Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms: Preconception, Pumping & Parenting Support

HOW ECTOPIC PREGNANCY FEELS: You may feel the following discomforts and pain if you’re suffering from ectopic pregnancy. Let’s discuss these along with solutions. Abdominal Pain: In your lower belly and back, you could have a period-like soreness throughout pregnancy. However, the following needs to be looked into: •A single, alternating stomachache that may be continuous (permanent) or periodic. The discomfort can have started off quickly or gradually. •Uncomfortable bloating and a non-eating-related feeling of being full when lying down, especially if you've already given birth. •Severe lower back and/or stomach pain. Shoulder Blade Ache: The phrase "shoulder tip pain" refers to the tip of the shoulder, not your neck or your back. Your arm begins at the tip of the shoulder if you cast your gaze downward after looking to the left across your shoulder. Shoulder tip soreness is easily recognized. It is a very strange discomfort that you have certainly never felt before; therefore you can usually tell when you have it. Perhaps the discomfort started all of a sudden. It is more likely that this shoulder pain is not caused by an ectopic pregnancy since when we are worried, we hold up more tightly and the muscles in our back and neck go into spasm. You may also have slept in an uncomfortable position. Bowel or Bladder Issues: Significant shoulder tip discomfort frequently appears in conjunction with other symptoms including feeling unwell, abdominal discomfort or vaginal bleeding, dizziness, bloating and fullness in the abdomen, or pain when you go to the bathroom (poo). You may feel the following: •Diarrhea. •Achy when your bowels are dilated. •Distress when passing urine. •Sharp or stabbing vaginal pain. For some women, a typical pregnancy includes some discomfort as well as a shift in their regular bowel and urine patterns. However, it would be fair to undergo an early pregnancy examination if you present to your doctor, general practitioner, or early pregnancy center with such symptoms. Collapse: •Feeling dizzy or faint, or truly feeling dizzy. •Constantly feeling ill and seeming pale. •Blood pressure fluctuations or an accelerating or decelerating pulse rate may also be observed. Ectopic Conception and Feelings: It's common to have distress following an ectopic pregnancy. It may entail accepting the loss of a child, a potential effect on future fertility, or, for some, the realization that they almost lost their life. If untreated, these feelings in some people can lead to sadness and anxiety.   EMOTIONAL ECTOPIC PREGNANCY FEELS: The Miscarriage Association states an ectopic pregnancy can have a variety of emotional effects, including: Shock: A patient may be shocked by the diagnosis, particularly when there has been an emergency operation or when they consider what could have happened in the absence of a diagnosis. Grief and loss: It is natural to have grief about the expected baby. These emotions can linger for several months, but they typically get better with time. Ensure that you give both your partner and you time to grieve. Feeling stuck and therefore unable to move forward: it is typical to experience frustration about having to wait a while before trying again and dealing with follow-up exams as well as regular urine and blood tests. It can be painful to lose a pregnancy, and many women experience the same level of grief as they would if they lost a spouse or family member. Recovery: Your recovery could take many weeks whether you underwent surgery or were treated with medication. You can have fatigue and discomfort or pain in your stomach. For a while, you might also continue to feel pregnant. The hCG levels in the bloodstream decline gradually. Your periods likely won't return to normal for a few cycles. Distress and Anxiety: You are more likely to experience another ectopic pregnancy if you've already had one. You can possibly experience difficulties conceiving once more. After experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, you should take some time to recover before attempting to conceive.   SUPPORT AND COPING: Even if you only recently became aware of your pregnancy, losing it is traumatic. Accept the loss and give yourself space to mourn. Talk about your emotions and give yourself permission to feel them completely. Count on your spouse, family, and friends for help. A support group, bereavement counselor, or even other mental health specialist may also be able to assist you. People impacted by an ectopic pregnancy might get counseling. There are also support groups available, and they can be able to connect someone with others going through a comparable circumstance. A medical practitioner can offer guidance on selecting the best kind of assistance for an individual, a couple, or a family that has gone through an ectopic pregnancy. In vitro fertilization (IVF) may still be an option when both fallopian tubes have been damaged or removed. This process involves the laboratory fertilization of mature eggs, followed by their implantation into the uterus. Your likelihood of experiencing another ectopic pregnancy increases if you've already had one. It's crucial to visit your doctor frequently if you want to try to get pregnant again. It is advised that all women who have experienced an ectopic pregnancy get early blood tests. Your doctor can be informed when another ectopic pregnancy is occurring via blood and ultrasound tests. You can benefit from expert support or counseling if you or your partner is having trouble accepting your loss. Consult your doctor about this. Counseling helps a lot of women who have experienced miscarriages. For parents and their families whose infant has died via stillbirth, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or medically indicated termination, SANDS (miscarriage, stillborn, and newborn death support) offers support groups. CONCLUSION: It can be emotionally challenging to have an ectopic pregnancy. You might experience sadness, rage, and confusion. Discuss your feelings alongside your significant other, a dependable family member, or a close friend. Give yourself the opportunity to locate a friend or relative with whom you can share your feelings. Give yourself permission to mourn the loss of a pregnancy. Although these emotions typically become better over time, it is not unusual for grief and mourning sensations to last for six to twelve months. Any stage of pregnancy loss can have a significant effect on your partner. One day when you are expecting a kid and making plans for your future with that child, and the next day your pregnancy is over. Ectopic pregnancy termination is a type of miscarriage, and the emotions which a woman and their partner may go through can be challenging.

If you have been ticking off items on your list of things you have decided to start doing postpartum, and getting Botox is one of them, then we would like you to read this blog once before checking off the box. Since feeding anything into your system influences the quality and quantity of your breast milk and can potentially affect your baby’s health, we will urge you to spare a few minutes to find out if it is safe to get Botox while breastfeeding.   What Is Botox? Botox is the brand under which a toxin called on botulinum toxin A is sold. Yes, it is extracted from the bacteria that cause fatal food poisoning, and botulism; but Botox is FDA approved and is used in cosmetic procedures aimed at smoothing wrinkles on the face. No, it doesn’t kill because the required dose is significantly lesser than the amount that causes intoxication. It is basically a neuromodulator that interferes with the exchange of chemical signals between nerves and muscles, preventing muscle contraction. Botox relaxes the muscles it is injected into, contouring and preventing fine lines in that area. Its effect is localized and temporary. To retain the relaxed state of muscle, periodic retreatment is required. The use of Botox spans beyond cosmetic purposes. Because of its effect on muscle movement, it is used to treat an array of physiological conditions that result from abnormal muscle contractions. Some such conditions include hyperhidrosis(excessive sweating), lazy eyes, cervical dystonia, chronic migraine, eye twitching, and bladder dysfunction. Botox Side Effects Botox should always be administered by an experienced doctor. That lowers the chances of risk. However, there can be certain Botox side effects that users can experience. The symptoms vary based on the location of the injection. When Botox is used as a cosmetic procedure, the most commonly reported side effects include swelling, droopy eyelids, headache, and flu-like symptoms. However, there is a possibility of systemic spread of the toxin. That can be identified by signs like muscle weakness, vision problems, difficulty in swallowing, loss of bladder control, etc. if any of these signs appear after getting a Botox, rush to your doctor without a minute’s delay.   Can You Get Botox While Breastfeeding? The safety of getting botox while breastfeeding is contingent on the presence of Botox in breast milk. Not enough research has been conducted on the use of Botox by breastfeeding mothers. However, according to a study, a nursing mother afflicted with botulism breastfed her baby through the disease without affecting the infant in any way. It means that botox is unlikely to pass into breast milk. This might seem like a green signal to get Botox while breastfeeding. However, that would be like taking a leap in the dark. Due to a lack of research, the possible consequences of taking Botox while breastfeeding are still unclear. We are uncertain about when we can get a concrete answer to the question since testing on such vulnerable demography is too risky. Therefore, even the FDA recommends against botox use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Though the possibility of finding Botox in breast milk is negligible as of now, you will be skating on thin ice if you resume botox treatment while breastfeeding without consulting your doctor.   What Doctors Say Physicians also have mixed opinions when it comes to nursing mothers getting Botox. While some will advise you to completely abstain from it while breastfeeding, some might allow you to get back on botox six months after delivery. Some doctors might suggest you pump and dump for a day or two while getting Botox while breastfeeding. If you don’t know what pump and dump are, we are here to tell you. It just refers to pumping and discarding your breastmilk until a few after taking medication to clear it out from your system and prevent your breastfed infant from ingesting it through your breast milk.   Botox Alternatives Safe For Breastfeeding If you don’t want to tread murky waters by getting botox while breastfeeding, it doesn’t mean that you will have to see lines and wrinkles cloud the glow on your face. There are safe Botox alternatives that can produce similar results for your skin. It might take these alternatives a little longer than botox to cast their spell on your face, but they will not disappoint you.   Hyaluronic Acid Hyaluronic acid is the queen of skincare regimens. HA loves water and hence helps the skin retain moisture. It brings about a skin-tightening effect by filling up skin cells with moisture. As a result, your skin looks plump and youthful. In about 8 to 9 weeks of regular use of HA serum, you can see your wrinkles disappearing. However, it just 15 minutes for hyaluronic acid to improve your skin’s hydration and impart a fresh and glowing look to your face.   Argireline Argireline’s mechanism of work resembles that of Botox. It blocks chemical signals that nerves send to the muscles causing them to contract. Therefore, it produces a similar effect on the skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles. However, Argireline is a topical solution and can be used as serums, creams, and lotions. Since it doesn’t have to be injected, it cannot get into your system and impact your breastfed infant.   Lifestyle Changes Certain lifestyle changes can do wonders for your skin. To experience similar benefits of botox, drink lots of fluids and add copious amounts of fruits and vegetables into your diet. Increase your vitamin C intake to facilitate collagen production. Acupuncture and facial exercises from certified professionals can also surprise you with their results. Conclusion It’s a bit tricky to say with confidence if you can get Botox while breastfeeding or not. However, we wager that you wouldn’t want to risk your little one’s health. Therefore, it is best to be on the safe side and leverage the alternatives discussed above till your baby is completely off breast milk. A few lines on the face are definitely not powerful enough to dampen the beauty of a gorgeous momma like you. So let your war with wrinkles rest for a while. In case you consider getting botox while breastfeeding, then run it by your doctor and abide by their words.

The most frequent kind of ectopic pregnancy, known as a tubal pregnancy, occurs when a fertilized egg becomes impaled on its route to the uterus, frequently because the fallopian tube is inflamed or malformed. Unbalanced hormone levels or irregular follicle growth might possibly be at play. CAUSES OF AN ECTOPIC PREGNANCY: 1. A prior pregnancy that was ectopic. You are more likely to get another pregnancy of this kind if you have already had one. 2. History of pelvic surgeries, abdominal surgery, or numerous abortions; maternal age is 35 years or older. 3. Endometriosis history. 4. A pregnancy happened in spite of tubal ligation and an intrauterine device (IUD). 5. Assisted conception via fertility treatments or medications. 6. Smoking. 7. Previous exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STDs), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia may inflame the fallopian tubes and other surrounding organs, which raises the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy. 8. Having fallopian tube structural issues that make it difficult for an egg to transit. 9. A history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an inflammation that may lead to the formation of scar tissue in your cervix, uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. 10. Surgery on your pelvic organs or on the fallopian tubes (particularly tubal ligation, often known as having ones tubes tied). The chance of an ectopic pregnancy might rise after surgery to repair a closed or torn fallopian tube. 11. A background of infertility. 12. In vitro fertilization as a means of treating infertility (IVF). 13. The presence of an intrauterine device (IUD), a birth control method, at the moment of conception. 14. A history of tobacco use. 15. As you age, your risk may also go up. Compared to younger women, women over 35 are more risk. RISK FACTORS THAT MIGHT LEAD TO AN ECTOPIC PREGNANCY Age: Any woman, of almost any age, who's really ovulating and has sexual activity with a husband, is at risk for developing an ectopic pregnancy. Ages 35 to 44 are when ectopic pregnancies are most likely to occur. AHistory: Having had an ectopic pregnancy before is the biggest risk factor Abnormalities of the fallopian tubes: Any change to the Fallopian tubes' typical anatomy might increase the likelihood of a tubal pregnancy or an ectopic pregnancy in another organ. Previous gynecological treatments: Previous Fallopian tube surgery, such as tubal sterilization or reconstructive procedures, may cause scarring and disturbance of the tubes' natural anatomy, which raises the chance of an ectopic pregnancy. Infections: Pelvic inflammatory illness, an infection of the pelvis, is another potential risk for ectopic pregnancy. Sexually transmitted pathogens, including such Chlamydia or the gonorrhea-causing bacterium N. gonorrhea, often cause pelvic infections.Non-sexually transmitted bacteria, on the other hand, may also result in pelvic infection and raise the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy. The infection damages or obstructs the Fallopian tubes, which results in an ectopic pregnancy. Cilia: The innermost layers of both the Fallopian tubes often include cilia, which are tiny hair-like projections. The smooth passage of the egg from the ovary down the Fallopian tube into the uterus depends on these cilia. Egg transport is impeded by if all these cilia are harmed by infection. Ectopic pregnancy results from the fertilized egg settling in the Fallopian tube rather than the uterus. The egg may possibly not enter the uterus due to infection-related scarring and partial obstruction of the Fallopian tubes. Several partners: In addition to raising the risk associated with pelvic infections for women, having multiple partners also raises the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy. Gynecological disorders: Similar to pelvic infections, gynecological disorders such endometriosis, fibroid tumors, or pelvic scars (pelvic adhesions) may constrict the Fallopian tubes and obstruct the flow of eggs, raising the risk of an ectopic pregnancy. Intrauterine device: In women who utilize intrauterine devices (IUDs), around half of pregnancies will occur outside of the uterus. The overall number of women getting pregnant when using IUDs is quite small as a result, there are extremely few ectopic pregnancies connected to IUDs generally.If you actually get pregnant while using an IUD, it is more probable to be ectopic. If you get pregnant after having your tubes tied, or tubal ligation, a permanent contraceptive treatment, your risk is also increased. Smoking cigarettes: Smoking cigarettes just before conception has also been linked to a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy. This risk was found to be dose-dependent, which indicates that it is influenced by the behaviors of each individual woman and rises with cigarette use. The chance of an ectopic pregnancy might rise if you smoke just before becoming pregnant. The risk increases with the amount of smoking. Infertility: An elevated risk for ectopic pregnancy is linked to a history of fertility issues for two or more years. According to some studies, women who undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) or other comparable procedures may be more prone to develop an ectopic pregnancy. Your risk may increase if you have infertility. CONCLUSION: The likelihood of an ectopic pregnancy may also be increased by infections, congenital anomalies, or cancers of the Fallopian tubes. The majority of women who have ectopic pregnancies don't have any identified risk factors. Sexually active women need to be aware of their bodies' changes, particularly if they show signs of an ectopic pregnancy.

Introduction: Being a woman can be stressful, especially when anything related to your monthly cycle moves an inch, which is normal but still nerve-wracking. Have you ever obsessed over a dream you had where your pregnancy test was positive and it felt real? If so, you are not alone in this! A pregnancy dream can be anything from getting a positive pregnancy test to giving birth to a baby. It is an anxious dream that leaves you rattled and ultimately there is one question that makes you anxious above everything else. “Am I really pregnant or what?” Why Do We Have Such Vivid Dreams? Before we get into a detailed interpretation of what your pregnancy dream might mean, let’s understand the basics of why some dreams feel so real. Humans spend one-third of their lives sleeping. It amounts to millions and millions of dreams but all these dreams are neither remembered by us when we wake up nor feel real. For a dream to be memorable, you must wake up from your REM cycle and stay up for a few minutes so that the brain can recall and store the dream. These dreams are vivid and memorable. What Causes an Anxiety Dream like Pregnancy Test Dreams? The mechanism of an anxiety dream is a bit more complex. While you are sleeping and dreaming in the REM cycle, the portion of the brain that processes your emotions (amygdala) and the portion which stores your memories (hippocampus) are active. These portions coordinate with each other to create the dreams that you see. On the other hand, the portion of our brain that helps us in understanding the world around us (the prefrontal cortex) is inactive. As a result, our brain does a bad job of piecing together the information in dreams. It explains why we end up having bizarre dreams like pregnancy test dreams that might not always make sense. What Does That Conclude? It means that although our dreams are the reflections of ourselves and the world around us, a pregnancy dream does not always mean that you are pregnant.A pregnancy test dream can be interpreted in several ways like any other vivid and anxious dream. Many psychologists and neurologists have tried to unravel the world of dreams but nothing is certain and the mystery continues. How To Interpret Your Pregnancy Test Positive Dream? Talking about dreaming and not mentioning Sigmund Freud is impossible. He was the first person to draw a parallel between dreams and the subconsciousness of a person. In other words, dreams are linked to a person's desires, thoughts, and physical changes. The same is true for anxiety dreams. So, several interpretations can be drawn for your recent pregnancy test dreams. But keep in mind, when it comes to dreams, scientific research is lagging. It is mostly theories that support various ideas but the actual facts are obscure and almost non-existent. It is good to keep an open mind while deciphering the meaning of your dreams but do not get too involved with what a dream might mean. Let’s dive into theories behind pregnancy test dreams. You May Be Pregnant: One theory behind pregnancy test dreams is that either you are subconsciously anxious about being pregnant or you are actually pregnant and the body is manifesting this physical change via dreaming. If the dream gives you too much anxiety, take a home pregnancy test to calm yourself down. Processing Underlying Emotions: Anxiety dreams are a way for the body to process underlying stress and emotions that do not get a way out in everyday life. These emotions are channelized through dreams that might make us anxious like a positive pregnancy test dream. Most oft, it is nothing to be worried about, just your mind processing some residual emotions. Self-reflection: Some pregnancy test dreams also revolve around being pregnant with twins. According to the expert dream analyst, Louri Loewenberg, it is just your body trying to explore the two sides of your personality subconsciously i-e you and your shadow self. The Shadow self is the part of our personality, thoughts, and actions that are difficult for us to openly accept in ourselves. Creation of Something New: As pregnancy is a creation of a new human being, it can manifest in dreams to get you emotionally ready for any new creation that might be happening in your life at the time. The dream helps you process the underlying emotions related to that new event that is altering your life currently.Pregnancy Dream When You Are Pregnant in Real LifeThe pregnancy dreams when you are pregnant in real life have biological reasoning. While you are pregnant, the concentration of progesterone in your body increases to maintain the placenta. Progesterone has an enhancing effect on the brain which causes vivid dreams. Pregnancy dreams during your term are the indication of changes occurring in your body as a result of the trimester you are going through and the general fear and anxiety related to pregnancy. On the other hand, if you have recently lost a pregnancy, pregnancy test-positive dreams are a way for your body to process that grief and disappointment. The grief arises in unexpected ways and the world of dreaming is a mystery. Take Away While a pregnancy test-positive dream can be interpreted in many ways but there is no “one size fits all” in this scenario. Everybody has their own experiences, emotions, thoughts, personalities, and griefs to process.In some cases, a positive pregnancy test might mean something but it is very rare, with almost zero chances. Mostly, anxiety dreams like pregnancy test positive dreams, giving birth to twins, and morning sickness dreams are just that - DREAMS. It is just our body’s build in mechanism to process underlying emotions. Do not dwell too much on dreams and live in reality!

Though breastfeeding feels incredible to every momma out there, not being able to move out at all to prevent your baby’s feeding schedule from being disturbed can be exhausting. In such a case, you will find it taxing to continue breastfeeding for a long time. So, why not combine breastfeeding and pumping? If you are new to the gang, then let us lead you through all the crucial things you should know about this combination feeding. It has worked for a lot of mothers, and we are sure it will work for you too.   Why Combine Breastfeeding and Pumping? Combing breastfeeding and pumping have a plethora of advantages. If this form of combination feeding were not beneficial, mothers wouldn’t resort to this in large numbers, and it wouldn’t become a trend. So, let’s find out how combining breastfeeding and pumping actually help. Takes Care Of Your Baby’s Nutritional Needs In Your Absence Exclusively breastfeeding requires you to be there around your baby all the time. Simple activities like going to work, the gym, or a gentle stroll in the park become a luxury. This might make you feel caged and exhausted after a while. Even if you choose to breastfeed exclusively, there might be times when illness and certain unavoidable circumstances pull you away from being physically close to your baby. Combining breastfeeding and pumping allows you to have a stored supply of milk that any caregiver other than you can tap into when you are away. As a result, your flexibility in life doesn’t come at the cost of your baby’s nutritional needs.   Increases Milk Supply Lactation works on a demand-and-supply basis. The more milk you express, the more your breasts produce. So, when you combine breastfeeding and pumping, your breasts get the message that there is an increased demand for milk. Hence, your milk supply increases.   Allows Others To Bond With Your Baby When you breastfeed, only you are involved in your baby’s feeding session. But when you pump and store, your partner, your parents, or any other caregiver can feed your baby from the bottle. This gives them an opportunity to bond with your baby. This helps your baby grow up with beautiful relationships fostered with different people, not secluding them to the confines of just their parents.   How To Combine Breastfeeding and Pumping? When you start combination feeding, deciding on a suitable breastfeeding and pumping schedule can be tricky. Do not panic because you are not alone. We have all been there, and we know it can become quite overwhelming. Therefore, to ease your process a little, we have a few suggestions for you. However, what suits you and your baby must go up on the charts. Your needs are unique, so don’t let others’ schedules influence you. Do what works best for you. 1.When You Are At Work If you have resumed work and spend considerable time away from your baby, then it is best to pump as many times as your baby would breastfeed if you were with them. This will keep your milk supply established and prevent engorgement and mastitis due to the accumulation of milk in your breasts. Besides, you can build a milk stash that you can tap into whenever required.   2.When You Are At Home If you are home with your baby, you have more liberty to choose your breastfeeding and pumping schedule. Your breasts usually produce more milk in the morning. Therefore, scheduling a pumping session after hours of nursing your baby might help you pump milk in desirable amounts. If pumping in the morning doesn't work for you, you can pump anytime during the day at your convenience. However, make sure to feed your baby first. After your baby has their fill, you can express the extra milk. Leaving an hour gap between each breastfeeding and pumping session allows your breasts to restore the milk supply. You can also try pumping immediately after nursing your infant to store every drop of milk your body produces.   3.When Your Baby Is Nursing Babies often feed from one breast. When they are latching on to one breast, you can hook up the breastmilk pump to your other breast. That way, you can capture the milk produced by both your breasts. However, you don’t have to take this approach. Only if you find comfortable pumping while nursing, go for it; otherwise, find your own time to pump.   4.Power Pumping Power pumping might do the trick for you if you want to ramp up your milk supply. This emulates cluster feeding, where a baby breastfeeds more often than usual. The ideal length of a power-pumping session is an hour. It should start with a 20-minute power session, followed by a 10-minute rest. In the remaining time, you can alternate 10 minutes of pumping with 10 minutes of rest. This boosts the milk-producing hormone prolactin, increasing the milk supply. However, your breasts might take some time to process the increased demand for milk.   Things to Remember ●Say No To Stress Keep stress at bay when you are pumping milk. Studies show that increased stress affects the letdown of milk as the adrenaline secreted during stressful conditions inhibits the hormone oxytocin that helps release milk from your breasts. Therefore, find a comfortable pumping position. Without that, pumping can become frustrating and painful. Play songs of your choice, and make the environment conducive. Smelling your baby’s clothes and looking at their pictures might stimulate increased milk production. Envelope yourself in self-care and enjoy a calm pumping session.   ●Get The Right Breast Pump and Keep It Clean Choosing the right breastmilk pump goes a long way in deciding your pumping experience. You can either choose to express by hand or invest in a manual, electric, or hands-free pump at your convenience. Wearable electric pumps like the one from MomMed are the perfect fit for modern-day moms. As you work, cook, and drive, you can get your milk stock ready just by fitting the hands-free pumps under your bra.Whichever pump you choose, make sure to clean the parts thoroughly after every use to prevent the growth of infectious microbes, which can harm you and your baby. Conclusion If you have decided to combine breastfeeding and pumping, then settling into the schedule might take some time. Things might seem overwhelming. Therefore, we want you to know there is no right way to do it. Give yourself and your baby some time to figure out what works and adjust. Once you reach the point where both of you satisfy with the schedule, consider that perfect!

Though a lot is being told about the right breastfeeding positions for newborns, there is hardly anyone talking about the wrong positions and how things can go south because of those little mistakes. We are here today to do exactly that. Yes, talk about the effects of wrong breastfeeding positions. Here are some of the notable effects that follow from wrong breastfeeding positions. Go on and read till the end. Your Body Gets Sore And Fatigued Breastfeeding positions for newborns do not only focus on the positioning of the baby. Breastfeeding involves the two of you. Therefore, your comfort is equally important. Whichever breastfeeding position you choose, make sure that it is easy on your body.   Be it sitting upright or lying down, provide enough support to your back and arms. Bad posture will increase the strain on your body, making you stressed and fatigued. If you are not aware, then let us tell you that stress affects the breastmilk supply.  In addition, prolonged bad posture can lead to other chronic problems in the near future.   Your Baby Doesn’t Latch Properly While latching difficulties can be a consequence of certain physical issues like inverted or flat nipples of the mother, down syndrome, cleft lip and palate, and tongue-tie in the baby, very often it is caused due to wrong breastfeeding positions.   When your baby is not comfortable in the hold, is too far from your breasts, or feels a strain in any part of the body while feeding, they will not latch properly. A poor latch can lead to the following conditions. But before heading towards the consequences, let’s see the signs that indicate a poor latch.   Baby doesn’t wake up for feedings at least 8 times a day Baby appears fussy while feeding Doesn’t suck even after having the nipple and areola in the mouth Falls asleep within a few minutes while feeding Continues latching on letting go of your breast Feeds for more than half an hour without showing signs of being full   Now, let’s see what can happen if your baby is positioned wrong and doesn’t latch well.   Nipple Pain And Injury One of the most common signs of an improper latch is nipple pain and injury. As a result of inappropriate breastfeeding positions, the baby fails to latch properly. Problems might arise due to lack of sufficient skin-to-skin contact between the mom and baby, lack of support to the baby’s neck, shoulders, and spine, too much pressure on the baby’s head, and the baby having to turn their head to latch.   In such situations, babies tend to latch superficially. Your nipple and areola will not go sufficiently deep into their little mouths. As a result, it will cause irritation in the nipples, abraded skin, scabbing, bleeding, and a lot of pain.   Do not confuse this with nipple sensitivity which is the soreness of nipples that occurs after the commencement of breastfeeding. It goes away within 30 seconds of your baby's suckling and doesn’t come back after 4-5 days of birth.   If your nipple hurts throughout the feeding and after, try correcting the position during the next nursing sessions. If it still doesn’t help, consult a lactation expert.   Breast Engorgement And Mastitis A poor latch means your baby isn’t feeding well and emptying your breasts. Accumulation of milk in your breasts can lead to engorgement, the nightmare of breastfeeding mothers. Engorged breasts will be swollen, hard and painful. If you leave it unmanaged, then the condition can exacerbate due to clogged milk ducts and inflammation, resulting in mastitis, which is the infection of breast tissues. It is often accompanied by fever, chills, and severe breast pain.   Decreased Milk Supply Lactation works on a demand-and-supply basis. It means that only when your breasts know that milk is in demand, they will produce more of it. The signal for demand is sent to your breasts when the baby suckles.   When you are breastfeeding newborns and they fail to latch properly, the suckling becomes inefficient. As a result, there will be a drop in your milk supply over time. Therefore, it is imperative that you consult your doctor immediately and find out why your baby isn’t drawing enough milk. Your Baby Doesn’t Grow Well The only source of nutrition for breastfeeding newborns is breast milk. If due to improper nursing postures, they are not feeding enough, then it is a no-brainer that it will manifest in their health.   Well-fed babies wet their diapers enough. By the time your baby is 5 days old, they should urinate 6-8 times and day and pass stool thrice or more. If you see a decreased frequency in their urination and bowel movements, take it as a sign of insufficient feeding.   In addition, babies who do not feed well fail to put on weight as desired. It is fairly common for newborns to lose some weight in the first 3-5 days. But within one or two weeks, they get back to their birth weights.   If your baby’s weight doesn’t restore within the stipulated time or they start losing weight instead of gaining the pounds, then it’s time to check with the doctor. What Next? Once you get the cue that something is wrong with your breastfeeding posture, it’s time to act. Do not panic. There are a number of breastfeeding positions for newborns that you can try out. Every baby is different. So explore till you find the perfect one for your baby.   Besides, latching is a complex process. So seek help from your doctor and lactation expert till you are confident enough. You can also leverage organizations like La Leche League that extend help pertaining to breastfeeding in all dimensions. You can also complement your learnings with online sources which provide amazing tips on getting a spot-on latch.   Conclusion This was all about the effects of wrong breastfeeding positions for newborns. If you are reading this, then must have had an insight into the signs and symptoms of poor latching due to improper nursing postures. If you notice any of them, then try a better position. Things shall get better. If they don’t, then you always have doctors and lactation experts to help you out. So, reach out to them without hesitation.

When you’re trying to conceive, any slight new symptom can get your heart pounding. Waiting to see if two pink lines are in store for you this month can be agony, so it’s hard not to read into every twinge, cramp, and an extra trip to the bathroom. But what are the first signs of pregnancy you should really be on the lookout for? Here, we break down the most common early pregnancy symptoms and what you can do to ease any ensuing discomfort.   1. Sore Breasts Are your boobs killing you? Do they feel tender and swollen? If so, it’s possible you’ve conceived this cycle. Sore breasts are often one of the first early symptoms of pregnancy that women experience, which means you can also expect sore nipples in early pregnancy. Unfortunately, a lot of women experience soreness as a normal part of their monthly menstrual cycle, so it can be hard to tell the difference between the typical breast tenderness before your period vs an early pregnancy sign. But there’s one key difference: In pregnancy, the tenderness doesn’t go away like it normally does with PMS, Justice says. Instead, the painful, tingly sensations tend to get worse as time passes, often leveling off around the end of the first trimester. What should you do? Get a supportive bra to ease the discomfort of this pregnancy symptom. Talk to a professional who can help you with a fitting, and be sure to leave a little extra room. Trust us, they’re going to keep growing. And don’t be afraid to use either warm or cold compresses if things get really uncomfortable — just use whichever feels right for you.   2. Darkening Areolas Your areolas — aka the area around your nipples — can start to appear darker and larger as early as one or two weeks after conception, making this one of the more noticeable early signs of pregnancy. And that’s not all — look closely and you’ll see that the veins in your breasts are more visible as well. You might also notice little bumps popping up around the edges of your areolas. They’re called Montgomery tubercles, designed to help lubricate your nipples once the baby is here and ready to nurse. If you haven’t realized it yet, your breasts will undergo lots of changes during pregnancy. What should you do? As with so many other pregnancy symptoms, this is one that requires a grin-and-bear-it approach. The deepening color shouldn’t be a cause for concern — it’s a harmless part of the pregnancy experience. Your nipples are probably much more tender now too, especially when you’re cold or something rubs against them. Applying warm compresses and wearing a lightweight, soft cotton bra can help.   3. Cramping Similar to sore breasts, cramping is among the early signs of pregnancy. The cramping shouldn’t be severe, though, so contact your doctor if you’re doubled over in pain, if you feel intense pain on only one side, or if you’re experiencing simultaneous bleeding and cramping (outside of your menstrual period, of course). What should you do? If you’re having cramps, don’t panic. Many women immediately fear a miscarriage, but according to Kimberly Harney, MD, a clinical associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology and maternal-fetal medicine at the California-based Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, “mild cramping in the pelvis that’s symmetrical and generally in the center above the pubic bone could be normal in early pregnancy.”   4. Spotting Having some light pink or brown spotting about a week before your period is due? If you’re wondering “can bleeding be a sign of pregnancy?” the answer is actually yes. It could be what’s called implantation bleeding, one of the early signs of pregnancy. It happens six to 12 days after conception, when a fertilized egg burrows deep into the lining of your uterus, causing a bit of mild irritation. When it’s happening, it can easily be confused with the onset of your period, so it’s one of those pregnancy symptoms that’s often noticed only in hindsight. “You probably won’t know that the irregular bleeding you had was implantation bleeding until you get that positive pregnancy test and remember that you had some spotting,” Justice says. What should you do? Keep your fingers crossed — this could be a good sign. Be sure to take a pregnancy test if your period is late to arrive to determine if your spotting really is an early sign of pregnancy. If it turns out you haven’t conceived, note the date the spotting occurred and which cycle day you were on. Pay close attention to your next few cycles and see if you notice any spotting — mid-cycle bleeding can be a sign of a medical condition that would require a doctor’s diagnosis, so definitely visit your ob-gyn if you notice a pattern.   5. High Basal Body Temperature If you’ve been charting your basal body temp, you may be privy to one of the subtle signs of pregnancy that many women won’t even notice: a higher-than-normal reading. When you’re charting, your basal (or waking) temperature peaks when you ovulate, then gradually decreases during the latter part of your cycle until your period begins. But if you get pregnant during the cycle, your basal temperature won’t plummet; instead, it’ll stay high. What should you do? If you’ve been charting, just keep doing what you’re doing and enjoy seeing those high temps. If you haven’t been tracking it and are trying to conceive, consider starting a basal temperature chart to become more familiar with your cycle. The best time to start your chart is the day your period begins.   6. Fatigue This can be one of the more difficult early signs of pregnancy to deal with. It’s not just a loss of energy we’re talking about here—it’s more of a can’t-keep-your-eyes-open-another-second total exhaustion that you’ll likely deal with throughout the first trimester. This mind-numbing fatigue sets in thanks to those pregnancy hormones and, more importantly, from your body’s efforts to nurture baby’s development. What should you do? Don’t be afraid to press snooze or take that early evening nap you’ve been daydreaming about. The better you feel, the better baby will too. There are also certain energy-boosting foods for pregnancy that can help you cope with first-trimester fatigue.   7. Frequent Urination Peeing more than usual? It may not be one of the first early signs of pregnancy you notice, but having to urinate more frequently is definitely among the standard pregnancy symptoms and tends to kick in about two to three weeks after conception. What should you do? If you’re slipping away to visit the ladies’ room all night and it’s not because of one too many margaritas, pick up a pregnancy test and call your doctor. It’s possible you have a baby on board.   Conclusion Discovering the early signs of pregnancy can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. From sore breasts to frequent urination, your body undergoes various changes during conception. While these symptoms may vary from woman to woman, being attentive to your body's signals and seeking professional advice when needed can make the journey smoother. Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and your experience is a testament to the incredible journey of motherhood.

Motherhood is a full-time job that requires a lot of energy and dedication. Breastfeeding moms, in particular, have a unique set of challenges and responsibilities that can make their days even more demanding. While these moms are busy taking care of their families and putting their needs first, it's important to show them some love and appreciation on Mother's Day. In this blog post, we will explore some gift ideas that are perfect for breastfeeding moms and offer some tips on how to choose the best gift for your loved one.   Breastfeeding moms are superheroes, but even superheroes need a break from time to time. When choosing a Mother's Day gift for a breastfeeding mom, it's important to consider items that will make her life a little easier. One gift that can be incredibly helpful for breastfeeding moms is a breast pump. A breast pump can help a mom to express milk, which can be stored and used at a later time. This can give her some much-needed freedom and flexibility, allowing her to take a break while ensuring her baby is still getting the nutrition they need.   Another great gift idea for breastfeeding moms is a nursing cover. Nursing covers are designed to provide privacy and comfort while breastfeeding in public. They come in a variety of styles and fabrics, so you can choose one that suits your loved one's personality and preferences. Some nursing covers also double as car seat covers or blankets, making them a versatile gift.   Breastfeeding moms often struggle with finding comfortable clothing that also allows for easy access when it's time to nurse. A nursing bra or nursing tank top can be a thoughtful gift that combines both comfort and convenience. Look for styles that are made from soft, stretchy fabric that will accommodate a changing body and allow for easy nursing access.   In addition to these specific gift ideas, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind when choosing a Mother's Day gift for a breastfeeding mom. Firstly, make sure the gift is something she will actually use and appreciate. Think about her lifestyle and needs and choose a gift that will make her life easier or more enjoyable. Secondly, don't forget about her own personal style and preferences. While practical gifts are important, it's also nice to receive something that reflects her personality and tastes. Lastly, consider getting input from other moms who have been in a similar situation. They may have some great gift ideas or insights into what would be most helpful for a breastfeeding mom.   Conclusion In conclusion, choosing a Mother's Day gift for a breastfeeding mom can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. By considering her needs and preferences, and thinking outside the box with practical and thoughtful gifts, you can show your appreciation and love for the amazing mom in your life. Remember that the best gift you can give a breastfeeding mom is support and understanding, so make sure to take the time to acknowledge her hard work and dedication on this special day.

Leading maternal and baby industry brand, MomMed, has announced its largest event of the first half of the year, themed "Caring for Mom, Empowering Families", which will take place from May 1st to 14th. This event is dedicated to celebrating motherhood, raising awareness of the challenges and joys of motherhood, and creating a supportive and understanding community for mothers everywhere.   "We take great pride in providing innovative products that make the lives of mothers and babies easier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable. At MomMed, we believe in the strength and independence of women, and we also strive to help women in need as much as possible. This is why we value charity event and all activities that have social significance. We want to show our appreciation for the incredible job that mothers do every day," said Alex, founder of MomMed. "Our ultimate goal is to promote awareness of the challenges and joys of motherhood and create a more supportive and empathetic global community for mothers worldwide."   The event will consist of two parts. The first part is a video challenge called "Breastfeeding Reality with MomMed," scheduled to run from May 3rd to 14th. This challenge will primarily be featured on TikTok and Instagram, encouraging mothers to share short video clips of breastfeeding or pumping at different times and in various locations to show the real-life challenges of breastfeeding and parenting. The objective is to increase public understanding and awareness of the hardships of breastfeeding, draw social attention to mothers, and connect with them.   MomMed always has a strong commitment to public welfare and is dedicated to supporting mothers in need within the community. As part of this mission, for every ten individuals who participate in the video challenge, a MomMed breast pump will be donated to a breastfeeding organization or charitable ministry. Moreover, the top three winners of this challenge will receive a special gift package consisting of all MomMed products, including its upcoming new product to be launched later this year.   In addition to the video challenge, MomMed will be launching a new product, the pink version of its best-selling S21 Wearable Breast Pump. During the celebration, MomMed will be offering discounts on its other products as well. From May 1st to 14th, customers can enjoy up to $30 off on MomMed breast pumps. This promotion will be available on both Amazon and MomMed’s official website, making it the biggest promotion for MomMed's breast pumps since their release.    MomMed’s this event offers a unique opportunity for more people to gain insights into the daily life of mothers and to connect with a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for supporting motherhood. By participating in the TikTok video challenge and taking advantage of MomMed’s product discounts, participants can show their support and help raise awareness of the value of motherhood.   About MomMed MomMed is a baby and maternity brand dedicated to providing helpful products and fostering a loving, caring, and supportive community. Its notable products are the test strips series and breast pump cordless for women, as well as baby scales for babies. Whether you are a new mom or an experienced one, MomMed understands the challenges and joys of motherhood, and strives to provide you with the support and resources you need to make the most of this special time in your life.

Is your toddler still breastfeeding? If yes, then we want to tell you that our heart fills with joy to know that. If people around you have been nagging you to get your toddler off breastmilk, turn deaf ears to them. Weaning should comply with your and your baby's wishes and needs. We assume that your 2-year-old has a hearty meal three times a day and turns to your breasts for some cozy time, not for nutrients. If you are ready to wean your toddler and have been struggling with how to do it, here are a few tips to help you stop breastfeeding for a 2-year baby.   1. Use the Power of Communication At 2 years, your toddler has a decent power of comprehension. They are aware of things happening around them and can take and execute commands effectively. So, at that age, if you try to explain something, they can grasp what you are trying to convey and process it better than a few-month-old baby. Therefore, effective communication can assist you in weaning your toddler. Tell them that they are growing up. Encourage them by expressing that you are proud of them for being a big baby who can walk, talk and eat independently. Generate interest in them about the exciting things growing up can expose them to. In this process, sprinkle the fact that older babies no more require breast milk. Tell them they need to make space in their tummy by giving up breast milk to enjoy other, more delicious foods. Make sure you don't reprimand them for still wanting to breastfeed just because you have decided to stop breastfeeding. It is an emotional affair, so give them time to process what you said. It might take several tries, but do not lose patience. If they are not ready for the conversation, don't impose. Wait for a few more days and try again.   2. Restrict The Number Of Nursing Sessions It is better if you do not stop breastfeeding cold turkey. That way, weaning from breastfeeding won't be too hard on your toddler. In addition, you can prevent painful episodes of engorgement and mastitis, which usually occur when your breasts become full of milk, and your milk ducts are blocked and inflamed, respectively. If your toddler is actively breastfeeding, start by dropping one nursing session at a time. Breastfed kids usually have a hard time sacrificing the morning and nighttime feed.Therefore, to not overwhelm your toddler, begin by dropping the afternoon feed. If they ask for it, then distract them with their favorite snack, read them a story, take them out, or play with them till they forget what they asked for. If they nurse before bedtime and multiple times overnight, then cater to just their bedtime nursing needs. If they wake up at night to feed, comfort them by cuddling and snuggling them. If it gets too tricky, then send your partner or any other family member to put them back to sleep. Not having you around them will make it easier for them to digest the fact that they are not going to get to breastfeed.   3. Don't Offer Until They Ask When trying to stop breastfeeding for a 2-year baby, you no longer should feel obliged to offer your breasts as many times as your baby normally feeds. Wait and let them lead. If they are happy with their breakfast pancake or are too busy playing with their favorite toy, don't offer them your breasts. See how many nursing sessions they are voluntarily skipping. However, if they ask for it, then don't refuse. This can take time, but it will be a more tantrum-free approach to weaning your toddler. It is because they will not feel that their comfort-activity is being snatched away. They will wean willingly at their own pace.   4. Cut Back the Nursing Time If your toddler has achieved most milestones of weaning from breastfeeding and has reduced to just one nursing session that is too hard to drop, we have a trick for you. Reduce the feeding time. If your kid has a habit of falling asleep while feeding, then it's time to say goodbye to that. Set a timer. Feed for 10-15 minutes, and then engage your toddler in other activities. Give them a lot of cuddles. Sing them a lullaby or read a story and put them to sleep. Older kids breastfeed just for comfort and to feel close to you. They like the attachment. Therefore, assure them that breastfeeding is not the only way to feel close to you. Once they get the assurance, they will find it easier to wean.   5. Restrict Access to Your Breasts Another smart approach for mothers trying to stop breastfeeding for a 2-year baby is limiting the access their babies have to their breasts. Put on several layers of clothing or a bra when cuddling with your toddler.  If that happens, they will have a hard time getting to your breasts when they yank your top down in the hope of getting to breastfeed. This way, they will get a clear message that they are not getting your breasts now. Some mothers cover their nipples or apply unpalatable substances to repel the babies when they latch. When winning a nursing session becomes a struggle, your toddler will gradually lose interest and stop asking for it.   What About Quitting Cold Turkey? If your toddler is too stubborn and none of the ways works out, you might be forced to stop breastfeeding cold turkey. In that case, you will get breast engorgement because the milk produced will have nowhere to go. Accumulation of milk for a very long time can clog the milk ducts and lead to inflammation. This condition is called mastitis and can be associated with fever and flu-like symptoms. To prevent that, pump your breast milk when you feel the need to do so. Leave a little milk unexpressed so that your breasts get the signal that the demand for milk has reduced. The milk supply will gradually dry up. In the meantime, if you have engorgement, you can use a cold compress, cabbage leaves, or pain medications for pain relief. After you quit cold turkey, expect your child to be cranky. Understand that the change is overwhelming for them. So, make yourself available to them, spend quality time with them, and comfort them with a lot of cuddles. Having you by their side will help them better cope with the transition and emotional challenge. Conclusion When trying to stop breastfeeding for a 2-year baby, you will find many eyebrows frowning at you for nursing your baby longer than the conventional period. However, never let that affect the dynamics of your relationship with your baby. Don't make haste by looking at others around you. Give your baby time to adapt to the transition. A significant life change, like starting daycare, a new nanny, or a house shift, is not a good time to start weaning. Breastfeeding is unique for every mother and child and is not meant to continue forever. No time is too early or too late. The decision to wean depends on you and your baby. So, take time and cherish the journey.

Abortion can be a different experience for each woman. Some might be ready to become pregnant immediately after an unsuccessful pregnancy while others might want to take it slow. Is your pregnancy test still positive 5 weeks after abortion? Are you wondering 5 weeks after abortion, positive pregnancy test can be real or not? Then here are the answers to all your questions!   Can You Get Pregnant Right After Abortion? The answer is yes. Abortion is a process that does not meddle with the natural fertility of any woman. While your earlier pregnancy may be terminated, you are still fully capable to get pregnant right after an abortion.   Women often think that abortion will have long-term side effects leading to infertility or unhealthy effects on future children. However, that's not true. The maximum side effect that abortion can cause would be premature delivery for future children in some rare cases. It does not necessarily affect the child's health and fertility conditions of the uterus.   What Does a Positive Pregnancy Test Right After Abortion Mean? A faint positive pregnancy test 5 weeks after abortion need not necessarily be correct. Taking a double test or proper sonography would be the best way to find out whether you are pregnant.   Taking pregnancy tests through a kit made for home tests is not recommended if you have just gone through an abortion. Taking a test 5 weeks after abortion, positive pregnancy test can be a false alarm. This is because the hormone levels of the body are still at the pregnancy stage. How Does Abortion Affect Menstruation? Abortion ideally causes the menstruation cycle to restart. Most of the women who have experienced abortion have found that their menstrual cycle has gone back to normal right after 4 to 8 weeks post-abortion. 5 weeks after abortion, bleeding flow would also go back to normal.   After a proper medical abortion, the body would usually take this estimated time to heal and resume menstruating processes. The blood flow for the first period after abortion might be heavier and longer than usual.   How Long Should You Wait To Be Pregnant After Abortion? Pregnancy right after abortion can be possible. However, to make sure that your body has healed completely, 8-12 weeks might be a good time post-abortion to wait for pregnancy.   There is no fixed period as to when one can become pregnant after an abortion. If you feel like you are ready, your body will usually comply.   However, in the opposite case, if you feel like you are not ready, feel free to take your time. Going through an abortion is tough and taking time to process and move on from what has happened might be difficult for many.   Moreover, it is also important to be mentally prepared to go through this journey. Opt for pregnancy after abortion only when you feel you are both physically and mentally ready.   Is it possible that an abortion did not work? Sometimes, your abortion processes fail to show real effects on the pregnancy. Such cases usually occur with patients who have gone for self-medications or have taken abortion pills (a two-pill course for abortion through medications)   If you have any of the following signs persisting after an abortion, these could be symptoms of a prolonged pregnancy even after an abortion: Moderate to severe vaginal bleeding (requiring one pad an hour or more) Lower abdominal pain Pain in the back, buttocks, genitalia, and/or perineum A fever Any persisting genital infection   If you are facing any of these symptoms and find your pregnancy test still positive after 5 weeks of abortion, it might be a good idea to speak to your gynecologist.   Why can I get 5 weeks after abortion, positive pregnancy test? As mentioned above, unmonitored hormone levels that remain the same for a while after abortion can cause false pregnancy test positives. Similarly, there are a few reasons which can cause you to get 5 weeks after abortion, positive pregnancy test which are as follows:   1. Fertility Medications If you are on any medications to boost fertility, particularly the ones that help boost HCG hormones and increase those levels in the body, it can meddle with the pregnancy test results. As the home pregnancy tests work by detecting the levels of increased hormones that are particularly secreted during pregnancy, such medications can result in a false alarm due to their property of altering the hormonal levels.   If you are on any such medication 5 weeks after abortion, positive pregnancy test false alarms can be avoided by taking the test 2-3 weeks post the completion of the medication course.   2. Incomplete Procedure In case of a miscarriage or an incomplete abortion, your uterus might be left with a few pregnancy tissues which need to be discarded. Don't worry! The presence of these tissues does not mean that you are still pregnant. You would only have to go through some minor medicational course or minor surgery to completely clear these pregnancy tissues.   However, checking how long after abortion hcg levels go down can help you identify the results of your pregnancy test accurately.   A faint positive pregnancy test 5 weeks after abortion can also be because such tissues have been left in the body which causes these tests to falsely detect a positive.   Final Words  There are multiple reasons why you can get 5 weeks after abortion, positive pregnancy test results. While it is 100% possible to get pregnant right after an abortion, a home pregnancy test can detect a false pregnancy based on various reasons such as higher body hormone levels, incomplete procedures, failed abortion and so on.   If you have gotten a positive test on home pregnancy tests, it would be best to check for some of the signs and symptoms and know whether your abortion has worked. You can also get a second opinion by medical pregnancy tests or sonographies for accurate pregnancy reports.

Medications often intervene in the hormonal balance of women, particularly when using an early pregnancy strip test or an ovulation pregnancy test. Especially if you are trying a home pregnancy test, the medications you are on play a very important role. If you are wondering 'can azo cause false positive pregnancy tests' then you are on the right track! Let's get to know about azo pills and their effects in more detail!   How Do Pregnancy Tests Work? If you are thinking can urine pregnancy test give false positive, here's your answer to that!Most pregnancy tests are driven by urine tests. They function by checking your urine for a hormone called hCG. HCG is a hormone that is released in the child-bearers body when a fetus has attached to the uterus.The pregnancy tests simply detect these levels and give out a positive or negative result. However, it does not realize what is the reason behind the higher levels of HCG hormones. Hence, if your hormone levels have been altered by something other than actual pregnancy, you might be up for a false alarm.If the hCG hormone is secreted in your body due to certain medications such as Azo, then a wrong pregnancy test can be detected due to imbalanced hormone levels. If you are planning to take a pregnancy test, then it is important to stay away from fertility medicines. Check all your medications from your respective doctors, even the over-the-counter medicines and understand whether these can cause any problems for your ovulation pregnancy test.   All You Need To Know About Azo Pills Azo pills are used to treat urinary tract infections and are an easily available over-the-counter medicine. These are completely safe and can be consumed by anyone for UTIs. However, when it comes to pregnant women, there is a debate about whether Azo pills can be considered safe or not.These pills have an active ingredient of phenazopyridine. Can phenazopyridine cause a false positive pregnancy test? Let's find out.This ingredient from these pills can change the colour of the urine and interfere with the urine's composition to treat urinary tract infections. However, when taking a pregnancy test, it might result in a negative effect since urine is the key indicator for home pregnancy tests.This element from the azo pills also has a quality that allows it to enter the uterus, cross the placenta and mix with the fetus. Hence, such types of medications are usually better avoided for pregnant women. It might cause health issues for the fetus in the future.   Can Azo Cause a False Negative Pregnancy Test Result? A false negative result is only possible when the urine contains less or no levels of HCG hormones. If you are pregnant this is an extremely rare scenario. Azo pills in general cannot cause false negative results.You might find a false negative result if you have used a pregnancy test too early. In normal circumstances, taking a pregnancy test two to three weeks after a missed period is the ideal time to provide the right results. If you have opted for an IVF embryo transfer then 10 DPT (days past transfer) or 14 DPT is the right time to take a pregnancy test.When you drink a lot of water before taking the pregnancy test or if you are using an expired test, there might be chances of a false negative result. You can always go for a double check or a proper medical pregnancy test or sonography from your gynaecologist to be sure of the result.   Can Azo Cause False Positive Pregnancy Test Results? A lot of times people ask can a UTI give a false positive pregnancy test. However, it's not the UTI that does anything to the hormone levels, instead, it is the medicines that we take for UTIs.So can azo cause a positive pregnancy test? The chances of women getting a false positive pregnancy test due to azo pills is quite rare. The azo pill manufacturers have claimed that false positive pregnancy tests due to azo pills have occurred in even less than 1% of the women who tested after taking an azo pill.Apart from this, there might be other reasons through which you can get a false positive test. These reasons include abortion, miscarriage and other medical conditions. In case you have just been through a pregnancy and have aborted or had a miscarriage, your body's hormone levels may be still in the pregnancy state. Allow your body's hormone levels to come back to normal. This usually happens after 3 weeks of the end of pregnancy.Along with that, if there is an error in the usage of the pregnancy tests or if you do not go through with the user manual properly, it could also result in a false pregnancy test.   Effects of Azo on Pregnancy If you are thinking 'Can azo cause a false positive pregnancy test' you are probably also on the lines of worrying whether it has any effect on your pregnancy. Let's clear that up!The best way to prevent your unborn child from any excessive medication is to hydrate well and maintain genital hygiene so that you don't catch UTIs in the first place. Azo medications are recommended by doctors when a woman catches UTI. Even though there have been no reports of azo medications harming mothers or fetuses, it has been known to get passed on through the breast milk and might enter the placenta and mix with the fetus.There is no clarity on any adverse side effects that this might cause. However, if a doctor prescribes an azo medication to you, then it must be because the pros overshadow the cons. You can try searching or consulting the doctor for an alternative to azo.   Effects of Azo on Menstruation Azo pills alter the hormonal balance of your internal system and hence can play a major role in altering your menstrual cycle as well. If your period is delayed by more than 10 days after being on an azo medication, then it's time to contact your doctor!   Final Words Azo is ideally an effective drug that helps in treating UTIs and killing bacteria in the urinary tract. However, when it comes to pregnant women, there are several aspects of concern.   Now that you know the effects and uses of Azo, you can decide for yourself whether or not you want to take it during pregnancy. If you are wondering “can Azo cause a false positive pregnancy test”, hopefully this article will help clear that up! If you would like to purchase pregnancy test strips, you can buy them at Mommed. Related Reading: What Does a 16 DPO Positive Pregnancy Test Mean?

The end of pregnancy does mark the end of some restrictions but not all of them. Breastfeeding mothers have to be extremely careful too. What they eat affects the milk they produce, ultimately affecting their babies' health. Therefore, in addition to the diet, nursing mothers are cautious about their medications. Not all medicines are compatible with breastfeeding. Today, let's talk about one very popular drug, Tylenol, and find out if you can take Tylenol during breastfeeding.   Tylenol In Brief Tylenol is the brand name under which the drug acetaminophen is sold. Acetaminophen is an analgesic and an atipyretic. It means that it is used to relieve pain and reduce fever. Its exact mechanism of action is still not known.   However, it is thought to block the secretion of prostaglandin, the enzyme that makes us feel pain, thus elevating the pain threshold. Its antipyretic effects are executed due to its activity on the hypothalamus, which regulates the body temperature.   However, Tylenol is not an NSAID(Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug), unlike Ibuprofen. It's no rocket science to understand what not being an NSAID means. It just implies that Tylenol doesn't reduce inflammation. It can only help with the alleviation of pain.   Tylenol is most commonly used for headaches, sore throats, menstrual cramps, backaches, and other muscle aches. New mothers might consider taking a dose of Tylenol to lessen the pain during the recovery phase after delivery, nipple pain during nursing, fever, and other body pains and aches. Let's find out if it's safe to take Tylenol while breastfeeding.   Can You Take Tylenol While Breastfeeding? A small portion of Tylenol does pass into the breast milk. However, enough research has been conducted to show that the amount released into the breastmilk is too little to impact the baby. Therefore, it is completely safe to take Tylenol while breastfeeding.   If you are still skeptical about the little acetaminophen that gets into your baby's body through your breast milk, here's an important fact. Several studies reported that breast milk showed a peak in acetaminophen levels 1-2 hours after the intake of Tylenol.   To keep your baby free from any possible risks, you can nurse them just before taking the medication and schedule the next feeding session a couple of hours later. If that is not feasible, you can pump your milk and return to the stored supply if your little one wants to fill their tummy anytime within two hours of taking medicine.   The Truth About Tylenol and Alcohol At this point, we are confident that Tylenol is one of the pain relievers safe for breastfeeding. However, Tylenol and alcohol do not get along well. Our liver metabolizes Tylenol into a harmless compound that passes out in the urine.   A minimal amount of it gets converted into a toxic compound. However, a substance called glutathione in the liver reduces that compound's toxic effect. In fact, alcohol itself uses glutathione to reduce its toxicity in the liver.   However, excessive consumption of alcohol diminishes the glutathione reserve of the liver. So, when acetaminophen gets converted into a toxic metabolite, its toxicity can no more be neutralized. This leads to internal bleeding, liver damage, and other life-threatening conditions.   If you have turned pale, remember the number of times you have taken acetaminophen after downing a glass of wine, then let us bring you some relief. You will not ruin your liver that way. Only heavy alcohol consumption and regular acetaminophen intake can harm your health in ways we discussed a while ago. Go For Natural Remedies If You Can Even though there are a few pain relievers safe for breastfeeding, you might want to keep drugs a million miles away from your baby for as long as possible. We second you on this. So, if you have a soaring body temperature or experience any pain during breastfeeding, you should try out natural remedies for pain relief. They never seem to fail in providing relief.   If you have a fever, then allow yourself to rest. Take sponge baths with lukewarm water after discussing it with your doctor. Eat easily digestible foods and drink a lot of fluids.   In case of a cold, there can be a plethora of reasons to feel uncomfortable. However, there are enough home remedies to deal with them. Warm water is the best treatment for your sore and scratchy throat.   Sip ginger tea, hot soup, and honey in warm water to reduce cough and soothe your throat; and how can we forget gargling with warm water? To open up your nasal passage, take steam frequently by adding any vapor rub or essential oil to hot water. You shall soon be able to breathe freely.   Cold compresses are an excellent way to reduce swelling and inflammation. As a new mother, if you have cramps or experience back pain or pain in your neck, hands, or legs, use a hot water bag to lessen the pain.   Breastfeeding-related pains can be too disturbing. Engorgement, mastitis, nipple pain, the list can continue until infinity. If that happens, frequently breastfeed to prevent engorgement and mastitis from blocked ducts.   To soothe the pain, you can use a cold compress or cabbage leaves to cup your breasts. Gently massaging your breasts and taking a hot shower will also help. In addition, drink a lot of water, rest well and try new feeding positions to help yourself and your baby.   Conclusion Your baby's safety is your priority, and we know that. That is why we try to educate you on every possible aspect that can affect you and your baby. Since pain and discomfort are a part of life and can show up anytime, you might have been wondering,' can I take Tylenol while breastfeeding?' we hope you got the answer.   If you want to avoid drugs while breastfeeding, then don't shy away from trying out natural remedies for pain relief. However, if pain medications are necessary and your doctor prescribes a Tylenol, then you shouldn't flinch taking it. We repeat, it is safe and will not harm your baby if consumed in prescribed doses.  

The term “chemical pregnancy” is a way of describing a pregnancy that does not develop for long enough to be confirmed as a clinical pregnancy. The only way to know you are pregnant at this early stage is due to the chemicals, or hormones, that your body produces when you first become pregnant.   These pregnancies might be detected on a home pregnancy test, only to result in an early miscarriage before they can be confirmed in a clinical setting. While many chemical pregnancies go unnoticed, it can be a disappointing and confusing experience for those hoping to have a baby.   Below are 8 things to know about chemical pregnancy symptoms, causes, and what they mean for future pregnancies. 1. Chemical pregnancies can be detected with urine or blood tests. Urine tests can be used to detect the human chorionic gonadotrophic (or hCG) hormone as early as 5 days before a missed period. You might have used a home pregnancy test on or before the day of your expected period if you are actively trying to conceive. Blood tests may also be used very early in the case of fertility treatments or other closely monitored pregnancies. When a pregnancy test shows a positive, but your period starts within a week of the positive test, it could be that you experienced a chemical pregnancy. This could also be the case if you get a positive home test, only to have a negative test a bit later on.  2. Chemical pregnancies result when an embryo ceases to continue development. A chemical pregnancy simply means that there was an egg that was fertilized and maybe even implanted into the uterus, but ceased to continue developing very early in the process. Therefore, your body started to produce hCG only to stop producing it shortly after. There are any number of reasons why an embryo might cease to develop at this early stage. There might be a genetic component that causes that particular embryo to be incompatible with growth. Other times, the uterine lining might not be ready to support a growing pregnancy, or certain illnesses might cause the body to reject the pregnancy in order to protect the health of the mother.   3. Chemical pregnancies are very common. About 80% of known miscarriages happen very early, such as in the case of a chemical pregnancy. Miscarriages (pregnancies that end before 20 weeks) occur in about a quarter of all recorded pregnancies. Due to the nature of chemical pregnancies, there may even be a large number that go completely unnoticed.   4. Early pregnancy loss means not everyone will realize they were even pregnant. People with irregular periods or inconsistent cycles might not think to test for pregnancy or assume that they are simply experiencing a heavier than normal period. Some women may never test or find out for sure but suspect that they experienced a chemical pregnancy after the fact. For those trying to conceive, a chemical pregnancy can be a source of grief and confusion, as they will be more likely to have tested early enough to see the positive test before the pregnancy stopped developing.    5. Some factors can increase your odds of a chemical pregnancy. The risk of having a chemical pregnancy is similar to the risk of having any other early miscarriage. You might be more likely to notice that a chemical pregnancy has occurred if you are closely monitoring for pregnancy, as in the case of IVF. Common risk factors that increase your chance of pregnancy loss are being over 35 years old, having a uterus that is atypical in shape, inconsistent hormone levels, or certain STIs or other reproductive conditions such as PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome).   6. Chemical pregnancy symptoms will vary from person to person. Chemical pregnancies will cause different symptoms depending on the person as well as how many days pregnant you are. There is no way to know ahead of time if an early positive pregnancy test will result in a chemical pregnancy. Some signs that you have experienced a chemical pregnancy are a heavier or late period, more painful cramps, a positive pregnancy test followed by a period that starts a few days later, or a positive test followed by a negative test later on. Whether or not you were expecting a pregnancy, each person will have a unique response to the experience of a pregnancy loss. Whatever you feel about the situation is valid for you. Do not be afraid to reach out for emotional and physical support if you are having trouble processing the experience or dealing with symptoms of pain or exhaustion.   7. There is no sure way to prevent an early pregnancy loss. Unfortunately, pregnancy loss at such an early stage is not something that can be prevented or predicted before it happens. Often, the loss occurs due to some kind of genetic incompatibility within the embryo or an inability of the uterus to support the pregnancy. If you are thinking of getting pregnant, your provider might recommend starting prenatal vitamins and a getting full checkup before attempting to conceive. While it’s a good idea to be taking prenatal vitamins and make sure you are healthy enough to carry a pregnancy, early miscarriages can happen to anyone regardless of these measures.   8. Many people continue on with normal pregnancies after a chemical pregnancy. The good news for those trying to conceive is that the majority of people who experience a chemical pregnancy will go on to have a healthy pregnancy later on. If you have experienced a chemical pregnancy or other early miscarriage for the first time, chances are high that you will be able to become pregnant again and carry the pregnancy to term. If you have experienced repeated early losses or meet certain criteria, you may need to speak with your care provider about fertility options. They will be able to work with you to discover if there is a treatable reason for your early losses, or if fertility treatments might be needed. Final Thoughts Chemical pregnancies can happen to anyone, and should not be taken as a sign that something is wrong with you or your body. Many people experience chemical pregnancies without any noticeable symptoms, while others may be acutely aware of the early loss.   Remember, everyone experiences chemical pregnancies differently, both physically and emotionally. If you have experienced a chemical pregnancy, do not be afraid to reach out to friends and family for support while you process the experience. If you’re worried about future pregnancies, consider talking to your doctor and asking any questions you have until you feel comfortable.

When you’re trying to conceive, any slight new symptom can get your heart pounding. Waiting to see if two pink lines are in store for you this month can be agony, so it’s hard not to read into every twinge, cramp, and an extra trip to the bathroom. But what are the first signs of pregnancy you should really be on the lookout for？Here, we break down the most common early pregnancy symptoms and what you can do to ease any ensuing discomfort.  8. Missed Period If you’re hoping to start the journey to motherhood, your heart probably races every time you visit the bathroom around the time your period is due. So it’s only natural to feel pretty excited if you’re late, even by a day. After all, it’s one of the classic early signs of pregnancy. While the accuracy of a pregnant test increases the longer you wait to take one, many pregnancy tests these days are able to detect hCG levels up to five days before your period is supposed to start.What should you do?If your cycle is regular, missing your period is one of the first early signs of pregnancy, so try taking a pregnancy test (or calling your doctor) to confirm. If your periods are irregular, it’s possible you just skipped a month — or you could be pregnant. A pregnancy test will help tell.  9. Morning Sickness The one-two punch of nausea and vomiting are pregnancy symptoms that strike some women very early on, but for most sufferers, the fun begins around week six. Morning sickness is a bit of a misnomer — while you’re likely to feel more nauseous on an empty stomach (like in the morning before you’ve had breakfast), that queasiness can pop up at any time of day.What should you do?In most cases the queasiness isn’t too overwhelming, so listen to your body and try to stay calm. We suggest eating frequent small meals, nibbling on some crackers before getting out of bed, taking vitamin B6 or B12 or ginger tablets, and drinking tea or ginger ale. But if you’re losing significant weight or can’t keep anything down, you may be suffering from a more serious problem (like hyperemesis gravidarum), so talk to your doctor. Get more morning sickness tips to help minimize any nausea and vomiting.   10. Heightened Sense of Smell If your favorite dish suddenly smells like dead fish, you may be experiencing one of the more bizarre early signs of pregnancy. Often associated with morning sickness and all the lovely things that come with it, having a super sniffer isn’t exactly a blessing. Most of the time, strong smells will seem nauseating to the mom-to-be.What should you do?If it’s really bothering you, try to stay away from those strong-smelling odors. Consider taking the stairs instead of the elevator so you’re not overwhelmed by someone’s perfume. Change lanes if you find yourself stuck behind an exhaust-heavy truck. At home, wash your clothes often (since odors cling to fibers), and switch to unscented cleaners and toiletries in order to curb those unpleasant smells.   11. Food Cravings If you’re expecting, chances are you might experience strong food cravings, especially in the first trimester. Some common yearnings you can chalk up as pregnancy symptoms? Sweet, spicy, salty and sour.What should you do?Moderate indulgence is fine (and totally inevitable), but watch your intake of empty calories, especially if they start to replace important nutrients. There are easy and healthy snacks that will give your body the nutrients it needs without downing three quarts of ice cream.  12. Food Aversions Ah, pregnancy — the only topic where it’s totally normal to discuss cravings and aversions in the same breath. One of the more unusual signs of pregnancy, aversions to or distaste for certain foods during early pregnancy and food cravings may be opposite pregnancy symptoms, but they can be equally as strong. Common aversions include meat, onions and eggs, although a pregnant woman can develop a distaste for just about any food.What should you do?The best way to deal is simply to avoid whatever foods are triggering your aversions. If it’s chicken, try eggs or another source of protein. If it’s milk, get your calcium fix from yogurt or even supplements.  13. Bloating Is gas a sign of pregnancy? It can be. A boost in progesterone and estrogen is one of the common early pregnancy signs, causing many women to swell up early on, and with it often comes pregnancy gas. Abdominal pain or tightening, bloating, belching and passing gas all accompany pregnancy, sometimes for the entire nine months.What should you do?Not a fan of pregnancy symptoms like gas and bloating? Eat small, regular meals and stay away from gas-causing foods like fried foods, sweets, cabbage and beans. Eating and drinking slowly will keep you from swallowing excess air (you’ll later use this technique when feeding baby), and loose clothing will keep you comfy. Yoga classes can also help settle things down. If your pregnancy gas is really intense, talk to your doctor before taking medication.  14. Constipation Is constipation a symptom of pregnancy? It can be. It goes hand-in-hand with bloating and occurs for all the same reasons. If you’re making more trips to the bathroom to pee but far fewer for the other, ahem, function, pregnancy could be the reason.What should you do?Eat as many fiber-rich foods as your queasy tummy will allow, and don’t forget to drink lots of water. If you’re really struggling, you might even consider adding a bit of white grape or pear juice to your diet. In addition, talk to your doctor about switching to a different prenatal vitamin, since there are some that tend to cause less constipation than others. 

One of the universe's greatest wonders is the ability of a mother's body to provide all the nutrients that a baby needs to live and grow during the earliest stages of life. Breastfeeding is ecstatic to every mother. It allows for an inseparable connection to be fostered between a mother and a child. 

Taking care of a baby is not child's play. You have to be constantly on your toes to fulfill their needs and ensure that you provide them with the care they need. In such times, cough and cold are no fun.  All you want is to find yourself a magic pill that can help you recover overnight so that you can get back to taking care of your helpless little one. However, when you are breastfeeding, you cannot just pick and swallow any pill. Your breastmilk will carry traces of almost everything you eat to your baby. So, without further ado, let's great straight to finding out if taking Mucinex while breastfeeding is safe. Keep reading to learn more about the drug's works, Mucinex side effects, and natural alternatives if available.  What Is Mucinex? Mucinex is used to treat chest congestion that occurs during respiratory tract infections. If you have a common cold or have been diagnosed with bronchitis or pneumonia, you will most likely be prescribed Mucinex. It is a class of medicine referred to as expectorant. Expectorants help clear up your lungs and airways. They do this by thinning the mucus, which leads to a more productive cough. To simplify, we can say that expectorants loosen the mucus and help you cough up more phlegm. This relieves congestion and also throws out the pathogens trapped by the mucus, preventing your body from being attacked by them. If you have ever considered Mucinex a cough suppressant, this is the right time to throw the confusion out of the window. Cough suppressants act on your brain and reduce the reflex that causes you to cough. But expectorants like Mucinex help you cough more mucus to clear the congestion.  Guaifenesin:The Active Ingredient of Mucinex Mucinex is the brand name under which the expectorant Guaifenesin is sold. It reduces the viscosity of your mucus by hydrating it, making your cough more productive. Guaifenesin is found in an array of cold medicines, antihistamines, decongestants, and cough suppressants. At present, it is the only expectorant to have got the approval of the US Food and Drug Administration. Mucinex side effects are usually minimal when taken at prescribed doses.However, potential side effects include drowsiness, fatigue, headache, rashes, constipation, nausea, and vomiting if taken more than required. Now, let's see if Mucinex qualifies as one of the cold medicines safe for breastfeeding mothers.  Can You Take Mucinex While Breastfeeding? Not much research has been conducted on the safety of taking Mucinex while breastfeeding. The limited number of studies that have been conducted show that trace amounts of Mucinex pass into breast milk. However, the amount is too negligible to have a profound physiological impact on breastfed infants. Therefore, Mucinex is usually considered safe for breastfeeding. It is placed in the L2 category of Dr. Hale's classification of drugs based on their compatibility with breastfeeding. If you are totally new to this concept, let us break it down.  Hale's Classification L1- Drugs that are categorized as L1 are the safest. Enough evidence supports that the intake of these drugs does not have adverse effects on breastfed babies.   L2- drugs in this category are said to be safer. Research has been conducted on these drugs only on a limited number of breastfeeding mothers. However, the conclusions state that these drugs are safe for breastfed babies.   L3- These drugs are moderately safe. Medicines in this class either have minimal side effects or have not been subjected to controlled studies. These can be prescribed in cases where the benefits outweigh the side effects.   L4- This is the class of possibly hazardous drugs. These medicines are known to harm either breastfed infants or affect milk production. They still have a chance to be prescribed in cases where no safer drug is available to pull the nursing mother out of a severe condition.   L5- L5 category drugs are contraindicated. There is sufficient evidence to indicate significant risks for breastfed infants. The benefits of these drugs fail to outweigh their adverse effects; therefore, they are never prescribed to breastfeeding mothers.  Hence, as an L2 category drug, Mucinex easily makes it to the list of cold medicines safe for breastfeeding mothers. However, here is a little piece of information we want you to embed in your mind. Mucinex doesn't contain only Guaifenesin. It can have other drugs like dextromethorphan and pseudoephedrine. Mucinex D, used as a decongestant, has pseudoephedrine, a compound responsible for reducing milk supply. Therefore, never forget to check the composition of Mucinex while buying. The smartest thing is to talk to your doctor first and then gulp down the pill. This will keep you and your baby above any possible risks. After taking the medicine, it is better not to nurse your baby for a couple of hours and allow the drug to clear up your system. If your baby's mealtime falls around the time you have been advised to take a pill, you can pump the milk before taking the medicine and tap into the stored supply when needed. The Wonders of Natural Expectorants Although taking Mucinex during breastfeeding is safe, there are a plethora of natural expectorants which show equal effectiveness in loosening mucus and making your cough productive. So, if you catch a cold while breastfeeding and are hesitant to take medicines, natural expectorants can help you heal. Even if you take medications, you can still reap the benefits of home remedies and experience a faster recovery. Moisture is the most basic yet effective expectorant. Take a hot shower and see how easily you can cough out the phlegm. Nothing can surpass the effectiveness of warm water during a common cold. Honey, peppermint, and ivy green have also been found to treat chest congestion efficiently. Make yourself a glass of warm water, add honey and slurp your sweet drink to pull out the stubborn cough, or make yourself a cup of peppermint or ivy green tea and sip them to ease the congestion.  Conclusion Based on the research conducted so far, taking Mucinex while breastfeeding is not harmful. However, the breastfeeding journey is unique to every woman, and all of our bodies respond differently to different substances.Therefore, if you catch a cold during breastfeeding and the tightness in your chest troubles you, don't write your own prescription. Talk to your doctor and confirm that Mucinex is a suitable choice of medicine.If they have another opinion, then blindly go by it. You can, however, always complement your medication with natural remedies to recover faster.

Pregnancy brings with it an enormous list of restrictions. Now that your baby is out, you must be excited to resume eating the foods that most lovingly pamper your tastebuds and doing all those things that fill your dopamine void without worrying about affecting your baby. However, we are here to remind you that, as long as you are breastfeeding, your baby is going to be affected by everything you take into your system. So, without beating around the bush, let's state that breastfeeding products are not the safest time to get back to them if you are into smoking weed.  Cannabis enters your baby's body through breast milk and can potentially impede development. We know this has stripped the shine off your eyes, but we want the best for you and your baby. So the onus is on us to educate you on the consequences of smoking weed while breastfeeding.   Why Smoking Weed While Breastfeeding Is Not Safe? Your breastmilk has an abundance of fat. Tetrahydrocannabinol(THC), found in cannabis, is fat-loving. Therefore THC reserves build up in the fat cells and remain there for an extended period. When you nurse your little one, it gets passed into their system. According to studies, your breastfed child gets around 2.5% of the cannabis dose that you consume. Depending upon the amount of your cannabis intake, the quantity ingested by your baby varies. Reasons for concern have doubled because the concentration of THC in cannabis has increased since the 1980s. Besides, you cannot pump and dump after smoking weed while breastfeeding. It is because THC can remain in your breastmilk from 6 days to as long as 6 weeks. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention advises breastfeeding women to stay away from cannabis as that can potentially hamper the child's development. It also inhibits prolactin, the milk-producing hormone, reducing your milk supply. Maternity products designed for breastfeeding mothers can help mitigate some of these issues by providing alternatives to direct feeding during this period. Moreover, it is a no-brainer that smoking weed can cause you to become high and affect your ability to care for your little one. Regardless of how tempting smoking pot is to you, we know that it cannot override your desire to be the best parent for your baby. So why not squash the itch for a while and rule out the possibility of a guilt trip in the coming days?  Impact Of Weed On Breastfed Babies Though more research needs to be done on the effects of cannabis on breastfed babies, no study shows that it is harmless or benefits the babies. All the studies conducted so far have concluded that smoking weed is potentially harmful to breastfed infants.  Cannabis is a psychoactive compound. When cannabis passes into the breast milk, tetrahydrocannabinol present in it activates specific receptors in the brain that cause a mood-altering effect. However, those receptors play an essential role in brain development. Since significant brain development happens during the first year of life, exposure to cannabis can lead to delayed brain development.   Smoking weed while breastfeeding can also cause sedation in your little one. Under the effect of cannabis, your baby will sleep more than required and will not wake up to eat often. As a result, they will have stunted growth and problems with normal development. Babies continuously exposed to cannabis also express difficulty sucking milk from breasts due to weak muscle tone or hypotonia.   Several studies have also linked exposure to cannabis in breast milk to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD) in children. Because THC in cannabis hijacks the brain, smoking weed while breastfeeding can emotional stability in children and make them more susceptible to substance abuse later in life.   Passive smoking calls for equal caution. Breathing in cannabis from the breath of parents or the smoke present around them makes babies more vulnerable to suffering from middle ear infections, asthma, and other pulmonary disorders and puts them at a greater risk of sudden infant death syndrome.     Should You Give Up Cannabis While Breastfeeding Even if it is for Medicinal Purposes?   After learning about the effects of cannabis on breastfed babies, we don't think you need to hear an answer from us. Even if you were prescribed cannabis to ease symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, or other conditions, you must have been asked to discontinue that during pregnancy. The halt shall most likely continue till the end of your breastfeeding period. Discuss with your doctor about things you can do to manage the symptoms better during that time. Switch to therapy and incorporate lifestyle changes if required. If medications become necessary, you will be prescribed drugs compatible with breastfeeding. Rely on those till your doctor gives you the green signal to resume smoking weed.  When Is It Safe To Resume? If you have been wondering when you can finally get back to your comfort activity, then let us tell you that you can do it only after your baby is completely weaned off your breastmilk. However, it is still not safe to smoke weed with your babies around. Passive smoking can put them at risk of respiratory disorders and cause other harmful effects.  Conclusion Not enough research has been conducted on the effect of cannabis use by breastfeeding mothers on breastfed babies. However, all the studies conducted so far unanimously report that THC in cannabis and other common contaminants like heavy metals which pass into the breast milk pose severe threats to the growth and development of breastfed infants, thus declaring smoking weed while breastfeeding unsafe. Therefore, pediatricians are mandated to report cases where mothers smoke weed during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are reading this, then we hope you have gotten your question answered. We trust you to make a decision in the best interest of you and your baby since it's only you who can wish the best for your little one. Related Reading: Breastfeeding 101

Caring for a baby is not a cakewalk. Along with ecstasy, motherhood brings with it pain, exhaustion, and a roller coaster of emotions. To add to it is your new responsibility of breastfeeding.The worst is it doesn’t come with holidays. Regardless of tiredness, sickness, and pain, you have to be there to feed your little human’s tummy. We understand your pain mommy. Therefore, here is everything in detail about the side-lying breastfeeding position, a nursing posture for all the hard times.  How To Nurse in the Side-Lying Breastfeeding Position Side-lying breastfeeding is one of the most comfortable breastfeeding positions for nursing mothers. To breastfeed in the side-lying position, lie down on your side with a pillow under your head. You can stack up some pillows behind you for better support. To enhance comfort, you can place a pillow between your knees. Make your baby lie down facing you. Ensure that their mouth aligns with your nipple. You can either use your arm on the underside to support your head or to cradle your baby. In the latter case, the hold can help you gently pull your baby toward your breast while nursing. In the side-lying breastfeeding position, you might have to support your breast at times. Note that you shouldn’t take your breasts to your baby. Rather, you should pull your baby towards it and guide them to the nurse. To ensure proper latching, check whether their mouth is wide open. If not, then stroke their cheeks gently. It will cause them to open their mouth wide because of the stimulation of their rooting reflex. The rooting reflex is nothing but a newborn’s ability to follow the touch and trace the breast or bottle, basically their food source. This reflex automatically vanishes after 4 months. Once they latch properly, let them feed till they are full. Once your lower breasts feel empty, you can either roll onto the other side and repeat the same positioning for your baby to nurse from the second breast. Otherwise, you can lean over and offer your second breast. However, just make sure that you change sides only after one breast is completely empty. Accumulation of milk over long periods can cause engorgement, clogged ducts, and mastitis.  Situations Where the Side-lying Position Helps the Most1. Breastfeeding After Cesarean Delivery Recovering from surgery is not child’s play. On top of that, having to continuously cater to your baby’s feeding needs can be exhausting. After a c-section, sitting up for a long time doesn’t feel comfortable. The side-lying position comes to the rescue during breastfeeding after cesarean delivery. In this posture, the baby doesn’t lie on top of you. Therefore, the pressure that could otherwise be put on your incision and belly region is averted. You can comfortably lie down on your side, support your baby, and feed them, yet prevent additional strain on your incision site.2. In the Hospital Breastfeeding starts immediately within a few hours of delivery. It is a no-brainer that delivering a baby is excruciating and it takes weeks to heal. After a few hours, the exhaustion would still cloud your body. In such situations, breastfeeding can be most comfortably done in the side-lying position.  Some new mums prefer breastfeeding in the laid-back position after giving birth. However, if you are too tired to prop yourself up, the easiest way is to roll to your side, bring your tiny human close, put the rails of the hospital bed up, and start nursing.3. Breastfeeding When You are Sick or Tired Breastfeeding can be taxing when you are sick. When your body has given up on you, pulling yourself together to breastfeed frequently can be a pain. However, we can’t stop that. So why not nurse and rest at the same time? The side-lying position helps you do just that. Even if you are not sick and are just tired or it's a nighttime feed, you don’t have to force yourself to sit till your baby is full. Simply lie down on your side and adjust your baby to help them latch.4. You Have Large Breasts When you have large breasts, it can get very uncomfortable to find a suitable position to breastfeed. If you have been wondering how to latch your tiny baby on your big breasts, then let us tell you that the side-lying position is one of the most comfortable breastfeeding positions for nursing mothers with large breasts.Try this and you might find it to be your perfect hold. However, if you have issues, consult a lactation expert and learn proper techniques to adjust your baby and master the latching process.5. When Your Baby Is Sleep All new mums know how big a hassle feeding a sleepy baby can be. It has been found that in the side-lying position, sleepy babies tend to nurse longer, sufficiently. In other positions, like the cradle hold, cross-cradle hold, or upright position, babies are too snug and fall asleep half-full. The side-lying position gives sleepy babies an opportunity to feed and rest at the same time.  Thing To Keep In Mind We just saw how the side-lying position is a boon to mothers in a plethora of situations. However, there is one thing you should embed in your mind. Never fall asleep in the side-lying position while feeding your baby. Whether you are breastfeeding when you are sick, tired, or recovering from surgery, make sure that you transfer the baby to the crib after they are done feeding. Co-sleeping while breastfeeding often increases the risk of SIDS(Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) due to suffocation. Therefore, no matter how irresistible falling asleep in the cuddly position feels, make the effort of shifting your little one to their sleeping space after they feed for their health and safety.  Conclusion Nursing mothers' resort to the side-lying breastfeeding position time and again and find the comfort and liberty they crave. Be it immediately after you deliver or on a particular day you find fatigue weighing you down, you can try the side-lying position.  It is well and good if you have been helped in the hospital to learn the proper positioning. If not, then you can contact your doctor or a lactation expert for further guidance. Have patience as your learning curve takes shape and cherish every moment of your beautiful journey.

The beginning of the breastfeeding journey can be bumpy, especially finding the right position. There is a long list of breastfeeding postures that you can experiment with before you and your baby come across your favorite. However, this post is all about the laid-back breastfeeding position, the favorite of most mums and lactation consultants. Keep reading to find out all about it.  What Is Laid-back Breastfeeding Position? The laid-back breastfeeding position, as the name suggests is a breastfeeding posture that imparts women the liberty to relax or recline. For many new mums, it is the first-ever hold for nursing their newborns. This position requires women to recline in the most relaxed manner, just like one does while watching television. The baby is put tummy-down on the mom and is left to wriggle towards their breasts. This breastfeeding position, in addition to being extremely comfortable and allowing efficient latching, helps enhance physical contact between the mother and child, thus fostering a beautiful bond between them.  Biological Nurturing and Baby-led Latch These are no new techniques. Biological nurturing and Baby-led nurturing are just other names for the laid-back or reclined position for breastfeeding. The significance of this breastfeeding position lies in its ability to stimulate a baby’s instinctive feeding reflexes. All young animals are capable of tracing their food source. Human newborns are no different. When placed close to their source of food, which is their breasts, in this case, they can find their way to it and latch.What assists the process is the secretion of fluid from special glands in the breasts that guides babies to them. Since it stimulates a baby’s instinctive feeding reflexes it is known as biological nurturing. Besides, as the baby takes the lead while nursing in this breastfeeding position, it is referred to as a baby-led latch. In the reclined position, you don’t have to restrict yourself in a posture and worry about your baby cooperating during the nursing session.As your hungry baby crawls up to your breasts and feeds peacefully, you can spend some quiet time cuddling and fondling them.  The Right Way Of Practicing Laid-back Breastfeeding Regardless of the breastfeeding position you choose, you should always prioritize your and your baby’s comfort. There is no perfect way; just the most suitable fit. If you are going for laid-back breastfeeding, then get yourself into a semi-reclined position in such a way that you can make eye contact with your baby when they lie on you. Ensure that your back, head, and neck are well supported to prevent fatigue during the breastfeeding session. Since laid-back breastfeeding allows a wonderful window for mothers and babies to have skin-to-skin contact, you can choose to be bare-chested while nursing. However, there is no compulsion. You can just adjust your clothes in a way that your baby gets unrestricted access to your breasts. The next step is to put your baby on you, tummy-down. You can make your baby lie down vertically or choose any angle that suits you best. Just make sure that their face is close to your breast, preferably, in a nose-to-nipple situation. Technically, this marks the end of guidelines for getting into the reclined position. Once you are set, spend time bonding with your baby. Cuddle, kiss, stroke, and comfort them. Don’t force them to feed. If they are drowsy, let them sleep in that position.When they are hungry, they will show some signs. Catch the cues and help them, nurse. Some most common signs in babies that you should look out for while laid-back breastfeeding are:-  Head bobbing Squirming Clenching their fists Making eye contact Licking their lips Pushing their way upwards  Laid-back Breastfeeding After Cesarean Delivery Many mums who are recovering from a cesarean delivery find the reclined position very comfortable. However, there is a catch. In laid-back breastfeeding, your baby will push your body to make way toward your breasts when hungry.For a mother recovering from surgery, this might be an inconvenience, since even their little kicks can be painful for her incision area. Therefore, putting the baby in the stomach region has negligible chances. Hence, for laid-back breastfeeding after cesarean delivery, there are other ways to position a baby. One way is to hold the baby horizontally across your chest. Their head can lie close to one of your breasts, while their body points towards the other breast. Another way is to place your baby lying by you, sideways. Their head should be close to one of your breasts and their bodies can lie under your armpit, supported by the bed, sofa, or chair. These positions ensure that new mommies get enough physical space to recover. If initially, you find it difficult to lift and position your baby, then don’t shy away from seeking help. Allow a family member to help you both get comfortable.  Benefits Of Laid-back Breastfeeding Position Here are a few advantages of the laid-back breastfeeding position:-  1. It is a comfortable position for mothers who have had a cesarean delivery, an episiotomy incision, or a painful and difficult childbirth, owing to which they are unable to sit for long periods. 2. It enhances skin-to-skin contact between the mother and child, helping them bond better. 3. It gives more power to the baby to act as per their feeding instincts and lead the nursing session. 4. Since gravity has a major role to play in this posture, latching becomes more efficient. Babies who present latching difficulties might get the hang of breastfeeding after trying this approach. 5. Since your baby latches properly, it will decrease the number of episodes with sore nipples for you. 6. In this position, your hands are completely free to stroke and pat your baby. This continued expression of affection and physical comfort calms the babies and helps build early confidence.   Conclusion We hope you have a clear insight into the laid-back breastfeeding position. It stands true to its name, a relaxed and laid-back approach. Allow your little one more freedom to exercise its feeding instincts, let them take the lead as you recline, and watch your little worm squirm up to suck its food.