Having a newborn requires making decisions. One of the most important decisions that a mother will have to make once a baby is brought home is the method of nursing. Many women wonder what the best choice is when considering the feeding method for a baby. While breast-feeding is praised as the ideal method, there are a number of women that choose to use formulas to provide their babies with the necessary nourishment. Making the decision between breastfeeding and formulas requires that mothers consider a number of factors in order to choose the method that is best for both the baby and mother.

There are a number of reasons why mothers struggle with the choice of breastfeeding or using a formula. One factor that many women are concerned about is providing their newborns with the correct amount of nutrients. Many health studies have been performed in order to address the health benefits of breastfeeding.

In many cases, it has been proven that a mother’s breast milk has numerous minerals and nutrients that assist in fighting a variety of diseases and aids in boosting a baby’s immune system. Store brought formulas are more convenient and accessible for those that are not able to breastfeed at once. However, they are made from synthetic properties that do not provide the benefits of breast milk.

An additional reason that breast milk and formula are highly debated by nursing mothers is because of the effect milk has on a baby’s digestive system. In general, breast milk is much gentler and agreeable to the sensitive digestive system of a baby. Because the ingredients of breast milk are all-natural, a baby’s digestive system is less likely to become disturbed when ingesting this type of milk. Formulas of all kinds are made from synthetic properties and this makes for a more complicated digestion process.

Some babies that are fed formula may develop problems properly digesting the milk, which can result in such complications as gas and stomach issues. If it is necessary for a mother to utilize formula, she should speak with a doctor to determine which formulas are the gentlest for a baby’s digestive system.

There are also numerous health factors that a mother has to consider before deciding to breastfeed or use formula. While many people promote breast milk as the ultimate choice, there are circumstances where formula may be preferred to ensure a baby’s health. Mothers that have specific diseases that can be transmitted through the breast milk, such as HIV, should not breastfeed but use formula to nourish their newborns. Likewise, women that have silicone breast implants should discuss breastfeeding with a doctor. If an implant should leak, the silicone can cause health concerns for the newborn.

Mothers have a number of factors to consider when deciding upon formula or breast milk as the way to provide nourishment to an infant. The decision for some is not an easy one and much care should be taken to select the feeding method that will provide the baby with all the needed nutrients.

All women are special in one way or the other, if you want to discover how to feel younger, look better, feel sexier and live longer then check out these health tips for women and find how you can get all of the above.

Get Your "FREE" Diet & Exercise Tips Newsletter Today! And For A Limited Time Get The Fantastic FREE Report "Better Health With Vitamins" And Discover How To Live Longer And Live Stronger!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joel_Gray
http://EzineArticles.com/?Breast-Milk-Vs-Formula:-What-Is-Best-For-Your-Child?&id=6606991

What is constipation?

Constipation is a condition where stools becoming firm and hard, making them more difficult to pass through the body than usual.

Your baby will be distressed and in some pain when she tries to have a bowel motion, and the bowels will not be emptied as often as they normally are.

How can I tell if it’s constipation?

If your baby is straining to have a bowel motion, it’s not always a sign that she is constipated. In time, you will get to know the different faces and sounds she makes when she is working on opening her bowels.

You will also begin to recognise what looks ‘normal’, when you change your baby’s nappy.

How often should my baby poo?

Like us, babies will need to have a bowel movement at varying times of the day. Usually there is no set number of times. The texture of stools can also vary from day to day. Even if your baby hasn’t had a bowel movement for a day or two, it doesn’t necessarily mean that she is constipated.

What should I be looking out for?

If you think that your baby may be suffering from constipation, here are the signs you may want to look out for:

• Having less than three bowel motions in a week
• Very bad smelling (than usual) wind and bowel motions
• Severe reduction or total loss of appetite
• Being distressed and in pain before opening the bowels
• A hard tummy
• Hard, dry, bullet-like stools which have been difficult to pasa

A bowel motion that just consists of fluid can also be a sign of constipation. Fluid can pass by the blockage of a hard stool in the lower intestine.

What are the causes?

Bottle feeding

Bottle-fed babies are more likely to suffer from constipation because formula milk is more difficult to digest than breast milk, making the stools harder than those of a breast-fed baby.

It is very unusual for a breast-fed baby to be constipated. A breast-fed baby’s stools will more often than not be soft, even if the baby has gone a few days without having a bowel motion.

Weaning

When a baby is introduced to solid food, her body has to learn to manage these new foods and can in some cases cause constipation.

Not enough fluids

Dehydration will cause constipation. Your baby may be refusing milk or water because she is teething, or she may have another ailment. Always consult your family doctor.

Illnesses

Sometimes, a food allergy can be the cause of constipation. A metabolic disorder (a problem with the body’s absorption of food) can also cause constipation.

There are a number of medical reasons why your baby could be constipated. Always consult your health professional.

How Can I Help my Baby?

Foods

If your baby is not yet on solid food, then you could give her extra water in between feeds. If you are bottle feeding your baby, make sure that you mix the formula as you usually do. Do not dilute the mixture.

A baby who is already eating solid food can be given pureed or chopped fruit. Diluted fruit juice can also help a baby with constipation.

Here is a list of fruits that are ideal for a baby suffering from constipation:

• Strawberries
• Prunes
• Grapes
• Raspberries
• Apples
• Pears
• Apricots
• Plums

If the change in diet doesn’t relieve your baby of her constipation, your doctor may want to prescribe a mild laxative.

Tummy massage

Rub some oil or cream into your fingers and, starting at the tummy button, massage outwards in clockwise circles. If your baby seems to be enjoying the experience, then continue. If she seems agitated in any way, then stop.

The bicycle

Gently lay your baby on her back and hold her legs – gently turn them in a quick cycling motion (like peddling a bike). This action helps to get the stomach muscles moving, which could help to loosen the bowels.

A relaxing bath

A warm bath may get your baby nice and relaxed; this could also help her to pass stools more easily. You could also give her tummy a massage while she is in the bath.

Always consult your health professional if you think your baby is constipated or has any other ailment. Please do not take the information in this article as any kind of medical advice.

For a more on this, visit http://www.weaningyourbaby.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darren_P_Jarwood
http://EzineArticles.com/?Constipation-in-Babies—A-Brief-Guide-for-Parents&id=6599865