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Reliable information on
pregnancy topics
by Heisje de Jong,
Certified Lactation Consultant
 Welcome
(home page)
Your
pre-conception diet
Home pregnancy tests
Early signs of pregnancy
Diet for your pregnancy
Things to give up
Lifestyle changes
Childbirth classes
 Breastfeeding - preparation
Complications during
pregnancy
Prenatal testing
Pregnancy Week-by-Week
When to contact your doctor
What to ask your obstetrician
Hospital or home delivery?
And your Packing Guide!
Pain relief in labor
& birth
Medical intervention
during
labor and delivery
Post partum exercises
Breastfeeding
About Heisje de Jong
Useful links
Contact Heisje
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WHY BREASTFEEDING?
(For more information on breastfeeding
I recommend you check out my site Breastfeeding
Help! where you'll find all the tools you need for a happy
and satisfying breastfeeding experience without problems.)
Bringing your new baby into the
world is one of the greatest and most profound experiences in
your life, and the beginning of a lifelong relationship of loving
and caring for this new creature, your very own child.
Feeding your newborn baby is one of your main contributions to
his normal growth and well being.Nature has provided you with
the most advanced, convenient and economic way of feeding your
baby: BREASTFEEDING.
Since breastfeeding is a natural
consequence to giving birth, many mothers assume that
knowing how to breastfeed comes also naturally. Unfortunately
reality is not like this,
breastfeeding is a skill that requires learning and practice.
Many women do experience some difficulty at the beginning while
learning to nurse,
especially first-time mothers.
Being well informed about all
aspects of breastfeeding will help you get it off to a good start
with confidence and let you enjoy that wonderful relationship
with your baby while providing
him with the best nutrition available.
Many mothers start breastfeeding
because they know it's best for their baby. If you have any doubt
about whether you want to breastfeed or not, the best way to
decide is to give it a try. Find out as much as you can about
the benefits of breastfeeding (there are lots!), how to start
breastfeeding and how to avoid common breastfeeding problems.
This summary will hopefully assist you towards a more enjoyable
breastfeeding experience. For more indepth breastfeeding information
and articles on how to solve breastfeeding problems I recommend
you visit my breastfeeding website at http://breastfeeding-help.v25.com
Breastfeeding has many advantages
for mother and baby!
ADVANTAGES FOR BABY
* Breastfed babies are proven
healthier; breastmilk contains antibodies, which help protect
your baby from colds, chest- and ear infections, stomach upsets
and diarrhea.
* Breastmilk is easily digested
and breastfed babies are very rarely constipated.
* Breastfed babies have fewer
allergies.
* Breastmilk contains Taurine,
an amino acid, which contributes to optimal brain growth.
* Breastmilk is constantly changing
in its composition as baby grows, to meet the changing needs
of the baby. It contains all the right ingredients your baby
needs to grow well and to develop. It is the only food needed
for your baby until he is about 6 months old.
* Breastfed babies are at less
risk for juvenile diabetes and crohn's disease.
ADVANTAGES FOR MOTHER
* Nursing soon after delivery
helps to contract the uterus and lowers the risk of postpartum
hemorrhage.
* Breastfeeding helps you lose
that extra weight you gained during pregnancy.
* Breastfeeding for at least
6 months helps protect against pre-menopausal breast cancer.
* Breastfeeding helps protect
against cervical cancer and osteoporosis.
* Breastmilk is always available,
needs no preparation, is always at the right temperature and
needs no refrigeration or sterilization.
* Breastfed babies are easy to
take with you, no need to take bottles etc. along.
* Night feedings are easier,
no bottles to heat up.
* Lots of physical contact brings
mother and baby emotionally closer and helps to develop a strong
bond between them.
WHAT CAN YOU DO DURING PREGNANCY
TO PREPARE YOUR NIPPLES FOR BREASTFEEDING?
At one time it was recommended to prepare your nipples during
pregnancy in order to avoid sore nipples during breastfeeding
(rubbing them with a towel or squeezing out colostrum).
This has not been proven helpful.
It is now recognized that poor positioning and latch-on of the
baby is the most common cause of nipple soreness in the early
weeks of breastfeeding and careful attention needs to be paid
to these aspects.
Nipple preparation is no longer recommended, but there are a
few things you can do during pregnancy:
Avoid using soap, alcohol or
antiseptics on your nipples since they can dry the skin.
Rinsing with plain water when you take your shower is enough.
If your skin feels dry you can put some modified lanolin or a
mild bodylotion.
It is a good idea to check for
flat or inverted nipples during the last months of pregnancy.
This can be done as follows: place a thumb and forefinger near
the base of the nipple and press gently together. If your nipple
does not come out far enough for you to grasp it, you may have
flat or inverted nipples and you may want to start wearing breast
shells during the last months of your pregnancy.
GETTING STARTED WITH BREASTFEEDING
When do I start breastfeeding?
The sooner the better.
Put your baby to the breast soon after birth, his sucking instinct
is strongest the first hour after birth. The baby's sucking will
contract your uterus and this will help to expel the placenta.
Breastfeeding soon and often from the beginning can help prevent
painful engorgement and your milk will come in sooner.
For more information on breastfeeding
please see section Breastfeeding
or check out my site Breastfeeding
Help! where you'll find all the tools you need for a happy
and satisfying breastfeeding experience without problems.
AscotReview, award-winning Shopping Directory
JCPenney Department
Store - the total resource for *all* your baby & family needs
Your most Reliable department store with a huge variety of quality
clothing, footwear, toys, furniture, bedding, supplies. For baby,
toddler, pre-school, school age and thereafter.
Clothing: bottoms, tops, dress up, sets, outwear, sportswear,
footwear, sleepwear, underwear.
Toys: action, action figures, barbie, cars, trucks, trains, collectibles,
dolls, educational, games, hobbies, musical instruments, nintendo,
playsets, playstation, plush, preschool, remote controlled, sega,
video, handheld
Sears Room for
Kids, furniture, bedding and fun things for kid's rooms
The best place to shop for all things kids! Kid's bedding, kid's
furniture, fun accessories, outdoor toys, electronics and games,
baby bedding, safety products. (90-HP-7)
Eddie Bauer,
fine kids' clothing, men's and women's apparel, footwear, travel
gear home furniture, outdoor furniture
Eddie Bauer offers casual lifestyle products for adults and kids.
Eddie Bauer products are for men and women who seek versatile,
classically styled, high-quality merchandise designed to meet
the wide range of their apparel and home furnishing needs. Men's
and women's apparel, kids clothing, footwear, bedding, in and
outdoor furniture, decor and accessories. (15-HP-5)
Jordan Marie
Baby Boutique, exclusive baby clothing from birth to 4T
Whether shopping for a child or purchasing a gift for a friend
you will absolutely love the unique product selection of layette,
fashion, monogramming and christening clothes available at Jordan
Marie. Jordan Marie is everything a baby boutique should be:
whimsical, adorable, and unique! For over twenty years, they'
ve delighted parents and gift seekers alike with their picture
taking playwear and special occasion garments. Jordan Marie is
for those who have grown tired of dressing their baby in mass-merchandise
clothing. They expect baby clothing to wash better, look better,
and feel better than mass produced clothing. Yet, Jordan Marie
clothing is surprisingly affordable. Also new baby gift baskets,
plush toys and gift certificates. (30-LS-15)
Spiegel, home
design, women's fashion and accessories
Spiegel creates products especially for the today's woman that
are consistent with her lifestyle and style preferences. The
today's woman wants to convey her own personality and style in
both the way she dresses and decorates her home. Spiegel provides
a broad, but focused product offer designed and organized to
encourage her to express her individuality. Women's fashion,
home collection, electronics, kids stuff, jewelry, gifts. (15-HP-5)
Carter's fine collection of baby and
toddler clothes, nursery bedding, bathtime gear
Carter's excellent collection includes baby clothes, shoes and
baby bedding, bodysuits, sleepers, pajamas, creepers, baby bath
towels, washcloths and mitts, bassinet sheets, cradle blankets,
thermal blankets, crib mattresses, coordinates. For over 135
years, Carter's have helped mothers put together their babies’
first wardrobes.They have dressed generations of children, and
their products reflect the exceptional quality and care that
mothers expect from Carter’s. Highly recommended.
OshKosh B'Gosh
- quality stylish baby, toddler and children clothing, bedding
and gear
OshKoshb'gosh is where you'll find a broad assortment of OshKosh
clothing, gear and accessories for newborns through size 16,
as well as car seats, strollers, nursery bedding and accessories.
Overalls, rompers, bodysuits, sweatshirts, jackets, slickers,
shortalls, pants, sleepwear, pants, swinsuits, coverups, t-shirts,
booties, shoes, athletic shoes, sandals, socks, hats, belts,
briefs, long sets, bedding sets, pillows, nursery accessories,
high chair covers, carriers, bouncers, car seats, strollers,
swings, diaper stackers/bags, bottle bags, totes, baby toys,
plush toys, rattles, dolls - to name only a few !!The OshKosh
B'Gosh brand name is recognized nationally and internationally
for its classic American style, durability and quality. (15-HP7)
MotherWear, fashion
for the young & nursing mother - nurse your baby anytime,
anywhere
Motherwear is your one-stop resource for nursing clothes that
help you breastfeed in style -- anytime, anywhere -- . Motherwear
helps make your nursing experience as great as it can be. You
simply won’t find such high quality, mother-tested garments
backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee anywhere else. All the
breastfeeding clothes a nursing mother could want are right here
including breastfeeding tops, swimsuits, dresses, sweaters, sleepwear,
and camisoles, in misses and plus sizes. And they’ve got
the largest selection of nursing bras, around -- from light support,
to extra support in sizes up to 50J. Shop Motherwear for the
breastfeeding accessories you need -- breast pads, carriers,
nursing pillows, breastfeeding books, and breastfeeding resources
-- all for you at motherwear.com! (45-HCJ-8)
All about baby and toddler at Babystyle - fine
quality at prices you will love
Babystyle is an online retailer providing shopping solutions
for today’s busy women. Babystyle is a one-stop shop that
targets one of life’s biggest changes -- a new family member!
As a one-stop shop, their baby department offers everything including
maternity clothing, nursery furnishings, baby clothes and gear
and even a baby registry. They've also got great gifts for the
whole family. Their kids department addresses so many family
needs as children grow. With a range of products aimed at children
2-10, the kids department has clothes, toys, decor for kids’
rooms and lots more! (07-H2L-10)
iMaternity, your
maternity everything store
iMaternity provides you with high quality products, excellent
customer service and the most competitive prices around. In their
Career section, you'll find dresses, ensembles, pants sets, separates,
plus much, much more that's sure to make you look your best while
in the workplace. Casual wear is essential in every wardrobe
and they've got everything from active wear to tank tops, pantsuits
to rompers to get you ready for a quick trip to the gym or the
weekend excursion out of town. Treat yourself to comfortable
or sexy Intimates. Choose from flattering attire to fit your
needs - bras and panties, hosiery, sleepwear, support belts and
even sensual body cream. iMaternity provides you also with parenting
advice and information, newsletter, pregnancy calendar, birth
planner, baby name finder, pregnancy glossary and more
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