My partner finally gave birth. And she juz do it again without epidural and took only 45mins and juz 4 pushes!! Thumbs up. She is now back on exclusive breastpumping now and getting 600 - 700ml on second day!! For your information, she has plenty of milk for her elder daughter and even have enough surplus to feed another baby (donation to a mum who cannot breastfeed as on medication, lactose intolerant baby and needs soy milk but they are financially strapped too) Cool right!! Lucky Hector can get 2 -3year of breastmilk since she is closing factory for babies (she stopped coz she is pregnant with number 2). And if she has plenty again, then Hector’s sister, Gretchen will have chance to drink again. Haha.

 And of coz she can only do it with Mumsfairy ultimate kit. : )

We had recently included Ameda Lactaline Dual Electric Breastpump into our line of products. Thank you mummies for all your support to make this happen. : ) 

We are offering this ULTIMATE KIT at S$390 nett (usual S$446), including delivery. Hurry! We have limited stock. : )

Sorry we haven been posting articles and tips recently. Was sooooo busy doing www.mumsfairy.com website. Brochures, namecards, invoice etc. Yes we are expanding a little and spending money on Mumsfairy logo brochures and invoice. (we used to make-do with photocopy brochures and generic receipt books)

In the midst of our busy schedules, we also participated in World Breastfeeding Week on 8/8/07 at Macpherson CC, organised by Breastfeeding Mothers Support Group. A total of 151 nursing mothers participated in the event at 4 locations. Visit www.breastfeeding.org.sg for media coverage of the event.

Finally we have one good news!! You will soon find Pumpin’ Pal products in Thomson Medical Centre. We went thru the test Mrs Wong put us in and she agreed to be our retailer. Another confidence injection! : ) 

We still working hard to liase with more lactating consultants to take up our products so that new mummies can find relieve to the breastpumping days. Would appreciate if anyone of you can help us a little. Thanks a million!

Is Breastfeeding for You?
By D Adkins

Although medical views on breastfeeding tend to change like trends over the years, a new mom simply has to weigh pro against con in deciding if breastfeeding is the right choice for herself, her family and her new baby. Every mom and every situation is different. In this article, we’ll put together some thoughts that might assist in making such a decision, but remember, it’s very personal and you shouldn’t let anyone influence you to do something you really don’t feel is right for you. An unhappy breastfeeding mom is soon bound to find the reason why breastfeeding just isn’t possible for her, and there can be a lot of guilt attached to that kind of negative decision making. So ultimately, when people are putting pressure on you one way or another, try to gently remind them that you’ve weighed all the facts about breastfeeding and have decided the best option for you.

A few positive benefits of breastfeeding your baby:

1.) It’s medically agreed that the fluid colostrum, secreted from the post-partem breast before the milk comes in is a high-density brain food for baby which builds immunities naturally. Its typical during this time for older generations, extended family and even some doctors to tell the new mother that she’s not producing enough milk to feed her baby and to advise bottle/formula feeding. They often attribute every little whimper from the newborn as a cry for being hungry. This is very worrisome for a sometimes anxious new mom and most often, it’s simply not true. The fact is, this status of the breast providing little or not so noticable quantities of clear fluid during nursing can safely remain for several days. It is the act of sucking on the breast that causes the milk to come. A relaxed you and your baby will make it happen with a little persistance. Meanwhile, you can rest assured your baby is being fed a nourishment that he/she’ll get only once in a lifetime.

2.) No muss, little fuss. No heating, washing, or carrying bottles. No measuring and mixing formulas. No watching and worrying about ounces taken in by baby. No accidentally too hot or too cold temperatures of the formula. When your baby is hungry, all you have to do is think of her/him and your milk will come down the breast, ready to feed. Perfect amount, perfect temperature. No danger of bottle tooth decay. No high fat cow’s milk, no allergic reactions, no lactate or soy intolerances, all of which can contribute later to child obesity and complicate other illnesses. Your breastmilk is perfectly designed for your baby, will change as your baby’s needs change, adding nutrients, having thirst quenching qualities or hunger satisfying qualities as needed. In addition, breastfeeding is all natural, and waste-free, therefore a completely environmentally friendly process.

3.) The perfect food provided by breastfeeding also produces less smelly diapers. Yes, soiled diapers are unpleasant when compared to flowers, but comparing formula fed and breastfeed babies’ dirty diapers, the smell of breastfed babies excrections, both diapers and spit up residue are significantly less offensive to the nose than that of formula fed babies. Breastmilk contains the exact right nutrients for your baby. Unlike any other food on earth, breastmilk guards the newborn against stomach bacteria, aids in digestion and allows for fulfillment of your baby’s potential in optimal physical and mental development. Babies who are breastfed have been shown to have higher IQs than formula fed babies. Breastfed babies also have the emotional advantage of skin-to-skin contact with mother, which enhances bonding and is not the usual practice of bottle fed babies.

4.) Breastfeeding mom’s recuperate from childbirth faster. Carrying your baby to term and the process of giving birth has likely left your body retaining fluid, and the uterus stretched out. Don’t be alarmed at the menstral like flow and cramps you’ll experience during the first couple of weeks while you breastfeed. The very act of breastfeeding causes the repeated release of a chemical in your body called oxytocin, which causes the uterus to contract back to its pre-pregnancy size and prevents hemorraging in the first 48 hours after giving birth. Sustained and exclusive breastfeeding is also an effective birth control method.

Milk production can take up to 500 calories a day, which assists new moms in more rapid and steady weight loss than formula feeding moms. Women who breastfeed their children are at significantly less risk for breast, ovarian and uterine cancer, as are, amazingly enough, their breastfed children.

Negative aspects of breastfeeding your baby and some solutions:

1.) There is an initial period of time when your nipples can be very tender and sometimes even painful. As your baby’s sucking toughens up your nipples, you may also find that your nipples actually crack and bleed. Just as your nipples begin to heal, its time for the next feeding and these wounds can be re-opened and painful. This is a natural process and you don’t need to worry about baby getting a little bit of blood during nursing sessions as your nipples heal. Remember, not long before this, you shared a bloodstream. But this is a very challenging time for mother as she may be insecure about breastfeeding and now have pain during the process. On the other hand, this is a short lived problem for mothers who really want to breastfeed, so hang in there if it happens to you. The nipples will heal and the breastmilk will aid in this. The baby will learn how to suck with your helpful free hand guiding the nipple toward proper positioning, and breastfeeding will soon be a joy for moms who can withstand this temporary difficultly. Most hospitals offer nursing assistance or some sort of counselling to get you started in helping baby suckle properly. There are also many breastfeeding manuals you can read for perfecting this art.

2.) For breastfeeding moms, dads may feel a little left out of the process. Dad will not be able to enjoy the strong and effortless bonding that occurs during feeding time. So, breastfed baby’s daddy will need to make an extra effort to find other ways to bond with newborn. Daddy can lay quietly next to breastfeeding baby and mom, stroking and encouraging them both. Daddy can take baby immediately after baby is finished feeding, to burp, interact and cuddle or play. For the working mom who uses a breast pump and saves her milk for supplemental bottle use (recommended only for older babies, not newborns learning how to breastfeed), Daddy can feed baby this ultra-healthy substance himself. Remember, quite often breastfeeding itself takes place in the life of a baby and a family for only a matter of months. Soon, baby will be taking solids as well, which Daddy can provide.

3.) Mom must take all the night time feeding responsibility, this is true. But Daddy can pitch in during these early months by taking the baby from sleepy mom after the feeding and rocking, diapering or comforting as needed. Here’s a good place to remind all those conscientious parents who are advised never to bring baby to the spousal bed. Yet, there is no easier way to cope with sleep depravation than to bring the infant to the family bed, nuzzle him to the breast and go blissfully back to sleep. Watchful Dad can then enjoy the pleasure of being close during this process or take fulfilled baby back to the crib, making night feedings a family effort. Don’t be shy. Don’t leave this all up to Mom. This is Daddy’s lovely baby too and no one is more creative than a loving, attentive Daddy, singling out the needs of his new baby and his breastfeeding wife.

4.) Restriction of certain foods and medicines must be taken into account when breastfeeding. While foods like peanut butter and broccholi may cause gassiness in babies and for some breastfeeding mom’s should be avoided, for other breastfeeding mothers, these foods may cause no problems for baby. Substances like caffiene and alcohol can be hidden in even some over the counter medications so be mindful, these are not good for baby. Certain foods can also alter the taste of the breastmilk and may cause the baby to fuss, so breastfeeding mom’s should remain sensitive to diet at all times while breastfeeding. In addition, of course all medicines and alcohol will have the potential to penetrate into the breastmilk, so moms who have to take certain medicines for their own health should always consult their physicians about how this will effect a decision to breastfeed.

Some parents may be concerned that breastfeeding can become too restrictive in terms of being able to leave their baby with relatives or sitters to get out for a night or go back to work. Consider breast pump options as a possible solution when you are ready to become more independant of the exclusive breastfeeding. Carefully and patiently introduce bottles containing the familiar ‘breast food of health’ can give mom more freedom to get away, especially when baby is getting older.

In conclusion, there are certainly many other factors that weigh in on making this decision for you and your baby. It’s important to do your own research, know the facts and myths of breastfeeding before you take mis-informed advice out of guilt or obligation. Everyone will offer an opinion, but in the end, its you and your family that will carry out and live with the decision whether or not to breastfeed, so make it a comfortable one that you and your spouse have seriously contemplated and feel sure its the right choice for you.

Article written April 2007 by HD Adkins for Organic Baby Store - http://www.HerSweetBaby.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=D_Adkins
http://EzineArticles.com/?Is-Breastfeeding-for-You?&id=533171

By Stephanie Casemore

Exclusively pumping breast milk is best thought of as an alternative to formula feeding. While there are some women who decide to exclusively pump even before their babies are born, they are by far the minority. Instead, most women who exclusively pump fully intended to breastfeed and believe strongly in the benefit and value of breast milk. When confronted with difficulties or situations that make breastfeeding difficult or impossible, these women turn to the use of a breast pump to ensure their babies receive breast milk.

The reasons women exclusively pump are extremely varied: the premature birth of a baby; the illness of the baby or the mother; problems with breastfeeding including such things as a poor latch, thrush, cleft palate, poor weight gain, a lack of milk (either real or perceived), and the early introduction of a bottle leading to nipple preference; and the separation of mother and baby including women who must return to work soon after the birth of their babies. It is difficult to briefly discuss the many reasons women exclusively pump, but there do tend to be some similarities in most women’s experiences.

Self-preservation is an often mentioned factor in the decision to exclusively pump. New mothers are overwhelmed with emotions. Hearing your baby scream every time you try to nurse, enduring extreme pain when nursing, or having a baby who is unable to get enough milk to satisfy her can add to an already tumultuous period. Also, for women who are breastfeeding, bottle feeding to top up the baby’s intake, and then pumping to maintain or increase supply while the baby learns to breastfeed or the mother is able to resolve difficulties she is experiencing, the cycle becomes overwhelming and, even with a strong support network, can make it extremely difficult to continue for very long.

Often a mother is not able to truly focus on mothering and enjoying her new baby, and instead, is solely focused on providing nourishment. Life becomes consumed with feeding the baby, which can, in and of itself, add additional stress to the situation making breastfeeding all that more challenging. The decision to exclusively pump can, for some women, bring back a balance in their lives and in their household and enable them to refocus on their babies while continuing to feed their babies breast milk.

The decision to exclusively pump is not made lightly. The vast majority of women who decide to exclusively pump do work with lactation consultants before making their decision. And although pumping and bottle feeding becomes the primary method of feeding, many women also continue to work on breastfeeding and solving problems that were making it difficult to breastfeed.

Yet, even though the hope of exclusive breastfeeding may still remain when a woman starts to pump, many women do get to a point where they no longer attempt to breastfeed. Many struggle with the emotions they feel as a result of not breastfeeding and not having the breastfeeding relationship they thought they would have with their baby. For many, the strong emotions felt when they do not see success breastfeeding are too difficult to continue reliving over and over again. The disappointment and frustration often prove to be difficult to cope with on a continuing basis and as a result the decision to exclusively pump is made. Working with a lactation consultant during these first few weeks of pumping is extremely important if a transition to exclusive breastfeeding is desired and an important time for lactation consultants to maintain close contact with women in order to assist them to breastfeed successfully.

Perhaps the strongest motivating factor for exclusively pumping is the strong belief that breast milk is the best way of nourishing a baby. Most women who exclusively pump do not feel that formula is an option; it is something they would prefer not to feed their babies. Therefore, when they are confronted with difficulties breastfeeding (or the inability to breastfeed), and are unable to resolve the situation, they turn to what is often in their minds, the only option available to them. If the women who exlusively pump did not have this as an option, their babies would most likely be switched to formula.

Exclusively pumping is a viable alternative to formula feeding. Knowledge is key, however. A breast pump will not initiate or maintain a milk supply in the same manner as a baby. Women who have been able to exclusively pump long-term tend to follow a similar set of guidelines. Support and accurate information are extremely important indicators of success for women who are exclusively pumping.

While breastfeeding is undoubtedly the best method of feeding a baby, the fact remains that certain circumstances make breastfeeding difficult, and, sometimes, women decide to bottle feed. The reasons for this decision and the emotions that surround the decision are varied, but in all cases, exclusively pumping can ensure that it is breast milk in the bottle instead of formula and provide more babies with the best start possible in life.

Copyright Stephanie Casemore, 2004

Stephanie Casemore is the author of Exclusively Pumping Breast Milk: A Guide to Providing Expressed Breast Milk for Your Baby. She exclusively pumped for one year for her son who was born nine weeks premature. Casemore also maintains her website, ExclusivelyPumping.com which is a resource site dedicated solely to the needs of women who are exclusively pumping breast milk. She is currently working to share with women the option of exclusively pumping as an alternative to formula feeding when breastfeeding has not been possible or has not worked out as expected.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephanie_Casemore
http://EzineArticles.com/?Exclusively-Pumping-Breast-Milk:-Why-Women-Do-It&id=50352

By Robin OBrien

Smoking is one of the hardest habits to break. Whilst it is in your baby’s best interests to stop smoking, this isn’t always possible for some mothers. It is especially hard to give up an addiction at a time of stress or major disruption, which having a baby undoubtedly is. Should you find yourself unable to stop smoking but still wish to breastfeed here are some points to consider.

Do your best to cut back. Any reduction in your in-take of nicotine is of benefit to your baby; if you smoke, certain levels of your nicotine are passed onto your baby through smoke inhalational and breast milk. You should also be aware that studies show that smoking reduces milk supply, so any reduction in smoking will help your milk supply. To help keep levels high enough to satisfy your baby’s needs, feed on demand as frequent feeds helps to encourage milk production.

Always smoke AFTER you’ve breastfeed your baby. It goes without saying that you should smoke in another room from your baby. Never smoke in enclosed location with your baby. Smoking outside helps keep your baby from inhaling second-hand smoke – a risk factor for SIDS and life-long respiratory problems. Also, smoking after breastfeeding your baby will help to reduce the amount of nicotine in your blood supply and, therefore, breast milk.

Consider using nicotine patches as these can reduce your blood and milk levels of nicotine. Your baby also gets the benefit of not having to inhale smoke. Do not use both cigarettes and nicotine patches as you will be adding further chemicals into your baby’s milk supply than from smoking alone. Nicotine gum is also beneficial. Like smoking, nicotine levels go up and down, so ensure that you use the gum AFTER you’ve breastfed your baby.

There are other things you should be aware of when you breastfeed. Others - and your baby - may be able to smell nicotine in your expressed milk. You baby is certainly able to taste it and may, therefore, take to breastfeeding less easily than babies whose mothers don’t smoke. You baby’s blood stream will contain nicotine passed on through your breast milk. His urine will also contain traces of nicotine.

So, should you breastfeed at all if you smoke? The answer is yes. Breast milk, unlike formula milk, contains your antibodies and your nutrients that will help your baby fight off infection and help its immune system: something formula milk does not have and is not able to do.

Robin O’Brien is a successfully webmaster and founder of breast-feeding-information.com. He provides help, support and advice on any breastfeeding problem a mother may have.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_OBrien
http://EzineArticles.com/?Breastfeeding-And-Smoking&id=261957

By Stacelynn Caughlan

Can you breastfeed while pregnant? In most cases, yes. You should check with your doctor or midwife, however, if you are at risk of premature labour or have any pain or bleeding during pregnancy. Breastfeeding (nipple stimulation in general) induces the production of the hormones oxytocin, which produces milk, and prolactin, which causes the uterus to contract. Neither hormone should be a problem during a normal pregnancy.

By about the fourth month of pregnancy, your breasts will start to produce colostrum in preparation for the new baby. Some toddlers may not mind this change in texture and taste, while others may naturally wean themselves. Colostrum has a laxative effect and might soften your child’s stools. Be aware that the nutritional content of colostrum differs from your regular milk and you should pay closer attention to your toddler’s other sources of nutrition.

For most women who are nurturing two children at once, the primary concern will be getting adequate enough nutrition. Lactation requires an additional 500 calories (even for mothers who are nursing children who are on solids) and pregnancy requires approximately 300 cal/day. You will need to supply a total of 700-800 calories in addition to the food you normally require for your body size and activity. For most women this will be somewhere in the range of 2600-2900 calories!

Water intake should also be watched closely. Both pregnancy and lactation require ample amounts. Try to get a minimum of 2 litres daily. This may sound like a lot, but you will notice a difference in your body when you consume less than this.
Include herbal teas and unsweetened, diluted fruit juices in your daily total, but not soft drinks or caffeinated beverages (both should be avoided now anyway).

Choosing healthy foods and eating regularly throughout the day will help you get the nutrition you need. Now may be a good time to seek advice from a nutritionist on how to maintain a healthy diet during this critical period.

Stacelynn Caughlan is a Clinical Nutritionist and Certified Herbalist who specializes in pregnancy, birth and childhood. She is currently the editor of http://www.motherandchildhealth.com an online source of advice on nutrition, herbs, and natural healing for pregnancy, birth, and childhood. It includes parenting advice, articles, experts, and a variety of resources that help support natural lifestyle choices.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stacelynn_Caughlan
http://EzineArticles.com/?Can-you-Breastfeed-While-Pregnant?&id=99451

Being a new mummy, I wasnt sure what brand is better since there is no prior experience. I made decisions solely on the advertisements and my perception of various brands. I decided on Avent after shopping around. The Avent teat was working quite well initiately but baby start to dislike it as when he drink continuously, the teat tend to collapse and preventing the milk from flowing out unless air is being let in again. And my baby has a tendency to stop drinking once he is being interrupted. I dread this as breastmilk cannot be kept if its not finished. My supply is just enough for my baby and its too precious to be wasted. Therefore I start looking around for solutions.

I happened to chance upon Pigeon peristaltic nipple and got to know that it can be fitted on my Avent bottles. I noticed that the teat is very firm and stretchy unlike the Avent teat which looks thinner and softer. And the shape of the Pigeon peristaltic nipple looks like a real nipple. I decided to try it out.

My baby loved it! He can also finish his whole bottle of milk without stopping and yet the teat does not collapse. I also dont have to worry my precious breastmilk will be wasted.

For Avent supporters, dont boycott me yet. This is my personal experience and i have no commission from Pigeon. : ) I am a lover of Avent disposable breastmilk container. I used them to contain breastmilk and I can sterilise and reuse. Now it become handy containers to keep snacks and small portions of baby food in fridge.

My early breastfeeding days outdoor was such a struggle. It did not help to avoid exposure even with nursing bra & nursing wear. Although it is not something to be ashamed of but I would try to be as discreet as possible bearing in mind our society are still not as open.

 I happened to chance upon this wonderful product, a nursing cover. With it, I literally breastfeed anywhere, sitting or standing, even if its so crowded. Its made of cotton with a rigid part right on top. The prints are very stylish and the rigid part allows me to see my boy so I can latch him on properly and see him while he is drinking. You can also control the size of the opening and tighten when in a crowded environment.

With it i never fret when is baby’s next feed and where I will be. Most importantly, I am breastfeeding in style. I love the confident mummy’s look and approving glances from the public. Double up as a blanket too!

Not only these!! This cloth can also be used as a cover while breast pumping outside. I used to breast pump in my car as I am always outdoors. Other mummies who do not have the luxury of your own room may have to do it in the toilet. With it, you can breast pump at your workstation comfortably and even continue working.

Together with Pumpin Pal Super shields & Handsfree, its the best experience I had breastfeeding. If you want to breastfeed, breastfeed in style!! 

Hi dear readers,

I often get in touch with new mummies and always enjoy the news of pregnancy and the process of being pregnant. As my pregnancy was such a joy. And I simply love to share my breastfeeding experience and hope I can help all new mummies to a certain extend. Or just encouraging them makes me happy.

Recently I heard from my best friend who is also my partner in this Mumsfairy business, that she had a miscarriage. And that she wanted a break from this Mumsfairy business.

Although she is not a mother yet, she adores children and hope to have her own too. It must be a blow to her. Hope she can get well soon.  

I can understand why she needs a break from the business as its bringing her memories of this little one, not born to this world. But I hope she can come back to Mumsfairy team soon.