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Carbohydrates are the body's most important and readily available source of energy. Even though they've gotten a bad rap lately and are sometimes blamed for the obesity epidemic in America, carbs are a necessary part of a healthy diet for both kids a...

Carbohydrates are the body's most important and re...

As with breastfeeding, there are some challenges to consider when deciding whether to formula feed. Organization and preparation. Prepare your baby's formula by mixing water and the appropriate amount of powdered infant formula. The packaging on the ...

As with breastfeeding, there are some challenges t...

Breastfeeding is considered the best nutritional option for babies by the major medical organizations, but it's not right for every mother. Commercially prepared infant formulas are a nutritious alternative to breast milk, and even contain some vitam...

Breastfeeding is considered the best nutritional o...

Although it is the best feeding choice for babies and mothers, breastfeeding does come with some concerns that new mothers may share. Whereas it's easy from the get-go for some, it can be challenging. Sometimes, both mother and baby need plenty of pa...

Although it is the best feeding choice for babies ...

Your milk supply is determined by the stimulation that your baby provides while nursing. In other words, the more you breastfeed, the more milk your body produces. So, if you seem to be producing less milk than usual, you should try to feed your baby...

Your milk supply is determined by the stimulation ...

Nursing is a wonderful experience for both mother and baby. It provides ideal nourishment and a special bonding experience that many nursing mothers cherish. Here are some of the many benefits of breastfeeding: Infection-fighting. Antibodies passed f...

Nursing is a wonderful experience for both mother ...

Choosing whether to breastfeed or formula feed your baby is one of the first decisions expectant parents will make. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) joins other organizations such as the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Dietet...

Choosing whether to breastfeed or formula feed you...

Whereas some women may feel like they don't have enough milk, others may feel like they're making too much. Some mothers' bodies just produce more milk than their babies need. Others overstimulate their breasts by pumping or expressing milk between f...

Whereas some women may feel like they don't have e...

Your diet doesn’t have to be perfect. It is estimated that you need an additional 500 calories per day as a breastfeeding mother. Breastfeeding may make you thirsty, so you may find it convenient to have a water bottle near by so that it is there whe...

Your diet doesn’t have to be perfect. It is estima...

Breastfeeding "strikes" are very normal and often last only a few days. Still, this can be worrisome, especially in a baby who usually breastfeeds with no problems at all. So why might your child suddenly stop wanting to breastfeed? Here are some pos...

Breastfeeding "strikes" are very normal and often ...

Although some mothers may want to keep their babies in bed with them to make breastfeeding more convenient at night, cosleeping with babies can be hazardous. But you can still choose to keep your baby close and make nighttime feedings easier by letti...

Although some mothers may want to keep their babie...

Breast milk contains many vitamins as well as easily-absorbed iron. The iron from breast milk will be sufficient until your baby begins eating iron-rich cereals around 6 months of age. All babies need vitamin D supplementation. Vitamin D is added to ...

Breast milk contains many vitamins as well as easi...

In most cases, yes — the majority of illnesses are not dangerous to a breastfeeding infant. However, in rare cases (such as HIV), a mother's health may interfere with her ability to breastfeed her baby. If you aren’t feeling well, remember that as yo...

In most cases, yes — the majority of illnesses are...

Sometimes, babies spit up when they: have eaten too much burp (the notorious "wet burp") drool Many infants will spit up a little after some — or even all — feedings or during burping because their digestive tracts are immature. That's perfectly no...

Sometimes, babies spit up when they: have eaten t...

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that babies be breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months. Beyond that, the AAP encourages breastfeeding until at least 12 months, and longer if both the mot...

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the W...

Newborns should be woken up every 3 to 4 hours until their weight gain is established, which typically happens within the first couple of weeks. After that, it's OK if a baby sleeps for longer periods of time. But don't get your slumber hopes up just...

Newborns should be woken up every 3 to 4 hours unt...

If you're using formula because you're not producing the amount of milk your baby needs, nurse first. Then, give any pumped milk you have and make up the difference with formula as needed. If you are weaning from one feeding at the breast or from bre...

If you're using formula because you're not produci...

Although some women may choose to pump large volumes to be frozen, it's a good idea to actually store the breast milk in 2 to 4 ounce (59.1 to 118.2 milliliters) portions so as not to waste any. Label the bottles, cups, or bags with the date and your...

Although some women may choose to pump large volum...

Some experts feel that if you start pumping and giving bottles too early — before your baby is used to breastfeeding — your little one might have "nipple confusion" and may decide that the bottle is the quicker, better option than the breast. While s...

Some experts feel that if you start pumping and gi...

You can freeze and/or refrigerate your pumped (or expressed) breast milk. You should store it in clean bottles with screw caps, hard plastic cups that have tight caps, or nursing bags (pre-sterilized bags meant for breast milk). It's helpful to put a...

You can freeze and/or refrigerate your pumped (or ...

If your breasts are sore and you have flu-like symptoms, fever, chills, a hard or red area of the breast, or red streaks on your breast, you may have an infection in your milk ducts called mastitis. If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor...

If your breasts are sore and you have flu-like sym...