Nutrition in the First Year of Life
Birth to 4-6 Months:
The very best source of nutrition in the newborn period is breastmilk. The benefits of breastfeeding are extensive, including immune protection, ideal nutrition and growth, positive maternal health, economic advantages and more. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Department of Health and Human Services highly recommend breastfeeding as the optimal source of nutrition...
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The Doctor is In: Vitamin D for infants
With all the news reports about the importance of Vitamin D for the development of strong bones, new moms often ask if they should give their baby a Vitamin D supplement. My answer is, yes, if you are breastfeeding, and I hope that you are. Breastmilk is the best form of infant nutrition.
Vitamin D is important for building and maintaining healthy bones. It also serves as an important antioxidant...
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What to know about breast pumps
Breastfeeding your baby is one of the most important choices you can make to get your baby off to a healthy start in life. Bringing baby to your breast has immeasurable rewards for both mother and baby, including the bonding that occurs by its very nature, holding baby to your breast to get the nourishing and healthful benefits of breast milk. But what if you can’t feed baby at your breast?...
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Nursing Bra 101
by Ann Grauer, CD(DONA), IBCLC
Tiny baby clothes, new toys, comfy bedding, fresh paint colors—all things soon-to-be moms love picking out for their little one on the way. One task that can seem like a chore is picking out the always necessary, but seldom adored, nursing bra. But times have changed and the simple nursing bra can now be functional, comfortable and pretty!
Here are a few basics to consider when buying a nursing...
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Feeding Infants: Study shows breastfeeding an at all-time high
The number of new mothers breastfeeding their infants is at the highest rate nationally in more than a decade.
Survey results published in April by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show about 77 percent of new mothers breastfeed their infants, at least briefly. However, the percentage of infants breastfeeding at 6 months of age has remained unchanged and is significantly lower than...
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Book of the Month: Breastfeeding Made Simple
by Ann Grauer, CD(DONA), IBCLC
Breastfeeding made Simple:
Seven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers
by Nancy Mohrbacher, IBCLC
(Reviewed by Columbia Center's Ann Grauer)
Every once in awhile a book comes along that you read and say, “Why didn’t someone think of this sooner? It’s so common sense!” Breastfeeding Made Simple is that book.
Written in a smart, caring manner, the...
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Healthy eating is good for mom and her nursing baby
by Deanne Lawson, RN, IBCLC, RLC
Nursing mothers are often told to watch what they eat because their baby is getting the same foods through mom’s breast milk. Well, it’s not quite that simple. Only in extreme cases will not eating your vegetables affect the quality of your breast milk. Contrary to popular belief, there are no foods that must be eaten or avoided by the nursing mother. Like everyone else, nursing...
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Book of the Month: The Milk Memos
by Ann Grauer, CD(DONA), IBCLC
THE MILK MEMOS:
How Real Moms Learned to Mix Business with Babies — and how you can, too
by Cate Colburn-Smith and Andrea Serrette
(Reviewed by Columbia Center's Ann Grauer)
If you are a nursing mom and are returning to work after having a baby or have already done so then THE MILK MEMOS is for you!
Written by two moms who worked at IBM, the book addresses the emotional issues, practical matters...
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The Doctor is In: Breastfeeding benefits mom
Most moms-to-be have heard the many ways breastfeeding will benefit their baby, but what about mom? Guess what — breastfeeding is incredibly good for you, too.
Here is my list of the top 10 benefits of breastfeeding to mothers:
- The #1 advantage is having a healthy baby (breastfeeding enhances a baby’s health by practically every measure). Additionally, you are helping your baby grow into a...
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Feeding Infants: Breastfeeding with confidence
In this era of Blackberries, iPods and advancing technology, it is becoming increasingly difficult to trust in the wisdom of nature. Reality TV focuses on the excitement of nature gone wrong and the medical moments of tragedy waiting to happen. How can you know and trust that, as a new mother, you can naturally provide just exactly what your baby needs through the ancient practice of...
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Just Ask: Will I be able to make enough milk to breastfeed my baby?
Yes! A new mother’s body is designed to provide milk for her baby. Although there are conditions and situations that may require additional support from a lactation consultant, for most new mothers, staying with your baby to allow the breastfeeding relationship to develop as nature has intended is all that is needed.
A mother’s body naturally regulates the flow of milk according to her...
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Breastfeeding: Does it really make a difference?
To breastfeed or not to breastfeed, that is the question every new mother must answer. And the answer has a lasting impact on both mother and baby.
Many expectant mothers consider breastfeeding a lifestyle choice. They ask themselves questions like: Would I enjoy and feel comfortable breastfeeding? Or, how will breastfeeding fit into my lifestyle? Many women worry about the challenges...
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