As if sleep deprivation isn’t enough.. People actually expect you to remember the breastfeeding sessions of a newborn and which side you did last. Yeah. As if. Well, the UrbanMommies team has developed a little treat for you. Meet our Breastfeeding Tracker Log. Breastfeeding Tracker
Their slogan? “Bras fit for Breastfeeding” We agree. These fabulous nursing bras don’t stretch, fit well, and the one-handed-clasp-release is quite well facilitated. Bravado Designs‘ products are worn and loved by moms worldwide, including celebrity moms like Angelina Jolie, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Garner and Jessica Alba. Started by two moms (one is a lactation consultant), their website is also a wealth of breastfeeding info. Oh, and they only use real moms in their photographs, because they “don’t think they need models to make breastfeeding beautiful”. It’s a like. www.bravadodesigns.com
By three or four days of age your baby:
- Has wet diapers at least 4-5 noticeable times (looks or feels wet) in twenty-four hours (pale and odourless urine)
- Has at least 2-3 bowel movements in twenty-four hours (colour progressing from brownish to seedy mustard yellow and at least the size of a loonie)
- Breastfeeds at least eight times in twenty-four hours
- Is content after most feedings
The decision on whether to breast or bottle feed your new baby is one of the many choices you will face as a new parent. Remember that there is no right or wrong side, only what feels right for you and your baby. The consensus amongst the medical community is that a new born baby should be breast fed exclusively for the first six months and this should continue until 12 months or further if both the baby and mother are able. Here are some points you should consider as you decide if breast or bottle is best for your baby.
You have probably read a lot about breastfeeding and know that breast milk is the best source of nutrition for your new baby, but did you know that the advantages extend beyond nutrition? Your breast milk provides a combination of vitamins & minerals but it is also loaded with disease fighting substances that help protect your baby from illness.
Q. Since having my baby, I find that my back, neck and shoulders are stiff and sore? What kinds of excerises can I do to help my sore back and neck?
Q – My baby is 7 weeks old and I am exclusively breastfeeding and very happy doing it. I am, though, really missing a glass of wine or two…not like I need to drink a lot but I feel very conflicted about it while I’m nursing. How much is ok to drink, how long do I have to wait before feeding my baby, and how long does it take for the alcohol to actually leave my body?
People believe that there are multiple foods to avoid while breastfeeding, but the only thing women need to be careful of is alcohol. Alcohol does pass through the breast milk so if a woman does have a drink she should avoid breastfeeding for the next four hours and express and discard the milk produced during that period.
Women are often told they should not have chocolate, coffee or certain vegetables but none of these are actually harmful to the baby. Some babies will react to certain foods a mother has eaten, but this varies greatly from baby to baby and mother to mother. It is always wise to try foods you like even if they are “gassy vegetables” and watch for a change in the baby’s behavior. If there is no change then there is no point in restricting yourself. From my own personal experience, my oldest son was never upset about my eating chocolate or coffee but was not thrilled with tomatoes but my youngest one really did not like my eating chocolate. (Probably why I lost the weight faster the second time around.)
– Linda Ducholke
