Summer Travel Made Easy!

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Traveling with baby in tow means lots of gear to lug around for the tiniest member of the household! This summer, make sure to take along these new products that “Mom” at Tiny Green Mom has recently been introduced to if you have a baby on board!


SHOLDIT Pocketed Nursing Scarf Safari print

Pocketed Nursing Scarf by SHOLDIT

Breastfeeding mommas know that nursing an infant when traveling and away from the comforts of home can be difficult! With “Mom’s” youngest being only 5 months old, the new Pocketed Nursing Scarf by SHOLDIT has been a necessity! “Mom” can comfortably nurse her son and keep necessities and other small items within reach, including a burp cloth, tissues, pacifier, lip balm, and cell phone. The Pocketed Nursing Scarf is lightweight, breathable, and incredibly soft against her baby’s skin, and “Mom” can wear it as a stylish neck wrap or shrug, as well as fold it into a convenient little clutch purse. When it comes time to nurse baby, it can simply unwrap and be draped for necessary coverage. For the inevitable spit-up and burps after feeding, it is good to know that the Pocketed Nursing Scarf is machine washable, too!

Dapple Baby Pure N Clean

Pure ‘N Clean Everything Wipes

With the busy travel season in full swing, dapple’s travel size Pure ‘N Clean Everything Wipes will make road trips, flights, and train rides with babies and toddlers a clean breeze. The travel-size packets fit in any diaper bag, carry-on, or purse and will easily wipe away sticky fingers and messy spills. These baby-friendly wipes are made from plant-based, biodegradable ingredients and are fragrance-free. Pure ‘N Clean Everything wipes are available at BuyBuyBaby.com, Diapers.com, and Babies “R” Us. $4.99.

Kangavou 1

Kangavou Dishware

Say bye bye to cheap plastic containers! Here’s a healthier option to hold your little one’s snacks and drinks for road trips this summer! Kangovou offers high quality food-grade stainless steel kid’s dishware products that are BPA, PVC, phthalate, lead, and melamine free. From cereal bowls, compartment plates, snack bowls and sippy cups, Kangovou dishware products are made from quality food-grade, Type 304, 18/8 stainless steel that is naturally anti-bacterial and will not leach chemicals. The plates and bowls come with a protective outer cover, making it easy to keep snacks packed and ready to eat when on-the-go! Kangovou dishware is lightweight, durable, does not rust, cleans easily with soap and water, and is top shelf dishwasher safe. We love the cool, retro-inspired colors and design, too!

Palmer's Baby Sunscreen

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Baby SPF 50+ Sunscreen for Body & Face

New from Palmer’s, this gentle SPF 50+ sunscreen with natural moisturizers is perfect for protecting delicate baby skin from harmful UV rays! This creamy sunscreen glides on easily, and is free of phthalates, PABA and paraben. Tuck a tube into a diaper bag, backpack or purse to make sure you can reapply as needed when enjoying the fun & sun! For a mess-free, no spill option for older children and parents, take along their Eventone Suncare Sunscreen Stick SPF 50! $7.47

babyganics swim diapers

Babyganics Disposable Swim Diapers

In addition to making sure your diaper bag is stocked with diapers for baby, you will want to have a swim diaper or two thrown in, as well! Be prepared in advance for impromptu stops at the splash park with Babyganics Color Changing Disposable Swim Diapers! Featuring an easy pull-on design, the diapers won’t swell when in the water. Found exclusively at Target, these swim diapers not only keep baby covered and protected in water, but feature unique color-changing technology that reacts when exposed to sunlight. As the newest extension to their line of baby-safe diapers, the Swim Diapers are made with a core using sustainable materials and a water-resistant soft cover. $9.99 at Target.com.

*Companies generously provided samples and images for this article. All thoughts expressed herein are my own.*

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In Mom’s Kitchen: Milkmakers Lactation Cookies

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“Mom” is expecting any day now, so of course she was excited to try out these delicious all-natural, organic cookies that effortlessly help boost a mother’s breast milk supply in preparation for baby’s arrival!

Milkmakers 2

Milkmakers Lactation Cookies nourish nursing moms with their delicious, whole food treats that contain just the right mix of natural, organic ingredients including oats, brewer’s yeast, flax seed and a custom blend of vitamins and minerals essential for breastfeeding moms. Breastfeeding moms can choose from yummy flavors including Oatmeal Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin and brand new Lemon Lactation Cookies for a zesty, sweet treat! 1-2 nutritious cookies a day can help breastfeeding moms reap the full benefits of the cookie ingredients. “Mom” was delighted to find that the cookies stayed fresh, soft and chewy in their individually packaged bags, and can be easily tucked into a purse, backpack or diaper bag for a healthy on-the-go snack when out about with little ones in tow!

Founder and CEO, Emily Kane, created Milkmakers after her milk supply started to go down and she worried that she wouldn’t be able to provide enough milk for her baby. She tried every remedy available and finally, a lactation consultant told her about lactation cookies. It seemed too good to be true – she could eat delicious cookies AND increase her milk supply. To her surprise, she saw an immediate boost in her milk production!

Sold by the bag, in grab-and-go bakery boxes and as a baking mix, Milkmakers Lactation Cookies and Mixes come in gluten-free and dairy-free options, as well. You can order online at www.milkmakers.com.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this piece.*

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Introducing the Bravado Designs Body Silk Seamless Yoga Nursing Bra

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Bravado Desigs Pink Yoga Bra“Mom” is expecting her third little bundle of joy, so you can imagine her delight when trying out this new nursing bra from Bravado Designs! Throughout each pregnancy and afterwards when nursing, the Bravado Designs line of bras has been “Mom’s” top pick. The bras are seamless, incredibly soft and made to change with your ever-changing and shifting shape without discomfort. Now, they have brought this level of comfort to your yoga practice or workout routine! And yes, to answer your question, “Mom” has been practically living in this “pretty in pink” bra above since it arrived for review in her home!
 Bravado Desigs Charcoal Yoga Bra

About the Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra
With convertible criss-cross straps and four-way stretch fabric that molds to a woman’s changing shape, whether in the third trimester or throughout breastfeeding, the Body Silk Seamless Yoga nursing bra is luxuriously soft, seamless and wire-free for added comfort. It also features removable foam inserts for shape and discretion, as well as easy open and close clips and full drop-away bra cups for skin-to-skin contact. The bra also comes with a conversion kit for extended usage. Now moms can indulge in their favorite yoga practice or activity, in total comfort and style.

The Body Silk Seamless Yoga Nursing Bra also features patented Silverbreeze™ technology, an antimicrobial finish that is applied to the fabric which prevents the growth of odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew that can cause unpleasant odors, premature decay of the fabric and discoloration. The active ingredient, silver ions, control the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the fabric surface, keeping it fresh through the most rigorous Vinyasa class, power walks and Pilates routine.

Bravado Designs Body Silk Seamless Yoga Nursing Bra is currently available in Charcoal Heather and Pink Heather for $55.00 in the US and Canada at www.BravadoDesigns.com and National and Specialty retailers including Diapers.com, Breakout Bras.com, Figure 8 Maternity.com, Bosom Buddies, The Pump Station, Yummy Mummy, and in Canada at West Coast Kids, Snuggle Bugz, andWell.ca.

*Company generously provided a sample and images for this piece.*

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Two New Pregnancy and Postpartum Must-Haves

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ID-100214179Two New Pregnancy and Postpartum Must-Haves

“Mom” is always on the lookout for sound nutritional products or herbal remedies for pregnancy and postpartum. Two new products have made their debut in the last six months that have “Mom” raving – BabyCare Prenatal Essentials and MILKY!™

USANA Prenatal

BabyCare Prenatal Essentials
A healthy mom means a healthy baby! For complete nutrition through pregnancy and while nursing, USANA Health Sciences now offers BabyCare Prenatal Essentials, which are prenatal vitamins that provide the proper levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to fill in many of the gaps in a mother’s daily nutrition. The new BabyCare Prenatal Essentials includes USANA’s Prenatal Mega Antioxidant vitamin supplement and Prenatal Chelated Mineral supplement with added iron to help support a healthy pregnancy for mom and healthy growth and development for the baby. www.usana.com

milkybox2

MILKY!™
Celebrated TV stars and new moms Tia Mowry-Hardrict and Tamera Mowry-Housley have a new product line, Need™, which includes healthy, innovative products for moms and moms-to-be. The first product in the line for postpartum moms is MILKY!™, a 2.5 ounce, lactation-enhancing herbal tea supplement created for moms who choose to breastfeed. MILKY!™ is a healthy and all-natural product to assist all breastfeeding women including those coping with milk production issues. When consumed twice daily, MILKY!™ increases both the quality and quantity of breast milk a mother produces. Moms can say goodbye to brewing and consuming a cup of harsh-tasting fenugreek tea three times a day and can now enjoy the same benefits with a delicious strawberry flavor (which “Mom” loves!) and on-the-go convenience of MILKY!™. www.needbrands.com. (Consult your healthcare provider about the use of herbs when nursing a baby. NOT FOR USE DURING PREGNANCY.)

*Companies generously provided samples and images for this piece. Top image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.*

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Sneak Peek: Deluxe mombo™ by Comfort & Harmony

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“Mom” is expecting, and one of the most important items she wanted to have on hand prior to this little one’s arrival is a new nursing pillow. She had tried various nursing pillows with her first daughter, and was amazed at how many more choices there are now compared to just three short years ago! She was introduced to the mombo™ by Comfort & Harmony, which is exclusive to Babies R Us, and wow – this is the nursing pillow that beats them all! She cannot wait to start using it in just a few short weeks!

What does “Mom” love about the mombo™? Everything! That is not an exaggeration – this innovative nursing pillow features a two-sided design called Firm2Soft™ which offers a firm, supported area for baby to lay while breastfeeding, which props the baby up close to the breast area, which is more comfortable for both baby and mommy. The soft side of the Deluxe mombo™ is made of a plush fabric surface called Boa, which is the ultimate in snuggly soft fabric, and gives your little one with a cozy place to lounge or be propped for some tummy time action! But what “Mom” finds to be the best feature of all is the soothing vibration unit that can be placed inside the mombo™ to provide your precious cherub with the ultimate relaxing experience! For fussy babies, this is a must-have! (Why hasn’t anyone thought of this brilliant idea before for a nursing pillow or infant positioner?!)

Whether you choose the Standard mombo™, the Deluxe mombo™ or Nude mombo™, you can select from a variety of removable and machine washable slipcovers to cover the mombo™ fashionably. An extra slipcover or two is a must-have for any nursing mama, as baby spit-ups and messes are inevitable!

To learn more about the mombo™ by Comfort & Harmony, to locate a Babies R Us near you, or to order online, please visit BabiesRUs.com.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this piece.*

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Breastfeeding Tips for Working Moms

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Breastfeeding Tips for Working Moms

Whether for financial reasons, self-fulfillment or both, many moms need to work. If you plan on working while nursing you can still accommodate your baby’s breastfeeding schedule. Here are a few tips to help new mothers successfully breastfeed and keep their job:

Keep Your Options Open: You may have had a particular career track and lifestyle for many years, but once a baby arrives, your interests, priorities and goals may very well change. If you find that having a baby has you reassessing your career path, speak with a counselor about possible career options that will give you a better work/life balance.

Consider Telecommuting: More and more moms are considering the many benefits of telecommuting. Working from home allows you the chance to earn a living while breastfeeding and caring for your child. Speak with your employer to see if telecommuting may be either a temporary or permanent option.

Let Baby Visit Your Work: If your place of employment is fairly close to your home, have your caretaker bring your baby to work at some point during the day. This will give you the chance to breastfeed and offers some extra bonding time during the day.

Find a Support Network: Work and motherhood can be a challenge but there is no need to struggle on your own. Seek out other working mothers in your community and ask how they are juggling work, breastfeeding and other duties. If you live in a small town or rural area, consider joining an online group for new moms. Check to see if there is a La Leche League chapter in your city; a wonderful support group.

Find Childcare Close to Your Workplace: While it is understandable that many new parents tend to seek out childcare services near to their home, if you are planning on working and breastfeeding, a childcare provider near your work may be the better option. Having your baby nearby would allow you to breastfeed during your lunch break and perhaps even during other breaks during the day.

Practice with Your Breast Pump: Don’t wait until your maternity leave is over to start learning how to operate your breast pump. Start 2-3 weeks ahead of your return to work so that you are familiar with how it works and how it should be cleaned and stored. This time will also help your body adjust to the breast pump as well.

Don’t Worry About Not Producing Enough Milk: Some new mothers worry unnecessarily that they are not pumping enough breast milk. It takes time for your body to acclimate to the pump. It may also be that there is not enough milk for you to pump in between feedings. Speak with your healthcare provider or lactation counselor if you have any concerns.

Freeze Small Amounts of Milk: Since thawed milk must be discarded after 24 hours, if you must leave home to work during the day, freeze your milk in several small amounts that can be quickly thawed. Once you have a better “feel” for how much your baby consumes at routine feedings you will be able to more accurately determine the proper portions to freeze and thaw.

Take Your Pump to Work: Many working moms bring their breast pumps to work. A number of pumps can be carried to work so discreetly that many of your co-workers probably won’t even know that you have it with you. Before pumping, find a private area where you can use your breast pump and store your milk.

Be Candid with Co-Workers about Breastfeeding’s Benefits: If you start to hear grumbling from coworkers be honest with them about why you are breastfeeding. Explain the many health benefits that breastfeeding provides and how breastfeeding encourages a closer mother/child bond.

Be A Considerate Coworker: Most employers and coworkers are happy for new moms and want to be supportive. But if you are taking time off from work or asking for others to fill in for you while you breastfeed or pump your milk, make sure to acknowledge your coworkers and thank them for helping you. Colleagues who have helped you will also appreciate offers from you to reciprocate when they have family emergencies or personal issues that may pull them away from the office.

Breastfeed as ften as Possible: Most mothers are able to breastfeed a minimum of 4 times daily and so can you: Once in the morning prior to getting your day started, twice after getting home from work and once before bedtime. Remember, nursing will help produce more milk than the pump, and ½ the benefit of breastfeeding comes from the skin-to-skin contact and bonding with your baby.

Remember that if mothers around the world have been able to successfully combine work and breastfeeding for thousands of years, so can you. With some forethought and support from family, friends and other new moms, you’ll be able to manage work and motherhood with ease.

About the Author

Sharon Anderson is the mother of three and also works as a marketing consultant. She enjoys creating business cards from template choices available online. She says to check out this flickr page for a photo set of great looking business cards.

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My Brest Friend Will Be Your Best Friend

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Yes, breastfeeding mamas – this tops “Mom’s” list of absolute must-haves when purchasing items for a new baby! My Brest Friend has been a tried and true friend throughout breastfeeding as it is firm and attaches to you so your baby can lay comfortably when resting or feeding. It is not floppy, bulky or unstable – plus, with the strap that goes around your body, it stays put! Initially recommended by another friend who breastfed her son, My Brest Friend has lasted through infancy and beyond in “Mom’s” house! Even other family members have been known to wear it when feeding baby with a bottle of breast milk – because it is nice and firm, it makes both bottle feeding and breastfeeding a breeze.

If you are an expectant mom searching for the essentials to buy before baby is born, My Brest Friend should be at the top of your list, and if you are searching for a gift that will really be appreciated by the mommy-t0-be, this is it! (well, this and a cleaning service!)

To learn more about My Brest Friend, or to order online, visit www.onestepahead.com.

*Images provided by One Step Ahead.*

 

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Simply Good Nursing Cover Duo

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Nursing mamas want to feel comfortable and confident when feeding their little ones while on-the-go! The Simply Good Nursing Cover Duo makes this possible – the cover stays firmly in place with high-grade Velcro tabs, and it is lightweight so it will keep both mom & baby cool. Plus, the larger ridged opening at the top makes it easy for mom to view her little one as the baby is nursing. With an attachable burp cloth to quickly wipe up dribbles and drool, this nursing cover duo should be renamed the dynamic duo!

For fashionistas who don’t want to throw the baby’s swaddle blanket loosely over their chest & shoulders, the Nursing Cover Duo is available in two gorgeous color patterns & styles – all with a matching burp cloth! Stylish and practical, the Nursing Cover Duo is the perfect gift for any expecting mom or even seasoned mom in need of something a bit more colorful to use while breastfeeding. “Mom” loves that the cover comes with a cute little carrying bag and additional matching burp cloth (because you just go through so many of them in a day!).

Fabulous features of the Nursing Cover Duo include:

•Interchangeable burp cloth and additional burp cloth included.
•Front pocket for storing pacifier or pad.
•Large enough to cover the entire upper body to nurse in privacy and comfort, or even to pump at the office.
•The wide rigid opening enables mom to see her baby at all times and ensures that the baby can breathe freely.
•The wide rigid opening allow mom to check that baby has latch correctly while nursing.
•The Nursing Cover and Burp cloth feature high-grade Velcro style fasteners, ensuring the cover will stay in place.
•It can be used as a shade for your baby’s delicate skin on sunny days (provides no UV protection) or even a light blanket on windy days.
•Reduces the need for mother to buy expensive specialty nursing apparel.
•Includes a matching carry bag, so moms can easily take the cover with them, or use it for dirty baby clothes.
•Includes an additional burp cloth to help ensure that one cloth is always clean and ready to go.
•Fabric is 100% quality Cotton, very breathable.
•Machine Washable.

To view tips on how to use the Nursing Cover Duo, or to order online, visit www.simplygoodus.com.

*Company generously provided samples & images for this review.*

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Your Nutrition and Breastfeeding

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Your Nutrition and Breastfeeding

Good nutrition plays an important role whenever a new mother decides to breastfeed. Nursing babies are dependent upon their mothers to provide the best possible nutrition via breast milk. If you are a new mom, a healthy and balanced diet should be a priority for you while breastfeeding. Below are a few tips to help you and your baby get off to a good start.

Up Your Calories: When you are nursing, you are expending at least an additional 500 calories per day. Since your body needs to be constantly producing milk for your baby, you will have to keep your energy going strong. Speak with your doctor about what your target weight and appropriate calorie intake should be while nursing to keep you and the baby healthy.

Drink More Water: Breastfeeding mothers may feel thirstier than usual so drink at least ten 8-ounce glasses of water per day. While breastfeeding it is also important to gauge your fluid consumption. A lack of water while breastfeeding may lead to increased fatigue and constipation. You can determine if you are getting enough water by checking the color of your urine; when it appears dark and concentrated, your body’s telling you to drink more water.

Stay Clear of Alcohol: Lots of things that you consume can wind up in your breast milk – including alcohol. Alcohol can also leave you feeling drained and tired, can impact your baby’s sleep cycle, and may alter motor development and inhibit your baby’s weight gain. While the American Academy of Pediatrics says that occasional use of alcohol while breastfeeding is acceptable, it’s certainly not encouraged. If you have a drink, experts suggest waiting 2-3 hours after drinking before you begin to breastfeed.

Drink Caffeine in Moderation: While small amounts of caffeine are usually fine, some infants may be sensitive to its affects. Caffeine is approved by The American Academy of Pediatrics for breastfeeding mothers, but one study suggested that large amounts of caffeine might deplete the iron content in breast milk. Speak with your physician about your caffeine consumption and how it may impact both you and your baby. If in doubt, stick with water and juices.

Consume a Diverse Diet: A diverse diet means that a lactating mother will be able to obtain a variety of micronutrients from many sources. If you are breastfeeding, you should get your nutrients from a wide array; make certain that your diet incorporates different fruits, vegetables and grains.

Vegetarian is Fine: There are plenty of healthy vegetarians and vegans (who don’t consume any meat, eggs or dairy products) who are moms and who have successfully breastfed their babies with no ill effects. If you have either a vegetarian or vegan diet, just make sure to eat properly and take a multivitamin that’s been approved by your doctor.

Eat Frequently: While breastfeeding, how often you eat is just as important as what you eat. One of the best ways to keep your energy up is to eat several small meals each day rather than the standard three. Multiple meals will help to keep your energy levels consistent throughout the day.

Increase Your B Vitamins: B Vitamins are a group of nutrients often found together in various foods, and they promote healthy cell metabolism. When vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12 are combined they are known as “B Complex.” Since they are water soluble (meaning that excess amounts are excreted by the body through the urine), B vitamins should be taken daily.

Up Your Folic Acid, Iron and Zinc: Folic acid is instrumental in creating red blood cells and warding off anemia. Iron transports oxygen throughout our bodies and helps store it in the muscle. Zinc promotes healing as well as normal growth and development. Women who are nursing often need greater amounts of these three nutrients. Speak with your healthcare provider and ask them to recommend the amount that will be most beneficial to you and your baby.

Consider Nutritional Supplements: If you are a nursing mother who regularly suffers from certain medical conditions such as anemia, you should speak with your doctor about nutritional supplements. In some cases, both mothers and their babies will benefit from this extra nutritional boost of vitamins and minerals.

Breastfeeding is an important part of motherhood that contributes to the well being of your newborn child. Speak with your healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns about your nutritional requirements while breastfeeding. Together you will be able to develop sound guidelines certain to keep you and your baby healthy and happy.

About the Author

Carrie Atkins feels fortunate to have been able to nurse her three children as a stay-at-home mom. She also writes content for sites conducting reverse phone lookup services.

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Top Tips on Breastfeeding

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Top Tips on Breastfeeding

Although breastfeeding is actually a natural life progression, most mothers aren’t aware of the benefits that it could have on their babies. And, since a lot of negativity seems to surround the topic, first-time mothers end up getting dissuaded from maintaining this very beneficial practice. Learn more about it here.

The first couple of days after delivery, mothers don’t actually produce any milk in their breasts. Instead, they produce colostrum, which is filled with all of the nutrients that newborn babies need. Colostrum is also easy to digest, helps prevent jaundice, and provides babies with protective antibodies.

What most mothers are worried about during these earlier days is that their babies aren’t getting enough to eat. What they don’t know is that newborn babies have tiny stomachs, so instead of eating a lot at once, they need to eat small portions more frequently instead. Besides, the more frequent a mother feeds her baby, the better her milk production will be in the long run.

Another thing you should know is that babies who breastfeed exclusively don’t need any water yet since breast milk can give them all of the fluids they need. The foremilk that comes out during the beginning of each feeding quenches thirst, and if your baby is still hungry, he will stay on your breasts a little longer in order to benefit from the hindmilk that is more filling. Conversely, babies who drink formula milk need water in order to prevent constipation.

If you want to encourage breastfeeding in your baby, it would be highly recommended not to give him any pacifiers or bottles during his first month of life. Your baby has to learn how to breastfeed, too, after all, and introducing a pacifier will just confuse him since the suckling action for a pacifier isn’t the same as that of breasts.

Introducing bottles early on can cause certain problems, too. Babies are very smart and they will soon realize that it is easier to get milk out of a bottle as opposed to from a breast, so your milk supply might get destroyed faster this way. Although some babies have no trouble interchanging between breasts and bottles, this doesn’t happen all the time. So, when it comes to bottles, proceed with caution – most of all if you want to continue breastfeeding for some time.

In case you didn’t know, breastfeeding is actually encouraged for the first six months of a baby’s life. In fact, your baby won’t need any other kind of nutrition aside from your breast milk during this time. After those six months, you can start introducing solids if you want; but it would still be advisable to keep breastfeeding since babies can benefit from it up to two years of age.

About the Author

This article was written by Allice L. who writes on behalf of w3Toledo, a web design and Toledo SEO firm that recommends this Toledo storage facility.

*Image: phanlop88 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net.*

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