Tag Archives: breastfeeding

Most common reason new mums choose not to breastfeed their baby

Posted on by

According to a survey of almost 3,500 new mums, polled by leading UK pregnancy resource Emma’s Diary a resounding 94% chose to breastfeed their baby with 72% saying they did this to reduce their baby’s chances of contracting an infection or disease, a further 22% of mums breastfeed to bond emotionally with their baby.

The survey also revealed that the most common reason mums chose not to breastfeed was due to difficulty with ‘latching on’ or the positioning of baby, other common reasons included feelings of discomfort or soreness.

Professional midwife Hannah Harvey told Emma’s Diary: “Despite being an entirely natural process, breastfeeding doesn’t come easy to everyone. While many women take to it without difficulty, for some it can take longer to establish.  Breastfeeding can be the most wonderful and natural experience for you and your baby but what’s often needed is a little patience and practice. The most common reason for sore nipples while breastfeeding is incorrect positioning and means that your baby isn’t latched on properly and is sucking the nipple rather than the surrounding areola.”

“Soreness can also occur for a number of other reasons too, such as if your baby is taken off the breast without the suction being broken first, wearing soggy breast pads, using too much soap which can dry the skin and developing a sensitivity to certain creams or sprays. To avoid soreness, you need to first make sure your baby is attached to your breast correctly, explained Harvey.”

Top tips for avoiding soreness:

  • Keep nipples dry and expose them to the air as much as possible
  • Avoid using soap or other perfumed products on the nipples
  • Regularly change breast pads so they are fresh and dry
  • Wear a cotton bra to let the air circulate
  • Rub a couple of drops of your own milk into your nipple and areola after a feed

Once mastered, the majority of women will find breastfeeding the simplest and most satisfying way to feed their baby.  Emma’s Diary supports the Department of Health and UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) which recommends exclusive breastfeeding until a baby is six months old.

Faye Mingo, Marketing Director at Emma’s Diary explained: “There are numerous benefits to be had from breastfeeding not just for baby but for mum too, so we believe that getting the right advice from the outset will help to make the journey much smoother. Collaborating with medical bodies and practicing midwives means we can provide up to date, accurate information to support mums every step of the way.”

Did you know?

  • Breastfeeding burns at least 500 calories a day, so it can also support women getting back into shape post labour.
  • Breastfeeding for at least six months significantly reduces the risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer and can also protect you from osteoporosis, ovarian cancer and type 2 diabetes. You can read more here: http://www.emmasdiary.co.uk/baby/breastfeeding/benefits-of-breastfeeding

Top tips for ensuring your baby is ‘latching on’ correctly:

·       To get started, hold your baby close to you with her chest against your chest, her nose opposite the nipple (so that she can reach the breast easily) and her head, shoulders and body in a straight horizontal line.

·       Your baby needs to take a good mouthful of breast tissue – both the nipple and the surrounding dark area called the areola. With her head tilted back, bring her chin and bottom lip to the breast (rather than move your breast towards your baby) and get her to brush your nipple with her lips, which stimulates her to open her mouth wide.

·       Once her mouth is open really wide, bring her to the breast quickly. Aim her bottom lip below the base of your nipple. Her chin should be touching your breast and her nose should be free so that she can breathe easily. Your baby is properly latched on when her mouth is wide open and she has a big mouthful of breast.

·      She should settle into a feeding rhythm quite quickly, starting with short sucks then taking longer, deeper sucks with pauses and you will notice her jaw moving as she feeds.

Getting your baby properly ‘latched on’ and into the right position will help to make breastfeeding comfortable and feeding efficient.  Midwife, Hannah Harvey explores six of the most popular breastfeeding positions for mums to try:

Cradle – a classic breastfeeding position where baby nestles in your arms with its head resting on your forearm and its tummy facing towards. This position is popular with older babies who have more control over their head movement.

Cross Cradle – great for newborns who are learning to latch on correctly as it allows greater control. Baby’s body is placed across the front of your body, one of your arms runs along the length of the baby’s back and the other supports the neck and head. Breastfeeding pillows can also provide extra support.

Side Lying– very useful if you are recovering from a C-section or want a comfortable position for night feeds. This is great for relaxed feeding and bonding. Lay down on your bed with your arm tucked behind your head for comfort and support, latch your baby onto the breast closest to the bed and line up their tummy with yours.

Rugby Hold  – a favourite position of many new mums (also known as the under-arm or clutch position) it’s useful for smaller and premature babies and helpful after a C-section. Women with larger breasts or twins, may also find this position works well for them. Baby lies in a hold underneath your arm facing you, using pillows to support, your baby’s feet point in the direction of the sofa or chair you are sitting on.

Back Lying– also known as ‘laid back’ breastfeeding as it is a very comfortable and natural experience.  Baby lays tummy to mummy in a feeding-ready position. Lay back with a cushion to support your back, place baby onto your chest. This is a great position for early days and useful if you’ve had a C-section.

Twist Front Cross– (sometimes called double cross cradle) this is a good position for tandem feeding twins. Each baby is placed in the opposite direction to the other with their heads resting on the left and right crooks of your arms.

For more details, visit Emma’s to watch breastfeeding positions via this helpful video: http://www.emmasdiary.co.uk/baby/breastfeeding/how-to-breastfeed

 

Common Breastfeeding Problems

Posted on by

breastfeeding, benefits of breastfeeding, mum, baby, what age to stop breastfeedingDr Emma-Jane Down offers insight into common breastfeeding woes…

Why people say ‘breast is best’

Breast milk is regarded as nature’s natural food for your baby and it’s certainly full of essential nutrients.

According to Unicef, research has shown that breastfeeding provides babies with various health benefits, including essential nutrients that offer protection from infections and diseases.

Plus, women who breastfeed have a lower risk of developing cancers such as breast and ovarian cancer.

Breastfeeding for beginners 

Since 2003, the Department of Health has recommended that women should ideally feed their baby with breast milk for the first six months of an infant’s life, before introducing any other food or drink.

But like any skill, learning to breastfeed can be difficult to start with, and some women can be affected by health issues during feeding.

If you’re finding it difficult or painful to breastfeed, be assured that you are not the only one to feel this way. “It’s important to ask for help if you aren’t finding it easy or comfortable,” advises GP at AXA PPP healthcare, Dr Emma-Jane Down. “It does get easier.”

Breastfeeding health conditions

Sometimes health conditions can occur during breastfeeding, creating difficulties for mum and baby. These include issues such as blocked milk ducts, mastitis, abscesses and thrush.

Blocked milk duct

“Occasionally a blocked milk duct can occur, causing a swollen, red area on the breast,” explains Dr Down.

Mastitis 

Mastitis occurs when a blocked milk duct doesn’t settle after one to two days, making the breast infected. “It will become red, hard, painful and swollen, and you may develop a fever and feel very unwell. You need antibiotics to clear this up, along with continuing to feed from that breast to clear the blockage,” advises Dr Down.

Breast abscess

“A breast abscess is another rarer complication causing a red painful, hard lump.” This contains a collection of pus and needs draining quickly by a doctor, along with a course of antibiotics.

Thrush

Breast thrush causes severe nipple or breast pain and can be spread from mum to infant. “Thrush is treated with prescribed anti-fungal medications, usually cream for the mother and drops or gel for the baby’s mouth,” explained a spokesperson for Unicef. Painkillers may be required too to help ease pain.

How to make breastfeeding comfortable

Breastfeeding can be an important way of bonding with your baby. The skin-to-skin contact helps comfort your baby and the more you feed, the more milk you produce. So it’s worth persevering with it, even if it doesn’t feel comfortable at first.

Some of the issues that can contribute to making breastfeeding difficult, suggests Dr Down, include not latching on properly, timed or scheduled feeding and the overuse of pacifiers and dummies.

“Latching on and getting into the correct position for mum and baby is key,” she says. “This helps prevent sore nipples and blocked milk ducts.”

Tips to make breastfeeding go more smoothly

To help breastfeeding go more smoothly, the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) suggests these tips:

.       Sit comfortably before you start feeding. Make sure you relax your arms and shoulders.

.       Make sure your baby’s head and body are in a straight line. This will help them swallow more easily.

.       Position your baby’s nose level with your nipple, so they can reach up and attach easily to your breast.

.       Ensure your baby’s neck, shoulders and back are well supported.

If your baby needs encouragement to feed, try stroking their top lip to encourage them to open their mouth wide.

“If your baby is difficult to feed or seems unhappy, then do ask for help,” emphasise the NCT.

Feeding with formula

If breastfeeding doesn’t work for you and your baby, then the next best step is formula feeding.

“No mother should be made to feel ashamed or guilty for using formula,” believes Dr Down.

“It may not be quite as good for your baby as breast milk, but is a safe alternative if you’re not able to breastfeed the baby,” she says. “A happy mum makes a happy baby, so sometimes you have to do what is best for you too.”

Tips on making up formula milk 

When you’re making up formula milk, Dr Down advises:

.       Follow the instructions carefully.

.       Don’t change the ratio of powder to water, as it’s not safe.

.       Always carefully wash and sterilise bottles to avoid dangerous vomiting or diarrhoea bugs – they can quickly grow in formula milk that’s left hanging around in unsterilised bottles.

 

If you have any concerns or worries about feeding your baby, then do speak to your GP, midwife or health visitor for advice and support.

 

 

Bringing Back That Old Looks After Giving Birth

Posted on by

After giving birth, no matter how difficult was your labor; it’s only natural to take it slow with everything. This especially goes for bringing back your old-self before the birth of your child. For the past nine months, your looks have drastically changed, as it should according to the laws of Mother Nature. Getting back in shape will require your patience and some time as to get the best results. There is no need to rush with fitness routines and diets, on the contrary, the best results are achieved in a long run.

Therefore, here are some tips on how to get back in shape after giving birth:

Start with baby steps

Little by little, some easy-to-do activities can help you begin with the workout. Before six weeks have passed, it is not recommended for women who gave birth by a C-section to engage in any sports activities. Generally, they can start with workout only after bleeding has ceased. Don’t urge yourself to start right away with the intensive workout, but rather start with baby steps. Some simple activities like walking or yoga only a couple of months after giving birth are a good idea.

Listen to your body

Always listen to your body because it knows just what type of pressure it can handle. With crunches, you might put the pelvic floor under a lot of pressure which can lead to health issues later one. Pilates is not the best choice either. Do an exercise that will make the muscles of the pelvic floor stronger e.g. Kegel exercise. You can do this on a daily basis. If the abdominal separation occurred, consult a health care specialist on how to proceed with the physical therapy.

Breastfeed and burn calories

No need to give your baby its bottle just yet. Actually while continuing to breastfeed, your body will burn a staggering number of calories. Some studies suggest loosing up to 500 calories only by breastfeeding. In addition to this as being a fast weight loss method, breastfeeding will help to tighten the uterine muscles as well. Therefore, while breastfeeding, along with caring for your baby; you will be taking care of the weigh. When you think about it, it’s a win-win situation, for you and for your baby, too.

Even at home, make yourself at the gym

Needless to say, since the baby has come, your free time has never been so limited. After you find a balance between sleep time and baby time, try to find some free time and use it to work out in the comfort of your home. Motivate yourself with the right sports equipment like the yoga tights & pants by Lasculpte . With the right outfit, you will be able to move easily and keep track on your progress. Nowadays, exercising at home has never been easier with online workouts tutorials. Not to mention that you can even find various healthy diets and recipes.

The power of protein

Protein is considered as an energy booster because it helps to obtain muscles mass. It is often recommended to mothers who are breastfeeding as well as to pregnant women. Using it can help you   not only build mass but lose calories, too. Therefore, protein powder for weight loss is a quite effective weapon in this battle. When buying a protein powder, make sure it doesn’t contain sugar substitute. Always consult your doctor about which protein powder you should use and do not neglect to get your regular protein intake from food e.g. fish, eggs and meat.

Getting back in shape

Getting back in shape is indeed a hard work, physically and emotionally. One thing that you have to remember is that it’s all about patience and taking it slow in the beginning as to get the optimal results later on. So, take your time. Listen to your body and act according to it. Start with your workout at home. Get your energy up with enough protein intake. Many women tend to put themselves under pressure in order to look like a red carpet celebrity just a couple of months after giving birth. Never fall for that. Indeed, it’s a hard task to get back in shape, but being a full-time mom is even harder.

 

By Ian Pearson

 

Pros And Cons of Breastfeeding at Different Ages

Posted on by

breastfeeding, benefits of breastfeeding, mum, baby, what age to stop breastfeedingPros and cons of breastfeeding at different ages by Geraldine Miskin The Baby Show Breastfeeding Specialist

1 day

Baby

Your baby gets colostrum, which is perfectly designed to provide all the nutrients, and immune boosting properties that he needs. The closeness of breastfeeding helps your baby feel secure in new and unfamiliar surroundings.

Mum

Breastfeeding helps your uterus contract quickly to reduce the risk of a post birth haemorrhage. You’re amazed and excited to be able to breastfeed.

Cons

It can be stressful, feeds erratic as baby learns what to do. It can be painful as both you and baby are learning a new skill and need to learn about each other.

Tip

Be patient with yourself and your baby. Allow him to try to feed, keep him in skin-to-skin contact with you as much as possible to allow him to activate and put his innate feeding instincts into practice. It should become more comfortable.

1 week

Baby

His stomach has stretched in line with your increasing milk supply from the size of a malteser at birth to the size of a ping-pong ball by day 8.

Mum

Frequent feeds have primed your breasts for long-term milk production. Your breasts are full, see milk drops on the nipple at the end of the feed and your baby seems milk drunk at the end of the feed.

Cons

It’s worrying if baby loses more than 10% of his birth weight, or develops jaundice. Engorgement, which results in hard, hot, full and uncomfortable breasts, can feel scary and painful. Baby keeps you busy and awake at night.

Tip

Know that a bumpy start is normal. Feed more frequently and wake baby if you need to, do more skin to skin and offer both sides at each feed. Hot, throbbing breasts respond well to cold packs so grab something from the freezer, wrap in light muslin square and apply to breasts at each feed until you feel better.

1 month

Baby

Your baby’s immune system is growing with each feed. He is less likely to develop food allergies until age 3 years, diarrhoea, chest infections and ear infections due to the immune boosting properties of your milk.

Mum

Feeds are getting shorter and your baby may be sleeping longer stretches at night. You don’t have to wash and sterilize bottles so have more ‘free’ time between feeds.

Cons

If breastfeeding isn’t going well, you’ll be stuck to sofa all day, feel like you have failed at something that others seem to get right easily and might get heat for introducing bottle feeds.

Tip

Get help and know that any breast milk your baby gets is beneficial. Surround yourself with those who encourage and empower you and do what works for your family.

3 Months

Baby

Babies digestive system has developed and is able to cope with foreign properties more easily. Less likely to develop childhood diabetes (Type 1) by 19 and 27%. Up to 40% less likely to develop asthma in families with history.

Mum

Baby may feed for 10 minutes or less. You are more likely to start losing baby weight between month three and six.

Cons

Babies become more social and pop on and off breast frequently to survey surroundings.

Tips

Rather than seeing this as a frustration, see it as a new milestone that your baby has reached.

6 months

Baby

Baby is less likely to develop allergies to common triggers such as cows milk which makes introducing solids easier. There is also a reduced risk of him developing childhood cancers like leukaemia.

Mum

Breastfeeds are spaced out and usually only 10 minutes long. You are less likely to develop breast and ovarian cancers as well as osteoporosis.

Cons

You may worry about how much milk your baby gets in his short feeds and feel obliged to get more into him which leads to fighting at the breast.

Tips

Trust your baby to take what he needs and know that he grows at a slower rate so needs less calories than when he was young. Follow his lead.

12 months

Baby

Continues to get immune boosting properties through your milk. The muscles used for breastfeeding are also important for speech.

Mum

It’s an easy way to comfort baby when he topples over or hurts himself. You have saved a healthy sum by breastfeeding. If your baby had 90ml per feed 8 times a day, you’d buy a new tin of formula (£12) every 8 days.

Cons

You may feel touched out and want to reclaim your body.

Tips

Breastfeed for nutrients and comfort whilst encouraging your partner to spend one on one time with your little one to create some time for yourself.

18 months

Baby

Baby continues to get skin-to-skin time with you which reduces stress hormone production. His immunity continues to grow.

Mums

You get a forced break, time to sit down and catch your breath when you have a million things to do on your ‘To Do list’.

Cons

Baby can use breastfeeding to curb boredom and get your attention, usually as soon as you answer the phone.

Tips

Introduce a feeding chair, which you use for feeds. Your little person will quickly realize that when you sit in the chair, he can have a feed. Create time in for one to one play to ensure your baby gets your attention in a different way.

Over 2 years

Baby and Mum

Mums usually only feed first thing in the morning and last thing at night by this age. It is a great way to start and end the day for both involved. The little one continues to get immune boosting properties from bugs that he has encountered during the day.

Cons

It can be embarrassing when an older child announces that he wants BOOBY or constantly tugs at your shirt, wants to tweak your nipples in public.

Tips

Find a word that both you and baby know pertains to feeding. Use the feeding chair tip as above to help your little one understand when to ask for milk. Educate those around you that the human body benefits from breast milk irrespective of age.

Benefits of breastfeeding for infants

Breast milk aids brain development, eye sight

Reduced incidence of the following:

Gastroenteritis

Necrotising enterocolitis

Chest infections

Eczema

Middle ear infections and glue ear

Urinary tract infections

Sudden infant death syndrome

Leukaemia

Benefits for the adult who breastfed as a baby

Reduced incidence of the following:

Obesity

High blood pressure

High cholesterol

Diabetes

Benefits for mums

Reduces risk of developing ovarian cancer

Reduces risk of develop breast cancer

Reduces risk of developing type 2 diabetes

Helps reset mums metabolism

Reduces risk of osteoporosis

Effective insulin production

Helps the womb return to non-pregnancy size

Acts as a contraceptive

Comotomo Baby Bottle Review

Posted on by

Comotomo Baby Bottle Review Comotomo Baby Bottle Review3 baby finds it hard to take bottleThis Comotomo Baby Bottle caught our eye immediately due to its great design. It really is a beautiful bottle. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, it is also made with 100% safe materials. It is BPA, PVC and Phthalate free. We love the feel of it, it has a squeezable silicone base, something we have never seen before. It is naturally shaped and has a soft, silicone teat which is ideal for breastfeed babies. Babies will love holding onto the skin like, soft and squeezable body. This bottle is perfect for babies which find it hard to switch between breast and bottle. It really does feel lovely.

The bottle also has a wide neck design which makes it easy to clean. The bottle has innovative vents that prevent colic and stops any leaks. This bottle is durable and had a great “let-down” effect.

Can be used in the microwave, boiling water, dishwashers and sterilisers. This bottle is fun and beautiful, it gives baby a breastfeeding experience in a bottle. Great innovative technology and worth trying if your baby finds it hard to take the bottle. Very impressed. 

Comotomo Natural Feel Baby Bottle is available here.

 

 

Lansinoh 3-in-1 Breast Therapy Review

Posted on by

Lansinoh 3-in-1 Breast Therapy ReviewBreastfeeding is tough. No one really says just how hard it is, but even if you are lucky enough to take to it easily you may not be lucky enough to escape engorgement, mastitis, plugged ducts and sore nipples. Luckily there are things made to help, like Lansinoh’s 3-in-1 Breast Therapy. Is it any good? Let’s find out.

breastfeeding

The 3-in-1 Breast Therapy Packs use innovative PearlTechnology to deliver either heat or cold to affected areas of the breast. Chill it in the fridge or freezer for analgesic cold, or pop it in the microwave for penetrating heat and warmth. The pack holds its therapeutic temperature for a full 20 minutes so you get fast, effective relief.

The writer who reviewed this had mastitis and said that it really helped. Her doctor told her to use hot and cold compresses on her breasts and this treatment made it easy. They are convenient and because they can be both hot or cold they multi-task too. Perfect for saving money and space. No more cabbage on the breasts, this handy and effective treatment really works. It can also be used hot to reduce time spend pumping milk. Using it cold relieves engorgement and the hot therapy relieves mastitis and plugged ducts. Our writer says: ‘This is convenient and works well. It can be used for lots of different breastfeeding problems. It is a mum must have.’

mastitishelpbreastfeedinghelp

Lansinoh Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy Pack
RRP:£12.95
www.JohnLewis.co.uk

This innovative set includes two reusable treatment packs and covers that can be used hot or cold. The pearl design moulds to the breast to provide all-round relief when breastfeeding.

 

 

Why Mothers Stop Breastfeeding

Posted on by

GentleIt’s not your imagination– all babies go through a difficult period around the same age. Research by Dr. Frans Plooij Ph.D. and Dr. Hetty van de Rijt Ph.D., authors of The Wonder Weeks: How to Stimulate Your Baby’s Mental Development and Help Him Turn His 10 Predictable, Great, Fussy Phases Into Magical, has shown that babies make 10 major, predictable, age-linked changes – or leaps – during their first 20 months of their lives taking place around weeks 5, 8, 12, 19, 26, 37, 46, 55, 64 and 75. During this time, they will learn more than in any other time. With each leap comes a drastic change in your baby’s mental development, which not only affects his mood, his health, sleeping patterns and the “three C’s” (crying, clinging and crankiness) but also… babies drinking and comfort seeking habits. Unfortunately these Wonder Weeks are often a reason for moms who do not know about these wonder weeks, to stop breast-feeding their child.

With every new wonder week a baby gets a totally new perception of the world. Every Wonder Week is like waking up on a strange planet. A baby did not ask for this, did not see it coming, but suddenly this whole new world was there. What would you do? You would retreat to a well-known and safe place. For a baby that is mom. How would you do that? By literally clinging to your mom. Being one with her, holding on tight and the best way to do that would be via literally sucking yourself to your mom. This is where breast-feeding and Wonder Weeks meet. Whilst on the one hand Wonder weeks are in fact something good and signal progress in development, on the other hand, when the Wonder Weeks are misunderstood, they are often the reason moms give up breastfeeding.

“My daughter was crying so much that I was afraid something was terribly wrong. She wanted to breastfeed constantly. I took her to see the pediatrician, but he couldn’t find anything wrong with her. He said he just needed to get used to my milk and that many infants went through a similar crying phase at 5 weeks. I thought that is was a strange thing to say, because she hadn’t had any problems with my milk until then. Her cousin, who was the same age, kept crying, too, but he was being bottle-fed. When I told the doctor that, he pretended he hadn’t heard, I didn’t push the subject though. I found out about wonder weeks later on, but I keep on wondering why nobody told me about these wonder weeks earlier.” – Julitte’s mom, 5th week

Wonder Weeks and the milk doubting moms:

Wonder Weeks: One of the reasons mothers stop breastfeeding? As the baby gets more Clingy, Cries more and is more Cranky during a wonder week, many mothers start doubting themselves. Are they doing something wrong? If a baby wants to drink so often, does this mean they do not have enough milk? Or is their milk not good enough? Moms who know their baby is in a wonder week, don’t doubt themselves or their milk.

“Around the third wonder week my daughter suddenly started nursing less. After 5 minutes, she would start playing around with my nipple. After that had gone on for two weeks, I decided to start supplementing my milk with formula, but she wouldn’t have any of that either. This phase lasted 4 weeks. During that time I worried she would suffer from some kind of nutrition deficiency, especially when I saw my milk supply starting to diminish. But now she is drinking like she used to again, and my milk supply is as plentiful as ever. Now I know this is normal behavior during a wonder week. I never doubted my milk again since I know when these wonder weeks are.”
– Hannah’s mom, 19 th week.

Wonder Weeks and the exhausted moms:
Even the moms not doubting their milk sometimes give up breastfeeding. Simply because the impact of the leap on the behavior of their child is wearing them out. The moms that know about Wonder Weeks tend to be less exhausted as they know what is happening and that Wonder Weeks are actually a good thing.

Wonder Weeks and the mom of a six month old:
One of the most difficult leaps is the one of relationships, around six months after due date. The exact same time breast milk alone is not enough anymore and most parents start to give solid food as well. Mom is exhausted from the leap, doesn’t sleep or sleeps very poorly, while at the same time her child needs food. Just days after giving the first ‘meals’, the baby is in a much better mood. Often moms explain this whole sequence of events wrongly and seem to think their child was in need of other milk than theirs. While in fact the child just went through another leap and finished the leap when he turned six months.

Wonder Weeks and nipple cracks or abrasions:
Pain is, logically, one of the reasons moms want to stop feeding their child. When a child is in a Wonder Week he wants to drink many times more often than is normally the case. As this is one of the only times a baby is quiet, a mom doesn’t really pay as much attention to the feeding process as she normally would. Often resulting in wrong feeding positions, resulting in i.e. cracked nipples.

Making parents aware of Wonder weeks will enable parents to understand their baby’s behavior much better and will help many moms to continue feeding their child and to make sure these Wonder Weeks are not a reason to give up.

Dr. Frans Plooij Ph.D. and Dr. Hetty van de Rijt Ph.D. discovered the leap phenomenon while studying chimpanzee mother infant relationships in the Gombe National Park, Tanzania, East-Africa together with Jane Goodall. They are the authors of the book The Wonder Weeks: How to Stimulate Your Baby’s Mental Development and Help Him Turn His 10 Predictable, Great, Fussy Phases Into Magical

Dr. Frans Plooij Ph.D. is always willing to educate professionals about these Wonder weeks, or answer questions via Skype or email. He regularly has Skype sessions with moms around the world.

 

 

Wendy's baby diary – 7 months

Posted on by

Time to cut off the milk supply?

Signs indicating it’s time to stop breastfeeding:

1) Baby’s got more teeth than you’ve got nipples

2) Baby tugs down your top

3) Baby tries to suck other parts of you, in the belief that mummy is made of milk

4) Friends and relatives say ‘You’re not still breastfeeding are you?’

5) Bitty

I think it’s time to hang up the Closed sign on the milk bar. Baby Dillon’s got six teeth. He’s eating solids (toast, blueberries). He’s rolling around the floor and knocking stuff off the TV stand. He’s sleeping through the night in his own bed, in his own room. He’s racing around the
kitchen in his baby walker (able to reverse and manoeuvre past the clothes
horse). What happened to my newborn? Before I know it he’ll be scaling Everest and
I’ll be crying into his baby clothes saying “you used to be this big”.

Baby Rash

Dillon was ill with a rash which turned out to be a viral
infection. It’s so scary to see a bright red rash on his trunk. The instant
concern is, is it meningitis? do the tumbler test. He recovered in a couple of
days, so we took him to visit my mum with a new travel cot, which of course he
didn’t sleep in, and when he doesn’t get any sleep nor do we. The travel cot
also functions as a portable prison ahem playpen so it will get used one way or
another.

Festive

I had thought Dillon was too young to appreciate Halloween
or Guy Fawkes but nearer the time I realised we could enjoy these special
occasions and get some memorable photos. My friend carved him a pumpkin lantern
and Dillon wore a monkey outfit for Halloween and went to a themed baby sensory
class and fancy dress day at his nursery where all the staff wore pyjamas.
Cute. Now I’m looking forward to his first Christmas. He’ll be dressed as baby
Santa with a red hat. The dog will have on a pair of reindeer antlers. And wearing
a knitted Christmas pullover will be Colin Firth. Who can stuff my turkey anyday.

Swimming

Baby swimming lessons have finished, it was a bit of a wash
out with nearly half the lessons cancelled or postponed so we didn’t learn a
lot. Dillon got used to being carried around in water. We might try again in the
New Year so that one day we can have our own Nevermind album cover.

Juggling

Can I manage baby Dillon and a Masters degree and go back to
work? I’m unsure. But you don’t know until you try. Some people thought I was
mad to be starting a MA when I was pregnant. It has been tough and I wouldn’t
still be on the course without support from certain people. Getting out of the
house to go to class has been positive for me. So many mums work full time then
it’s a shock to the system to be at home all day for 9 months to a year. So commuting
into London one or two days a week gives me a bit of normality. I think every
mum, however much she loves her kids, needs an occasional break.

So when I’m worried about running out of nursing pads and number
3 baby formula I can take my mind off it with French and Greek philosophers,
the classical dramatic paradigm and bright young things running about campus.

The main problem I have is burning the midnight oil as I can’t
concentrate until he’s gone to bed and by then I’m hankering for some medicine
(see previous baby diary http://frostmagazine.com/2011/10/wendys-baby-diary-six-months-guilt-isolation-and-men/), go to bed at 2am and get woken by Babezilla at 6.45am.

Congratulations

Lots of happy baby news – congratulations to our friends
Nathan and Bonnie on the birth of baby Samuel, Kevin and Louise who had baby
Aidan and my brother Terry and his wife Ola who had baby Matthew. And to our
friends L&M who are expecting. First timers – you don’t know what you’re in
for. Second timers – memory lapse?

Until next time

I think my get up and go, got up and went!

(c) Wendy Thomson 2011

Wendy Thomson is the editor of www.femalearts.com an online publication
which promotes women in the arts and in business.