Pregnancy-New Mom Archives - Mother 2 Mother Blog

Newborn Help for New Parents

September 7, 2021 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on newborn help for new parents. So, congratulations, you got through pregnancy and now you have a new baby. Newborns are often difficult to care for. Especially, if you are a new parent. They require a lot of attention, and sometimes they’re hard to understand when they cry. If you’re a new mom who is struggling with caring for your newborn, this post is perfect for you!

We’ll go over the basics of how to take care of your baby in their first few months. Your will be relaxed as a parent, and they will grow up healthy and happy.

Newborn Help for Parents

Newborn Help for New Parents and Keeping Baby Warm

Keep your baby warm whether they are eating or sleeping. You can swaddle them in a blanket or put on some cozy pajamas so that he or she doesn’t get cold.

Bathing Your Baby

Make sure your infant is clean by giving them a bath every day. Babies have very sensitive skin, so make sure you use plain water and a very mild soap made specifically for babies. The market has a variety of washcloths and wipes without any added chemicals or fragrances.

Sleep Is Important

Babies need a lot of sleep every day. They grow rapidly; however, it may feel like your child is awake all the time! Focus on creating a comforting sleep environment for your baby. Soft music can be soothing to a baby. So, have a variety of lullabies on hand.

Put your infant to sleep in their own bed not yours! If you do need to share your bed with your baby, make sure it’s safe for both of you.

You should try to sleep when your baby is sleeping, this is the best way to ensure that you are feeling your best and ready to take care of your baby.

Newborn Help for New Parents on Feeding

Newborns need to eat every two to three hours. If they’re not hungry, it’s okay if you don’t feed them right away! Simply feed your baby when they’re hungry.

A lot of times, newborns will cry, but it doesn’t always mean something is wrong with them. There are times when they just want to be comforted. If you have any questions about whether or not to feed your baby, consult your doctor or nurse. You should also be on the lookout for signs that they may be hungry. For example, trying to suck on your shoulder or breast or if it’s been hours since they have eaten.

New Born Help on Diaper Changing

Change their diapers often to keep them healthy and happy. Newborns are often messy, especially in the first few months after birth, so it’s important to change their diapers often to keep them clean.

Changing a baby’s diaper also helps prevents diaper rash or infections that can happen due to sitting in dirty diapers for long periods of time.

Make sure you practice good hygiene when changing your baby’s diaper, wash your hands with soap before and after touching anything near the baby’s genitals.

Check Your Baby’s Weight

Keep an eye on your baby’s weight, height, and head circumference to make sure they grow up healthy. It is very important to make sure your baby is growing well. You should also know how tall they are and what their head looks like. Regular doctor’s visits are a must.

If you suspect that your baby was injured in some way at birth you can get a second opinion. If it is proven to be true you can hire a team of trusted birth injury attorneys to help you.

Choose the Right Car Seat

Use a car seat that is age-appropriate for your child and the right size for your child. A car seat that is too big or too small can be uncomfortable, and it might not protect them well in case of an accident.

But if you have any questions about what size your child needs, ask your doctor or nurse. They will know the answer!

Car seats are designed to keep your baby safe. The safest place for an infant is in the back seat on their back, in their rear-facing car seat.

Ideally, infants should be rear-facing until they are two years old or weigh 20 pounds. Forward-facing car seats should be used after your baby turns two years old or reaches twenty pounds.

Enjoy the Journey

Becoming a mother is one of the most exciting things that can happen to a woman. However, it can also be one of the most overwhelming.

Knowing what you should and shouldn’t do especially when you are a new mom can help you to feel more at ease. In this way, you’ll be able to enjoy your bundle of joy a lot more.

Filed Under: Pregnancy-New Mom Tagged With: newborn babies, parenting advice, parenting newborns, parenting skills, parenting tips

How to Prepare for a New Baby

July 9, 2020 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on how to prepare for a new baby. When you discovered you had a baby on the way, you were no doubt overjoyed. But, as the news settles in, the stresses and worries of parenthood start to creep up. There is so much to prepare for your little one’s arrival. You wonder if there’s enough space for your new baby. And, everything you need to be the best parents possible. Additionally, you need to make sure your home is 100% safe for an infant.

Some new parents decide to upgrade to a bigger home or a more child-friendly location. However, it’s not always possible to do that. You may have professional or personal commitments to your current hometown, or maybe your finances can’t quite stretch to a new house.

This shouldn’t matter. It is entirely possible to turn your current home into a perfect, child-friendly property. Read on to learn some top tips to get your home in shape to welcome your little one when they arrive.

How to prepare for a new baby:

Declutter

One of the most important things you’ll need to do is to create more space. Although a newborn doesn’t take up much room, you will need space for all the new baby gifts, crib, changing table and toys. Now is the time to declutter your home, and get rid of anything you don’t need. Go through each room systematically and be strict about what you throw away. Old work papers, stacks of CDs and DVDs, broken furniture and clothes you no longer wear. All of these things can go. The more you throw out, the more space you will have for the new member of the household.

Once you have cleared your home of extraneous items, you should ensure that you maintain your newly created space. Be aware of what you bring into your home, and don’t shop for new things unless you really need them. Your friends and family are probably going to host a baby shower for your and your new baby. So, request things you need so you don’t end up with duplicate or unnecessary presents filling up your house.

Create a bedroom

Even if your newborn will start out sleeping in your bedroom, they will eventually need their own space. Unless you intend to move to a new home, you will need to designate a room for your new baby. If you have more than one option, consider how much space they will need and the proximity to your bedroom.

Now that you have designated space for a bedroom, you will need to fill it with all the things your baby could need. A crib is essential, and you’ll also need storage for clothes and toys and a changing table.

You will want to decorate your child’s new bedroom to create a pleasant environment for them to grow up in. Paint the walls, add some child-friendly pictures, and adorn it with all the toys they could possibly want. It is a good idea to make your room gender-neutral if you don’t yet know the sex of the baby. Even if you do know the gender, remember not all girls like pink and not all boys like spaceships and superheroes. Wait until they are older and you know their likes and dislikes before making big theme decorating choices. You can save a lot of money by decorating yourself, but if you are able hire a decorator to bring your vision to life.

Purchase the Essentials

They may be small, but babies need a lot of stuff. How to prepare for a new baby must include bottles and formula for feeding, clothes and diapers, baby food, toys and potty training and walking products. You will need to buy all of these before the baby arrives and find a place to house them. You may wish to create a budget to keep track of your spending and stop yourself from going overboard.

It can be tempting to give your wonderful new child the world, but they will be perfectly happy with the essentials and a few toys. Don’t stretch your finances unnecessarily. Your loved ones will be more than happy to buy gifts. So, don’t be afraid to ask for some of the things you need. All these new items will take up a lot of room, so you may want to invest in some smart storage solutions to save space.

Babyproof your home

The most important step in preparing your home for a new baby is to make sure it is safe. Babies are fragile and curious. They love exploring new places and putting strange and exciting items in their mouths. An unsafe house and a baby are a recipe for disaster. You will need to give your home a thorough going-over to ensure there is no risks.

One of the best ways to baby proof your home is to put yourself in the perspective of your new baby. Crawl around the home, seeing what they will see, and you will quickly be able to identify any hazards you might otherwise have missed.

Any sharp items, chemicals, and medications should be kept in cabinets out of reach. If there is a chance they could open a cupboard, they should be securely locked. Small objects that present a choking hazard are easier to miss. You never know when you might drop a coin or a key or even bring in a stone from outside on your shoe. You should be vigilant with a small child around and constantly be on the lookout for objects they might want to put in their mouths.

Another major injury hazard is the staircase. As soon as your child starts crawling, you will need to install safety gates above the stairs. Guarding their bedroom eventually is a good idea too. You want to prevent any unplanned excursions in the night. Open windows can also be dangerous too. Invest in some window guards, you won’t be sorry.

Electrical outlets can pose a risk too. Outlets provide the perfect receptacle for curious babies to stick things in. You can buy child-safe covers to shield empty outlets, or even hire an electrician to move outlets higher up the wall and out of your child’s reach.

Another common cause for injury in young children are sharp corners on pieces of furniture. Some tables tend to be exactly the same height as a newly-walking toddler. They are accidents waiting to happen. Luckily you can buy soft rubber or padded corner guards to cover any sharp corners and minimize the risk.

As soon as your child starts to crawl, they will be clambering up and down furniture. As a result, there is a risk they could tip over chairs and tables and seriously hurt themselves. Anchor all furniture in your baby’s room to the wall to prevent this from happening.

Get your fridge ready

When people ask how to prepare for a new baby, they usually don’t think about their meals. Your new baby will need to eat, but so do you. You and your partner will both be exhausted and busy, so it’s unlikely you’ll be cooking any extravagant meals for the first few weeks. If you have other children, they need to eat too. So, prepare to cook nutritious yet delicious meals that you can just heat up and eat right away. This will save you time and energy that would be best spent looking after your new arrival.

Prepare to clean

Babies are notoriously messy. So, when you’re making your list on how to prepare for a new baby include cleaning products. Your home will eventually get stained and endure spills. Ensure your home is adequately stocked with cleaning products, and any delicate, easily-damaged items are protected or stored out of the way.

We hope that you have found our tips on how to prepare for a new baby helpful. Awaiting the arrival of a new baby is one of the most exciting adventures you could ever have. You are bringing a new life into the world and embarking on a new journey together as parents. You want your little one to be cared for and looked after, and by preparing your home and making it child-friendly, you can make sure your baby has the best start to life possible.

Get Your Finances In Order

One of the most expensive adventures you can undertake is to have a child. So, getting your finances in order is an essential step to take when a new arrival is on the way! There are so many handy resources online that can help you to fix your past credit history while also improving your financial future. As a result, it’s a good idea to do some research and find a site such as pigly.com. It will enable you to tackle debt and plan ahead to ensure you can provide your child with everything they need. Keeping track of your accounts is essential when preparing for a baby.

Furthermore, you need to be able to identify any underpaid wages or unrecognized transactions. You need to look after each and every penny. Developing a savings account in preparation for your new arrival will benefit your family after you give birth. Although you will not be working for some time, you’ll still need to fork out money for an endless supply of diapers, wipes, formula and clothes.

It can be tricky to tackle your finances, so there’s no time like the present to learn essential money management skills. Fortunately, you can pass these skill on to the next generation. However, try not to spend money on luxuries when prepping for a newborn. Spending money on expensive clothes and shoes are unnecessary expenses. What’s important is that your bundle of joy is safe and warm!

We hope that you have found our tips on how to prepare for a new baby helpful.

Filed Under: Pregnancy-New Mom Tagged With: new babies, parenting tips, safety tips for new parents

Tips for Preparing for Home Births

September 24, 2019 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

First, deciding on a home birth is a huge step. So is preparing for a home birth. As a matter of fact, you shouldn’t take it lightly. Although home births are still relatively rare compared to hospital births, more women are opting for home births. Some reasons include having more control over the birthing process and not having to drive to the hospital during labor. Whatever your reason, we’re sharing empowerment tips on preparing for home births.

If your due date is drawing near, you need to prepare your home in order to make your home birth smooth and complication-free. Here are the necessary steps that you need to take to prepare for a home birth:

Step 1: Find a Midwife

The most important step in preparing for home births is finding the right midwife to help you through the process. Think of your midwife as your birthing coach, your partner, your medical assistance, and your assistant, all rolled into one.

A certified midwife is someone who has undergone medical training and has a license to practice midwifery in your location. In the United States, it is necessary for a midwife to have passed the certification process of the American College of Nurse-Midwives in order to practice and assist women during home births.

Step 2: Prepare Your Home

After you have chosen your midwife, the next step is for you to physically prepare your home for your home birth. You need to pick the right room where you will give birth. The room must be spacious and roomy, and free from clutter. Make sure to clean your home thoroughly; you might even consider getting professional cleaning services to ensure that your home is as clean as possible. If you have pets around, you should consider getting them boarded during your home birth so that they don’t get underfoot when the birth is on-going.

Step 3: Prepare Other People in Your Home

It is also important to prepare everyone else who lives at home with you. If you have a spouse or a partner, make sure that they feel included and essential to your home birthing process. This is also applicable to other children you might have.

Home birthing can be a difficult experience for a spouse or children who has never seen a birth before. It can be helpful to attend live birth classes so that they know what to expect during your own home birth. You can also help them by giving them tasks to do during the birth itself. This can include providing encouragement for you or providing fresh water when you need it.

Step 4: Have All the Essentials Ready

Before your home birth, you should have all the essentials ready and close at hand so they are available when you need them. Here are some of the basic items that you will need:

Disposable pads
Peri-wash bottle
Disposable underwear (preferably mesh)
Birthing/exercise ball
Gauze
Gloves
Alcohol

If you are unsure what else to add to your essentials checklist, you should consult with your midwife to ask what else you might need.

Step 5: Draw Up a Home Birth Game Plan in Case of an Emergency

In general, home births are just as safe as hospital births if you go through the proper planning and preparation. However, there are times when emergencies can happen, and you should be prepared for this eventuality. You should have the number of the nearest hospital ready, as well as a way to get there. You should also have an emergency kit prepared as well.

Certified midwives do have the necessary training to deal with most common emergencies that can occur during a home birth, but if there is a need for medical equipment or procedures in a hospital setting, you need to be able to get to a hospital as soon as possible.

Step 6: Prepare For Your Newborn’s Needs

Once your baby is born, you will need to provide for them to keep them warm and comfortable. Here are some of the items that you will need for your baby:

Comfortable baby gown
Newborn beanie or hat
Newborn diapers
Baby wipes
Swaddle blanket

Step 7: Prepare for the Mess

A lot of people envision a home birth to be messy and bloody affairs, but if you prepare properly, you can avoid making a huge mess. In fact, if you have a highly-efficient and experienced midwife, you won’t be making much of a mess at all. However, you can still help with making the cleanup as quick and easy as possible. Make sure to lay down a large waterproof plastic sheet on top of the area where you will give birth, and have a supply of towels and disposable pads nearby.

Filed Under: Pregnancy-New Mom Tagged With: home birth tips, new mother tips, pregnancy tips

How to Get Rest When You Have Children

May 28, 2019 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Getting a rest from your children is a good thing for both you and baby. For example, the children get some time away from you where they can have fun and socialize. But, you get some well-needed sleep or alone time too. It’s mentally healthy and quite frankly needed. This is incredibly important especially if you’re a new parent. There is no doubt your life has gone through some major changes. However, there are plenty of ways you can still get some rest and remain in control. Today we’re sharing empowerment tips on how to get rest when you have children. Many options are right in front of you, but you need structure to ensure your choices are reliable.

Tag someone else

If you do live close to your in-laws or parents, they can be a good resource for help when you need a rest. Perhaps if you have siblings that are close by they too can be substitutes. They will surely understand that you need help getting some sleep or just time to relax and take a bath. Asking them to come over and babysit can take a load off your mind. Alternatively, you can drop the kids off at their place and pick them up when you’re ready. Use the weekends to empty the house and get some peace and quiet for a few hours. If you have relatives who want to take them for a few days or the week-end take them up on it. Even this small amount of time can help a lot.

Invest in hobbies

Furthermore, child should be encouraged to find hobbies they like. Getting them moving and keep them active is imperative. But, that means parents must invest in their children. This includes buying equipment, signing them up for different leisure or children’s groups. For example, if your child wants to learn to play a sport, you should help them find a local team or club they can join. Sports like archery needs to be done in a controlled environment. As a result, this means you can drop them off for a couple hours and get some rest. Other hobbies like joining the scouts can be great for their learning potential, but also for you.

Start them early

The more you can help your children learn new things and have it as part of their daily life, the more you can begin to rest. There are plenty of child care options for parents as well, and you can take full advantage of them. The kids can be away and in a preschool learning environment from the ages of around 3 to 5. Not only will they be learning with other children, but the lunches and snacks will be provided by the facility. Early childhood development provides a curriculum that will also allow your child to learn a variety of educational activities.

Parents and children need some space and time from each other. Most importantly, it’s good to reset your mind and body as well as allowing the kids to go off to do things they find enjoyable and also learn at the same time.

Filed Under: Empowerment, Parenting Tips, Pregnancy-New Mom Tagged With: activities for kids, educational activities for kids, new mom advice

How to Prepare for Being a Mother Again

May 5, 2019 by Rhonda Gales 2 Comments

If you already have kids, and you have taken a break to build your career, or to focus on creating the right family environment, chances are that you might be worried about whether or not you can go through the process again. Finding out that you will be a mother and thinking about how to prepare for being a mother again can be challenging. But, also very exciting. You can rely on the support of your kids and family, and you will be able to grow. First, however, you will need to get rid of the frustration to make the most out of these few special months. Find out more below.

Check You Are Physically Ready

One of the things you will have to do when you find yourself pregnant again after not thinking about having more kids is to prepare your body for the challenge. There are loads of physical changes you will go through. And, you will need to ensure that you are ready. Get a general health checkup. Additionally, find out whether or not you will need to take supplements. Furthermore, talk to your practitioner about the risks and how to avoid them. Especially, if you are over 40.

Take Care of Your Mental Health

The next thing you have to do is make sure that you have the right mindset to start raising kids again. First, you might be tired, or exhausted, or simply tied up with the school and organizing family life. It is crucial that you ask for help from your family members if you need it. And, make sure that you are able to focus on preparing yourself for the pregnancy and welcoming a new family member. You may have to dig deep, and this might be the right time to take some time off to focus on your spiritual well being.

Get Your Family on Board

If you have other kids, who are older, or school aged, you will definitely face some kind of jealousy. So, you may have to sit down with your kids and partner to discuss the changes the arrival of the new baby will bring forward. Get them on board, so you will be able to rely on their help and moral support. If your kids are smaller, you will have to explain to them that having a new sibling will be exciting, but there will certainly be challenges.

Find the Right Doctor

It will be a good idea to find a doctor you can trust. Figuring out how to prepare for being a new mother can be unsettling at times. It might have been a couple of years since you had your last baby. If so, this means that you will have to find out about the latest trends and screenings. So, ensure that you are in good hands and have a great birth without any complications.

Take Advantage of Technology

There are some great devices that will take the anxiety out of your pregnancy. You should take advantage of the devices and health monitoring apps available. If you don’t want to worry about your baby’s health or your own, you might want to check out some of the latest technological inventions introduced in maternity care. For example, Bloom Life Can Time Braxton Hicks Contractions. So, check it out so you will know when to grab your bags and head to the hospital.

Prepare the Family for the New Lifestyle

It is also a good idea to determine if family members are ready for the change in their lifestyle. Also, you can you meet their emotional and physical needs. It might be the case that your kids will have to take the school bus instead of getting a ride from you. No matter what type of changes you introduce, always sit down and discuss it with the kids and your partner.

Embrace the Moment

Motherhood is one of the best experiences in the world. So, it is important that you prepare for being a mother and enjoy it. Take a step back from your business, outsource some of the processes if you can, and make the most out of your time alone. Become less busy, so you can ensure you are providing the best care for your family.

Most importantly, you will have to make sure that you are comfortable with the changes. Also, make sure your family is ready for the challenges and new lifestyle. Choose the right doctor and plan carefully. Make sure you look after number one, as your new baby is relying on you.

Filed Under: Empowerment, Pregnancy-New Mom Tagged With: expectant mothers, pregnancy care, pregnancy tips

How to Choose the Perfect Baby Name

April 3, 2019 by Rhonda Gales 2 Comments

How to Choose the Perfect Baby Name is a question many parents have. We have parenting tips on how to choose the perfect baby name. Not only do you need to find a name that you both like, but you also need to consider suggestions from over-eager family and friends.

One of the main concerns for parents now is that they may unintentionally choose a bad name not realizing that a particular name has connotations and could even threaten job opportunities later on. With so much to consider – how can you possibly choose the right name?

Consider Family Names

When you are choosing a name, one of the best places to look for family approval is your own family names. There is a long-standing tradition for naming children after parents and grandparents though you wouldn’t have to stick to the strict rules for which child gets named after which person!

Naming a baby after a family member is a huge mark of respect and something you might consider. Even if you want to choose another first name, picking a middle names from within your family is a nice way to show someone how much you care about them. And, if you are worried about choosing a ‘bad’ first name, a more regular middle name could be used later on. Of course, the same is true the other way around. You could just pick a regular first name and then go a little wilder with the middle name.

Factor Nicknames into Your Decision

Finding a name is hard enough without having to worry about the kind of nicknames it might bring up. For example, you might love the name ‘Minerva’ but hate the inevitable nickname ‘Minnie’. Nicknames tend to follow a similar pattern so you should consider all the different options that may present themselves.

A nickname might also be part of the reason for choosing a name. You might love ‘Minnie’ but worry that it won’t look great on a CV where Minerva might look better. Of course, the reality is that by the time your baby is looking for a job, things might have changed considerably. It’s entirely possible to overthink the name you choose and in the end, you have to pick something that you love.

A Name is For Life!

Something that some parents seem to forget is that a name is for life. In some cases, it’s until the child reaches the legal age to be able to change their name. While celebrities seem entirely fine with giving their children cutesy and often bizarre names, this seems to be a Hollywood thing that is best left alone.

While you are looking down at a little baby, do consider what that baby may grow up to be. Nominative determinism may not be a sure fire way towards success but equally, your baby is going to be an adult for a lot longer than they are an adorable bundle of love.

Finding the right name is a case of trial and error. As you research throughout your pregnancy, you will likely go through phases but in the end, when you look at your baby in your arms for the first time, you will know what the right answer is.

Filed Under: Empowerment, Family Time, Pregnancy-New Mom Tagged With: newborn babies, pregnancy tips

Bad Baby Names

April 3, 2019 by Rhonda Gales

When I heard the name of Beyonce and Jay-Z’s baby girl, Blue Ivy, I immediately thought damn here we go with these bad baby names again. I’ve wondered if parents think about the name calling and harassment their child will endure as they grow up. I understand wanting a unique name for your child, but some of the names we place on our children are just down right ridiculous. However, Blue Ivy is so rich her name won’t matter. She will tutored at home, and socialize with those who have unique names just like her. For example, Apple, Alabama Luella, Banjo, Sailor Lee and Diezel. Yep, the names of other Celebrity children.

Lets talk about the common folk? You know the children that have to go to regular school and endure being teased on the playground. Or, later in life turned down for a job because of their name. Corporate America will turn people away because of their names. People prejudge or automatically make assumptions about who you are because of preconceived ideas. They see your name on your Resume and automatically think they know you. It hits the shredder. They don’t want to leave any traces of you and that ridiculous name. Please know, they aren’t interested in the likes of you and your name says it all.

Lexus and Mercedes were once seen as ghetto names. Especially if the children lived in the projects or another low income area. What’s the chances of someone living in the ghetto driving or getting close to a Lexus or Mercedes? Lexus and Mercedes have dropped to the bottom of our Bad Baby Names list. Names like Buwana, KimKisha, Chandeler, Obamaneshaa, Pilot Inspektor, and Jermajesty are on the scene. These are the names that will wear on innocent children. These are the names that will cause a child to save every dime they can so they can change it down the road. Sorry mom, but Obamanesha or Pilot Inspektor was more than I could bear. I hope that you understand.

People please think about your children and the world in which we live when you decide on a baby name. More than likely, they will have to live with that name for the rest of their life. And, the torture that goes along with it. If you’ve noticed, I have intentionally not called my list Ghetto Names. Bad Baby Names have no boundaries. They’re just bad rather you live in the suburbs, Hollywood Hills or the ghetto. Leave us a comment and let us know the worst baby name(s) that you’ve heard or what you think about parents who give these poor children horrendous names.

Filed Under: Empowerment, Pregnancy-New Mom, Uncategorized Tagged With: baby names, new mothers, newborn babies, parenting tips

10 Natural Ways To Increase Your Breast Milk Supply

June 5, 2018 by Rhonda Gales 1 Comment

One of the biggest concerns for new mothers is whether they are producing enough milk for their baby. Luckily, a low milk supply can easily be remedied by following a few simple steps. The following is a list of the ten things every breastfeeding mom should know about to increase your breast milk supply. The inclusion of a supplement into your routine could help you make a dramatic difference to the amount of milk your body produces. For more information about supplements that can help you to increase your supply, the review site Research and You is a great first stop to look at what is out there. This is an excellent resource for people who are looking for reviews to compare the latest products. Most importantly, discuss any concerns or products with your doctor before use.

Skin To Skin Contact

One of the best things you can do for yourself and for your baby is to keep them close. Studies have shown that skin to skin contact can dramatically increase your milk supply. Not only is it comforting for your baby, but it also triggers the release of hormones such as endorphins and dopamine which support breastfeeding. Also, drink plenty of water

Dehydration can have a significant impact on the amount of milk your body produces. It is recommended that breastfeeding mothers drink at least ten glasses of water each day to ensure an adequate supply. Breast milk is primarily made from the mother’s blood so it is vitally important to keep fluid intake high.

Include The Right Vitamins And Minerals In Your Diet

Unfortunately, most people are not getting enough nutrients from the food they eat. For breastfeeding moms, it is even more important that you are getting the right amount of vitamin D, calcium, iron, and folic acid. These nutrients are important because they nourish your body meaning you are able to produce nutritious milk for your baby.

Try Taking Fenugreek

The oil present in fenugreek seeds is often revered for its incredible ability to support the mother’s body to produce more milk. Mothers who regularly use fenugreek often report an increase of up to 900% in the amount of milk they are producing. An easy way to include fenugreek into your diet is by taking a supplement.

Co-Sleeping

Co-sleeping is probably one of the easiest things you can do to increase your breast milk supply for your baby. Your baby will be able to feed on demand, you will both be more comfortable and you will be able to get more sleep. The more stimulation your breasts receive the more milk they produce to keep up with the needs of your baby.

Brewer’s Yeast

This healthy natural supplement is safe for mothers to take while breastfeeding. Brewer’s yeast is naturally high in vitamin B, protein and iron. These are all nutrients that your body needs to make milk. Additionally, many people believe that taking brewer’s yeast can alleviate fatigue and symptoms of depression. People who regularly use this supplement also say that the condition of their hair and skin improve after continued use.

Have Oats For Breakfast

Studies have shown that oats are a powerful galactagogue. In other words, this is a food which stimulates and increases the flow of milk. Additionally, oats are high in iron, zinc, manganese, and calcium. It is an excellent source of fiber and it contains plant estrogen. Plant estrogen has been found to stimulate breast tissue and increase your breast milk supply.

Avoid Formula Top-Ups

Giving your baby additional bottles of formula when you think you do not have enough milk for your baby could be the beginning of a low supply spiral. Formula leaves babies feeling fuller for longer than breastmilk does as your baby can not metabolize it as quickly as your milk. So your baby is not hungry as often which means that you are not putting your baby to the breast as often and so your body begins to make less milk. Although no one wants their baby to go hungry, formula should only be seen as a last option.

Trust Your Body

Stressing over the amount of milk you are producing will not increase your supply. Rather focus on things that you can do to boost your milk supply and remember that the sole purpose of your breasts is to feed your baby. Your body knows what to do and with adequate support, you will increase your breast milk supply in no time.

Filed Under: Empowerment, Pregnancy-New Mom Tagged With: breast feeding tips, nursing mothers, nursing tips

Key Ways To Help Boost Your Iron In Pregnancy

May 28, 2018 by Rhonda Gales 2 Comments

You just found out you’re pregnant. You’re very excited to become a mother. You can’t wait to spend time with your little bundle of joy, and take care of him or her throughout the years. But aside from the excitement that you’re feeling, you’re also worried because there’s now a lot of responsibilities in your hands. Your child’s life depends on everything that you do. So, you want to be careful and nurture your child in the best way possible.

Furthermore, you want to start off ensuring that your child will grow up healthy. Iron plays a big role in your child’s development. As a matter of fact, your body might not be able to provide the minerals and nutrients your unborn child needs without it. However, there are ways to boost your iron in pregnancy.

Why You Need Iron During Pregnancy

Being a mother is a fulfilling yet challenging role. It’s imperative that you give everything that your unborn child needs. Iron is important in your pregnancy because:

It’s a requirement for making hemoglobin, the protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen to other cells. Remember, you’re carrying another person in your body – the more hemoglobin, the better.
It’s also an essential component of myoglobin (the protein responsible for supplying oxygen to your muscles), collagen (the protein found in your bones and other connective tissues), and many other enzymes.
It helps maintain a healthy and strong immune system throughout the pregnancy.

How To Boost Iron During Pregnancy

Also, iron supplies several proteins in your body, which your child needs. To help boost your iron in pregnancy, take note of the tips below:

Take an iron supplement during your pregnancy: There are several iron supplements available in the market. But, before deciding make sure you ask for your doctor’s approval. If they have a recommendation on a particular iron supplement for you, follow it. Also, inquire how many times in a day you should use it. Ask if there are dos and don’ts while you’re taking these supplements. Remember, your iron intake should help you during your pregnancy, not complicate it.
Eat your spinach: Another way to boost your iron in pregnancy is to eat your spinach. Spinach can be bought anywhere and is a very good source of iron. Raw spinach is great in salads. You can eat your spinach with sliced strawberries, grilled meat, pasta, and cheese!
Keep your caffeine intake down: All of your efforts to eat iron-enriched foods and supplements will be useless if you’re consuming too much caffeine. Caffeine actually dashes the effects of iron in your body. This means that if you drink cola after eating an iron-rich steak, your body will absorb less iron.
Add more vitamin C: Vitamin C is known to improve iron absorption in your body. So whenever you’re taking your iron supplements, finish it with a glass of orange juice. You can also add fresh strawberries to your oat bran cereal or add a side of pepper with a shrimp dish to get your daily dose of Vitamin C!

Preparation Is Key

When you’re an expecting parent, you want everything to be perfect. In addition to providing for your baby in the womb, you should also be preparing financially. A pregnancy cover from your insurance policy can help. Knowing that you have everything covered will help you have a stress-free and easy childbirth.

Jessica Wilson

Jessica is a professional health expert who works for some major health industry giants. She currently writes for Membersown and is dedicated to helping people learn more about health related topics along the journey. When she’s not a health advocate, she enjoys some down time traveling or talking with family

Filed Under: Empowerment, Pregnancy-New Mom Tagged With: pregnancy care, pregnancy expections, pregnancy tips

15 Homeopathic Treatments for Chronic Back Pain After Pregnancy

April 15, 2018 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Back pain to some degree affects approximately 80% of Americans at one point in their lifetime. Unfortunately, if left untreated it can grow into chronic back pain. Chronic back pain after pregnancy can affect both your professional life (days lost at work) and personal life (not being able to live the lifestyle you want). Many women start getting back pain during pregnancy. It normally stems from the extra weight they are carrying. As a result, more women are looking for alternatives to deal with their chronic back pain after pregnancy. Homeopathy and other natural methods are among the most popular. Many pregnant women prefer not to put any unnecessary medication in their bodies. Therefore, natural remedies become a part of their lifestyle.

Seeking Alternatives

Homeopathic treatments are becoming popular as people look at alternatives for traditional drugs and procedures. However, not all are equal when it comes to scientific backing. As a result, be sure to utilize available industry resources like http://chiropractoratlanta.com/. Furthermore, meet with your personal medical doctor. They will know enough about your pain and body to help you pick the best option. Doing research will help you better understand their suggestions as well. To start, some herbs are more popular than others. If you don’t know where to start when it comes to your back pain after pregnancy, here are a few suggestions:

1. Capsaicin – Derived from chili peppers. Capsaicin serves as an anti-inflammatory, which reduces inflammation, pain and pressure in the lower back.

2. Ginger – Similar to Capsaicin, ginger’s phytochemicals also have anti-inflammatory properties.

3. Feverfew – Feverfew has been used for pain relief for headaches, stomachaches, and toothaches. Its lack of major side effects mean it may be worth using for back pain as well. However, pregnant women should not take Feverfew.

4. Devil’s Claw – Some scientific evidence shows potential for this herb in managing arthritis and lower back pain. More evidence is needed. Pregnant women or those with gallstones or stomach/intestinal ulcers should not use this herb.

5. Turmeric – A staple of the Ayurvedic Diet, Turmeric’s active ingredient, Curcumin, is used to relieve heartburn and arthritis pain. Furthermore, it reduces inflammation. It is one of the most popular natural pain relief options you will find. Additionally, there is scientific evidence supporting its use.

More classical homeopathy uses herbs on the exact location of the pain in your back. There is no scientific evidence on this technique, and not much research backing it. But, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence suggesting that it may help.

6. Rhus Toxicodendron – This remedy can be useful for pain in the neck and shoulders as well as the lower back. Aching and stiffness gets aggravated by cold, damp weather. However, relief is found with warm applications, baths or showers, and massage.

7. Aesculus – This remedy is suited for pain in the very low back (the sacral or sacroiliac areas). It feels worse when standing up from a sitting position or from stooping. Aesculus is good for people with low back pain who also have a history with venous congestion and hemorrhoids.

8. Nux Vomica – This remedy is good for muscle cramps or constricting pains in the back. Pain is usually worse at night, and the person may have to sit up in bed to turn over. Nux vomica may also be good for backaches that get worse when constipated.

9. Cimicifuga Racemose – Use this remedy for severe aching and stiffness in the upper back and neck, as well as the lower back, with pains that extend down the thighs or across the hips. It is often helpful for back pain during menstrual periods, with cramping, heaviness, and soreness.

10. Calcarea Carbonica – This is another go-to remedy for muscle weakness and low back pain. The ideal candidate will have a tendency toward chilliness, or may easily feel tired from exertion. The person’s symptoms will tend to worsen from damp and cold weather.

11. Natrum Muriaticum – This is good for back pain that improves from lying on something hard. Also, pressing a hard object (such as a block or book) against the painful area is a good for this remedy.

In conjunction with these, many doctors will recommend a set of lifestyle changes to properly complement your efforts.

12. Exercise – The days of trying to rest off back pain are over, as more and more people are realizing that you need to exercise to strengthen the muscles that support your back. The key is to do exercises that target these areas, but aren’t overly intensive. Yoga and pilates are great programs that fit the bill, and many back pain exercises you find borrow from them.

13. Physical therapy – If you are struggling to put together a proper routine, a physical therapist may do the trick, combine stretches with other treatments like heat and ice therapy.

14. Improve your sleep – Pain is actually a leading cause of insomnia, but what you may not realize is that there is a vicious cycle at work here. Inadequate sleep can actually make your pain worse. See a doctor to find ways to help improve your sleep, and try to keep to a regular schedule to make it easier for your body to adjust.

15. Diet for a healthy back – You won’t be able to necessarily eat your pain away, but many times, nutritional deficiencies can lead to back issues. Back issues lead to pain. Some of the nutrients you may want to look to are calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K. Foods like leafy green vegetables (kale, spinach, broccoli) and cold-water fish (salmon, herring) are some of your best options.

Note: Again, please consult your medical doctor before utilizing any of the natural herbs/remedies mentioned in this post. We hope that you will find relief for your chronic back pain after pregnancy.

Filed Under: Empowerment, Pregnancy-New Mom Tagged With: health care tips, natural remedies, pregnancy tips, women's health care