Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Breast Feeding Tips And Advice For You

If you are a first time mother, these Breast feeding tips will be very useful to you.

Join a Breast Feeding Class

The benefits of breast feeding classes are that, you can have all your questions answered by experts. Your doctor or your midwife could suggest a class to you. You will be charged a small fee and you can ask questions such as, how to hold the baby while breast-feeding and when and for how long should you breast feed.

A Lactation Consultant

A Lactation consultant advises you on breast feeding. Your doctor or midwife can put you through to a reputed lactation consultant. You could even call your lactation consultant and get your doubts cleared over the phone.

Your Mother’s Breast feeding Advice is the Best

The ideal person to learn breast feeding from is your mother. She has that vital requirement- experience, and the important thing is that, you both are close. Even your sister or a friend is fine, somebody with whom you feel comfortable.

Here Are Some Breast Feeding Tips on a Nursing Mother’s Essential ‘Tools’

A breast-feeding pump- A nursing mother must keep a breast-feeding pump with her. She can use this to collect milk and freeze it for future use. You can also use the pump in a private space in your office, if your breasts leak.

A nursing Cover- A nursing cover is used when you want to breast feed your baby in public. You may want to use a shawl that covers your breasts while you feed.

Lanolin ointment-You need this to apply on your breasts because of the soreness after breast-feeding.

Nursing bras- Wear these nursing bras to help you stay comfortable.

Finally, our advice is that, you read good books and interesting health magazines that tell you how to breast feed your baby and provide you with further breast feeding tips. Remember, the more well read you are about these matters, the better it is for you. For more information visit pregnancy period.

Pregnancy Labor Stage

We all know that the process of childbirth is called labor. But do we also know that labor is divided into three stages? Pregnancy labor stage one is when the neck of the mother’s uterus dilates from being closed to opening about four inches. Pregnancy labor stage two is when, with the mother’s help, the infant is pushed out of the uterus through the pelvis and the vagina, and the baby and is born. Stage three is when the placenta is delivered.

The First Stage Of Labor

The first stage of labor begins when the mother experiences early labor pains. These false labor pains or contractions are not as painful as the ones that are there when the actual contractions of labor begin. Real labor pains or contractions occur at regular intervals. You will know that you are going into the first stage of labor if you get pain in the small of your back. The pain is also felt around the stomach and pubic region. Your contractions occur at a regular frequency of 20 to 30 minutes. This is the time when you should go to the hospital. The other indication that you may be going into labor is if your ‘water breaks’ and a clear fluid is released. The painful contractions will increase in frequency as labor progresses.

The Second Stage Of Labor

In the second stage, you actively participate in pushing and delivering the baby. By now the frequency of the contractions is one minute. You push to ensure that the baby comes out safe. It is a good time for the father to be around to talk and provide support while you are giving birth. Soon the baby is delivered and you can hold the baby in your arms for the first time. This is a moment of sheer joy.

The Third Stage Of Labor

At this stage, the placenta is delivered. This is the third and last pregnancy labor stage.

Isn’t it beautiful to see how your little one comes into this world and learns to take its first breath outside your womb? For more information visit pregnancy period.

Meditation During Pregnancy- Strengthening And Refreshing The Mind

Some Time and Space for Your Self

Every one needs some time and space for themselves, especially pregnant mothers. You may eat healthy food and have a well balanced nutritious diet to sustain you through your pregnancy. You may have a good exercise regimen to help your body stay fit. But the mind also needs revitalizing and rejuvenation. Meditation during pregnancy does this for the mind. It de-stresses the mind, and gives you peace and quiet. It also teaches you to endure pain which is inevitable during labor.

Why Meditate During Pregnancy

If the mother is in turmoil and her emotions are topsy-turvy or she suffers from depression during pregnancy, it is may affect the baby too. The baby may be born with an unhappy disposition. That is why meditation during pregnancy is considered important.

How To Start

To start, you may want to enlist your self in a meditation class for beginners or meditate on your own. If you go to a class, you will interact with other moms and share their experiences too. There will be an instructor who will guide you through the right techniques of meditation. Soon you can do these on your own.

If You Decide To Meditate On Your Own

If however you decide not to enlist in a class but to meditate at home, here are a few pointers. Find yourself a place that is quiet and peaceful. Do not allow any one to disturb you while meditating. Close your eyes and focus on a particular object, it could be anything that gives you peace of mind. Many people prefer to focus on a picture of their God or place of worship.

Two Forms of Meditation

Reiki and Vipasana are two forms of meditation. Choose your form of meditation. Choose any form that makes you feel good about yourself. Getting a good Vipasana or Reiki Instructor to guide you in the beginning is a good idea. You can read more about the benefits of meditation during pregnancy in health and fitness books, good magazines or even on the net.

Is Your Exercise Routine In The Third Trimester Designed To Prepare You For Child Birth?

Exercise Is Good For You

The loss of flexibility and weight gain during the third trimester of pregnancy means that, surprisingly, exercise is good for you during this time. Low impact workouts can work wonders for a mother to be and provide the required relief from aches and pains.

You Require a Special Exercise Regimen during the Third Trimester

You require special exercises during the third trimester pregnancy, designed specifically according to your needs. If you have not been much of an exerciser pre pregnancy or been a couch potato, now is not the time to start vigorous exercise. Do some mild forms of exercise that relax you and rejuvenate your body.

Should you be Swimming In the Third Trimester?

Walking is a great exercise during pregnancy. You may want to swim during this stage of pregnancy to experience weightlessness in the water and the relaxation it makes you feel, but ask your doctor or your fitness trainer as to which strokes are safe and which are unsafe you and the child inside you.

The super benefit of Endorphins and Exercise

Did you know that, when you exercise, your body releases a hormone called endorphin, which helps you feel happy and relaxed? So keep away from that depression, by getting your trainer to suggest a great exercise routine for your third trimester.

The Benefits of Yoga and Breathing Exercises during This Stage

Your doctor or fitness instructor may suggest Yoga, which is great for you and your baby. Yoga is a great way to stretch your tired muscles, however, do not overstretch your body at this stage, as it can cause untold harm to the baby inside you. In addition, breathing exercises offer a great form of relaxation.

Exercises You must Avoid during the Third Trimester

Just make sure that you avoid any exercise that makes you breathless during the third trimester. Avoid exercise that may cause you abdominal injury. Completely avoid any strenuous exercises and jerky movements, get up slowly while exercising.