Pregnancy Nutrition Tips to Eat Right During Pregnancy

October 28th, 2008 by admin

Pregnancy Nutrition Tips to Eat Right During Pregnancy
by Bertil Hjert

It is of utmost importance to focus on having right food when you are expecting a baby. This will give your baby all the nutritional values it requires to develop and you will be sure about having a healthy baby.

Pregnant women should normally eat ca 300 extra calories a day. Do not eat junk food. Choose healthy, low-fat foods for these extras.

Here are some tips you can follow in this regard:

First trimester

This is a very crucial stage for the development of your baby. Here, you need to focus only on nutritional diet. During this phase of pregnancy, your baby must have developed all the major organs including finger nails, heart beats and eyebrows.

All these are made from what you eat! Some of most important nutrients are folic acids, vitamins B, Zinc, and omega oils. Your body would require a lot of iron, calcium and protein to increase blood volume and proper development of the fetus and placenta.

Make sure that you have plenty of liquids and enough vitamin B6 if you feel sick and tired during this period of your pregnancy. Take regular exercises and eat smaller but frequent meals.

Second trimester

You baby has already been formed. Now, all it requires is to grow up. During this trimester, the organs of your body start to mature. The bones and teeth get hard. You require adequate calcium intake.

You must also add vitamin D and magnesium to your diet. It is also important to take vitamin A, C, E and Zinc in conjunction with essential omega oils to nourish the skin, body and the baby. This will also keep stretch marks away.

Third trimester

This is the phase when your baby starts to lay down some fat stores. The baby requires loads of vitamin C for the development of bones, gums, blood vessels and teeth. Calcium is also very necessary for the development of bones at this stage.

You wont believe it but it is true that your baby can hear you. Since, babys brain is growing at a fast pace, you require essential omega oils would need to nourish the skin. You need to eat small and regular meals during this phase. You wont require large meals as you dont have any room.

However, it is very important to have nutritional meals. You must taking some magnesium citrate is great for the muscles to contract during labor. Vitamin K is great for blood clotting and also prevents hemorrhaging.

Never ever skip your breakfast. In case, you have morning sickness, try to eat something small meals throughout the day. This also helps in reducing the effects of bloated feeling and heartburn.

Make sure that you eat right. You must eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Add lean meats, fish and poultry to your diet as it can provide required proteins to your child to maintain enzymes and hormones.

Green veggies and broccoli are excellent for your babys development. Dont follow the regime for eating for two when pregnant. Follow the pregnancy nutrition tips mentioned above and talk to your doctor and have a happy pregnancy ahead.

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Complete Information on Coccidioidomycosis

October 28th, 2008 by admin

Complete Information on Coccidioidomycosis

Coccidioidomycosis is the transmission caused by the dimorphic fungus Coccidioides immitis. Coccidioides immitis, which is frequently establish in desert regions. It is indigenous in sure parts of Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah and western Mexico. Coccidioidomycosis is sometimes called San Joaquin fever, valley fever, or desert fever because of its prevalence in the agriculture valleys of California. Chronic infections happen in simply one out of every 100,000 folk. People of any age can have coccidioidomycosis, but the disease almost usually occurs in the 25-55 age group. In its acute form, coccidioidomycosis infects men and women equally. Coccidioidomycosis may affect anyone, but if you are pregnant or your immune system is weak, you are especially vulnerable. The disease tends to be more serious in dark-skinned people. The disease can have an acute, chronic, or disseminated form. Acute pulmonary coccidioidomycosis is almost always mild. Chronic pulmonary coccidioidomycosis can develop 20 or more years after initial infection which may not have been recognized, diagnosed, or treated at the time. Infections (lung abscesses) can form and rupture releasing pus between the lungs and ribs (pleural space). In disseminated disease, spread of infection to the bones, lungs, liver, meninges, brain, skin, heart, and pericardium (sac around the heart) may take place. Meningitis occurs in 30-50% of cases of disseminated disease. The course of the disease may be rapid for immunosuppressed patients. Persons in areas with endemic disease who have occupations exposing them to dust (e.g., construction or agricultural workers, and archeologists). High risk groups are African-Americans and Asians, pregnant women during the third trimester, and immunocompromised persons. Congenital infection is rarely a factor in childhood coccidioidomycosis. Bedrest and handling of flu-like symptoms until fever disappears may be recommended. For serious cases, antifungal medications are needed. Individuals with chronic liberal fibrocavitary pneumonia may be treated with prolonged azole therapy. Persons with liberal pulmonary disease not responding to medical therapy with oral azoles may gain from a high dosage of azole, an option azole, or amphotericin B and/or postoperative resection. General upkeep of better health will restrict the disease to a harmless pulmonary kind. Other causes of harm to the exempt structure will mostly forbid the more serious forms of the disease.

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Are Salon Treatments Safe During Pregnancy?

October 28th, 2008 by admin

Are Salon Treatments Safe During Pregnancy?

Author Name: Cyndra Neal Are Salon Treatments Safe During Pregnancy?There is nothing like a new haircut or hair color, or pedicure and manicure to make you feel like a new woman. Especially when a pregnancy can leave you feeling tired and changing hormones can make you feel not quite yourself. But are these treatments safe for your developing baby? Exposure to certain environmental agents called teratogens during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Experts are divided on how much exposure is too much but at this time there are no proven risks for most salon visits and there are many things you can do to help minimize any potential problems.NailsReducing your exposure to fumes is the most important thing you can do when getting a manicure. Ask your manicurist to do your nails in a well ventilated area and ask her to tightly cap all solvent bottles. Your nail polish should be formaldehyde and toluene free if possible. There is a small risk of blood-borne infections such as HIV or hepatitis being transferred by non-sterile equipment through nicks in the cuticle. When getting acrylic nails, make sure your nail technician is careful about minimizing the skin contact with the liquids used. Be most careful when in the first trimester.PedicuresPedicure massages, especially when focused on reflex points on the feet can trigger labor. Avoid any kind of foot massage during the first trimester. Also avoid ankle massages even during the second and third trimester. Blood clots are six times more common in pregnant women. Foot and leg massages can dislodge clots if the pressure of the massage is too deep. The temperature of your foot bath should not be too hot. Again, your polish should be formaldehyde and toluene free if possible.Essential OilsSome essential oils known as emmenagogues can encourage menstruation and should be avoided during the first trimester. Make sure your pedicure technician knows which herbal oils are safe.Hair DyeExperts disagree on how much dye may be absorbed by the body and there are many doctors who think it%26#8217;s perfectly fine to get your hair dyed during pregnancy. You might want to be on the safe side and just get your hair frosted, highlighted or streaked where there is minimal contact with your scalp. Be wary of natural dyes that can still contain synthetic chemicals. Pure vegetable henna can be an alternative but not everybody will want a red-orange hue. If you do choose to have your hair dyed, be aware that changing hormones can affect the way the dye affects your hair color.Tanning BedsYou should definitely pass on this salon treatment. Excessive heat exposure is dangerous for your pregnancy and over exposure to UV light can interfere with your immune system.There are salons and day spas that cater exclusively to pregnant women. For peace of mind, you may want to find a salon that understands your special needs during your pregnancy.

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Preexisting Medical Conditions-Pregnancy

October 27th, 2008 by admin

Preexisting Medical Conditions-Pregnancy

At your preconception check you will need to discuss any medical conditions you may have, some of which can affect your ability to conceive, or which may in them selves be affected by pregnancy. Some conditions will need extra monitoring and you may need to switch medications.DiabetesIf you have diabetes you will need special care before and during pregnancy to be sure that your blood sugar is well controlled. The goals for your blood sugar values are 90-100mg dl for your fasting blood sugar and less than 120mgl dl 2 hours after meals. As long as you are rigorous about this, you have a very good chance of a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. If you have long standing diabetes. you are more likely to develop pregnancy complications, especially preeclampsia. Any eye problems related to the diabetes may also worsen. High blood sugar levels at the time of conception can damage the developing baby so it is important to control blood sugar before you try to conceive miscarriage is more likely as are major birth defects such as neural tube defects or congenital heart disease. High blood sugar levels during pregnancy slows fetal lung development so the baby may have breathing problems at birth.During your pregnancy it is important that you are screened early for neural tube defects, with a blood test or an ultrasound scan. If you are taking pills for diabetes, it is usually safest if you switch to insulin before conception because it doesn’t cross in to the placenta. It is essential to continue to control your blood sugar. A first trimester evaluation of your vision and of your kidney function is also important. At about 32 weeks your doctor is likely to start non stress tests to check the baby’s well being. Your doctor may also order a third trimester ultrasound to check your baby’s weight.Systemic Lupus ErythematosusWomen with this disorder can have healthy pregnancies, but it is best if conception occurs when the condition is controlled. Most SLE medications are safe during pregnancy active SLE is much more dangerous to your baby than the drugs used for treatment. SLE increases your risk of miscarriage or of having a smaller baby. Your doctor is likely to start nonstress tests at around 32 weeks to check your baby’s well being. You win also have ultrasound scans to check the baby’s growth. Your blood will be checked for signs of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. This condition increases the risk of blood clots developing, as well as causing problems with the baby. If you are found to have this syndrome, you will be treated with blood thinning injections during pregnancy to prevent a blood clot. Other antibodies cause heart rhythm problems in about 1 in 80 babies. EpilepsyMost antiepileptic agents are linked with an increased risk of birth defects. To minimize this risk to need to consult your neurologist to reduce the number of medications you are taking and the dose to the lowest levels possible that still control your epilepsy. If you are taking antiseizure agents you should have screening for neural tube defects at 15 weeks and a level 11 ultrasound at 17-19 weeks.

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Preterm Labor and Birth-Pregnancy

October 27th, 2008 by admin

Preterm Labor and Birth-Pregnancy

Preterm birth remains a major cause of newborn and infant illness and death. If its causes were better understood and prevention or treatment more effective, fewer babies would die every year. For a pregnant woman, prevention of preterm birth requires knowing the early signs of impending labor and seeking prompt care should any occur.There is no exact physical or physiologic point at which a fetus ceases to be premature and becomes mature, no matter how precisely the pregnancy is dated. All the changes that occur are gradual, especially in the latter two-thirds of the third trimester. There are no great leaps forward in baby behavior from one day to the next. In general, however, 37 weeks completed gestation is considered mature. Any labor occurring before 37 weeks is considered preterm labor and any baby born before 37 weeks is considered preterm. Today, a distinction is made between premature babies and preterm babies. “Maturity” refers to how well the baby is able to function outside the womb, with the most emphasis on the respiratory system, as breathing is a crucial function the baby must assume. A baby whose lungs cannot function is “premature.” A “preterm” baby is one whose gestational age is less than 37 completed weeks gestation. Some “preterm” babies may not be “premature” from the perspective of their ability to breathe. Acknowledging the difficulty in precisely dating a pregnancy, particularly prior to ultrasound, experts in the early part of the twentieth century suggested defining prematurity by weight, not gestational age. Any baby weighing less than 2,500 grams (2.5 kilograms), or approximately 5½ pounds, was considered premature. However, using weight imposes its own imprecision, as weight varies greatly with many other factors. We now make a distinction between birth weight and gestational age. A baby’s birth weight may be said to be appropriate for gestational age(AGA) or small for gestational age(SGA). Small babies may be small because they are preterm or small because they are “growth retarded,” or “growth restricted.” A baby may be both preterm and small for gestational age. If two babies are the same birth weight, but one is born at 33 weeks and is the appropriate weight for this gestational age and the other is a growth restricted baby born at 38 weeks, in general, the older infant will have an easier time adapting to life outside the uterus. If a baby is large, but born early, it may still have the problems that accompany early birth. The baby who will have the most trouble is the one who is both premature and small for gestational age. Prior to delivery, when the baby can physically be examined to determine its gestational age, the date of the first day of the last menstrual period is the best single piece of information regarding the duration of the pregnancy. When a woman does not remember this date, when she has irregular periods or gets pregnant after discontinuing a birth control method that made her periods stop, such as Depo-Provera(the “shot”), an ultrasound determines the duration of pregnancy. Ultrasound may also be relied upon when the uterine size does not match the dates. The ultrasound may need to be repeated to ascertain if the difference in uterine size and menstrual dates(called a size-dates discrepancy) is due to the baby growing excessively or not growing adequately, or if in fact the baby is growing as expected, just older or younger than the dates suggest. Serial ultrasounds, done several weeks apart, can measure the fetus’s rate of growth. Proper growth may also be determined by using a variety of ultrasound measurements to assess the relationship of the size of the head, for example, to the size of the abdomen. If there is a big discrepancy between these two, the baby may be growing improperly. Although 37 weeks gestation is considered mature, a fetus can reach maturity as early as 35 weeks. This does not mean that younger or smaller babies cannot survive. Today, they frequently do. With neonatal intensive care, highly sophisticated equipment for assisting babies to breathe, a recently developed medication called surfactant, which helps the lungs stay expanded, and round-the-clock attention by expert staff, premature babies have a better chance of survival than they did a few decades ago. Newborns can survive with birth weights as low as 500 grams(just over one pound) and a gestational age of about 23 or 24 weeks. Such tiny infants, however, often have developmental problems in childhood. Most of the difficulty in functioning among preterm babies is seen in babies less than 34 weeks gestational age. Government statistics today make a distinction between moderately preterm births(32 to 36 weeks) and very preterm births(less than 32 weeks completed gestation). Distinctions are also made among low birth weight(less than 2,500 grams or 5½ pounds), very low birth weight(1,500 grams or less, approximately 31/3; pounds), and extremely low birth weight(1,000 grams or less, approximately 2¼ pounds). In 1998, the overall percentage of premature births in the U.S. was 11.6. This rate has been on the rise. In 1990, it was 10.6 percent; in 1981, 9.4 percent. Most of the increase in 1998 was in the moderately preterm group-babies born between 32 and 36 weeks gestation. One major reason that preterm births are rising is that multiple births have become more common. Pregnancies with more than one baby are more likely to end prematurely than are pregnancies with only one baby(called singleton pregnancies). Multiple birth babies are also more likely to be low birth weight. Two trends account for the recent increase in multiple births. One is the greater number of births to women in their thirties, who are naturally more likely to have a multiple birth than younger women. The other is the proliferation of fertility treatments, some of which result in multiple fetuses. About 80 percent of births of triplets or more were due to fertility treatment in 1996 and 1997. In 2000, 18 percent of births to women aged 45 to 49 years was a twin, triplet, or higher order multiple birth. In 1999, one out of every 3 births to women aged 50 or older was a twin or triplet or higher-order multiple birth. We cannot discuss the rate of prematurity in the United States without noting the difference between the rate for Caucasian women(10.2 percent) and for African-American women(17.6 percent). A small part of this difference is due to the slightly more common occurrence of multiple births among African-American women. Socioeconomic background (poverty, inadequate nutrition, and lack of access to health care) accounts for another part of the difference. Even among African-Americans who have achieved a high socioeconomic status, however, there is a difference in the preterm birth rates compared with Caucasians. We can only reflect that racial inequalities in this country continue to have effects even when aspects of inequity are overcome.

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Complete Information on Coccidioidomycosis

October 27th, 2008 by admin

Complete Information on Coccidioidomycosis

Coccidioidomycosis is the transmission caused by the dimorphic fungus Coccidioides immitis. Coccidioides immitis, which is frequently establish in desert regions. It is indigenous in sure parts of Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah and western Mexico. Coccidioidomycosis is sometimes called San Joaquin fever, valley fever, or desert fever because of its prevalence in the agriculture valleys of California. Chronic infections happen in simply one out of every 100,000 folk. People of any age can have coccidioidomycosis, but the disease almost usually occurs in the 25-55 age group. In its acute form, coccidioidomycosis infects men and women equally. Coccidioidomycosis may affect anyone, but if you are pregnant or your immune system is weak, you are especially vulnerable. The disease tends to be more serious in dark-skinned people. The disease can have an acute, chronic, or disseminated form. Acute pulmonary coccidioidomycosis is almost always mild. Chronic pulmonary coccidioidomycosis can develop 20 or more years after initial infection which may not have been recognized, diagnosed, or treated at the time. Infections (lung abscesses) can form and rupture releasing pus between the lungs and ribs (pleural space). In disseminated disease, spread of infection to the bones, lungs, liver, meninges, brain, skin, heart, and pericardium (sac around the heart) may take place. Meningitis occurs in 30-50% of cases of disseminated disease. The course of the disease may be rapid for immunosuppressed patients. Persons in areas with endemic disease who have occupations exposing them to dust (e.g., construction or agricultural workers, and archeologists). High risk groups are African-Americans and Asians, pregnant women during the third trimester, and immunocompromised persons. Congenital infection is rarely a factor in childhood coccidioidomycosis. Bedrest and handling of flu-like symptoms until fever disappears may be recommended. For serious cases, antifungal medications are needed. Individuals with chronic liberal fibrocavitary pneumonia may be treated with prolonged azole therapy. Persons with liberal pulmonary disease not responding to medical therapy with oral azoles may gain from a high dosage of azole, an option azole, or amphotericin B and/or postoperative resection. General upkeep of better health will restrict the disease to a harmless pulmonary kind. Other causes of harm to the exempt structure will mostly forbid the more serious forms of the disease.

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Iron, How Good Is It For You?

October 25th, 2008 by admin

Iron, How Good Is It For You?

Iron is one of the main mineral that our body requires in order to function well. Without the recommended dosage of iron, one can experience being exhausted, petulant and sick. With a correct diet and the correct health supplements, one can be back on their way to restoring their iron shortage and liveliness. Iron is just one of the minerals present in hemoglobin. Hemoglobin brings oxygen throughout the bloodstream, consequently carrying it throughout the body. Without the right amount of hemoglobin in our system, we can start to feel the changes. A number of of us might have regular digestive problems, headaches and built up stress. Very few people who are low in iron has anemia but the majority of iron deficient populace have what is called anemia. Iron is required to generate the energy our body lives in. Without this, we will almost certainly feel exhausted, incorrectly being matched up to to constant exhaustion. Iron shortage anemia is common among women. Expectant mothers, especially in their third trimester, are more likely to become iron deficient. Pregnant women who are either in or entering their third trimester must be extra concerned on how much iron is required making sure it is sufficient for two. Lack of iron is not the catastrophe for a lot of people. It takes a little tolerance and obligation to restore your iron stability. Some of the most important measures to restoring iron levels are having the right health supplements and looking closer at your meal choices. Iron can be found in a variety of the foods that we consume. The most successful way is to devour foods in which the iron is absorbable. A lot of these foods are poultry, fish and meats. Other foods with the exception of meat are abundant greens, certain sources of fruit and some sources found in alcohol. There is one more way to get the right amount of iron we require. Iron is generally found in a lot of health supplements and is a partial ingredient to any multi vitamin. Nowadays, there are a lot of health supplements to choose from. When aiming a definite area of nourishment, one must cautiously search for health supplements that will improve what is missing. In this case, one may want to look for something that contains a high source of iron.

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Effects of Asthma Medicine on Pregnancy!

October 25th, 2008 by admin

Effects of Asthma Medicine on Pregnancy!

Women suffering with asthma always have doubts that “will asthma medicine harm my child?” As five percent of pregnant women are asthmatic, this is a common problem. The important news is that asthma medicine is known to be very safe during pregnancy. So, pregnant women can enjoy asthma free pregnancy with asthma medicine.Your asthma symptoms may get worse or may be better or does not change at all during pregnancy. If your asthma is severe, chances are it can become worse during pregnancy.If you want a healthy baby, you should be healthy. It is very important to treat asthma in pregnancy because the risks of uncontrolled asthma in pregnancy are greater than the risks of asthma medicine.There is no information about the safety of new asthma drugs in pregnancy because a woman who is pregnant and who might become pregnant does not take part in the safety tests during the testing of drugs, because of the fear of harming the baby. Even the drug manufacturers do not take risk with unborn babies. New asthma drug should be avoided during pregnancy if possible. But the old asthma medicine has been used from years. These old asthma medicines have been used for years during pregnancy and are known to be safe in pregnancy and the drugs which are not safe are not used as long before they are declared as unsafe.Pregnant women have doubt about the use of inhalers. The doctors believe that the amount of medicine you get from an inhaler is small and goes directly to the lungs and it is not likely to harm your baby. Effects of asthma in pregnancy:Especially in the third trimester, asthma improves with pregnancy. Due to the increasing size of uterus, sensation of breathlessness occurs and this is mistaken as worsening of asthma.Many women experience worsening asthma symptoms as they stop using asthma medicine due to the fear of side effects on the unborn child. Women who stop their asthma medicine have worsened asthma symptoms and are more at risk of early labor and poor growth of baby. Asthma medicine and pregnancy:Visit your doctor soon after realizing that you are pregnant to discuss about the best way to manage the symptoms of asthma with asthma medicine. The doctor will prescribe effective asthma medicine during pregnancy and continue to workout throughout your pregnancy to ensure the treatment is effective without side effects.Taking asthma medicine during pregnancy:• Follow the directions according to your doctor about when to take asthma medicine and how much dosage to take.• Talk to your doctor before taking any new asthma medicine.• Don’t stop taking asthma medicine unless and until your doctor tells you to. Controlling your asthma in pregnancy:• You have to take the asthma medicine as prescribed during pregnancy.• Monitor your asthma using a peak flow meter and observe your breathing symptoms.• Call your doctor if your asthma medicine is not working well.• Avoid things that trigger your asthma attack.• You can take a flu shot if you are pregnant during flu season. Visit Asthma Treatment

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HELLP syndrome

October 24th, 2008 by admin

HELLP syndrome

HELLP syndrome is a life-threatening obstetric complication usually considered to be a variant of pre-eclampsia. HELLP syndrome is a rare but serious illness in pregnancy. This illness can start quickly, most often in the last 3 months of pregnancy (the third trimester). It can also start soon after you have your baby. HELLP stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzyme levels and a Low Platelet count. It occurs in about 10 percent of women with high blood pressure of pregnancy. It usually develops before delivery, but may occur postpartum (after delivery) as well. HELLP syndrome occurs very rarely, only affecting between 0.2% and 0.6% of all pregnant women in North America. In fact, about 10% of women with preeclampsia will develop the condition. The majority of HELLP sufferers do recover fully. Unfortunately though, 2% of women and 8% of babies affected by HELLP syndrome die as a result of complications caused by the illness. Most women who will get HELLP have blood pressure problems before they get HELLP syndrome. Some conditions may increase the risk of developing HELLP syndrome, including preeclampsia during pregnancy and previous pregnancy with HELLP syndrome. HELLP syndrome can also occur in the absence of both preeclampsia and eclampsia.The most common symptoms of HELLP syndrome. However, each woman may exhibit experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include right-sided upper abdominal pain or pain around the stomach, nausea, vomiting ,headache, increased blood pressure ,protein in the urine and edema (swelling). The symptoms of HELLP syndrome may resemble other medical conditions, including pregnancy-induced hypertension. The only effective treatment is delivery of the baby. If your baby is older than 34 weeks, it is likely that she will be delivered immediately, probably by cesarean section. Typically, symptoms disappear within a week of delivery.If your baby is under 34 weeks and your symptoms are less severe, your health care provider may recommend bed rest and close monitoring until your baby reaches 34 weeks. You may be given medications to control your high blood pressure, along with increased fluids. You may receive intravenous corticosteroids, which will help your baby’s lungs to grow and develop more quickly. There is no way to prevent this illness. The best thing you can do is see your doctor regularly and tell your doctor about your symptoms at every prenatal visit. If you are at high risk for developing HELLP syndrome, be sure to be monitored by your health care provider.

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Having Your Own Nursing Area

October 24th, 2008 by admin

Having Your Own Nursing Area

Once you’ve reached the third trimester, you’ll probably start stocking up on nursing bras, breast pads, and loose button down shirts for the coming months ahead. While getting ready to breast feed, you can also create your personal area, a custom designed breast feeding area for yourself. Your nursing area should reflect your personality. If you like a loud, yet friendly surrounding, you should consider setting in a corner of the living room or family room. Keep an extra chair or two near you so family members or even friends can keep you company. If you prefer peace and quiet, a cozy study or empty guest room would be ideal. You can close the door, dim the lights down, then take a few deep, calming breaths while you breast feed. Your own chair No matter if it’s a glider, overstuffed recliner, or desk chair with wheels, you should make sure your nursing chair is very comfortable. You’ll be sitting in the chair for hours each day, so you’ll want it to be very comfortable. You should always look for one that offers back and shoulder support, along with arm rests. Support underfoot You can use a footstool, low coffee table or a stack of pillows to elevate your feet as you breast feed. If you raise your legs and feet to bring your baby to your breast, you’ll avoid possible backache. Pillows and more pillows Your neck, arms, feet, and back will need as much support as you can give, so don’t hesitate to surround your body with pillows. If you lay a pillow across your lap for your baby to lay on, he’ll be very comfortable and that much closer to your nipple. For extra comfort, you can even purchase a specially made nursing pillow that will encircle your waist. Table for one You should always keep a small table or stand within arm’s length of your breast feeding chair. What you use should be big enough to hold a coaster and glass of liquid. Some women prefer to drink through a straw, while others prefer to drink from the glass. You’ll also want to keep healthy snacks on hand as well, such as fresh fruit, nuts, or crackers and peanut butter to help you replace the energy you use while you breast feed. Distractions If your baby is a slow eater or has a really big appetite, you may want to keep yourself busy while he feeds. You can fill the shelves of a nearby cupboard or bookcase with your favorite books or crossword puzzles to occupy yourself until your baby is full. You should also keep a phone nearby as well so that you can talk to family or friends to pass the time.

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