Posts Tagged nutrition
The Many Benefits of the Electric Breast Pump
Posted by in Babies on March 8th, 2010
Many new mothers would like to give the nutrition of pure breast milk to their newborn babies, but unfortunately many women have trouble breastfeeding. These troubles range from inverted nipples, to the baby not latching properly. For whatever reason, electric breast pumps could possibly be a priceless addition to your baby items. They can be a fabulous alternative to breastfeeding directly from your breasts, and still provide the infant the breast milk he or she deserves.
Electric Breast Pumps
There are two types of breasts pumps on the market – manual and electric/battery-operated. They both function well, but the electric pump functions better. Electric breast pumps are usually more pricey, but they have certain advantages over the manual breast pumps.
Advantages of an Electric Breast Pump
Many lactation specialists and hospitals recommend using electric breast pumps simply because they are capable of extracting the breast milk more efficiently. They work fast, and free up your hand that you would have been using to pump the breast milk with the manual version.
The low-end electric breast pumps are quite affordable – around $65. These pumps are fantastic for using occasionally, and are usually semi-automatic. You will usually be able to moderate the number of pumps per minute, and the strength of the suction. The only disadvantage is that the single pumps allow you to only pump one breast at a time. Also, the batteries on these pumps tend to drain quickly. The battery function doesn’t pump as solidly as when you are using an adapter.
Mid-range electric breast pumps have more advantages than the low-end models. Although they are more expensive, many of these pumps have an adjustable suction. Lots of them feature double pumps so you can pump both breasts at the same time, and they are highly portable.
The high-end types are the most expensive, but are very convenient and efficient. A variety of them are hospital-grade, and are what many working moms who need something that pumps quickly and efficiently. You can pump both breasts at the same time, which saves time in pumping. Cycle times are speedy, and many of these models are discreet. The newer pumps have come up with a technology that mimics the infant’s natural sucking quite closely, thereby extracting breast milk more competently.
Of course, many pumps can be a bit noisy, and can be a somewhat uncomfortable and painful. The more expensive types try to make the action of these pumps less painful, but it is inevitable that engorged breasts will be a little delicate, even to the softest touch.
What to Look For in a Pump
The best electric breast pumps should be highly portable so that you can pump even when you are out and about. They should feature sucking actions that can be adjusted, so that you can change the intensity of the extraction of the breast milk and tugging on the nipples. The breast shield sizes should also be adjustable, since all women have varying sizes and shapes of breasts. If you want to save time, look for the types that feature two pumps so you can extract both breasts simultaneously.
Electric breast pumps can be a alternative to breastfeeding directly. You can still nourish your newborn with healthy breast milk, while being free to pump whenever you can. By pumping your milk and bottle feeding, even dad can feed the baby when mommy is busy!
Lisa has been writing articles for many years. Come visit her latest website at www.electricbreastpumpsreview.com, which reviews the best electric breast pumps, and great deals on these items.
Article Source: The Many Benefits of the Electric Breast Pump
Morning Sickness – Things You Should Know
Posted by in Pregnancy on January 12th, 2010
88 percent of women suffer from the symptoms of morning sickness, but most don’t even know where is got its name.
So, why “morning sickness”? For those of you suffering from it, I’m sure you’d rather call it “throwing up all the time sickness” or “never ending nausea sickness” because it those names seem more accurate.
Nausea and vomiting begin anywhere within the first four to six weeks of pregnancy. At first, it might be so mild that a pregnant woman may think she ate something bad the previous night. But when it occurs day after day, most women either take a pregnancy test or visit their doctor to find out what’s ailing them.
There is a silver lining for approximately three quarters of expectant mothers: these symptoms only seem to last through their first trimester. Almost half feel completely symptom-free by 14 weeks. Isn’t that great news?
You probably want to punch me right now with that last question, but it is good news that the majority have do see a light at the end of the misery tunnel. For a smaller percentage, the tunnel seems never ending because they continue on with morning sickness well beyond the first trimester.
This statistically small population of women can have morning sickness that’s so severe they loose weight and suffer symptoms of dehydration. This condition is called hyperemesis gravidarum, also known as severe morning sickness. It affects one in three hundred pregnancies.
Technically, a doctor makes a diagnosis of hyperemesis gravidarum when a woman loses more than five percent of her body weight and shows signs of dehydration. Both are attributed to a pregnant woman not being able to keep enough food and water down because they are throwing up constantly throughout the day.
This is a condition that must be treated by a doctor as soon as possible. The extreme weight loss and dehydration are not good for the pregnant woman or her unborn child. Often times, fluids and nutrition are given to the woman intravenously so the baby gets what it needs to grow healthily.
What is the cause of morning sickness? The only thing anyone knows for sure is that it is caused by pregnancy. I know, it’s probably not the answer you were looking for, but it’s the only concrete piece I can give you.
There are plenty of theories of why women suffer it like if she is expecting a girl, no nausea or experienced during the time she took birth control, if she is expecting twins (or more), it’s due to the helicobacter pylori bacterium, and of course, a change in a woman’s hormone levels.
It would be nice to nail down the exact cause, but even if we can’t, there are ways to cope with the symptoms. There are treatments that would seem more conventional to most, like medication prescribed by a doctor. There are also treatments that seem very unconventional to most, like acupuncture, acupressure, and herbal remedies.
The frustrating part about morning sickness is the lack of specifics on what causes it, when you will get it during the cycle of your pregnancy (i.e. first trimester, second trimester, or third trimester), or how long it will be with you. You can find relief from the symptoms, but you may have to try a few out before you find the best one for you.
Mia Anderson is a morning sickness relief expert with many articles published on the subject. To learn more about morning sickness , visit her website for her Free Morning Sickness Relief Secrets mini-course. You can find it at http://www.morningsicknessreliefsecrets.com.
Article Source: Morning Sickness – Things You Should Know
Trouble Conceiving? – Common Reasons & Effective Natural Solutions
Posted by in Pregnancy on December 8th, 2009
In women, conceiving problems have always been a serious issue. The number of women with conceiving problems is increasing at a high rate. Every woman wants to become a mother to feel the joy of motherhood. But, such things bound them from doing so.
There are women who are not able to get pregnant for once, and also there are women who are not able to conceive after their first or second miscarriage. There are many causes behind these problems like smoking, stress, lifestyle, infertility, malnutrition and insufficient water intake.
The objective of this article is to discuss the different causes and cures for these female issues.
Causes of Conceiving Problems –
Diet – First, it is quit possible that your body may not be getting the right amount of nutrition. Most of the women do not know that there are foods that help enhance your fertility, while also there are foods that can result in infertility.
Caffeine – Not only eating, drinking can also affect your conceiving capabilities.
It is not widely known that the abundance of caffeine can reduce the chances of getting pregnant. And this applies to the make gender too, it can reduce sperm count up to 50%. This is a major factor that creates barriers in conceiving.
Smoking – Smoking is also a big factor that is responsible for conceiving related problems. It directly affects the fertility system in a woman.
Stress – Another major factor that can cause difficulty for you to have a baby is stress. It is the hardest element to control, but still it can be controlled. In this high paced life, stress has many sources like home, work and not trouble conceiving. It is a very critical matter – you are stressed trying for conceiving that is not working for you. In fact, stress increases the existing problem.
Infertility – Finally, infertility in either of the couple is the reason for having trouble conceiving. Generally, most of the couples lose hope of having their own child when they come to know about this.
Cures for Conceiving Problems ––
1. Nutrition is very essential for our health and for women who want to get pregnant, it is a must. They should eat good nutritional food.
2. Avoid things that have caffeine in them like coffee, chocolates, etc.
3. Stay away from smoking, it kills your health and affects fertility.
4. You can easily beat the stress by workout and going out for entertainment etc. And if you do not have much time, then you do normal walking & normal exercise in your home too.
5. The work ‘Infertility haunts all couples. But, nowadays, there is nothing to worry as infertility can be reversed in both the genders without using drugs or any kind of surgery. And it is best to avoid Drugs or surgery as in many cases and it also has side affects. There are many natural and holistic ways out there to cure you.
Know more natural ways to resolve trouble conceiving problem on www.notgettingpregnant.com. A complete holistic guide for women’s which have difficulty in conceiving and are not getting pregnant.
Article Source: Trouble Conceiving? – Common Reasons & Effective Natural Solutions
Pregnancy Questions
Posted by in Pregnancy on December 6th, 2009
Majority of the women are able to have kids, and produce at least one child at some time in their life. A pregnancy is great news for the father as well as the mother, the happy occasion results in a couple closer together, as they prepare for the future and look forward to the coming birth of their child.
Many of us have defined thoughts about birth and pregnancy, so a visit to the GP is recommended once a pregnancy is confirmed or suspected. The doctor can talk to the woman about any issues or questions she has, and can give advice on matters like nutrition and fitness routines. It’s very vital to keep a nourishing way of life both prior to and during pregnancy, this for the benefit of the mother herself but also for the child. Prospective moms should stop smoking and taking alcohol as these can affect the physical condition of the newborn baby. The weight of the mother must additionally be taken into account — an obese woman may have a pregnancy fraught with problems. The best plan is to adopt a fitness regime at the start and to maintain it all throughout the pregnancy. A doctor will be able to provide advice on this, and will recommend folic acid as give other dietary tips.
In the early months of pregnancy the doctor will consider the woman’s overall physical condition and explain how her body gets ready for birth. The GP will additionally do a full background check, which will take into account whatever genetically inherited disorders within the immediate family. This can be rather a stressful period for a woman and her husband, but it’s fairly normal to be worried when the body is experiencing this upheaval.
A pregnancy calendar is a useful tool to help the woman understand what is happening at each month of the pregnancy, and to prepare her for the birth. Even though this can be an extremely disturbing stage for a mother, there are ways to overcome anxiety.
Maintaining a close and helpful connection with her husband is a big help, and it is vital not to neglect whatever medical consultations as the pregnancy develops. Many mothers will find ways to relax and unwind, and will begin to feel in control, just stopping to worry about what to name the baby.
Jamoel Myers is a professional writer and he writes mostly about pregnancy news. He’s also interested in skin care advices.
Article Source: Pregnancy Questions
How to Get Pregnant Naturally Fast
Posted by in Pregnancy on November 15th, 2009
Becoming pregnant can be an enormously frustrating time for many couples for a variety of reasons. Some people expect to fall pregnant fast, but then are thoroughly disappointed when they do not. This can very often be a worrying time as many people will begin to think about fertility problems as the reason for not conceiving.
This is very often not the case as there are a number of things that can contribute to how it’s possible to get pregnant quickly for some couples, and not for others. These include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, being mentally and physically fit, how often you have sex, and understanding when you are most fertile, among other things. In this article I will go through these specific influences that I have just mentioned.
Maintaining a health lifestyle
Nutrition is an important part of fertility. Ensuring that you eat a good amount of fruit and vegetables each day is a good way to increase the vital vitamins and minerals that help with fertility.
Your diet should also adhere to maintaining a healthy weight. This applies to both women and men as being overweight can reduce the sperm count in males, and produce high levels of estrogen in women.
Smoking and drinking alcohol should also be avoided whilst trying to conceive, and also during pregnancy.
How often you have sex
The frequency of having sex is an obvious factor in determining how quickly you become pregnant. The more often you have sex the more likely you are to get pregnant. For many couples wanting to conceive this is all it takes.
Have sex daily around the time of ovulation. This may increase the chances of conception, especially if the man is healthy and has a good sperm count.
When you are most fertile
Marking down the days when your period starts each month can help plan when it’s best to try and conceive. For a woman with a consistent 28-day cycle, ovulation is likely to begin 14 days after your last period started.
However, note that not all women have regular cycles, so planning by counting days is not always the most accurate method.
There are many factors that contribute to how quickly and easily any particular couple conceives. My recommend resource at How to Get Pregnant Naturally Fast
certainly helped my partner and I when we were trying for our first child. Take a look at how it can help you by going to Pregnancy Miracle Website
Article Source: How to Get Pregnant Naturally Fast
Welcome to the Wonderful World of Babies
Posted by in Babies on November 9th, 2009
How dull this world would be had we no babies to tend! Imagine the monotony of sounds without their contagious giggles, pitiful cries, and puzzling babbles. Oh how awful it would be without their incredible innocence or their charming naughtiness, what with their ways that can open a whole new world of perspective for us adults.
But whether for you babies are powerful tiny persons or cherubs sent from above, there is a wealth of things to know about these little humans (just when you thought you knew them all!).
Do you know that daily naps are vital not only to aid their physical growth? Daily naps are recommended, for without them babies will become hyperactive or fussier as the day wears on. Babies are indeed energetic but they do need breaks, you know. So send them to snooze, regularly! Oh, you know that already?
How about the reason why toys come in attractive colors? Why playpens have soft, dangling items on them that infants can’t help but stare at for long? What’s going on as they see these bright colors and hear these chimes?
Speaking of toys, what does the Lion Mark symbol that you see attached to some toys signify? How are these different from the ones without the mark? There are toys that are specified for 0 to 6 months babies only and toys for 6 to 12 months, but would you know which is for which if there weren’t any age advice stamped on them? Why bother to care when they grow to reach that age sooner than you’d realize, anyway?
Do you know how to make bath time fun for them, instead of torture? What bathing strategies should you employ for the newborn? How about for a toddler who can easily jump out of the tub and splash water all over (reminds you of Calvin and his Hobbes, right?).
What should you feed these babies? What should you have them wear? These topics seem basic but would you not like to know the recent findings about nutrition? The recent trends and developments in baby clothing to give them ultimate comfort and protection?
In traveling, when is it safe to have a baby on the front passenger seat? Is it okay to use an infant carrier as a car seat? What tests should you do to make certain a baby will be secure in the car, whether on front or on the rear seat?
How can you avoid baby bottle tooth decay? Why do babies pull their ears – could it be related to teething or to ear infection? What is an exersaucer? When and how should you toilet-train them? What novelty gift ideas are available so you can have something truly helpful for your mom-to-be friend?
If you do not know the answers to these questions, or know only a little, or would want to know more apart from the above topics, it’s time to discover these babies’ info! Parents, parents-to-be, nannies, those whose careers are related to babies and practically anyone can benefit from the knowledge about babies. For the love of them, for the love from them… discover babies now!
Find tips about pregnancy symptoms, running during pregnancy, exercising during pregnancy, scalp problems, scalp scabs , what are scabs and other information at the Health And Nutrition Tips website.
Article Source: Welcome to the Wonderful World of Babies
Breast is best for our Children (so far…)
Posted by in Pregnancy on October 25th, 2009
Today I read about a recent study into infant formula. The results implied quite strongly that formula fortified with essential fatty acids (in this case DHA) improved the cognitive brain development of the baby. This is yet another piece of evidence to support the far reaching benefits of essential fatty acids for the brain, from infant through to the elderly.
The experiment involved 229 infants. One group were given formula from birth and were split into two groups – one given a traditional formula and the other given a formula with added DHA. A second group split in the same way were given formula from 6 weeks (after breastfeeding) and a third group from 4-6 months. At 9 months the babies were given a problem solving test. In both the “from birth” and the “from 6 weeks” groups, the babies from the DHA supplemented groups performed better in the test.
This certainly suggests that if you do choose to formula feed over breastfeed for either health or logistical reasons (for example, many mums are unable to breastfeed) it is worth choosing a formula that does supplement with essential fatty acids (and probiotics too, based on the results of other studies). However, as a mum who breastfed both my children for 9 months, what about the mums who do choose to breastfeed? Is there anything they can learn from study and other studies like this?
Of course there is. Their diet is our diet, and we must make the right choices in what we eat to ensure our children get the optimal start in life nutritionally. Breastfeeding is currently known to be the best option for the pre-weaning stage, but as infant formulas improve every year in what they have to offer, is there a competition on?
Yes there is, and so there should be! Anything that means our children get an improving nutrition has to be a good thing. So if you choose to breastfeed, that is brilliant, but don’t rest on your laurels. Make sure you have a well balanced and healthy diet that includes lots of essential fatty acids through oily fish, seeds and vegetable oils. Limit your saturated fat but ensure your diet is high in calcium. Unlikely high sources of calcium include broccoli, bok choy and oranges.
But my advice would be to also take a high quality supplement that is formulated specifically for breastfeeding women. Of course we want to eat healthily, but the truth is we’re often tired, usually in a rush and regularly eating on the hoof between feeds, sleeps and so on. I can’t emphasise enough how important it is to steer clear of high, refined sugar foods such as biscuits and chocolate, as much for the mother’s energy levels as for the child’s health, but I understand that sometimes a healthy, home-cooked meal is hard to come by.
When I was breastfeeding I took a Pregnancy & Lactation Formula but many friends had recommended that i did. Of course I will never know if it made a difference to my children’s’ development with nothing to measure it against. But at the time it was nice to know that I had a buffer, on those nights I fell into bed after just a bowl of cereal.
Sam worked in the health and fitness industry for over 15 years and became more interested in the role diet and nutrition plays in people’s health, so her studies took her in a more nutritional direction. She now works at a company who sell health products such as Pregnancy & Lactation formula, as well as, breastfeeding supplements. For more information please visit, http://www.totallynourish.com.
Article Source: Breast is best for our Children (so far…)
Fact or Fiction? – 3 Myths About Getting Baby to Sleep Through the Night
Posted by in Babies on October 25th, 2009
Are you curious about which getting baby to sleep through the night myths are true or not? When you begin guiding baby towards sleeping through the night on their own, you no doubt encounter many different sources of information and advice that may become overwhelming. I know I did. Here are some answers to some of the most common sleeping through the night myths.
Myth #1 – Putting Baby to Bed Late Will Help Baby Sleep Late Into the Morning
As much as this should make sense, it’s actually the opposite when it comes to babies. Late to bed means early to rise in most cases. Putting baby to bed late in the evening increases their chances of being overtired when they are laid down which can result in more crying, greater resistance to going to sleep and less quality of sleep. Babies sleep better, longer and are more rested when put to bed earlier than later.
Myth #2 – Giving Baby Rice Cereal or Solids Before Bed Will Help Them Sleep Through the Night
This is classic and I think all new parents hear this piece of advice at least once in their attempts to get baby to sleep through the night. While this may have worked for some babies, it certainly is not recommended. For one, if baby is not old enough for solids it can cause serious issues for their little tummies. Babies that are ready to eat solids can still wake throughout the night. After the first few months babies do not wake in the middle of night from hunger, but from a lack of skills that allows them to get back to sleep on their own.
Myth #3 – Baby Wakes In the Middle of the Night Because They Are Hungry
Again, after the first few months babies are able to get through the night without eating. They receive enough nutrition during the day to last them the 8 to 12 hours they sleep at night, especially when they begin to eat solids. While it may seem as though baby is hungry at night when they wake up, it’s simply because nursing or having a bottle is the only way they know how to get back to sleep.
Now that you know which “facts” are fiction you are ready to move forward with guiding your little one to sleep through the night. Visit http://www.squidoo.com/sleepingthroughthenight for sure fire ways of getting baby to sleep through the night.
Article Source: Fact or Fiction? – 3 Myths About Getting Baby to Sleep Through the Night
The Significance of Colostrum TO Your Newborn’s Health
Posted by in Babies on August 28th, 2009
It is often said that there is nothing like the bond between a mother and a newborn. After carrying your baby for nine months, you become incredibly attached, and, of course, want what’s best for your new child. Anything you can do to help make sure your baby is healthy is worth it, isn’t it? And one of the simplest things you can do to protect your newborn is to breastfeed.
When your baby is first born, he or she doesn’t receive breast milk from you right away. Instead, your baby first gets colostrum, which slowly becomes mixed with milk. Colostrum is not as plentiful as breast milk, and serves a different purpose.
Part of the reason your baby gets colostrum first is to help create good bacteria in his or her GI tract. This helps your baby fight infection and develop a stronger immune system, which is one of the last things to develop before a baby is born. Colostrum is a great first line of defense for your newborn, and one that comes naturally to you. If you continue breastfeeding your baby after the colostrum is gone, you should know there are still great benefits!
Any immunities you have are passed to your baby through your breast milk. This further helps protect your baby from illnesses and infections at a time when he or she is very vulnerable. Breastfeeding is particularly helpful if your baby has a sensitive stomach. Not only is your breast milk specially and naturally formulated to give your baby the exact nutrition he or she needs, but babies who are breastfed have less trouble with gas and digestion. Breastfeeding also helps your baby’s jaw and facial muscles develop, since it’s not as easy to get milk from the breast as it is to suckle a bottle.
The benefits don’t end with baby, though! Mothers who breastfeed recover from labor and delivery more quickly (which includes losing that pesky pregnancy weight), and usually miss fewer days of work since their babies are healthier. Breastfeeding also helps protect you against breast and ovarian cancer, as well as osteoporosis. And the prolactin that’s released in your system during breastfeeding is naturally calming, which can be important during the chaotic time of bringing home a new baby!
Probably one of the biggest benefits to both mothers and babies during breastfeeding is the bond that’s created. Breastfeeding is an opportunity for you to be close to your baby, physically and emotionally, and it’s something you share with your baby that no one else in the world can. That helps create a strong, unique relationship between mother and child that can be fostered for the rest of your child’s life.
Breastfeeding is a natural, safe, healthy way to feed your baby. Many of the worries that come with formula feeding, such as cleaning bottles properly, making sure the formula has the right combination of nutrients, and knowing that the formula is fresh and free of toxins, don’t exist when breastfeeding. When you’re willing to do everything in your power to protect your baby, it only makes sense that you would want to take this simple, natural step to keep your baby healthy and use your natural milk to give your baby everything he or she needs.
Breast Pump Deals is the leading website for reliable Electric Breast Pumps . Check out their best sellers including Ameda Breast Pumps
Article Source: The Significance of Colostrum TO Your Newborn’s Health
Avoiding Morning Sickness
Posted by in Pregnancy on August 14th, 2009
It is the wish of every expectant mother to avoid morning sickness. But the joy of pregnancy often comes along with the concerns of how to prevent this sickness. Although not all pregnant women will experience morning sickness, it does affect at least half of them. Becoming familiar with available treatments and popular remedies can be an asset toward preventing this sickness. Morning sickness takes on many different symptoms, but has often been characterized by the feeling of nausea. Understanding the symptoms is one of the first steps in being able to avoid morning sickness. You can prevent morning sickness when you discovery which treatment is best for you.
The quest to avoid morning sickness will take you on a journey of becoming familiar with various symptoms. Symptoms can range anywhere right from vomiting to weight loss and increased bowel activity. Morning sickness has a way of affecting the woman’s entire body, which is why it cannot be ignored. Finding ways to prevent morning sickness is, therefore, extremely important.
It is possible to avoid morning sickness even in a scenario where symptoms have already begun. You can prevent this sickness by focusing on each individual symptom you are experiencing. By treating each of them in a specific manner, you can possibly avoid this sickness from affecting you any further.
For example, if a woman’s main symptom occurs when her stomach is empty, the problem is probably based on her diet. There is a strong connection between nutrition and how to prevent morning sickness. In this particular type of case, the woman has two options. She can eat several small meals during the day. The remedy here is to avoid ever having an empty stomach.
Another way to avoid morning sickness is to get required amount of rest. Some pregnant women find that their symptoms are more severe when they are overly tired or have not slept well. There is a correlation between sleep and morning sickness symptoms. One simple remedy can be napping during the day. For some, this may not be possible, but perhaps going to bed earlier may be a better alternative.
So you can see how connecting the dot between symptoms and treatments is paramount in finding ways to prevent morning sickness. With the wealth of information available a pregnant woman will find not only symptoms and treatments, but also causes. Each expectant mother experiencing morning sickness is going to have a different experience, so knowledge about one’s own case is good.
Morning sickness can be avoided! It is possible to do so. Matching remedies with symptoms allows a woman to not only treat morning sickness, but also to prevent it and its effects. Although women for generations have dealt with the worst morning sickness has to offer, there are now many answers to those old questions. With simple treatment, in many cases, women can find a way to enjoy pregnancy without the hassle of morning sickness. There is no reason for anyone to simply resolve themselves to suffering when so many treatments exist.
You can find helpful information about morning morning sickness home remedies and everything you need to know about morning sickness natural cures at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: Avoiding Morning Sickness
