When you’re faced with a fussy baby, you can find yourself at a loss about what to do. Sometimes, it’s not clear why a baby is crying. It’s frustrating when you can’t understand your baby’s needs and your baby can’t communicate them to you. But don’t feel like you’re failing as a parent. Babies are pretty simple beings, after all, and they usually are crying for one of just a few reasons. Having a good grasp of issues and problems that can lead to fussiness will help you calmly work out, through process of elimination or just some common sense, what the problem is. Then you can take steps to soothe and calm your baby.

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It’s completely normal for babies to cry from time to time. In fact, newborns will normally cry for between one and three hours every day. Remember that it’s one of only a few ways they can really communicate with you until they’re a little older and learning to speak. Sometimes, the best remedy for crying is just a little time. Whatever you do, don’t let your baby crying become so upsetting and frustrating to you that you can’t react calmly. You might feel like crying yourself, or screaming at or shaking your baby in your worst moments. When this happens, count to ten or breathe deeply. Find a way to calm yourself and remind yourself that this is normal and will pass shortly, and your baby will go back to being that miraculous little creature that you love. You’ll also get better with time at reading your baby’s nonverbal signals and figure out what is upsetting him or her, which will lead to less crying.

The most common reason that babies cry is that they’re hungry. Little babies need to feed very frequently. Their stomachs don’t hold much food and they’re growing very quickly, so they need lots of regular nutrition. They can continue to be fussy even as they breastfeed or nurse from the bottle until their little tummies start to fill up, so if your baby is still crying even after you try to feed him or her, keep offering food for another few minutes just to be sure. They may eventually settle down. On the other hand, if she or he continues to turn away from food and cry, hunger may not be the problem and you’ll want to try another tack.

Another very standard cause of a crying spell is that your baby is tired. Babies need lots of sleep. Sometimes, though, because they’re over-stimulated or for some other reason, they can have trouble calming down enough to fall asleep. Have you ever had the feeling of being exhausted but unable to rest? The same thing can happen to your baby. When this happens, the best thing to do is create a soothing environment and be calm and patient with your baby. Remove any bright lights, noises, or other people or animals. Hold your baby and trying gently rocking him or her or pacing with her. Some babies love to be rocked in a swing or cradle. You can try gently talking in a sing-song voice or singing. One trick for a fussy baby is a ride in their stroller or carseat – sometimes a little bit of vibration, surprisingly enough, is the key to getting your baby to fall asleep. I even know one mother who swears by putting her baby in the carseat on top of a clothes dryer running on low! (Please keep an eye on your baby if you try this tip; the vibrations from the dryer could potentially eventually knock the seat right off the top.)

Physical discomfort may be behind your baby’s crying. This goes beyond just having a dirty diaper, although, that of course should be one of the first possibilities that you investigate! It can be so frustrating when your baby can’t communicate to you that he or she is too hot or too cold, or uncomfortable. Check to make sure your baby is warm enough, but not overheated. Sometimes clothes can be constricting, or there’s something poking or hurting your baby in their seat or wraps. Carefully look over everything you can think of, including around their feet and little fingers and under their bodies. Sometimes the tabs on diapers can pinch or irritate skin. Also keep in mind that babies like to be fairly warm. You can try swaddling your baby. Sometimes being firmly wrapped up can be very calming for an infant and calm him or her down right away.

If your baby won’t stop crying for a long time, or there are other changes to his or her normal behavior, you need to consider illness and other more serious issues. You’ll grow to be familiar with the sound of your baby’s crying pretty quickly. Be alert to the tone, pitch, and overall sound of the way in which he or she cries. If the crying suddenly sounds different, the cause may be something new and potentially serious. If this is the case, check your baby’s temperature and for signs of sickness. You may want to check in with your doctor to be on the safe side.

Finally, it’s very possible that your baby is crying for reasons of which he or she isn’t really even aware. Keep in mind that your baby is still so small, and sometimes may be fussy without quite understanding why him or herself. Babies with colic can cry for months for no real reason. Or maybe there’s something that doesn’t feel quite right, and your baby wants you to make things better. In these cases, there’s nothing to do but try to soothe your baby. Hold your baby and talk gently and reassuringly. Offer food. Check the diaper and overall comfort. If all else fails, try to create a different environment; walk into a different room or put on soothing music or whatever else you can think of to distract your baby. Again, sometimes, there’s just nothing to be done but to wait the crying spell out, and to do your best to comfort your baby in the meantime. Be patient with your baby and yourself; this isn’t a sign that you’re doing anything wrong, but just a part of having a baby. It will pass with time.

Toddler Nap Mat Uses

Back when I worked at Head Start, one of the things we used the most was a toddler nap mat. These can be marketed under the name Kinder Mat and often referred to as sleep mats. They are a small, trifold pad.  They are usually red on one side and blue on the other side and they vary in thickness from an inch to two inches. The folding helps to ease storage in a cubby, locker, or closet. The only drawback to using a Kinder Mat or any other type of toddler nap mat of this type is that they may not be comfortable when placed on a concrete floor. This can be somewhat alleviated by adding a blanket and small travel pillow to the mix. They can also be hot and induce sweating in your toddler if it’s a very hot day, thanks to the vinyl cover.
If this is a new concept for your toddler, a little patience and positive reinforcement should be applied if he or she gets up from it frequently.  After a bit of patience and persistence, your toddler should get used to the mat and start using it at nap time as a toddler rest mat.

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There are a few things to consider before you try using one of these.  Make sure the vinyl cover is not cracked and that the foam is not picked at by your toddler, especially since they will be on a stage where they put almost everything into their mouths.  Discard the mat immediately if this becomes a problem.  Since an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, the mat will last longer if you reinforce to your child that pushing Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars around on it are not permitted, nor is it to be used to have a ‘pillow fight’ with another toddler. Also, because the cover is vinyl, make sure your child is physically able to turn his or her head easily, especially, if they are tummy sleepers. It is recommended children older than two use them.

The use is, of course, not limited to just napping either. You can use it as a place for them to go for time out. However, before you use the mat as a spot to go to during a time out, your toddler will be less likely to nap on it and might not be able to differentiate punishment, from desired nap time.  The best way to do this is to have a separate mat in a consistent spot for naps, and a mat for time outs in a different spot entirely.
If your toddler outgrows the nap phase, it can still be used by your child. In its fully folded position, it can make a good stadium seat or cushion. It can be partially draped onto a chair to make it softer for adults and children alike. If they are outdoors, such as on a picnic or beach, it can become a suitable alternative for a lawn chair.

How not to use a toddler nap mat

Just know that it is not to be used as a personal flotation or safety device in a pool. They have specific items made especially for that so please adhere to all safety precautions before using a toddler nap mat.

Baby information for new parents that is useful

Becoming a new parent can be very scary at first. Most parents, first-time parents especially, do not truly understand the new world that is ahead of them until they are already shoulder deep in high water. The best advice most people have for new parents is to take their time. You need to work hard to enjoy every single second that you can with your little one, because they grow very quickly.

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First time mothers and fathers will notice that they will have a hard time adjusting when it comes to having some alone time with each other. Fathers need to understand that the role a mother takes on can be extremely challenging, tiring, trying, and frustrating. The more you are there for your wife, the more you will also reap the rewards of raising a new baby, even as hard as it is. Mothers should also understand that it can be hard for a father to bond with the new baby, especially if they do not have any key responsibilities. When a new mother is nursing, that often takes up a lot of her and the baby’s time, especially in the first few weeks. Make it a point to let daddy change diapers, or have alone time with the baby when the baby isn’t sleeping. This will allow the father to feel involved, and will also help him to feel like he’s playing a very important part in this new child’s life.

Baby information for new parents when your chid is ill

When a child gets sick, this can be the parents’ biggest worry, especially when the child is still very little and completely helpless. Anytime you are fearful that your child may be ill, and you can’t pinpoint an exact reason, it is a good idea to take the baby to the doctor, sooner rather than later. New parents are often hesitant because they don’t want to seem like they are too pushy, or urgent, but this is often not the case. They just need reassuring with good parenting information. Doctors usually understand a new parent’s worries, and it is always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to the health of your child. After all, baby information for new parents is not always easy to come by and your child’s health is everything to you.

Most doctors have their opinion on when a baby should be started on solid foods, and whole milk. This sort of baby information for new parents can vary depending on who you listen to! The best thing you can do is get advice from your pediatrician, but at the same time, know that you are a parent, and you know what is best for your child. Do not ever underestimate the power of your mind, and feelings towards what is best. Parents have almost a sixth sense when it comes to taking care of their children, and this will be very beneficial to you and your child, as well. Make the best decision you know how, with the advice from a professional, and do what you think is best for you, your family, and most importantly, your child.

One of the biggest decisions you will make is what daycare to put your baby in, or who will be watching your child. This is a big area where parents have some conflict as well. The father may want the baby to stay with a family member or friend, while the mother is anxious about it, and wants to put the baby in a daycare type of environment where the baby can grow and thrive. The ultimate result needs to be that the baby is well taken care of, nurtured, and loved. Remember to listen to your partner, and try to see both sides, and come to a compromise. Try leaving the baby with family or friends two to three times a week, and the other two to three times a week, put the baby in a daycare. This may also save a bit of money as well.

Now, for the newborn basics. Be very careful what you wash your baby’s clothes in. You want to use something that is not going to irritate their skin, and perhaps cause them to get a rash. Dreft laundry detergent is what most parents use for this, and speaking from experience, it works great. You also want to make sure that you always have gas medication on hand, in case the baby gets an upset stomach. Walking the baby around while gently bouncing and patting his or her back is the best option, along with taking a warm bath to help ease the pains in the baby’s tummy from the gas bubbles. For nursing moms, it is best to make sure you watch what you eat, and do not eat something that is going to upset your baby’s tummy. High fiber foods can do this, along with caffeine and chocolate. It is best to stay away from these foods, especially for the first few months until you and your baby can get on a good feeding routine.

Last but not least, enjoy the feeling of your cute little dewdrop and every minute that it takes for them to grow up. Read to them, love them, play with them, teach them, and show them the world. They will love you so much for it. Babies are like little sponges, especially at a very young age, and they soak in more than you can imagine. This is the best time to teach them. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing your child show you that they learned something from you, even something as simple as clapping their hands, or mimicking a hand gesture. Sign language is a very useful thing when it comes to having a young child that can’t yet communicate. This enables your child to communicate with you in a productive manner, which will help you to give them what they need with little effort in trying to find out what it is that they need. Teach your child, but don’t rush them. They grow up fast enough as it is, and when they are sixteen years old, and asking for money and the car keys, you are going to be wishing that you were back in the baby stages again, even if you did not have all the baby information for new parents that you might have had. Watching your newborn baby smile and coo for the very first time is something that every new parent delights in.

I believe that babies really start laughing at around the age of three to five months. Some will laugh sooner than others, however the range should still be about the same. Every baby develops their personalities at different ages, some sooner than others. The most important is to know the difference between a true laugh from your baby and not just an involuntary reflex your baby has no control over. I know that many parents see their babies laughing and smiling earlier than the age of three months, however, surprisingly this is usually due to gas or some kind of discomfort the baby is feeling in their bodies. I assume that babies have less control and understanding over their facial muscles so they can make extreme faces when they are gassy, hungry, or feeling some sort of discomfort. This can come across as a giggle, smile or even a laugh.

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Babies are triggered by laughing in many different ways. The most common way to make a baby laugh would be to play the game peek-a-boo. When you play this game, a baby does not understand where your face disappears to and that becomes funny to a baby and sometimes can create a hysterical laughing fit. Sometimes, babies can laugh at the oddest of things, such as a sneeze or a cough. The sound that you make can really send a baby into a laughing spell. Another great way is to blow what are called raspberries on your baby’s tummy. This gives them a ticklish feeling and then it could trigger them to laugh as well.

I have even heard of pets making babies laugh. The sight of some pets are even funny to adults, so I could definitely see where a baby may find them interesting enough to laugh at because of their odd appearance. Either the sight of a dog, the touch of a cat or anything that moves and is unfamiliar to a baby could make them turn over with joy. Lighting and musical sound is another great way to get a baby to laugh. The sound of sweet melodies and silly tunes can send a baby into a frantic laughing fit, and of course, this is a good thing. Babies see life in a different light than adults. They have no worries other than feeling hungry and wanting to be changed when needed. Their laughter comes more frequently than it would in an adult, so the simplest of things can get them going.

People say laughter is the best medicine and it is a known fact that it is good for a baby to experience these feelings. Some babies laugh more than others; however, I do not believe that this is due to the parents but rather to what they see and feel around them. Parents who think there is something wrong with their baby because they do not laugh at their jokes or the silly faces they make should not worry. A baby may not find the same things as funny as you may. I know of many babies who can sit and swing all day while keeping themselves occupied and laugh like they are watching the funniest comedian in the world. What I have observed with babies and why they laugh is that they are always in motion, whether it’s their eyes, bodies, or hands. This is why I believe the feel, sight and overall misunderstanding of something is what triggers a baby to laugh.

Even though I have given many suggestions on how to make or why a baby laughs does not mean that every baby will laugh at these same things. Parents should know their baby best and they will know what he or she likes and finds amusing. I know many parents who say that bath time creates a very inviting and friendly environment and this triggers their babies to laugh while splashing in the water. Other babies may not like bath time and they may be fearful of the water and have a negative response when getting wet. Again, there is no specific age, only an average age of an expected true laugh. One that is not induced by other feelings a baby may have but one that tickles their fancies in a way that we may not understand. On the other hand, it could be clear as day to us and we should continue to try and make our babies laugh if we know the trick.

I would like to add in general, babies should really start laughing between the ages of three and five months. If this does not happen, do not force your baby to try and laugh. It will only harm them and possibly hurt your ego. Do not mistake the early signs of discomfort from your baby as laughing because this is not a true laugh, which many people misunderstand. Always remember that light from a toy or even a simple lighted fan can be amusing to a baby. Sound from a silly song or a noise that you make from your body such as a sneeze or raspberry and feeling something that is different and unique like petting a dog or cat. Bath time while your baby is splashing water and even a baby who sees something that may look peculiar could trigger them to laugh.

I would like to say, in closing and, of course, last but not least, the pure and simple joy of a baby seeing a familiar person could trigger them to laugh. Unlike laughter from seeing or hearing something that is unfamiliar to them, they could respond the same way to seeing or hearing something that is familiar, such as their parents, grandparents and or siblings. Over all, there is no exact time or reason why a baby laughs but the one thing I do know is that when it happens, it is a pure joy which can light up any room and change a person’s mood with one simple laugh from a baby.

Co-sleeping refers to the practice of sharing a bed or bedroom with an infant, rather than sleeping in separate beds in separate rooms. Other similar terms include ‘family bed’ or ’bed-sharing’. There can be big benefits to co-sleeping, both in terms of physical and emotional health. Babies that sleep in the same room as their parents have been shown in numerous studies to be less prone to stress disorders and mental illness later in life. Co-sleeping also usually means an easier time for breastfeeding and concurrent immune system benefits for the baby.  Babies who co-sleep have been shown to breastfeed more often. There have also been studies showing that there are benefits for the baby in terms of breathing patterns, deep sleep cycles, and infant-parent bonding. Sleeping in a separate room from parents as an infant has even been linked to a greater likelihood of drug and alcohol abuse as an adult.

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The benefits of co-sleeping can extend to the parents as well as the infant. When the baby cries in the middle of the night, sharing a bedroom means you’ll likely get to him or her quicker. For this reason, many parents report that they sleep better under a co-sleeping arrangement than with the baby in the other room. While many parents are concerned about possible sleep deprivation by bringing the baby to sleep with them, it may actually be the opposite.

Comforting and breastfeeding the child can be simpler, and parents and baby can go back to sleep quickly instead of the parents waiting for the baby to stop crying, while wondering whether they should get up or not. If the baby is nursing, the mother may find that she gets a lot more sleep when the baby is close at hand, since she doesn’t have to get up out of bed to nurse. It is also possible to calm a fussy infant more quickly before the situation escalates to full-blown crying. Many parents report that co-sleeping also offers some less-quantifiable benefits: great physical contact, emotional bonding, and overall intimacy between themselves and their child. Co-sleeping is also argued to be very effective in getting you and your child on a similar sleep cycle.

On the other hand, there are well-publicized – and real – risks of suffocating or strangulating your baby when you share a bed. The incidence of infant deaths from these dangers has been on the rise over the past two decades, and it appears that this is largely linked to a greater number of parents co-sleeping with their babies. Between blankets and pillows, and the danger of one of the adults rolling over in their sleep onto the baby, it’s clear that co-sleeping isn’t entirely a risk-free proposition. The American Academy of Pediatrics officially frowns on babies sleeping in adult’s beds. The practice has acquired something of a stigma, though the debate as to whether the benefits outweigh the risks has gotten quite heated in recent years. Outside the USA, co-sleeping is extremely common. Even in the United States, it may be the only choice where parents cannot afford a crib for their baby. Other parents report that they co-sleep occasionally, if their child is having extreme difficulty sleeping or is sick.

However, there are ways to minimize risks and to make co-sleeping safer for your infant. Puffy or down comforters and pillows should be removed from your bed, as well as any extraneous pillows or bedding that pose a suffocation risk. The more minimal and lightweight your bedding, the better, as these are a major source of suffocation risk. Examine your bed for any places or ways for your baby to sink in or get stuck. This includes the space between your headboard and the mattress, sideboards, or the footer. Your mattress should fit snugly against any kind of bed frame with no space for a little body to become stuck. If your bed has slats, is there any way for your infant to become trapped between them? Similarly, if your bed is two twin mattresses pushed together, this can be dangerous for an infant. A bed placed against the wall is another danger to a baby to look out for. If there are curtains or hanging cords of any kind near your bed, it is best to remove them if you want to co-sleep with your infant. A baby can become entangled in any drapery or hanging lines or fabrics.

Another very serious risk comes from waterbeds. The majority of infant deaths come from sleeping on a waterbed. A firm mattress is much safer for babies. Similarly, it is not a good idea to sleep with your infant on a couch, recliner, or any other place that offers crevasses where the baby can become trapped or very soft surfaces where an infant can sink in and suffocate. If it is impossible to make your bed safe for an infant, it’s not a good idea then to co-sleep. Similarly, some parents want a bit of separation at night but still want to be able to be close at hand in the middle of the night. You can get a smaller bed, cot, or bassinette to place alongside the bed. There are specially-made cribs available on the market made just for this purpose. They’re called, appropriately enough, ‘co-sleepers’ and are three-sided contraptions that you can attach right to the side of your bed. There are also rigid box frames designed to be place around the baby on the bed to protect him or her from being rolled over onto in the middle of the night by an adult.

Risks aside, another argument against co-sleeping is the thought that although it might lead to better sleep for everyone in the early months, it’s a habit that can be difficult to break. Training your toddler to learn to sleep on his or her own after several years of co-sleeping can be extremely difficult for both you and your child. This is something to consider, though many parents are willing to deal with this hurdle when they come to it, as the benefits of co-sleeping for the time being are thought to be worth it.

At the end of the day, there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answer in the debate as to where babies should be sleeping. It is between you and your child. Still, it is absolutely critical, if you decide to co-sleep, to do everything possible to minimize any risks to your infant.

Organic baby products do have advantages.  Many are made with all natural ingredients that will not  harm your baby.  Some over the counter baby items may contain pesticides, antibiotics, growth hormones, fertilizers and other dangerous irritants or additives.  Organic products do not contain these cancer causing ingredients. Prices may be higher for some organic products but this is offset by the quality that is provided to the consumer.   The cost is also a reflection of the more labor intensive process of creating an organic product.  Organic baby products are also advantageous because so many children are born with allergies.  For instance, using the right organic baby food product can possibly prevent an emergency visit to your local doctor’s office.  Parents who buy baby organic products are making a conscious decision to have the best available for their babies.

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There are two major advantages of using organic baby products. First, these items are pesticide free and additive free.  Secondly, in regards to organic baby food products, they contain more nutritional value than mass-market brands.  The first advantage of an organic baby product is the elimination of harmful toxins.  Limiting the amount of chemical exposure from pesticides and additives is very important for the proper development of your rapidly growing infant.  Between the ages of birth to three years old is when a baby can most benefit from not having exposure to dangerous toxins.  Because babies are smaller, they absorb more toxins than an adult who has had the same level of exposure to a chemical.  It also takes longer for their bodily systems to dispose of toxins, which can have the effect of causing more damage.  Chemicals lingering inside a baby’s body can have a greater negative effect than it would for an adult. The second advantage is that your baby will develop in a healthier way because of the added nutritional and safety value of the products.  Organic baby food products retain the nutritional value of the original produce because of the processing system.  Organic baby foods are believed to be more nutritious than mass-marketed baby foods. Organically grown fruits and vegetables contain a higher percentage of antioxidants, which can be upwards of 30-40% compared to their mass-market counterparts.  There are no final or definitive studies on whether organic foods are better than non-organic foods, but they are free of harmful toxins. Most parents may act on this fact alone when deciding to switch to an Eco-friendly organic lifestyle. These products are also easier for babies to digest.

Organic baby products are a growing industry due to a more knowledgeable consumer, and the constant media exposure of the growing organic movement.  Organic manufacturers also promote their products to consumers.  The popularity is also growing with the general public due to the frequent consumer alerts because of the many baby product recalls taking place. Lead and other contaminants are being found in many baby products.  Baby products that are being manufactured in an organic way are plenty and it include baby formula, baby food, personal care items, mattresses, sleepwear, cloth diapers, and toys to name a few examples.

A baby’s skin is also more sensitive and can absorb toxins faster.  Exposure to toxins can cause ailments and health problems.  It is believed that many common childhood ailments have some link to this exposure to toxins.  A baby is at greater risk from toxins in the air and water.  A baby may already be suffering from eczema, diaper rash, or other skin ailments.  Over the counter personal care products sometimes contain cancer causing toxins.  Organic baby personal care products are available and will be gentle and non-toxic on your baby’s skin.  Manufacturers also have made available to the public organic diaper creams, organic lotions, and organic shampoos.  Many products can be found on the shelf at your local grocery store or can be ordered through various websites on the internet.  Organic baby personal care products are also easy on the earth and environment.

Organic baby formula and foods are in the marketplace and can be purchased by the mother who is not breastfeeding.  Breastfeeding is the best and most nutritious way to feed your newborn, but this option is not always possible for busy new mothers.  Organic baby formula is available to meet your baby’s nutritional needs for the first six months of life.  There are also organic whole grain cereals that can be ordered.  Organic baby foods are readily available in convenient jars.  It also comes in various blends to suit your growing baby or toddler’s taste.

Organic Nursery mattresses and mattress pad covers are great for your baby.  The material used to produce them is cotton or other organic fabrics, such as wool.  The product should come free of pesticides.  A good investment for your baby is also organic sleepwear or pajamas.  The sleepwear should fit snugly since it will most likely be free of flame retardant chemicals.  The garment should also be pesticide free.

Raising a baby in a safe and clean environment is a primary concern of parents.  Organic baby products do have advantages and are worth the investment.  They are pesticide free, safe, and offer more value. Because a baby is growing and adapting rapidly during the first 3 years of their life, parents are making the wise decision to use organic baby products to care for their children.

Breastfeeding and the extent of its benefits has been a long debate ever since 1869. Prepackaged baby food was invented and commercialized by Justus Von Leibig in that very year. His invention was a condensed formula which needed the addition of cow’s milk. It began selling in the USA for roughly one dollar a bottle. In 1870, Henri Nestle developed a liquid baby formula for malnourished infants which didn’t require cow’s milk, and was the first complete baby formula on the commercial market. This led to an ambush revolution adding convenience to wealthy mothers all across the United States. Come the 1950s, nearly all regular households contained a lower priced evaporated milk (debuted in the 1920s) and fed their children with it. By the 1970s, only about 25% of American mothers were breastfeeding and popular thought suggested that the pre-made formulas contained a higher nutritional value for baby, than a mother’s own milk. This is no longer the popular trend, still, others disagree.

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Those opposed to breastfeeding use many different arguments. They say that breastfeeding is time consuming. Because breast milk is much less dense than formula, babies tend to wake up more frequently for feedings. Even when using a bottle for breast milk, the mother still must pump every 2 to 3 hours. Pumping as opposed to the child feeding directly off the mother causes the mother to dry up more quickly and the mother never truly adjusts to the child’s increased appetite. Mothers may feel increased fatigue because all of the energy they have is not just towards her child’s care, but to producing an adequate milk supply. Mothers may become engorged if the baby is not feeding well, which is painful and inconvenient. A mother’s breast may leak making breast pads a necessity to buy. Frustrations will occur in the beginning when both the infant and the mother are beginning to learn. Many women experience pain and bleeding of the nipples particularly in the beginning. Sometimes, a mother will opt out of breastfeeding because she has to go back to work and cannot schedule a proper feeding regimen, or set aside enough time out of her day to pump while at work and avoid becoming engorged during her 8-hour day.

Despite all that, recently it has become more and more common for mothers to start to breastfeed. Statistics encourage mothers to engage in breastfeeding saying that it is all around beneficial for both parties, particularly in the first few months of the infant’s life. Pro-breast feeding enthusiasts claim that it enhances mother child bonding, that it increases significantly a child’s antibodies and exclusive nutrients which will help to fight off sicknesses such as the flu or common cold, and that a mother’s body naturally increases it’s milk supply as the baby needs it. It is also said that breastfeeding promotes body development (facial, nervous system, bone), mental growth (IQ) and that breastfeeding leads to straighter teeth and decreases the chances of tooth decay, and even leads to better vision. This list can go on and on. From personal experience, I can attest to some of these benefits. After being attached for almost a year from embryo to infant, it seems only natural that mother and child be bonded together through other vital means. The experience of breastfeeding can be a difficult one to begin with. A mother must be patient with their infant as she persistently adjusts her child’s mouth to teach the proper way to grasp her nipples. Breastfeeding can also be painful, particularly when a child doesn’t latch on properly, however, when learned and done correctly, breastfeeding can be rewarding. It allows you to achieve a closeness that enhances the codependence of the mother child experience as a whole. Only a biological mother has the liberty to create milk specifically for her child. No mother’s breast milk is the same and no formula is like breast milk.

Everyone has heard that breastfeeding is the healthiest way to go, but not many are aware of the actual statistics. Roughly 85% of all women in the United States of America bare children. In 2005 (the most recent completed study available) about two thirds of that population chose to breastfeed, and by six months after giving birth, almost half of those women had stopped giving their children any breast milk at all (42% to be exact). That drop brought the total number of mothers in participation to about 12% of the initial 85%. Wow. Experts suggest that if mothers chose to feed their children exclusively on breast milk for the entire first six months of their child’s life, not only would the numbers favor their individual child, but the overall health of the children in the United States. Melissa Bartick, graduate of Harvard Medicine and of the Department of Medicine at Cambridge Health Alliance, agrees and leads the argument by presenting these numbers, that the country could save 13 billion dollars a year if 90% participated completely in full breastfeeding for at least 6 months. Bartick published this in March 2010 in the journal titled Pediatrics, touching upon the money mothers would save as well.

Breastfeeding as mentioned above has a long list of advantages. Children under the age of 1 year had less diarrhea during breastfeeding as compared to those children who were formula. Antibody levels of infants who have their required vaccination and influenza shots were found to be greater in breastfed infants as opposed to those who were formula fed, as well. Research has begun on whether or not a mother’s milk can help protection against Herpes Simplex virus, and promising results show that HSV II can be prevented with the aid or breast milk. About 2 times as many infants experienced chronic bronchitis as those infants fed with breast milk. This research also suggests that breastfeeding aids in protection against wheezing and other respiratory tract illnesses, and consequently helps protect against SIDS.

In addition to being healthy for the baby, scientists have begun to discover that skipping the lactation period can lead to an increased risk of ovarian and breast cancer. It has been totally proven that breastfeeding helps the cervix and uterus to contract into its original size after birth, burns major baby weight calories, and helps rid the mother of her excess water weight common in pregnancy. In an article published in May of 2009 in Obstetrics & Gynecology, a study of over 135,000 women in America, post menopause, suggests that women who do not breastfeed for more than a year during their child rearing years were at a significant increased risk for cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia,  hypertension and diabetes, in sharp contrast to those of the women who did breastfeed for more than a year. Overall, the benefits of breastfeeding certainly outweigh the disadvantages in most cases. Experts and parents across the country are pushing new mothers to begin to breastfeed and to stick to it.