Extensive research has shown that human milk contains the best mix of proteins, lipids and other nutrients for developing infants. This research has proven that breast-fed infants have lower mortality rates, fewer ear infections and allergies and less gastro-intestinal illness than formula-fed babies, and mothers seem to know this.

A recent study at Forsyth Memorial Hospital in Winston-Salem, N.C., asked 150 mothers who had just given birth whether they planned to breast-feed or bottle-feed their infants. Sixty- one percent of the women expecting to work full time in the next few months intended to breast-feed, something that would be nearly impossible several years ago.

Employers are becoming more and more accepting of breast-feeding moms who need to take time off to use a breast pump during the work day. Hundreds of companies provide “lactation programs” that include rooms to breast-feed or use a breast pump and break time in which to do it.

Breastfeeding your baby once meant having your baby at your side twenty-four/seven, particularly during the first six to twelve months of life.

This is no longer true. Among today’s working moms, using a breast pump allow many women to give their baby the benefits of breast milk even when they can’t be with the baby all the time.

A Breast pump is a device designed to help you package your nurturing mother’s milk by expressing your milk, then storing it in the refrigerator to use for later bottle feedings. This not only offers mothers and infants the convenience of not needing to be together all the time, it also allows other family members the opportunity to feed the baby without compromising the health benefits of breast milk.

The benefits of the modern breast pump are amazing. They work remarkably well and in the case of the double pumps — which express milk from both breasts simultaneously — the whole process is very quick and easy. Most importantly, using a breast pump makes breastfeeding possible for almost every mother and baby.

Some health insurance and medical assistance will pay for a breast pump purchase — or for a rental. And some community health organizations will lend a breast pump to low-income moms.

Today, women who return to the workplace after having babies are just as likely to breast-feed as their counterparts who stay home, a new University of Florida study finds.

You already know that breast milk is the finest nourishment you can offer your baby. Now ease your mind, knowing that there are many options and resources to assist you to breastfeed you baby, even should you decide to return to the work place .

Using a breast pump (http://gotbreastpump.com/) offers moms and babies the benefits of breast milk without having to be together all the time. The author Art Gib is a freelance writer.

Choosing a baby name for your child is almost like choosing his identity. Ever heard about the association of a person’s name with his personality? That’s how our names really work. A name molds a person’s identity like a cookie-cutter. So, better get that best baby name for your son or daughter. Read on for some tips on how to provide that best baby name for your little angel.

1. Stop it already with the dictates of your family’s tradition. Choosing the right baby name does not have to always rely on what your elderly relatives deem to be the best baby name. It is your baby’s name, not theirs. So, better act like it. Once your baby is born he will be stuck with that baby name for life. That means it’s not wise to just settle for any baby name that will suit your grandma’s or auntie’s taste.

2. Take a look of a picture of his future. You don’t want your baby to be always called with a monicker that will forever ridicule him or will allow his playmates to make a big laughingstock out of him, right? Research about the meaning of the baby name you are eyeing to give to your baby. Don’t consider Beelzebub as a prospective baby name just because you heard it from a TV show and you find it cute. Don’t use Rodelfa just because a certain Mexican TV show’s hunky lead actor is called Rodolfo. Just plainly saying yes to your gutfeel, thinking of the people that pops into your head upon hearing somebody spout a certain name, trying to follow a fad by naming your baby a certain celebrity’s (sometimes notorious) or NOT THINKING AT ALL in giving your precious one his or her baby name are huge no-nos!

3. Consider reading the initials of the baby name you are planning to give your baby. Make sure they don’t stand for anything funny, disturbing or something utterly stupid. Christine Sue Irving? What will happen on the next episode? Alvin Stephen Stuart? He’ll surely remember not to get near any hole. Fran Ursula Catherine Klein? Uh-oh! See? Can you imagine the sickening situation you may put your child into when he or she grows up?

4. Go check your family tree once and for all. Some can’t still get away from some traditions regarding baby name decisions, especially when they have a special bond with a certain family member that they want that person’s name to be a part of their baby’s name. If your planning to still follow the tradition of putting a part of your elder relatives names on your baby’s name, you have to know whether anybody else in your family use that name too. You don’t want to confuse people when they’re calling a name that’s owned by two. Ask around.

5. Don’t go for the overkill. Being too creative on thinking of a baby name can backfire, I’m telling you. Examples are too unique spellings. It will be hard for the kid to keep on spelling his or her name to people who only know the common spelling of such name.

6. Decide with your partner in coming up with the best baby name for your sweet baby. It wouldn’t be nice to be always blamed when people ask who chose that awful baby name, right. Okay, kidding aside. Sharing on this kind of decision-making is a good way of furthering your bond as a couple, not to mention the possibility of coming up with a better baby name. Remember that the ‘two heads are better than one’ thought also applies to dealing with the troubles of finding the most suitable baby name for your baby.

Sound, appeasing relatives and friends and avoiding embarrassing initials and discovery of disgusting meanings are some of the major concerns that should be considered in your quest for the perfect baby name. You might find them a bit taxing. But in the long run, you’ll see that doing your homework will make your baby thank you when the right time comes. Happy baby naming!

Uchenna Ani-Okoye is an internet marketing advisor and co founder of Free Affiliate Programs

For more information and resource links on baby care visit: Baby Centre

Communication – that’s what a baby’s crying is for. This sweet thing that suddenly turns into a fit of tears is just craving for your sweeter attention. All cultures in the world nod to this pattern all infants are accustomed to.

A baby cries the most during his or her first three months. Though the amount of crying steadily increase, the crying time period may vary from an hour to most of the day and this could still be considered within normal range. Like, whoah, right? Babies are also known as howling tear factories.

Some thought that a baby cries more during the afternoon accounting it to the anxiousness of the mother or the stressed mood of the father after going home from work. But the most accepted assumption now is that babies have this automatic screening ability they use to shut off all the noise that may stimulate some response from them so they could get enough rest. But in the long run, this filter weakens and totally disappears during the approximate age of six weeks. This, then, make a baby very sensitive to the external factors such as noise, movements, etc. And these generally elicit a reaction from a baby and how best he or she could respond but only through crying.

There are many reasons why a baby succumbs to crying. Deciphering these reasons is the major feat a parent must surmount. Here are some of the things your sweet some baby is making you understand through crying.

Hunger, yes, your attention-hungry baby is craving to let you know that his tummy is grumbling. This is the most common reason for a baby to cry, especially, during his early months. The pattern of the hunger howl could be characterized as being persistent, demanding and almost rhythmical. But that rhythm is not at any rate close to becoming musical, of course.

Boredom, what can I say? Aren’t these babies just plain spoiled? Crying because of boredom, errr, I’d find that a bit more twisted or weird if it’s with an adult that is. But babies are really built like this. Crying is their way of telling you, “Hey get me a life here!” Aside from attention and food, consequently, babies need a lot of stimulation.

And when they don’t get this, there you get your waaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!!! The trick is to pick the baby up and play with him. This move may be frowned upon by some because of its amounting to spoiling the baby. But it is important to know that stimulation is also one of the major necessities of an infant and it won’t hurt to provide him with some while in his growing age. This boredom cry is said to be also rhythmical and full of sobs and moans.

Discomfort, pain is another precursor of the baby’s crying. Who won’t cry when in pain, right? Babies are not Major Paynes to endure the most excruciating discomfort they could undergo. They are little, vulnerable beings that need to be attended to when injured or when in an inconvenient situation. This cry could be more persistent, louder and more demanding. Shrieking and screaming, those are words that better describe the crying pattern roused by pain.

Another cause may be disturbance; surely, howling will proceed just when they’re about to sleep or are already fast asleep and suddenly gets surprised by some noise, or movement. An illness that causes discomfort to a baby may also be the reason for a baby’s bursting into fit of tears.

Uchenna Ani-Okoye is an internet marketing advisor and co founder of Free Affiliate Programs

For more information and resource links on baby care visit: Baby Centre

Often, the amount of baby clothing that you really need is dependent on the amount of laundry that you want to do. Keep in mind that smaller amounts will mean less expense buying clothes that they will quickly grow out of, but will also mean that you will have to do laundry more frequently.

You will want at least half a dozen onesies or rompers to wear during the daytime. If you are looking for something cute, without dealing with all the pains of dressing baby in uncomfortable clothing, consider designer children’s clothing with onesies that have sayings that speak to your child’s personality.

For bedtime, another half dozen sleepers will keep baby comfy. If you are expecting a winter baby, make sure that at least one of these is a heavier weight for cold nights.

You will also need a half dozen pairs of socks to keep baby’s feet warm and protected. Shoes are not a requirement until baby starts to walk, so consider some fun socks that include slogans to show off as well.

Hats are a good idea, especially for cooler weather (or even in air conditioned buildings) since baby loses most of his or her heat from the head. Most baby-clothing retailers carry a wide variety of baby caps and hats that will let the world know what baby is thinking.

Essential Bath Items

While baby won’t be able to take a bath until the umbilical stub falls off, it is still helpful to have the supplies on hand. Gentle baby wash and nail clippers are good to have around. You will want a couple of washcloths and towels as well to make bathing easier. For an alternative to the traditional cutesy bath accessories, consider branded towel and wash mitt sets to help make bath time more fun.

Bedding and Feeding

No matter where baby sleeps, you are going to need a few items. If you are going with a crib or a bassinet, you will want a few changes of sheets handy so you always have a clean set. You will also want some lightweight blankets for swaddling. A couple of heavier blankets, like a Sherpa blanket, can work well to cover baby’s carrier in colder weather or provide a comfortable place to lay baby down for tummy time.

For feeding, you will not need much, especially if you are going to be breastfeeding. If you are bottle feeding, plan to have a half dozen bottles on hand, as well as your chosen formula. For breastfeeding, some moms find a breastfeeding pillow to be useful. Both babies will be prone to spitting up, especially when being burped, so having burp cloths on hand to catch the dribbles is convenient.

Many of the items that major retailers will tell you that you need may make your life easier, but not a requirement. Instead of going for the mass amounts, choose unique baby clothing and items that you like – ones that make a statement and may even make you laugh.

If you are looking for unusual baby gifts and designer baby clothes visit Tiny Treasures Baby (http://www.tinytreasuresbaby.com/). The author, Art Gib, is a freelance writer.

Did you realize that ninety percent of our brain is developed by age five? Have you heard how the first five years of life are the most crucial to the cognitive development of a human being? Even if you do not have the time to read the latest statistics or scour the journals reporting on the most recent research of brain development, I hope to share with you just how much of a difference you can make as a parent during the very early years.

As I travel our country speaking on the topic of introducing a second language to young children prior to elementary school age, I find it amazing how many fellow educators still do not realize the many myths surrounding language learning. I wonder how many of you still think that introducing a new language to a young child will confuse him and cause him to be language delayed?

In the book titled The Bilingual Edge written by Drs. Kendall King and Alison Mackey there are many pages and sections that speak specifically to this fear many parents, teachers, and even pediatricians have held onto for years. There exists no scientific evidence supporting this widespread myth that children learning two languages will experience language delay. In fact, research has been conducted proving that bilingual children acquired both languages on the same timetable as monolingual children.

Do not fall prey to these myths that surround language learning. You need to assert yourself as a parent of modern times, knowing that the English only mentality can no longer prevail, and take charge of the future of your children by providing them awesome tools to acquire new languages.

In this great book written by Drs. King and Mackey, who also happen to be raising their own children to be bilingual, parents will discover that being a native speaker of the new and targeted language is not a requirement to give the gift of that language to their own children. Once again the myth has existed that told us we would mess up the new language learning for our children my mispronouncing the words or perhaps by messing up the syntax of that new language.

Guess what my friends, my amigas and amigos? You need not worry that you cannot roll your r in Spanish or that your morning greeting in French sounds just a bit Southern in its accent! Interaction is the main key here for new language learning. As with all learning with your very young child, it is important that you engage the child with human interaction and not simply plopping them in front of a TV set to introduce the new skill or the new concept. Oh really? What a surprise as a mom of three! I never knew I had to be involved in the process. (Just kidding!)

Make the new language learning fun. Make it easy on you, your daily routine and you and your child will want to do it again and again. And as a teacher I stress all the time that repetition is the key to learning anything at any age! The more you and your family have fun learning those days of the week in Spanish or counting to ten in Mandarin, the more apt you are as a group to want to venture even further on your second language journey.

Choose products that are bilingual themselves in their presentation. I doubt you will love listening to a CD that sings only in Spanish or watching a movie that speaks only in French if you yourself speak only English as the parent. Plus the latest research suggests that while a child is still acquiring skills in her native language; do not replace the native language with the new one for learning. You should however place the new language right alongside the native language for quicker learning and longtime retention while providing a great point of reference for both child and adult.

Should you choose to ignore the language learning myths that surround us daily and hop on board with the savvy mentality of making a difference in the future of your children, you will find you have a lifetime language learner on your hands! This is a child who respects other cultures and languages and will be a spontaneous language learner later in life. All the while this child will thank the adults who chose to introduce new languages early in his life. Make a difference today for the future of tomorrow.

Beth Butler is the founder of The Boca Beth ProgramScoop your child up onto your lap and
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