Video: Best Breastfeeding Positions

Heidi Murkoff:Hi everyone. Im here today with Linda Hanna. Linda Hanna:Why dont we do the cross-cradle hold first? Kelly:Sounds great. LH:Im going to hand you the baby so he is completely on his side facing you. Mom-to-Be:Like this? LH:Perfect positioning for your baby. Wait for him to open his mouth really wide and then latch him on. HM:So this is the cross over hold. HM:And then we can move right into a cradle hold....

March 25, 2015 · 2 min · 301 words · Jade Holmes

Leaking Amniotic Fluid (Premature Rupture of Membranes) During Pregnancy

Does it seem like youve sprung a leak? Bladder control issues are pretty common during pregnancy, especially toward the end. What is leaking of amniotic fluid or premature rupture of membranes (PROM)? What is preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM)? Got doubts about the liquid you’re leaking? Call your practitioner to be on the safe side. Recommended Reading Who is at risk of premature rupture of membranes? Its not all that common for your water to break before you go into labor....

March 20, 2015 · 1 min · 198 words · Bradley Parker

Breastfeeding After Breast Cancer

Medically reviewed to ensure accuracy. You’ve been poked and prodded, scanned and biopsied. You’ve come through bad news and scares, surgeries and treatments. No one needs to tell you that you and your breasts have been through a lot. But you’re a survivor who has plenty to look forward to: your brand-new baby! Can you breastfeed after having breast cancer? If you haven’t yet undergone treatment for breast cancer, most doctors recommend avoiding breastfeeding....

March 5, 2015 · 1 min · 163 words · Ian Howard

Vaginal Tears During and After Childbirth

Updates to text and information throughout and a new medical review. What is a vaginal tear? How long does it take for vaginal tears to heal? Stitches used in the repair of various tears will dissolve on their own within six weeks. What types of vaginal tears can occur during childbirth? A first-degree tear, however, usually heals on its own. Making your perineal area softer may help it stretch over your babys head during childbirth....

March 4, 2015 · 1 min · 75 words · Cynthia Mullins

When Your Baby’s Umbilical Cord Will Fall Off and What to Do

Frankly, it looks downright weird, even gross, but don’t be intimidated. When does the umbilical cord fall off? You might notice a small raw spot or a bit of blood-tinged fluid oozing out. Try not to worry this is also normal. But if you notice more profuse bleeding, call the doctor. An umbilical granuloma is a very treatable condition. A course of antibiotics will get your babys belly button back to healing in no time....

March 4, 2015 · 1 min · 119 words · Brittany Hill

Your Baby’s Bones and Skeleton

They are very much formed by what both of you eat over the months (and years!). Heres a step-by-step look at how that tiny, squishy tadpole becomes a bona fide baby. How many bones does a baby have? Babies are born with around 270 to 300 bones at birth. Over time, some of a babys bones fuse (i.e. Do babies have more bones than adults? Believe it or not, your newborn has nearly 100 more bones than you do!...

March 4, 2015 · 3 min · 518 words · Jordan Fernandez

10 Ways to Increase Sperm Count Naturally

Updated with “Ask Heidi” video. A low sperm count means the amount of sperm in his semen is lower than normal. A normal sperm count is anything from 15 million to more than 200 million sperm per milliliter of semen. Sometimes, the cause of low sperm count is unknown. Abnormalities in more than one component increase the impact of fertility. Talk to your OB/GYN or a fertility specialist to be sure....

March 3, 2015 · 2 min · 328 words · Lauren Bell

11 Holiday Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy and Safe Alternatives to Enjoy Instead

Fact-checked to ensure accuracy. favorite stinky cheese!). There’s no doubt that sticking to your pregnancy diet can be even trickier during the feast-heavy holidays. Here are a few holidayfoods to avoid during pregnancy, along with suggestions ofwhat you could eat instead. That’s because homemade eggnog is often made with raw or undercooked eggs that may containsalmonella bacteria. Cocktails Wondering if just a cocktail here or there could do any harm?...

March 3, 2015 · 1 min · 200 words · Beverly Sanchez

11 Reasons Your Baby Won't Sleep and How to Cope

Updates to copy, information, and sources, and new medical review. In short, dealing with nighttime disruptions is simply a part of new parenthood. Still, persistent sleep problems that make it hard for your baby (and you!) to get the rest you both need could be a sign of a bigger issue. That’s why it’s helpful to know the possible reasons why your baby won’t sleep. A 3-month-old needs 14 to 16 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period....

March 3, 2015 · 3 min · 587 words · Jason Greene

6 Party Safety Tips for a Happy and Safe Birthday

Fact-checked to ensure accuracy. And once it’s inhaled, latex can completely seal the airway. So, one of the most crucial party safety tips is to opt for Mylar (foil) balloons. Childproof play areas By now, you are a pro atchildproofing your home. Your tot has trained you well! Put away appliances and breakable and sharp objects. You may also want to limit access by securing exterior doors near the pool....

March 3, 2015 · 1 min · 94 words · Daniel Benton

9 Ways to Naturally Boost Fertility

Updates to text, information, guidelines, formatting and sources, and new medical review. How does stress interfere with fertility? It follows, then, that decreasing stress through hypnosis could boost fertility. But scientific research hasnt yet established alink between hypnosis and increased fertility. If hypnosis sounds like something you might want to try, you could learn the technique with a therapist. However, it wont harm you or your chances of getting pregnant....

March 3, 2015 · 2 min · 318 words · Jennifer Sawyer

Benefits and Challenges of Back-to-Back Babies

Medically reviewed to ensure accuracy. Many parents find themselves so smitten with a first baby that theyre ready to repeat the experience immediately. Or were you left feeling a little battered? ), your current finances and jobs, the availability of child care and so on. Some parents choose to let the fates decide and allow back-to-back babies to happen … or not. And for others, well, accidents do happen.

March 3, 2015 · 1 min · 69 words · Cindy Roberts

Benefits of Mirror Play for Babies

The only consideration when selecting a mirror toy for your baby is safety. Why do babies love mirror play? Basic, inexpensive toys like mirrors are actually recommended over high-end electronics that beep and buzz. What are the benefits of mirror play for babies? Are you wondering what all the mirror-baby fuss is about? Read This Next What do babies see when they look in the mirror? As yourbabys visionimproves during the first year, the fun and learning shell gain from mirror play increases....

March 3, 2015 · 1 min · 120 words · Anthony Manning