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Aren’t There Some Places You Just Can’t Go With A Nursing Baby?

There may be a few, but I’ve found you really can take your nursing baby just about anywhere! How many babies on formula can you say that about? Honestly, as a breastfeeding mom, you can pack lighter and you never have to be concerned about staying out longer than you had planned.

For one thing, a nursing baby is usually a quiet baby who doesn’t attract much attention. In fact, most times I can count on Ella to drift off to sleep following some nursing time. That’s why I like it when Ella wants to nurse as soon as we enter church. No “cry room” for us. Instead, I use my baby sling for some privacy while latching Ella on, then she’s content to nurse off to sleep for most of the service.

Once you learn to recognize your baby’s cues to nurse, you can latch her on before most people even know you brought baby along!

In fact, breastfeeding is so portable, you won’t believe it! I’ve nursed in more places than I could even count, from walking through Wal-Mart to sitting across from teachers at Parent-Teacher Conferences. It’s easily a part of my everyday life without me even thinking much about it. And, the more you do it, the more comfortable you’ll be wherever you are.

If you need some motivation to get started, here are a few of my own “nursing in public” stories:

Space Needle in Seattle, Washington. Yes! I nursed my older daughter, Alaina, at the top of the Space Needle. Hungry babies aren’t very patient and I could tell Alaina wasn’t going to be able to wait long enough for us to take the elevator back down. So, I discreetly unfastened my nursing shirt and bra, then latched her on and continued to enjoy the scenery at the top.

Water Skiing. Then, there was the time my husband and I went water skiing (with baby, of course) at a local lake. Alaina was bundled up in her orange life jacket and quite content snuggled up to me in the back of the speedboat while we pulled a skier around the lake. I’ll never forget our friend remarking how quiet and peaceful Alaina had been during our entire afternoon outing!

Children’s Museum. And, just recently, I took the kids to a local childrens’ museum that has three massage chairs looking out across a river. While the older kids explored nearby, Ella and I settled into one of those chairs. . .me for a massage and Ella for some Mommy’s milk.

Aaaahhhhh. It was so funny to look down at Ella during the part of the massage where this “thing” rhythmically moved down my back, causing Ella and me to slightly move forward & backward. I thought the movement would disturb her, but she wasn’t about to let anything get in the way of what she enjoys.

Remember, breastfeeding doesn’t stop being best for you and your baby just because you’re going to be around other people. You already decided to do what is best for your baby no matter what.

So, pick up your precious baby, hold your head high and head for the door!

Author: Linda Thom

Linda Thom is the mother of four children whom she discreetly nursed just about anywhere! If you want help on confidently breastfeeding in public, visit her at http://www.EasyBabySlings.com

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Some women think that pregnancy is difficult and that life can’t be any harder then that…boy are they in for a surprise. Having kids is one of the most amazing things you will ever experience but it is also one of the hardest.

After the child is born you still have many issues to deal with like the following:

• Hormonal changes while your body tries to get back into sync with regular womanhood
• You are exhausted from your baby waking at night wanting to eat or cuddle
• If you breastfeed the demand is all on you and your nipples and breasts are sore
• You now just feel fat because you have extra weight but no baby inside of you as your excuse as to why you just chowed down on two quarter-pounders with cheese
• You have a low sex drive because you feel fat, are exhausted and terrified of another nine months right away

Well the good news is that you are not the only one that feels like that after having kids. Every new mother has some concerns, self esteem issues, etc. We are human…mothers are sometimes Super Human but every woman who has a baby goes through the same thing.

Here are some tips to help you deal with the main after childbirth issues.

Lack of Sleep

When you have a baby you need to be on your A-Game so mommies please sleep when your baby sleeps. I know you think there is laundry to fold, food to cook, dishes to clean etc but just sleep! Your husband would much rather have a rested wife than a clean house. People hate to ask for help when they need it but if you are too exhausted to function ask a friend, relative or babysitter to come over for a few hours so you can get the much needed sleep that you need.

Loosing the Excess Pregnancy Weight

The best way to loose your pregnancy weight is with a healthy diet and exercise routine. Don’t push yourself the day you get from the hospital. Understand that your body just went through an amazing yet exhausting experience and needs time to heal. Remember it took you nine months to gain the weight so it may take that long to loose it. Crash diets will not work so eat right and exercise by taking your baby on walks.

Getting and Feeling Sexy Again for Your Man

This is a scary thing for women because they don’t feel sexy. Mommies believe it or not your husbands actually think you are sexier now than they did before you gave birth to their child. They are actually in total awe and jealous of what your body has just done…men think they can do everything but they can not give birth to a human being!

To keep the spark alive or to reignite it you will both have to work at it. Let your partner know your concerns so he can help you feel better about them by complimenting your new curves, etc. Before you know it you will feel sexy again.

Taking Care of Yourself

My husband said that the second our son was born the mommy switch inside clicked on and has never turned off. I, like most mothers, have a tendency to always make sure that my husband and my son have everything they need before I do. That is a noble thing but you can’t neglect yourself or you will gain resentment that is unhealthy. Doing something small to take care of yourself like a manicure, hair cut, eyebrow wax etc is not selfish it is healthy.

Finding Some Alone Time

Every mom needs some alone time for relaxation to get away from baby spit up, dirty diapers, crying and more. Take some time for yourself every day and enjoy a hot bath, two chapters of a good book, your favorite dessert. Make sure to do something that will make you happy and relaxed so you can hit the next day and the next task with full force and a big smile.

Author: Jessica Chamberlain

Visit http://www.onestopshopforkids.com for everything you need for motherhood, babies and kids!

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What would you do if you were told that scientific studies have uncovered a way to have a shorter labor with less pain — and that method is completely natural? Would you get excited? Many women hope for a shorter, natural birth. And studies have proven there is a way for women to have this. This amazing way to help laboring women is called the doula.

A doula is another woman who stays with a mother throughout labor and birth. The word “doula” comes from a Greek word that means “servant” or “women’s servant.” A doula is a traditional role that women have been filling for centuries. Careful scientific studies in this century have proven what birthing women have always known — doulas help women to have better birth outcomes.

Proven Around the World

International studies have shown the benefit of doulas to birthing women. Women who have continuous doula support during labor have a lower cesarean section rate and a lower rate of assisted vaginal delivery (forceps and vacuum extraction). These results are consistent no matter what country the woman is giving birth in.

One to one care has been shown to shorten labor by two hours or more. A hospital in Dublin, Ireland gives all birthing women one-to-one, continuous support. At this hospital almost all mothers have labors of twelve hours or less. Studies in the United States have also shown that women who use doula support have shorter labors.

Doulas even help women choosing epidural pain relief to have better birth outcomes. A woman who chooses and epidural and doula support is less likely to have a cesarean section and is more likely to have an unassisted vaginal delivery.

Minimizing Interventions

A birthing woman who chooses to have a doula support her throughout labor is less likely to need synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin). Synthetic oxytocin results in stronger, harder contractions that many women have a hard time dealing with. The doula is full of wisdom to help a woman progress through labor, which lessens the likelihood of needing a synthetic hormone boost.

If a woman is induced or has synthetic oxytocin given to her during labor, her doula is able to help her cope with the strong contractions. Doulas are able to assist birthing women in a multitude of ways.

Helping Fathers Too

Even fathers find that doulas benefit them. Births where a father and doula are present usually result in happy parents. The fathers feel like they were given the support that they needed. A doula is able to help the father help the mother as much as possible. Doulas are also able to give continous care to each mother, allowing the father to take a break or freeing him to be there emotionally for the mother.

A True Asset

Doulas help mothers of all ages. Studies have shown that when young mothers are given doula support they have better birth outcomes and a higher breastfeeding rate. Older mothers are also assisted by a confident doula who has many ideas to help the mother through labor.

A doula is truly an asset to any birthing team. If you are looking for a shorter labor with less pain, find a doula in your community. Your doula is in infinite source of wisdom and support — no matter where you give birth, how you give birth, or who else you want with you. Allow yourself the luxury of someone focused completely on your success — have a doula on your team.

Author: Kristen Burgess

Kristen Burgess is the owner of http://www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com She is passionate and committed to helping women have healthy pregnancies and happy, natural births. Learn more about doulas, pregnancy, and natural birth at http://www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com

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*Note from Brenda: I have had 3 water births and they are wonderful! I bought a Kiddie blow-up pool and saved a lot of money. Feel free to e-mail me if you’d like to explore the possibilities of a water birth for you.

Water childbirth is becoming very popular. Many women are finding that is a great way to give birth. They say it is more comfortable, easier, and healthier. Water is known to help ease pain during labor, making a natural birth more bearable. It aids in keeping a steady pulse, stabilizing your blood flow and helps you to be more relaxed. It also helps the baby slip out more easily, helping quite a bit in managing pain and cutting back on labor time.

In order to decide if a water birth is for you, you will want to do some research. Those who are nervous about a home birth should probably decide against a water birth as, currently, water births are not conducted in many facilities. In addition, women who aren’t comfortable working with a midwife are not prime candidates for water birth. For more information, visit waterbirth.org or birthbalance.com.

The next step in planning a water childbirth is to find a midwife. Since water childbirth is still relatively new, many midwifes are not experienced and are reluctant to try it. If you are not able to find a midwife who has experience with water childbirth, try finding one who is open to it. With the proper research, you and your midwife can learn what is needed. Some women choose to deliver without a midwife, but you’ll want to make sure you are 100% comfortable and as educated as you can be if you choose to do this.

The next step in planning a water childbirth is to obtain a birthing pool. You have the option of purchasing or renting one. Renting one will cost a few hundred dollars, while purchasing one will be around a thousand. If you plan to use your birthing pool for multiple children, it is probably more economical to purchase rather than rent. You should purchase a birthing pool that can comfortable seat you and another person. There are also birthing pool accessories available such as booster seats, thermometers and liner patch kits.

Author: Sarah Freeland

Pregnancy these days is trendy and fashionable. No more hiding a baby bump, motherhood is redefined! Maternity clothes are evolving too. Funky maternity clothes and punk rock baby clothes and maternity wear are now the norm! Shop for cool pregnancy outfits and funky diaper bags as well as alternative baby clothing and accessories.

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