It seemed fun when you were pregnant and registering for all that cute baby gear. But now it seems like baby clothes, toys and miscellaneous kid paraphernalia take up every nook and cranny in your house. What can you do to get a hold on organizing all the stuff you’ve accumulated?

Start with the idea that everything needs to have a place, so that there’s a place for everything. Then choose an organization system that best matches your space, your needs, and your own personality.

• Invest in drawer dividers for baby’s dresser: Having a way to separate socks from onesies from pajamas is essential. You can even make your own by cutting down boxes that were destined for the trash (think boxes from cereal or pasta).
• Add some sort of shelving to your child’s room: Not just for books, shelving will give you a place to organize toys, clothes and other baby supplies. Make sure these are secure and out of reach so baby can’t pull items off.
• Baskets and bins: If you have shelving, you want to have a way to store things on the shelf. Baskets and bins of all sorts can keep everything in its place. Buy some larger baskets – the kind that can sit on the floor – for larger items.
• Organize clothes by size: Different sizes in different drawers might help. Or buying some hanging tags to help you keep clothes in the closet divided. If you have lots of clothes that your baby won’t fit for a while, consider packing those away in a bin or box. Switch out clothes with the change of seasons, and have a place for the clothes baby has outgrown.
• Rotate toys: Pack away any toys your baby isn’t ready for yet, and keep a small stash in baskets around the house. This is, of course, easier for young babies. For older babies and toddlers, having a large bin or basket in which to quickly clean up is a great way to help you child learn where toys belong. Toy bin is overflowing? Time to get rid of some.
• Make the most of every space: Place hooks on the wall or the side of a dresser or changing table (removable adhesive hooks are great for this). Don’t forget the back of the door! Shoe pockets are great for storing small items. Under the crib is lots of storage space – you might even add a skirt to the crib to hide the bins!
• When deciding on larger storage pieces, like shelving, make sure it will grow with your child. You’ll be surprised how fast your baby moves from rattles to building block to action figures and Legos.
• Become a labeler: You’ll always know what’s in the mystery bin that got pushed into the far corner of the closet.
• Don’t have a closet? Consider a freestanding armoire, or adapt a bookcase by removing a shelf and adding a hanging bar, even a shelf on the wall with an attached bar could give you a place to hang a few outfits.

What methods have you found for organizing all your baby stuff?

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Let’s face it – all mothers work. Women don’t make the decision to return-to-work or to stay-at-home lightly. And neither choice is right or wrong – it all depends on your family’s needs. You’re the best judge of what’s right for you.

If you’re on the fence about returning to work, here are some points to consider:

• Your finances: First and foremost, can your budget adjust to a decrease in income for your family? If you want to stay home and just can’t figure out how to do it, sit down and take a good look at where all of your money goes each month. See if there are ways to make changes that would make staying at home an option.

• Childcare choices: Consider the cost of childcare when working on your budget. Will your working cause you to spend more than you make, effectively negating your salary? Are there waiting lists at the day care you most want to use? Would it be less cost to employ someone in your home? Do you have a flexible job that will let you bring baby along for the first few months?

• Work options: Does your employer offer telecommuting, so you can work at least part of your hours from home? Could you return to work part time rather than full time? Is job sharing (where two people split the hours and duties for one job) an option? Is your employer willing to let you work flexible hours (four nine-hour days, for example, with three days off each week)?

• Career advancement: How will not working affect your advancement in your profession? Some women consider “sequencing,” dropping out of the paid workforce while their children are young, and re-entering later when the demands of motherhood are less.

• Breastfeeding: Many women successfully combine working and breastfeeding. But consider what you will need in order to do this. Do you have a breast pump? Have you considered where and when you will pump at work? Have you discussed it with your supervisor ahead of your maternity leave, or is this a topic you still need to broach?

While some women are able to take a long paid maternity leave, the reality in the US is that most mothers are back to work very soon after the birth of their baby. And for some families, this is just fine. Maybe before the birth, you had every intention to return to your job; but now that your baby is here, you can’t imagine leaving him every day. Or maybe your job’s demands aren’t compatible with having a family, and you need to either find a different position or stay home. Or maybe you decided even before birth that you wanted to stay at home. Whatever your situation, the decision-making needs to be planned for your family’s well being.

How did you decide whether or not to return to work outside the home?

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids 

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

We’ve all seen them – the perfect pictures of a cocooned baby on a beautifully crocheted blanket with just the right lighting. Then when we try to take that picture at home, we come up a bit short of the artistic image we expected. Aside from hiring a professional photographer, what can you do to beautifully capture your precious little one?

Photographers have the following tips for photographing your baby at home:

Safety is paramount: Make sure any props you use are sturdy and clean. No leaving baby laying on a table or fluffy pillow. If baby will be undressed, make sure the room is warm.

Pay close attention to lighting: Natural light makes for the best photos, so set your shot up near a large window to take advantage of lots of daylight. This is especially helpful for making the most of those hospital pictures that capture the first days of baby’s life.

Keep extra supplies on hand: Diapers, wipes and blankets are helpful. Be sure baby is fed and comfortable before starting, and take breaks if baby gets fussy.

Let the baby stand out: Choose a neutral color palate for your background (black, white, grey, beige) and keep props to the minimum. The baby should be the focus of the images.

Use angles to your advantage: Try taking pictures from above – which limits distractions in the background and is typically a flattering angle. Don’t move the baby, move yourself. Take pictures from all different angles, walking around baby and snapping as you go. Consider tilting the camera for an artsy image.

Consider a macro lens or setting: To get the best images of those tiny fingers and toes, choose the correct settings on your camera to bring out the detail.

For the fussy baby: Consider images where mom is holding baby (even if the backdrop is draped over mom’s body!). Play some white noise or classical music to keep the mood calm. If baby is too fussy, end the photo session and try again another time.

Get to know your camera before the photoshoot. A top-of-the-line camera won’t do you any good if you don’t know how to use it. Learn how to change the settings to capture the best lighting. Play around with modes – portrait, action, landscape, shutter speed, etc. Learn what focal length and aperture are, and try shooting manually with your camera.

As your baby grows into a toddler and young child, some of the same rules apply, but you may be trying to shoot pictures of a moving target. Tips for capturing images of your older child include: Get down to their level (rather than always taking pictures from your taller perspective), give them something to hold or something to do, or ask them to copy your facial expressions.

Candid shots are always fun, too. Don’t always focus on the portrait sessions.

The best advice, though, is to stay in the moment. Sometimes being the constant family photographer – for holidays, birthday parties, and vacations – keeps you from living the experience. So, at least once in a while, put the camera away and join in the fun.

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

You’re sure you will remember the birth of your baby forever. You are certain you won’t forget those sleepless nights. But as time goes on and you get busier, the memories lose their sharpness. Was it my first birth or my third birth where I wanted to give up and walk out? I know I was sad when he weaned, but I can’t remember it exactly. How did I decide on when to leave him with a sitter for the first time?

Keeping a journal has many benefits beyond simply preserving memories in scrapbook-like fashion. Writing in a journal can help you clarify your thoughts and process your feelings. It can help you find context for your emotions and help you make decisions. It can remind you of what’s important and what’s not. It can give you a safe space to think and just be yourself.

Whether you buy an elegantly bound blank book and write in your favorite colored pen, or you type your thoughts into a file on your laptop, keeping a journal as a new mom allows you to think through your birth, your parenting choices, and your feelings about being a mom.

You’re not sure what to write? Start with your birth story. Don’t just record the facts, but add your reactions. Were you scared, empowered, awed, exhausted? Write about the first days with a new baby or the first time you held your baby in your arms – how did you change from woman to mother, how did your relationships change, what did your heart tell you? Include your baby’s milestones, but add your feelings about them.

If you find that you need ideas to get your creativity flowing, search the Internet for writing prompts specific to motherhood. Use the notes section in your phone to jot down memories as they happen and write more about them when you have time. Start with a sentence stem such as “I feel it’s important to …” or “if I could wish one thing for today ….”

The hardest part may be finding the time to write. Try to make it a routine – allow yourself 15 minutes before you go to sleep or right when you wake. Even just writing one sentence per day can get you started (and can be an extremely telling journal in the end!). Or set a timer for five minutes and just write whatever comes to mind.

Nobody is going to edit your writing – so no need to cross anything out or agonize over grammar and word choice. You may decide to share the journal with your grown child someday, or you might decide to just keep it private. Making that decision early on may cause you to censor what you write, so leave your options open.

Writing will help you to become more creative in all parts of your life. You will learn about yourself, and grow as a parent. Journaling gives you a non-judgmental space in which to just be yourself – in all of your messy glory!

You can also use the Diary section of our Baby+ App to create your own journal. This may make it easier to write and add photos at the same time. You can also export this Diary via the App using the Baby Yearbook feature.

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

New parents sometimes don’t want to be seen as overprotective by calling the baby’s doctor at the least little change in baby’s behavior. How are you to know when you should get professional help, and when your baby isn’t really in need of medical attention?

While every healthcare provider is different, here are some general rules about when to call the doctor and what you might do at home:

• Any fall by a baby, especially if he hit his head and even if he’s acting normal. Sometimes changes may take a while to show up, but you want to catch any problems before they cause too much damage to baby’s growing brain.
• Excessive crying after eliminating all common causes. Keep this relative to how much your individual baby typically fusses. Try diaper changes, feeding, burping, changing clothes, checking to be sure toes and fingers aren’t caught in strings or hair (you’d be surprised how often this happens!), etc. If your baby is inconsolable and will not sleep, call the doctor.
• Excessive drowsiness, especially if baby can’t be roused for feedings. Babies may occasionally miss a feeding, but if your baby misses more than one, he may be ill.
• Fever greater than 101°F (38°C), especially if baby is younger than 2 months. Some healthcare providers will recommend over-the-counter fever reducers, but some will want to check baby first.
• Projective vomiting. This is more forceful and copious than normal spit-up. If it’s happening repeatedly, your baby will need to be kept hydrated. If you’re breastfeeding, keep trying to nurse.
• Diarrhea or blood / mucous in baby’s stools. If your baby has more than 10 watery stools in one day, this is considered diarrhea. Keep your baby hydrated and seek medical attention.
• Cough or severe runny nose, especially if accompanied by a fever or if baby is tugging on his ears, too. You might use a nasal aspirator, saline drops or a humidifier to keep your baby comfortable, but you want to rule out infection.
• Discharge from the eyes. Some newborns have blocked tear ducts, which is typically harmless. But older babies with sudden eye irritation should be checked for infection
• If your baby has difficulty breathing or has been exposed to any toxic substance, call your local emergency providers immediately.

The list above is of course not complete, there may be many other instances where it is best to call your doctor. The number one rule is to trust your instincts. If you think your baby needs to be seen by a healthcare provider, be persistent until you have your needs met. You know your baby best – in health and in illness!

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Pediatricians in the United States recommend routine supplementation of all breastfed babies with 400IU daily of vitamin D, starting in the first days of life. As a breastfeeding mom, you thought your breastmilk was all baby needed. So, why add something?

What is vitamin D?

Our bodies need vitamin D for healthy bones and a strong immune system. While we can get some vitamin D through diet, typically our bodies synthesize vitamin D from sunlight. Living at a higher latitude with fewer hours per day of sun, living in a culture where much of the skin is covered, and having darker skin pigmentation are all risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. In addition, the widespread use of sunscreen when we are exposed to sunlight limits the amount our bodies are able to use to make the necessary amount of vitamin D.

Why does my baby need vitamin D?

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets, a softening of the bones leading to fractures and deformity. Researchers also think vitamin D deficiency could be linked to chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.

If your baby is not breastfed, you do not need to supplement with any extra vitamin D because it is already added to infant formula.

Is my breastmilk lacking?

The most important thing to remember is that breastmilk isn’t deficient – it has just the amount of vitamin D that it’s supposed to have as long as mom isn’t deficient. The problem lies in the fact that while humans get some vitamin D from diet, the majority comes from sunlight exposure. And some babies just don’t get enough sunlight.

Can I take vitamin D instead?

A recent study found that if a breastfeeding mother takes 6400IU of vitamin D daily, it’s enough to keep her baby’s vitamin D status at a healthy level.

Are recommendations the same around the world?

In the UK and Canada, the recommendation is for breastfeeding moms to take a vitamin D supplement to increase the amount baby will get through breastmilk. In Australia, the recommendation is for babies’ vitamin D levels to be tested. Only those with low levels will need supplementation.

Keep in mind that a vitamin D supplement is only a few drops of liquid. It will not in any way affect your milk supply or your breastfeeding relationship. But it will keep your baby healthy.

Please ask your healthcare provider to show you how to give the correct amount of vitamin supplement to your baby. When it comes to vitamin D, too much of a good thing may be dangerous, so it makes sense to ensure that you are giving the proper dosage. Never give your baby more vitamin D supplement than your healthcare provider recommends. You can’t overdose on vitamin D from sunlight, but you can get too much vitamin D through supplements.

In summary, supplementing with vitamin D is an easy and inexpensive solution for a simple problem that can become a complex series of problems if left untreated. But before making a decision about whether or not to supplement, talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits.

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Babies need lots of sleep – 12 to 20 hours each day. They sleep for a few hours at a time, then wake to eat and play, then sleep again. Including at night. For some reason, though, we equate long stretches of baby sleep with being an accomplished parent. How many times have you been asked, “Is he sleeping through the night yet?” Some parents feel if their baby isn’t sleeping through the night by X weeks, they’ve failed as a parent. But realistically, babies aren’t programmed that way.

At birth, babies don’t have a circadian rhythm – that internal clock that shapes our 24-hour day. Your baby just doesn’t know you expect to consolidate sleep into nighttime hours and waking into the daylight hours. It takes the first three to four months for this to start developing, and it doesn’t mature until six to 12 months. Once that happens babies sleep more predictably and for longer stretches at night.

Young babies – whether they are breastfed or bottle-fed – are going to wake at night to eat. For breastfed newborns, their sleep cycle neatly matches their digestion. Researchers have found that it takes a newborn about one hour to digest an average amount of breastmilk, and that is just the length of their sleep cycle.

Being honest with yourself … do you really sleep eight hours straight? Or do you wake occasionally yourself to adjust the covers, check the clock, get a drink or use the toilet? Baby does all of these things, too; but because of his immature nervous system, he needs your help to get back to sleep.

One of the most bothersome things about baby sleep is that it’s throwing your sleep patterns completely off. Sleep deprivation is something you read about before the birth of your baby but can’t completely understand until you’re living through it. And it’s not just that you’re not sleeping – it’s that the sleep you do get is fragmented. You’re often waking before you’ve had a chance to recharge. Tips for dealing with this interruption to your sleep include:

• sleep when your baby sleeps
• if you can’t sleep, at least rest
• go to bed when baby does – even if it’s early evening
• do less, relax more – let the housekeeping go, and rest instead
• get help – whether it’s with the housekeeping or with baby care

So, when will your baby sleep through the night? It’s hard to say. Sleep is a developmental milestone that every child reaches on his own timeline. As your baby grows, he will start to sleep more, and that sleep will consolidate into night hours eventually. And before you know it, you’ll sleep 8 hours and not even remember what it was like to be awake all the time!

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Maybe you received a sling as a baby gift, or you’ve just heard that a wrap is a great parenting tool. But you’re wondering what’s so wonderful about holding your baby all the time. Here are our top 10 reasons why babywearing is great for you and your baby.

1. Babywearing is like a womb on the outside: Newborns transition to the outside world more easily when you create a womb-like environment for them. And what easier way than wearing them close to you. Your baby can feel your motion, hear your voice and heartbeat, and keep warm from your body heat.
2. You’ll have both hands free: this can be very helpful in the early days with your newborn especially when you’d like to eat a meal or take care of your older child.
3. Your baby will cry less: In a study about crying and carrying, babies who were carried an extra 3 hours each day had nearly half as much crying at 6 weeks as those who weren’t exposed to the extra holding.
4. You will learn your baby’s cues: Your basic task in the early weeks of parenting is trying to figure out what baby’s different cries and coos mean. Having your baby close to you will give you greater opportunity to catch early cues and keep your baby calmer (and this will improve your confidence in your parenting.)
5. Your baby can interact with the world better: Your baby will be seeing the same sights at you, and can interact with the world you are interacting with. This teaches baby sociability and can give baby a safe haven from which to observe the big world.
6. A baby carrier takes up less space than a stroller: whether trying to navigate the aisles in a department store, or just to get into your car and go, the sling or wrap is an easier, less bulky choice. And it’s much easier to carry baby in a sling or wrap than in a car seat!
7. You can keep your baby safe: People like to touch babies. When you’re out and about, they’re less likely to touch a baby attached to you – particularly important during cold and flu season. As your baby gets older, the carrier provides a place to keep baby secure while your attention is focused on other tasks.
8. You can breastfeed easily: because you’re catching early feeding cues, your baby can eat as soon as he signals his hunger. And your breasts are right there next to him. Nursing in public is easier (or at least more covered), too.
9. Your baby will feel emotionally secure: because you can respond quickly, your baby will grow feeling that his needs are being met consistently. And this helps baby feel strongly bonded to his caregiver.
10. Your baby’s brain will develop better: Your baby’s brain is growing so fast during the early years – making connects between nerves and pruning connections that aren’t used. Being involved in the world affords greater environmental stimulation to the developing brain, while at the same time, allowing baby to be protected from overstimulation.

And one last bonus reason – it’s nice for the person doing the baby wearing, too. Who doesn’t want to cuddle a baby? Positive touch releases endorphins and oxytocin – relaxing you and connecting you to your baby.

If you use a baby carrier, what’s your favorite thing about babywearing?

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

One of the most helpful things my baby’s doctor said to me was that baby spit-up is most often a laundry problem not a health problem. As a new parent, though, how are you to tell?

What’s normal?
Because your baby has an immature digestive tract, occasionally stomach contents will come back up. This is especially true if baby has swallowed some air while feeding or when crying. Sometimes regular burping will help, Occasionally only time brings that gas bubble to the surface – along with some of the stomach contents. If your baby doesn’t seem especially uncomfortable and is gaining weight well, he may just be a ‘happy spitter.’

Half of all babies spit up at least once per day in the first few months of life. Spitting peaks between two and four months of age. As baby grows, the muscles of the stomach and esophagus mature, making baby better at keeping it all down. By seven to eight months, spitting typically slows, and most babies don’t spit up after one year.

Is it vomiting?
If your baby seems to be spitting up copious amounts forcefully, and it’s happening frequently, it could be that your baby is sick. Are there any other signs of illness, such as, fever, increased irritability or sleeplessness, etc.? Is anyone else in the house ill? Viral illnesses typically resolve within 24 hours, but can be dangerous for a young baby. Keep your baby hydrated (breastfeed lots if baby will tolerate it) and visit your baby’s healthcare provider.

Is baby allergic to my milk or to formula?
It’s unlikely for a baby to be allergic to anything in breastmilk, but occasionally babies have a sensitivity to cow’s milk protein (whether from breastmilk or formula). Other symptoms of food allergy include bloating, gassiness, diarrhea, diaper rash, green frothy bowel movements, and blood or mucous in baby’s stool.

Is it reflux?
While all spitting is considered reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is more serious. If your baby spits up often, seems uncomfortable, is very irritable, and isn’t gaining weight well, then your baby may be suffering from GERD. If reflux is severe, your baby’s doctor may recommend medications or sleep positions to improve comfort.

One thing most experts recommend for any type of spitting is keeping baby upright for 20 to 30 minutes after eating. Avoid overfeeding your baby – getting less milk more frequently might help. If you’re breastfeeding and have a forceful let-down or an oversupply (a common cause of spitting), getting the help of a lactation consultant can make baby (and you) more comfortable.

If your baby is just a happy spitter and doesn’t have any symptoms of allergy or reflux, then invest in some bibs and burp cloths, and keep a change of clothes handy for baby (and maybe for you!). If you aren’t sure, check with your baby’s doctor. Just like everything else with a baby, trust your instincts. While it’s probably just fine, getting it checked will give you peace of mind.

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

What is thrush?

Yeast is a normal part of the body that can get out of control. When you develop a fungal infection caused by yeast, it may be called thrush. Since yeast flourishes in dark, moist areas and feeds on sugars, it’s not surprising that breastfeeding moms and babies are predisposed to this infection.

What are the symptoms for mom?

You may have a thrush infection if you are experiencing stabbing or burning pain in the breast (which may happen during feeding or between feedings). Most moms with thrush have a red, shiny, itchy rash on the areola that may include peeling skin or small blisters. Nipple soreness is another common complaint.

Some women experience a vaginal yeast infection at the same time. If you have a history of mastitis or plugged ducts, this may increase the likelihood of thrush. In addition, if you’ve recently had a course of antibiotics, your natural balance can be shifted allowing the overgrowth of yeast.

What are the symptoms for baby?

For babies, the hallmark of thrush is white patches in baby’s mouth that don’t easily wipe off. These may be on baby’s gums, tongue or the insides of baby’s cheeks. Baby’s saliva may also look pearlescent. Gassiness, fussiness and refusing the breast can all happen with a thrush infection. A red, shiny diaper rash may happen along with the other symptoms. Even if you have clear thrush symptoms, your baby may not show any signs of the infection.

How is thrush treated?

Both mom and baby should be treated, even if only one has thrush symptoms. The chance of reinfection is increased when only one member of the dyad is treated, prolonging the discomfort of the infection.

Antifungal creams are the most commonly prescribed treatment. Your doctor may also recommend an antibiotic cream (for mom’s breasts) or suspension (for baby’s mouth). Oral antifungal medication can also be used, though a longer course is usually needed than is typical for a vaginal yeast infection.

Taking probiotics along with other treatments can be a useful adjunct. Baby can be given probiotic powder diluted in milk or rubbed inside the mouth. Other home treatments include a vinegar rinse (1 tablespoon of vinegar to 1 cup of water) or grapefruit seed extract (GSE) dabbed on the breast after each feeding. In addition, coconut oil (which is a natural antifungal) may be soothing when applied to mom’s itchy breasts.

Because yeast thrives on sugars, eliminate those from your diet during treatment (include natural and artificial sweeteners). Cut back on carbs and caffeine. Add yogurt and kefir (with their natural probiotics) to your diet.

Only your healthcare provider can diagnose nipple yeast and thrush. If you think you may have a thrush infection, contact your physician or other healthcare provider.

What can I do to keep it from returning?

It might be useful to treat the whole family (including dad and other children) when one person has obvious thrush symptoms. That way you’re not passing the infection back and forth! Be sure you are cleaning anything that comes in contact with mom’s breast and baby’s mouth or diaper area.

• Wash bras, breast pads, underwear, cloth diapers, etc. in hot water (consider adding vinegar to the wash)
• Wash your hands often with soap and hot water
• Boil pacifiers, bottle teats, teethers, toothbrushes, etc. for 20 minutes every day
• Wash baby’s toys in hot water daily
• Sterilize all pump parts if you are pumping (Keep in mind freezing does not kill yeast, so any milk pumped during infection will need to be used during treatment and discarded once the infection clears.)

Written by Michelle, Lamaze instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

While mom may be the one with the goods, dads and partners can be an integral part in supporting breastfeeding. Research shows that the support of her partner is one of the strongest predictors of whether or not a mom starts breastfeeding and keeps going with it as baby grows.

The early days and weeks of initiating breastfeeding can be the hardest for a new mom. But, as far as long term milk supply, those first experiences are essential. Babies need to feed early and often, and they need to learn to latch and transfer milk well. And moms need to learn to get baby positioned and latched for the most productive feeding. As her partner, you may feel out of the loop. The mother-baby dance is happening without you.

So, how can you help? If you can’t feed the baby what can you do?

• You don’t need to feed your baby to bond with him: Find ways to care for your baby that don’t involve feeding. Take care of diaper changes and bathing, burping and comforting. Your baby will love to cuddle to sleep on your chest, too.
• Take on other tasks: Do the shopping, cooking and cleaning so mom can focus on the feeding. Freeing her from these responsibilities allows her to focus on the physically demanding aspects of feeding a newborn often.
• Learn about breastfeeding: If you know the basics about how a woman’s body makes milk and how to tell if the baby is getting enough, you’re less likely to suggest formula as the first solution. You’re much more likely to find ways to fix breastfeeding. But keep in mind you don’t need to know everything – there are trained lactation professionals who can help mom with any breastfeeding concerns.
• Take care of mom: Bring her a snack or a glass of water when she’s nursing. Care for your baby while mom takes a break to shower or nap, especially in those early days at home with a new baby. Bring the baby to her when he wakes to feed at night.
• Find ways to support her emotionally: Tell her she’s doing a great job – be specific in your praise – “Look how the baby is growing on your milk alone,” “You are really learning our baby’s cues,” etc.
• Turn away the naysayers: Be an advocate for breastfeeding and a gatekeeper for commenters. When someone raises doubts about your partner’s ability to breastfeed, kindly tell them “this is what our doctor has recommended” or “this is what works for our family.”
• Help her find the help she needs: If she is having breastfeeding problems, find a lactation consultant or breastfeeding counselor she can call. If she seems to have symptoms of postpartum depression, help her reach out to healthcare providers for treatment. If she just needs a shoulder to cry on, be her rock.

If you’re a mom reading this, be sure to share it with your partner. If you’re an experienced parent – mom or partner – let us know what you found most valuable in the early weeks of learning to breastfeed.

Written by Michelle, Lamaze instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Around the world, across cultures and throughout time, mothers have shared sleep with their babies. Co-sleeping facilitates breastfeeding, helps babies sleep better, and gives moms more rest.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, among other healthcare organizations, recommends that babies sleep in close proximity to mom for the first months of life. While they do not advocate sleeping on the same sleep surface (bedsharing), they do suggest that babies should sleep in the same room as mom. Sleeping near an adult caregiver lowers baby’s risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Many moms find, though, bedsharing is preferable. In fact, a recent survey found that almost half of all parents admitting to sharing a bed with their baby on some or most nights. If you plan on co-sleeping, make sure you have created a safe sleep space first.

Avoid bedsharing if:

• Either parent smokes
• Either parent is under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• One partner is not in agreement about bedsharing
• You are so fatigued that you may not be able to respond to your baby’s needs
• Older siblings or pets share your bed

Consider separate sleep surfaces if:

• Your baby is a preemie or is low-birth-weight
• Your baby is ill

Safe co-sleeping guidelines:

• Always place your baby on his back to sleep
• Make sure the mattress is firm (e.g. no memory foam or waterbed) without any loose sheets or fluffy blankets and pillows
• Be sure your baby can’t fall out of bed, or become trapped between the bed and it’s frame or the bed and the wall
• Keep baby from overheating by dressing him lightly for sleep
• Move the pillows up and away so they’re nowhere near the baby
• Keep the duvet under the baby so he can’t be smothered

Never leave your baby alone on an adult bed – even very young babies can scoot to the edge and fall. Avoid sleeping on a sofa or recliner with your baby. This increases the risk of infant death from suffocation or entrapment. Some experts recommend that if your baby is bottle-fed rather than breastfed he should sleep close to mom on another sleep surface, i.e. a cot or crib in mom’s room.

Whether or not you are co-sleeping, babies thrive on routine – so create a restful sleeptime ritual for your family, and adjust as your baby grows. Parenting doesn’t stop at night, so find ways for all family members to have their needs met while everyone still gets enough sleep.

Written by Michelle, childbirth educator, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.