be seedy or curdy. After 4 - 6 weeks, some babies stool less frequently, with stools as infrequent as one every 7-10 days. As long as baby is gaining well, this is normal.
Wet diapers: Expect 5-6+ wet diapers every 24 hours. To feel what a sufficiently wet diaper is like, pour 3 tablespoons (45 mL) of water into a clean diaper. A piece of tissue in a disposable diaper will help you determine if the diaper is wet. After 6 weeks, wet diapers may drop to 4-5/day but amount of urine will increase to 4-6+ tablespoons (60-90+ mL) as baby's bladder capacity grows.
Milk supply?
Some moms worry about milk supply. As long as baby is gaining well on mom's milk alone, then milk supply is good. Between weight checks, a sufficient number of wet and dirty diapers will indicate that baby is getting enough milk.
source by kellymom
Dot to Dots Teach Children Counting Skills in Fun Way
Dot to dot puzzles, a classic activity many of us remember from our own childhood, is still a favorite of teachers and parents hoping to encourage kids to work on their counting and small motor skills. And, of course, the kids love them, too.
The development of fine motor skills is important for academic success, and working dot-to-dots puzzles gives children a chance to practice gripping a pencil correctly and understand how numbers work in sequence. Besides being a fun process, dot to dots offer a reward in the form a completed picture that can be colored in and displayed.
Dot to dots may be worked in pencil, with crayon or even pen. But when working dot to dots, as in life, mistakes can happen, so using a pencil with an eraser can avoid frustration, especially with the littlest kids, or junior perfectionists.
After first introducing children to dot to dots, you may want to offer a little supervision. Encourage kids to seek out the next number in the sequence. It's best to draw a straight, even line from one dot to the other, and don't forget to connect that final dot or the image won't be complete! At the same time, don't insist that everything be "just so." Kids need to be able to experiment and be creative, even if it means coloring outside the lines.
Dot to dots have many variations, and some are worked using letter sequences alphabetically rather than numbers while some spell words. The skill level needed ranges from preschool-age on up. Sometimes, it's immediately obvious what the picture is, while other designs will keep you guessing almost until the final line is drawn.
Highly portable, dot to dots, like coloring pages, are great for travel. They'll keep kids busy and guessing for a fair amount of time. Be sure to provide a good pencil and plenty of crayons.
Dot to dots are such a proven favorite that there are now versions available for adults as well as online dot-to-dot activities. The Internet makes it especially handy to instantly download and print dot-to-dot puzzles, often for free.
Whether you're just looking for a fun activity or you're looking for ways to build fine motor skills (where the small muscle movements work in coordination with the eyes), it's easy to "connect the dots" and see why dot to dot puzzles and activities are a great choice for home or school.
Copyright 2008 by Kevin Savetz.
Kevin Savetz is creator of http://www.DotToDots.net a site with more than 125 children's dot-to-dot puzzles and activities to download and print for free. Another of his web sites offers thousands of free printable coloring pages.
The development of fine motor skills is important for academic success, and working dot-to-dots puzzles gives children a chance to practice gripping a pencil correctly and understand how numbers work in sequence. Besides being a fun process, dot to dots offer a reward in the form a completed picture that can be colored in and displayed.
Dot to dots may be worked in pencil, with crayon or even pen. But when working dot to dots, as in life, mistakes can happen, so using a pencil with an eraser can avoid frustration, especially with the littlest kids, or junior perfectionists.
After first introducing children to dot to dots, you may want to offer a little supervision. Encourage kids to seek out the next number in the sequence. It's best to draw a straight, even line from one dot to the other, and don't forget to connect that final dot or the image won't be complete! At the same time, don't insist that everything be "just so." Kids need to be able to experiment and be creative, even if it means coloring outside the lines.
Dot to dots have many variations, and some are worked using letter sequences alphabetically rather than numbers while some spell words. The skill level needed ranges from preschool-age on up. Sometimes, it's immediately obvious what the picture is, while other designs will keep you guessing almost until the final line is drawn.
Highly portable, dot to dots, like coloring pages, are great for travel. They'll keep kids busy and guessing for a fair amount of time. Be sure to provide a good pencil and plenty of crayons.
Dot to dots are such a proven favorite that there are now versions available for adults as well as online dot-to-dot activities. The Internet makes it especially handy to instantly download and print dot-to-dot puzzles, often for free.
Whether you're just looking for a fun activity or you're looking for ways to build fine motor skills (where the small muscle movements work in coordination with the eyes), it's easy to "connect the dots" and see why dot to dot puzzles and activities are a great choice for home or school.
Copyright 2008 by Kevin Savetz.
Kevin Savetz is creator of http://www.DotToDots.net a site with more than 125 children's dot-to-dot puzzles and activities to download and print for free. Another of his web sites offers thousands of free printable coloring pages.
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