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How to Become a Lactation Consultant

Upon completing all requirements necessary, you can then apply for the exam through the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners website at www.iblce.org. The application includes fees that are required and deadlines.

You can also take a look at the IBLCE Exam Blueprint which will provide guidance and an idea of the information that should be known in order to take the exam.

updated 2010-07-17 08:04:37

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How To Breastfeed In Public

When it’s time to nurse, no matter where you are, your baby will let you know in no uncertain terms. The key to breastfeeding in public is to make your baby the priority and just do it. A screaming baby will bring more attention to his or her mother than a quiet, content one who is nursing happily.

If you encounter stares, dirty looks, or even negative comments, remember that you have a right to be there and a right to nurse your child there. Take reactions in stride and just continue to nurse in confidence. The more calmly and normally you approach breastfeeding in public, the more others will feel at ease. http://www.breastfeedinganywhere.com/tips_and_techniques.html

updated 2010-07-17 08:15:14

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How to Store Breast Milk

Stored breast milk will have a different appearance than fresh milk. This is normal. The milk will separate and have layers. Thawed milk also sometimes tastes or smells soapy. This is due to the break down of fats and is also normal. Most babies do not mind this. If milk smells rancid or you question whether its good it is better to throw it away.

Frozen milk is best pulled twenty four hours in advance and left to thaw in the refrigerator. It can also however be run under warm water.

Breast milk should not be reheated in the microwave. This is not only because the heating destroys some nutritional content of the milk but because it creates hot spots and heats the milk unevenly.

You can use a breast milk warmer or simply warm some water on the stove and place the bottle within it to reheat the milk. Do no bring breast milk up to the boiling point. Always be sure to test the temperature of the milk on the underside of your wrist before feeding it to your baby.

After the initial re-heating any remaining breast milk can be kept in the refrigerator for no longer than twenty four hours, it should not be refrozen and should be thrown away after the twenty four hour mark. http://www.llli.org/FAQ/milkstorage.html http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/feeding/breastfeed_storing.html#

updated 2010-07-17 09:55:32

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Twins

Raising twins is a wonderful experience. At times it can also be very stressful and overwhelming. Being prepared for the joys and challenges ahead can help make things easier from the beginning.

Having twins means double the work. You will have double the feedings and diapers. You will need double the clothes and furniture. There will be double the mess and stress. But the best part is you will also get double the hugs and kisses, double the joy, and most importantly double the love. This makes it all worthwhile.

Taking care of yourself is extra important when you are pregnant with twins. You will need to take a prenatal vitamin each day and you may also need an iron supplement. Be prepared to have more frequent checkups during your pregnancy. As your pregnancy progresses, you may need to limit some activities like work and exercise.

updated 2010-07-18 01:14:27

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How to Prepare Your Nipples for Breastfeeding

Flat or inverted nipples don't spell breastfeeding failure — it's just that your nipples are of a different shape. A nipple is only a truly flat nipple if it does Not become erect when stimulated or when cold.http://www.007b.com/breast_anatomy.phphttp://www.babycenter.com/404_should-i-try-to-toughen-up-my-nipples-for-breastfeeding_2601.bc

Prolonged soreness or pain during breastfeeding is not normal and needs to be addressed by your doctor or a lactation expert as quickly as possible to resolve the issue. Most soreness is caused by improper latching on of of the baby. Do not be afraid to ask advice and tips from other mothers that breastfeed. Most women will not be offended and are glad to help. Your local La Leche League is also a good place to start for information and help. The nurses at the hospital when your baby is first born are often also helpful but do not allow them to interfere with your breastfeeding or give your baby formula unless it is medically advised.

updated 2010-07-17 09:43:44

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Bebe Gloton

Bebe Gloton is a toy doll that simulates breast-feeding. The doll comes with a vest and when the doll's mouth is places near the two flowers on the vest, it makes a sucking noise, as it if it is nursing from its mother.http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32314995/ns/today-parenting_and_family/

The doll is being criticized as critics claim it "sexualize the act of breastfeeding, thereby deeming it inappropriate for little girl to engage in."http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1204486/Meet-Bebe-Gloton-breast-feeding-doll-comes-nipple-bra.html

updated 2010-07-16 22:48:27

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How to Wean a Baby Onto Solid Foods

Naturally when removing feedings you need to replace them with something, in the case of weaning that something is solid food. Many babies have been introduced to solid foods well before they begin to wean as solid foods are usually began between four and six months of age but weaning is not recommended until at least six to twelve months.

Regardless, the basics of staring solid food will be covered here in step three.

Here are some cues your baby is ready for solid food in general that can be used in conjunction with the cues mentioned in step one of this guide for beginning to wean.

1. The baby has good head and neck control and sits well when supported.
2. The baby has lost the instinct to automatically spit out any solid food that enters its mouth.
3. The baby has doubled its birth weight or exceeded fifteen pounds and is at least four months in age.
4. The baby makes chewing motions and shows interest in your food.
5. The baby seems hungry even after a full bottle or breast feeding.

Generally the first solid food a baby eats is infant rice cereal. You can mix it thinly with a bottle of breast or formula milk to begin. This is the logical reason why solid food should be introduced before weaning to solid food as the primary food source. Once your baby is used to the cereal in its bottle you can begin spoon feeding the baby.

Once spoon feeding is regular ...

updated 2010-07-17 10:06:55

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How to Use a Breast Pump

Using an electrical pump is extremely similar to a manual pump. You should hold the suction cups to either one or both breasts (if it is a double-pumping device), and turn the machine on. Many electrical pumps have buttons or knobs that control the intensity of the sucking mechanism. If your breasts or nipples become sore during or after pumping, you should try to turn down the intensity. You can easily pump your breasts with a good quality electric pump in under 15 minutes.

With both manual and electric pumping devices, you should stick to a regular pumping schedule.http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/t025600.asp This will help keep your milk production high. You should also try to massage your breasts for a few minutes before pumping to increase flow. You should pump as frequently as your baby feeds, or about every three hours.http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/t025600.asp

You should also strive to keep hydrate while pumping. Try to drink a few glasses of water before pumping, or during pumping if you have a hands-free unit.http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/t025600.asp Remember that there are a wide variety of electrical pumps on the market today, and if you not getting adequate milk production with your current pump, you should try to switch to another one.

updated 2010-07-17 10:01:47

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How to Breastfeed

Once you and the baby are well-positioned, you can start actually nursing.

1. Put your thumb and forefinger around your breast in a "C" shape, squeezing gently. Keep your fingers far back on the breast, so you can help your baby latch on properly to your breast.http://www.babyzone.com/baby/feeding_nutrition/breastfeeding/photos_how_to_breastfeed/4
2. Let the baby's head tilt back just a little and rub your nipple across the baby's lips, with the goal being to get the baby to open its mouth wide.
3. Once the baby opens its mouth, pull the baby onto your breast, lower jaw first. Then tilt the baby's head forward and make sure his or her upper jaw gets placed on the breast in such a way that your entire nipple and most of your areola are in the baby's mouth.http://www.fitpregnancy.com/yournewlife/breastfeeding/how-to-breastfeed-40723877.html
4. After the baby is properly latched on to your breast, the natural sucking instincts should kick in.
5. After feeding baby, gently cleanse the nipple with water and cotton ball and put a breast pad inside your bra. There are disposable ones and there are the washable kind that are more form fitting.http://pregnancy.about.com/cs/breastfeedinginfo/bb/aa101502a.htm
6. If you started feeding baby from your right breast this feeding, then the next feeding start feeding baby from your left breast. This will prevent breast engorgement--from improper emptying of the breast.

updated 2010-07-17 08:15:14

comments: 0