Healthy Pregnancy Centre

Archive for July 5th, 2009

Welcome back!

Introduction

If you make the decision to breastfeed your baby, what steps should you take to ensure your baby receives the best nourishment? While many mothers are aware that avoiding alcohol whilst pregnant is advisable, it seems that the guidelines for post pregnancy are somewhat unclear. After consulting with the experts we have complied some essential facts about drinking alcohol whilst breastfeeding.

The effect of alcohol

• The level of alcohol in a mother’s bloodstream is very similar to the levels in the breast milk

• Levels peak between 30 and 60 minutes of drinking alcohol, or 90 minutes if you drank with a meal.

• It takes between two and three hours for a unit of alcohol (a small glass of wine, or half a pint of ordinary-strength beer) to leave a nursing mum’s breast milk. The effect on your baby

• Breast milk containing alcohol is likely to disrupt your babies sleep patterns and cause the baby to become agitated

• Larger amounts of alcohol may cause a sedative effect

• Research shows that babies may take around 20% less milk if alcohol is present in breast milk. This is because alcohol inhibits the mother’s ‘let-down’ which releases milk to the nipple.

Consequently, babies are likely to need feeding more often and may even go on ‘nursing-strike’ due to the altered taste of the milk. In moderation Dr Wendy Jones, a pharmacist who is a Registered Breastfeeding Supporter with the UK based Breastfeeding Network says it’s safe for breastfeeding mothers to drink alcohol “within reason” – a position supported by La Leche League and the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs. “An occasional glass of wine is fine but binge or regular drinking above the recommended daily levels of two to three alcohol units is harmful to mum and baby,” says Wendy. “It is better not to drink every day but to keep alcohol for social occasions.”

However if you do drink over the recommendations at a social occasion, you may want to avoid breastfeeding. Wendy advises, “If you feel drunk and particularly if you have drunk enough to vomit, it is better not to breastfeed for 12 hours”. Alcohol contained in breast milk will not remain there once the alcohol has passed from the mothers system. Therefore ‘pumping and dumping’ to expel the milk containing alcohol is not necessary. Know your limits According to breastfeeding consultant and former maternity nurse, Geraldine Miskin, first-time mums often choose to avoid alcohol altogether, however those with children tend to be more comfortable including alcohol in their diet. “They have experience looking after small babies and children and know their boundaries,” she says. “Managing family needs with a sore head will definitely not be part of their plan.

However, if you have more than one child and a crazy day with no help – a glass of wine at the end of the day keeps you sane!” Geraldine suggests that mothers who do want a drink should follow these guidelines;

• Have alcohol with a meal and shortly after a feed, so there is time to process the alcohol before baby needs to feed again.

However, she advises having at least two alcohol-free days each week: “This way you won’t become dependent on ‘that one glass of wine’ at the end of a long day, which can quickly become two or three”. Is abstinence best? Many take a very different view on alcohol and breastfeeding. Janet Fyle, professional policy advisor at the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), argues that drinking in moderation sends out the wrong signal to mothers. “The RCM advises abstinence in pregnancy and during breastfeeding,” says Janet. “In the light of all the evidence, we believe cumulative alcohol consumption can be harmful to mother and baby.” Janet argues that advising women it is OK to drink in moderation is very dangerous, as many ask the question, “What is moderation? If someone is consuming alcohol regularly, it’s very easy for them to cross the line.” Mothers raising children alone without support and those with post-natal depression could be particularly at risk. Mothers nursing their babies in bed should be particularly careful. “If you are co-sleeping, you must never consume alcohol because of the danger of suffocation,” says Janet. “The same applies to your partner.” While abstinence is the College’s official recommendation, midwives are encouraged to consider the individuals circumstances when advising on drinking alcohol. Janet stresses, “We’re not trying to tell people how to live their lives. If someone says ‘I’m going off to a wedding, can I have a glass of champagne?’, that’s different.”

Conclusion – What is best for baby?

The evidence suggests that for mothers who want to enjoy the odd drink, switching to bottle-feeding is not necessary and may deny your baby the benefits of breast milk. “Breast milk from a mother, who has the occasional small glass of wine or half a pint of beer (the equivalent of one to two alcohol units) is still superior to formula milk, which does not contain all the immunological and other special properties we know breast milk has,” says Wendy. “If you know your boundaries with alcohol, there is no need to switch to formula,” agrees Geraldine. “Just think of all the benefits your baby will be missing out on if you give up breastfeeding during the day – just so that you can have a glass of wine at night.”

Drinkaware – the facts about alcohol Drinkaware provides consumers with information to make informed decisions about the effects of alcohol on their lives and lifestyles. Our public education programmes, grants, expert information, and resources help create awareness and affect positive change.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/drinking-while-breastfeeding-1011267.html

Maternity Swimwear has all kinds of great suits out this summer. Brands like Maternal America, Prego Maternity and Belabumbum have some to-die-for styles that make you want to be pregnant, if you are not already, just so you can sport these looks! Here are a few personal favorites and bestsellers this season:

Maternal American’s Jenni Tankini in Fiesta Print is hands down the winner for this summer’s hottest maternity swimsuit. This suit simply has everything going for it. First this print offers a delicious blend of patterns and colors from a connective coral theme of light blue and bronze accents. Second, this suit has a fabulous body style with under the belly bikinis with adjustable side ties to an O-ring design strapless with halter ties. You can wear the halter bowed in front as a strapless or tied around the neck as a string halter style. Cups are padded and supportive with the O-ring ruching providing a beautifully stylish centerpiece to this festive suit. This 2 piece adjustable suit with the bottom side ties and adjustable halter ties is easy to fit, even for women who are slightly bigger on top or bottom as you can securely tie to fit both top and bottoms. Being adjustable is a big bonus when pregnant as your shape is always changing.

Next up for hot maternity swimsuits this summer is the Maternal America Josie Halter Tankini in the Flower Power print. Maybe I am biased, but Maternal America has just nailed their prints this season. The Josie Halter style is sexy and sweet with the classic V neck adjustable tie halter and side tie bikini bottoms. Although the Fruit punch and Sky Blue solid colors are super cute in this suit, the Flower Power print is simply adorable. The only drawback to this suit is that it does not provide a huge amount of bust support, so the DD and plus ladies who are looking for a little extra lift, would probably be better suited in another style.

One more Maternal America suit this is super hot this summer is the 2 Piece Flutter Halter Tankini in Papaya. Both color and style complete this look which is sizzling hot. The Flutter Halterkini has a padded bra with adjustable tie halter strings that can be worn bowed in front for a strapless style or tied in back of the neck for a little extra support and style. The front ruching is very flattering in the bra and the mesh cross-over tankini is perfect for an expanding belly. The Flutter Halterkini style is a great hybrid of a bikini and a tankini since you can show a hint of skin through the mesh without baring all in bikini. It’s also super cool and comfortable for sensitive skin on growing tummies. This style is also available in black as well as a fun carnival print with a matching cover-up.

If you are looking or great mini, then look no further than Prego Maternity’s Strapless Mini in Black Dots. Prego makes a very durable and well-made maternity swimsuit which is secure in the water and on the land. All Prego Minis come with a detachable halter string for an alternative look and a little added support for swimming. This strapless style looks like a pretty mini dress that you can swim in. This suit covers hips and bottom creating a flattering silhouette with the mini style. Bottoms fit securely over the belly but are not visible under the suit unless you are swimming. The black dot suit in the strapless is a hands down favorite. However the solid black and chocolate in this style are also sure to please the crowds.

Finally, if you are looking for sexy maternity swimsuits that you can also nurse in after you have your baby or just to hide your post partum belly, then look no further than Belabumbum’s Nursing Swimwear Tankini in Pink. This suit is super sexy in hot pink with a front tie in contrasting light pink. Straps are wide and supportive without looking heavy duty. Nursing access is from under the front tie and very discreet. The tankini is roomy over the belly and covers the hips. Bikini bottoms fit under the belly with plenty of stretch. This is a suit you can wear with style both before and after you have your baby.

Amy Jarman is owner of the maternity clothes and nursing clothes store Tummystyle.com, a leading online retailer. TummyStyle.com has a wide selection of maternity swimwear and maternity swimsuits for your pregnancy by designers such as Prego Maternity, Maternal America, and BelaBumBum.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/hottest-maternity-swimwear-1012865.html