Over half the adult population have breasts, these are the natural organs situated on a woman's upper torso and play a pretty vital roll in the reproductive system. Breasts are not only there to improve the beauty of a woman but also to play a important role in providing sustenance to a newborn, they contain the mammary glands which in turn produce/secrete milk which travels along the milk duct [known as lactating] to the nipple with which we feed the infant.
Symptoms of a blocked milk duct
This is probably the most painful part of breast feeding and can happen to any new mom out there
* small lump in the breast - can be felt when breast touched
* tender breast - generally only one breast is involved when a duct becomes blocked
* Inflamed and sore to the touch
* redness around the small lump
If this condition is left untreated, the new mom will begin to feel body-aches, acute breast pain, general malaise and feverish, this is due to the clogged duct becoming infected - seek immediate treatment from your doctor.
Blocked ducts may be caused by the following
* incomplete feeds - try ensure the baby nurses till the milk supply is all used up
* skipping feeds - we all need to do this sometimes, try not to or at least use a breast pump to remove the unused milk
* inadequate breast pump - ensure the breast pump is functioning properly
* ill fitting bras - try to get the correct nursing bra for your size
* tight clothing - do not wear tops that are too tight, this restricts the natural function of the breast
* stress - try to remain stress free [easier said than done with a newborn]
* illness - colds or infections etc, try remain as healthy as possible
* malnutrition - never let this occur, maintain a well balance diet throughout your breast feeding period [not everyone is lucky enough to be able to do this due to poverty etc]
Home remedies and care of the blocked duct
1) Most important! Nurse the newborn more frequently during this time as this will ensure that the baby empties the milk from each breast, this can help decrease your discomfort and reduce inflammation
2) Gently massage the sore area [as often as time allows] after each feed, start above the sore lump and massage towards the nipple
3) Applying a warm compress to the sore breast before each feed will ensure that the milk will flow more freely [can also prevent clogging of duct] thus draining the breast and aiding in the unclogging of the infected duct
4) Try pointing the chin of the infant towards the sore area - this directs the suction at the problem and can assist with the clearing and healing of the blocked duct
5) Try vary your nursing position at each feed - this can ensure that all milk is drained and prevent any blockage problems
6) Ensure a sufficient intake of vitamin C - this will help in the preventing [and healing] of clogging ducts
7) For pain relief - try drinking a hot herbal infusion of lecithin and echinacea, helps with the pain as well as with unclogging the problem area
When you are nursing it is the most wonderful feeling a human being can have, remember though to keep the nipples clean and healthy. There is nothing worse than cracked nipples when trying to breast feed, when baby is finished, wipe the area with a clean damp cloth and apply Vaseline or nipple cream to the nipples [remember to wipe this off before the next feed]. Cherish these moments you have with your newborn, the saying 'time flies when you having fun' really means something at this time, as before you know it this little bundle of joy will be up and running - all the way to adulthood.
Do remember - if none of the home remedies are working in releasing the blockage - go see your doctor, do not let this little problem become a huge one.
Candice is a prolific author, and full time internet marketer. You can visit her women bowling shoes website, and get some great information on Dexter women bowling shoes and many other great brands.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Stay Healthy - Depression in Mum Affects the Safety of Your Kids
Staying healthy, both physically and mentally, is important for every mum. It's often overlooked that a mentally healthy mum is important to keep kids safe. Common sense tells us that a healthy mother is more likely to raise a healthy child. Parenting styles, support systems, and even the nature of the children all affect the mum's ability to raise healthy safe kids.
Depression in mums is not a new concept. Hormones in women are a blessing, but with that blessing is a curse that can bring depression with adolescence, menstrual cycles, pregnancies, menopause, and postpartum blues. Hormones go up and down and wreak havoc on our happiness, and many women are genetically predisposed towards depression and thus have to fight extra hard to beat it. Being aware of depression, and having the knowledge and support to fight it, are skills that every woman should master. Knowing that depression can affect the safety and behavior of your kids can help you get motivated to fight any temporary or lingering depression.
A study called the National Longitudinal Study of Youth has been conducting studies on youth since 1986. In 2007, the journal Injury Prevention published recent results from the National Longitudinal Study of Youth that found a correlation between keeping kids safe and depression in mums. A formal depression assessment was done on the mothers, and it was found that children of mums on the high end of the depression scale were more than twice as likely to be injured compared to mums that had a low rating of depression based on that same scale. Even when taking into account the socioeconomic factors such as income, insurance and education, the study found that the chances of a child being injured went up 4% with every "point" increase on the depression scale.
In 2008 the Journal of Pediatric Psychology published their findings on the link between keeping kids safe and depression in mothers. This study on kid safety found that infants and toddlers were three times more likely to get accidentally hurt (compared to infants and toddlers of the same age group) if their mums were severely depressed. This study can be alarming when compared to the high prevalence of post-partum depression. Interestingly enough, and even contradictory to the Injury Prevention publicized study, this study found that the correlation between depression and kid safety weaned as the children got older. However, this was attributed to the fact that as children get older they are more able to provide themselves with a safe environment.
Keep your kids safe by staying healthy and happy. Getting the support you need to help you take care of your kids does not mean you're a weak mum, it simply means you're smart enough to get help when you need it. Stay healthy and start kicking yourself out of depression so you can keep your kids safe. A healthy mum and a safe kid make a happy life.
Katherine is a mother of two beautiful girls, a devoted student of personal development and a successful businesswoman in the direct sales industry. To find out more about how you can earn a great income, make friends for life, spend more time with your family, help people everyday and do this all while working from home, visit my website at Change Your Future Now
Depression in mums is not a new concept. Hormones in women are a blessing, but with that blessing is a curse that can bring depression with adolescence, menstrual cycles, pregnancies, menopause, and postpartum blues. Hormones go up and down and wreak havoc on our happiness, and many women are genetically predisposed towards depression and thus have to fight extra hard to beat it. Being aware of depression, and having the knowledge and support to fight it, are skills that every woman should master. Knowing that depression can affect the safety and behavior of your kids can help you get motivated to fight any temporary or lingering depression.
A study called the National Longitudinal Study of Youth has been conducting studies on youth since 1986. In 2007, the journal Injury Prevention published recent results from the National Longitudinal Study of Youth that found a correlation between keeping kids safe and depression in mums. A formal depression assessment was done on the mothers, and it was found that children of mums on the high end of the depression scale were more than twice as likely to be injured compared to mums that had a low rating of depression based on that same scale. Even when taking into account the socioeconomic factors such as income, insurance and education, the study found that the chances of a child being injured went up 4% with every "point" increase on the depression scale.
In 2008 the Journal of Pediatric Psychology published their findings on the link between keeping kids safe and depression in mothers. This study on kid safety found that infants and toddlers were three times more likely to get accidentally hurt (compared to infants and toddlers of the same age group) if their mums were severely depressed. This study can be alarming when compared to the high prevalence of post-partum depression. Interestingly enough, and even contradictory to the Injury Prevention publicized study, this study found that the correlation between depression and kid safety weaned as the children got older. However, this was attributed to the fact that as children get older they are more able to provide themselves with a safe environment.
Keep your kids safe by staying healthy and happy. Getting the support you need to help you take care of your kids does not mean you're a weak mum, it simply means you're smart enough to get help when you need it. Stay healthy and start kicking yourself out of depression so you can keep your kids safe. A healthy mum and a safe kid make a happy life.
Katherine is a mother of two beautiful girls, a devoted student of personal development and a successful businesswoman in the direct sales industry. To find out more about how you can earn a great income, make friends for life, spend more time with your family, help people everyday and do this all while working from home, visit my website at Change Your Future Now
Friday, January 21, 2011
Healthy Pregnancy - A Healthy Baby & Mum
Pregnancy is a time for excitement and joy for a mother-to-be. It is also the time of uncertainty. The key, to evade all pregnancy related problems and complications, is to stay healthy and fit. A healthy pregnancy is attained by constant care and effort. It is important to follow a regime consisting of healthy and nutritious diet, adequate sleep, exercise, and following special precautions.
Healthy Diet
Diet is the most important aspect of a healthy pregnancy. The growing fetus draws the nutrition from mother's body for growth and development. A pregnant woman needs all essential nutrients like proteins, iron, calcium, folic acid, etc. for the healthy growth of the baby.
The need for total amount of calories needed by the body also increases. An expecting woman needs up to 300 more calories per day than her usual requirement. She must consume a balanced diet consisting of foods which are high in nutritional value. She must not gain excess weight as that can make delivery difficult along with leading to obesity in a few years from pregnancy. The tendency of the baby being overweight also increases, if the mother is too. Include lots of fluids in your diet in the form of pure water, hot and cold drinks, fruits, etc.
Foods To Be Avoided
There are some foods which should be avoided in excess or as a whole during pregnancy. The foods which can cause infection of the abdomen or diarrhea should be strictly avoided.
Some of these foods are:
o Non-pasteurized milk and cheese
o Fruit juices as these are easily contaminated
o Salads and poultry products may be contaminated as well
o Raw sprouts
o Too much of white tuna
o Certain fish such as shark, mackerel, swordfish, etc. due to their high mercury content.
Safety & Hygiene
A pregnant woman is 'carrying' the baby, so she has to be very careful. She has to be careful with her posture and avoid squatting, dancing, etc. during early pregnancy. Traveling long distances can exhaust her. Jerks and bumpy rides must be avoided at all costs.
You must take extra caution to avoid any kind of illness during pregnancy. As it is not recommended to take medicines, following good safety and hygiene habits is the best way to evade food borne illnesses. Fruits and vegetables must be washed thoroughly before eating or cooking. Store cooked food in chillers and handle food hygienically. Wash and clean the cooking utensils with soap and hot water.
Oral Hygiene
Underlying tooth and gum problems generally surface during pregnancy. Hormonal changes usually cause these troubles. Maintaining a regular dental hygiene can evade such problems. Gum disease is often associated with low birth weight so it is advisable to avoid that. However, if the need arises you can receive treatment for dental problems during pregnancy.
In order to have a healthy pregnancy, a woman needs to make a number of changes in her daily routine and lifestyle. She would be glad she made those changes when she welcomes her little bundle of joy in her world.
The term, healthy pregnancy, essentially implies incorporating a healthy lifestyle during the various trimesters of pregnancy. To know more about the essentials of pregnancy baby health, you may visit the specified link.
Healthy Diet
Diet is the most important aspect of a healthy pregnancy. The growing fetus draws the nutrition from mother's body for growth and development. A pregnant woman needs all essential nutrients like proteins, iron, calcium, folic acid, etc. for the healthy growth of the baby.
The need for total amount of calories needed by the body also increases. An expecting woman needs up to 300 more calories per day than her usual requirement. She must consume a balanced diet consisting of foods which are high in nutritional value. She must not gain excess weight as that can make delivery difficult along with leading to obesity in a few years from pregnancy. The tendency of the baby being overweight also increases, if the mother is too. Include lots of fluids in your diet in the form of pure water, hot and cold drinks, fruits, etc.
Foods To Be Avoided
There are some foods which should be avoided in excess or as a whole during pregnancy. The foods which can cause infection of the abdomen or diarrhea should be strictly avoided.
Some of these foods are:
o Non-pasteurized milk and cheese
o Fruit juices as these are easily contaminated
o Salads and poultry products may be contaminated as well
o Raw sprouts
o Too much of white tuna
o Certain fish such as shark, mackerel, swordfish, etc. due to their high mercury content.
Safety & Hygiene
A pregnant woman is 'carrying' the baby, so she has to be very careful. She has to be careful with her posture and avoid squatting, dancing, etc. during early pregnancy. Traveling long distances can exhaust her. Jerks and bumpy rides must be avoided at all costs.
You must take extra caution to avoid any kind of illness during pregnancy. As it is not recommended to take medicines, following good safety and hygiene habits is the best way to evade food borne illnesses. Fruits and vegetables must be washed thoroughly before eating or cooking. Store cooked food in chillers and handle food hygienically. Wash and clean the cooking utensils with soap and hot water.
Oral Hygiene
Underlying tooth and gum problems generally surface during pregnancy. Hormonal changes usually cause these troubles. Maintaining a regular dental hygiene can evade such problems. Gum disease is often associated with low birth weight so it is advisable to avoid that. However, if the need arises you can receive treatment for dental problems during pregnancy.
In order to have a healthy pregnancy, a woman needs to make a number of changes in her daily routine and lifestyle. She would be glad she made those changes when she welcomes her little bundle of joy in her world.
The term, healthy pregnancy, essentially implies incorporating a healthy lifestyle during the various trimesters of pregnancy. To know more about the essentials of pregnancy baby health, you may visit the specified link.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Yum-Yum, Soon to Be Mum - Healthy Eating During Pregnancy
A baby has only one source of food - you. During pregnancy, more than at any other time, it is necessary to have as varied and as wide a diet as possible. You don't need to plan special meals and you don't have to eat for two.
To have a good diet during pregnancy all you need to do is eat a variety of fresh, unprocessed foods from the selection below. Doing that will ensure you get all the nutrients you and baby need.
Calcium:
Calcium is important to ensure the healthy development of your baby's bones which start to form from about eight weeks. You will need about two times as much calcium as usual, good sources include dairy products such as milk and cheese - although they are quite fatty so get low fat versions if you can, green vegetables, brazil nuts, sardines or several slices of white bread.
Protein:
Fish, meat, pulses and dairy foods all supply protein. Peanuts (even peanut butter), lentils, eggs and hard cheeses are all other good sources. Animal products can be high in fat so try to always get lean cuts. White meat is less fatty then red meat while fish is an excellent all rounder.
Vitamin C:
Helps to build a strong placenta, helps your body to fight infection as well as helping in the absorption of iron. It is required daily since the body cannot store vitamin C. Any vegetable or fruit is a good source so there are a wide variety of possibilities from oranges to cabbage. However, remember that a lot of vitamin C is lost by prolonged storage and cooking, so try to only eat fresh produce and steam green vegetables or eat them raw.
Fibre:
Fibre should be a large part of your diet because constipation is common during pregnancy and fibre is good for preventing this. Fruit and vegetables are great sources for fibre since you can eat quite a lot of them during the day. Don't concentrate too much on bran since it can hinder the absorption of other nutrients. There are plenty of other alternatives, try: wholemeal bread; mixed nuts; raspberries, whole wheat pasta; garden peas; dried apricots; raisins; leaks; or brown rice.
Folic Acid:
This is needed for the growth of the baby's central nervous system, particularly in the first few weeks. The body can't store this nutrient and during pregnancy excretes several times the usual amount; therefore it's necessary to have a daily intake. Fresh dark green, leafy vegetables are a good source of folic acid, but remember to steam them or eat them raw. Broccoli, spinach, hazelnuts, peanuts and wholemeal bread are all good sources of folic acid.
Iron:
This is needed in increased amounts throughout the pregnancy. The baby needs to build up a store of iron for after the birth and the extra blood your body produces needs iron to carry its oxygen. Iron from animals is absorbed more readily than iron from other foods such as dried fruit and pulses, so if you don't eat meat combine iron rich foods with those rich in vitamin C to maximise the absorption.
From Baby Clothing Central - purveyors of the finest baby clothes and accessories for over 75 years.
To have a good diet during pregnancy all you need to do is eat a variety of fresh, unprocessed foods from the selection below. Doing that will ensure you get all the nutrients you and baby need.
Calcium:
Calcium is important to ensure the healthy development of your baby's bones which start to form from about eight weeks. You will need about two times as much calcium as usual, good sources include dairy products such as milk and cheese - although they are quite fatty so get low fat versions if you can, green vegetables, brazil nuts, sardines or several slices of white bread.
Protein:
Fish, meat, pulses and dairy foods all supply protein. Peanuts (even peanut butter), lentils, eggs and hard cheeses are all other good sources. Animal products can be high in fat so try to always get lean cuts. White meat is less fatty then red meat while fish is an excellent all rounder.
Vitamin C:
Helps to build a strong placenta, helps your body to fight infection as well as helping in the absorption of iron. It is required daily since the body cannot store vitamin C. Any vegetable or fruit is a good source so there are a wide variety of possibilities from oranges to cabbage. However, remember that a lot of vitamin C is lost by prolonged storage and cooking, so try to only eat fresh produce and steam green vegetables or eat them raw.
Fibre:
Fibre should be a large part of your diet because constipation is common during pregnancy and fibre is good for preventing this. Fruit and vegetables are great sources for fibre since you can eat quite a lot of them during the day. Don't concentrate too much on bran since it can hinder the absorption of other nutrients. There are plenty of other alternatives, try: wholemeal bread; mixed nuts; raspberries, whole wheat pasta; garden peas; dried apricots; raisins; leaks; or brown rice.
Folic Acid:
This is needed for the growth of the baby's central nervous system, particularly in the first few weeks. The body can't store this nutrient and during pregnancy excretes several times the usual amount; therefore it's necessary to have a daily intake. Fresh dark green, leafy vegetables are a good source of folic acid, but remember to steam them or eat them raw. Broccoli, spinach, hazelnuts, peanuts and wholemeal bread are all good sources of folic acid.
Iron:
This is needed in increased amounts throughout the pregnancy. The baby needs to build up a store of iron for after the birth and the extra blood your body produces needs iron to carry its oxygen. Iron from animals is absorbed more readily than iron from other foods such as dried fruit and pulses, so if you don't eat meat combine iron rich foods with those rich in vitamin C to maximise the absorption.
From Baby Clothing Central - purveyors of the finest baby clothes and accessories for over 75 years.
Stay Healthy - Depression in Mum Affects the Safety of Your Kids
Staying healthy, both physically and mentally, is important for every mum. It's often overlooked that a mentally healthy mum is important to keep kids safe. Common sense tells us that a healthy mother is more likely to raise a healthy child. Parenting styles, support systems, and even the nature of the children all affect the mum's ability to raise healthy safe kids.
Depression in mums is not a new concept. Hormones in women are a blessing, but with that blessing is a curse that can bring depression with adolescence, menstrual cycles, pregnancies, menopause, and postpartum blues. Hormones go up and down and wreak havoc on our happiness, and many women are genetically predisposed towards depression and thus have to fight extra hard to beat it. Being aware of depression, and having the knowledge and support to fight it, are skills that every woman should master. Knowing that depression can affect the safety and behavior of your kids can help you get motivated to fight any temporary or lingering depression.
A study called the National Longitudinal Study of Youth has been conducting studies on youth since 1986. In 2007, the journal Injury Prevention published recent results from the National Longitudinal Study of Youth that found a correlation between keeping kids safe and depression in mums. A formal depression assessment was done on the mothers, and it was found that children of mums on the high end of the depression scale were more than twice as likely to be injured compared to mums that had a low rating of depression based on that same scale. Even when taking into account the socioeconomic factors such as income, insurance and education, the study found that the chances of a child being injured went up 4% with every "point" increase on the depression scale.
In 2008 the Journal of Pediatric Psychology published their findings on the link between keeping kids safe and depression in mothers. This study on kid safety found that infants and toddlers were three times more likely to get accidentally hurt (compared to infants and toddlers of the same age group) if their mums were severely depressed. This study can be alarming when compared to the high prevalence of post-partum depression. Interestingly enough, and even contradictory to the Injury Prevention publicized study, this study found that the correlation between depression and kid safety weaned as the children got older. However, this was attributed to the fact that as children get older they are more able to provide themselves with a safe environment.
Keep your kids safe by staying healthy and happy. Getting the support you need to help you take care of your kids does not mean you're a weak mum, it simply means you're smart enough to get help when you need it. Stay healthy and start kicking yourself out of depression so you can keep your kids safe. A healthy mum and a safe kid make a happy life.
Katherine is a mother of two beautiful girls, a devoted student of personal development and a successful businesswoman in the direct sales industry. To find out more about how you can earn a great income, make friends for life, spend more time with your family, help people everyday and do this all while working from home, visit my website at Change Your Future Now
Depression in mums is not a new concept. Hormones in women are a blessing, but with that blessing is a curse that can bring depression with adolescence, menstrual cycles, pregnancies, menopause, and postpartum blues. Hormones go up and down and wreak havoc on our happiness, and many women are genetically predisposed towards depression and thus have to fight extra hard to beat it. Being aware of depression, and having the knowledge and support to fight it, are skills that every woman should master. Knowing that depression can affect the safety and behavior of your kids can help you get motivated to fight any temporary or lingering depression.
A study called the National Longitudinal Study of Youth has been conducting studies on youth since 1986. In 2007, the journal Injury Prevention published recent results from the National Longitudinal Study of Youth that found a correlation between keeping kids safe and depression in mums. A formal depression assessment was done on the mothers, and it was found that children of mums on the high end of the depression scale were more than twice as likely to be injured compared to mums that had a low rating of depression based on that same scale. Even when taking into account the socioeconomic factors such as income, insurance and education, the study found that the chances of a child being injured went up 4% with every "point" increase on the depression scale.
In 2008 the Journal of Pediatric Psychology published their findings on the link between keeping kids safe and depression in mothers. This study on kid safety found that infants and toddlers were three times more likely to get accidentally hurt (compared to infants and toddlers of the same age group) if their mums were severely depressed. This study can be alarming when compared to the high prevalence of post-partum depression. Interestingly enough, and even contradictory to the Injury Prevention publicized study, this study found that the correlation between depression and kid safety weaned as the children got older. However, this was attributed to the fact that as children get older they are more able to provide themselves with a safe environment.
Keep your kids safe by staying healthy and happy. Getting the support you need to help you take care of your kids does not mean you're a weak mum, it simply means you're smart enough to get help when you need it. Stay healthy and start kicking yourself out of depression so you can keep your kids safe. A healthy mum and a safe kid make a happy life.
Katherine is a mother of two beautiful girls, a devoted student of personal development and a successful businesswoman in the direct sales industry. To find out more about how you can earn a great income, make friends for life, spend more time with your family, help people everyday and do this all while working from home, visit my website at Change Your Future Now
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