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Breast Feeding l Healthy Eating During Pregnancy l What is a Doula l Pain relief during labour l breastfeeding pouch

 

Breast feeding: the best start in life.

Breast is the best form of nutrition you can give your baby. It plays an essential role in supporting your baby's immune system during the first year whilst it is developing. Breast feeding will also help to protect your baby from a variety of infections and other illnesses.

Benefits for your baby

•  Babies who are breastfed have a higher IQ and score up to 7 points higher! (see (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7075511.stm)

•  Babies who are breast fed for at least six months, develop fewer colds, ear infections, gastric infections and pneumonia.

•  Friendly bacteria called Bifido bacteria help to protect your baby's gut from harmful bacteria and reduces your baby's risk of colic and allergies to food, eczema, asthma and hay-fever.

•  Breast fed babies are thirty percent less likely to develop obesity than formula fed babies.

•  Vitamins and minerals in breast milk are up to twenty times more easily absorbed than those in formulas. This means your baby is less likely to suffer from deficiencies, such as iron.

•  Breast fed babies also have a lowered risk of developing Diabetes and have better neurological development.

•  Research has shown that there may be a protective effect against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDs).

Benefits for you

•  Reduces your risk of developing breast cancer. The longer you breast feed the lower the risk. Women who breast feed for between four to twelve months have an approximately 22% lower risk. There is also a reduced risk of ovarian cancer.

•  Encourages bonding between you and your baby (promoted by the hormone oxytocin).

•  Encourages your uterus to contract back into its pre pregnancy size and can reduce blood loss after birth. This means you recover from the birth experience more quickly.

•  Helps shed weight gained during pregnancy. Breastfeeding uses around 500 calories per day!

•  May help you have stronger bones in later life (thereby reducing your risk of developing osteoporosis).

•  Feel less stressed (prolactin encourages calmness)

•  Have increased mental alertness (oxytocin boosts Short-Term memory)

•  Convenience: no need to get up the middle of the night to make up a bottle of milk. It also doesn't cost you anything!

•  Weaning may be easier as your baby is 'primed' to accept different tasting foods more readily as they taste them via your breast milk.

Breast feeding: the best start in life.

Breastfeeding Tips

•  Breast feed within the first thirty minutes of birth in order to begin establishing feeding while your baby's suckling reflexes are strong.

•  Avoid over stimulation of baby before the first feed. This means that bathing, dressing weighing and measuring all take second place to breast feeding.

•  When at home, make sure you are comfortable before you begin to breast feed. Have a large glass of water and some snacks close to hand (as breastfeeding can make you very hungry!). Have plenty of pillows to support your baby and your back or buy a breastfeeding pillow (from experience I found the Widgey Nursing Support Pillow invaluable).

•  Don't worry that your milk supply is little within the first 3-4 days of birth. This initial colostrum plays a valuable role in preventing infection and is designed to coat your baby's intestine with valuable antibodies. Babies often don't feed much within the first 24-48 hours.

•  Breastfeeding shouldn't be painful. If it is, your baby is probable not attached correctly. Ask the hospital breastfeeding nurse, midwife or health visitor to check that your baby is correctly positioned and attached.

•  Dark green cabbage leaves (organic) are very effective in relieving engorged breasts. Lightly steam them and let them cool before putting them on your breasts.

Don't start a feeding routine until your baby is at least six weeks old. Breast milk is digested much faster than formula milk so your baby should feed on demand. This may be anywhere between 1- 5 hourly. Starting a routine too early may reduce your milk flow and create problems.

What should I do if I have problems?

•  Speak to your midwife or health visitor.

•  See your doctor: you or your baby may have thrush (or another condition) which is causing the problem and can be treated medically.

•  See a cranial osteopath for your baby.

•  See a breast feeding counsellor (also called lactation counsellor). They will come to your home (not cheap, but worth every penny). Do not rely on telephone support as you need to be shown how to hold your baby correctly when breastfeeding.

•  See a Nutritionist who can help you improve your diet (see below) and milk flow.

The better breastfeeding diet!

To prevent poor milk supply, it is advisable to eat well during your pregnancy so that you have all the right nutrients to make good quality milk as well as a plentiful supply! This includes:

•  Eating 3 meals and 2 good snacks a day:

•  Breast feeding increases your appetite

•  Eating plenty of complex carbohydrate:

•  Wholegrains, vegetables, pulses/legumes

•  Oatcakes, bean, avocado or humous dips

•  Eating good quality protein:

•  Quiona, millet, soya, fish, beans, lentils, eggs, chicken, cottage cheese, natural yoghurt, seeds and nuts

•  Eating oily fish at least twice a week:

•  Mackerel, salmon , herring, sardine/pilchard, fresh tuna

•  These are good sources of essential fatty acids for you and your baby

•  Eating at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day:

•  Apples, pears, courgettes, spinach, tomatoes

•  Snacking on fruit, nuts and seeds:

•  And not on sugary snacks, such as biscuits

•  Drinking at least 1.5 litres (21/2 pints) of filtered or mineral water a day:

•  Always have a drink beside you when you sit down to feed as your baby's sucking will stimulate thirst

•  There is nothing more annoying than wanting a drink when you have just got settled

The UK DoH recommends that all breastfeeding mothers take a vitamin and mineral supplement to ensure your breast milk has enough nutrients for your baby.

And avoiding:

•  Caffeine found in tea and coffee (which can agitate your bay and prevent restful sleep), alcohol (which prevents a baby from feeding as long and can damage brain cells) and dieting (you need all the energy you have to make a plentiful milk supply).

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Healthy Eating during your Pregnancy

Congratulations – you are pregnant!
What pregnancy health conditions can healthy eating help with?
Three basic principles to improve your pregnancy
Five Top Tips
Ten foods to avoid during pregnancy
Four reasons to avoid caffeine, alcohol and cigarette smoke for your baby:
Three lifestyle factors to improve your pregnancy
A Day’s Sample Menu (what I might recommend!):

Congratulations – you are pregnant!

Now, more than any other time in your life, you will be considering what to eat.
Being pregnant and nourishing your baby in the first nine months of his or her life is a huge responsibility and not something to be taken lightly. During the early weeks and months of a pregnancy, your baby’s cells are dividing and multiplying rapidly and his or her organs are formed.
We used to think that the womb protected a baby from any harmful substances that we, as mothers, were exposed to. But this is not the case. Consequently, it is as important to know what to eat and drink and what to avoid.
But eating well isn’t only important for your baby, it is equally important for too, as your baby will take first priority over the nutrients you consume – it’s one of nature’s protective mechanism. This means, that you may become deficient in a number of key nutrients if your diet isn’t optimal and may increase your chances of pregnancy problems (such as increased forgetfulness) or birth related problems, such as pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure), which can be harmful to both you and your baby.
The purpose of this booklet is to explore how to optimize your diet and lifestyle to INCREASE your potential to have a problem free pregnancy, birth and healthy baby. In following the below guidelines, you have made a very wise decision – namely, to give your baby the best start in life and you the best start in your new life.

What pregnancy health conditions can healthy eating help with?

Opimising your diet throughout your pregnancy may help with the following conditions:
 Anaemia
 Constipation
 Cravings (abnormal cravings)
 Faintness
 Fluid retention
 Gestational Diabetes
 Headaches (including migraines)
 Infections (e.g. cystitis, thrush)
 Leg cramps
 Low birth weight or premature babies
 Migraines
 Morning sickness
 Nose bleeds, bleeding gums
 Oedema (swelling of hands, ankles, feet)
 Pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure)
 Stretchmarks
 Thrush
 Varicose veins
 Weight gain (excessive)

Remember, it is never too late to optimise your diet during your pregnancy.

Three basic principles to improve your pregnancy

There are a range of dietary measures that can be taken in order to improve your potential to have a problem free pregnancy, birth and healthy baby. Some of the key recommendations are listed below.

1. Eat unprocessed, unrefined foods to obtain the maximum amount of nutrients. Your baby’s development is dependant on an optimal intake of vitamins and minerals. For example, Zinc is important for nervous system, brain, teeth, bones and birth weight and for your own health as it helps regulate your blood sugar balance and may help prevent gestational diabetes.

2. Increase Essential Fats. The omega 3 oils produce hormone type chemicals that are needed for vision, brain function, coordination, immune system and mood. Omega 3 fats are also key in brain development so a deficiency can cause learning disabilities. They may also help prevent premature births and post natal depression.

3. Eat good quality protein. Protein is the building block of life. During pregnancy, your need for protein increases as you are not just replenishing your own body, but also providing the raw materials from which your baby is made.

Five Top Tips

1. Eat little and often, using complex carbohydrates as snacks to keep your blood-sugar levels up. Regulating your blood sugar may help reduce one of the most comment pregnancy problems – namely, morning sickness. Suitable snacks include rice cakes, wholemeal bread and rye crackers.

2. Make sure you have a good stash of snacks to hand. Many pregnant mums carry a snack with them at all times (in your car/handbag) to avoid the onset of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).

3. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. One of the most important things fruit and vegetables can do is to supply us with a good source of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect us for the effects of free radical molecules which can damage cells. Eat seasonal fruits such as clementines and apples.

4. Buy organic where possible. Organic food is largely free of antibiotics and other chemicals that are routinely added to an animal’s feed. Avoiding these chemicals, means a healthier happier pregnancy. So buy organic eggs, which are also usually a good source of omega-3 fats!

5. Drink plenty of fluids. Aim to drink around 1.5-2 litres of water a day to flush out toxins (thereby aiding your immune system) and to keep the baby and yourself hydrated to sustain energy and brain function.

Ten foods to avoid during pregnancy

1. Liver and cod liver oil (which can provide too much vitamin A);
2. Meat pates (which may contain food-born illnesses, and which are often made of liver; see above)
3. Peanuts (in excess these can cause allergies in your baby);
4. Unpasteurised soft or blue cheese, such as Camembert, Brie and Stilton (there is a risk of food-born illnesses, such as listeria)
5. Raw eggs, including mayonnaise (which may contain salmonella);
6. Raw meet and raw fish (which can contain food-borne illnesses)
7. Read-to-eat salads in bad (because of the risk of listeria)
8. Ready-to-eat meals (because of the risk of food poisoning or incorrect labelling);
9. Sweets and chocolates (which provide unacceptable levels of sugar and/ or caffeine that may harm your baby);
10.Fizzy drinks (for the same reasons as sweets and chocolates)

Four reasons to avoid caffeine, alcohol and cigarette smoke for your baby:

1. Stimulants such as coffee, tea, smoking and alcohol have the same effect on the baby as they do on an adult but the effects are more likely to be amplified because the unborn child does not have the same ability to detoxify.

2. Caffeine is estimated to stay in a baby’s system for up to 100 hours, increasing heart beat and breathing causing anxiousness, nervousness and irritability if consumed in large amounts. Alcohol and smoking can harm the unborn child as its delicate physiology cannot deal with alcohol as well as humans can even in small doses.

3. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage. Alcohol also depletes nutrients from the mother and therefore deprives the child. Too much alcohol can impair liver function in the mother and can hinder hormone regulation and excretion. Consequently, despite recent reports in the media that it is OK to drink some alcohol during pregnancy, I do not believe that it is safe or wise to do so, as there is insufficient evidence as to what constitutes a ‘safe’ limit. In my opinion, it is better to be safe than sorry which means avoiding alcohol completely.

4. Mothers who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have premature and low birth weight babies as the oxygen to the baby is impaired.

Three lifestyle factors to improve your pregnancy

1. Taking regular exercise increases oxygen flow around the body and to help aid the passage of nutrients in and toxins out of cells. If you did not undertake regular exercise before becoming pregnant, please do not overdo it now as this could be just as harmful to you and your baby as no exercise (it would be a good idea to seek the advice of your doctor or midwife before embarking on any new fitness programme).
Swimming is a good form of exercise as is pregnancy yoga - look out for classes in your area. Giving birth has been likened to running a marathon, so the fitter you are the easier and more enjoyable (in theory!) your birth experience should be.
2. Relaxation. Stress is an everyday fact of life and a little bit of stress is good for us. However too much stress can impact on your baby’s wellbeing and has been linked to colic. Good ways of relaxing include yoga, listening to relaxing music, meditation or having a massage (check that your massage therapist specialises in pregnancy massage).
3. Planning your maternity leave. You are entitled to up to 3 months maternity leave prior to your baby’s birth date, plus up to 1 year’s maternity leave. Ideally, you should take at least 1 month off before the due date of your baby. This is not only to ensure you have enough rest before one of the busiest, most tiring, but rewarding periods of your life, but also to get everything you need organised for the arrival of your new baby.
Don’t forget, it is not uncommon for your baby to be born 1-2 weeks ahead of schedule – this will be quite a shock if you’re still at work!


A Day’s Sample Menu (what I might recommend!):

 

Breakfast:

Porridge with pureed fruit (e.g. apple or date) or rye/wholemeal toast with a nut butter (such as almond butter) or scrambled eggs or muesli (Whole Earth and the Food Doctor do good muesli blends) with a sprinkling of seeds (you can make your own mix e.g. sunflower, pumpkin and flaxseed)

Mid-morning snack:

Apple with a handful of nuts (e.g. brazil , almond, hazelnut mix)

Lunch:

Minestrone soup or quinoa salad or rye/wholemeal sandwich (with variety of fillings such as egg mayonnaise with watercress and rocket or humous with grilled vegetables) or mixed bean salad

Mid-afternoon snack:

Humous or guacomale with carrot sticks, ryevita or oatcakes

Dinner:

Pesto salmon with boiled new potatoes and vegetables (such as cauliflower, carrots, green beans) or wholewheat or spelt pasta with a bolognese sauce accompanied by a salad (e.g. lettuce, watercress, avocado, spring onion) or Ratatouille with brown rice. Fruit to follow e.g. mango, papaya, peach.

Drinks:

Unlimited water (aim for at least 6 glasses a day), herbal (make your own with chopped pieces of ginger and a tiny bit of honey), fruit teas or coffee substitute (e.g. dandelion coffee), diluted fruit juice and vegetable juices (ask for ginger to be included if you are suffering from morning sickness).

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What is a Doula

Many people ask me what is a Doula? I shall explain "Doula" (pronounced "doola") is a Greek word meaning "woman servant or caregiver". It now refers to an experienced woman who offers emotional and practical support to a pregnant woman or new mother and her partner before, during and after childbirth. A doula believes in "mothering the mother", enabling a woman to have the most satisfying and empowered time that she can during her transition to parenthood. This type of support also helps the whole family to relax and enjoy the experience. The doula's most important role is to provide nurturing, continuous support and reassurance, she does not offer any clinical care - that is the job of the midwife or medical staff.

The birth doula is chosen by the mother-to-be. She will usually meet with the mother and her partner at least twice beforehand to prepare for the birth, and be available by telephone or for additional meetings as required. She will support the mother or parents wherever they choose to give birth, whether in hospital or at home. During labour the doula can offer help and suggestions on comfort measures such as relaxation, movement and positioning. She also supports the father to participate in the birth at a level with which he feels comfortable. The birth doula will follow up with at least one postnatal visit to facilitate time for debriefing and to help the new mother settle in at home with her baby. Some, although not all birth doulas offer extended postnatal support, other doulas offer only postnatal support however, and the mother may choose to employ a postnatal doula on a regular basis for a period of up to 8 weeks after her baby's birth. The postnatal doula works flexible hours to suit the family, offering practical and emotional support to the new mother and father in the home following the birth of baby. With the help of a doula, a mother may enjoy some of the benefits of a "lying in" period which can support her in bonding with her baby and prolonging breastfeeding. The postnatal doula's work is about empowering the family to take care of itself.

Do I need a Doula?

With midwives under pressure from over stretched resources, the continuous emotional support of one carer is not always practical or possible for women during a hospital birth and may be limited during the postnatal period. As families are now more geographically scattered, this support is not always available from relatives either. The doula may be employed to fulfill this role.

Research has found found that having a doula present at a birth:

1) Can shorten a first-time labour by approximately 2 hours
2) Decreases the chances of caesarean section by 50%
3) Decreases the need for pain medication
4) Can help fathers to participate with confidence
5) Increases the chances of prolonged breastfeeding
6) Reduces the chance of postnatal depression

If you would like more information about doulas, their role and how to find one in your area, it may be worth you doing a search on Doula, we have been workingn with Doulas for some time now, I am now from experience they provide an invlauable resource

Over to you!

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Pain relief during labour

We at miracle products do many baby shows per annum, and I have spoken to thousands of women who discuss with me pain relief during labour. Many of you are worried and concerned, not that I have personally had a baby, I do understand having had three children that pain relief needs to be considered carefully. When making decisions about your pain relief options, it is important to consider all the options and to keep an open mind. Whatever you decide, when it comes to the labour and delivery, things might not go according to plan and you may need to be flexible when the time comes.

Natural Pain Relief

There are a number of natural birth methods that can be used during labour, either exclusively or in conjunction with medical methods to help you through the pain

Water Birth

Being submerged in water during your labour and birth takes the pressure off your body and can help you to better cope with the pain. Water doesn't take the pain away but helps you to relax hopefully making the pain more bearable.

Water can be used at the start of the labour. For example, if you are spending the duration of your contractions at home, you can simply lie in a warm bath to help relieve the pain. Some hospitals also have baths that you can use.

Alternatively you may wish to opt for a water birth at home or in hospital which you can use for the duration.

You can always supplement it with alternative pain relief if necessary (birthing ball, tens, gas and air)

Breathing techniques

If you breathe rapidly during labour, you can become tense which increases feelings of pain and can cause you to panic if you are over breathing. This can occur during labour but leads to exhaustion and reduces the amount of oxygen reaching your baby and you.

By adopting some simple breathing techniques, you can control your body and they can help you to relax and work through the various stages of labour. Breathing techniques are often demonstrated at your antenatal classes. We all laugh when it comes to demonstrating breathing techniques, but take it seriously, it will help.

Hynotherapy

Hypnotherapy is a technique using hypnosis to tap into your subconscious and prepare your body for labour and birth. By preparing in this way, it can help you to overcome the fear and anxiety of labour and birth. By being relaxed, focussed and confident about your body's ability to cope with childbirth you can stay in control which alleviates your fear and tension which can be a major factor in the pain that you experience.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient system of healing using fine needles to correct the body's flow of energy which can be affected when you experience illness or stress. During labour acupuncture points in the ears are pinpointed to help alleviate pain. The needles may be attached to electrodes which can be controlled by yourself to provide stimulation during contractions, similar to TENS pain relief.

Reflexology

Reflexology involves the application of pressure to various 'reflex points' on the feet. The feet are mapped out to reflect nearly every organ in the body. It can be used to promote relaxation and is thought to promote pain relief. Reflexology can play an important role in the birth. It is believed to help bring on labour, especially if you are overdue. It stimulates the pituitary gland to release oxytocin, the hormone that starts uterine contractions. During labour reflexology helps to keep the body relaxed and calm and stimulates the nervous system to produce endorphins which are our bodies natural painkillers, thus aiding pain control.

Massage

Massage stimulates the body to release endorphins which are natural pain-killing and mood-lifting substances. In labour, massage can ease anxiety and promote relaxation It can be done by your birth partner which is a great way to get them involved and bring you closer together during the birthing process.

You can use oil though you should consult an accredited aroma therapist as some essential oils will not be appropriate for labour.

Massaging shoulders can help relaxation and prevents tension which can occur across your shoulders if you are stressed. This can help to alleviate pain. Lower back massage is also useful to help alleviate the pain which can occur during contractions. Foot massage and hand massage is relaxing and soothing if you are lying down during labour

Medical Pain Relief

TENs Machine

TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, and has successfully been used for many years by pregnant women and professional midwives worldwide to treat labour pain.

Four pads are applied to your back and these emit small pulses or electricity at a strength and frequency chosen by you. The pulses help to raise the level of your endorphins which are your body's own pain relieving chemicals.

TENs machines are best used from the onset of labour and the intensity can be increased as your contractions grown stronger. For more information please look at our miracle TENS machine.

Advantages:

Allows you to remain in control whilst staying alert

There are no known side effects for you or your baby

They do not involve the use of drugs

Can be used alongside gas and air

Disadvantages:

You may not find the relief as effective towards the end of the labour when your contractions are very strong.

Not suitable for a water birth though can be used before getting into the water

If giving birth in a hospital, you may have to hire or buy your own

Gas & Air

Gas and Air or Entonox is commonly used during labour and is a mix of oxygen and nitrous oxide (laughing gas). It provides quick pain relief without making you drowsy. It can be used throughout your labour and delivery whenever you wish and is best used to help cope with short bursts of pain such as contractions and immediately before the birth. To use 'Gas & Air' begin breathing it in as soon as you feel a contraction starting. It takes a few seconds for it enter your blood stream and so should begin relieving your pain and take effect at the height of the contraction. Once the contraction has finished, you can stop breathing in the Gas & Air should feel normal again very quickly. Remember your breathing exercises (sigh out slowly) whilst using the Gas & Air as long breaths may result in over breathing which can lead to further light-headedness. Also, sip water between your contractions to prevent your mouth becoming too dry

Advantages:

No Known side effects on your baby

Easy to use

You are in control of when you take it

Doesn't stay in your system

Takes the edge off contractions

Contains oxygen that is good for your baby

Can be used for a home birth

If you want to labour in water, you can use "gas and air" while in the pool.

Disadvantages:

You may feel lightheaded and nauseous

Your mouth may become dry

You may need additional pain relief at some stage during your labour

Pethidine

Pethidine is a sedative drug administered by a midwife in labour usually in the form of an injection into your leg or bottom. It takes about 15 minutes to work and the effect last for around between 2 - 4 hours.

Advantages:

Pethidine helps you to relax and may lessen the perception of pain of your contractions

The dose can be repeated

Disadvantages:

Side effects can include vomiting, feeling shaky, light headed and disorientated

You have to wait for the effects to wear off

Pethidine crosses the placenta to the baby which can result in breathing difficulties and an antidote may have to be given

In the first few days after birth, your baby may be sleepier and you may experience problems in establishing breastfeeding

Epidural

An epidural is an injection of an anaesthetic drug into the space at the side of the spinal cord and takes effect within 10 to 20 minutes. It remains in place until after you have delivered your baby.

An epidural is administered by an anaesthetist who will insert the epidural into your back. A catheter is left in the injection site to enable the drugs to be topped up should you need them to be.

Advantages:

Epidurals nearly always give good pain relief

Disadvantages:

Occasionally epidurals do not give effective pain relief,

You may experience nausea and dizziness caused by a drop in blood pressure. A drip or injection with be administered to bring the pressure back to normal.

An epidural can slow your labour

You may find it difficult to urinate and require a catheter to empty your bladder.

A few women report severe headaches after an epidural which can last for some time

You may develop a high temperature which could lead to an abnormally fast heart rate in your baby. This may lead to you and/or your baby being treated with antibiotics and screened for infection.

An epidural can reduce a baby's blood pressure and cause fetal distress

Your baby may need to be delivered by forceps

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Breast feeding Pouch

What is a breastfeeding pouch?

I have spoken to many mums that are breastfeeding and a common point raised is the question of privacy whilst breastfeeding in a resaurant, cafe or shop. Discreet breastfeeding tends to be a common comment. Please see below points raised from a few ladies;

"I view breastfeeding as a private interaction between mother and baby. It's a delicate and tender ritual which doesn't fit in with the busy pace of a shopping mall, park, cafe or restaurant"

" I think it may be uncomfortable on both sides"

" I feel uncomfortable being on full view"

"I don't want to make it obvious"

Miracle Products have developed a patented breastfeeding pouch that is both easy and comfortable to use and overcomes many of the points raised.

So what are the benefits of the breastfeeding pouch?

1. Easy to put on
2. Discreet in colour
3. Babies feel very comfortable and safe
4. Can be used as a bath snug
5. When the baby falls asleep, just unslip and place on the bed and let your baby sleep
6. 100% Cotton
7. Machine washable
8. Easy to move baby from one breast to another
9. Fits into our baby changing bag
10. Great for dads to use and bond with baby

For further information please click here to view our video

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