Preparing to Breastfeed

I love this article. It's a great way to prepare for nursing. It really drives home the point that it only takes 24 hours to go from a little sore to a lot sore. Make sure you're accomplishing a proper latch before you try to be tough.

Check it Out:

http://www.bestforbabes.org/prepare-the-learning-curve-of-breastfeeding/

My Baby has Thrush

Although much of the new nursing routine is instinctive for your infant nursing is much like learning to dance with a new partner. In the early days mom's nipples may become very tender and sore. Often this is due the baby's mouth being poorly position at the breast. However, occasionally it may be the result of a condition known as thrush.

What is thrush? It is a parasitic fungal disease or yeast infection characterized by whitish spots and ulcers on the membranes of the mouth, tongue, and throat. It can be easily mistaken for milk. Sometimes it appears as cottage cheese. It is important not to touch or wipe these patches away. They may become sore and swollen.

Sometimes babies with thrush will cry when they nurse. They may refuse to eat altogether. A baby with thrush can spread the yeast overgrowth to their mother's breast which can increase nipple soreness. Dr. Sears provides some great tips on how to heal thrush http://www.askdrsears.com/html/8/t083100.asp

SIX WAYS TO TREAT THRUSH
Acidophilus – this is a powder form of the normal bacteria that live in our mouth and intestines. Click on it to learn how to apply it in baby's mouth.
Nystatin – this is a prescription antifungal liquid that you either squirt or paint with a Q-tip in baby's mouth four times a day. Continue this for five days after the thrush has cleared since it can be quite stubborn. It is common for thrush to recur, and more than one course of nystatin is often needed. One good aspect of nystatin is that it is not absorbed from baby's intestines into the bloodstream. Rather, it goes right through baby and out in the stool.
Sterilize bottle nipples or pacifiers – boil them for 20 minutes each day to kill the yeast that may be residing on them.
Wash toys that baby frequently chews on in hot, soapy water every day.
Don't forget to treat mom if breastfeeding – see below.
If the candida is resistant to the standard treatments described above, in consultation with your healthcare provider, try a 0.25 - 0.5 percent solution of gentian violet applied to your nipples twice a day for three days. Gentian violet is effective, but messy. Also, apply a small amount once a day to baby's mouth, but be aware that overuse of gentian violet may irritate the sensitive oral mucus membranes of baby's mouth. Apply Vaseline to baby's lips before using the gentian violet to avoid purple stains.Warning - gentian violet has been used for many years to treat thrush. A recent study done in Australia has linked gentian violet to cancer of the mouth. However, many other professionals around the world believe that it is safe, and continue to recommend it. For this reason, we suggest you use this remedy sparingly, and for as little time as possible.

Labor Pain

One of the most common mistakes made by childbirth educators is the tendency to understate the pain. Many couples gain a false confidence as they draw near to labor only to find they were poorly prepared for the intensity of the pain. I certainly felt that way in my first labor.

"Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional." -M. Kathleen Casey

One should never understate pain, rather plan, prepare, and work with it. If you want to achieve an unmedicated birth you must exercise regularly, practice relaxation and breathing techniques, define roles of your birth attendants, and create a strategy with your coach. If you're not willing to commit to regular practice, you'll want to consider the epidural as an alternative coping tool.

Non-Alcoholic Strawberry Dacquari

3/4 Cup Fresh Strawberries
1/2 tsp liquid stevia
1/2 cup Strawberry Daiquiri Mixer
2 Cups Ice
1 Cup Water

Blend until smooth. Absolutely Delicious.

Peach Colada

3 Peaches, cut up with pit removed
2 Cups Ice
1/2 cup canned Coconut Milk or Coconut Cream
1/2 tsp liquid stevia
1/2-1 Cup Water

Blend until smooth. Beat the Heat with this delicious treat! This makes 4 Small Servings or 2 Large Servings

Benefits of Water in Labor & Birth

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The use of water during labor has been studied and documented sufficiently to determine that there are many known facts. Few medical professionals fear that a baby will drown when born in water although it is widely accepted that babies must be lifted to the surface promptly to initiate their first breath. The cord continues to pump oxygen into their bloodstream after birth, however, the amount of oxygen decreases each minute that follows the delivery. Many hospitals have adopted specific policies and codes regarding how soon the baby should be removed from the water. Many hospitals do no permit water birthing. The reason has more to do with the expense of liability and insurance regulation than professional preference.

Here are some of the benefits of a water birth:

• Water has a relaxing effect on mother and baby


• Water displaces gravitational pressures of contractions


• Water reduces the need for pain relief


• Water softens the skin on the perineum prior to birth

Find out what the policy is on water birth in the hospital where you plan to birth your baby. Even if you can't deliver your baby in water, you can still enjoy all of the above mentioned benefits until it's time to push.

Notice the cord visible from under the towell to the exterior of the tub? This is a doppler or external fetal monitor that allows my birth team to listen to the baby's heart beat continuously or intermittently as your provider requires. I am holding the monitor in place without the discomfort of bands secured on my abdomen.

Exercising the Birth Muscles

Energy follows thought. Concentrating on birth muscles increases awareness, circulation, and brings movement & control to those areas.

Using breath control intensifies the muscular development. Using proper breathing during muscular contractions changes the mechanics of the exercies. You can use the breath control simultaneously with the contraction and relaxation of the muscles. By using them together you can tone in a unique way that allows you to practice the way you want to perform in labor. Contract the pelvic floor muscles deep inside as you draw the breath inside your body. Release the pelvic floor muscles as you slowly exhale with perfect fluid control.

Practice this technique in various positions. Some positions to consider:

Taylor Sit (cross-legged)
Cat Pose (Knees spread wide kneel on floor bend over and lean forward on elbows)
Hugging Rest (Kneel down and hug a supportive pillow, bean bag, or cushion)

All of your stretching and breathing practices will come in hand when labor begins!